Contact: Diva Lynch, 703-471-5238
Rob Southwick, Southwick Associates, 904-277-9765

US Fur Sales Up in 2000
Record increase is largest in recent history

Washington, D.C.: Fur sales increased by over 21% in the year 2000, reaching $1.69 billion - up from $1.40 billion in 1999, according to the Fur Information Council of America. This information was based on a recent survey of United States fur retailers conducted by Southwick Associates.

Over 88% of the retailers surveyed experienced increased sales in 2000. The survey, conducted annually, measured retail sales at fur salons nationwide from January 1 through December 31, 2000.

Contributing factors to the increase in fur sales were a sound economy, and increased fashion media attention. The number of fashion designers working with fur has also increased in the last two years and more designers used fur as their fabric of choice on the runways in 2000.

"This is the largest percentage increase for the fur industry since 1988," said Diva Lynch, interim executive director of the Fur Information Council of America. "Younger and more fashion-conscious consumers and hip new designers are attracting a new generation to fur."

While other luxury goods showed some gain in 2000, fur sales were by far stronger than other high-end products.

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
2000 : $1.69 billion

Source: Southwick Associates

See also:

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

For further information contact: Fur Information Council of America (FICA), 447a Carlisle Drive, Herndon, Virginia 21070 USA; 703-471-5238, fax 703-471-6485; info@fur.org; Rob Southwick, Southwick Assoc.: 904-277-9765.

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