On November 5, 2025, the grand opening of Shein’s first-ever physical store in Paris was meant to be a landmark moment for the Chinese fast-fashion giant. Instead, it was quickly overshadowed by a storm of controversy, government intervention, and public outcry. Within hours of the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the historic BHV Marais department store, the French government initiated proceedings to suspend Shein’s online platform in France, citing the discovery of childlike sex dolls and weapons for sale on its website.
The move, announced by the French economy ministry on the direct orders of Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, sent shockwaves through the fashion and retail worlds. According to BBC, the suspension will remain in effect “as long as necessary for the platform to prove to authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations.” The government’s swift action came after France’s consumer watchdog uncovered listings for the sex dolls on Shein’s site over the weekend, sparking a fierce backlash from consumer groups, politicians, and the public at large.
Junior Minister for Small Businesses Serge Papin addressed lawmakers with a fiery denunciation of Shein’s practices, stating, “We won’t let them get away with it. After childlike sex dolls, it’s now weapons that are being sold on Shein.” He insisted that any platform wishing to sell in France must “respect our rules, our standards, and our values,” adding, “We have to say ‘No’ to this digital Wild West, because it’s become systemic, it’s a model.” Papin’s comments, reported by multiple outlets including Reuters and Business of Fashion, underscored the government’s resolve to clamp down on what they see as a growing threat to consumer safety and public decency.
The allegations against Shein didn’t stop at sex dolls. Lawmaker Antoine Vermorel-Marques highlighted the presence of weapons such as brass knuckles and axes—items banned in France—on the site. The finance ministry warned that if such products continue to appear, it would move to suspend Shein’s entire website, not just its marketplace. Digital Minister Anne le Henanff even called on the European Commission to investigate Shein’s practices, prompting the Commission to reach out to the company, though no formal probe had been launched as of November 5.
Amid the uproar, Shein announced it had independently decided to temporarily suspend its marketplace in France. The company emphasized its commitment to accountability and compliance. Quentin Ruffat, Shein’s head of public affairs in France, explained, “This suspension enables us to strengthen accountability and ensure every product meets our standards and legal obligations.” In a statement, Shein insisted the decision was made to “review and strengthen” third-party seller operations, and that all sex dolls had been banned from its platform worldwide as of November 4. Seller accounts linked to illegal sales, especially those involving childlike dolls, have been permanently blocked, and stricter controls are being implemented.
Still, the government was not convinced. The finance ministry stressed that proceedings would continue until Shein could demonstrate that all content on its platform fully complies with French laws. An initial review of the company’s progress was scheduled within 48 hours, and lawmakers summoned Shein to a parliamentary hearing set for November 18—a date the company accepted. The Paris prosecutor’s office has also launched investigations into Shein, AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, focusing on the alleged dissemination of violent, pornographic, or “undignified messages” accessible to minors. Shein and AliExpress, in particular, face scrutiny over content of a pornographic nature involving children, a crime that carries severe penalties under French law.
The controversy cast a long shadow over Shein’s Paris debut. Outside the BHV Marais, protesters from groups like Mouv’Enfants gathered with placards reading, “Protect children, not Shein.” Chants of “Shame!” echoed through the streets as riot police kept watch over the growing crowd. One protester even released a foul-smelling spray inside the store, underscoring the intensity of public anger. Arnaud Gallais, cofounder of Mouv’Enfants, told Reuters, “We are here with our little signs as a reminder that behind these sexual dolls there are potentially predators and pedophile criminals.”
The backlash wasn’t limited to activists. Rival clothing brands and designers voiced their opposition, with about a dozen brands reportedly exiting the BHV in recent weeks over the Shein partnership and related issues. Fashion designer Agnès B announced she would close her concession in the department store when her contract ends in January 2026, telling French radio, “I’m completely against this fast-fashion… there are jobs under threat, it’s very bad.” Even Galeries Lafayette, a prestigious name in French retail, ended its naming agreement with BHV’s parent company, Societe des Grands Magasins, and vowed to withdraw its name from seven regional stores where Shein outlets are planned.
Despite the uproar, the appeal of Shein’s low prices and vast selection proved irresistible to many Parisian shoppers. Hundreds queued for hours outside the new store, eager to browse the brand’s trendy offerings. Some, like Parisian Emma Joulie, dismissed the criticism as hypocritical, telling Business of Fashion, “People need to stop with the hypocrisy. When you go to Zara, the tag says it’s made in China.” Others, however, said the scandal had irreparably damaged Shein’s image. Artist Leslie Green told Reuters, “I was just passing by but I’m already aware that they’re selling a little doll that looks like a little girl that encourages pedophilia, so I’m very disgusted by that.”
BHV’s management, led by SGM Chairman Frédéric Merlin, admitted the controversy had prompted serious reconsideration of their partnership with Shein. Merlin ultimately decided to continue, stating, “The clothes we’re going to sell do not exploit workers or children.” However, he acknowledged, “That’s unfortunately not the case for the sellers on their marketplace.” He expressed hope that Shein’s suspension of its marketplace would finally put an end to the sale of illicit products on these platforms.
This isn’t the first time France has cracked down on digital marketplaces. In 2021, the government suspended the U.S. platform Wish for similar violations, only allowing it back after a year and a half. The current proceedings against Shein signal a broader determination to regulate online commerce and protect consumers—especially minors—from harmful or illegal products.
As Shein faces mounting legal, regulatory, and public relations challenges in France, the company’s future in one of the world’s fashion capitals hangs in the balance. The coming weeks will be critical as authorities review Shein’s compliance, lawmakers prepare for the parliamentary hearing, and the company scrambles to salvage its reputation and business model in a market that’s proven both lucrative and fiercely protective of its values.
