US' Neiman Marcus Group reduces fur inventory levels by half

NMG has adopted a new Animal Welfare Policy and committed to eliminate fur products from its assortments by March 2023. Nine months later, the company has shared its progress to apply these changes to all NMG brands, including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman.

"It is clear the future is fur-free, and that includes the ultra-luxury space. As a leader in luxury retail, NMG has an opportunity to help build a better future for our industry," said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, chief executive officer, Neiman Marcus Group. "Since our announcement, we've seen many of our brand partners join this movement, further assisting our efforts to implement this much-needed change and create a more sustainable future for fashion."

NMG worked closely with the Humane Society of the United States in 2021 to create its Animal Welfare Policy. Over the last eight months, NMG has begun to implement its exit from fur, scheduled for March 2023, and 100 per cent compliance with this new policy that aligns with the Fur Free Alliance guidelines, the company said in a media release.

These important steps include reimagining the merchandising assortments and aligning on a plan for how fur salons will evolve.

"Our Merchandising teams have begun asking brand partners to identify items with preferred product attributes that will power the new 'Fashioned for Change' and 'Conscious Curation' edits at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman, which launch this spring," said Chris Demuth, SVP of People Services, ESG, & Belonging, NMG.

Both edits will feature products made with sustainable materials, including bio-based vegan leathers – like Prota Fiori, a Certified B Corp founded by Jennifer Stucko who has pioneered the use of apple leather in women's footwear made in Italy, as well as products that are responsibly manufactured, give back philanthropically, are made by diverse-owned brands, or promote enhanced transparency through digital product passports, the release added.

NMG has continued to partner closely with The Humane Society and Textile Exchange to inform its efforts and access reputable training for brand partners.

NMG's Animal Welfare Policy and the launch of its brands' new sustainable product edits is expected to help the company meet its goal to increase revenue from the sale of sustainable and ethical products by 2025.

As shared last year, existing fur salons at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores will be converted into spaces customised for modern luxury experiences. Over time, the salons will be converted into spaces featuring alterations, personalisation, dining and other experiential customer moments.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KD)