Michigan-based retailer, Meijer, had the wonderfully inclusive idea to group most women’s fashion sizes together in the same department. Shoppers are delighted.
Finally, friends of all sizes can shop together without that awkward “well, I’ll meet you back by the register later,” conversation after parting ways for one friend to shop in the “regular” department and another friend making a beeline for the “plus size” racks. Meijer’s 230 stores across the Midwest are beginning to integrate missy size small through plus 3X all on the same racks, and expect the full integration to be complete by early 2017. That means a size 4 friend and a size 24 friend will comb through the same shirts in the same place to find looks they feel good about.
This is obviously an important step in making women of most sizes and shapes feel included, worthy, and beautiful when shopping — and customers are already really touched by the move.
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“Over the past few years, we’ve placed an increased focus on bringing more on-trend, affordable apparel to our customers,” said Peter Whitsett, executive vice president of merchandising and marketing at Meijer. “This fresh approach to shopping represents a continuation of that commitment, giving our customers the trends they’re looking for, regardless of what size they wear.”
Meijer customers are taking notice, too.
“I think that’s so amazing, the way Meijer is incorporating plus and the smaller sizes together,” said JoElla Saines, a Meijer customer from Normal, Ill. “Now everyone can shop together, not separate.”
As part of this merchandising change, the retailer is also rolling out equal pricing for all women’s apparel items, no longer charging more for plus sizes despite the higher production costs. The Midwest retailer is making this investment so all customers have access to fashion at the same price.
Can we get an Amen for that?
“Plus-size apparel is often priced higher than missy or women’s sizes,” said Annette Repasch, group vice president of softlines for Meijer. “We believe all our customers deserve to pay the same price for the same trends, regardless of size.”
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