big0spin Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Hi there. I'm going to be in New York next (i'm travelling there for the 1st time next week from UK) I'm really after some advice from any New Yorkers (or anyone who knows) is Canal Street worth a visit if you like reps My girlfriend has been told that fake handbags are in abundance, but i've also seen it mentioned on here a fair bit Any advice would be appreciated thanks all D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shundi Posted January 28, 2009 Report Share Posted January 28, 2009 Quality wise...don't hold your breath... If you see something you like though...negotiate it and have fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LoganX3 Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 not worth it... its a different place lately. there was a HUGE crackdown a few years back. you'll still find some rep handbags but most are of really low quality. watches are more scarce. the ones in the shops are usually crap, like really crap. there are a few street dealers that have cartel quality stuff. just know your prices and you can haggle them down to something decent... if you even find them as theyre not always around. one main guy at the intersection of canal and lafayette. I dont even bother anymore. honestly, if you're not already on your way down there for some dim sum, then don't waste your time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
watchturbo Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 the good quality reps are always in the back room of the store...whether it be bags, sunglasses, watches, etc. so always ask if u can buy the 'good' stuff and if they think u aint a 5-0, then they will bring u to the back room and take out the stuff from the safe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
digitalnrg Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 I say take a spin for the experience. Just approach any mid-age asian lady standing around and she'll lead you to a nearby warehouse's basement. Have fun. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcdj Posted January 30, 2009 Report Share Posted January 30, 2009 (edited) the good quality reps are always in the back room of the store...whether it be bags, sunglasses, watches, etc. so always ask if u can buy the 'good' stuff and if they think u aint a 5-0, then they will bring u to the back room and take out the stuff from the safe I've been living in NYC for 20 years, 3 subway stops from Canal. I've been buying reps there for all 20 years, and been in the "back room" in multiple places, but I've never seen watches in the back, only bags, and not a single safe. OP, as mentioned, there has been a major crackdown. It started with Rolexes. But within the past 2-3 months, you can't even buy a Panerai unless the cops are giving the dealers a day off. There are permanent police RVs and vans stationed up and down the block now. Entire swaths of dealers have been put out of business and their stores remain vacant. There are some reps still available; Omegas, a smattering U-Boats and IWCs, plenty of B&Rs and Pateks, and some APs. My feeling is the reps you can find there seem to fall into 3 categories... 1. Those brands which don't really feel the pinch of counterfeiting because their uber wealthy target market would never buy a rep, and the rep customer either could never afford, or simply wouldn't drop the coin on, the real thing, i.e. Patek, Vacheron, AP. 2. Those brands who have always seemed to do very little to quash the rep trade, almost as if to silently embrace the added brand recognition that reps can bring a watch company, regardless of the hit their already massive gen sales may take; like Tag and Omega. 3. Those brands who are just a bit too small and boutique to have enough global resources to do anything about the situation; IWC, Porsche Design, B&R, etc. Just my theories. One thing's for sure, stick to the north side of Canal. The south side is primarily junk. There's a young guy between B'Way and Lafayette, very friendly, not pushy at all, who sells some "Swiss" versions, literally on the top shelf. His prices on the lower shelf stuff are considerably cheaper than the online cartel prices and the quality is very similar if not identical. Don't waste your time with the guys who carry briefcases. Stick to the shop fronts. And don't waste your time going anywhere with anyone who whispers "Rolex, Movado" as you pass by. Edited January 30, 2009 by mcdj Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
big0spin Posted January 31, 2009 Author Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 Thanks everyone for your advice. 2 Days to go! I'm really looking forward to this trip (i've never been to America before) Thanks again D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fotoman Posted January 31, 2009 Report Share Posted January 31, 2009 its either 226 A or 228 A they have a backroom, usually a kid in his 20's hanging out side on the sidewalk making sure people aren't stealing stuff. they have a great back room, great prices, medium to large bags for under 50 bucks. Usually they won't let you in the backroom, they will asy ou want you want and they will go get it. I fight withhim everytime but eventually he takes me back. This particular shop has a small wall that helps hide the door that is hidden at the back of the stoore so, if you can see straight back, its the other place. watches - forget about ti purses, you can find Great deals as opposed to whats aavail for mail order, i am assuing because of hte mail costs. i have bought at least a dozen bags there, for the most part they have held up really well and proven very good no matter what tsore you hit, they will have a few fake bags, ask them for the good stuff, they will pull it out Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darkdashing Posted July 19, 2013 Report Share Posted July 19, 2013 I know this is an old thread but thought it was relevant because it's nice to see how times have changed and now im living near Canal street so I might go down there an see what i can see Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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