Shein will open in five BHV department stores outside Paris in the coming weeks, Ouest-France reports, confirming plans that had faced multiple delays. The Chinese ultra-fast-fashion brand will establish a physical presence in Reims, Limoges, Dijon, Grenoble, and Angers, while Le Mans and Orléans locations will not host Shein due to space constraints.
The expansion follows Shein’s initial entry at BHV’s Paris flagship and has sparked significant employee concern. Workers at BHV Angers expressed confusion over developments as early as November 2025, with one employee describing the workplace atmosphere as “anxiety-inducing.” Several brands have ended their collaboration with BHV following the Shein announcement.
The move also faces political opposition. In a January op-ed in La Tribune du Dimanche, 80 members of parliament demanded Shein be banned in France, characterizing the Chinese giant as representing the “most brutal facet of fast fashion,” with disregard for the planet and consumer health.
Despite controversies, Shein continues gaining French market share. According to French Fashion Institute data published February 12, 38% of French consumers purchased clothing on platforms including Shein, Temu, and AliExpress in 2025, drawn by low prices and product variety.
Related reading: Shein’s BHV partnership sparks political and industry backlash