Why are retail clothing stores snubbing plus size women?

Question

Plus size women's clothing usually amounts to a few racks stuffed in a corner somewhere while "normal" size women's clothing has floor after floor of beautiful clothes. When are retailer going to realize that plus size women like to shop, like nice clothes and have money to spend just like everyone else? I think the retail industry is losing out on a market that would be very profitable. I know there is a lot of women out there that feel the same way that I do. I have boycotted stores that do not respect the needs of a plus size woman and would like to suggest others do the same. Maybe it will send the message.

Answer 1

I'm not plus size, but seeing that I too have difficulties finding good clothing (I'm just a bit too skinny sometimes) I know how dissappointing it can be not to find good looking clothes that fit you as well (especially if you need it to be affordable [hey, i'm not rich]).
Maybe you should try this link-there are some cards that you can print out and leave at those shops where you had difficulty finding clothes. It's definitely a clever way of getting the message across.

Click the link! (look for June 27 entry)

Answer 2

My word! For a minute I thought I'd written this letter! You are so absolutely right. The problem is there is not enough communication. We haven't had our voices heard. I've tried talking to the sales associates who send me to their manager who tells me HE will talk to the buyer. That buyer is in an entirely different state and has no idea of what plus-size woman want or need. The one store I could depend on has stopped carrying certain brands and has substituted cheaper made, gaudy-looking clothes that even a self-respecting streetwalker wouldn't wear. This buyer is bringing in clothes that are fashionable for petites--but large-busted woman don't want ruffled blouses that make them look like a figurehead on the prow of a ship. I too have started boycotting stores.

Maybe we need to get the attention of a national talk show host to profile what we look at. Certainly Oprah would be a good candidate to write to. She would understand, I think. We're partly to blame because we settle for what's out there. How many times have you seen a plus-sized woman going to the grocery store wearing ill-fitting jeans and a ratty t-shirt? She's telling everyone she doesn't care how she looks, which may be the very opposite of how she feels. But, people see that, and stereotype her as not having any fashion sense. When we go out, we need to look our best to catch people's attention that large woman are here and they're here to stay.

Most of my clothes shopping is done through catalogs. I know what fits and what looks good on me. Many times I've shopped in their retail stores when I've been on trips and have been impressed with their treatment of me as a person and the way the clothes are displayed. They also have on-line sites. You may want to investigate: Nordstroms, Pendletons, Bloomingdales, Neiman Marcus (they carry a fairly decent selection of Eileen Fisher, for example), J.Jill, Monterey Bay, Soft Surroundings, Silhouettes (a great place to get boots for the wider calf).

Thanks for giving me the chance to vent.

Answer 3

There is a shop in Canada it is called 'Hangers' they have everything and they have cloths racks for Plus sizes, and they keep them out front, they are the first ones you see next to the sales racks when you walk in the door. If you find one of these then go shopping and enjoy. They have some of the top name brands in the store. I got a pair of really nice stretch jeans. for $25.00 I went over to Penningtons and they had the same Jeans on sale for $78.00 regular price was, $95. Look for 'Hangers' and have your self a good shopping trip.

Answer 4

I really don't know. My aunt goes to Lane Bryant or Torid to get her clothes. I thinks they are cute for plus-sized women.

Answer 5

? i think ur over exaturating a lil bit there r stores deticated to plus size women and if u dont like being plus size start a diet and start exercizing and stop complaining!

Answer 6

Abacrombie and Fitch