Culture, Entertainment, Fashion

Selfridges Become First Department Shop to Ditch Sales of Exotic Animal Skins

0 184

By Shawna Healey


Back in February, Selfridges made history with the announcement that they would be ending their sale of exotic animal skin products, phasing them out by 2020, making them the first major department shop to do so.

The store stopped selling fur back in 2005, and will now phase out inventory made from the skins of crocodiles, alligators, lizards and pythons.

By 2020, the department shop will only sell products from ‘agricultural livestock’ including cows, calves, and lambs, such as leather and wool.

This comes after the introduction of their 2016 Buying Better Strategy, which includes a commitment to ensuring that 50% of the products it sells are “better for people and planet by 2022”.

Parisian fashion giant Chanel announced back in December 2018 that they will also stop using exotic animal skins in their production.

Humane Society International executive director, Claire Bass, said:

“It is wonderful to see Selfridges end the sale of exotic skins, a move that will save countless crocodiles and snakes from losing their lives. When Selfridges went fur-free more than a decade ago, it positioned itself as a retailer at the forefront of compassionate fashion. Banning exotic skins in recognition of the serious animal welfare issues that exist in this industry is a natural next step for a responsible retailer.”

Despite a recent rise in animal welfare concerns, many retailers still use fur and other animal products, sometimes even advertising it as fake.

About the author / 

Shawna Healey

I'm Shawna, 21, and Welsh studying Geography at MMU. I have varying interests and opinions but usually its all things feminism.

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

More News Stories:

  • The enduring legacy of the debut album – aAh!’s favourite first records

    Featured image: American Football – American Football album artwork The debut album has long been treated as a baptism of fire for artists – the deciding factor that determines whether a band will ‘make it’ or not. Some debuts set the tone for what follows: Arctic Monkeys’ Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m…

  • Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra @ Palace Theatre gallery – an evening of jazz, charm and charisma

    Featured image and gallery: Lucy Elson-Whittaker Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra come to the Palace Theatre in Manchester to celebrate the release of their new album, Night Blooms. Liverpool-based Brooke Combe opens the evening with a stripped-back set alongside her guitarist, her soulful vocals instantly captivating the crowd. Blending heartfelt performances with quick-witted…

  • Take That @ Etihad Stadium review – group ‘Shine’ in spectacular Manchester homecoming

    Featured image and gallery: Sally Stretch Three decades after they first emerged in Manchester, Take That return home to the Etihad Stadium and deliver an unforgettable show, combining circus theatrics and crowd-pleasing hits from across their catalogue. Formed in 1990, the group have released multiple chart-topping albums and embarked on numerous world tours, including 2009’s…

  • Rainbow Kitten Surprise @ O2 Apollo review – enthralling and magnetic

    Featured image and gallery: Sub Khan It’s no surprise that Rainbow Kitten Surprise have made a name for themselves in recent years, their genre-merging approach and deeply introspective lyrics piquing the curiosity of thousands. Formed in 2013, the band have long surpassed their humble roots of playing their dorm rooms in North Carolina. From establishing…