Gray market and counterfeiting in supply chains: A review of the operations literature and implications to luxury industries

Abstract

The luxury industries are very important nowadays. However, it is commonly believed that companies in the luxury supply chains are challenged by counterfeiting activities and the presence of gray market. In this paper, we conduct a careful literature review of the most representative papers related to counterfeiting and gray market in the operations literature. We examine both empirical and analytical studies. We uncover the research methodology, industries and objectives of the prior studies. We highlight the current state-of-the-arts findings in the area. Based on the review findings, we propose a future research agenda and discuss the implications to luxury industries.