Thousands of French Brands File Lawsuit Against Shein Over Unfair Competition

Class‑action suit follows protests outside Shein’s inaugural French store

Paris, France – More than thousands of French fashion and lifestyle companies have banded together in a collective legal action against the Chinese fast‑fashion giant Shein, alleging that the retailer engages in practices that constitute unfair competition.

The complaint, filed in a Paris commercial court, claims that Shein’s business model relies on mass‑produced, ultra‑low‑priced garments that undercut domestic producers, violate intellectual property rights, and create a distorted market environment for French brands.

Lawyers representing the plaintiffs argue that Shein’s “ultra‑fast” supply chain, which can bring a new design from concept to consumer in a matter of days, breaches French labor standards and sidesteps the regulatory obligations that French manufacturers must meet.

The lawsuit arrives on the heels of widespread demonstrations that erupted earlier this month outside Shein’s first flagship store in Paris. Protesters, many of whom were small‑business owners and trade‑union members, decried what they described as a “race to the bottom” that threatens the survival of France’s historic fashion sector.

Shein has yet to comment publicly on the legal action, but its spokesperson previously emphasized the company’s commitment to “providing affordable, trendy clothing to a global audience.” The French authorities have indicated they will monitor the case closely, citing concerns over market fairness and consumer protection.

If the court rules in favor of the French brands, Shein could face significant fines, mandatory changes to its pricing strategies, and possible restrictions on its operations within the European Union.