Michael Jackson Memorabilia Sales from China
Chinese Fans and Businesses Pay Tribute to King of Pop
Jul 27, 2009
Sales of Michael Jackson DVD sets, t-shirts and other collectibles including pendants and rings continue to prosper in China.
A music store in Beijing reported to the Global Times that the sales rush began immediately after Michael Jackson's death was announced on June 25. Chinese fans emptied the shelves of Jackson DVDs, CDs and even old cassettes as music stores struggled to replenish scarce inventories. According to the Global Times, consumers were happy to pay 3 times average prices in effect before the King of Pop's passing.
The most popular item is a remixed version of Michael's Thriller album first released in 1982.
Michael Jackson Souvenirs
Alibaba, a leading global trade website, lists over 9,500 selling leads for Michael Jackson products. About 100 new leads appear daily, led by DVD music collections and t-shirts. Alibaba specializes in business-to-business sales, with minimum order requirements and wholesale pricing.
Below is a listing of the selling leads by Michael Jackson product.
- Music DVDs ... 6,535 selling leads
- T-shirts ... 1,706 selling leads
- Rings ... 171 selling leads
- Fedora hat ... 32 selling leads
- Glittering gloves ... 18 selling leads
- Pendants ... 12 selling leads
- Souvenir gift sets ... 7 selling leads.
Souvenir gift set items include Michael Jackson keychains, carrying cases and commemorative shoes that prominently feature the King of Pop's photo.
Michael Jackson Merchandise Suppliers and Buyers
For all the Michael Jackson products sold internationally via Alibaba, not one supplier is located in the United States. Mainland China and Hong Kong are home to over 99% of Alibaba-listed suppliers that sell Michael Jackson collectibles.
In contrast, Alibaba has postings from 10 U.S. businesses looking to buy wholesale supplies of Michael Jackson DVD box sets, posters, t-shirts and costumes.
American intellectual property rights face challenges from copycat manufacturers overseas, particularly in foreign jurisdictions where local laws are different and often resistant to U.S. trademark and copyright laws. For example, the U.S. has 2 complaints registered against China with the World Trade Organization, the highest court in international trade with enforcement powers. In case DS362, the U.S. is working with the People's Republic define criminal penalties that will reduce counterfeiting and piracy. Case DS363 addresses possible trade barriers that prevent the U.S. from exporting publications and audiovisual products into China.
T-shirts featuring a Chinese artist's portrait of Michael Jackson's face may not violate international law. However, pirated copies of Michael Jackson concert DVDs are illegal even if distributed exclusively within China's domestic market.
Michael Jackson's Official Website
Fans around the world continue to pay tribute to the King of Pop and his music by visiting his official website. Per Alexa web traffic ratings, MichaelJackson.com now attracts over 16 million visitors per month.
- United States ... 3.69 million monthly visitors (23.3% of total)
- Germany ... 1.058 million (6.6%)
- India ... 1.042 million (6.5%)
- United Kingdom ... 945,710 (5.9%)
- Italy ... 641,159 (4%)
- France ... 416,754 (2.6%)
- Indonesia ... 400,725 (2.5%)
- Mexico ... 336,609 (2.1%)
- Canada ... 320,580 (2%)
- Brazil ... 320,580 (2%)
- Russia ... 320,580 (2%)
- China ... 304,551 (1.9%).
Collectibles that Respect Michael Jackson's Memory
Michael Jackson was a supremely gifted singer, songwriter, dancer and entertainer.
It is a duty incumbent on consumers and businesses worldwide to ensure that any Michael Jackson collectibles, keepsakes and souvenirs that they buy or import are authentic products and not illegal copies.
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