France Suspends Shein Access as Retailer Launches First Global Store
PARIS – France has suspended access to Shein’s online platform, coinciding with the fast-fashion giant’s opening of its first brick-and-mortar store worldwide in Paris on Thursday. the move, announced by the French government, reflects growing concerns over the environmental and social impact of ultra-fast fashion and comes as France seeks to curb the influence of companies like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress.
The suspension targets Shein’s website and app, escalating tensions with the Chinese-owned retailer. France is enacting a draft law aimed at combating fast fashion through measures including consumer awareness campaigns,advertising bans,taxes on imported parcels,and stricter waste management regulations. The Senate adopted the proposal earlier this year, and the government has notified the European commission as it moves toward finalizing the legislation.
Despite the French government’s concerns, Shein’s France country Manager, Xavier Cottendin, previously dismissed allegations of human rights abuses in the company’s supply chain, praising Shein’s efforts to improve its practices. “Today, it’s a brand that produces under much more legitimate conditions,” he stated. “We ensured that the entire production chain, from manufacturing to delivery, complies strictly with French and European regulations and standards.” These claims are countered by ongoing scrutiny regarding Shein’s sourcing practices, including past reports detailing potential links to forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China, where human rights abuses were committed against members of the ethnic Uyghur group and other Muslim minorities.
the opening of Shein’s Paris store marks a significant step for the online retailer, which has rapidly gained popularity in Europe with its low prices and constant stream of new products. However, fast fashion’s business model has drawn criticism for its environmental, social, and economic costs. The United Nations reports the textile industry is responsible for nearly 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to water depletion.
Thibaut Ledunois, director of entrepreneurship and innovation at the French federation of women’s ready-to-wear, criticized Shein’s expansion, stating, “shein is developing a gorgeous showcase in our country, justifying all the bad, and sad and horrible business that they develop all around the world.” The French government’s action signals a broader effort to regulate the fast-fashion industry and promote more sustainable practices.