Four more fake Apple Stores uncovered in Kunming

by Steven Mostyn - Jul 25 2011, 09:26

Late last week we reported on the sensational discovery of a fake Apple Store in China, which was uncovered by a wide-eyed American blogger during a stay in the rural Yunnan town of Kunming (click here for more).

Following a subsequent wave of media coverage, it’s highly likely that Apple’s sharp-clawed legal team is presently eyeing its prey from afar—not least because a further four fake outlets have since been spotted across the same city.

Officials connected to the Kunming Trade and Industry Bureau have apparently been quick to respond to the news, clamping down on two non-licensed stores posing as Apple outlets.

However, the Kunming government website has revealed that three other licensed locations prominently displaying Apple signs and logos currently remain untouched because investigators failed to find any fake Apple gadgetry on their shelves.

The store brought to light last week by BirdAbroad’s blog is one such escapee, and it continues to trade at this point in time because it holds a full license and actually stocks genuine Apple-branded devices.

That being said, we cannot imagine that Cupertino will allow any licensed trader (in China or anywhere else) to display and sell its highly desirable products from within shoddy re-creations of its iconic Apple Store chain.

Also, although there are many official Apple resellers located across China, none of the three licensed retail outlets in Kunming are listed among them.

If you’re planning a trip to China, or perhaps you’re already there and fancy picking up an iPad while on your travels, it’s worth noting that Jobs & Co. operate just four official Apple Stores across the country—two in Beijing and two in Shanghai.

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