BUSINESS MEMO: FUR SALES UP

Fur sales increased by more than 15 percent 1999, reaching $1.4 billion, up from $1.2 billion in 1998, according to the Fur Information Council of America.

"This is the largest percentage increase of the decade for our industry," said Carol Wynne, executive of the Fur Information of America.

Fur sales have been up and down during the 1990s, with decreases in 1994 and 1998 were down in 1998. Sales were at $1 billion in 1991, with the previous high at $1.27 in 1997.