Greenhills eyes eradication of fake goods by 2027

So far, 80 percent of stores have transitioned.

File photo: Greenhills

Shifting away from counterfeit products

According to a report by Inquirer, the Greenhills Shopping Center (GSC) management earlier met with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) to discuss plans to stop the sale of fake goods in the mall.

The 16-hectare shopping complex in the city of San Juan has been listed on the US piracy and counterfeit watch list, along with China's Chenghai District and the Heera Panna in Mumbai, India, which are notorious for selling counterfeit and pirated goods.

This is the preferred place for those looking for cheap items like gadgets, and fashion items, some of which are counterfeit.

However, GSC said it is determined to address the problem.

James Candelaria, vice president and trade fairs and exhibits head at GSC, told authorities their plans aim to gradually move all of its merchants from selling counterfeit products by 2027.

What we have done so far is really to educate our traders along the way, to tell them that it’s time to change and that there are other products to profit from, Candelaria was quoted as saying.

According to IPOPHL, the mall also recently held a learning event with the Trade department. This showcased local products that traders could sell instead of fake ones.

Starting in 2020, the GSC management has reduced its stall number to 1,412 from 1,771.

As of October 2023, 80 percent of sellers have also transitioned and are now selling local products, including Halal items, jewelry, antiques, furniture pieces, and artworks, Candelaria said.

Meanwhile, 299 stores selling fake items have been suspended.

IPOPHL Director General Rowel Barba assured stall owners that they would be assisted in their transition.

The latest government data showed that around PHP 23.03 billion worth of fake goods were seized by authorities nationwide from January to September 2023.

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Via: Inquirer