On November 5, 2025, Shein opened its first physical store at BHV Marais in Paris, despite scandals over selling pedopornographic dolls and category A weapons on its platform. The government promptly announced a suspension procedure for the online site, seizing justice for a potential block. Shein responded by temporarily suspending its marketplace in France.
Shein's opening at BHV Marais, its first physical store worldwide, took place on November 5, 2025, at 13:10 amid protests and criticism. BHV boss Frédéric Merlin defended the move to attract a popular clientele, claiming he selected Shein's best products and verified their quality. Customers like Aminata and Élodie expressed satisfaction with low prices, despite reservations about quality and production conditions.
Shortly after, at 14:34, the Economy Ministry announced, on the Prime Minister's instruction, a suspension procedure for the Shein platform until compliance with French laws. The government gave 48 hours to remove category A weapons, under threat of digital requisition. At 15:06, Shein suspended its marketplace in France, where third-party sellers offered contentious products, due to internal concerns. Shein spokesperson Quentin Ruffat acknowledged the announcement and expressed a desire for quick dialogue with authorities.
At 17:17, the government clarified seizing Arcom and the prosecutor for pedopornographic dolls, handed to the Minors Office via four investigations. The Interior Minister seized justice to block the site, citing harm to public order. The European Commission was alerted on Shein's practices. Economy Minister Roland Lescure called the situation 'disgusting,' highlighting youth exposure to illicit products.
Left-wing elected officials, like Emmanuel Grégoire and David Belliard, denounced a 'moral fault' at a press conference, calling for a ban. PS and LR deputies Romain Eskenazi and Antoine Vermorel-Marques demanded site closure in a tribune, noting a line crossed with pedopornographic products. Lawyer Eric Barbry predicted a long judicial marathon with two complementary procedures.
