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Opinion: This Economy Is Ripe for Fake and Copycat Luxury Goods

Rising prices, shifting consumer tastes and manufacturing scandals are eroding trust in luxury, giving counterfeiters and dupe-makers new opportunities to win over shoppers seeking style at a more accessible cost, writes Andrea Felsted.
Birkin-maker Hermès is facing scrutiny around its sales practices.
A bag that bore an uncanny resemblance to a Birkin was briefly for sale on Walmart’s website in December for $78. (Getty Images)

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Further Reading

Why the ‘Walmart Birkin’ Struck a Nerve

There are countless “dupes” for luxury goods available, but the fact that a copycat version of Hermès' ultra-coveted bag attracted so much attention online speaks to a shift in consumer sentiment around buying knockoffs.

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