A footwear shop in Khanh Hoa has been fined more than US$1,900 and ordered to destroy 180 pairs of counterfeit Nike and Adidas shoes after a customer’s complaint exposed the alleged fake goods. Customer complaint triggers inspectionThe provincial Sub-Department of Market Surveillance said Sport Market in Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, was penalised after a customer identified as L.T.T. reported buying two pairs of shoes there. She said she bought one Nike pair and one Adidas pair for VND1.3 million, about US$50, after seeing promotions from local bloggers and key opinion leaders. She sent the shoes as a gift to her boyfriend in Russia, where a specialist concluded they were counterfeits rather than genuine branded products. Store found with infringing inventoryAccording to the market surveillance department, the customer contacted the shop after the assessment but was refused a return or refund because she did not have an invoice. Her complaint prompted the Khanh Hoa Department of Industry and Trade to instruct a market surveillance inspection. Officers found that the household business was trading in shoes bearing signs of infringing Nike and Adidas trademarks protected in Vietnam. The shop received an administrative fine and officials enforced the destruction of all 180 pairs in the infringing inventory. What it means for foreigners in VietnamThe case is a useful reminder for visitors and foreign residents that branded goods should be bought from authorised retailers or well-established outlets, particularly when prices appear unusually low. Keep receipts, payment records and product packaging, as these may be important if a refund or complaint is needed. Vietnam’s market surveillance authorities can investigate counterfeit-goods reports, but clear evidence of purchase makes a complaint easier to pursue . 6 September 2026
