Guwahati’s busiest commercial hub, Fancy Bazaar, is increasingly emerging as a hotspot for counterfeit branded products, quietly affecting hundreds of unsuspecting shoppers every day.
From mobile chargers and earphones to everyday electronics and accessories, customers say they are frequently sold items claimed to be “original,” only to realise later that the products are fake or substandard.
Counterfeit branded products are increasingly being sold in Fancy Bazaar, Guwahati’s largest market, with shoppers reporting frequent cases of fake mobile accessories and electronics. Many buyers realise they have been cheated only after products stop working within days or weeks, raising concerns over consumer awareness and enforcement.
A Common Experience for Guwahati Shoppers
For many residents, the experience follows a familiar pattern. A buyer visits Fancy Bazaar looking for a mobile charger or accessory. The shopkeeper claims the product is original, often offering it at a slightly reduced price.
Within days or months, the product fails. By then, returning to the shop proves futile, leaving customers feeling cheated but unsure where to complain.
Why Fancy Bazaar Has Become a Hub
Fancy Bazaar, located in the heart of Guwahati, attracts thousands of shoppers daily due to its competitive pricing and wide product range. However, the lack of clear labelling, bills, or warranty documentation makes it easier for counterfeit goods to circulate.
Many small shops sell lookalike branded items that closely resemble genuine products, making it difficult for average consumers to tell the difference at the point of purchase.
Silent Spread of Counterfeit Goods
What worries shoppers and consumer activists alike is the quiet nature of the problem. Unlike large fraud cases, counterfeit sales often go unreported because individual losses seem small.
Over time, however, these repeated incidents erode trust in Guwahati’s local markets and disproportionately affect students, daily wage earners, and middle-class families seeking affordable options.
Lack of Awareness and Enforcement
Several shoppers told GPlus they were unaware of any mechanism to report counterfeit sales. Many also said shopkeepers rarely provide proper bills, making follow-up action difficult.
While enforcement agencies periodically conduct raids, buyers say such actions have not significantly reduced the availability of fake products in Fancy Bazaar.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Fancy Bazaar is not just a market; it is central to Guwahati’s economic and social life. The unchecked sale of counterfeit goods affects consumer safety, damages the reputation of local trade, and undermines legitimate businesses.
Faulty electronic accessories also pose risks such as device damage and, in some cases, fire hazards.
What Shoppers Can Do
Consumer rights experts advise shoppers to insist on bills, verify packaging details, and avoid deals that seem unusually cheap. Purchasing from authorised sellers, even at a slightly higher price, can reduce the risk of buying counterfeit goods.
Authorities have also urged consumers to report suspected fake products to local enforcement or consumer protection offices.
What Happens Next
With complaints continuing to surface, there may be increased scrutiny on Guwahati’s major markets in the coming months. Whether this leads to sustained enforcement or greater consumer awareness remains to be seen.
For now, shoppers in Fancy Bazaar are being urged to remain cautious and informed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are fake products common in Fancy Bazaar?
High footfall, competitive pricing, and limited consumer awareness make Fancy Bazaar vulnerable to the sale of counterfeit goods.
How can shoppers avoid buying counterfeit products?
Shoppers should ask for proper bills, check packaging and warranty details, and avoid prices that seem too good to be true.
