Paris, long hailed as the global capital of haute couture, is drawing a hard line against fast fashion. On Friday, October 10, 2025, dozens of demonstrators gathered outside the historic Galeries Lafayette department store to protest the imminent opening of Shein’s first physical retail location in France—a move that has ignited fierce backlash from labor unions, environmental activists, and local fashion designers.
The Chinese online retailer, known for its ultra-cheap, trend-driven clothing and lightning-fast production cycles, plans to occupy a prime space inside the iconic Parisian landmark. But for many French citizens, Shein’s arrival symbolizes everything wrong with modern consumerism: exploitative labor practices, environmental degradation, and a threat to Europe’s fashion heritage.
Why Parisians Are Protesting Shein
Protesters carried signs reading “Fast fashion = slow death” and “Shein out of France,” while chanting slogans against what they call “predatory pricing” and “digital dumping.”
“Shein isn’t just selling clothes—it’s selling a model that destroys workers, the planet, and local businesses,” said Marie Dubois, a spokesperson for the French textile workers’ union CFDT. “We cannot let this company normalize $3 dresses while our artisans struggle to survive.”
Government Pushback Grows
The protest comes amid escalating efforts by the French government to curb Shein’s influence. Earlier this year, lawmakers passed a bill banning ultra-fast fashion advertising—a measure widely seen as targeting Shein specifically. The company is also under formal investigation by French authorities for alleged greenwashing and failure to comply with EU due diligence laws on supply chains .
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire has publicly called Shein a “threat to European values,” and the government is reportedly exploring new tariffs on digitally imported goods that don’t meet sustainability or labor standards.
Shein’s Physical Store: A Strategic Pivot?
Until now, Shein operated exclusively online in Europe. Opening a brick-and-mortar store inside Galeries Lafayette—a temple of luxury fashion since 1912—marks a bold attempt to rebrand and gain mainstream legitimacy.
But critics see it as a Trojan horse. “They’re using the prestige of Paris and Galeries Lafayette to launder their image,” said environmental activist Julien Moreau. “This isn’t about retail—it’s about reputation.”
Table: Key Concerns About Shein in France
| Issue | Details |
|---|---|
| Labor Practices | Alleged use of underpaid, overworked factory labor in China |
| Environmental Impact | Produces 10,000+ new items daily; linked to massive textile waste |
| Legal Status | Under French investigation for greenwashing and supply chain violations |
| Market Disruption | Sells items at prices local brands can’t match, threatening small designers |
| Government Response | New ad ban, potential tariffs, and calls for EU-wide restrictions |
Galeries Lafayette Under Fire
The department store has faced sharp criticism for partnering with Shein. In a statement, Galeries Lafayette defended the move as “supporting consumer choice” and claimed the space would showcase “innovative retail experiences.”
But many see it as a betrayal. “Galeries Lafayette once championed French craftsmanship,” said fashion historian Élodie Bernard. “Now it’s renting its soul to a company that epitomizes disposable culture.”
What’s Next for Shein in Europe?
Shein’s Paris store may open as scheduled, but its long-term future in France looks uncertain. With public sentiment turning sharply against it and regulators circling, the fast-fashion giant could face mounting legal and financial hurdles.
For now, the protest in Paris is more than just a demonstration—it’s a cultural stand. As one handmade sign read: “Paris is not for sale.”
