Old Navy: Plus-size Clothing Taken Off Shelves
Old Navy is a clothing brand own by Gap Inc. Up until very recently, Old Navy offered the "Women's Plus" line of clothing in 175 stores.
Old Navy have now decided to remove the clothes from the shelves - and make them available online only.
Sizes 16 to 20 will still be carried in store, but sizes 22, 24, and 26 will be online only.
"We really wanted to showcase the Plus collection and felt the best place to do that effectively was online," said Gap spokeswoman Robin Carr. (source)
So that's the market-speak - but what is the real reason - simple economics or something more?
Thanks Jarrett
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I agree completely, at least from the perspective of the Old Navy's around where I live. The sale section is always FILLED with the extra large sizes, so they obviously aren't selling. I thought it was a good attempt by a store, but they ultimately have to do what's best for them as a business. I really don't think it's a message to consumers that they only want to sell to smaller people. If you want to see a real example of that, take a stroll into Hollister or Abercromie. Their size XLs are probably the size of what a normal medium should be.
ReplyI agree with the statements that this was a business decision. I have never walked into an Old Navy store as I assumed that they would not have my size. So I guess that it is a matter of perspective. I think that it is funny how so many people are outraged at this yet make little to no noise about the stores that only cater to the size zero. I mean at least Old Navy tried right? 90% of the stores in malls cater to the size zero catergory. Where is the anger over this? Shouldn't we be demanding that they include bigger sizes if we are angry that Old Navy is taking theirs out? Stands to reason doesn't it?
ReplyMy question is why is that a business decision to do away with the plus sizes in Old Navy? Especially when they put plus sizes in their stores? I don't see what a good decision that was...since people of plus sizes shop too. In my opinion, if they put the plus sizes in the Old Navy stores then they should have left it that way, where they could be making even more $$$, rather then not! People do have a right to their opinions and voice them!
ReplyI am furious! I send them this email and hope you will do the same!! If not boycott boycott!
Recently I entered your Old Navy store to find that they were hardly carrying any of your items in a size larger then a 12 or XL. I was shocked and aggravated but did not really believe that after shopping at Old Navy for so long would they suddenly stop carrying plus sizes in their stores. I figured they must have just been sold out.
Still in disbelief I mentioned my experience to a friend. She confirmed that you were no longer going to carry plus sizes in your stored and showed me an article to prove it. I am writing you because I feel that I need to put in a formal complaint about your decision to stop carrying your plus size line in stores. As a frequent Old Navy shopper, I spend several hundred dollars in your store a year, probably closer to a thousand. I was always happy to know that I would be able to come into your store and have a variety of sizes to try on. I was content knowing that I would find clothes that were stylish and well fitting. Shopping for plus size clothing online in inconvenient, discriminating, and unsatisfactory. I enjoy being able to try on clothing, see it, feel it, and make sure it is the right color, size, and style for me before I purchase it. Sadly, if your plus size line is taken out of your stores you will completely loose me as a customer. I will no longer stop in to buy a bag, shoes, a shirt or anything from your pet line. I will no longer do my Christmas shopping there or buy anything from your men's line for my husband. Bluntly I will not enter your store and will urge my friends and family to do the same.
In hopes of hearing you will change your decision,
Amanda
I HOPE ALL OF YOU THAT FEEL THE SAME WILL ALSO SEND THEM A SIMILAR EMAIL AND BOYCOTT THEIR STORE IF THEY DO NOT CHANGE THEIR DECISION!
ReplySuck in the gut America and learn self-control!
ReplyI'm a fabric designer, my solution is find a fabric I do and I'll make you clothes specifically to fit your size.
Replyhttp://fabricposh.myshopify.com Meg
FWIW, I'm 5'9", and a size 18-20W. I do not need to have clothing specially made by Omar the Tentmaker. Plus-sized women can buy off the peg if the designer/company has had enough sense to use actual plus-sized women as fit models. You can't just make clothing bigger all over and think they will fit.
