Fire Zone, a retail shop that sells official Fire Department T-shirts, baseball caps and gear, is hiring a law firm to go after the vendors who have been “taking advantage” of the tragedy and violating its trademark – the use of “FDNY.”
Along with the New York City Fire Museum, Fire Zone is the only store authorized by the Fire Department to sell apparel or items emblazoned with the initials.
But imitation FDNY and NYPD apparel is being sold at vendor stands and tourist shops across the city – for relatively low prices.
“They [the vendors] haven’t signed any licensing agreements with anyone,” said director Mary Weitzman. “We’ve sent them a cease-and-desist letter.”
Officials point out that although Fire Zone charges $15.95 for an FDNY baseball cap, 100 percent of the proceeds go to support fire-safety education.
“We have a lot of concerns about people who are less than forthright that are selling these products that are knockoffs,” said David Billig, an FDNY spokesman.
Arrangements have been made with larger companies such as Bloomingdale’s, which set up a boutique this week devoted to FDNY apparel.
Macy’s and People magazine are also looking to sell the items.
Street vendor Marc Israel, who had his identification prominently displayed around his neck, said people are buying the knockoffs “like candy, like hotcakes.”
He estimates he has sold about 1,500 to 2,000 items in the past three weeks, each ranging from $5 to $8.
“We’re not making very much off them, and we’re selling them very, very close to what we actually pay for them,” he said.