Singapore-based Shein and Paris department store end controversial partnership

[PARIS] French department store BHV and online fast-fashion retailer Shein have ended their partnership, just seven months after the opening of a permanent Shein shop in the Paris department store triggered controversy and widespread criticism.

Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM), which has operated BHV in Paris since 2023, said it is selling the Parisian department store to its current management team led by Karl-Stephane Cottendin.

Cottendin said that BHV would end its partnership with Shein, describing it as a mistake, according to a spokesperson.

BHV drew criticism for the tie-up with Shein because of the Singapore-based company’s business model of rock-bottom pricing and sale of illegal products on its platform.

Shein said that the collaboration with SGM was always been meant to be temporary.

Shein’s launch at BHV in November was met with protests and on opening day, the French government launched an attempt to shut down its platform, later overturned by a Paris court

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Loyal Shein shoppers who had queued up for the launch were also underwhelmed by the store’s offering, with many saying prices were much higher than on Shein’s vast online platform, known for US$5 dresses and US$10 jeans

SGM had been struggling before the Shein partnership, falling behind on payments to suppliers, and the Shein launch caused many brands to leave the department store in protest

Shein on Tuesday said that it respects BHV’s decision but added that it was “regrettable” customers had to navigate ongoing construction works in the department store. REUTERS