Neiman Marcus Group (NMG) has committed to eliminating products containing animal fur from its stores by early 2023.

This Animal Welfare Policy applies to all NMG brands, including Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman. NMG will also close its existing fur salons.

The change follows the company’s recent announcement that it had created a dedicated team to identify, improve and disclose performance on Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) issues across its business, including animal welfare.

The company’s upcoming ESG strategy is expected to place a strong emphasis on its ability to bring luxury to life, partly through curation of sustainable and ethical products.

“We are delivering an ultimate luxury experience for our customers and their evolving preferences. We are updating our assortment to feature multiple sustainable and ethical luxury fashion categories,” said Geoffroy van Raemdonck, CEO, Neiman Marcus Group. “It is clear the future is fur-free and that includes the ultra-luxury space. As a leader in luxury retail, NMG has an opportunity to help build a better future for our industry. We’re grateful to the Humane Society of the United States for their partnership.”

The company worked with the Humane Society of the United States to commit to exit fur and drafted an Animal Welfare Policy that aligns with its Fur Free Alliance guidelines.

The Humane Society of the United States applauded the company’s policy. “We welcome this important policy from Neiman Marcus Group,” said PJ Smith, director of Fashion Policy for the Humane Society of the United States. “The company’s fur-free pledge represents a transformational change in retail, and we applaud NMG for making progress on an issue that so many consumers care deeply about.”

NMG plans to work with luxury brands to create luxury concepts for that customer. Existing fur salons at Neiman Marcus and Bergdorf Goodman stores will be converted to luxury experience spaces.

Photo courtesy Humane Society of the United States Fur Free Alliance