14 DAY TRIAL // As much as feisty Europeans and Americans may rave about the amazing quality of Louis Vuitton's luxurious bags, Chinese authorities are yet to be convinced. The flagship store that the French luxury fashion and leather goods brand had opened in Hangzhou, East China, was closed a fortnight ago by officials from the Administration of Industry and Commerce, who seized most of its stock over claims regarding product quality. Despite the brand's continued efforts, the store remains closed and those hoping to get their hands on one of the trademark luxury bags have to wait indefinitely - or find a new Vuitton shop to raid.
About a month before the shop was closed down, a spot check performed by the provincial Administration concluded that "some of the boutique's products did not measure up to standards". As strange as it may sound - given the fact that Vuitton is recognized as one of the most refined and quality-oriented luxury brands in the world - the problem was caused by the fact that in China it is customary for a small piece of sample leather to be attached to the bags as a material mark. The merchandise in the Hangzhou store lacked the required leather sample, which led to the confiscation of the store's entire stock, made of over 500 bags.
"All our leather accessories are produced in France and the mark is not required by regulations there", explained Grace Zhao, director of communications for Louis Vuitton China. "Currently, we are in discussion with Zhejiang AIC in search of a mutually agreeable solution for both parties. We're working toward a solution and think one will be found in the next few days", Zhao stated for WWD. "We are confident that the situation will be resolved soon. The store remains closed, we will find a solution soon, but it is not yet clear when", she added.