Singapore’s primary Chinese language newspaper Lianhe Zaobao recently reported that exact, off-brand replicas of some of the world’s most famous fashion items are popping up in the wardrobes of Chinese consumers. The copycat goods range from clones of Lululemon yoga pants to Hermès handbags. They do not bear the branding of the products that they imitate and are much cheaper.
Manufacturers claim these “substitute products” are not “counterfeit” because their quality is comparable to that of the world’s top brands. For example, a herringbone coat from clothing manufacturer Chicjoc claims to use fabrics from the exact same sources as luxury brands Prada and Bottega Veneta, and their leather bags are said to be made of the very same materials as LVMH and Fendi.
As China’s economy slows, consumers continue to look for more cost-effective products and sales of such domestic “substitutes” have soared. According to Lianhe Zaobao, Chinese consumers are embracing a new era of consumption where luxury goods, which traditionally have symbolized social status, are no longer the only acceptable product. Consumers now “tend to shop rationally,” thus promoting the popularity of such “substitute” goods.
Jessica, a 45-year-old programmer at a financial institution, spent RMB 3,700 yuan (around US$522) on WeChat to buy a Hermès-like wallet that would sell for thousands of dollars if its likeness were purchased from a genuine Hermès counter. She said that the leather of the bag was soft and the stitching was exquisite. It “exceeded her expectation in every aspect” and she said she plans to buy more such products.
Source: Lianhe Zaobao, August 31, 2024
https://www.zaobao.com.sg/news/china/story20240831-4585205