High street loses plus-size market share

British high street retailers are losing out on market share in plus-size clothing worth £3.5 billion, according to research from Worldpanel Fashion, a division of market information provider TNS. Research has shown that retailers are generally failing to recognize the needs of larger women, and are failing to provide the variety that this group has come to expect. Retailers' market share grew to 64.4 percent in the 12 weeks ended 14 November 2004 , but dropped to 61.6 percent the following year.

Home shopping catalogues have, however, gained in market share, which rose from 13.1 percent to 14.3 percent in the 12 weeks ended 13 November 2005 . Meanwhile, catalogue's market share in general women's outer clothing dropped from 8.5 percent to 7.4 percent, reflecting their move to strengthen their position in niche markets. "Home shopping catalogues have greatly improved their offering for larger ladies recently in reaction to increased competition from the high street," Fiona Bell, research director at TNS Worldpanel Fashion told just-style. "They are responding to the needs of their customers for more fashionable clothes and beginning to reap the rewards."