Dozens of workers at Paris’ historic BHV Marais gathered on Friday outside the store, expressing fears over their jobs and the future of the 167-year-old retailer.

The strike, led by BHV trade unions, comes after ultra-fast fashion giant Shein announced it would open its first permanent retail space in France in November, occupying 1,200 square meters inside BHV.

The move has sparked outcry among employees, who say the store’s identity and values are being undermined.

The Société des Grands Magasins (SGM) acquired BHV from Groupe Galeries Lafayette in July 2023.

Outside the store, workers held signs and chanted slogans aimed at SGM leadership, accusing the group of turning BHV into a “pariah” and abandoning its historical mission.

“There’s real history in this store,” said one worker who gave only her first name of Valerie.

Founded in China and now based in Singapore, Shein has disrupted the global fashion industry with its ultra-fast, low-cost retail model.

For many BHV workers, the protest is not just about one brand — but about the future of responsible retail.

AP video by Nicolas Garriga