Post by Sunshine on Feb 10, 2008 12:26:37 GMT -5
SANDY PARKER REPORT, VOL. 31, ISSUE 47, FEB. 4, 2008
The following are highlights from the Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News, reproduced with permission. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for over 40 years. For the last 30 years he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing the results of all the major international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements within the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.
To receive these reports either in print or electronically, subscribe to Sandy Parker Reports, PO Box 348, Merrick, NY 11566; Tel: (516) 377-4576; Fax: (516) 379-4379; SParker@SandyParker.com; www.sandyparker.com
International Fur News
with Sandy Parker
January proving strong for most fur retail markets
IN THE TWO BIGGEST FUR MARKETS IN THE WORLD, RUSSIA AND CHINA, January sales were described as excellent, far better than a year ago, when the weather was not consistently good. It could not immediately be learned how the recent widely-spread snowstorms may have impacted on Chinese retail traffic, but initial reports were that it held up well. Sales there also got the benefit of the promotion - and actual retail business - at the recent Fur and Leather Fair in Beijing. And in Russia, which has become one of the largest markets for sable, those pelts brought record prices at last week's auction in St. Petersburg.
In the U.S., the month was ending up well, retailers noting that sales were across the board and following the same pattern as before. Full-length coats were showing a bit more life, which was taken as a reflection of the more consistently cold weather. Once considered the heart of their business, retailers have learned to regard even long mink coats as just another cold-weather item, albeit a luxury one. They used to sell well early in anticipation of a normal winter, but as consumers were taught to wait for the big discounts in November and December, most of those early sales were lost and the increasingly mild winter months undercut the weather incentive.
THE GROWING POPULARITY OF SABLE, PARTICULARLY AMONG RUSSIAN CONSUMERS, sent pelt prices to new records last week at the Sojuzpushnina auction in St. Petersburg. And, reflecting the rapid rise of Russia's moneyed class with appetites for such goods, it was the best qualities that drew the greatest demand and strongest advances. The sale attracted the biggest crowd in years, including many first-time buyers. The item has been selling well around the world in garments, accessories and trimmings, but the fastest-growing market has been at home.
The following are highlights from the Sandy Parker Reports, Weekly International Fur News, reproduced with permission. Sandy Parker has been covering the fur industry for over 40 years. For the last 30 years he has published a weekly newsletter, detailing the results of all the major international pelt auctions, wholesale price trends, business developments and movements within the trade, as well as economic and political activities that may impact on it.
To receive these reports either in print or electronically, subscribe to Sandy Parker Reports, PO Box 348, Merrick, NY 11566; Tel: (516) 377-4576; Fax: (516) 379-4379; SParker@SandyParker.com; www.sandyparker.com
International Fur News
with Sandy Parker
January proving strong for most fur retail markets
IN THE TWO BIGGEST FUR MARKETS IN THE WORLD, RUSSIA AND CHINA, January sales were described as excellent, far better than a year ago, when the weather was not consistently good. It could not immediately be learned how the recent widely-spread snowstorms may have impacted on Chinese retail traffic, but initial reports were that it held up well. Sales there also got the benefit of the promotion - and actual retail business - at the recent Fur and Leather Fair in Beijing. And in Russia, which has become one of the largest markets for sable, those pelts brought record prices at last week's auction in St. Petersburg.
In the U.S., the month was ending up well, retailers noting that sales were across the board and following the same pattern as before. Full-length coats were showing a bit more life, which was taken as a reflection of the more consistently cold weather. Once considered the heart of their business, retailers have learned to regard even long mink coats as just another cold-weather item, albeit a luxury one. They used to sell well early in anticipation of a normal winter, but as consumers were taught to wait for the big discounts in November and December, most of those early sales were lost and the increasingly mild winter months undercut the weather incentive.
THE GROWING POPULARITY OF SABLE, PARTICULARLY AMONG RUSSIAN CONSUMERS, sent pelt prices to new records last week at the Sojuzpushnina auction in St. Petersburg. And, reflecting the rapid rise of Russia's moneyed class with appetites for such goods, it was the best qualities that drew the greatest demand and strongest advances. The sale attracted the biggest crowd in years, including many first-time buyers. The item has been selling well around the world in garments, accessories and trimmings, but the fastest-growing market has been at home.