Hello again. Since I missed last week, here is the serious blog I wanted to post. As a resale shop owner and a member of The National Association of Resale and Thrift (www.narts.org), I am committed to my clients to ONLY offer authentic designer items. We will not carry fake, imitation, knock-offs or whatever they are called. As we approach the holidays, I wanted to stress this even more as many people say “what’s the harm?” or “who is it hurting?”. After all, it’s a tough economy so lets help keep it moving and let people buy what they can afford. So today I want to jump on my soap box and address these issues.

In a recent article posted in NARTS, here are some facts about fakes.

Counterfeit auto parts, notably brake pads, have caused deaths.
            [ Counterfeit shampoo sometimes contains bacteria and has caused hair loss.
            [ Replica children’s clothing is usually not flame retardant and can be a fire hazard.
            [ Counterfeit toys with small, sharp, breakable parts pose a choking hazard to small children.
            [Baby formula with counterfeit Similac labels was reported to have caused rashes & seizures.
            [ Counterfeit sunglasses are generally not shatterproof and usually lack ultraviolet protection.
            [ Product counterfeiting costs jobs for Americans and can benefit organized crime and terrorists.
            [ Some counterfeiters pay only a fraction of their true income tax liability, if they pay any at all.

 Remember, counterfeit products are usually made in another country and those that sell them often don’t pay taxes on them. No help to our economy in that respect. Many products are also treated with chemicals that can cause allergic reactions. These chemicals are even found in handbags and clothing.

I encourage everyone, whether you shop with me or shop elsewhere, do not encourage the knock-off trade. Yes, a real Prada or Louis Vuitton is higher priced, even at 1/2 off but believe me, you can tell the difference. Besides, aren’t you worth the real thing?

For more information, or help on identifying fakes, please see the website for the International Anti-Counterfeiting Coalition at www.iacc.org.

Have a super weekend everybody!