Big People Are Big Business--Companies Now Catering to People Who are Living Large and Loving It
Americans and people around the world are getting bigger. Over the last 20 years, while women have become heavier, the beauty "ideal" has become thinner. A growing number of people are saying "no" to the multi-billion dollar weight loss industry. Instead they are choosing to spend their money enjoying life and proving there are profits in plus-size people -- whether or not they choose to slim down.
Columbus, OH (PRWEB) November 1, 2006 -- Kelly Bliss leads an exercise class to stay healthy. She's been a large woman most of her life. But she's not worried about it. In fact, she's proud of it.
"I feel good about myself as a human being. I just happen to be plus size -- it's not my identity," says Bliss.
Like Kelly, half of all American women are now a size 14 or larger. And as larger becomes the norm for men and women, companies are beginning to take notice. They're designing things like stools that hold up to 500 pounds, super-sized bicycles and heavy duty hangers. Even Lane Bryant is adding outlet stores for the large and budget-minded. Consumer experts say that big people are big business.
Sharron Lennon, PhD, a consumer sciences researcher at The Ohio State University says, "What retailers are realizing and manufacturers, is that there are a lot of people out there that would be purchasing those kinds of products if they were available for them."
And now that they are available, giving consumers what they want is the name of the game. The publisher of Ladies Home Journal, Meredith Corporation, is now publishing Figure Magazine, the only magazine for plus size women in America.
"Most women in America are plus size. And they want a magazine that shows fashion that they can wear. Not on a size two model. Not things that they can't afford, but things that are attainable, yet beautiful," says Figure Magazine's Amy Vogt.
Figure Magazine is even organizing a cruise for plus size women where the theme is celebrating your size. In fact, there are so many new services and products for bigger people that Bliss started the Plus Size Yellow Pages.com to list them all in one place. Because large size people want the same opportunities and products as everyone else.
For more information about plus size products and fashions go to FigureMagazine.com.
CONTACT:
Kristyn Wilson
614.932.9950
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