The problem with Old Navy was a lack of advertising. I had no idea they had plus sizes...ever. If they'd advertised -- and maybe put them in a separate area of the store -- perhaps they would've had a better result.
ReplyAt any rate, I won't be shopping there for gifts for friends any more.
I've seen the opposite from what many people have posted... the sales racks at Old Navy here always have a ton of the small sizes - size 0-6, and the XS and S, on sale - but you can never find the larger sizes on the rack.
As someone who spent quite a bit of money on Old Navy when their plus line was introduced - They did have awhile there that it was a pretty good line. At the time, going into that section was almost magical because EVERYTHING on the racks fit me perfectly, which I had never experienced before in my life.
Then about 2 years ago, all of a sudden the line drastically changed. The way the garments were cut weren't flattering anymore. The sizing became stupid and didn't make any sense. I would try things on and where a t-shirt would have nicely hugged my curves before, now all the shirts felt like I was trying to make a tent look nice (and I'm on the lower end of plus, generally a 1X and occasionally a 2X, only for my chest size).
They had a whole thing on Old Navy's website at the time of how the plus line had been "redesigned" to "better fit the shape of a plus woman." If I remember right it was basically that all the tops were made longer, inches were added to the arm circumference and bust - where the plus pants fit perfectly before, after that point they only fit my hips and were INSANELY way too big everywhere else.
Of course after this happened, all my other plus size friends immediately stopped shopping there as well. It didn't matter if they were on the smaller or larger end of plus in sizing terms - none of the garments were just that flattering anymore.
Since this started happening I still occasionally walk through the store. I sadly eye all the adorable clothes everywhere else in the store, and would sigh at all the oversized, ugly, borderline-grandma pieces in the plus section. I would occasionally still find things on the website that were cute and would order them in hopes - but my last 4 or 5 orders (free shipping because for whatever reason I still kept the credit card in case, thank god) I have had to return *every single item* that I had ordered.
It's a real damn shame. They had a good thing going there for awhile.
ReplyWe can all give our opinions but no one really knows why old navy decided to rid their stores of plus size clothes. I dont know their reason, but I dont support it. I shopped at old navy regularly. Compared to other plus size stores, they were cheaper. I dont like to buy clothes online for a number of reasons. #1 I need to try the clothes on to see the fit #2 they charge extra for shipping #3 they take 1-2 weeks on average to arrive and most of the time i buy clothes i am buying them for an occasion and dont have time to shop 1-2 weeks a head of time Old navy has lost my business. Everyone says plus size should be in a specialty store. Well if most of the world is over weight, why dont they have specialty stores for thinner people. Why is it still so hard and so expensive for a plus size person to buy a cute outfit they doesn't look like somehting her grandmother worn 50 years ago but a thin girl can buy a cute outfit anywhere but a gas station. America is getting fatter but the clothes choices are getting smaller. Does that make sense to anyone?
Replyyou guys are just complaining because u r fat. Lol
ReplyThey have a right to their opinions
Replywell fat or not, doesnt everyone need clothes.......i hate when people judge others like that...
ReplyPlus size ladies need an opportunity to be chossy when shopping...Their clothes need not be placed in the rear of the store and they also need to display how the big people look in fashions show the classy professional look in apparel...after all the plus size customers pay more for their wardrobe than the average size consumer!
ReplyIf you want to know how the full and fabulous look in fashions visit www.ajedreamland.com and see how the full and fabulous "Dreams are Made Real"
I agree with the odd sizing in their plus line. Where I can where a 14 or 16 in most lines, I have to have at least an 18 in ON jeans. Forget about"vanity sizing", most people definitely don't want to buy 2 sizes bigger than normal...but especially those in the plus range. And the promotion/marketing of their plus line is BOGUS. Total crap. The section is tucked back where it's not visible from the front nor from the most trafficked areas. AND the manniquins wearing the plus garments have BIG CLAMPS in the backs pinning the clothing on them...to make it presentable??? Classy, no?
