Target offends consumers: Describes plus-size dress as 'manatee gray'

Target has offended online shoppers with its description of a plus-size dress as “manatee gray,” according to reports from Fox News yesterday and a disgruntled consumer’s twitter post on Wednesday, April 3.

The Mossimo Women’s Plus-Size Kimono Maxi Dress from Target is available in assorted colors, however earlier this week, the department store had one color of the collection listed as “manatee gray,” while the same dress in standard sizes was simply labeled “dark heather gray,” a fact that created an Internet firestorm.

A consumer, Susan Clemens, posted a picture of Target’s fashion faux pas on Instagram and Twitter and the retail chain followed up with an apology and a correction of the insult to plus-sized women.

Susan Clemens: “What the. Plus sized women get "Manatee Grey" while standard sizes are "Dark Heather Grey." ‪@Target ‪#notbuyingit ‪pic.twitter.com/nzHNYoytnp”

Target: “‪@suZen We apologize for this unintentional oversight & never intend to offend our guests. We've heard you, and we're working to fix it ASAP.”

Target has since changed the “manatee gray” description of the plus-size dress to just gray and told Fox News that it is commonly used across product categories, however, not meant to offend consumers.

Manatee gray is actually a seasonal color that is used across product categories on Target.com, from apparel items to home items. This was an unintentional oversight. We will take this opportunity to learn.

Desirie, a Senior Account Executive for an activewear vendor based in New York City and fashion insider says a mistake like this is very common.

This is an easy mistake.. Being that this is what I do anyone internal could have used the wrong code/name to have printed on the tickets. I doubt target would have done something like that intentionally.

Target can be found across Long Island, with a new superstore recently opened in Valley Stream, hopefully without describing plus-size clothing as “manatee gray” and offending local shoppers.

Source: Fox News

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