Macy’s has announced that it will stop selling fur by the end of 2020 in a huge victory for animal rights activists. 

The department store chain has responded to mounting pressure by the Humane Society of the United States, PETA and animal welfare groups.

Macy’s Inc is the largest U.S. department store with 900 stores in 44 states. Although the store’s own label brands are already fur free, the American retail giant will further discontinue all fur items at its departmental outlets – Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s – as well as at its off-price stores, including Macy’s Backstage and Bloomingdale’s The Outlet.

The company will also shut its fur vaults and salons, which are exclusive in-store areas dedicated to fur products.

‘Trends’

“Over the past two years, we have  been closely following consumer and brand trends, listening to our customers and researching alternatives to fur,” Macy’s CEO and chairman Jeff Gennette said in a press release.

“Macy’s private brands are already fur free so expanding this practice across all Macy’s, Inc. is the natural next step.

“We are proud to partner with the Humane Society of the United States in our commitment to ending the sale of fur. We remain committed to providing great fashion and value to our customers, and we will continue to offer high-quality and fashionable faux fur alternatives,” he added in his statement.

Victory

The decision has been hailed as a monumental victory for animal rights organisations.

Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States said: “We applaud Macy’s, Inc.’s forward-thinking and principled decision to end the sale of fur by the end of fiscal 2020.

 “This announcement is consistent with the views of countless consumers in the marketplace, and other retailers should follow. With so many designers, major cities and now a state taking a stand against the sale of fur, we’re that much closer to ending this unnecessary and inhumane practice.”

Other apparel and fashion brands that have stopped dealing with fur include Burberry, Chanel, Gucci, Calvin Klein, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade and Ralph Lauren

Many countries worldwide have passed legislations vetoing fur trade including Serbia, Luxembourg, Norway, Czech Republic, Japan, Austria and the United Kingdom.

• Read: California bans exotic animal skins, fur and animal circuses

What do you think of Macy’s decision to ban fur? Share your thoughts in the comments below! 

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