Amazing Fur Industry Facts

Some Fur Industry Facts

Fur has become very trendy along with the practical benefit of keeping you warm. However, there are many other interesting facts about this industry that are lesser known but very interesting. This post will explore some interesting facts about this industry.

• Did you you know that more than one million people are employed full time in the fur industry worldwide and many more work on a seasonal basis.
• The biggest exporter of fur is Europe and the biggest importer is China. Demand for buying fur is also very strong in North America, Europe and Russia.
• There are more designers working with fur today than in the eighties. In 1985 there were only 42 designers compared to today, with over 400 renowned designers using fur in their fashion collections.
• 85% of American fur retailers are independently run small businesses.
• In 2013 U.S.  sales were 1.39 billion, which is 10%  higher than 2012.
• Mink remains one of the most popular furs. It represents about 70% of all retail sales.
• This industry contributes about $800 million to the Canadian economy, with about 70,000 people involved in this trade.
• More and more celebrities and models are wearing fur coats than in previous years. A few famous names are: Beyonce Knowles, Madonna and Jennifer Lopez.
• Warmth was the number one reason given by consumers when asked why they owned a fur coat.

This industry is growing in sales and becoming very trendy. Now you know that real fur not only looks amazing but provides some very practical benefits of warmth,durability and it helps to support the economy.

Fur Industry as big as the Wi-Fi industry

According to a recent study, the global fur trade is valued at over $40 billion which is roughly the size of the global WiFi industry. This shows how strong the global economic impact is from this growing industry. This industry is not only growing but also is becoming an economic powerhouse to many economies around the world. This study is the first one to look at the whole fur industry. It looks beyond  just the retail stores and includes designer boutiques, sporting goods stores and also looks at the value of fur farming and production. Here are some highlights of this study, that was commissioned by the International Fur Federation and conducted in 2012/13:

• Global retail sales were $35.8 Billion and fur farming is valued at $7.8 Billion.
• Total employment in this sector is over one million worldwide.
• In countries such as; Greece, Russia, China and Denmark, fur is a huge contributor to their national economy and employs thousands of people.
• Fur was appearing in over 70% of the fall 2014  designer collections with significant growth in the home accessory category.
• According to the Fur Information Council of America and the Fur Council of Canada,  the 2013 North American fur sales were $1.7 Billion, which is 10 per cent higher than 2012.

This study clearly demonstrates how important this industry is to the global economy and how it is poised for continued growth for years to come.

Fur Myths Explained

Fur is a luxurious and very practical fabric to wear in winter and keeps you looking fashionable. Also, the industry is growing in popularity and yearly in terms of revenue. However, despite these industry trends, there continues to be some myths about this industry. We will highlight some of the more common fur myths and some facts that counter them.

• Myth 1: The fur trade is un-regulated.

The fur trade is tightly regulated by state, national and international governing bodies. These regulations cover everything from animal welfare to environmental impact.

• Myth 2: Fake fur is more sustainable.

Fake furs come from non-renewable sources due to being made with petroleum based products. Natural fur comes from renewable sources and has a 20 - 30 year life span.

• Myth 3: Fur is a vanity product bought by the wealthy.

Recent surveys say the number one reason people bought fur was for the incredible warmth. It provides exceptional heat retention and looks beautiful. While the up front cost can be higher, it will tend to last longer than synthetic fibers making it a good investment. Also, fur is available in many accessories that can keep your warm. There are fur trim parkas, scarves and headbands that can be affordable for anyone. So there you have a few common myths about this industry that have been exposed by some facts. This trade is an ethical & responsible industry based on the sustainable use of natural resources. Enjoy your fur and feel good about your purchase so that you can tackle winter with this amazing natural fiber. Frequently Asked Questions about the Fur Industry. There are many common questions people have about the fur industry. So in the interest of having people know the correct information, here are some common questions & answers.

• Why is a fur coat so expensive? Answer: The price is due to the many hours of skilled work that must be done to create a fur coat. The first step is the effort of the fur farmer or trapper. Then the fur goes to an auction, where the fur is sold. Then there is the fur processing, after this is the sewing and finishing stages.
• Do fur farmers and trappers get a fair price for their products? Answer: The quick answer is yes they do.  The main auction companies are owned by the fur producers. The trappers and farmers receive the full value of their furs, with just a small commission taken off to cover the costs of running the auction.
• How long does it take to make a fur coat? Answer: It takes anyway from 40 - 100 hours of detailed craftsmanship to create one fur coat.
• Are fashion designers using real fur in their new collections? Answer: They are using fur more than ever as evidenced in recent fashion shows. There were over 500 top designers using fur in their collections, in fashion shows in New York, Paris, London and Milan.
• What can I do with my old fur coat? Answer: If your old fur coat seems out of date, it can be re-styled to a new fashionable look. Old fur coats can even be transformed into other fur products such as; fur vests, pillows and other garments as well.

We hope some of these fur facts help you to know about the fur industry and how fur is becoming very trendy among top fashion designers.