What: Galeries Lafayette’s CEO rejects Shein’s presence in its stores, citing a fundamental clash with the retailer’s values and standards.

Why it is important: The rejection underscores the importance of brand integrity and compliance in maintaining consumer trust and stakeholder confidence.

Arthur Lemoine, CEO of Galeries Lafayette, has firmly opposed the installation of Shein within stores bearing the Galeries Lafayette name, declaring the fast fashion giant to be in total contradiction with the department store’s values, practices, and positioning. Lemoine emphasised that Galeries Lafayette has, for over 130 years, curated products that comply with European and French regulations and uphold standards of quality and creativity, spanning from accessible to luxury segments. This stance comes amid the recent dissolution of the partnership between Galeries Lafayette and the Société des grands magasins (SGM), which will see seven provincial stores rebranded as BHV. The split follows mounting tensions over Shein’s planned entry into these locations, which also led to the withdrawal of public funding for real estate transactions and heightened scrutiny over regulatory compliance. Lemoine reiterated the group’s commitment to honoring contractual obligations with SGM until the end of the year, while signaling readiness to explore alternatives if necessary. This episode highlights the critical role of brand values and regulatory adherence in shaping strategic decisions for established retailers.

IADS Notes: In November 2025, Galeries Lafayette’s break with SGM over Shein’s entry illustrated the reputational risks and operational upheaval that can arise when legacy retailers confront ultra-fast fashion disruptors (WWD/Press Release, Nov 2025). The controversy around Shein’s presence at BHV Marais in October 2025 led to staff protests, brand withdrawals, and the loss of public funding (Fashion Network, Oct 2025; Inside Retail, Oct 2025), while Shein’s €40 million fine in July 2025 underscored the regulatory risks for partners (Fashion Network, Jul 2025). These events demonstrate how ethical, political, and compliance considerations are increasingly central to retail strategy and stakeholder relations.

Galeries Lafayette CEO’s views on Shein