Shein set to open first physical store in Paris

Paris: Controversial online fast fashion seller Shein will open its first bricks and mortar store in the world in Paris next week, its new landlord an...

Paris: Controversial online fast-fashion seller Shein will open its first bricks and mortar store in the world in Paris next week, its new landlord announced Friday.

The planned opening by the Asian clothing giant has been opposed by politicians, unions, top fashion brands and in a petition, but the storied BHV department store in central Paris insisted the move would go ahead next Wednesday.

Founded in China in 2012, but now with a headquarters in Singapore, Shein has faced criticism over working conditions in Chinese factories making clothes sold on the platform, its marketing tactics to tempt young people and its environmental impact.

But its value has skyrocketed in recent years and it has overtaken many traditional high street fashion brands.

Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM) president Frederic Merlin, whose group manages the BHV Maris department store, said in a social media post that next week's opening would be a "world first" for Shein.