Faux Apple Store changes name to Smart Store

Over the last few weeks, there have been a lot of photos that have surfaced of some convincing fake Apple Stores in China. There were numerous stores in Kunming that were not official Apple Stores, but some of them really looked like the real thing and some of the workers even though they worked for Apple. One of the most convincing actually sold real Apple products.

Chinese authorities cracked down on the 22 stores that were in operation in the city. Some of the locations lacked the needed business license to operate. The convincing fake had the licenses it needed apparently, save for the Apple license. The store has changed its name now and is known as the Smart Store.

The name is rather ironic really. Apparently, the Smart Store that was masquerading as an Apple Store was at one time actually licensed by Apple to sell gear. However, TechCrunch reports that the owner lost a license after selling products at a premium. The store now sells grey market Apple goods.

[via Techcrunch]