Retailers Amazon and TK Maxx have again been accused of selling clothing items containing real fur, following an investigation by a British TV programme.
A BBC Watchdog Live presenter visited a branch of TK Maxx – which according to its website has had a no-fur policy since 2003 – and bought a bag made of fox fur. Other items available on the company’s website include shoes with fluffy bobbles made from racoon dog fur.
It is the second fur-related allegation in under a year for both retailers.
On its Twitter page, RSPCA England and Wales said it was “very disappointing to hear that major retailers are deceiving the public when it comes to faux fur”.
It’s very disappointing to hear that major retailers are deceiving the public when it comes to faux fur. Sadly this isn’t the first time we’ve heard of this. Find out how to tell if fur is real, and take action for a #FurFreeBritain https://t.co/AYHSMq0bEB #WatchdogLive pic.twitter.com/2wXZYB70FL
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— RSPCA (England & Wales) (@RSPCA_official) November 14, 2018
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Customers have also taken to the social media channel to express their thoughts.
Absolutely disgraceful that @TKMaxx_UK have been found selling REAL fur when it’s been falsely advertised as ‘faux fur’ I’m glad they’re being named and shamed.
— LAILA (@lailaghoss) November 15, 2018
Absolutely DISGUSTING @AmazonUKsale, @TKMaxxHelp, @MissyEmpireUK @axparis Selling real fur as fake fur. NO EXCUSES! You claim to have a no fur policy yet torture and murder animals!
— Claire AB Grey Witch (@ClaireTheHag1) November 14, 2018
However, in an email to just-style, Amazon said the products in question were “no longer available.” It added: “All Marketplace sellers must follow our selling guidelines and those who don’t will be subject to action including potential removal of their account. The products in question are no longer available.”
In an email to just-style, a spokesperson for TK Maxx said: “TK Maxx is committed to operating its business with the highest level of integrity. We take this situation very seriously. We have had a no fur policy since 2003, and since December 2012 have not knowingly sourced any goods containing angora. Our buyers understand that we do not knowingly purchase items containing real fur, and we have communicated our policies to our vendors. When buying faux fur items we clearly instruct our vendors on our no fur policy.
“TK Maxx is on off-price retailer. We buy globally from thousands of vendors. A typical store receives several deliveries a week with each delivery containing thousands of items. Despite our robust processes, an error can occasionally occur, which may result in an item containing real fur being found in our stores. As soon as this is brought to our attention we immediately take action to remove the item from sale and review the journey of that particular product to learn from the error. Any customer who has purchased such an item can return it to any TK Maxx store for a full refund with our most sincere apologies.”