GREAT GREENLAND FURHOUSE

Great Greenland is the country's only tannery, operating under a service contract with the government. Specializing in sealskins, the company's activities are divided between purchasing skins from all over the country, tanning, production and then resale, mainly in Denmark (in reality, this is more a form of subsidy, since the government resells at a loss), but also locally, with a boutique selling top-of-the-range clothing and fashion accessories (gloves, scarves, hats, jackets, bags, etc.). The company exports over DKK 2 million worth of furs every year. While imports have been illegal in the United States since 1972, due to a law categorically prohibiting trade in all marine mammal products, the European Parliament authorizes a limited seal trade for Greenlanders in the European zone (for more details, see the CITES table). Good to know for the most skeptical: seals are not endangered, and baby seals are not killed in Greenland. Hunters kill seals with the utmost respect. What's more, this trade enables a large part of the population not only to survive financially, but also to maintain their culture. You can visit the factory by booking directly with the company or via tour operators: tours are booked with Sagalands and last one hour. You can also buy a coat in the store.