Macy’s has announced it will stop selling fur in its stores – making it the largest retailer to do so.
The fashion giant, which has 680 department stores and approximately 190 specialty stores, will phase out real fur by the end of 2020’s fiscal year.
‘Direct feedback’
“Over the past two years, we have been closely following consumer and brand trends, listening to our customers and researching alternatives to fur,” Jeff Gennette, chairman and chief executive officer of Macy’s, Inc. said in a statement.
“We’ve listened to our colleagues, including direct feedback from our Go Green Employee Resource Group, and we have met regularly on this topic with the Humane Society of the United States and other NGOs.
“We remain committed to providing great fashion and value to our customers, and we will continue to offer high-quality and fashionable faux fur alternatives.”
‘Taking a stand against fur’
“This announcement is consistent with the views of countless consumers in the marketplace, and other retailers should follow,” Kitty Block, the president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, said in a statement.
“With so many designers, major cities, and now a state taking a stand against the sale of fur, we’re that much closer to ending this unnecessary and inhumane practice.”
PJ Smith, director of fashion policy at the Humane Society, added: “Across the board, the industry has moved away from fur. I think the consumer is really speaking up on this and we’re at a time when retailers really want to align their policies to what customers want.”
The announcement follows California becoming the first US state to ban the sale and manufacture of fur products.