U.S. Fur Retail Sales Up a Notch in 2010
FUR COMMISSION USA PRESS RELEASE, MARCH 14, 2011
U.S. Fur Retail Sales Up a Notch in 2010
Fur Information Council of America releases latest statistics
Retail fur sales in the US rose 3.1% last year over 2009, according to the Fur Information Council of America (FICA).
Based on a survey asking retailers how much their gross sales had changed from the previous year, FICA determined that $1.3 billion worth of retail business was conducted in 2010. This covers all fur items, including fur apparel, shearlings, accessories and any other product containing some amount of real fur, plus services such as storage and alterations.
“The combination of a cold winter and fur’s presence as a major fashion trend worked together to support sales increases,” said executive director Keith Kaplan.
“Customers this year seemed to be looking for shorter, more fashion-oriented pieces,” said chairman Andre Ferber. “We saw customers buying several pieces and we saw a greater range of customers coming through our doors. Of course, this meant higher unit sales volume … and overall we have had an increase in total sales.”
Mink remains the most popular fur, the survey found, accounting for about 70% of all fur sold at retail. Sheared mink continues to show strong growth, as do knitted fur, broadtail, fox and beaver.
See also:
US mink: State of the industry – 2010. FCUSA commentary, Dec. 23, 2010.
US mink production edges up, auction prices rebound strongly. FCUSA analysis of latest USDA data, July 13, 2010.
Global fur sales remain stable during 2008/2009 recession. International Fur Trade Federation press release, Mar. 16, 2010.
