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've been out of the retail fashion business for several years now, 50 years prior. Alone now.
I lost my first wife in 1980, She was 5'11" and after 4 children, was not twiggy any longer.

Is Layne Bryant gone from the scene now?
Do any of you ladies know of them? Your needs were their specialty.

I have to agree with all those who have posted here. We hear about all the overweight people in the US, no offense intended to anyone, and yet, from these posts, they are neglected in the world of fashion clothing?

There's an old axiom in business, "Find a need and fill it".

I'm too old to get involved in a start up business at my age, but I am of the opinion, from these comments, that there is a need here. An opportunity for someone to fill that need.

Does anyone here have the know how and business sense to do something positive in order to fill that need?
I think someone, maybe here, could open a very small shop for custom made clothing in plus sizes. Even if a customer purchased their own material. From that beginning, I believe one could become successful by contacting manufacturers and carry ready made clothing.

Don't ask me for financing. But I am open to anyone who would like to pick my brain. I no longer have names and places, but that can be researched.

Ladies, someone, "Just do it".

Answer 2

Good question and technically there's a long story there, but keeping it short. The industry uses demographic data to determine what sells where and what the average sizes are. That's how you end up with the majority of the clothes going from size 6/8 - 16 that fit what... women from 5'2 - 5'8". Most women in the country fit that range and that's where you sell most by volume.
Plus sizes are a niche market. The industry has gotten away with producing crappy looking, cheap rags for those customers. Afterall, they have no choice but to buy what's on the rack - crap or not. Sounds like a great deal if you're a retailer. You give limited choices and still they sell.
I happen to have this problem, not because I'm large, but because I'm tall and most clothes look ridiculous on me. I do as little shopping in the US as possible and buy like mad when I go to Europe.
You are absolutely right that the fashion industry needs to rethink where it's going. I'm also frustrated with the fact that when I go to a Macy in Hawaii, I get supernice colors and designs, whereas when I go to a Macy in New Jersey, all I find are crap colors, crap cuts and funeral-type clothing.
It's really high time something changes to accomodate plus size, talls, etc. and for pity sakes... let's lose the cheap floozy look.

Answer 3

Amen, lady! I've gotten SO fed up with the major stores that I no longer shop at any of them.

I'm not sure where you live, but you might try Dressbarn. Not all of their stores have a Women's section, and in those stores that do, 1/3 to 1/2 of their total floor space is devoted to the larger sizes. Clothes are generally pretty high quality, and the styles are very appropriate for women in the workforce. I found them completely by accident 3 or 4 years ago, and now by nearly all of my clothing for work and most of my leisure wear from them. Also, the prices are about in line for similar clothing at other retailers. Finally, unlike the various online store for plus size women, they have real customer service (and it's usually pretty darn good), and you can try on your stuff.

The link below takes you to their web page; if you click on About Us, there is a store locator.

(And just for the record, I have no affiliation with them, although I should have bought stock several years ago - my purchases alone must have favorably impacted their stock price by a significant amount.)

Answer 4

I've taken to making my own clothes. I get irritated, because of the few stores that do make clothes for plus women, they make them look like old ladies, or like tents. God forbid they make something fashionable!!?!?! A lot of places were coming around there for a while, but they've kind of died out.

I am not a size 2, never will be, and I refuse to shop anywhere that carries an XS in thier clothing line.

lets face it though, thanks to the Paris Hiltons of the world, BBW's will never get respect.

Answer 5

like the other woman said, stores naturally only carry what sells, they must make money, otherwise they would not be in business. stop complaining about what stores dont have and start going to the stores that specialize in what you need? would you go to any car dealership looking for limos or dragsters?
you want something special then you have to find the palces that sell'em.
look around on the internet.