Merchandise Focus: Plus-size Women

But things are changing, for a couple of reasons. One is the “size acceptance” movement, which attempts to educate and sensitize the public about issues that large people face. Another is marketers’ realization that they were overlooking a potentially valuable segment.

“Now you have [large-size fashion model] Emme, and [actress] Delta Burke, who has her own clothing line,” says Gary DeGaetano, vice president of marketing for Roaman’s, a division of Brylane. “Liz Claiborne and Donna Karan are now serving this market, too.”