Macy’s will no longer sell goods using leather made from alligators, snakes, lizards, and ostriches.
According to the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), the decision came after it met with the department store retailer to share videos and information exposing the cruel treatment of birds and reptiles used in fashion products. Macy’s Inc. had already banned fur from being sold in Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s, and now, the sale of all exotic animal skins will also be prohibited across its e-commerce channels and 445 retail stores.
PETA said it was celebrating Macy’s decision by sending the retailer a cake decorated with ostriches and lizards. The nonprofit continues to urge luxury fashion firms LVMH, Gucci, Prada and Hermes follow the department store’s lead and ban exotic skins.
“Behind every ostrich- or reptile-skin bag is an animal who suffered an agonizing death, and we applaud Macy’s for taking action to help end such violence,” PETA executive vice president Tracy Reiman said. “PETA is celebrating this compassionate move and reminding everyone that skin belongs only on the animals who were born in it.”
PETA entities have documented the abuse of alligators, lizards, ostriches and snakes in captivity. These animals are often conscious and fearful when they’re slaughtered, and subjected to practices that cause them physical and mental distress before death.
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Macy’s joins other prominent brands and retailers that have banned exotic skins, including Burberry, Calvin Klein, Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, and Uniqlo. Brands are increasingly exploring vegan leather options made from pineapple leaves, mycelium, apples, cacti and other bio-based materials to replace animal hides. In recent seasons, Macy’s has added certified animal-derived materials into its line, from Downpass Standard and Responsible Down Standard goose downs for its apparel and home products to Responsible Wool Standard wool for its apparel and soft home items.