Illegal street vending on Fifth Avenue in Midtown is causing significant problems for luxury stores. The NYPD has identified this as a chronic issue and neighborhood advocates want to see more action.

“The solution is enforcement,” said Madelyn Wils, interim president of the Fifth Avenue Association.

Fifth Avenue, famous for its luxury stores like Louis Vuitton and Chanel, is now dealing with the chaos caused by illegal street vendors selling knockoff goods. These vendors not only disrupt business but also diminish the prestige of these high-end brands.

“They sell knockoffs in front of their stores or further down on Fifth Avenue which take away from their business and the distinction of their brands. It waters it down and cuts into sales,” Wils explained.

Additionally, shoppers face harassment from CD peddlers. “They stop people in the street and demand money for their CD, and that is really aggressive behavior,” Wils added.

The NYPD is working to address the issue by increasing patrols.

"New Yorkers deserve clear sidewalks and should not be inconvenienced by those who would break the law," said commissioner of operations Kaz Daughtry. "Let’s make this clear, when the community calls, we answer. Don’t clutter our sidewalks, don’t infringe on the quality of life of hardworking New Yorkers.”

Advocates emphasize the need for more resources.

“We need more sanitation and police officers out there confiscating the illegal bags and other items, and we need the police either arresting or ticketing these people,” said Wils.

She believes that consistent enforcement will deter offenders and help maintain the presence of luxury brands on Fifth Avenue.

“These are taxes that the city needs to operate. If we lose the tax base on Fifth Avenue, the city loses money it needs to provide for the homeless, sanitation and police,” Wils stated.

The NYPD encourages anyone interested in becoming a legal vendor to call 311 for more information.