Breaking news: Neiman Marcus Group will ditch fur
Fur-free corporate policies can help save hundreds of thousands—perhaps millions—of foxes, mink, raccoon dogs, rabbits and chinchillas from suffering. Alamy Stock Photo
Today, we are one step closer to a fur-free society now that Neiman Marcus Group, which includes retailers Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call and Horchow, has just announced it will end its use of animal fur in favor of more ethical alternatives. The luxury retailer will end its use of animal fur, and will close all of its fur salons, by early 2023. The new policy is part of a larger strategy by the company to place sustainability and ethics at the heart of its brand.
The Neiman Marcus announcement further signifies the end of animal fur at America’s top luxury retailers. The group’s CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck explained the decision: “It is clear the future is fur-free, and that includes the ultra-luxury space. As a leader in luxury retail, NMG has an opportunity to make a positive impact and help build a better future for our industry. We’re grateful to the Humane Society of the United States for their partnership.”
Going fur-free is a fashion trend that’s here to stay. This announcement follows similar commitments last week by outerwear brand Canada Goose and Canadian luxury retailer Holt Renfrew. Also, Israel became the first country in the world to ban fur sales earlier this month, and the U.K. is now considering a similar ban. California banned fur sales in 2019 after four of its cities—Los Angeles, San Francisco, West Hollywood and Berkeley—passed local ordinances phasing out fur sales. Saks Fifth Avenue, Nordstrom, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s have all also committed to ending the sale of fur. While lower-priced retail chains such as Dillard’s, Kohl’s and Belk have yet to go fur-free, we are dedicated to working with all apparel companies to create a fur-free retail world.
We work with retailers to adopt fur-free policies because they have the capacity to save hundreds of thousands—perhaps millions—of mink, foxes, raccoon dogs, rabbits and chinchillas from ever having to know what the inside of a cramped fur-farm cage looks like. Plus, fur-free policies help forge a more humane world for animals by challenging the fur trade head on and eliminating the demand for its products, making production economically unviable.
Our fur farm investigations continue to show the unbearable existence these wild animals endure before they are brutally killed. There’s no justification for continuing this industry especially now that faux fur alternatives like bio-based Koba fur favored by Stella McCartney’s are readily available. Not only do these alternatives save the lives of animals, but they’re better for the planet, too.
The modern idea of luxury embraces these innovations, and it’s clear that today’s consumer considers animal welfare a high priority. For a top luxury retailer like Neiman Marcus to now join the campaign for a more humane world is a nod to all those who have been fighting against fur for so long. Together, with compassion and perseverance, we are making a difference for so many animals.
Follow Kitty Block on Twitter @HSUSKittyBlock.
Please end using Animals fur. It is very cruel.
All of your animal causes are so important but the pictures of beautiful , intelligent wild animals trapped in filthy confining cages has always been the most heartbreaking one for me. I am so glad you are making real headway there.
Kitty Block, if you have time, please check into Amazon. They are selling REAL fox tails to be used for key chains for young people. I have been writing complaints but it seems to be falling on deaf ears.
Thank you Jean Howarth
I am disgusted to see that Amazon who pretends to be environmentally pro-active is selling fox tails!!! Where are you writing to Amazon to Stop this unethical sale of body parts of any animal!! I will not buy from Amazon or any company that sells fur or any animal parts all in the name of vane and greed!! What have you received back from Amazon & who did you address it to? More needs to be done!!!
This is truly the best news…I’m beyond grateful for all involved, praying fo all to follow a moral suit. 👐🙏
Why wait untill 2023? I should think they could do it by Fall and show they really care instead of waiting two more years… Then I will applaud them.
I totally agree !!!! Why wait till 2023 ????? That’s just more CRUELTY waiting to happen !!
I agree with you.
Fur belongs on the animals bodies,
not on people!
It hurts my heart ❤ to see these beautiful foxes and animals trapped in horrible, wretched conditions. If I had the money, I would buy these foxes and set them free in protected wildlife areas! Gates or Bezos, you both could easily afford to save these gorgeous animals 🐱❤😺
I agree!!! 2023 is to long to wait!!! So many people will rally, donate, stop shopping at stores…..why the wait…..disgusting & makes me sick!!!
The wait is way too long!!!!!!! Now is the time to act!!! We are all in support of this!!!! Disgusting & I and so many others will ban these stores….. make them accountable now!!!!!
This cruel practice must be stopped immediately, in 2021. There is no reason to kill more of our beautiful wildlife!!!
BRAVO Neiman Marcus !!!
And May I just say…ITS ABOUT TIME !!!
My family has had dealings with you since the 60’s.. Now I am Proud to say so♥️
Why wait? DO IT NOW. Put down your guns, traps, and cages and let the animals live in what is left of the wild places.
I totally agree !!!! Why wait till 2023 ????? That’s just more CRUELTY waiting to happen !!
No more mutilation of animals. There are plenty of other resources that are just as good.
Até que enfim!
With so many choices when it comes to different types of clothes it is clear that the pain and suffering by animals for fashion doesn’t have to be!!! We must all do our part for a better world.
Finally the world understands that animals were not put here for the fashion industry
Please, NM, I implore you to MOVE UP the date to eliminate fur NOW, not 2 years from now. PLEASE DONT SELL ANOTHER PELT. With a more humane product line, NM’ sales will go UP NOT DOWN. The day you clear the shelves, racks and internet of fur products is the day you’ll gain a whole new clientele.