Fur Sales Up in 1999
Record Increase Substantiates Fur's Prominence with Consumers

Washington, D.C., May 31, 2000: Fur sales increased by over 15% in 1999, reaching $1.40 billion up from $1.21 billion in 1998, according to the Fur Information Council of America. This information was based on a recent survey of the United States fur retailers.

Factors contributing to the increase in fur sales were a healthy economy, the increase in the number of fashion designers working with fur and the fashion media's resounding support of fur as a major trend on the runways in 1999.

The survey, conducted annually by Southwick Associates, measured retail sales at fur salons nationwide from January 1 through December 31, 1999.

Over 75% of those retailers surveyed experienced increased sales in 1999. Retailers also reported that fur sales in the month of January, 2000 were also on the rise. Fur sales were up 16% compared to the previous January in 1999.

"This is the largest percentage increase of the decade for our industry," said Carol Wynne, executive director of the Fur Information Council of America.

A History of Fur Sales Survey Results

1991 : $1.0 billion
1992 : $1.1 billion
1993 : $1.2 billion
1994 : $1.1 billion
1995 : $1.2 billion
1996 : $1.25 billion
1997 : $1.27 billion
1998 : $1.21 billion
1999 : $1.40 billion

Source: Southwick Associates

See also:

Unanimous Verdict : Fur Is Back! FCUSA commentary, March 15, 2000.

For more information on North American fur fashion, design, manufacturing and retail, visit the Fur Council.

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