Gucci, the luxury brand owned by Kering, has recently filed complaints against prominent American retailers for allegedly selling counterfeit Gucci products. The lawsuits, filed through Gucci America Inc, targeted Lord & Taylor, Sam’s Club, and Century 21. Gucci has made it clear that it is dedicated to ensuring the protection of its customers from retailers who profit from the sale of fake goods.
The accusations made by Gucci were substantiated through an extensive investigation. Gucci’s investigators purchased products from the websites of the accused retailers and confirmed that they were not authentic Gucci products. Lord & Taylor, the oldest department store chain in America since 1826, admitted to being aware of selling counterfeits but did not respond to Gucci’s attempts at communication. Century 21, known for offering discounted branded clothing, initially believed the items were genuine but promised to remove them and conduct an internal investigation. Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, promptly eliminated the counterfeit products and provided information about the involved suppliers.
Gucci has filed lawsuits against these retailers for charges including counterfeiting, trademark infringement, unfair competition, and false origin. The luxury brand aims to obtain injunctive relief and damages in its pursuit to protect the integrity of its brand. Gucci has been undergoing a strategic transformation, concentrating on repositioning itself in the high-end market and streamlining its sales network. The brand mainly promotes its products through its own boutiques and a select group of authorized retailers. This shift demonstrates Gucci’s heightened vigilance in safeguarding its brand from counterfeit sales.
This is not the first time Gucci has taken legal action against counterfeiters. In 2021, the brand joined forces with Facebook to file a lawsuit in California against an individual suspected of using the platform to sell fake Gucci merchandise.
The involvement of renowned retailers such as Lord & Taylor, Sam’s Club, and Century 21 highlights the significance of Gucci’s allegations within the American fashion market. As a luxury brand, Gucci is determined to protect its customers and maintain its brand reputation by cracking down on the sale of counterfeit products.
