I realize that I am a plus size woman and I might represent only a small portion of your overall bottom line, however, there are some things you need to know about me:
1) I shop. A lot. I like to buy clothes. I like to feel pretty. In fact, I probably spend more than anyone else I know on clothes each year.
2) I don't like it when I go on line to look around and in the PLUS SIZE section of your website and see photos like this one:
How am I supposed to see what something might potentially look like on me when my upper arms are probably larger than the model's thighs? Granted, not all photos are like that on all websites, but if you're going to just use a photo from the misses piece then perhaps you shouldn't include it.
Every item looks absolutely fabulous on those twigs but when I order it and try it on, it looks NOTHING LIKE THAT. Thankfully I know my body type, what looks good and what designers I can regularly order from and consistently know my size. Not everybody can order with confidence like I can and it's not fair to the curvy girls to keep showing all these stick figures wearing things that will not flatter our bodies. Shame on you.
3) I despise getting e-mails from people like The Bay who advertise one day sales on ladies clothing only to find out it doesn't apply to Plus Sizes. Since when aren't plus size women ladies? I've attempted on more than one occasion to reach someone at The Bay to help them understand that the message they are sending out is wrong. If they are going to put ladies' sweaters on sale, then all size ranges in their stores (on-line and brick/mortar) should be included.
I'm frustrated. I get to travel lots to the US and get to actually try things on. I can't imagine what it's like for someone who lives in a remote location and doesn't have the same access I do to real stores.
I doubt anything will ever be done about this, but it's been on my mind and I don't think it's fair. I think if retailers just spent a little extra money and posted pictures of what things look like on plus size women (heck, I'll take a mannequin over a skinny girl any day!) they might see their sales increase, returns decrease and have overall higher customer satisfaction. And it would sure be lovely if we were acknowledged along with everyone else as ladies. Cause we are. We are people and it's time retailers started treating us like them.
