PARIS, France (AFP)—Shein, the Asian e-commerce powerhouse, has vowed to fully cooperate with French judicial authorities following a scandal involving the sale of childlike sex dolls on its platform. The company has also committed to disclosing the identities of individuals who purchased these controversial items. This controversy emerges just as Shein is poised to open its first physical store globally, located in the prestigious BHV department store in central Paris on Wednesday. Quentin Ruffat, Shein’s spokesperson in France, emphasized the company’s transparency and readiness to assist authorities, stating, “We will cooperate fully with the judicial authorities and ensure this does not happen again.” The Paris prosecutor’s office has initiated investigations against Shein and other online retailers, including AliExpress, Temu, and Wish, for distributing inappropriate content accessible to minors. The probe was triggered after France’s anti-fraud unit reported the sale of these dolls on Shein’s platform. A photo of one such doll, measuring approximately 80 centimeters and holding a teddy bear, accompanied by an explicit caption, was published by French media. Ruffat condemned the incident as “serious, unacceptable, intolerable,” attributing it to a lapse in the company’s processes. In response, Shein has implemented a total ban on sex-doll-type products and removed all related listings. The controversy has sparked broader debates about Shein’s impact on traditional retail and its ethical practices. Critics have expressed concerns about unfair competition, environmental issues, and poor working conditions associated with the brand. Frederic Merlin, director of SGM, which operates BHV, faced criticism for partnering with Shein but defended the decision, citing the company’s cooperation with authorities and its significant customer base in France. Merlin expressed optimism that Shein’s presence would boost foot traffic at the department store.