France fines Shein $60m over ‘deceptive' sales practices
A probe found that Shein raised certain prices before lowering them.
PARIS - France announced on July 3 a record €40 million (S$60 million) fine against e-commerce giant Shein over 'deceptive commercial practices' after a competition inquiry, saying it misled customers on price deals and on its environmental impact.
The French competition and anti-fraud office said the investigation found Shein used 'deceptive commercial practices towards consumers regarding... price reductions', with the fine handed down with the blessing of the Paris prosecutor's office.
The DGCCRF competition office said the nearly year-long probe found that the firm raised certain prices before lowering them.
It added that the China-founded retailer had accepted the fine.
'These practices of greatly discounted prices and permanent promotions give consumers the impression they're getting a great deal,' said the DGCCRF.
If found that 11 per cent of advertised discounts it checked 'were actually price increases'.
In 57 per cent of cases, Shein's advertised promotions actually offered 'no price reduction' and in 19 per cent of cases, the price drop was 'less significant than announced'.
Top stories
Swipe. Select. Stay informed.
Singapore 193ha of land off Changi to be reclaimed for aviation park; area reduced to save seagrass meadow
Singapore PAP questions Pritam's interview with Malaysian podcast, WP says PAP opposing for the sake of opposing
Singapore 1 in 4 appeals to waive HDB wait-out period for private home owners approved since Sept 2022
World Liverpool's Portuguese forward Diogo Jota dies in car crash in Spain
Singapore Healthcare facility planned for site of Ang Mo Kio Public Library after it moves to AMK Hub
Singapore $500 in Child LifeSG credits, Edusave, Post-Sec Education Account top-ups to be disbursed in July
Business 60 S'pore firms to get AI boost from Tata Consultancy as it launches a new innovation centre here
Singapore Scoot launches flights to Da Nang, Kota Bharu and Nha Trang; boosts frequency to other destinations
Launched in France in 2015, Shein has seen phenomenal growth in recent years and took its share in domestic clothing and footwear in 2024 to three per cent from two in 2021 – a significant slice in what is a notably fragmented market.
The company, which has become a figurehead for the downside of 'ultrafast fashion', is decried in some quarters for causing environmental pollution as well as indulging in unfair competition and allowing poor working conditions.
In a statement to AFP, Shein said it had put into action 'without delay' necessary corrective action inside two months on learning of the DGCCRF probe against in March 2024.
It added it took its legal and regulatory obligations in France 'very seriously' and was committed to transparency. AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CNA
12 hours ago
- CNA
US Says China Trade Deal Within Reach After Stockholm Talks
WASHINGTON: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Friday (Aug 1) he believes Washington and Beijing are nearing a breakthrough trade deal following two days of negotiations in Stockholm. 'This week's negotiations in Stockholm have advanced our talks with China, and I believe that we have the makings of a deal that will benefit both of our great nations,' Bessent posted on social media platform X. The post was later deleted and reuploaded due to a technical error, according to a Treasury Department spokesperson. 'I am optimistic about the path forward,' Bessent added. The Treasury said the language of the post reflected what Bessent has consistently stated in recent interviews. Speaking to CNBC on Thursday, the secretary confirmed the US sees progress in talks but stressed that a deal is 'not 100% done.' Bessent told CNBC that US negotiators 'pushed back quite a bit' during the two-day talks, which aimed to iron out remaining differences following earlier frameworks agreed in May and June. China is facing a looming Aug 12 deadline to finalise a comprehensive tariff agreement with President Donald Trump's administration. Failure to do so could trigger a new round of punitive tariffs or other trade restrictions. The talks are aimed at halting a years-long tit-for-tat tariff battle and restoring stable economic ties between the world's two largest economies. Beijing's restrictions on rare earth mineral exports have been a particular point of contention in recent rounds. Bessent's tone of cautious optimism signals that Washington may be preparing to ease tensions, even as Trump maintains pressure through hard deadlines and aggressive tariff threats.
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Straits Times
Milner to honour former teammate Jota with jersey number switch
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox Brighton & Hove Albion's James Milner will don the number 20 shirt this season as a tribute to former Liverpool teammate Diogo Jota, who died in a car crash in Spain last month. Jota and his brother Andre Silva were killed in early July when their Lamborghini veered off the road and burst into flames in northwestern Spain. The Portuguese forward had worn the number 20 during his time at Liverpool, where he and Milner played together for three seasons before the veteran midfielder's move to Brighton in 2023. "Once I heard Carlos (Baleba) was looking to change his number and 20 was available, I wanted to do it as a mark of respect and obviously pay tribute to Diogo Jota," Milner said. "(He was) an amazing player I was fortunate to play with and a great friend as well. So it'd be a great honour to wear his number in the Premier League." Liverpool are permanently retiring the number 20 after consultation with the player's wife Rute and family. The squad number will not be used at any level, including the women's team and academy. The 39-year-old Milner recently agreed a one-year contract extension with Brighton and is chasing Premier League history of his own. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Tech Reporting suspected advanced cyber attacks will provide a defence framework: Shanmugam Business Singapore's US tariff rate stays at 10%, but the Republic is not out of the woods yet Asia Asia-Pacific economies welcome new US tariff rates, but concerns over extent of full impact remain Business ST explains: How Trump tariffs could affect Singapore SMEs, jobs and markets Asia Indonesia's Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki erupts Singapore Thundery showers expected on most days in first half of August Singapore Synapxe chief executive, MND deputy secretary to become new perm secs on Sept 1 Singapore 5 women face capital charges after they were allegedly found with nearly 27kg of cocaine in S'pore With 638 Premier League appearances already to his name, he sits within striking distance of Gareth Barry's all-time record of 653 games. REUTERS
Straits Times
16 hours ago
- Straits Times
Djokovic becomes a part-owner of Ligue 2 club Le Mans
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Tennis - Wimbledon - All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club, London, Britain - July 11, 2025 Serbia's Novak Djokovic looks on during his semi final match against Italy's Jannik Sinner REUTERS/Stephanie Lecocq/ File Photo Tennis great Novak Djokovic has become a part-owner of French Ligue 2 club Le Mans FC with former Formula 1 drivers Felipe Massa and Kevin Magnussen also acquiring stakes, the newly promoted club announced on Friday. The investment is led by Brazilian group OutField, an international consortium co-founded by Pedro Olivera, and includes Georgios Frangulis, CEO of global health-food brand OakBerry. "Djokovic, the most successful player in history, whose mental strength and unique approach will bring considerable added value," the club said in a statement. "Massa (15 seasons in Formula 1) and Magnussen (10 seasons), who will help create a bridge between football and motorsport – a distinctive strength of the Le Mans brand." Le Mans begin their Ligue 2 campaign on August 9, away at Guingamp. REUTERS
