Shein Classifies Paris Closure: ‘A Temporary Initiative’

In light of recent controversial reports about Shein’s retail space opening at the BHV Marais department store in Paris at the end of 2025, the company has now given its perspective. This particularly concerns the question under which circumstances the area will be closed again.

The new management of the traditional department store BHV Marais has stated that Shein does not fit into the future business concept. Control of the house was transferred from the French group SGM to a new management team led by Karl-Stéphane Cottendin, the former managing director of BHV and the SGM group. The new leadership described working with Shein as a strategic mistake. However, the company itself rejects this representation and emphasizes that the move out of the department store was planned from the beginning.

Shein clarifies that the collaboration was planned as a time-limited initiative. Both sides agreed to evaluate the results at a later date. Accordingly, we see no reason for conflicts in connection with the termination of the cooperation.

At the same time, the company criticizes public statements by the BHV management that were made without prior coordination. Shein also points out that the department store’s economic difficulties already existed before the cooperation began.

According to the company, the presence in the BHV contributed to a noticeable increase in customer frequency and interaction with customers, especially in a phase in which the department store was already confronted with structural challenges and ongoing renovation work.

At the same time, Shein expresses understanding for the new BHV management’s decision to focus more on classic product ranges again and signals willingness to end the existing agreement in an orderly manner. Finally, the company emphasizes that it remains open to innovative collaborations in French retail.