The TikTok dupe trend is so strong right now because there’s been a change of mentality. In the past, anyone wearing a blatant imitation of a branded item was laughed at, but today, people are proud to show off their dupes, as they allow those with a budget to be trendy.
“Dupes” are not new. Rather, what’s new is the speed at which they are being produced. Shein, for instance, can quickly replicate a look and have it in production in less than a week. Vox reported in 2021 that AliExpress had already offered a dozen affordable options for the “Big Red Boot” that were released in limited quantities by MSCHF a fe
From TikTok to Walmart – What You Need to Know About Dupes.
The word “dupe” today is slang for “knockoff” or “copy,” but go back a few years ago and you’ll find that knock-offs were frowned upon. What changed?
Dupes are all the rage on TikTok, where users showcase the supposed great deals they’ve found on products of various types, from clothing to cosmetics. Unlike counterfeit products, dupes are sold by brands and online platforms as their own products, even if they literally cow years ago within ten days.
Now, with the introduction of the TikTok Shop, dupes are being advertised as the same quality as big brands. But where did this trend come from? The answer is: Walmart!
The “Walmart version” of mainstream products is a concept that is often associated with the retail giant due to their strategy of offering products at a lower price point. As the world’s largest retailer, Walmart has immense buying power which allows it to negotiate lower prices with suppliers. This often results in products being offered at a lower price than their competitors. Though in some cases, the lower price point may mean that the quality of the product is compromised.
There are certainly benefits in living for the dupe culture, especially for those on a budget. Perhaps the most significant advantage is how it allows people to participate in fashion trends without breaking the bank. Not everyone has the means to afford high-end designer items, but with dupes, they can still stay up to date with the latest fashion trends while sticking to their budget. Additionally, many people prefer dupes because they are less expensive than the real thing, which means they can purchase more items for the same amount of money.
Of course, we had teachers weigh in on this trend. Science teacher Ms. Stacy Cameron thinks it just comes down to what the alternatives are,
“It depends on what knockoff it is, like for example I think Yeti’s the best. So I would purchase Yeti over a knockoff just because I think Yeti is the top. Some things… like if you’re talking about a knockoff purse, I would totally buy that…It doesn’t matter to me. I feel like it’s more of the quality on certain things I like.” said Cameron.
The fast fashion industry (stores like Shein, Zara, H&M), which often produces dupes, has a notorious reputation for its environmental impact. When people buy dupes to follow a trend, they often discard them once the trend is over, which can lead to a considerable amount of waste. These items end up in landfills, where they can take years to decompose, releasing harmful chemicals and greenhouse gasses in the process. The production of cheap and disposable clothing items, including dupes, contributes to the problem.
French teacher Mrs. Katie Isaacson agrees with those opposed, with quality and longevity playing a huge part in the decision.
“I have several reasons why I will always buy the authentic item. I know it’s a high price for many things…But you’re gonna’ get a better product, it’ll last longer, and it’ll create less trash for the landfills,” said Isaacson. Why purchase a trendy ‘dupe’ if you may throw it away after it blows over? Dupe usage is subjective.
TikTok has begun to take steps to address the problem. The platform has implemented policies that prohibit the sale of counterfeit goods and has removed products that violate these policies. It’s still difficult to determine whether a product is a dupe or a counterfeit, which makes it challenging for the platform to police these products effectively.
So, that’s the deal with dupes? On one hand, they’re a total lifesaver for those of us on a budget who want to stay on-trend. But on the other hand, all that cheap and disposable stuff is racking up some serious environmental damage. At the end of the day, it’s a personal choice. Just remember, every time you buy a dupe, you’re casting a vote for a certain kind of industry.