France, Feb. 25 -- BHV stores in Angers, Dijon, Grenoble, Limoges and Reims will from Wednesday host a Shein presence, the online retailer and BHV owner Societe des Grands Magasins (SGM) said in a joint statement on Tuesday.

SGM's decision to open Shein's first physical shop ‌in its Parisflagship BHV Marais store in ​November led to protests, while retailers and politicians blamed the Chinese firm's rock-bottom prices for unfair competition and environmental harm.

SGM had initially planned to open the spaces in December but postponed the rollout after a media storm over listings for childlike sex dolls and Category A weapons on the section of the Shein site dedicated to third-party sellers.

The rollout of the new Shein spac...