ReplyWe took my friend's 13 year old daughter there a few years ago. She wore a size "small" in the clothing stores at the mall. We went to Old Navy, and the size "small" polar fleece shirt looked like it would fit a doll. She fit the shirt sized "Large". Now that she's 5 inches taller, she's a Medium and doesn't shop there, because she doesn't want to buy X-Large.
ReplyI buy Old Navy plus clothing online and I have no problem with the decision. If you go and look at their plus size clothing they have a Huge range of styles, they list the measurements too so if you know your measurements its easy to tells what will fit. I can take my time and see how the clothes look on the plus size models and by just comparing items. A lot of times I will put something in my cart and by the time I go to check out its already sold out!
So to me this makes perfect business sense. They already know they have a huge plus size clientle online and by putting it completly online they make more profits. I save a lot more money than I would online since its only $5 shipping, and their are always lots of discount codes online anyway.
I've seen this with others stores too. Especially with juniors, pettites, misses, or plus sizes. It's not that they don't sell in stores but often times they don't sell that much within certain stores. So they know by putting it online they open it up to a larger base of people and don't worry about some stores having a huge amount of excesse stock and some selling out and having to restock it.
ReplyActually, if you have looked lately for clothing at Target, you'll find that there is NO SIZE over an artifical 2X. It's not a size 2X of a year or two ago - it's much much smaller. To make matters even worse, Target no longer carries anything other than XXL in the sleepwear dept - I guess us fatties don't need nightgowns or pjs or robes either. I have dozens of these things in 3XL from over the years - no more as they just don't have anything for me.
Their Women's Plus size dept went from small but at least well stocked with basics like polo and tshirts and basic tops, shorts and pants in both casual and dressy materials to no more than 12 racks of undersized schlock mixed in with Maternity wear and very few pieces over size 2XL. Even when you do find 3X (a 26-28 size), it's made in China and is barely larger than an XL from the Misses/Juniors dept.
I used to buy polo shirts every year from Target, by the stacks. Size 3XL. Ten years ago, they fit beautifully. I still have some. Each year since, they got smaller and shorter and smaller to the point that you could not bend over without it riding up and showing your back or stomach when you bent, stretching uncomfortably tight! I have not changed in size - the shirts did. Now they are just gone. I have put one shirt on top of another from different years and they are visibly smaller in all dimensions! Now though, you can't even buy a polo there - unless you want a "faux plus size" equal to about a Juniors XXL (super small and no where close to a "real 2X or 3X") and made with horrid clinging material blended with stretchy stuff until it's so hot and uncomfortable, what's the point of even buying it?
I am so sick about not being able to buy clothing at Target I could spit nails! Fat people need clothes too for god's sake!
ReplyI agree about the sizing and fabrics at Target
ReplyAnd have you noticed that there is nothing bigger than a 12 or 14 in the "designer" lines and the nicer styles. Such a ridiculous decision, they've obviously decided we fleshy women all prefer tents and track pants and wouldn't buy tailored clothes!!
short one
Amen to that sister, I'm 4'11 and I totally relate.
ReplyTo claire the airhead and erica the retard, most of the time in old navy, they have sizes from 0-5 on clearance in almost everystore. Evertime i go into target, 0-5 in on clearance because no one is buying it. the same for sears, and other stories, esp the juniors department. Old navy's clothes are horribly made, just like target, they wash and they fall apart. I will take my fat ass to lane bryant and torrid, but i well you this much, my clothes will last a hell of a lot longer than shitty ass old navy and the sorry ass gap. As i heard a while back, their sales are dwindling... i hope they go out of business and rot in hell just like your ignorant comments.
ReplyMaybe we plus size women would like to be able to run out and buy an outfit last minute like all other size women without the wait or shipping cost!! I shop Old Navy and Gap ALOT for my children!! NOT ANY MORE!!!
Goodbye, J
ReplyUm, I'm sorry, but I agree completely with the replyers who stated that the Clearance racks are filled with XL-XXXL's and there are hardly any size 0's left.
