French authorities announced today that they may ban Shein’s access to the French market if the Chinese retailer resumes selling dolls with childlike features as “sex toys.” The Chinese giant had decided to withdraw these products following pressure from French regulators who discovered the items on the company’s website.
“If this behavior is repeated, we will exercise our legal right to block Shein from accessing the French market,” Finance Minister Roland Lescure told BFM TV.
In an email communication over the weekend with Reuters, Shein responded: “These products were immediately removed from the platform as soon as we became aware of these serious defects.”
The Chinese fast-fashion giant is set to open its first physical store in France this Wednesday at the Bazar de l’Hôtel de Ville (BVH) in Paris.
It has faced criticism from French clothing companies, which argue that Shein undermines their business model with its excessively low prices.
Additionally, Shein plans to open five more stores in Galeries Lafayette shopping centers in Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges, Angers, and Reims.
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