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The Present : Greek Fur and
Trade
Fur manufacturing and trade are traditional
activities in the regions of Kastoria and Siatista,
with a history that goes back to the 15th century.
During those years and mostly during the last decades
it ran through a lot of ups and downs, with prosperous
periods as the years between 1960-1987.
During the last five-years, however,
there is a tendency of stabilisation in the international
fur market, which is due to the following factors:
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•The economies of Western Countries present intense
signs of recovery, consequently the economic situation
is more favourable for the consumption of luxury items.
•The various organisations that defend “animal rights”
are in recession. Their activities are given very few
publicity and consumers are not influenced by their
extreme opinions.
•The opening of new markets also constitutes a very
important factor. Such markets are the Eastern Countries,
in which fur products have a big demand, not only because
they are a prestigious symbol of wealth and high social
status, but mainly because the climatic conditions of
these countries render fur an irreplaceable and functional
garment. Also, during the last years, China, Hong-Kong,
and South Korea have entered the fur industry dynamically,
both in production and trade of ready made fur garments.
Most of the production in these countries is intended
for internal consumption which is increasing due to
their economic development.
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| •Another important factor of the furs’
comeback is that it is back in fashion. During the last
years an increasing number of famous Designers and Fashion
Houses include fur in their Collections as a full fur
garment, trimming or accessory. Fur has become a "MUST"
for well dressed fashionable people. The reintroduction
of fur in the limelight brought important changes in the
material itself and in the type of garments manufactured
by it. Thus we observe a very important change in the
way consumers approach fur, which apart of a symbol of
the owners’ economic prosperity it covers daily needs
of clothing. Non-conventional pieces are mostly in demand,
with progressive designs and innovative treatments, which
combine different materials, which are colourful, light
weighted and easy to wear and can be worn during all the
hours. The Collections presented are perfectly renewed
and not simply a reproduction of last years most commercial
pieces. The medium age of customers has decreased up to
10 years in a lot of cases, because the renewed modern
image of fur is also appealing to younger ages. |
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The industry is struggling to assemble
from the crisis which it suffered of during the previous
years. The course of the last years shows that the potentials
are many and if the economic situations of the consumer
countries continue to flourish and the Greek Industry
markets’ it’s products well, the future seems to be
quite positive.
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