I am a size XS and I have to be a diligent shopper in order to get what I want, and most of the time I have to pay full price because I know my size will be first to go. Why? Because I am competing with not only woman who are my size, but also little girls who for some reason want to dress like they are twice their age. I'll be lucky if I ever see it in the Clearance section, but I can count on plus sizes being there instead.
It's a well known fact that the bigger sizes are usually are left to go on sale. It doesn't just apply to Old Navy. Go anywhere in the mall and this is the case. Smaller sizes simply sell out faster, so I'm glad Old Navy is getting rid of their plus size section, maybe they can focus more on catering to the petite consumer, which, if you didn't notice, is actually disregarded more than plus sizes. Since when did you see a store that catered to short & petite women that has stylish clothes as well? To say that the 'bigger' people have nowhere to shop is simply preposterous. There's already a plus size outlet in my mall! How come there's no XS store for fashion-conscious young women? I'm not talking about Abercrombie. That's for teens, not adult women.
ReplyThe bottom line is ON didn't do a very good job when it came to plus size clothing. The clothing was way smaller than other stores plus size clothing. Their plus size clothes didn't fit a full-figured body very well. And they really did a bad job of advertising that they even sold plus size clothes. Basically they did a bad job of designing and advertising plus size clothes. And then they acted like, "oh well, we tried but it's not profitable." Well, it's not profitable because they didn't design the clothes to fit a plus size body very well and they did a terrible job advertising that they even sold plus size clothing. Duh! I used to shop at ON for my daughter - I don't shop there anymore!
ReplyI never shopped at Old Navy when I was overweight and I don't shop there now much either. In my opinion, most of their clothes were very cheaply made and nothing flattered me. I much prefer GAP for affordable jeans, although I'm not sure which place would be the best to buy plus sized things. I remember the Avenue being pretty ok, Lane Bryant never had anything that I'd wear (I was a teenager; I didn't want to wear blouses and skirts). Now they have Torrid, which I guess I might shop at if I were a plus-sized teen now.
ReplySorry but every time I go to Old Navy our clearance section is jammed with xl-xxl sizes...ALLLL THE TIME ALL YEAR LONG. That is absolutely not true that they have small and extra small on clearance. I would like to know what store you see that in and what city and I will find out what they have more of in the clearance section. So anyone please give me a city and state of an Old Navy were you find small and extra small in the clearance section. If you want xxl clothes come to the old navy in harrisonburg, Va and you will see TONS.
ReplyI just have a question....why are you people fat? Were you raised that way? It's actually gross if you think about it. You eat too much, you are at risk for lots of diseases, like diabetes...and all the while you are getting even fatter. You wanna know how? The clothing sizes are getting bigger while the companies are pretending they're small. I have a great (1970s) Chanel skirt and it's a size 4 on me.....and I also have a size 0 skirt and it fits perfectly. Just go on a diet or something. You all disgust me with your laziness and fatness and "oh, I need those plus sizes for my "curvy" body." Um, people, you are fat because you are all gluttons! Gluttony is one of the 7 Deadly Sins, ya know! You people are just sick....fat and lazy and disgusting and awful and gross, ew! Watching TV and munching on chips. You people can't even walk, hardly, because of all that extra fat you have! I see you people everywhere, eating and eating and eating! Obese rude foul-mouthed gluttons!
Replywell you had your say about "fat" people and so I will have mine. Yes I am fat and work my fat ass off. but what came out of your mouth and typed out for all to see shows just how S T U P I D you are. boy do I hate stupid people. People please ignore this stupid person. doesn't like his or her place in life, etc., etc., etc. Thank God there are fat people for him or her to strike out at. Its not good to be racist or a bigot, etc or make fun or short, tall, ugly or whatever is going on but still in this day and age with so many big people around, its okay to take it out on fat people. GET A LIFE and get off this website. You probably stink and don't bathe!!!!
Replyi never knew that GAP sold plus sized clothes....i want to be able to wear clothes that are fashionable but of course being fat comes with consequences.....i am 16 and i love clothes that aren't meant for older people...like fashion bug or DEB.....i wish that Hollister or Aeropostale made clothes bigger cause i would totally be there.....well that is all i have to say......
