France Moves to Suspend Shein After Paris Store Opening amid Outrage Over Child‑Like Sex Dolls

French government initiates suspension procedure after chaotic Paris store opening

The French government announced it would begin formal action against online fast‑fashion retailer Shein on Wednesday, hours after the company opened its first brick‑and‑mortar store in Paris.

The move follows public outrage after listings for sex dolls that resembled children were discovered over the weekend. Shein said it removed the listings and announced a ban on all sex dolls from its platform.

In an official statement the government said it was "initiating the procedure to suspend Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the public authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations."

The Paris outlet — Shein's first physical store worldwide — opened amid long lines and heated protests, with demonstrators shouting "Shame!" as shoppers entered.

Worker and consumer reactions

Andreia Chavent, an employee at BHV Marais and member of the CFDT (France's largest union), told The New York Times that many workers were troubled by Shein's arrival in Paris.

"We are directly concerned by how people work, what the conditions are like and how the clothes are made, even if it's not in France," Chavent said, citing long‑standing criticisms of labor practices in factories that supply Shein.

Some shoppers welcomed the new store for convenience. Philippe Hamard, 27, told The Times he was pleased to get faster access to products that otherwise could take weeks to arrive, though he said he still had environmental concerns and only shops there occasionally.

Investigations into online marketplaces

French prosecutors also told the BBC that both Shein and AliExpress are under investigation over alleged dissemination of pornographic content accessible to minors. The cases will be handled by the Paris Office des Mineurs, the authority responsible for child protection.

AliExpress said the adult listings violated its policies and were removed as soon as the company became aware of them. "Sellers found to violate or trying to circumvent these requirements will be penalized in accordance with our rules," AliExpress said in a statement to the BBC.

What’s next

Shein has announced plans to open additional stores in France. Meanwhile, the government’s temporary suspension procedure will remain in place until authorities are satisfied that the platform’s content and practices comply with French law.