Shein Opened in Paris Despite Protests and Backlash

Last Wednesday, as the upscale BHV department store in Paris prepared to open its Shein shop, the Chinese ultracheap fast-fashion giant’s first permanent store in the world , a mass of eager shoppers, gawking press, security guards, riot police, and angry protesters shouting “ honte à vous ” crowded around the entrance on the Rue de Rivoli. BHV’s owner, Frédéric Merlin, looked unfazed as he greeted the first shoppers on line before heading inside to cut a ribbon at the sixth-floor shop-in-shop. Later, one of the first shoppers of the day showed off her purchases , including a €19 crocheted sweater, to onlookers while chants from protesters could be heard faintly in the background. “ La texture es jolie ,” she said as she tied it over her shoulders and took questions like a celebrit