Wang Drops Chinese Surcharge

The new Vera Wang bridal boutique in Shanghai, criticized by Chinese media for charging shoppers to try on garments, has announced it is discontinuing the fee.

The local media criticized the surcharge as being discriminatory, because it was applied only in China.

The bridal couture boutique was charging 3000 yuan (roughly $500), a move that was meant to deter counterfeiters. In 2012, notes Reuters, China was the top source country for counterfeit goods entering the United States and Europe. A Vera Wang original can range anywhere from $2000 to over $10,000, but online imitations go for as little as $100.

Despite the surcharge, knockoffs of Wang designs were widely available on Chinese e-commerce sites. Taobao Marketplace, China's largest e-commerce site, says it can achieve up to 90 percent similarity to the namesake garments without even seeing the originals. Its factory in Suzhou, a city near Shanghai, makes Vera Wang knockoffs from photos of her creations, Reuters reported.

“For the experts, you don't need to try on the dress to figure out how to copy it, you just need to see it or feel it at the shop,” said Taobao Marketplace’s owner, identifying himself only as Li.

“Upon careful investigation and review of the policies of our international operators, we will be abolishing appointment fees in all of our stores,” Wang said in a statement. “We wish for all Vera Wang customers to enjoy the same standard of excellence worldwide. Treating our customers in a fair and equitable way remains a priority. The store in Shanghai has only been open to private VIP preview appointments. The official opening to the public will take place on April 29.”