Fact 1

The fur industry was the pivotal pillar of private economic activity, not only at a local level but also on a national scale, in Western Macedonia. Its international entrepreneurship created wealth, and high-level technical skills diffused the creation of work opportunities and prosperity for the overwhelming majority of this region’s society.

Fact 2

The art of fur has been kept as a centuries-old tradition from generation to generation in Siatista, Kastoria, and the surrounding areas. Essentially, there is no household that until very recently was not directly or indirectly involved in fur activities, where the productive core was mainly comprised of small family-based crafts and medium-sized artisanal units. Today, Siatista and Kastoria are considered the only fur manufacturing centers in the Western world at a global level.

Fact 3

Various developments have led the fur industry to the brink of complete annihilation. The consequent effects on the region are dramatic: apparent impoverishment, followed by ongoing emigration, desertification, and demographic aging of the area.

Fact 4

The return to the productive and economic sizes of the industry’s at least five previous decades is unfeasible. The situation is critical and on the brink, but achieving a “positive turning point” is still undoubtedly achievable!

The people who make up the productive core of the industry exist! The expertise, experience, and all the infrastructure exist! Between the “absolute peak” and “complete annihilation,” there is a broad spectrum of activity: the restart, the “restructuring” shrinkage, and the subsequent re-creation. The people who make up the productive core of the industry exist! The expertise, experience, and all the infrastructure exist! There is a wide range of activity between ‘absolute peak’ and ‘total annihilation: the restart, the “restructuring” shrinkage, and the subsequent re-creation.

Fact 5 

There are clearly individual enterprises that could be part of this restart. However, their endurance is gradually being exhausted: financial, psychological, and new entrant productive potentials. This is the point where state support is vital and crucial! This could be achieved either through carefully selected funding instruments or by creating a broader framework of support.

The reasons behind the gradual decline

  • The appearance of animal rights extremists has managed, through deliberate misinformation and false claims, to defame and marginalize the fur industry. These are extremely limited groups but exceptionally effective in the communication aspect, especially on social media. Their aim is not to provide consumers with accurate information but rather to impose their positions.
  • The Greek fur industry failed to react effectively to this communicative attack due to its small size, lack of necessary lobby, insufficient financial resources for an extensive informational campaign, and inadequate knowledge of modern media technology.
  • Ukraine-Russia relations have been completely halted due to the imposed embargo.

Advantages of Fur 

  • Fur is the definition of sustainability, the naturalness of the product, and the protection of the environment – concepts that are the most current and responsible trends of modern consumption. The so-called “alternatives” are cheap imitations made of plastic, causing devastating environmental and dietary consequences. Failure to communicate all of this was crucial!
  • The breeding of fur animals is determined by adherence to the strictest regulations of the European Union concerning animal welfare: The treatment of animals with absolute care, avoiding any form of abuse, ensuring good welfare, and guaranteeing humane slaughter. Hysterical minorities of fanatics have unfortunately succeeded in imposing complete distortion of truth… The harsh reality of modern communication!

Prospect 

  • It exists, without a doubt! However, it needs adjusting to match the current data of the era (promotion/promotion channels)! The image of repulsion towards fur is mythical! The image of fur rejection is fictional! There are secure indications that the acceptance and desire for fur by the wider consumer population are real and proven! The big problem is that with the communication of “surgical interventions,” activists managed to disconnect the promotion of fur from Western markets! “If nothing is promoted?-There is no desire!” A basic principle of modern marketing!…
  • Markets:
    – E-commerce: worldwide, without borders! Including the West, which supposedly rejects fur…
    – The Balkans
    – Korea
    – China (enormous potential, but difficult to penetrate due to their protectionism!…)
    – Russia
    – Ukraine (if it wasn’t for the war… But there is!)

Necessary Measures of Support

  • And financial – but with specific criteria and – mainly – beneficial, sustainable perspectives: proven engagement & documented potential for prospects.
    It can also be referred to as “A Completed Business Plan of Economic Recovery”…
    There are tools available to determine these, as general and vague subsidies/grants usually dissipate quickly without substantial benefit.
    An essential note: participation in any financial support is not dependent on business size.
    Small-medium-large are evaluated equally based on their “quality” characteristics such as innovation, extroversion, creation of added value, modern promotional methods, and more.
  • Primary support should be provided for electronic communication activities such as promotion, information, and e-commerce platforms.
  • As technology constantly changes markets, consumer habits, and societies, it is essential to connect with the scientific approach of the international Fashion Industry through seminars, collaborations with international organizations, and the University of Western Macedonia.
  • The scope is vast and includes the physiology of materials, innovative production, design, economics and management, communication methods, promotion, and sales etc.