A video shared on TikTok by user @cuba.live2 shows how an improvised clothing store operates in Cuba, where products from recognized brands are sold, but, as explained by the young man filming, they are replicas.
The recording highlights the economic limitations faced by Cubans who, due to the high cost of original goods and the difficulties in importing them, turn to more affordable alternatives.
"Here we have a clothing store; this is clothing brought in from various countries. Most of it is replicas, and they sell them here," the young man comments as he walks past a stand filled with bags, shoes, and other products from brands like Gucci and Nike.
According to the video's creator, many of these items are labeled as "triple A copies," a designation that indicates their quality within the replica market.
“All kinds of branded shoes, you see, they were telling me that they are triple A copies because Cubans don’t have the money to buy originals, and it costs too much to import them,” the young man adds.
The store featured in the video operates on the street, a setting that reflects the informality of commerce on the island, where many vendors turn to this type of business to make a living.
Despite the shortcomings, the displayed products aim to offer a touch of glamour to those seeking fashion items at lower prices.
This type of sale not only demonstrates the ingenuity of Cubans in order to survive in a challenging economic environment, but also highlights the high demand for products from well-known brands, even if they are not genuine.
The informality and proliferation of replicas are a result of the economic and trade barriers that restrict access to consumer goods in Cuba.
The video, which has amassed thousands of views on TikTok, continues to elicit a range of reactions, from criticism regarding the quality of the products to comments expressing empathy for the challenges faced by both sellers and buyers.
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