Luxury department store chain Nordstrom announced that it will ban the retail of products with fur or skins of exotic animals. The company teamed up with the animal rights group Humane Society of the United States for this effort, which would take effect next year.
Banning Skins from Exotic Animals
On Tuesday, the company announced the change that would affect its stores. The move will include Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Last Chance, and its digital stores. Moreover, this decision makes the Nordstrom the first American department chain to refuse the sale of exotic animal skins.
WE’RE GOING FUR-FREE. By the end of 2021, you’ll no longer find products made using animal fur or exotic animal skin at Nordstrom. Learn more about our decision to go fur-free and our partnership with the @HumaneSociety: https://t.co/M7TVI4z8MB pic.twitter.com/VxfQRC3jUo
— Nordstrom (@Nordstrom) September 29, 2020
In a CNN Business article, the updated policy will still allow the company to sell products comprised of animals like cows and calves, sheep and lambs, pigs, goats, and water buffalo. Meanwhile, Nordstrom will drop products containing skins from exotic animals like lizards, snakes, pythons, alligators, crocodiles, ostriches, sharks, kangaroos, and stingrays.
‘More Humane Business Model’
Kitty Block, president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, acknowledged Nordstrom’s efforts. “We applaud Nordstrom for ending the sale of fur and becoming the first US-based retailer to ban exotic animal skins.”
Block further said that the decision would send a message to other companies. It should teach them that animals should not experience suffering for fashion.
The org chief added that the initiative would pave the way for a “more humane business model and a safer world for animals.”
According to Teri Bariquit, Nordstrom remains committed to bringing the best service and merchandise for their customers. Bariquit serves as the chief merchandising officer of the company. “Delivering on that commitment means continually listening to customer feedback and evolving our product offering, Bariquit noted.
Sans Fur or Skin from Exotic Animals
The company claimed that their private labels have not used any materials made from the fur or skin of exotic animals for years.
Meanwhile, Block said that “Nordstrom’s decision will surely have a ripple effect on other influential fashion leaders.”
Previously, CNN Business noted that several other companies had also implemented similar policies. Last year, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s both said they would remove products with fur in 2021. In 2018, Coach promised to drop using genuine fur from mink, fox, coyote, and rabbit for its products.
