In a world where counterfeit products abound, unsuspecting consumers can often fall victim to purchasing items that are not what they appear to be.
This is precisely what happened to a woman in China who purchased a pair of shoes from a store she thought was a Charles & Keith outlet.
Little did she know, she had entered a ‘Chermas & Kaeth’ store instead, thinking that it was the original brand.
The incident came to light when the woman shared her story on the popular Chinese social media platform, Xiaohongshu, on 25 June.
She recounted her experience of walking into a store that closely resembled a Charles & Keith outlet, complete with polished grey floors and white shelves.
Trusting her instincts, she assumed it was a legitimate store of the renowned Singaporean brand and proceeded to make a purchase.
After spending 500 yuan (S$93) on a pair of shoes, the woman eagerly tried them on, only to be met with disappointment.
The quality of the shoes felt off, raising suspicions about their authenticity. It was at that moment she realized her mistake—she had unwittingly bought shoes from a “random brand from Guangdong.”
Frustrated and dissatisfied, she decided to pursue a refund from the store.
Aware of the possibility of not receiving a refund, the woman acknowledged that she would consider this unfortunate incident as an expensive lesson learned.
Her post quickly gained traction on Xiaohongshu, attracting attention from fellow users who offered their opinions on the brand.
As expected, opinions on ‘Chermas & Kaeth’ varied among netizens. Some individuals shared similar experiences, having been tricked by the deceptive store with bags that looked strikingly similar to those of Charles & Keith.
On the other hand, some users argued that the brand offered products of decent quality, raising the question of whether ‘Chermas & Kaeth’ was merely an imitation or a brand of its own.
Interestingly, one Xiaohongshu user went as far as considering the existence of ‘Chermas & Kaeth’ as a compliment to Charles & Keith.
In their view, the emergence of imitation brands in China is a testament to the popularity and influence of the original brand.
However, this perspective does not diminish the concerns of consumers who unknowingly purchase counterfeit items, expecting the quality and craftsmanship associated with the original brand.
Upon investigating further, it was discovered that ‘Chermas & Kaeth’ was founded in Hong Kong in 2018. Their official website showcases a wide range of products, including shoes, bags, sunglasses, and various accessories. The price range for their items is listed as 300 yuan (S$60) to 500 yuan (S$93)