Wanted: More Closet Space
By George Anderson
Americans, it seems, are always on a diet. That is, of course, unless they’re off one.
This on-again, off-again approach to weight maintenance has had an interesting side effect, reports USA Today. Consumers are filling their closets and drawers with clothing in multiple size ranges. One skinny size for when pounds are falling off thanks to Dr. Atkins, Weight Watchers or whatever; another for when a phase of conspicuous consumption requires a trip to Dunkin’ Donuts, for not just a large Caramel Swirl Ice Latte, but a couple of jelly doughnuts, as well.
Marshal Cohen of The NPD Group said. “Losing weight has become a hobby and a sport for a lot of people. More than half the people who diet expect the weight to go back up. For them, they have a couple of wardrobes.”
Moderator’s Comment: What impact has yo-yo dieting had on consumers in clothing and other categories? What opportunities does it represent for retailers?
An unscientific study done by USA Today found nearly 95 percent of respondents had clothes of multiple sizes in their wardrobe. The trend has made
a profitable business for companies specializing in organizing closet space. –
George Anderson – Moderator