California Becomes First State To Ban Sale and Manufacturing of Fur — Retail Bum
California’s ban on sale on manufacturing and sale of fur is now in effect, making it the first state in the U.S. to ban the fur trade.
The law prevents retailers, such as Bloomingdale’s, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus, from selling fur and requires them to shut any operational fur salons in their physical or online stores. Many other brands and retailers, such as Canada Goose, Kering, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Zegna, have already steered away from using and selling fur in response to the legislation.
That being said, the law still allows for the resale of used fur products at thrift stores, secondhand stores, and pawn shops. In addition, the sale of leather and shearling products is still permitted.
“We are grateful to California for taking a stand against the cruel fur industry by implementing this statewide ban on the production and sale of new fur products,” said Jenny Berg, California state director for the Humane Society of the United States.
“The fact that around 100 million animals are still raised and killed in fur factory farms for nothing more than a fur coat, hat, or other product is archaic, especially when humane, environmentally sustainable alternatives exist,” she added.
“We applaud California for leading the fight against fur and sending a powerful message that animals should no longer suffer and die for fashion.”
California’s ban on fur sales is particularly impactful as the state made for the biggest fur market in the U.S., accounting for $129 million worth of fur sales in 2017. New York came in second, with fur sales reaching $129 million. The two states together accounted for 43% of the $574 million U.S. fur industry.
“The year 2023 marks a historic step forward for California with the implementation of a law that truly represents the values of our constituents,” said State Assemblymaker Laura Friedman, who authorized the bill. “Californians do not want to see animals live and die in cruel ways for nothing more than fashion, and I’m so pleased that this law will help uphold our state’s animal welfare standards as well as potentially help drive innovation for more sustainable fashion alternatives.”
Originally published at https://retailbum.com on January 9, 2023.
