Shein

Nov. 5 (UPI) — The French government said it would begin action against online retailer Shein on Wednesday, just hours after the company opened its first brick-and-mortar store in Paris.

An outcry erupted last weekend after it was discovered that Shein was selling sex dolls that look like children, but on Tuesday, the company announced it was banning all sex dolls from the site.

On Wednesday, the government issued a statement saying: “On the instructions of the Prime Minister [Sébastien Lecornu], the government is initiating the procedure to suspend Shein for the time necessary for the platform to demonstrate to the public authorities that all of its content is finally in compliance with our laws and regulations.”

The store, which is the first Shein store in the world, also opened to chaos, as shoppers lined up to get in and protesters shouted at them, “Shame!”

Andreia Chavent, a worker at BHV Marais, said many employees were upset by the opening of Shein in Paris.

“We are directly concerned by how people work, what the conditions are like and how the clothes are made, even if it’s not in France,” Chavent, a member of the CFDT, France’s largest union, told The New York Times.

Shein has seen criticism over the way workers are treated in the Chinese factories that sell on the site.

The sex dolls controversy made things worse, Chavent added.

But not everyone is against the store.

“When I saw that Shein was coming to France, I said, ‘Yay!’ Because it still takes 20 weeks” for clothing from the site to arrive, Philippe Hamard, 27, told The Times.

He said that he doesn’t buy from Shein often because of “environmental issues and all that.” But said “I still buy from time to time for fun.”

On the sex doll controversy, he said, “I think there are a lot of controversies at the moment. But people will forget about it.”

Shein has plans to open seven stores in other cities in France.

Shein and AliExpress are also facing investigation in France over the dissemination of pornographic content to children, the prosecutor’s office told the BBC.

The Paris Office des Mineurs will handle the cases. The office oversees the protection of minors.

AliExpress said the adult listings violated its policies and were removed once the company learned of them.

“Sellers found to violate or trying to circumvent these requirements will be penalized in accordance with our rules,” AliExpress said in a statement, the BBC reported.

Nov. 3 (UPI) — The French government threatened to ban Chinese retailer Shein for selling a “childlike” sex doll online.

France’s consumer fraud agency got an anonymous tip about the dolls on the site. It said their “description and categorization on the site leave little doubt as to the child pornography nature of the content,” said a press release issued Saturday by the French Directorate General for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control.

One of the ads on Shein, first reported by Le Parisien newspaper, showed a life-size doll of a little girl wearing a white dress and holding a teddy bear. The description clearly states its intended use.

“This has crossed a line,” said France’s economy minister, Roland Lescure, said in an interview with French radio, adding that a formal investigation was underway, The New York Times reported. “These horrible objects are illegal.”

The company issued a statement saying it removed the items.

“We take this situation extremely seriously,” Quentin Ruffat, a spokesperson for Shein France, told BFMTV, a French TV channel. “This type of content is completely unacceptable and goes against all the values ​​we stand for. We are taking immediate corrective action and strengthening our internal mechanisms to prevent such a situation from happening again.”

Shein will soon open a store at BHV Marais, a department store in Paris. But in the wake of the doll discovery, employees have protested the move, and some French cosmetics and clothing brands have pulled their items from BHV Marais.

Société des Grands Magasins is the French company that is helping Shein move into the French market. It’s the parent company of BHV Marais. SGM President Frédéric Merlin said in an Instagram post that SGM “obviously condemns the recent events related to the doll controversy. Like everyone else, I expect clear answers from SHEIN.” But he said it hasn’t changed his plans. “I have decided not to reverse my decision, despite the controversy and the pressure because we’re doing things by the book, with ethics and transparency.”

The consumer fraud agency noted that the distribution, via an electronic communications network, of representations of a pedopornographic nature is punishable by sentences of up to seven years imprisonment and a fine of $115,000. The statement alleges that Shein doesn’t effectively filter out pornographic content to protect minors or vulnerable audiences.

For this, the law allows penalties of up to three years in prison and $86,000.

Waterloo Road star Tillie Armatey has not ruled out the possibility of replacing Dani Dyer on Strictly Come Dancing after the reality TV star fractured her ankle during rehearsals

Dani Dyer’s exit from Strictly Come Dancing had the entire nation in shock as she had been one of the few tipped to make it all the way to the final. But sadly, after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals, the 29 year old daughter of renowned actor Danny Dyer, was forced to bow out of the competition while focusing on her recovery.

And since news broke of her departure many names have been thrown into the hat as her replacement, namely Waterloo Road star Tillie Armatey.

When approached at a recent fashion event and asked if the rumours had some weight behind them, the 22 year old actress refused to shut down speculation.

And this has left many believing that BBC bosses have been in talks with her to become a late addition. Tillie attended the SHEIN clothing event alongside former Love Island star Shaughna Phillips, Phoebe Tomlinson and Meryl Williams. Other guests included TOWIE’s Ella Rae Wise and Dani Imbert.

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Tillie confessed: “It’s all sequins, sparkles and speculation at the moment but the Christmas special was very special for me. I had the best time.”

