Harvey Nichols is ditching fur in a move that’s been described as ‘iconic’ by advocates.

World renowned British luxury retail chain Harvey Nichols has announced it will stop selling fur by the end of this year.

The 192-year-old fashion house is said to have made the decision following pressure from campaigners.

The well-known retail chain previously introduced a fur-free policy in 2004 but started selling fur products again in 2013. As of December 2022, Harvey Nichols was selling fur products from several brands including Yves Solomon, CP Company, Canada Goose, and Moncler.

Ditch fur campaigns

Humane Society International/UK, one of the several animal groups pushing Harvey Nichols to ditch fur as part of the Fur Free Britain campaign, wrote to the retailer in 2022, sharing investigation material from fur farms in China.

The footage reiterated the cruelty rampant across fur farms. Animals killed for their fur were commonly kept in harsh conditions, often involving extreme temperatures.

They were confined in tiny wired cages stacked on top of each other and had no opportunity to mingle in natural surroundings or access to veterinary care.

HSI UK also highlighted that Harvey Nichols’ Animal Sourcing Policy, based on commitments to ethical treatment, was not in line with the conditions for animals found at said farms.

Following the findings, a Harvey Nichols spokesperson told The Mirror: “As part of our ongoing review of these practices and continued sustainability initiatives, Harvey Nichols confirms that it will phase out the sale of fur or fur-trimmed products both online and in stores, to be completely fur-free by the end of 2023.”

‘Iconic moment’

Responding to the news, Claire Bass, senior director of campaigns and public affairs at Humane Society International/UK, said: “Harvey Nichols going fur free is an iconic moment in our campaign for a Fur Free Britain.

“This world famous British department store has come to the inevitable conclusion that so-called ‘ethical fur’ simply doesn’t exist and fur farming flies in the face of any credible notion of sustainability.

“Harvey Nichols’ compassionate stance now leaves the handful of remaining retailers that continue to sell fur looking increasingly isolated.”

Fur-free brands

Harvey Nichols is the latest in a long line of retailers and designers that have banned fur in recent years, including Frasers Group, Farfetch, Net-a-Porter, Burberry, Chanel and Prada.

 The announcement signifies the accelerating decline of the fur trade. Moreover, the use of animal fur is becoming increasingly distasteful among the public.

A 2021 survey found that 72 % of Brits want a ban on the fur trade. Meanwhile, 93% said they didn’t wear fur at all.

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