‘Fake fragrances [in Dubai] damage brands’

The scent of counterfeit fragrances could create a stink for big brands in the UAE, according to a retail branding expert. Some Dubai stores are playing on the popularity of tech giants Samsung, BlackBerry and facebook, and luxury auto maker Bentley, by selling fragances carrying logos of the leading firms. “This is definitely not a good thing for the brands because they don’t know the contents of the bottles, and whatever is in them is out of their control,” said Ashish Panjabi, COO of Jacky’s. Panjabi, whose multi-brand retail chain has received ‘Superbrand’ status for eight consecutive years since 2004 from the UAE Superbrands Council, added: “Most perfumes contain chemicals, but we don’t know if these fakes contain any toxic or expired substances. If users end up having any health implications, that’s really not something a brand wants their name to be associated with.” Panjabi was not surprised, however, that imitators are cashing in on the popular names, pointing out that luxury brands such as Bentley – one of names being used by counterfeiters – would hardly want their posh motor linked to a low-cost spray. Asked what he would do if he saw a ‘Jacky’s perfume’ come on the market, he said: “We would take immediate action as we have a registered trademark.”