Shein is opening its first physical stores

Shein, the online fast-fashion retailer, has announced plans to open its first physical stores in France, despite the country's efforts to regulate the industry. The company will open locations in several cities, including Dijon, Grenoble, Reims, Limoges, and Angers, through a partnership with the real estate company Société des Grands Magasins (SGM). This move comes as France works on legislation to impose a tax on fast-fashion companies based on their environmental impact and ban them from advertising. Shein also faces regulations as a "very large online platform" under the European Union's framework to rein in big tech and was recently fined $176 million in France over claims it collected user data without consent. The decision to open physical stores has faced backlash, with the Galeries Lafayette department store chain saying it "profoundly disagrees" with the move as it contradicts the company's "offer and values." Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo also denounced the establishment of Shein in the local BHV store, stating it is "contrary to the ecological and social ambitions of Paris."