Department store David Jones will phase out exotic animal skins company-wide by July 1, 2026.
A spokesperson for David Jones confirmed the news with Ragtrader, saying it is an extension of current prohibitions across its private-label products.
“David Jones is committed to responsible business practices and recognises the importance of protecting the welfare of animals,” a David Jones spokesperson said. “Following a recent review of our Supplier Code of Conduct we can confirm that effective 1st July 2026, David Jones will no longer sell any products made from exotic animal skins.
“While exotic animal skins were already prohibited in our private-label products, we have now extended this to a company-wide ban. This update aligns with David Jones' commitment to ethical sourcing and sustainability.
“We will work with our brand partners over the coming months to phase out any existing product and ensure our new policy is understood and adhered to by our vendors.”
The move comes after months of campaigning by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). This included an action alert that garnered over 10,000 signatures from concerned shoppers.
To thank David Jones for this move, PETA has sent the company a box of crocodile-shaped vegan chocolates.
“PETA and our supporters have consistently urged David Jones to do the right thing by sentient snakes, crocodiles, ostriches, and other animals who didn’t want to die,” PETA senior policy advisor Mimi Bekhechi said. “We applaud David Jones for its compassionate decision and urge retailers everywhere to follow its lead.”
David Jones’ decision comes after PETA held closed-door meetings with the company, numerous store disruptions, a window display takeover, and a protest in which controversial activist Tash Peterson dressed as a bloodied snake outside the retailer’s Perth store.
PETA has also shared footage that reportedly shows how the fashion industry “hacks at crocodiles’ necks and shoves metal rods down their spines, chops off conscious lizards’ heads with machetes, and pumps snakes full of water to loosen their skin before it’s torn off.”
David Jones will join other local and global department stores such as Macy’s, Selfridges, Nordstrom, and Myer, alongside dozens of top designers – including Burberry, Chanel, Diane von Furstenberg, Hugo Boss, and Vivienne Westwood – that have banned the sale of skins torn from reptiles and other wild animals.