In June 2026, the iconic BHV Marais department store in Paris underwent a significant transformation as its ownership changed hands, marking the end of its partnership with the Chinese fast fashion giant Shein. The Société des Grands Magasins (SGM), a commercial real estate company co-founded by Frédéric Merlin, announced that it would sell the BHV Marais retail space at a loss—what is known as a "negative price"—to certain of its executives. Among them was Karl-Stéphane Cottendin, who had previously served as the general manager of both the BHV and the SGM group before stepping down for this occasion. Joining him were other key figures such as Valérie Chaleyssin, the marketing director of BHV Marais, Medy Ty, the artistic director, and Élodie Nho, the head of human resources. This new team aims to refocus the department store on its traditional core business areas, including home goods, DIY, decoration, furniture, lighting, culinary items, tableware, household linen, creative hobbies, appliances, bedding, books, and more.
The sale also affects the BHV Parly 2 in the Yvelines but does not include the seven provincial BHVs (formerly Galeries Lafayette stores), which remain under the management of the SGM. Five of these provincial BHVs had welcomed Shein into their premises during the year. However, the situation in Paris was notably different due to the controversy surrounding Shein's presence.
The introduction of Shein’s first permanent physical store in November 2025 at the BHV Marais sparked widespread political and media outrage. The move was intended to rejuvenate the struggling department store and enhance Shein’s brand visibility in France. Instead, it led to the departure of several major brands such as Dior, Sandro, and Guerlain, many of whom were either financially strained by unpaid bills or dissatisfied with the arrival of the Asian giant. According to Karl-Stéphane Cottendin, this experiment proved to be a strategic error, and he hopes that Shein will have completely vacated the BHV Marais by Christmas.
Frédéric Merlin acknowledged his role in making mistakes but praised the new team for taking over effectively. He admitted that the BHV was destined to close before being acquired by Galeries Lafayette in 2023 and that he fought hard to keep it alive. However, the operation ultimately went off track. Initially, the SGM planned to acquire not just the retail space but also the building itself, which had been owned since January by the Canadian fund Brookfield. However, securing funding became more challenging than anticipated, especially after the withdrawal of the Bank of Territories, which opposed the partnership with Shein.
As a result, the BHV issue became a strategic anomaly within the SGM. Frédéric Merlin accepted that his name might have become a liability for the BHV and that he had perhaps caused some internal discord. He emphasized that leaving under these circumstances was a responsible decision for the benefit of the SGM’s other assets. He noted that he had invested 15 million euros into the BHV since the beginning of the year and now intends to focus on the provincial BHVs, which may undergo a name change. He assured that contractual commitments with Shein, less contentious than in Paris, would be honored eventually.
The new management team at the BHV Marais must negotiate with Shein to prepare for its exit and also with Brookfield, the landlord, who is expected to reclaim more than 60% of the premises for redevelopment projects, potentially including a hotel in the upper floors currently occupied by Shein. Karl-Stéphane Cottendin stated that the allocation of spaces still needs to be reconsidered in the interest of the BHV, expressing hope for good cooperation with Brookfield. He emphasized that the takeover is secure and that the project will open new opportunities, ensuring that no further issues arise from the transition.
10 reports
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenterFactual 95Objective 8517 days agoThe Société des grands magasins (SGM), a commercial real estate company co-founded by Frédéric Merlin, has announced it will sell the BHV Marais department store in Paris at a loss to some of its executives. The new owners plan to refocus the store on traditional categories such as home goods, DIY, decoration, furniture, lighting, kitchenware, tableware, household linen, creative hobbies, appliances, bedding, books, and more. This decision also affects the BHV Parly 2 location but not the seven provincial BHVs, which remain under SGM management and have hosted the fast fashion brand Shein this
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business transaction involving the sale of a retail property and changes in management focus. It does not take a stance on political issues, nor does it exhibit biased language or selective sourcing.
Why these scores (Factual 95 · Objective 85): Highly factual with detailed information including quotes from involved parties and background on the failed Shein partnership. The tone remains mostly neutral though some phrases like 'plateforme accusée de détruire le commerce français' may imply bias.
