BHV Marais, a historic Paris department store, will end its partnership with Chinese fast-fashion retailer Shein by Christmas 2026, the store operator Société des Grands Magasins (SGM) announced on June 16-17, 2026 [1, 2, 3]. The decision follows SGM's sale of BHV Marais at a loss to a group of executives led by outgoing CEO Karl-Stéphane Cottendin [1, 2, 3]. Cottendin called the decision to open a Shein physical store in BHV a "strategic error" and said Shein would "ideally" leave the store by Christmas [2].
Shein opened its first permanent physical store in BHV Marais in November 2025, amid protests and public outcry over fast fashion’s environmental impact, labor practices, and ethical concerns [1, 2, 3]. The introduction of Shein sparked a wave of departures by many established brands, leading to large sections of BHV’s floors lying largely empty in early 2026 [1, 3].
Despite the backlash and store vacancies, SGM will keep control of several other locations that have welcomed Shein and plans to honor existing contractual commitments with Shein outside BHV Paris, pending review [2]. Shein’s collaboration with BHV was described by the retailer as always intended to be temporary [3]. Customers expressed disappointment that prices in the Shein BHV store were significantly higher than on its online platform, where dresses cost about US$5 and jeans around US$10 [3].
Shein also faced criticism after selling controversial items such as childlike sex dolls on its online site, which were removed following condemnation by French authorities [2].
SGM struggled financially during the period leading up to and during the Shein partnership, with falling payments to suppliers [3]. The store’s recent sale and the decision to end the Shein partnership aim to reset BHV Marais’s operations and reputation.
Shein’s store will remain open at BHV Marais during the transition period and plans to conclude its presence by Christmas 2026, ending a seven-month run since the November 2025 opening [1, 3].
