Chinese fast fashion retailer Shein is planning to open its first permanent brick-and-mortar outlets in France, as it seeks to transition from online-only operations to a hybrid retail model, and cement a local presence in Europe.

BBC News reports that Shein will first look to set up shop in department stores in Paris, before opening up additional locations in Dijon, Reims, Grenoble, Angers and Limoges. Shein will also partner with French retail property group Societe des Grands Magasins, which runs the BHV Marais and Galeries Lafayette department stores in Paris. In choosing France for its first long-term brick-and-mortar stores, the hope from Shein is to start by breaking into the country's "influential global fashion market," the company told the BBC. 

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"By choosing France as the place to trial physical retail, Shein aims to benefit French customers and the wider retail sector," Shein said.

Up until now, Shein has sold virtually all of its clothing on its website and through its app. The retailer has also faced frequent criticism over allegations of poor working conditions and questionable supply chain practices, leading to France's Senate adopting a bill in June designed to regulate fast fashion retailers like Shein and rival Temu, and ban their advertisements altogether.