Le ParisienIndependentCenterFactual 92Objective 8817 days agoShein has ended its partnership with BHV Marais, a French retail chain. The article states that this decision was described as 'an error' by those involved.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business decision without taking a stance or using biased language. It simply states that Shein has ended its partnership with BHV Marais and refers to the situation as 'an error,' which is presented neutrally.
Why these scores (Factual 92 · Objective 88): Accurate summary of the situation with direct quotes from the source material. The title includes a direct quote but maintains a relatively neutral tone overall.
BFM TVIndependentCenterFactual 90Objective 7517 days agoThe Paris department store BHV has been sold to a new operator who has ended its partnership with the Chinese giant Shein, referring to it as a 'strategic error'.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business decision without taking a stance or using biased language.
Why these scores (Factual 90 · Objective 75): Factual with clear reporting on the end of the Shein partnership and new ownership. However, the headline uses 'erreur stratégique' which may introduce a slight subjective interpretation.
L'ExpressIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 8017 days agoBHV, a French retail chain, has changed hands and has ended its partnership with Shein, an online fashion retailer.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business transaction and partnership termination without taking a stance or using biased language. It focuses on factual information regarding corporate changes.
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 80): The article accurately reports the sale of BHV and the end of the partnership with Shein. It provides specific names and roles but lacks some contextual details present in other sources like the 'operation has derailed' quote.
MediapartIndependent🔒Center17 days agoThe ongoing saga surrounding BHV Marais continues without Shein or Frédéric Merlin.
Bias read (Center): The article does not exhibit clear ideological framing, word choice, or emphasis that would indicate a particular political leaning. It simply reports on the continuation of a business-related saga involving BHV Marais, without apparent bias toward any political side.
Le FigaroIndependent🔒Center17 days agoThe opening of a permanent Shein store at the sixth floor of BHV Marais, announced in November, was intended to revive sales but instead triggered significant political, media, and economic controversy. The partnership between Frédéric Merlin, owner of BHV, and Donald Tang, CEO of Shein, has ended with Merlin selling the BHV Marais back to Galeries Lafayette at a loss.
Bias read (Center): The article presents facts without overtly favoring either side. It describes events objectively, including the failed partnership and its consequences, without using biased language or selective sourcing.
France 24 (Français)State / PublicCenter17 days ago The BHV series Marais continues without Shein or Frederic MerlinThe Société des grands magasins (SGM), a commercial real estate company co-founded by Frédéric Merlin, has announced it will sell the BHV Marais store at a loss to some of its managers. The BHV Marais, an iconic Parisian department store since 170 years, will be managed by former executives including Karl-Stéphane Cottendin, who is stepping down from his role. The new management aims to refocus the store on traditional categories such as home goods, DIY, decoration, furniture, lighting, kitchenware, tableware, household linen, creative hobbies, appliances, bedding, books, and more. This sale,
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business transaction involving the sale of a historic department store without taking a clear stance or using biased language. It presents facts about the decision and the new management's plans without apparent ideological framing.
Le MondeIndependent🔒Center17 days agoLe BHV Marais, un magasin de mode situé à Paris, annoncé qu'il allait mettre fin à son partenariat avec la marque Shein en raison d'un changement de propriété. Frédéric Merlin, qui possédait le fonds de commerce, a décidé de vendre sa part à une nouvelle structure fondée par des employés actuels du magasin. Cette décision affecte également le BHV Parly 2, situé dans les Yvelines, mais ne touche pas aux sept autres BHV situés à travers la France (anciennement Galeries Lafayette).
Bias read (Center): The article discusses a business decision regarding a retail partnership and does not involve political content or framing.
La CroixParty-alignedCenter17 days agoBHV Marais, a department store in Paris, has been acquired by a new operator who will end its partnership with Shein, an online fashion retailer.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business transaction involving a retail store and its decision to terminate a partnership. There is no political commentary, framing, or emphasis that suggests a particular ideological leaning. The content is purely economic and commercial.
LibérationIndependentCenter17 days agoThe new operator of BHV Marais has announced the end of the partnership with Shein, describing it as a 'strategic error'.
Bias read (Center): The article reports on a business decision without taking a stance or using biased language.
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