Many people wonder about the numerous fur retail shops which have opened in our area over the past few years.

Well, it has nothing to dο with climate change or the possibility of Cretan weather turning frigid in the foreseeable future.

Since the 14^th century, fur manufacturing and trade have been traditional activities in the northern Greek regions of Kastoria and Siatista, when Greek fur manufacturers started importing raw material from abroad and supplying Europe with fur garments.

Over the decades, the industry has had its ups and downs, but during the last five-years, there is a tendency of stabilisation in the international fur market, and Greece is in the forefront of fur fashions once again.

The resurgence of furs as a fashion statement is due to several factors, most importantly being the opening of new markets, such as Eastern Europe, where fur products have a big demand, not only as symbol of wealth and high social status, but mainly because the climatic conditions of these countries render fur an irreplaceable and functional garment.

Another important factor of the furs’ comeback is that it is simply back in fashion.

Recently, an increasing number of famous designers and fashion houses included fur in their collections as a full fur garment, trimming or accessory.

 Non-conventional pieces are mostly in demand, with progressive designs and innovative treatments, which combine different materials that are colourful, light weighted and easy to wear and can be worn during all hours.

The medium age of customers has decreased up to 10 years in a lot of cases, because the renewed modern image of fur is also appealing to younger ages.

The Greek fur manufacturers in Kastoria and Siatista have not only kept pace with the resurgence, but, in many instances, they have actually led the way.

The creation of permanent showrooms in the major international markets, as outlets for the Greece’s finest and most fashionable fur products, together with the substantial infrastructure development that has taken place in the regions over the past 10 years, is contributing immensely to the current growth market.

For example, the 2006 International Fur Fair of Kastoria showed a 100 percent increase in exhibitors, and this year’s event, the 33^rd annual exhibit set for May, sold 60 percent of its exhibit space on the first day it was announced.