Do "bigger girls" have the right to be frustrated at A&F/Hollister?

@maezee (41997)
United States
February 4, 2009 8:43pm CST
So, as someone who's pants/skirt size ranges from between (US) size 10 - size 13, I sometimes find it distressing that I wear the BIGGEST size they offer at stores like Hollister and Abercrombie & Fitch. (Hollister's largest size is L/11, and A&F's largest size is L/12), and that if I were to gain twenty pounds, I would no longer fit in their jeans! (And their jeans are adorable, mind you, on the pricey side). Why do you think stores like these two do this kind of thing? Do you think that companies have certain intentions when "drawing the line" as to how big their sizes range from? Do you think this is an attempt to keep stores like Hollister/A&F exclusively for skinnier people? What are your thoughts? Do you have any similar frustrations for any other store? And if stores like Hollister, Abercrombie & Fitch, and many more WOULD offer bigger sizes ("plus sizes", if you want to call them that"), where would (or should) they "draw the line"? And for that matter, do you think that these "regular" stores SHOULD even carry sizes considered to be larger than average? Or should plus-sized clothing be limited to specialty plus-size stores, like Lane Bryant? Please share with me any frustrations & similar experiences you have! :]
2 people like this
3 responses
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
6 Feb 09
Stores like that are very image oriented. They only want a certain type (and size) of person wearing their clothes so that's who they cater too. I read an article about Abercrombie & Fitch (I THINK it was AF, either them or something very similar) and how then actually aim to intimidate customers so only the coolest and most confident people set foot in their store. They purposely keep the lighting low and only have beautiful sales associates. Geeks and fatties need not apply, in other words. I don't know that I agree with it but business is business and it must be working well for them. I personally have no interest in going into an intimidating (and expensive!) store in the first place so it really doesn't effect me!
1 person likes this
@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
6 Feb 09
'how they' not 'how then' - sorry, I hate typos!
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@jesssp (2712)
• Canada
11 Feb 09
Thanks for BR! It is definitely more about image than just strictly sales because they are actually limiting their clientele. I guess by doing that they bank on people wanting their stuff even more since it and the stores themselves are somewhat 'exclusive'. Oh well, it's all BS if you ask me!
1 person likes this
@maezee (41997)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Thanks for your input! I totally agree with you and couldn't have said it better than myself. It seems like more than what the others suggested, that's it's simply about 'sales'. I definitely thought their size ranges said a little something more about the company's "intentions", and your answer reaffirms it. Thanks!
@TheCatLady (4691)
• Israel
11 Feb 09
Many stores cater to a distinct clientèle. When I was skinnier, I used to shop at store that had only petites and nothing bigger than a 9. And they had very few 9's. It was great for me because I could find things that fit. Whereas at regular stores I had to look hard to find anything that fit.
1 person likes this
@maezee (41997)
• United States
11 Feb 09
Very true. I hadn't thought of it that way. Thanks!
@LouieWpHs04 (4554)
• United States
5 Feb 09
Well, you shouldn't worry. You're pretty, Prettiness ranks above the size of clothes a certain company makes, doesn't it? In general though, I think the "line they draw" is based on their sales more then anything. I'm not sure they're really trying to be biased or anything, they're just a business. Their intent is to make money the best they can. Somethings not working? They drop it. A certain size above of clothes isn't selling well? They simply wont make it/order it from someone to be made or simply just order much less. Annd! That's about the best way I could think to answer this.
1 person likes this
@maezee (41997)
• United States
5 Feb 09
thanks for answering! i wasn't implying that there's a conspiracy going on or anything.. but you never do know! but it makes me feel better knowing that it's probably all due to sales and such. :)