This Teen’s Tweet Is Evidence That Department Stores Need to Up Their Plus-Size Game
As if shopping for a dress for a special occasion wasn’t stressful enough, it’s even harder when you have speciality sizing, like plus, petite, or tall to consider, siloing shoppers into a corner with a handful of meh options on a single measly rack. Nordstrom, which recently announced plans to test out more plus-size options in select locations, has recently come under fire for its failure to do just that after one teen shared her experience shopping for homecoming dresses online.
17-year-old Sofia, who visited her local Nordstrom store hoping to find the homecoming dance dress of her dreams, left the store disappointed and empty-handed due to what she says was too few offerings for those in her size-range.
it's unfortunate that a big brand like Nordstrom's plus size formal dress section is this small compared to "regular" sizes pic.twitter.com/kARNdtWMQa
— sofia a (@sup3random) October 29, 2017
“It’s unfortunate that a big brand like Nordstrom’s plus size formal dress section is this small compared to ‘regular’ sizes,” she wrote.
We’re sorry you’re disappointed. We’d like to help connect you with the store manager, can you let us know which location you visited?
— Nordstrom (@Nordstrom) November 9, 2017
Nordstrom replied to Sofia, offering to get in touch with her area’s particular store manager to inquire about the vast difference in size offerings. Shoppers weren’t impressed, however, with plus-size women around the world speaking up to let the retail outlet know that this wasn’t a locational issue.
@Nordstrom Saw the story about the girl upset at # of plus size dresses in a store. I'm still waiting for Jacksonville 2 have anything plus.
— Christy (@reallychristy) November 15, 2017
My @Nordstrom doesn't have a nice plus size collection either. @Macys had 3 pluse size coats last month. #KingOfPrussiaMall #Pennsylvania Don't leave out the "NEW" @JonesNewYork. You all should be ashamed. https://t.co/vIkbRlozUD
— Nuggett Flavor (@MzFlavor70) November 15, 2017
I agree, Nordstrom's plus size anything was a "you have got to be kidding me" spot in any of their stores..even in the "swankiest" of towns..So sad…
— Peggy Gross (@visionary580) November 14, 2017
It's not just formal attire, my local store has very little selection of anything plus sized so I quit shopping there
— NH (@Buffy1962) November 14, 2017
It’s not the first time they’ve heard complaints, either, with similar frustrations being voiced for years.
@Nordstrom The plus size clothing is 90% terrible. Boxy, moo moo. no shape. Your need a panel of plus size (ages and shapes). Depressing
— Lisa Lisa (@ItalianHellian) February 27, 2016
@Nordstrom went to Michigan Ave store. Disappointed with plus size section & no large sizes in the spanx that's part of the sale. #notgood
— Tarshel Michelle (@tarshelb) July 24, 2015
No ladies plus size here. Or it's hidden behind a fake wall? Boo, Nordstrom Rack. https://4sq.com/fKr140
— Jasmine (@jasmined) January 6, 2011
@Nordstrom Ridgedale plus size selection is so small, why do they even bother? 🙄😒 I won't be back there again
— Lindsay (@LindsayMpls) September 17, 2017
The department store admitted to Yahoo! Style, “There’s an opportunity to have a more robust plus-size formalwear selection in some of our stores. As the Seattle-born chain explained, their dress and size selection “depends most on customer demand and time of year” and promised that they’re “working on it!”
Here’s to hoping they make good on their word and that more big brands across the nation start taking note.
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(Photo via Tim Boyle + Scott Olson/Getty)