Replythe girl that was sooo rude was not me....i can't believe someone would say that....i walk, ride my bike and run daily.....i do not eat junk food.....i eat 1 meal a day....Screw that one girl cause she seems to think she is perfect.....well u know what go screw ur self u f*ck head
ReplyActually, Gap Inc. could get itself into a lot of trouble over not offering plus sizes.
I may be over analyzing all of this but here's my take:
A year ago, I worked at an Old Navy Outlet. As an employee, I was required to wear their brand. I'm not sure if it's company wide or just for that outlet but whatever.
I can generally wear their XXL shirts but could not wear the regular jeans so I had to go all the way to a regular Old Navy store that sold the Plus Sizes to get the jeans to wear.
My point is that by requiring employees to wear their brand but then limiting the what sizes are available could end up getting them into trouble.
I'm guessing that may have played a role in why it's still offered online. They know plus sized girls don't want to buy clothes without trying the outfits on and are, maybe indirectly, discouraging them from seeking employment there while still being able to claim that the sizes are available.
Who knows that. I may just be way too critical of Old Navy because I hated every minute I worked there. :P
- Jessica
ReplyDoesn't mean anything to me personally, as that isn't my market (although it used to be). It's a shame that people have troubble finding clothes, but it isn't only the plus sized women. A trend that I've noticed recently (particularly in low-cost retailers) is not carrying smaller sizes. I'm a 6, theoretically that shouldn't be hard to find, but it is.
ReplyI used to be a size 22, and found it actually easier to find clothes above a 14 then under a 10.
Basically it is hard for anyone and everyone to find clothes nowadays, particularly that fit correctly. I alter everything I buy because it is impossible to find something that fits off the rack.
I am very upset with the fact that Old Navy has removed the Plus Size line from the stores. What about the people that dont have computers to shop on, the people that have to use public computers, like the library or such, that dont want to put in personal information into a public computer in order cute clothing. I loved Old Navy, because of the variety. They offered everything from Kids, Maternity, Mens, Young Ladies, Womens Plus clothing and even PETS. What really upsets me is that they still continue to carry everything else except Womens Clothing. I agree that they could have taken it out of the stores because maybe people stopped shopping there because there was "fat" people. We all know that people can be mean and shallow. It just goes to show, that pet beds and blankets get more acknowledgment then womens clothing. It just makes me mad that when you go to a clothing store you expect to buy clothing not pet products. I love animals but when I need or want to buy something for my animals I will go to PET CO. Is there anyone else out there that sees the problem with this. Apparently clothing and booties for pets are more important then clothing for plus size women.
Reply"I have a 43" hips,35"waist, but that doesnt mean that I am not healthy."
No it doesn't, but it does mean that you are at very high risk for diabetes and heart disease.
Replyhttp://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4258208.stm
Just a little note about being "big-boned"...My mother and I both had bone scans done due to osteoporosis risk in our family. My skeleton is actually LARGER and more dense than hers and I am 5'3", 102 lbs. She is 5'2", 230 lbs. And she has always said she was "big boned" up until that point. So I always take that statement with a tiny grain of salt...it's kind of a myth. Of course though, there are a lot of factors that influence bone size/density. Hormone levels, whether or not you work out and strength train, genetics, etc.
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ReplyYes is does mean that I am at a higher risk for diabetes ,heart disease and other health related problems. That is why I try to eat healthy, exercise,and get regular check ups with my doctor.The doctors have said that I am in good health, and I am doing the right things as far as trying to prevent any health problems. So as far as what the doctors are telling me, Im healthy, and I am happy with that.
ok this makes me so mad.. it is not bad enough that plus size people find it difficult to shop in any store. now we have to shop through a catalog to get our clothing. it is like discrimation to plus size women everywhere.
