Results: Body Positivity In Retail

Women ordering online from Forever 21 from across the U.S. took to Twitter to say they felt body-shamed when their orders of plus-sized swimsuits and clothing arrived in the mail with free snack bars from the famous diet brand Atkins. But the free Atkins bars were sent to customers who ordered clothing in a range of sizes. One user wrote "I just bought a bunch of (extra small and small) clothes and got one too. I don't think it's anything personal." But many people online echoed customers' outrage, saying Forever 21's gesture was inappropriate and sent a "wildly dangerous message to ALL of its customers." What is your opinion of this?

Macy's is in hot water after Twitter users called out the retailer for completely inappropriate dinnerware. Patently called Pourtions, the plates were first called out when podcast host Alie Ward tweeted a photo of a Macy's window display, asking "How can I get these plates from @Macys banned in all 50 states?" Pourtions describes its tableware as "a humorous and healthy way to watch what you eat and drink." The plate is designed with three rings that suggest how much food you should eat to fit in a particular style of jeans. At the centre, with the smallest amount of food, is "skinny jeans," and the largest portion is reserved for "mom jeans". Macy's has since taken the dinnerware off their shelves, and admit they missed the mark on this one. Do you find these plates offensive?

In February, the Mall of America offered body confidence and acceptance trainings through the National Eating Disorders Association to its hundreds of tenants. Many fashion and beauty products still operate with the undercurrent of "fixing" something: selling you clothes or makeup that will make you more attractive and more beautiful than you otherwise would be. The body positivity and body acceptance movements, is broadly defined as anything from promoting feeling good at any size, to accepting your flaws, to fighting for inclusivity of larger bodies. Do you think retailers have the obligation to promote body positivity and body acceptance?

Until recently, most women over a size 14 (16 to 18 is considered the average dress size for women in the U.S.) had to go to a specialty store. That all changed when the retail market realized they were mostly ignoring a $21 billion industry: Plus-size women's clothing. More than half of women ages 18 to 65 wear a size 14 or higher, according to statistics cited by Walmart. This sent top retailers racing to add to or strengthen their selection to capture new shoppers and meet increasing demand for trendy women's clothing in a broader range of sizes. Whether you are a man, woman or gender fluid, do you shop in the "Plus size" department?