Fake Chanel sandals are being sold under P500 a paid at a popular mall in Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines. Aside from Chanel sandals, other signature products are also being sold in many stores in Zamboanga. (Mindanao Examiner Photo)
ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 11, 2012) – Zamboanga City in the southern Philippines is fast becoming a trading hub for fake products – from a pair of French Chanel sandals to a bottle of lotion down to pirated movies.
Many shopping malls sell fake products, including Levis denim pants, and wrist watches and sunglasses, but shoppers who take advantage of the cheap commodities do not care as long as it carries a popular brand.
One pair of Chanel ladies sandals being sold in a mall only cost a little under P500 and imitated brands of imported goods – bags, shoes and even an iPhone unit made in China sells for about P6,000.
In one mall in the east coast, pirated DVD movies and imitation of facial cream and moisturizing lotions and even computer software and karaoke discs sell like hot cakes and despite being illegal continue to draw regular customers. And they do not issue official receipts.
“It’s cheap. I don’t care whether they are not genuine as long as I can use that’s fine with me,” said Brian, who bought a copy of Windows XP and several DVD movies from a stall in the mall.
A sales lady said most of their counterfeit software and DVD movies come from Manila, others from the neighboring Malaysian state of Sabah, but she declined to name their suppliers for fear of losing her P90-a-day job.
Despite the illegal trade in Zamboanga, government and law enforcement agencies do not take actions to stop the nefarious activities. (Mindanao Examiner)
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