ReplyI totally agree with the fact that sales racks only have sizes 0 to 6. Even when I had went in ON to check out there plus size clothing section, it was already low on garments. That told me that they were selling good. I honestly think they didn't want plus size women in the store. How long did that section last anyway, what 6 months, maybe a little longer? Just like Gap, I ordered a pair of pants, size 20, from the website. I ended up sending them back, because of the fit. Just another shipping expense I had to pay. You try to be happy with yourself and the way you look. But when a store as big as Old Navy gives you something to look forward to as far as stylish clothes for plus size women and then take it away, it hurts. Because you feel as if you are not good enough. Yes, I know I can still buy them online, but it was nice to see what you were purchasing. Looking at a picture on the computer isn't the same. But WE PLUS SIZE WOMEN ARE SUPPOSED TO FEEL GOOD ABOUT OURSELVES, because if we begin to feel good about ourselves, we will begin to lose those pounds. YEAH RIGHT! Thanks society for all of your help.
ReplyAmber said, "Why are people fat?" And then some other rude comments.
ReplyComments like the one that "Amber" made, tells society how stupid some can be. I hope for you "Amber", when you get older, your butt gets wide, your belly hangs, your chin doubles in size, your legs swell, your back has rolls, and people judge you not knowing you. Which just by your comments, you are a smarta**. I also hate when people tell me about sins, because judging is also a sin, stupida**.
I've not shopped much at old navy. I've been really selective in what i like to wear. But I started to get interested in Old navy. It's frustrating because when you shop online you never know what is going to fit right. I always have to try things on. You never know what's not going to fit right. Sometimes the top is too tight, or the sleeves may fit weird, or you have a really big booty in a pair of pants that you feel don't fit well. I'm disappointed with Old Navy. It seems obvious old navy makes more money on thin people than people with a little more curves.
ReplyTHIS IS THE KIND OF THING THAT MAKE PHAT WOMAN WANT TO STAY IN THE HOUSE. WHY????? BECAUSE ALOT OF PEOPLE THINK IT'S A BAD THING TO BE A PHAT. BUT YOU KNOW WHAT IT'S NOT IN SO MANY WORDS.I AM 28 AND I'M A PHAT LADY AND PROUD OF IT. PEOPLE PUT US DOWN ENOUGHT AND NOW YOU WANT TO COME IN AND PUT SIGNS IN WINDOWS FAT PEOPLE CLOTHING ONLY ONLINE. I DON'T KNOW IF YOU ARE A PHAT PEARSON ARE A THIN PEARSON BUT HOW WOULD FILL IF SOMEONE PUT SIGN UP IN THE WINDOW AND IT SAID NO SKINEY PEOPLE CLOTHING SOLD HERE.EVERYONE MEANING SKINY PEOPLE ARE SO HARSH.EVEN FAT PEOPLE ARE HARSH AGAINST EACH OTHER THAT IT'S DEMEANING .BUT THE GOVERMENT HAS ALOT TO DO WITH IT TOO. NOW WHAT ARE THE PEOPLE THAT DON'T CARRY AROUND CREDIT CARDS ARE BANK CARDS HOW ARE THEY GOING TO GO BY IN GETING CLOTHING.BUT THATS NOT YOUR PROBLEM NOW IS IT. YOU KNOW WHAT I GUESS COLOR IS NOT THE ONLY THING PEOPLE ARE NOT THE ONLY THING THAT WE DISCRIMINAT ABOUT.
ReplyI work at an Old Navy and we are never required to wear Old Navy merchandise. We are supposed to be representative of our brand, which makes sense because we want to sell our product. Being forced to wear our product should have never been enforced because it's part of Gap Inc. policy that covers Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy stores all over the nation.
Plus sizes weren't even available in all Old Navy stores, so how is it fair to the people who don't have an Old Navy with plus size merchandise? Making it available online makes it more accessible to most people, and it still should be returnable at any Old Navy store.
Recently I heard talk from our DM and other Old Navy managers about extending their women's clothing line to include up to a size 24. Old Navy only sells women's clothes, not necessarily young women's.
But what it comes down to is a company decision that a couple of complaints on a website don't have much luck in changing. America is getting bigger, and this is a problem, not something that people should accommodate for. People this big do deserve to look good, but they also need to understand that they are at risk for many diseases.
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