The Zoo Market in Beijing: Down and Dirty (3)

（CRI Online）  09:43, November 28, 2012

The Zoo Market products are largely cheap because of bulk sales. In addition, they may be factory direct, surplus or fake.

When asked how anyone could be sure her Jack Wolfskin jacket was authentic, one salesperson quickly blurted, "Look. The material quality is good." Then she pointed out a virtually identical jacket on the adjacent rack. "If you want something cheaper, this one's fake." She noted the 130-yuan price difference, before clarifying that both prices were negotiable.

The seventh floor of the Jinkailide Market is where official brands have set up discount outlets.

"Yes, there are a lot of fake Nikes [at the zoo market]," complained one employee. "The fake ones are much cheaper, but lots of people like wearing authentic Nike clothes. The fake ones aren't as comfortable, and they tend to wear out more easily."