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.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Premium Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

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”.

Customers have also taken to the social media channel to express their thoughts.

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.”