Illegal vendors crowding Canal Street: Letters to the Editor Oct. 8, 2026

These dealers have existed around Canal Street for decades (“Canal needs street sweep,” Oct.3).It’s illegal, but not very high on anybody’s radar compared to violent crime or illegal narcotics.What’s wrong with allowing the general public access to knock-off products when they can’t afford the actual prices?Anthony NannettiPhiladelphiaThe only way to put a stop to the illegal vendors on Canal Street?Go to the source: Close the shops that are importing the products from China, confiscate their goods, and make arrests.Harve KayeBrooklynMy children and I are sick of having to avoid that stretch of Canal Street to get to our place on Franklin Street.My mortgage payments are enough without having to run that gauntlet every day.

It’s like an open-air landfill, with trash, congestion and marijuana stench.If I wanted to visit the “Heart of Darkness,” I’d pick up the book.Michael SottileManhattanThe vendors on Canal Street have grown to be one of New York’s greatest tourist attractions, where immigrant entrepreneurs — like our Jewish and Italian ancestors — sell inexpensive versions of designer goods.These products are otherwise only available at very high prices.If The Post followed a consistent political philosophy, it would defend these pro-consumer entrepreneurs.John KleebergManhattanThe wasted hours of police officers removing counterfeit goods only protects the fools who are so gullible as to purchase merchandise from the vendors.Jonathan KiddraneGlendaleThey certainly aren’t collecting any sales tax, which should attract law enforcement.Perhaps the FDNY could clear out the sidewalks with fire hoses.Peter GrayNewtonvilleNothing is going to change as long as the NYPD is limited on what it can enforce.The illegal vendors know this.More has to be done to keep them off the streets.Rob JohannWoodhaven Subscribe to our daily Post Opinion newsletter! Please provide a valid email.

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