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Shein and BHV Defend ‘Disruptive’ Retail Model at French Senate Hearing

The session underscored mounting legal scrutiny ahead of a February 5 appeal hearing.

Overview

  • Testifying before the Senate Economic Affairs Committee, Shein’s French spokesman urged cooperation with regulators and industry, arguing the platform can support struggling fashion brands through a multichannel approach.
  • BHV’s operator reported at least 5,000 daily visitors to the Shein space since early November but few purchases, and acknowledged a real drop in revenue after multiple brands exited the store.
  • Frédéric Merlin gave no date for five planned Shein corners in provincial BHV stores after earlier postponements, saying the retail formula is still being calibrated.
  • The State’s request to suspend Shein’s site over prohibited products was rejected at first instance, an appeal is underway with a hearing set for February 5, and a prior Assembly no‑show could still bring a symbolic €7,500 fine following a prosecutor referral.
  • Trade federations have sued Shein for alleged unfair competition as senators voiced skepticism, while NGOs cite high emissions and Shein counters that 95% of suppliers were audited in 2024 and 12 were dropped for violations.