Major Retailers Show Support for PETA/AWGA Agreement

Over the past two weeks, more than a dozen retailers—which have annual combined sales of more than $30 billion—have pledged support for the new wool brand created by the historic agreement between PETA and the Australian Wool Growers Association (AWGA) and praised the two groups for reaching a compromise, paving the way to an end of PETA's costly boycott, which has divided the wool industry and marred its public image. These new pledges of support from retailer powerhouses Ann Taylor, Gap Inc., Nordstrom, H&M, Eddie Bauer, Jones Apparel, Lands' End, L.L. Bean, and Liz Claiborne are further proof that retailers listen to consumer demand and that consumers do not want to support cruelty to animals. Now, these companies are using their influence to save not only the bottom line but sheep's bottoms as well, and PETA commends them for their savvy decision.

The new, more humane wool brand established by the plan devised by PETA and the AWGA—which provides a timetable for phasing out mulesing and would end exports of live sheep to countries that don't meet Australian welfare standards—will be available to retailers throughout the world. The rash of retailer support is further proof that the new brand will be snatched up quickly by retailers who want to prove to their customers that they are ahead of the ethical responsibility curve.