Macy’s to go fur-free

Macy’s is getting out of the fur business.

The department store giant announced that its namesake stores, Bloomingdale’s stores and their discount outlets will stop selling fur by the end of fiscal 2020 (early 2021). The exclusion includes all Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s private brands, as well as items sold from its brand partners. In line with the commitment, the retailer will close its 34 Fur Vaults inside Macy’s and 22 Maximilian fur salons in Bloomingdale’s. 

Macy’s said it made the decision after two years of closely following consumer and brand trends, listening to its customers and colleagues, and researching alternatives to fur. The move is being done in partnership with the Humane Society of the United States.

“Macy’s private brands are already fur-free so expanding this practice across all Macy’s, Inc. is the natural next step,” said Jeff Gennette, chairman and CEO. “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.”

While the anti-fur movement has been gaining support in the United States, Macy’s is by far the biggest U.S. retailer to ban the controversial product. Earlier this month, Gov. Gavin Newsom of California signed a bill banning all sales and manufacture of new fur products in the state. 

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