PARIS — Police, protesters, politicians and a line stretching down the block marked the highly anticipated — and acrimonious — opening of Chinese ultra-fast-fashion retailer Shein ’s first permanent store in Paris.

Shoppers started lining up in the early hours to claim tickets granting afternoon access to the 10,800-square-foot space on the top floor of the BHV Marais department store, where staff were outfitted in black-and-pink “ Shein Squad” jumpsuits and baseball caps.

Customers, ranging from their 20s to their 80s, cited low prices as the main draw. “It’s the price, first of all — the price is attractive. I never used to come to BHV because the prices weren’t this low here. But now, why not?” said one woman in her 60s who was in the first dozen to cross the security rope.

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