The fur industry expands beyond the borders of North America. Fur is a global commodity that is traded in international markets. The heart of the North American fur industry is in New York City and Montreal. The "fur district's" spreads out over several blocks in the centre of the city's garment district. Before a fur garment reaches the fur district and is available to consumers, it goes through numerous stages. The fur industry is divided into several sectors: retailers, manufacturers, intermediaries (brokers, buyers and dealers), auctions, country collectors, fur farmers, and trappers. Pelts pass through these various sectors on the way to becoming beautiful fur garments. Once the fur has been harvested, the pelts are auctioned and sent to dressing plants. Here, the pelts are processed before being sent to manufacturers who then design and craft the pelts into garments. The completed product travels to the retail store where it is sold to the consumer. Fur garments are the product of meticulous craftsmanship. In an age of increasing standardization and mass production, the fur trade continues to preserve skills and values which have been passed down from generation to generation. Because every fur pelt is unique, creating a fur coat can never be "automated." From the production and dressing of pelts through the design and manufacture of the finished garment, the fur trade is still characterized by small, family-run businesses.