“Unprecedented scale”: Shein still in trouble, French merchants attack the e-commerce giant

French traders are forming a united front against Shein, a specialist in textiles, jewelry and toys. Cédric Dubosc, lawyer representing the plaintiff federations and companies, clarified during a press videoconference that this summons targets the Irish subsidiaries of Shein. Entities already involved in another procedure linked to the judicial liquidation of Olly Gan, a local men’s clothing brand.

Shein faces legal attack in France

The case is part of an already tense legal context between Shein and French commerce. As a reminder, Shein was in the spotlight for letting sellers offer child pornography dolls on the marketplace. Since then, this area of ​​the site has been deactivated. Tensions had already risen a notch with the opening of a store at BHV Marais in Paris.

In this legal procedure, we find major players in the French commercial sector. A mobilization which shows the exasperation of traders in the face of Shein’s commercial practices. “Shein’s model is based on non-compliance with regulations applicable to all players established in France”denounces the joint press release published by the CDCF.

The plaintiffs are seeking double compensation, both financial and symbolic: “She also demands recognition of the economic damage suffered” by traders based in France and “the award of damages proportionate to these losses”specifies the official text.

The action aims to “restore fair competition based on respect for the law”according to the press release from the federations and companies, which “affirm their determination” on this point.

Shein’s reaction was not long in coming. A spokesperson, contacted by Agence France-Presse, describes these accusations as unjustified: “This accusation is unfounded, it is regrettable that these actors favor legal confrontation rather than constructive dialogue”declared the spokesperson for the Chinese company.

The e-commerce platform also disputes the legal nature of the attack: “This initiative is more like an attempted boycott than a serious legal step”adds the Shein representative.