Online retailer Overstock.com said today that it will no longer sell fur on its Web site.
The decision to stop selling fur came after the company was contacted by the Humane Society of the United States, which says around 100 retailers and designers have promised not to use fur in their products.
“The Humane Society of the United States brought to our attention its issues about the fur industry. They did so in a thoughtful, measured way. We listened, and decided that they are right. So we are going fur-free,” said Patrick M. Byrne, chairman and chief executive of Overstock.com.
Overstock sold between $1 million to $5 million in furs annually before deciding to go fur-free, Byrne said. Sales growth of fur products had been about 30 percent on the site.
The Humane Society, the largest animal protection organization in the U.S., has been testing clothes made abroad, particularly in China, in which it found that garments sold in American stores were mislabeled.
The fur from raccoon dogs, an Asian member of the dog family, was found in clothing in which the label said the fur was fake, or was from other animals such as rabbits.
Overstock said it will be sending out an email alert to its customers telling them about its new fur free policy.
“By refusing to sell animal fur, Overstock.com is distinguishing itself as a compassionate and socially responsible company. The company has set a standard for others in the industry to follow,” said Wayne Pacelle, president and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States.
