I recently returned from a vacation in Cambodia, and I’m still thinking about the overwhelming fake bag market. In the capital, Phnom Penh, they’re everywhere! It seems like everyone is trying to make a quick buck by selling the near identical replicas of designer bags. It was surreal seeing rows of knockoff Chanel and Louis Vuitton carry-alls in the same brightly coloured hues. When I went up to one of the vendors to check out the goods, he said “You won’t find better bags anywhere else in Cambodia.” He was right, they were perfect replicas of the real things, down to the logo, and the prices were outrageously cheap. I wanted to take one home as a souvenir, but I knew it wasn’t the best or ethical thing to do.
Even though I couldn’t bring myself to buying from the vendors, I am still fascinated by how widespread the fake bag industry is in Cambodia. Everywhere you go, from bustling markets to well-traveled tourist districts, there are bag peddlers trying to push their counterfeit goods. It’s a booming business, since not only are they making money, but they are also making products that can easily pass off as the real thing. What’s more, the quality of the fake bags is quite good, so that in turn drives up demand.
It doesn’t take much to see the effects of the fake bag market in Cambodia. It is having an impact on the national economy by stifling creativity and preventing locals from earning a sufficient living wage from their craftsmanship. The ease in which fake bags can be acquired also means that there is less incentive to support local, genuine brands. This in turn leads to an overall devaluation of the country’s image as a legitimate producer of creative products.
The fake bag problem in Cambodia isn’t contained just to the country, either. It is in fact harming other countries as well, since the counterfeit bags are often exported to be sold in other markets. These “Made in Cambodia” bags are quickly making the rounds in the fashion industry, and they are tarnishing Cambodia’s reputation for authenticity and creativity. This is unfair, since Cambodia has so much potential to produce quality, original products.
At the same time, it is UNESCO status as 56 protected sites is in decline due to the damage done by the fake bag market. These sites are essential to the heritage of the people of Cambodia and should be preserved for future generations. Sadly, fake bags are not only taking away from the national pride, but also taking away from potential tourist income through local vendors.
The fake bag “epidemic” in Cambodia is obvious, and I think more needs to be done to address the issue. There should be support programs for local and legitimate bag makers, so that they can compete with the counterfeits. Education needs to be provided to the public, so that they can make informed decisions and recognize the root of the problem before buying a knockoff.
I really hope something is done soon to combat the fake bag phenomenon in Cambodia. This is my home away from home and I feel for my countrymen, as I know how much potential there is here. Seeing the fake bags everywhere I go is disheartening, and I think that the people of Cambodia deserve the opportunity to find employment through producing genuine, quality crafted products. We should all do our part to help make this happen!