Primark mulls legal move over fake Dubai store

UK-based budget fashion retailer Primark is reportedly considering legal action after a fake Primark store opened in Dubai on Monday. The new store in Bur Dubai has two floors and is packed with clothing that looks like Primark's signature cheap T-shirts, socks and a underwear, UAE daily The National reported. "We are aware that there is a store in Dubai that purports to be part of our group," a Primark spokesperson told the newspaper. "Primark does not operate any stores there and this is not therefore a legitimate Primark store. The company is considering its legal options." Primark is also considering legal action in Norway, where a fake Primark childrenswear shop opened earlier this month. The company has 235 stores across Europe, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Portugal, Germany and Belgium. Its parent company Associated British Foods said this week that hard-up shoppers searching for fashion bargains in Primark helped lift half-year profits. Revenue at Primark during the first six months jumped 15 percent to £1.6bn, helped by further store openings. Earlier this month, it was reported that more than 24,000 counterfeit products were seized in Abu Dhabi last year with a street value of AED4m (US$1.1m). The inspections, which were carried out by the Department of Economic Development (DED), were part of a government-led scheme to clamp down on fake goods and safeguard intellectual property owners. In February, nearly 17,000 fake watches were seized as part of a raid on an apartment in Dubai, following an investigation by a trade association representing Swiss watch manufacturers.