Canal Street in Chinatown and the Lower East Side has seen an increase in sidewalk peddlers selling knockoff Apple products such as AirPods Pro and AirPods Max. The prices at which these products are being sold are significantly lower than their retail value, raising concerns among residents and local activists. The increase in the number of sellers has made navigating the sidewalks difficult and poses a safety hazard, impacting legitimate merchants in the area.
Reporters were able to purchase fake AirPods Max and Pro from street vendors on Mulberry Street and Canal with the assistance of a local activist. The fake products showed signs of not being authentic, such as grammatical errors in the instructions, plastic housing instead of aluminum, and outdated connectors. Sellers, mostly West African migrants who speak little English, carry fake Apple boxes in plastic bags and aggressively approach pedestrians to make a sale, often citing the need for money for basic necessities like food.
Local merchants have expressed concern about the impact of these counterfeit products on their businesses, as they compete for customers with the street vendors. Tourists have also noted the lack of authenticity of these products and voiced their suspicions about their quality. Experts in intellectual property law have advised that the best way to identify fakes is by examining the packaging and instructions for inconsistencies, as Apple likely has security measures in place to prevent the unauthorized sale of their products.
The sale of counterfeit goods is not a victimless crime, as it could lead to increased costs for consumers who purchase genuine products from legitimate retailers. U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized nearly $290,000 worth of fake AirPods and Apple Watches at Washington Dulles International Airport in March 2023, highlighting the extent of the issue. The NYPD is aware of the problem and is conducting enforcement actions to address the sale of counterfeit Apple products along Canal Street.
Local activists, residents, and business owners are calling for increased efforts to address the sale of counterfeit goods in the area. The presence of unauthorized sellers not only impacts the reputation of the neighborhood as a vibrant cultural and culinary destination but also poses challenges for legitimate businesses. The accessibility of these fake products at significantly lower prices threatens the livelihoods of merchants who pay high rents and taxes, creating an unfair competition that needs to be addressed through enforcement actions and regulatory measures.
