Shanghai investigates 47 'Russian Goods Stores', some ordered to close

(ECNS) -- In recent months, "Russian Goods Stores" have sprung up across many cities in China. To address growing concerns, the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation announced that it has conducted two rounds of inspections since late December 2024.

Authorities have identified 47 such stores in Shanghai. Inspections focused on business qualifications, promotional signage, and the origin of goods. Several stores were found to operate without proper licenses or registrations and have been ordered to close.

Some have falsely advertised themselves as "National Pavilions," misleading consumers into believing they had an official endorsement. Others had a low proportion of actual Russian imports but still marketed themselves as "Russian Goods Stores," raising concerns about deceptive practices.

Accordingly, the Market Supervision Bureau has implemented measures that require businesses to maintain proper documentation to verify the legitimacy of their products and ensure that goods from different origins are clearly labeled and displayed separately. Additionally, stores must provide accurate and transparent labeling to help consumers easily distinguish between domestic and imported items.

According to Zhang Shuyang, a senior official from the Huangpu District Market Supervision Administration, many stores offer both imported and domestic goods. Domestic products often feature Russian-language labels alongside Chinese ones, making it difficult for consumers to determine their origin. While some stores have made corrections, misleading practices persist.

Zhu Danpeng, a Chinese food industry analyst, noted that the surge in popularity of Russian goods has led to questionable conduct. Some stores engage in "bait-and-switch" tactics, while others export domestic goods to Russia only to re-import them, branding them as Russian products. Zhu emphasized that the long-term success of such stores depends on product quality and transparency.

Local authorities have pledged to intensify monitoring and enforcement, guiding businesses to operate with integrity and maintain a fair market environment. As the trend of Russian goods gains momentum, consumers are urged to remain vigilant and informed.