Problems with fur coats began in Russia

The countdown to winter has begun – and the first frosts have already arrived in some cities. The Russians conducted an audit of winter clothing, someone realized it: it would be nice to update a fur coat or a sheepskin coat. One problem is obvious – the Japanese manufacturer of the perfect winter down jackets has left Russia, but what about fur? At first glance, it seems that everything is still going well, and there is no reason for concern. In a large chain store in Moscow, prices for natural fur start at 10,000 rubles – this is how much a short, concise sheepskin coat-jacket costs. Long sheepskin coats are ready to sell for 20-25 thousand (of course, taking into account the endless sales that the store lures customers with). At the same time, you need to understand: sheep’s wool is not the same as sheepskin. Roughly speaking, this is the same woolen coat, only fluffy – a less frost-resistant option.

The golden mean – sheepskin coats below the knee length – will cost about 60 thousand rubles. This option can be called a compromise: it does not have the refined glamor of a mink coat, but it is much more elegant and warmer than a down jacket. For those who buy a fur coat for the warmth of natural fur, and not for the sake of status and demonstrating their wealth, this is an excellent solution. We are talking about fur coats made in Russia, so no problems with import substitution are expected – things are obviously domestic.

A classic mink coat will cost about 150-170 thousand rubles. The store website indicates: the country of the brand is Italy, but the country of production is Russia. This means that only the name of the trademark is “delivered” to us from abroad, and then the Russians work. Premium options – expensive and long mink coats of excellent quality – today cost from 300-350 thousand and more.

So you can please yourself with a new fur coat for the coming winter – if, of course, your wallet allows. And it is desirable to do it now – what will happen to the fur market next year is not yet known, but the forecasts are extremely depressing. As the president of the Russian Fur Union, Sergei Stolbov, said in an interview with an MK correspondent, a shortage is not expected in the near future just because there are solid stocks in the warehouses.

“The prospects so far are very bleak. Most of the fur coats on the Russian market came from China, although many items were sold under the “Made in Russia” label. This import is now a big question, many refused to work with us.

In second place is the European Union, and everything is really bad here, and for both sides. Let me remind you that, in accordance with the sanctions, it is forbidden to import luxury goods worth more than 300 euros into Russia. Of course, fur is subject to these restrictions. Because of this, the fur industries of Greece and Italy were on the verge of bankruptcy, because they gave more than 80% of their goods to the Russian market – there is no such demand for fur coats anywhere else. At the same time, they also blocked the supply channels for raw materials: after October 3, 2022, the EU banned the import of furs from Russia, including sables. They don’t have an alternative.

As Stolbov explained, in the summer, retailers were looking for new supply channels through Turkey, but everything is still vague here: it will not work to reach the previous volumes. Therefore, this season will sell the leftovers, although the trade, according to the specialist, is still on pause: many wealthy buyers have left, and those who remain do not often buy expensive things. A 25% drop is recorded across the entire sector.

The restriction on the import of luxury goods over 300 euros into Russia also affects ordinary Russians. If, for example, a woman decided to travel to Italy or Greece (visas are issued, planes fly through Istanbul) and bought a fur coat there, then the EU customs may well forbid taking the new thing to Russia – even for personal use. True, those who crossed the direct border of the EU and Russia through Finland or the Baltic countries (by car or bus) most often complained about the “atrocities” in this regard. Now this option is not possible, the countries adjacent to the Russian Federation have closed their borders.

Well, if you are flying on a connecting flight, then formally you are taking a fur coat not to Russia, but to Turkey or Armenia (or where do you have a ticket?), and this is allowed. However, this risk must be borne in mind: an expensive new thing can be withdrawn. The best way to save her is to cut off the price tag and put it on right away. In the summer, of course, this option is not suitable.

As for the prospects for import substitution (it would seem: does Russia need someone to sew a fur coat?), Everything depends on production volumes and financing. Of course, there is own production, but it is not ready to close even half of the market. We need large working capital, which now there is nowhere to get: we are not talking about the production of essential goods. At the same time, Stolbov is sure that there is still demand – newfangled environmental trends have not affected here.

The Russians still need fur coats. Eco-activism is not very relevant for our country, given our climate – more than 70% of Russians live in the cold, and the rejection of natural fur is not very suitable for them. Even young ones. As for things made of faux fur, they would be good if they were inexpensive, but now they are not. Everything comes down to price. “Cheburashki” is not so cheap, moreover, it is a one-time product that lasts much less than a genuine sheepskin coat. Accordingly, more and more people will vote in favor of a good natural thing,” Stolbov explained.