Fake, fake, fake
Retail spending is so weak even counterfeiters have to scale back.
Instead of peddling fake Louis Vuitton and Chanel, many counterfeiters have moved downscale, the New York Times' Stephanie Clifford reports. That means merch like Ed Hardy hooded sweatshirts for around $80— compared to the nearly $200 or so they might otherwise cost— and Samantha Thavasa bags for around $100, instead of at least double that if bought the above-board way.
These purchases don't convey quite the status of a $3,000 Chanel bag—or a $100 knockoff— but in these recession-plagued times, they fit the bill.
Clifford reports Ugg boots— the flat and fluffy Australian footwear favored by Hollywood starlets— are a big counterfeiting hit, even though the real McCoy starts at just $140. Online shopping sites are onto the Ugg scams. Ebay's guide on how to spot the imposters is here.
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