Posted on 05/08/2013 9:05:22 PM PDT by BenLurkin
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) Controversial comments about plus-size shoppers made by the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch have struck an angry chord with women.
The size chart at the popular clothing store doesnt go past a size 10, and thats exactly how Mike Jeffries wants it.
According to Robin Lewis, the author of the New Rules of Retail, Jeffries said he doesnt want larger people shopping in his store. He wants thin and beautiful people. He doesnt want his core customers to see people who arent as hot as them wearing his clothing. People who wear his clothing should feel like theyre one of the cool kids.
In a 2006 interview with Salon magazine, Jeffries admitted his company isnt targeting all shapes and sizes.
He said, A lot of people dont belong (in our clothes), and they cant belong. Are we exclusionary? Absolutely.
CBS2s Kristine Lazar spoke with a number of women who were outraged about Jeffries stance on what is considered beautiful.
Tells (women) that they need to be a certain size in order to appreciate their body and thats not true, said shopper Andrea Haykel.
To be thin is to be cool, thats what I think (hes saying), said Denise Vanleuvan. Thats not okay.
There are full-figured women out there and they shouldnt be judged by this man, said Jessica Nerio.
Erica Ives, a certified eating disorder specialist, said its up to parents to use the publicity surrounding Jeffries quote to open up a dialogue with their teen.
The first thing is do not minimize their experience. But then, yes, you have to focus on the other traits that make people beautiful, she said.
Lazars calls to Abercrombies headquarters were not returned.
FWIW, Lane Bryant is a successful store for plus size women, it’s the only stand alone store I can think of off the top of my head.. Every department store has a “large” selection of plus size clothes, with a better selection than in petites. Saks 5th Ave. has there own line of really nice department called Salon Z. Of course Walmart/Target carry some pretty nice things-All sizes are getting bigger because of shoddy workmanship and vanity sizes. Sorry if that was TMI. I guess the point is women of every size can and should avoid A & F..
Last time we went, my daughter said if you're going to the mall, PLEASE pick me up a Holister Red T-shirt. Something for school they were all suppose to wear Red T-Shirts. So after the movie I tell my brother we have to make one stop. Brother was a Marine, is a hunter, gun guy, your basic “mans man”. He's 6'3” and not as slim as he used to be but I don't care. We walked into Holister and the Metro 5'5” guy with a lisp “spritzes” him with some god-awful fragrance. I can see myself in slow motion attempting to get between the guy and my brother! But brother has matured and it was just a “Don't. Ever. Do. That. Again." (You could hear the military in that command!) The guy made a weird yelping noise and ran off! Funny thing is my brother didn't dislike the store. I left him talking to one of the girls that worked there (and modeled the clothes!) as I made my purchase!
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