Season outlook brightens a bit

SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 33, ISSUE 30, SEPTEMBER 28, 2009
The following extract is reproduced with permission from Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for more than four decades. For most of that time he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing results of international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements in the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.

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International Fur News
with Sandy Parker

Season outlook brightens a bit

FOR THE APPROACHING RETAIL SEASON, the general feeling is that prospects are somewhat brighter than they were a year ago. Although unemployment is still a main concern, economic indicators in the U.S. rose in August for the fifth consecutive month. The August results support projections by many analysts that economic growth resumed in the latest quarter and will continue in the October-December quarter. According to Federal Reserve chairman Ben S. Bernanke, the recession is “very likely over.” The healthy upturn in the financial markets and indications that bankers, stockbrokers and other executives will again receive six- and seven-figure yearend bonuses also augurs well for luxury goods retailers.

The prevailing view is that sales of fashion and better furs are likely to fare relatively better than commercial products. Also, that hats and other fur accessories may see increased demand as budget-conscious consumers try to stretch what disposable income they still have.

IN THIS ISSUE
Mink Firm at Finnish Windup
Bluefox Advances 25%-30%
Wholesale Prices Seen Holding…
…but Discounts May Disappear
Season Outlook Brightens a Bit

For extracts from back issues of Sandy Parker Reports see News Archive. Subscribers can access an archive of complete issues at www.sandyparker.com.