Columbia Sportswear is continuing its tactical assault on counterfeiters, and has recently conducted three simultaneous raids on Malaysian Factory Outlet Stores selling copies of its brands. The raids took place at three separate Factory Outlet Stores in Kuala Lumpur.
These stores, prevalent throughout Malaysia, have been known to purvey counterfeit high-end products for discounted prices. The action resulted in the seizure of more than 1,400 pieces of counterfeit shirts and pants using Columbia labels.
Due to the large number of counterfeit product found at the three stores, Columbia is working with local authorities to determine if criminal or civil sanctions may ensue. SEW has reported on four separate counterfeit raids conducted by COLM since the beginning of the year. Columbia is targeting the entire supply chain, from manufacturer to retailer.
A recent article in the Portland Business Journal pointed out that this problem is so widespread that it is now considered a given for any company doing business in the Far East. Counterfeiting was described as a, “by-product of globalization and overseas sales and manufacturing.”
In other COLM news, the company is ramping up its presence in the fishing market, inking a license agreement last week with C.O. Lynch Enterprises for the design, manufacture and marketing of a new line of hunting and fishing waders, as well as ankle-fit rubber boots.
According to the company, even though waders complement Columbia's outdoor product, the production and distribution of these items are highly specialized. Therefore, Columbia opted to pursue a license agreement rather than design and manufacture the collection in-house.
