Saks Fifth Avenue joined a growing list of retail chains and brands such as Macy’s, Versace and Prada that will stop using animal skins on Wednesday, in response to consumer opinion.
Saks Fifth Avenue said it will phase out the use of skins by the end of fiscal year 2022. This includes associated and own-brand merchandise that is sold online and in stores. As part of the decision, Saks will eliminate the sale of products made from animals that were bred to use their skin or those made from wild animal skins. Sheepskin, goat, cattle, down, feathers, leather and synthetic leather products will continue to be sold online and in stores, the New York-based retailer said.
Saks Fifth Avenue also plans to close all its fur salons by the end of fiscal year 2021.
“Throughout the Saks Fifth Avenue experience, we evaluate a number of factors when making decisions about our assortment, including customer preferences and social change,” said Tracy Margolies, Saks Marketing Director, at a statement. “We recognize that trends are constantly evolving and that the sale of skins remains a major social problem.”