Another loss for the plus size woman. Ann Taylor announced that they would remove all size 16’s from their physical stores. Ann Taylor would have us to believe that the lack of demand the reason for its announcement yesterday that they are eliminating size 16’s from its stores. Really?
According to Ann Taylor, low demand for the size in both brands is the reason, but some beg to differ. Citing costs for patterns and production, some experts believe this is the real reason behind this cut.
Anne Taylor now joins the group of retailers who have once again banished its plus size options to the internet. Banana Republic, J. Crew, Gap, and Old Navy are all retailers who have abolished plus sizes within its store and now relegate it to online only.
If over 60% of the female population is sized 14 or better, why are the mainstream retailers not listening?
Is it really demand that has Ann Taylor ceasing its plus size options within stores? According to an article in Crain’s New York Business online, the retailer is closing more than 160 stores, suffered a net loss of $334 million last year, and saw its revenue shrink by 9%. In January, Ann Taylor reported double-digit same-store sales declines for the fourth quarter of 2008 in both divisions.
Its is unfortunate that this is happening and that the plus size woman has to, yet again, be another scapegoat. However, if sales continue to decline, do you think that they will realize, size had nothing to do with it?
Comments
Oh well. Gap doesn't sell their petite line in stores.. only on-line and I'm a 4'10" 25 year old woman. How about you write an article about that.
I think you are spot on about cost. I used to be a manager at Ann Taylor and size 16 used to fly out the door. We had to special order additional peices on a weekly basis. The demand for 16 is out there. Perhaps Ann Taylor should consider opening a store-front dedicated to plus sizes instead of closing store fronts.
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