One of the most interesting parts of Shein’s growth has been the collective shoulder shrug given when its questionable ethics are mentioned.

People tend to agree that clothes this cheap, at this scale, cannot be achieved in 2025 without someone, somewhere, suffering. They hear terrible stories about the clothing quality, the labour conditions, the tax structures, and again they nod in agreement.

But as Shein grows and becomes ever more legitimised through pop-up stores in city centres and potential IPOs, they shrug. “What can you do?”

Well, it turns out you can do something. And unsurprisingly, France – a place where people tend to still believe in the power of not just shrugging shoulders – is leading the way.

Disney takes a stand

BHV, the Parisian department store that’s owned by SGM (who also own and operate some of Galeries Lafayette’s stores) recently announced a partnership with Shein.

This will see Shein open several permanent physical spaces across France.

Meanwhile, Disneyland Paris had agreed to open a pop-up shop and create window displays in BHV during the Christmas period.

But in response to the Shein announcement, Disneyland Paris have cancelled the project.

Now, beyond being hugely disruptive for BHV, with Christmas being such a vital period for department stores, this is a story that will reverberate around the world.

Because one of the world’s most treasured and loved companies has publicly said no to Shein, while everyone else has tended to quietly say yes.

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