Lane Bryant: Monopolizing the Market and Taking Advantage of Plus Size Women Everywhere

It's not a secret that there are not many clothing options available to plus size women.  Before Torrid emerged on the market in 2001 (I have a love/hate relationship with this retailer that will not be discussed here), Lane Bryant was literally almost the only retailer focusing on the plus size market.  Many consumers don't realize that Lane Bryant also owns two other well known plus size options--both Fashion Bug and Catherine's.  I will acknowledge that other retailers carry a plus-size line, but this is typically online only, or a selection of 2 or 3 items.

While it's commendable that Lane Bryant has decided to market size 14+ while many retailers continue to cap their items at a size 14, I cannot help but feel there is an inherent evil in the monopoly they currently hold, and what this does to the clothing fate of a plus size woman.

My grievances:

Price:  Most of Lane Bryant's items are HIGHLY overpriced for what they are. Basic tops with no special branding run upwards of 50 dollars, and jeans in similar categories run around 100.

Quality:  Which brings me to my next bullet.  It would be one thing if high priced items were high quality.  But typically, items from Lane Bryant have poor stitching, are made of fabrics that fade, and are in general mediocre quality items.  If I wanted an H&M quality item, I would go to H&M.  But wait...there are slim to no plus size options at H&M.

Fashion: Now I will say that Lane Bryant has made SOME efforts in recent years to appeal to a wider audience, most of the "fashions" provided are aligned with an old-school notion that plus-size women all look the same, and that any patterned tent will do.  Lane Bryant does have different "shapes" for their jeans and slacks lines as of a couple years ago, however, I still cannot seem to get any of the 3 options to work for me.
 
Customer Service:  Finally, it's rare to find quality customer service at a Lane Bryant.  I typically have to seek out a sales associate to open a room for me, they lack knowledge on item availability or shipping options, and have a general blase attitude about customer service.

The sad thing here is, Lane Bryant doesn't have to do anything about any of this to stay in business.  Because most 14+ size women don't have any other choice but to get ripped off just to clothe themselves.