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32 Billion Plus-Size Clothing Movement FlourishesMintel Report Cites Close to 50 Percent Market Segment Growth; Celebritiesand Plus-Size Targeted Stores Influence Revenue Increase
 Chicago (March 23, 2006)- American women have gotten larger, and plus-sizeclothing manufacturers have stepped up marketing efforts in the last five years.According to a recent Mintel report, the plus-size clothing market reached close to$32 billion last year. In five years, the segment has posted close to 50 percent revenuegrowth. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cited that over 62percent of women were likely to be overweight or obese between 1999 and 2002, andthis trend is being reflected in the sharp sales increase in this clothing category.Mintel's exclusive consumer research reveals that more than half of femalerespondents over 18 years old purchase plus-size clothing. With clothing chains likeTorrid (sister company of Hot Topic) and Charming Shoppes (owners of Lane Bryant,Catherine's, and Fashion Bug) continuing to expand their plus-size focused empires,department stores have also decided to raise the bar on their clothing offerings for thiscategory. Kohl's has extended two of its private label lines, apt. 9 and Daisy Fuentes,to include extended sizes."The increased availability of fashion options has really impacted the plus-sizecategory," said Kat Fay, analyst for Mintel. "For years, plus-size women had to shopfrom limited selections. They were also forced to shop from catalogs or onlinebecause many plus-sizes were not stocked in the stores. Easier access to purchasingclothing, coupled with more flattering styles and wider distribution, specificallythrough mass-merchandisers, plays a strong part in driving increased sales."Celebrities have also helped to champion the growth of the plus-sized clothingmovement. Rapper/actress Queen Latifah, supermodel Emme, and televisionpersonality Oprah have all presented more positive images of full-figured fashion inthe media. Comedian Mo'Nique even launched the first-ever nationally televised plus-size beauty pageant last year."The population has gotten larger and manufacturers are now realizing the value of catering to this previously overlooked segment of women," Fay said. "More stores arelaunching plus-size lines, and there is still additional room for growth anddevelopment within the market. Clearly these women have the money and the desireto look as fashionable as regular-size women."Mintel estimates that the plus-size market will grow more than 10 percent in the nextfive years. In addition, more stores will look at offering more extended size optionsfor consumers. There continues to be a great growth opportunity in the plus-sizecatalog and Internet sectors, and companies have a chance to increase their revenue inthese areas.
About Mintel
 Mintel is a worldwide leader of competitive media, product and consumerintelligence. For more than 35 years, Mintel has provided key insight into leadingglobal trends. With offices in Chicago, London, Belfast and Sydney, Mintel's
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