She added: “I would never say no to strictly. I will 100% clear my diary always, but I’m a great believer in leaving it to the universe and obviously the main priority is Dani having a speedy recovery!”

Tillie reportedly quit her role on the BBC drama, which if true, would leave her open to join Strictly at any given moment.

An insider had told The Sun: “Tillie recently quit her role on Waterloo Road telling pals it was to make way for ‘another big’ project, which could be a game changer for her career. She’s been making several trips from her Leeds home to London for discussions with TV execs in recent weeks. “

They added: “The feeling is that if she is filling the shoes vacated by Dani, the programme needs another young, glam woman to take her spot. There is already an imbalance in the genders among the celebrities as there are nine men taking part and six women.”

The source concluded: ” It’s essential the number of females taking part doesn’t drop further, and they want to try and maintain a similar balance in terms of the variety of ages too.”

However, according to the Daily Mail a decision has not been made over Dani’s position on the show. A source told the publication: “Tillie hasn’t had any contact with Strictly Come Dancing. Bosses still don’t know if they are replacing Dani yet.”

Tillie has played Stacey on the school drama since last year and was part of the line-up in the dancing show’s Christmas special, two years ago.

At the time of the Christmas special, Tilly was partnered with professional dancer Neil Jones and said: “I am feeling really overwhelmed, but so privileged to be part of such an amazing show. “

She added: “You can’t say no to Strictly. I want to prove to myself and other younger people, that you can do anything you put your mind too. Yes I’m an actress and a presenter, but why can’t I dance as well?!”

Addressing the fact she had a glimmer of dancing experience when younger, she continued: “When I was seven, maybe six, I did one dancing competition, because my mum was a dancer, and I did the competition, but then she asked me if I wanted to horse ride, so I took that instead as I didn’t do too well… so I’m going to say no!”

Sadly, Tillie was pipped to the post by former EastEnders actor Jamie Borthwick and his pro dance partner Nancy Xu. In a statement confirming the uncertainty over Dani’s return to the competition, it was made clear that the door had been left open for her.

Dani also addressed her fans by posting a video on social media. In her statement she said: “I had a fall on Friday in rehearsals and landed funny. I thought I had rolled my foot but it swelled up badly over the weekend and after an MRI scan yesterday, it turns out I have fractured my ankle.”

She added: “Apparently doing the quickstep on a fracture is not advisable (!!) and the doctors have said I am not allowed to dance so l’ve had to pull out of the show. To say I’m heartbroken is the biggest understatement. I am so going to miss dancing with Nikita but will of course be watching closely and cheering all the couples on.”

Sarah James, Executive Producer for BBC Studios said: “Dani has brought so much passion, joy and enthusiasm to Strictly, and her partnership with Nikita was off to the most sensational start. Everyone on the show is incredibly sad that she’s no longer able to compete in this year’s series. We send her all our love and best wishes for a swift recovery, and we very much hope to welcome her back to the ballroom in the future.”

READ MORE: Coco&Eve launches ‘must have’ bonding hair mask that makes hair ‘so soft’

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Published on
08/07/2025 – 13:54 GMT+2

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Fast fashion giant Shein has confidentially filed for an initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, the Financial Times reported on Tuesday.

The Chinese-founded, Singapore-based retailer privately filed a draft prospectus last week with Hong Kong’s exchange (HKEX) and sought the blessing of the China Securities Regulatory Commission, according to two people with knowledge of the matter.

The application is a means for Shein to increase pressure on UK regulators as it seeks approval for its London listing. The firm filed to list in the UK capital around 18 months ago, but has since struggled to obtain the green light.

Chinese and UK regulators have notably failed to agree on the language included in the risk disclosure section of its prospectus, particularly where this relates to human rights abuses.

Shein faces claims that it sources cotton from China’s Xinjiang region, where the US and NGOs have accused the Chinese government of forced labour and human rights abuses targeting Uyghur people.The US banned imports from the area in 2021.

In January, Yinan Zhu, a senior lawyer representing Shein, refused to say whether the firm was using cotton from Xinjiang when questioned by UK lawmakers on the Business and Trade committee.

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority approved a version of Shein’s prospectus earlier this year, but it wasn’t accepted by the China Securities Regulatory Commission.

Hong Kong’s exchange is expected to be more flexible than its UK counterpart when it comes to risk descriptions, although FT sources noted that London would still be the preferred listing location.

Shein had originally sought to list in New York, although changed its plans in response to significant political opposition in the US, linked to its labour practices as well as national security concerns.

Financially, Shein’s IPO would provide a boost to the London market that has seen a number of recent defections. Delisted firms include Just Eat Takeaway, Wise, Ashtead and Flutter Entertainment.

According to data from Dealogic, IPO fundraising in the UK market fell to at least a 30-year low in the first half of this year.

Euronews has reached out to Shein for further comment.

A SHOPPING fan has claimed to have discovered the Shein “secret of the century.” 

So if you are fed up with long delivery times when you order clothes from the online retailer, then fear not, you’ve come to the right place.

