According to a recent study conducted by Uswitch, Rolex has emerged as the most searched for fake luxury brand among UK consumers. Despite the disruptions caused by the pandemic, the appeal of the Rolex label has made it the top choice for those seeking counterfeit goods online. Following closely behind are Louis Vuitton in second place and Gucci in third place. These three brands continue to attract the attention of label-conscious shoppers, even in the midst of travel restrictions and limited physical shopping options.
The study used the Ahrefs search tool to determine the number of annual online searches for fake brands and counterfeit versions of authentic products. The results showed that “fake Rolex” receives over a quarter of a million (228,000) online searches per year. “Fake Louis Vuitton” follows closely behind with 118,800 annual searches, with a significant portion of these searches specifically targeting fake Vuitton designer bags. Gucci ranks third with 87,600 annual searches for imitation versions of its products.
As travel restrictions have limited consumers’ ability to visit knock-off hotspots and physical stores selling counterfeit goods, online searches provide valuable insights into consumer priorities when it comes to counterfeit products. While the top three brands on the list are all heritage brands, some newer labels have also gained popularity among those seeking knock-offs.
Expanding the list to the top 10 most searched for fake brands after Rolex, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci, we find Yeezy, Crocs, Nike, Balenciaga, Off-White, Vans, and Adidas. Taking the list further to the top 20, other popular brands include Converse, Chanel, Versace, Ray-Ban, Burberry, Prada, Michael Kors, Moncler, Calvin Klein, and The North Face.
Among these counterfeit products, the most coveted overall is the Gucci belt, receiving 56,400 annual searches. In fact, Gucci has a total of four products in the top 10 list of most wanted counterfeits. “Fake Gucci slides” ranks second, “fake Gucci shirt” is fourth, and “fake Gucci T-shirt” secures the tenth position.
When it comes to counterfeit bags, Louis Vuitton takes the lead, followed by Gucci, Prada, and Chanel. Other sought-after brands for fake bags include Michael Kors, Chloé, YSL, Celine, Hermès, and Valentino.
These search trends highlight the persistent problem of counterfeits in the premium and luxury fashion industry. Despite efforts to combat this issue, consumer interest in counterfeit goods remains high. As long as there is demand, counterfeit markets will continue to thrive, posing a challenge for authentic brands in protecting their reputation and intellectual property rights.
It is crucial for consumers to be aware of the risks associated with purchasing counterfeit goods. Not only do counterfeit products undermine the economy and support criminal activities, but they also often lack the quality and craftsmanship found in genuine products. By choosing to support authentic brands, consumers can ensure they are purchasing high-quality products while also contributing to the sustainability and innovation of the fashion industry.
For further information on counterfeit goods and their impact, visit these useful links:
1. USA Today – The countries where counterfeit goods are made
2. International Business Times – How COVID-19 is helping the counterfeit plague thrive
