Three clothing retailers, including Neiman Marcus were cited by the Federal Trade Commission for misleading advertising by claiming that clothing containing fake or “faux fur” actually contained some real fur.
The FTC did not impose a fine, but the retailers agreed to comply with the U.S. Fur Act, which requires disclosure of the real fur content of any garment.
Under the Fur Act, retailers are also required to disclose the animal from which the real fur is taken, and if the apparel is “composed in whole or in substantial part of paws, tails, bellies or waste fur.”
Besides Neiman Marcus, the two other firms cited in the FTC’s administrative complaint were DrJays.com Inc., and Eminent Inc., doing business as Revolve Clothing,
The alleged violation by Neiman Marcus included a website offering of a $1,295 cardinal red Burberry Outerwear Jacket with a “Black faux-fur hood.” According to the label on the hood, however, what was advertised as fake fur was real fur.
Other mislabeling at Neiman Marcus, says the FTC, occurred on shoes that used rabbit fur instead of what was billed as a “dyed mink pouf.” The allegations were neither admitted nor denied.
Responding to the FTC’s charges, Neiman Marcus said in a statement that the firm “…is dedicated to providing complete and accurate information to our customers…Under the agreement we have signed with the Federal Trade Commission [we are] committed to identify correctly and promote accurately the fur and faux fur products offered in our catalogs and on our websites. Neiman Marcus will continue to work closely with our vendors and the FTC to provide the transparent and accurate product information that our customers expect and deserve.”
DrJays.com Inc., and Eminent Inc., along with Neiman Marcus entered a consent agreement with the FTC not to violate the U.S. Fur Act for a period of twenty years.