The president of the German Retail Federation (HDE), Alexander von Preen, praised the European Commission’s investigation into the fast‑fashion platform Shein as a “promising sign” and urged Commissioner Ursula von der Leyen to act decisively.
He warned that if the serious shortcomings are not consistently and convincingly addressed, the shutdown of a platform should no longer be considered taboo and must be included in the policy toolbox. According to von Preen, years of helplessness and inaction by politics and authorities have eroded confidence among many merchants and producers in Germany and the EU. “We now need visible and clear signals” he added. “Shoppers who sell goods here must also comply with local rules on environmental and consumer protection, as well as tax regulations”.
Von Preen criticized the government for years allowing merchants and platforms from the Far East to repeatedly violate European rules. “This unfair competition destroys domestic trading and manufacturing companies that adhere to the law and are closely monitored” he said. “Violations must have tangible consequences”. He called for an end to the era of speeches and a shift to concrete action.
