Shein picks France for its first permanent stores

Asian fast-fashion giant Shein said Wednesday it had picked France to open its first permanent physical stores in November.

The company, whose environmental record and discount-driven business model are often under criticism, said in a statement the first shop would open at the BHV Marais department store in Paris.

It would be followed by five more in Galeries Lafayette department stores in the cities of Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges, it said.

The move comes through a partnership with retail property group Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM),…