Fast-fashion company Shein is opening its first permanent store in Paris, inside the famous BHV department store. This decision has created strong reactions in France. Many people, including Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, believe it goes against the country’s values of quality, sustainability, and fair competition. BHV, a respected Parisian store for almost 170 years, was once known for promoting “Made in France” and eco-friendly products. Now, employees and local brands are protesting because Shein’s business model is the opposite: ultra-fast, ultra-cheap, and often criticized for its poor working conditions and environmental impact. Shein’s arrival has already caused BHV to be excluded from France’s department store association, and several French brands have stopped selling their products there. Despite this controversy, Shein continues to expand, having tested several pop-up stores before. The new 1,200 m² Paris shop will be its first permanent store in France. Shein’s success is tempting for physical retailers who face competition from online shopping, but its practices raise ethical questions about fashion’s future, sustainability, and respect for local jobs.
Vocabulary:
• fast fashion (noun): cheap clothes made quickly to follow fashion trends.
• boutique (noun): a small fashionable store.
• competitor (noun): another company selling similar products.
• environmentalist (noun): a person who protects nature and the environment.
• sustainability (noun): using resources without harming the planet.
• brand (noun): a company that makes and sells products.
• department store (noun): a large shop with many different sections.
• protest (noun/verb): an action to show disagreement or opposition.
• cheap (adj): not expensive; low in price.
• expand (verb): to grow or increase in size or number.