Harrods closed its fur salon in 1990, but still sells fur-trimmed coats and accessories.

"Fashion is what sells coats," said Stuart Greenberg, a founder of the New York company.

Gordon Watson grew up in Manchester and learned his technique selling coats down the market.

"Some department stores were hoping for an early snow, so they could sell jackets and coats, but they would have liked it on a Tuesday," he said.

Those who sell used coats say that some of their customers come back time and again.

Sakowitz Furs in Houston also stopped selling coats recently, after hearing from Mattel.

Suddenly in May all the manteaux shops in Tehran got a warning to stop selling short coats.

Eli admits to visiting the club and buying cocaine "in the past" but denies selling stolen coats.

Sold white coats are not desirable, as they cannot be distinguished from common white, blue-eyed cats.

As a shopping center, the building would contain factory-outlet stores selling suits, coats, dresses, clothing accessories, furniture, china and domestic linens.