US fur sales increase in 2000
Based on a survey of a cross-section of the nation's retailers, FICA determined last year's volume was $1.69 billion, compared with $1.4 billion in 1999. The total included fur-trimmed and lined garments as well as storage and other services.
Of the 85 respondents to the survey, 88% experienced increases; none said they were down. The volume was calculated based on the percentage changes cited by the retailers compared to the previous year, which were weighted by the size of each retailer.
Meanwhile, Norway’s Stavagner Aftenblad newspaper has reported that thanks to strong international demand, fur farming is now twice as profitable as dairy or beef production. Fox hide sales are 50% up on the same time last year and demand shows no signs of slowing. Speaking to the newspaper, Per Haugstad, Head of the Norwegian fur sellers association, attributed the rise to increased demand and the effects of modernisation taking place within the fur processing industry.
