The lack of plus size retailers isn’t limited to small-town towns. In fact, fewer retailers are offering plus-sized clothing than straight-sized fashions. Many companies are also increasing their stake in serving the needs of the plus-size consumer, and this is good news for these women. However, if a retailer isn’t providing the plus-sized clothing that the public wants, they’re letting their customers down.
Because many straight-size designers stop at a single size, most plus retailers have to start at a larger size in order to cover the full range. Because plus sizes fall between sizes 14 and 26, these retailers have to invest in different patterns. Plus-size fashions can be challenging to find, but there are more retailers focusing on the niche. Online retailers like ModCloth and subscription-based plus-size clothing retailer Gwynnie Bee are two of the many new outlets for plus-size women.
Despite these challenges, many small-scale plus-size fashion businesses are thriving. In the United States, there are about 44,000 eCommerce companies that sell apparel. With these new businesses, these smaller players can continue to expand their operations. However, the costs of manufacturing plus-size apparel are likely to slow their investment in the future. This has led to a shortage of plus-size clothing options. So, the question is: why are there so few plus-size fashion retailers?
The plus-size clothing industry is struggling with a growing demand for fashionable clothes, but many large and medium-size brands have expanded their size ranges. This is a great development for the consumer, as they feel appreciated when their clothes fit them well. Retailers have the responsibility to make the plus-size customer’s experience worthwhile. But they can’t do it if they don’t go the extra mile to reach the market’s expectations.
