Major Retailer Getting Rid of Plus-Size Department

One retailer believes it's found a way to ease the stigma felt by certain shoppers while at the same time improving sales. The Wall Street Journal reports Meijer will be desegregating its plus-size clothing in its 230 stores by early 2017. Most stores keep their plus-size sections out of the way and don't offer plus-size clothing in as many styles. That will no longer be the case at Meijer. WZZM quotes Meijer executive Peter Whitsett, who says the change gives "our customers the trends they're looking for, regardless of what size they wear." Meijer will now have all its clothes, from XS to XXXL, on the same racks. It also won't charge more for larger sizes.

The change means Meijer will have to eat the extra cost of plus-size clothing, something the company says is worth it. "It's a big deal for our customers," Mlive.com quotes Meijer executive Annette Repasch as saying. "We are giving them trends of what they are looking for, regardless of size." Sales of plus-size clothing are growing twice as fast as any other clothing segment. It's estimated that sales of plus-size clothing will be up 17% this year from 2013. It's also estimated that 34% of teens will buy plus-size clothing this year—nearly double what it was in 2012. (Amy Schumer says a magazine sent the wrong message by labeling her plus-size.)