Paris, is known for its couture fashion: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermes to name a few. A new brick is being laid on the streets of Paris; 52 Rue de Rivoli, to be precise, in a brave and controversial move by the online retailer Shein.
Whilst behind closed doors, the younger generations are happy to be living in the present style of online ordering, cheap and readily available trends and looking forward to a weekly delivery of the latest outfit, the news that Shein will be opening a permanent store has caused protests by French patriots.
So why is the move causing such conflict?
Just over a decade ago, the French Mayor Hidalgo launched an innovative way to encourage the people of Paris to regenerate redevelopment neglected sites in the City: “ Reinventing Paris” – was such a success that it was extended to other cities across France. (a)
The plan allowed local people to secure funding to design, recreate and develop sites in a sustainable and economic way, whilst providing jobs for the community. By retaining ownership of abandoned buildings, underdeveloped land and brownfield sites, smaller businesses, universities and artists paved the way to invest and give back and develop the urban areas in an environmental and economic way.
In contrast, allowing a brand known internationally as “fast fashion”, move into the department store, has made other brands feel under threat and insulted as it contradicts their own values.
It seems the production of goods is not the only issue: constant reviews of the factory style labour operations in China go against the labour policies upheld in France; use of environmental plastics and offensive items being sold, have implicated large fines.
Yet the voice of the 23 million French consumers is being addressed by Shein, as there are plans to open more permanent stores.
so what do you think ?
It may be a positive move as the high street sees the consumer return to the streets to spend their Euros, but will it bring with it a manic shopping experience that plays a detrimental impact on the environment?
