What: Neiman Marcus pledged to phase out animal fur last June and will stop selling it entirely in March 2023,  replacing it with alternatives such as apple leather.

Why is it important: NGM’s CEO stated that the group has already halved its fur inventory and they are keen to prove to those customers that they are “replacing something, not taking something away”.

Alongside its fur ban, the group has committed to increasing its revenue from sustainable and ethical products by 2025. NMG says it extended the life of 350,000 items in 2021 through circular fashion services including alterations, restoration and resale. Part of this positive framing is the transformation of NMG’s 22 in-store fur salons into alterations bars and circular fashion hubs, where customers can access customisation, refurbishment and even resale, a process that is already underway. The group will continue to offer fur storage, restoration and cleaning services – to keep existing garments in circulation for as long as possible and avoid them going to landfills.

Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s have been fur-free since the end of 2020, while Saks Fifth Avenue will stop selling fur by the end of 2022. However, finding plant-based materials that match the quality and feel of fur is posing a significant challenge, as is bringing along on the journey brands and consumers, particularly the most loyal, high-spending clients.

Neiman Marcus replaces fur with apple leather