US Fur Sales Surge Ahead in 2002 for Sales of $1.7 Billion

LOS ANGELES, CA: The tremendous increase in product matched by growing consumer demand across all demographic segments led to strong retail sales gains for fur and fur-trimmed apparel and accessories in 2002. With over 45% of retailers noting an increase in store traffic over the 2001 season U.S. Fur retailers reported sales of $1.7billion in 2002 marking a gain of 13.2%.

"The unique tactile benefits of fur coupled with the versatility and creativity that results from new design and manufacturing innovations have made fur the fabric of choice for over 400 designers working in fur this season," noted Keith Kaplan, executive director of the Fur Information Council of America. "There was fur in collections for men and women of all ages with styles ranging from glamorous and sophisticated to fun and flirty to hip and street-smart. It was a season where there was something for everyone and everyone seemed to be interested in purchasing."

According to retailers sheared mink, shearlings and beaver are leading the growth in sales with particular sales gains noted among men, younger women and African Americans. Retailers further noted that the top factors influencing sales were fashion and weather.

The independent study of fur retailers has been conducted annually by Southwick Associates since 1991. "In order to provide consistent, comparable data from year to year the survey panel only includes more traditional fur retailers. Given fur's expanded distribution at specialty retailers as well as throughout various departments within large department stores, these results most likely underestimate the true growth in fur sales," suggests Rob Southwick, president of the research firm that bears his name.

See also:

Fur Retail Sales Remain Strong in Unstable Economy, FICA press release, May 20, 2002.

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

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