Neiman Marcus To Pay HSUS $25K For Faux Fur Trickery

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by Michael dEstries February 5, 2010
Categories: Animals.

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In late 2008, the Humane Society of the United States filed a lawsuit against six of the nation’s largest retailers and fashion designers for engaging in false advertising and mislabeling of fur garments. Andrew Marc, Dillard’s, Lord & Taylor, Macy’s, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue were all taken to task over their use of fur from the Chinese raccoon dog.

“Despite all the designers and retailers that have gone fur-free in recent years, a hardcore group of heartless holdouts continues to peddle raccoon dog coats to unsuspecting consumers,” said Jonathan R. Lovvorn, vice president and chief counsel for animal protection litigation for The HSUS. “These defendants are the worst of the worst, and just don’t seem to care if consumers are buying their products thinking they are ‘faux fur,’ but are actually getting raccoon dog fur from China.”

Since the suit was filed, dramatic changes have taken place. Most recently, Neiman Marcus agreed to pay $25K to the HSUS after a D.C. court found that the retailer breached consumer protection laws. Saks has agreed to repay the $6,500 HSUS paid to test the coats — and along with Neiman, accepted more stringent labeling requirements, as well as pledging to support legislation pending in Congress aimed at requiring labeling on all coats made of real fur. The Truth in Fur Labeling Act would close a loophole exempting coats under $150 from fur-related labeling requirements.

Lord & Taylor and Andrew Marc settled last year. As part of its settlement, Lord & Taylor agreed to stop selling raccoon dog garments altogether. Unfortunately, Macy’s is still fighting and the case against them continues.

Well done, HSUS!


Categories: Animals.

About Michael dEstries

Michael has been blogging since 2005 on issues such as sustainability, renewable energy, philanthropy, and healthy living. He regularly contributes to a slew of publications, as well as consulting with companies looking to make an impact using the web and social media. He lives in Ithaca, NY with his family on an apple farm.

View all posts by Michael dEstries →
  • http://a-soy-bean.blogspot.com/ ASB

    My Dad called Neiman Marcus to order me a pair of boots They were listed as faux fur both on their website and in their catalogue, but when placing his order, he tried to confirm that the boots were, in fact, faux, as he was ordering them for a vegan. The woman said she could not make such a confirmation (?!) and directed him to contact the manufacturer directly. He did so (Juicy Couture) and was told that they were unequivocally real fur.

  • Chastity

    Fur is faux fur is leather is wool is silk is down feathers. It’s all the same thing.

  • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=566480478 erin

    Don’t ever shop at Macy’s… They are one of the cold heartless losers holding out..

    Go to TJ Maxx or Marshall’s and get the same name brands for significantly less. or BETTER yet buy local organic made clothes which most boutique stores carry (even in small towns)

    E

  • Chastity

    Forget boycotting specific stores. Boycott all of the companies, stores, designers, etc etc who have imperialistic tendencies. Boycott the practice. Go to etsy and buy your clothing from there. Find other fair trade and organic companies/brands/designers/etc to support–not companies have lines/divisions/departments. You want to support a business who has wanted to go out of their way–not someone who’s trying to capitalize on the trend.

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