Pacific Mall to fight counterfeit goods
Action follows U.S. report that listed Markham centre among ‘notorious markets’
Pacific Mall management says it will conduct an internal investigation and is warning store owners after a U.S. government report listed the Markham mall as one of the most notorious sources of pirated and counterfeit goods in the world.
In January, the predominantly Chinese shopping centre was listed as one of 18 bricks-and-mortar locations and 25 online retailers by the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative in its annual review of so-called “notorious markets.”
The report said sales of counterfeit goods at Pacific Mall are “sprawling and pervasive” and that vendors “operate largely with impunity (as) requests for assistance from local law enforcement have reportedly gone unanswered.”
In a news release Tuesday, the mall’s management said it recently learned about the report that “suggested that some vendors in the mall are selling imitation goods.”
“We are deeply disturbed and disappointed by this news. Management takes compliance with the laws and regulations that govern the sale of goods seriously.”
Along with the internal investigation, the mall said it will be “implementing stringent internal measures to stop imitation goods from being traded or sold in the mall.”
These measures include written advisories that warn all store owners suspected of trading or selling imitation goods of possible legal consequences for engaging in such practices.
Mall management said it will also partner with manufacturers and commission private investigators to identify and audit imitation goods.
The mall will also be creating a website to raise awareness among consumers of counterfeit goods.
“Pacific Mall is not only one of North America’s busiest retail centres but it also acts as a unique cultural hub for Toronto and GTA residents,” the news release stated. “Moreover, Pacific Mall has been a retail attraction for millions of local and international tourists.
“We hope to reaffirm the public’s confidence in Pacific Mall as a place where consumers and families can find a wide array of cultural opportunities and products at great value.”