[NAS216]

Quote:

Originally Posted by angela

I think I read a thread about this on specktra a few years ago. (Mods please direct me if it still exists).. It sparked my interest to learn more about it because at my location, we have the highest shortage on MAC products ($80,000 worth) and because of it, we are constantly short on stock/products and Macy's refuses to allow us to order more products to fill our drawers and shelves.

I remember reading something about black markets on MAC products where shipments are "lost" or "missing" where in actuality there are people who somehow get their hands on these shipments before it reaches the MAC stores/counters. They take these shipments and sell them on ebay, overseas, etc. Not only MAC products, but all popular/high end cosmetic lines.

Does anyone have any info on this topic?

Interesting topic! I haven't read anything that specifically mentions MAC, but the smuggling of luxury goods for sale on the international black market is indeed a problem. As the demand grows (esp. in emerging/reemerging Asia & Eastern Europe & the internet), stolen luxury goods & counterfeit products are flourishing industries. And, you're right, the genuine goods are frequently "intercepted" while enroute to stores or warehouses, or stolen directly from these locations. Orders can be placed but get "lost," (i.e. directed to arrive elsewhere). All sorts of shadiness.

Unfortunately, loss is such an integral part of retail that upper management often doesn't think much of it. Plus, the people buying the stolen goods are usually not too concerned about where they came from, as long as the price is right. They don't think about or are totally unaware of what they could be supporting by purchasing this stuff- gang activity & violence, child labor, even oppressive foreign regimes.