Some Target customers are outraged after the retail giant’s guest services Twitter account revealed that plus sizes of its latest fashion collaboration with Lilly Pulitzer will be available only on the store’s website.
Courtesy Target
In response to a query by lifestyle blogger @FatGirl_fashion about whether plus sizes would be available in store, the @AskTarget account responded, “Thanks for your interest in the Lilly Pulitzer for Target line. The plus sized collection will be available online only.”
The news did not sit well with the original Tweeter, or with others who saw the response.
“You are welcome to the [f]ood section only. Get you’re jello and go,” responded @FatGirl_fashion.
Tweeter @grownandcurvywo added, “It’s like Target is dating a fat girl but won’t take her out in public..that’s how I feel right now.”
Plus-size blogger Sarah Conley also shared her disappointment, Tweeting, “They’re really saying we only want 40% of customers to be seen in store.”
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The news comes as a surprise after Stacia Andersen, senior vice president of apparel and accessories at Target, told Fashionista that she wants this particular collaboration to be inclusive of people of all sizes.
“It’s really important for us that we can provide stylish apparel for everybody, and we felt like this collection was the right time to do it,” Anderson said. “This project is so democratic. When we do these collaborations, there’s a certain group of people that always really respond to them. But this, anybody can wear this. There’s just such a range that anyone can find something that they love.”
Jessica Carlson, Target spokesperson, released the following statement to PEOPLE regarding the new fashion partnership: “In the past, we’ve heard from guests who wanted to shop Plus sizes of our limited-edition collaborations. We appreciate the opportunity to hear from our guests, and we’re excited to be offering Plus sizes of Lilly Pulitzer for Target on Target.com when the collection launches on April 19. We look forward to seeing how the assortment performs and, like any offering, will continue to evaluate our programs for the future.”
What do you think of Target’s online-only policy for the plus-size pieces of the collaboration? Share your thoughts below.
–Gabrielle Olya
