Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council has once again signed up to the ‘Real Deal’ charter with the Shambles Variety Market Armagh, following in the footsteps of Lurgan Market.
With both its markets now officially endorsing the initiative, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is proud to work alongside the Trading Standards to prevent counterfeits and other illicit goods being sold at its markets making them a safe and fair environment in which to trade and to shop.
Offering a variety of quality goods, bargains for shoppers and opportunities for family events, both the Shambles Variety Market and Lurgan Market provide a unique experience for visitors while showcasing first-rate local goods and produce.
Welcoming the ‘Real Deal’ launch at the Shambles Variety Market, Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Alderman Gareth Wilson said,
“Traders and customers are the backbone of our local markets, which is why we believe it is so important that they are afforded adequate protections from the potential dangers of counterfeit and illicit products.
“The launch of the ‘Real Deal’ initiative demonstrates true partnership with our local Trading Standards in order to safeguard the future of the market and to protect its integrity.”
Damien Doherty, Chief Inspector of the Trading Standards Service, added,
“Fake items may appear attractive but consumers should be aware of the wider implications and the risks to their own safety. There has been a worrying increase in potentially dangerous fake goods being sold to consumers such as electrical equipment, toys, personal care products and medicines.
“Counterfeit goods are big business, a drain on the economy, cost jobs and are closely linked to organised crime both in Northern Ireland and abroad. Counterfeiting and piracy also cause considerable damage to legitimate businesses.”
“This partnership with Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is a positive example of how agencies can work together to promote law-abiding market activity providing benefits for customers, traders and communities and reducing opportunities for criminal activity.”
The ‘Real Deal’ campaign is a cross-sector, partnership initiative, bringing together local authority trading standards services, market operators and traders, industry groups, and copyright and trademark owners, all of whom are united with a common commitment to tackling illicit trading at markets.