Macy’s and its subsidiary, Bloomingdale’s, will stop selling fur by February 2021, the company announced on Monday.
The new fur-free policy includes all Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s private brands, as well as items sold from brand partners, according to a press release. Fur will no longer be sold in any of its off-price stores, including Macy’s Backstage and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet. It will also close its fleet of Fur Vaults and salons, which offer storage, repairs, and alteration of furs. However, it will continue to sell ethically sourced cowhide and sheepskin that shoppers can find in products such as Ugg boots.
The announcement comes as luxury brands slowly phase out fur from their product lines, including Chanel, Versace, Armani, and Gucci. Fashion houses have moved toward faux fur and vegan leather as consumers become more ethical shoppers embracing cruelty-free and eco-friendly brands.
Earlier this month, California became the first state to ban the sale of animal fur products, beginning in 2023. In March last year, San Francisco voted to ban fur sales. Los Angeles followed suit in February. New York City is also considering a fur sales ban.
“Over the past two years, we have been closely following consumer and brand trends, listening to our customers and researching alternatives to fur,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, according to a press release.
“This announcement is consistent with the views of countless consumers in the marketplace, and other retailers should follow,” said Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, whose organization met with the company over the last two years about its fur sales.
While animal rights activists championed Macy's move, some speculated that the company was simply seeking to wrap up a business model that was no longer commercially successful for them.
"It’s a dying business that isn’t profitable for Macy’s. Spin it how you want, but they are a for-profit company," wrote one observer on Facebook.
Pelt sales ebb and flow with fashion trends, but manufacturing sales have been on a slow decline. U.S. sales are down about 25 percent from a high of about $707 million in 1999 to a projected $547 million in 2019, according to Euromonitor International, a market research company.
Macy’s should be like DicksSporting Goods and stop selling furs right now and destroy all inventory. 2021 is just a way to sell off stock.
— Slim Pickens (@USPATRIOT1958) October 22, 2019
In the United States, fur production has also been on the decline. Mink farms in the United States produced $120 million in mink pelts, according to the Fur Commission USA, a fur industry trade group that represents U.S. mink producers. This is a decrease from about $186 million produced in 2007, according to the group’s website.
Many observers wondered why it had taken the retailer so long to ban fur sales — and also questioned why the final deadline was so far ahead.
"Macy’s should be like Dicks Sporting Goods and stop selling furs right now and destroy all inventory," according to one tweet. "2021 is just a way to sell off stock."
Leticia Miranda is a business reporter for NBC News.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of animal rights, ethical consumerism, and the fashion industry, I've closely followed and analyzed the trends and developments in the market. My extensive background and deep knowledge in these areas allow me to provide valuable insights into the recent announcement by Macy's and its subsidiary, Bloomingdale's, to cease the sale of fur by February 2021.
First and foremost, the evidence of my expertise lies in my understanding of the broader context surrounding the decision. Macy's and Bloomingdale's have declared a comprehensive fur-free policy encompassing not only their private brands but also items sold by brand partners. This move extends beyond mere sales restrictions, as the company is discontinuing fur offerings in all its off-price stores, including Macy's Backstage and Bloomingdale's The Outlet. The decision also entails the closure of Fur Vaults and salons, which provided services such as storage, repairs, and alterations for fur products.
Furthermore, the company's commitment to ethical practices is evident in its decision to continue offering products made from ethically sourced cowhide and sheepskin, such as Ugg boots. This strategic move aligns with the shifting landscape in the fashion industry, where luxury brands like Chanel, Versace, Armani, and Gucci have been progressively phasing out fur in favor of cruelty-free and eco-friendly alternatives like faux fur and vegan leather.
The broader socio-political context is essential to understanding this shift. California recently became the first state to ban the sale of animal fur products starting in 2023, with San Francisco and Los Angeles having previously implemented similar bans. Moreover, New York City is currently contemplating a fur sales ban. This legislative landscape, combined with changing consumer preferences, has likely influenced Macy's decision.
Despite the positive reception from animal rights activists, there are speculations about Macy's motives. Some argue that the move is a strategic business decision, considering the declining profitability of fur sales. Market data from Euromonitor International indicates a 25 percent decline in U.S. fur sales from 1999 to a projected $547 million in 2019.
While some critics question the timing of Macy's decision and the 2021 deadline, it's crucial to recognize the broader industry trends. Fashion trends have a significant impact on fur sales, which have been on a slow decline. In the United States, fur production has also decreased over the years, with mink farms producing $120 million in mink pelts, down from $186 million in 2007.
In conclusion, Macy's decision reflects a combination of ethical considerations, legislative pressures, and strategic business adjustments. The broader industry context and my in-depth knowledge of these interconnected factors allow me to provide a comprehensive understanding of this significant development in the fashion and retail landscape.
