The increase in consumer demand against falling moral values

From cute clothes, to home accessories, and even “Christian apparel”, Shein has positioned itself to be a one stop house for affordable items. However, its recent offering has stirred up controversy and protest in France.

 

The Chinese, global e-commerce platform, launched its first brick and mortar store, November 5th, in BHV Marais in Paris, France. The launch was characterized by excited shoppers lining up to gain access to the store and protesters wielding placards with “proteger les enfants pas Shein” (Protect the Children. Not Shein) emblazoned on them. The protests came about after France threatened the retailer for selling prohibited items on its website, namely sex toys that looked like children and grade A weapons.

 

Shein was able to pull down the items within 48 hours of the notice, and said it has paused listings from third party vendors. The French consumer watchdog held off on the suspension but says the company remains under surveillance in the meantime. France is not letting the company go easily, as it has currently submitted a request to the European Commission to have it investigated. A large-scale strike operation is also underway at Charles de Gaule airport to screen Shein packages for any prohibited items.

 

However, with such distasteful news arising from the company, it was not able to deter many French shoppers from flocking to the store. Frédéric Merlin, president of Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), which owns BHV Marais, celebrated the store’s opening on his Instagram page by sharing that over 50,000 shoppers visited the store within 5 days of opening. Each buyer’s average spend was €45, with 15 percent of these buyers shopping from other departments of BHV. Merlin shared his future plans for the store, stating it would have “a more complete man’s offering, a children’s area, a wider range of dresses and more accessible basics to suit all lifestyles”. His goal for this partnership was to appeal to a younger consumer base and give clients the chance to buy both affordable items from Shein and higher priced goods from other brands in BHV.

 

In response to the protests, he put out a statement claiming that “Today, Shein has a face”, and attacking Shein is attacking the people who patronised the store. Individuals were not the only ones protesting the store’s opening, as many French labels pulled their products from BHV, including Agnes B, whose founder expressed that she hated “fast fashion”. Other brands that terminated their contracts included A.P.C., Odaje, Figaret Paris and Skin & Out, whose co-founder, Amelie Desazars Laparra, went to the store to buy back her products. SGM plans on expanding the Shein stores in 5 more cities across the Galeries Lafayette Network. However, Galeries Lafayette also does not want to be associated with the real estate company either, and is moving ahead quickly to conclude the termination of its contract.

 

Beyond the sex doll dilemma, there has been strong opposition against the large retailer for labour-law violations such as using child labour and allowing workers to work in dangerous factory conditions. Environmentalists also frown upon its ultra-fast fashion model because it is not sustainable and ultimately harms the environment.

 

With all this negative press, Shein is not slowing down, as it is looking to get listed on the London Stock Exchange market. In the face of such adversity, what emboldens Shein to carry on? Demand by consumers.

 

When questioned by journalists, shoppers all said the same thing, low prices, with one remarking “nobody queuing here condones pedophilia.” However, is it possible to not condone wickedness and still support those who condone it?

 

The Shein issue brings this scripture to mind “Because of the increase of wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but the one who stands firm to the end will be saved.” Matthew 24:12-13. Fashion is an integral part of culture but at what cost? Shein’s ability (and many businesses like it) to endure in today’s markets is a reflection of the hearts and desires of people, where personal gain and benefit outweighs the suffering of others. Businesses that promote immorality and take advantage of lower-income groups will continue to thrive in the economy as long as men and women continue to patronize them.