Jewelry Biz- Newflash on Flash Sales

Monday, August 9, 2010

From Reuters

Cartier is sues flash retailer Hautelook over sales

NEW YORK, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Cartier has sued the online "flash sale" retailer HauteLook, accusing it of damaging the luxury goods maker's brand by selling damaged and second-hand Cartier merchandise without permission.
Cartier claimed that HauteLook has sold used Cartier watches despite maintaining on its website that it "never" sells "secondhand merchandise, ever."
It also said HauteLook has sold Cartier goods that were damaged, were shipped in the wrong packaging, or carried defaced authenticity certificates, and sometimes included a Cartier warranty booklet though the warranty did not apply.

Yikes!