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Natalie Southern, a fashionista from the UK, has found a very simple way that will enable Shein shoppers to get their affordable hauls delivered to their doors in less than a week.

Posting on social media, the fashion fan revealed her “life hack for the girlies” as she got candid on Shein’s Quickship feature.

Stunned by her findings after browsing Shein’s website, she said: “Please tell me I’m not the only one who’s just realised this on Shein – Quickship.”

Natalie then added: “Who knew that if you wanted your goods from Shein, there was a section where you can order from Quickship, where your goods come in a number of days rather than a number of weeks.”

Following this, the content creator simply confirmed: “I didn’t.” 

Thanks to Shein Quickship, shoppers will see items be delivered to their door in as little as three to five working days.

Shoppers will find a variety of items available under Quickship, including epic clearance deals, with clothes that have been reduced by up to 70%. 

Quickship comes at no extra cost to Shein shoppers – but of course, standard shipping fees apply – and there are thousands of great buys to browse and choose from. 

So if you’ve got an event coming up soon and don’t have time to wait for a new frock, you’ll need to check this out – and fast.

Natalie’s TikTok clip, which was posted under the username @nat_albarudi_southern, has clearly left many open-mouthed, as it has quickly racked up 157,900 views.

It’s also amassed 2,926 likes, 188 comments, 596 shares and 4,947 shares. 

Social media users were stunned by the little-known Shein feature and many eagerly raced to the comments to express this. 

One person said: “Thank you for this video! God send.” 

I will be using that from now on as I order off Shein all the time

TikTok user

Another added: “Literally about to make an order!! Thank you, I had no clue this was a thing.”

A third commented: “Wish I knew this 15mins ago.” 

Meanwhile, one Shein shopper wrote: “I’ll be shopping even more now! I never knew this!” 

At the same time, another Shein lover beamed: “I will be using that from now on as I order off Shein all the time.”

However, one user claimed: “Just had a look. Items are so much dearer.”

But to this, Natalie wrote back and confirmed: “But still cheaper than high street shops and I have to be honest, Shein’s options are so much better than what I have on my local high street.”

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YOU can spend hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds trying to make a small garden look bigger.

But a plant expert has insisted you don’t need to shell out to give the illusion of more space, as you can get the same results with a 48p buy.

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The bargain in question is from Shein – a macrame plant hanger.

“Hanging planters are a brilliant way to add layers to a small garden without cluttering the ground,” Beards & Daisies‘ lead horticulturalist Connor Towning explained.

“Use them for trailing plants like English ivy, boston fern, or even strawberries if you want to grow fruit.”

They also work well on a balcony, as hanging planters make them “feel like little hideaway – kind of like having your own mini garden retreat in the middle of the city,” the company’s founder Jo Lambell added.

Another way to maximise a garden with limited ground space is with a vertical planting wall.

“Think herbs, trailing plants, or colourful bedding in planters attached to trellises or wooden pallets,” Jo suggested.

“It’s a high-impact look that also smells incredible when you include rosemary, mint or thyme.”

You can even try making one yourself, just by mounting an old metal shoe rack to a wall.

Tilt it, and make sure it’s properly secured so that you can sit small potted plants on it at an angle – creating an “eye-catching, space-saving solution that turns clutter into a garden feature”.

It’s also worth looking at furniture with a dual purpose – such as a planter that doubles as a storage bench – to “maximise functionality while keeping your garden clutter-free”.

Make the most of the corners in your garden too.

You can turn one into a mini wildflower garden, using seeds such as a mix of cornflowers, poppies and cosmos.

“Sowing a small patch of wildflower seeds in a deep planter can support bees and butterflies,” Connor added.

“It’s one of the most rewarding things you can do for wildlife, and it adds a beautiful texture.”

Another option is to create a corner seating area – which you can do for less with reclaimed wooden pallets.

Add some weatherproof cushions to make a “snug lounge area that’s both budget-friendly and space-efficient”.

How To Make Your Small Garden Look Bigger

Garden design expert Fiona Jenkins from MyJobQuote.co.uk has created a guide on how to make your small garden look larger.

Add shelves – for additional storage and place to hold more plants. 

Use foldaway furniture – to take up less space when not in use. 

Add privacy – with fencing, trellis, brick walls or hedging. 

Add a water feature – to make your garden seem like a natural retreat. 

Go bright – when choosing plants, opt for bold colours to make the space pop. 

Use large planters – to get more plants in less space. 

Plant vertically – add plants upwards to make your garden seem fuller, and therefore, bigger.

Use blue flowers at the edges – blue flowers and plants recede into the distance and make the garden appear bigger. 

Grow tall plants – it’s better to think big when it comes to a small garden.   

Keep clutter a minimum – as it can give the illusion of less space than there actually is.

Lastly, there are some other illusions you can create with light and space, such as placing a mirror on a wall or fence to “visually double” the space.

Consider planting pale coloured flowers and plants such as white petunias, pale pink geraniums, or daisies to reflect light and make the space look bigger.

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