The following research report contains market research, analysis, statistics and business intelligence relating to research on Plus-Size Apparel Industry In Canada.

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ABSTRACT
One of the most under-served markets in the fashion industry is the women's plus-size clothing market. As the average age of women in Canada rises, so too does the need for larger size apparel. This market offers great opportunities in clothing women who not only demand more variety, but also have the income and desire to spend. Very few retailers specialize in plus-size women's clothing in Canada, but as demand for such products grows, U.S. clothing suppliers should find plenty of opportunities in the Canadian market.

1. WOMEN'S PLUS-SIZE APPAREL MARKET OVERVIEW

Presently, the average North American woman hovers between a size 12 and 14, and in Canada, roughly 30% of women wear size 14 and over. As the largest consumer group in North America of 35-45 year old women continues to age, so too will the percentage of women requiring plus-size clothing. The 5% of retail space that is currently devoted to larger size clothing scarcely meets the needs of women today, and in a few year's time, will certainly not suffice.
According to Trendex, sales of plus-size clothing account for 20-25% of the overall women's market. While apparel sales in Canada grew by only 2.6% in Canada in 2001 to approximately US$ 6 billion, sales of clothing size 14 and up rocketed by 8.3%. This is due mainly to the upward trend in obesity and the aging population of baby boomers. Statistics Canada estimates that nearly 46% of all adult Canadians are overweight or obese, a significant proportion of the population and consumers alike.

2. A RISE IN OBESITY

Obesity in Canadian children and adolescents has become a serious cause for concern in the recent years. According to Statistics Canada, obesity in Canadian children seven to 12 years of age jumped from 15% to 23% during the 1990s. What's more, research indicates that there is a 70% chance of obesity continuing into adulthood for obese children aged 10 to 13 years. Presently, Canadian children and young adults are less active than they were two decades ago, resulting in not only increased health concerns, but also mounting obesity figures. As the population of obese children ages, so too will the demand for larger size adult clothing.

3. WHY BABY BOOMERS ARE SO IMPORTANT

Baby boomers are individuals between the ages of 35-54 and make up 28% of Canada's population. These 9.9 million people form a wealthy segment as they are either in the process of climbing the pay ladder or enjoying their peak earning years. Women baby boomers alone make up 31% of the Canadian population and are America's leading consumers. Altogether, they are Canada's largest and most affluent consumer group, yet the clothing industry seems to have turned a blind eye to their needs.

This demographic group has a substantial disposable income, which has allowed for spending on luxury goods, home improvements and travel. They tend to make less purchases but do so with much more care and consideration. Women in this category are generally out in the workforce and at the peak of their earning curves. They have more disposable income to spend on clothing than even the most fashion-conscious teenager does. Baby boomers appreciate high quality and are therefore more apt to paying the consequently higher prices.
Baby boomers, particularly women, are aware that many of today's clothing styles are anything but flattering to their middle-aged bodies. They are finding it necessary to purchase clothing in larger sizes at a minimal selection of retailers. The variety and quality of apparel offered to aging and enlarging women at this time is insufficient to meet their various tastes. The Ôlooks' that they desire are either unavailable in their sizes or not offered by existing plus-size clothing manufacturers. Women baby boomers are a vastly under-served market and companies would profit by taking a closer look at their changing sizes and demands.
4. SHOPPING FOR PLUS-SIZE APPAREL

Baby boomers are buying less than the average person, and when they do so, are mostly buying from specialty stores and catalogues. They are frequenting shopping malls, department stores and discount stores less and visiting stores that make shopping easy more often. They are turning to specialty stores and store catalogues to make purchases because of the ease and convenience of finding exactly what they want. In fact, 47% of all large-size women's clothing sales were made from specialty retailers of plus-size clothing. Women baby boomers searching for plus-size apparel are depending on specialty stores like Cotton Ginny Ltd., Addition-Elle and Penningtons in Canada as well as plus-size store catalogues from the U.S.
5. PLUS-SIZE APPAREL RETAILERS IN CANADA

Compared to the choices that are given to women sizes 0 to 12, the plus-size clothing selection is truly lacking. In Canada, companies such as Cotton Ginny Ltd., Shirmax Fashions Ltd. and Reitman's Canada Ltd. dominate the plus-size clothing market. Very few other chains carry clothing in sizes greater than 12, for example Laura Plus .
Shirmax Fashions Ltd. operates 195 retail stores specializing in women's plus-size clothing in Canada under the store names Addition-Elle and A/E Sport & Co. In 2001, they saw their market share grow from 4% in 1999 to 6.8%, a growth that was partly explained by the aging baby boomers' needs according to their vice-president of marketing.
Cotton Ginny Ltd. also saw their share of the plus-size market increase in the past couple of years. The company, which sells larger-size clothing under its name and Tabi International stores, saw it's market share increase from 2.3% in 1999 to 3.7% in 2001.
Reitman's Canada Ltd. acquired Penningtons in 1995. With over 100 existing stores across Canada, 12 new locations were opened in 2002.
Department stores such as The Bay, Zellers, Wal-mart, Sears and Les Ailes de la Mode also offer women selections of plus-size apparel. The four aforementioned chains have locations all across the country, while Les Ailes de la Mode has locations in Quebec and a recently opened store in Ottawa, Ontario.
6. IMPLICATIONS FOR U.S. COMPANIES

As baby boomers continue to age, so too do the worries of weight gain and obesity. Women baby boomers in particular are averaging larger clothing sizes while the clothing industry can barely keep up. With the money and means to do so, these women are searching for a wider selection of apparel to suit their various tastes and needs. They are shopping in specialty retail shops and by catalogue in order to make the shopping process as simple as possible. As well, obesity rates in Canadian children are rising steadily, suggesting a strong demand for plus-size apparel in the future.

American plus-size clothiers have a great advantage in exporting to Canada. The two countries have very similar fashion trends, so U.S. plus-size apparel would do well in Canada. The USA is the second largest clothing exporter to Canada after China. Apparel imports from the USA reached US$ 457 million in 2001. It is also important to note that with the North America Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), U.S.-made products enter Canada duty-free. American clothing companies should be aware of the increased demand for women's plus-size apparel and the advantage and opportunities available to them in Canada.

DISCLAIMER
Information in this report relies on sources including Government Publications, Opinions of industry experts and other public sources. Infomat can accept no responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of such information or for loss or damage caused by any use thereof. All prices subject to change without notice.

$3500 USD
For the 2008 Edition

Published: 2006 August
Market: Mens Womens Childrens
Region: Canada
Industry: Apparel
Pages: 45
Delivery: 7-12 Business Days
SKU: infre0000333