Hipsters at war in one of Australia’s trendiest suburbs as store accuses competitor of mimicking its designs after opening 500m down the road in Newtown

Two boutiques are at war in one of Australia’s trendiest suburbs, claiming one is imitating the other.

Hands, a renowned lifestyle retailer, has been operating in Newtown, western Sydney, for the past two years.

Sharing recently opened 500 meters away and is already accused of selling ‘fake copies and rip-off versions’ of the products sold at Hands.

“This has been a nightmare for us,” Hands’ owners said in an Instagram post.

Hands’ comparison photos drew concerned responses from dozens of shoppers

‘From first hearing from our friends and customers that there was a shop on King St copying us, to learning just how far the copying really went.

‘We couldn’t believe someone would do this, and the more we learned, the more disbelief we felt. ‘Sharing’ shop has copied our brand colours, decor, furniture, website design and the brands we sell: our whole concept.’

The small store shared several side-by-side photos comparing the two boutiques.

They showed that Sharing had similar furniture and products to Hands.

“The more we find out, the more unfair it feels,” Hands said.

“Through the blood, sweat and tears of building Hands, nothing has left us more sad and incredulous.

“Share, we didn’t agree to share anything with you.”

Sharing responded to the allegations, suggesting that Hands had copied the name and brand name of the Japanese department store Hands.

The Japanese store has no presence in Australia and was rebranded from Tokyu Hands to Hands in late 2022.

‘What position are you in to say that others steal?’ Share said.

‘We haven’t even officially opened yet and we’re already being bullied. Why are you claiming that we are selling counterfeit products when you have no proof whatsoever?

‘We are very sad! We will concentrate on our business!’

While Sharing disabled comments on his post, Hands’ comparison drew concerned responses from dozens of shoppers.

Sharing recently opened 500 meters away and is already accused of selling ‘fake copies and rip-off versions’ of the products sold at Hands

Hands shared several side-by-side photos comparing the store to Sharing’s, which is 500 meters away

Hands accused Sharing of selling “fake copies and rip-off versions of our brands” and copying the brand name

Hands and Sharing boutiques are just 500 meters apart in Newtown, western Sydney

“The exact tables and green board are crazy, what were they thinking?” wrote one.

‘In itself I would say ‘coincidence’, but this combination of similarities is alarming. This is not okay and they are in the same suburb? The nerve!’ said another.

Part owner Ying Liu told us ABC radio they just wanted to do well as a small business.

“If Hands feels uncomfortable, she [sic] you can contact us directly. We will focus on our own business to please everyone,” she said.

Daily Mail Australia contacted Hands and Sharing for further comment.