(07/03/2006) Sales up as consumers choose fur

Global fur sales have increased for the seventh consecutive year, reaching a figure of US$ 12.77 billion according to the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF).

The latest statistics, covering retail sales of full fur garments, trim and accessories for 2005, show a 9.1% increase on the previous year's results.

The survey has been carried out annually by the IFTF within its membership since 1998.

Frank Zilberkweit, British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) Director said: "We are not surprised by these global fur sales figures. They come at a time when fur retail sales in the UK are up by nearly a third from 2004.

We have just witnessed an incredible month of designers showing fur in Autumn/Winter collections on the international catwalks, and this reflects the continuing strong consumer demand for our product."

John Kay of John Kay Furs, London added: "We have had a very good year. On top of our regular customers we continue to welcome new customers into our store.

We are seeing customers of all ages purchasing from the wide range of fur garments and accessories available. Fur is not a 'here-today-gone-tomorrow' fashion - it is an integral part of a winter wardrobe. Innovative new design techniques mean that it is light and versatile so fits with today's lifestyle but provides the warmth and style that the consumer is looking for."

Ends

Notes to editors

The British Fur Trade Association (BFTA) is a member of the International Fur Trade Federation (IFTF), an international federation of 36 national fur trade associations and organisations from 30 countries. IFTF and its local associations promote the strict codes of practice that meet or exceed many international, national and state government standards for animal welfare, including non use of endangered species.

For more information visit www.britishfur.co.uk or www.iftf.com

Contact: press@britishfur.co.uk