TORONTO – A Toronto-area mall’s management says they’re taking measures to stop imitation goods from being sold there after a U.S. government report claimed it was among the world’s most notorious sources of such products.
Markham, Ont.-based Pacific Mall management says in a statement that they are deeply disturbed and disappointed by a recent report suggesting its vendors sell imitation goods.
In January, the U.S. Office of the Trade Representative named the predominantly Chinese-Canadian shopping centre in its annual review of so-called “notorious markets” that included 18 brick-and-mortar locations and 25 online retailers.
The mall’s preliminary steps to tackle the illegal activity include issuing written advisories and warnings to store owners and tenants partaking in such activities.
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Pacific Mall says it is also partnering with manufacturers to assist in identifying imitation products and commissioning a private investigator to conduct internal audits and monitor for imitation goods.
It also launched a website where shoppers can report suspected imitation goods at reportimitationgoods.com.