“Lots of people here sell fake goods like me.”

I didn’t steal this shirt,” she said in a store on Hanoi’s Hang Ngang Street. “Why should I have to worry about the police? I don’t sell drugs. “This is a knock-off, but no problem,” a woman said, pointing to a white polo shirt emblazoned with a Louis Vuitton logo. Retailers are also unconcerned about selling fake goods. Wealthy businessmen, savvy importers and even enthusiastic housewives are looking to make a profit from selling fakes from bricks and mortar stores or online, despite efforts to stop intellectual property right infringements. On the streets of Hanoi and in some of its glistening air-conditioned malls, countless fake Hermes and Louis Vuitton handbags, Rolex watches and Gucci fashion accessories are openly on sale.Ĭonsumers who want an expensive logo or style can pick up goods for surprisingly cheap prices, even though they know the goods are illegal and might be confiscated by international customs agents who can impose heavy fines. Their desire for cheap luxury has helped counterfeiters thrive in the country. Trang’s case illustrates a trend among consumers, especially young people in Vietnam, who like buying fake products ranging from eyewear and shoes to garments and handbags. “In that respect, fake bags are very appealing.

“I like to carry Gucci and Prada bags, but buying luxury goods is not easy because they're expensive and fashion trends change quickly,” Trang said. Le Thu Trang recently switched from a Gucci bag to a Prada design for a fresh look, but the decision did not put a massive dent in her bank account.īoth of her bags are counterfeits and cost 20 times less than the originals that can be found in the stores of luxury Italian brands. Current laws do not impose fines on users of counterfeit goods.

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