Gothamist: Trapped With A Need For Fake Gucci

B Bobkins

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:18:51 -0500

Our local street market as about 10 regular counterfeiters who up and off when the market stall rent collector comes to collect the rent. They hate paying rents. Whats amusing is they have someone following the rentman, the undercover trading standards officers, and the occasional Police bust squad and relaying all their movements to the gang by cellphone. Its all quite good natured and no one really minds. And the stuff they have taken is given to a local charity and it ends up back on the street for a good cause. A Police officer was one of these sellers and runners and his sister was the look out women - and all you can do is smile.

robin.g

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:09:13 -0500

Can't you get fake crap everywhere these days? Why do tourists think that NYC is the fake Fendi capital? Is it more prevelent here than in other cities/countires?

WhoCares

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 10:32:13 -0500

I work in this neighborhood and when walking in the street, they walk right up to me and say "gucci, prada, Louis Vuitton purse". I just want to turn around an punch the daylights out of them. I yell back that I do not want a fake purse and you know what, there are cops right next to us and do nothing. Just like the lady that walks down the block with the shopping cart full of counterfeit dvd's and the cops do nothing. It's New York people and the dumb tourist will continue to spend their money on fake crap, so no matter what we do, we will never be able to stop them. I am so glad they got locked up in that basement. maybe that will teach them a lesson!

WhoCares

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 10:30:57 -0500

Still Not Amused

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 03:29:04 -0500

I guess if I had a company that made this shit . I would thank the NYPD for their efforts . Fortunately I don't and really don't care ! They shut down one and another opens up right next door so what are they really gaining by these raids ?

magnum Pee Eye

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 02:22:47 -0500

I saw a channel 13 show on that counterfeit PI guy. Of course, the NY'er loves him, he's straight out of central casting as a smart aleck one liner ny'er. Much like the love shown to jerry orbach here. however, he's just a patsy for the rich and their corporate interests. I suggest he learn Chinese soon for his time will kum. Not even TC, Rick or Higgy baby can help you.

Katherine

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 00:55:05 -0500

Dear Jen, Before you praise that particular New Yorker article too highly, I would note two things: (1) the borderline "inscrutable Chinese" descriptions of those caught (2) neglect of the larger issue - the manufacture of luxury goods by low-paid wage labor. Specifically, an immigrant worker in Italy receives between $6 to $7 a DAY to sew luxury bags marked "Made in Italy" that will retail for $500 or more each. Could it be that the New Yorker cannot offend its major luxury good advertisers with more rigorous and global analysis? Incidentally, the article that should have been published in the New Yorker appeared in Bloomberg magazine.

Peter

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:56:15 -0500

There are, I have heard on good authority, Tupperware-style home parties for selling counterfeit handbags and similar items.

got my nice bag

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:34:38 -0500

Some cop's wife is gonna get some nice stuff tonight. Again, this city will do everything to protect the interests of the wealthy. Even though their Gucci, Coach etc are made in China.

bob

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:20:45 -0500

Is it wrong if I say "serves them right"? They come to our city and spend hundreds of dollars on fake crap (supporting a thriving black market) that the city doesn't (obviously) get any tax money from.

MissPinkKate

Wed, 04 Apr 2007 16:20:10 -0500

The police should just give up. Every freakin' place in Chinatown has a fake door or a fake wall that you can go into. They close down one, and another opens right next door.