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In Grenoble (Isère), the upcoming opening of a Shein store is causing controversy. Between ecological and ethical concerns, opposition from residents and debates among traders, the city finds itself divided over the establishment of the Chinese brand, known for its scandals linked to work and overconsumption.
This text corresponds to part of the transcription of the report above. Click on the video to watch it in full.
In Grenoble (Isère), the Chinese brand Shein is due to open its store in around ten days, but the mayor of the city requests the suspension of this installation. Environmental groups first demand guarantees of control and denounce a double scandal, both environmental and human.
Éric Piolle, mayor (EELV) of Grenoble, specifies:“The deplorable working conditions, the environmental impact and the stimulation of overconsumption. And then, there is the ethical scandal of a company which violates the law on multiple occasions and there, in a shameful way, on weapons and its pornographic dolls”.
In the city center, 450 square meters are devoted to Shein clothing. Among the residents met, many were skeptical, even opposed.
“I am absolutely against it. These are poor quality products. The people who work there are exploited” says a local resident. Sentiment shared by another resident: “That’s more. The latest scandal, in fact, is yet another reason why this store, this brand, should not set up there.”
However, some regulars of the online platform are delighted with the opening. “It costs us less; at least we see the items on site directly. I think we just need to control the dealers in child pornography dolls. But after all the clothing, all that, I don’t see a problem with that.” explains a Shein consumer.
Neighboring traders are also divided. While some fashion specialists fear unfair competition, many others see it as an opportunity while the city center is suffering economically.
Emmanuel Lenoir, president of Label Ville and the federation of Grenoble merchant associations, explains:“They bring flow: 25 million consumers who consume on a platform today. We hope that in Grenoble, we will benefit from it and that there will be customers, even if they are a young and connected clientele, who will come to consume in the galleries, then perhaps in the bars, on the terraces.”
One condition remains: that Shein respects French standards. The store management specifies that the products sold in store will have nothing to do with those offered by third parties on the platform.
