Dis-Chem confirms it’s postponing the restocking of US skincare and fragrance brand Sol de Janeiro from its shelves after allegations that its supplier of the viral products was providing it with counterfeits surfaced, reports Cape {town} Etc.
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This comes after concerned South Africans took to social media earlier this year with posts and videos questioning the authenticity of Dis-Chem’s Sol de Janeiro stocks, with some alleging that the fragrances they purchased smelled different to those purchased internationally, lacking a smell or not being long-lasting.
All I’m saying is remember how a month ago, we thought Dischem stocks Sol de Janeiro until Mimi pointed out it doesn’t smell like what it smells like when you get it in Europe? Ja! I’m not saying it’s not Coach but Coach doesn’t have stores there, so idk where them bags are from.
— Juli Baker (@nosiey_) August 4, 2024
The fake frenzy saga escalated when one X user shared an email from Sol de Janeiro stating that ‘Dis-Chem is not one of [their] authorised retailers’.
??? pic.twitter.com/cXGxceqiem
— 𝓣𝓱𝓸𝓻𝔀𝓪𝓷𝓪 (@wangkwishisha_) June 22, 2024
In response to a detailed enquiry from News24, Dis-Chem said on Wednesday that it was ‘aware of allegations pertaining to the legitimacy of Sol de Janeiro products’.
‘As a precautionary measure, and pending further investigation, a decision was made to postpone the restocking of Sol de Janeiro products from its shelves’.
The publication also added that Dis-Chem did not disclose further information on the matter or respond to questions about the supplier.
The retailer is currently in the process of testing its US products and investigating the allegations that its supplier was providing it with counterfeit goods.
Founded in 2015 and inspired by Brazilian beach culture, Sol de Janeiro made waves on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, with its body care products and line of fragrance mists garnering praise for its distinct ‘sweet and sugary’ base smell.
Subsequently, the brand’s worldwide popularity caused a stir of excitement in South Africa when it was announced that the much-loved ‘Brazilian Bum Bum’ creams, oils and fragrance mists were landing on Dis-Chem’s shelves earlier this year.
In fact, the launch was so well received that the products quickly sold out and a waiting list for restocks had to be created. According to TikTok user @zesipho.m, the waiting list at Canal Walk’s branch in June was six pages long.
@zesipho.m Can Dischem or Sol De Janeiro tell us if ffese are authentic fragrance mists? I’ve been on the “waiting list” since January #Dischem #soldejaniero ♬ French pop chill & lofi(963599) – JazzyRecord
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Picture: Sol de Janeiro / Facebook