https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 26 Apr 2026 22:34:31 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721514 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:23:04 +0000 Lisa 1721514@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This is such an interesting thread. &nbsp;I do think retail sales have gone down, because stores are carrying less variety, sizes, and are attempting to focus on a small target population. &nbsp;I do understand that not everyone has the time to browse in person but I also feel pushed to shop online. &nbsp;During NAS, I visited two different stores and heard the same thing from the SA, "there's more sizes and selection online." &nbsp;And they were correct. &nbsp;If the store doesn't carry what I want, then of course I'll just order online instead. &nbsp;I've had similar instances from other retailers. &nbsp;What is frustrating for me is, I would prefer to shop in the store because then I can touch fabrics and assess fit, plus things never look the same online as in person. &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721513 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 14:22:58 +0000 Kari 1721513@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy shopping (too much sometimes!) but where, and what, and how I shop has changed. </p> <p>At this point in my life, I understand my preferences, existing wardrobe, and body pretty well - in terms of style as well as skin care, comfort, what I'm picky about. I know what I won't be happy compromising on. I have a large enough wardrobe that I am pretty particular about what I purchase to ensure it actually raises the bar or adds something to a wardrobe hole, or a new dimension to my style that I'm eager to explore. </p> <p>Where I've failed in the past (and still struggle) is the thrill of the quick impulse purchase that doesn't quite cut it. The shopping experience of finding and bringing something home IS fun-but a letdown when it doesn't work and I don't use it. I've really tried to switch my mentality towards enjoying slow shopping. Think carefully about what I don't need, and it helps me hone in on items that are worth seeking out. The long term search for just the right piece (like last year's purchase of a forest green leather moto jacket, which has been on my dream wish list for YEARS!) is rewarding on a deeper level, but I have to adjust my mindset towards not expecting to find the perfect piece right away, and deciding what my budget would be if/when I find it. </p> <p>With this in mind, I tend to shop more often to research than to purchase. I browse stores' websites to see what's out there. I visit stores in person to browse too, but carefully as I'm more likely to make regrettable impulse purchases while shopping in person. </p> <p>I have found shopping in person to be less fun in the past few years. Again, part of it is due to my shopping strategy, and part of it is my own pitfall of feeling like I ought to come home with something if I went to the trouble of visiting a store. Companies have pulled back towards having less inventory in person and more selection online, so often I can't even try/sample/purchase what I want in person (either my size isn't available or, more often, a product isn't available in that store at all and is online only or exclusive to particular stores.) Also, because of how I like to shop, I'm usually reluctant to have in person assistance from someone who doesn't know me well. These days I want to be left alone to browse and sample. I will ask for help or demos if I need it, but with rare exceptions, I don't usually want to chat with a sales associate about products I already know well. So shopping/researching online also helps me be more efficient in stores, even though I wish I could be left alone to browse more often. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721465 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:31:20 +0000 Anonymous 1721465@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Praise God for online shopping! If it weren't for that, I would have very few clothes and no shoes to wear. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721326 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:37:51 +0000 Jaime 1721326@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, Thistle you have taken the lid of a simmering pot. I am a true thrill of the hunt thrill shopper. I can go through a thrift store all day looking for the one hidden gem, plunk me in an H&amp;M and I will look for the one worthwhile item, and so on. I don't want personal service or help, as shop owners in the consignment shops I frequent know and appreciate. Hunting/shopping is a pure flow experience for me.<br />That said I am very affronted by the lack of size variety in a normal store and don't understand it from a business perspective. Clearly all the women that wear clothes are not young and skinny.&nbsp;<br />Finally, I have to agree with Angie about Americans being in a unique category with the ease of online shopping. Free shipping and returns is simply stunning for the rest of us.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721324 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 01:35:26 +0000 Anonymous 1721324@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think we're all tired of being told what we want. And what gives with the poor fabric quality? Oh, and let's not forget the thin fabrics women are expected to layer during the winter to keep warm, while men still get the thick shirts and sweaters. My DD and I were just talking about that on Sat. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721304 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 00:49:45 +0000 Thistle 1721304@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>BC - I think that's true. Stores haven't cared what women wanted and thought they could tell us. We voted with our wallets! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721295 Wed, 31 Aug 2016 00:15:40 +0000 ma342 1721295@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do find online shopping fun for the most part but I realize how much this depends on me having at least a modest amount of disposable income and being a size that's easy to find. I have often been struck by how many fewer and often less interesting options there are for plus-sized women, which I can imagine being disheartening. I can say from personal past experience that shopping on an extremely limited budget is stressful, not fun. The cost of return shipping added up quickly, and I often made do with things that weren't quite right because I couldn't afford anything better.&nbsp;</p> <p>I don't like shopping in stores. Like some other commenters, I'm a introvert who dislikes crowds and noise. I also need petite sizes for jeans and trousers, which aren't often carried in-store. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721281 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 23:41:24 +0000 Suz 1721281@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Angie, I'm with you 100% of the way. The WORST purchases I have ever made have been in the small boutiques in my own city. I am sad to say this, because I would like to support these small businesses. But I go in there and feel pressured, and their return policies are awful, and they don't give me the space to think and really consider whether the item will work for me, and they almost never have my size anyway...</p> <p>Online shopping has revolutionized my fashion life for the better. I realize that my shopping history is like this:&nbsp;</p> <p>LOVED shopping in my late teens and 20s when I lived in Toronto. Would make two big "shops" a year (for S/S and F/W) with occasional fun purchases from the sales racks in between. I only went to the sales at Holts and Creeds and The Room (in the old Simpson's). This stuff at regular price was WAY over my retail clerk salary budget, but on sale I could find one quality item per season to add to my closet and I felt so posh!&nbsp;</p> <p>Moved to Kingston and that is when my love of shopping ended with a crash. Also, my love of fashion. Well, for the first two years I would trek to Toronto or especially Montreal -- but then my budget shrank, my size started to rise, and I had other priorities.&nbsp;</p> <p>YLF and online shopping have made it fun again. I still far prefer &nbsp;organizing things into a couple of major shops per year. Even doing it online. And now the only sale I really focus on is NAS, although I do often pick up the odd item from a J. Crew or Banana sale mid-season or end of season.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think the online experience suits my introvert's temperament. I can deliberate at leisure and take my time deciding on items. And now with YLF I have good guidelines and know what to look for.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721277 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 23:39:34 +0000 Anonymous 1721277@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I don't think U.S. retailers care what women want. If they did, things would have changed a long time ago. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721276 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 23:35:36 +0000 Sal 1721276@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I agree with this statement by Ummila</p> <p><i>It seems to me that retailers ought to do more research into:</i><br /><i>1) what people actually buy;</i><br /><i>2) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who buy;</i><br /><i>3) what markets are underserved -- that is, what do people want to buy who are not now buying?;</i><br /><i>4) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who want to buy more; and then finally</i><br /><i>5) deciding what they will stock in their establishments!<br /> <br /></i><br /> <br />There is an innovative label here that is thriving. &nbsp;They focus on colour, pattern, fun casual and party clothes. &nbsp;They hold events (movies/fashion shows) regularly, they drop pre-orders on facebook (which you buy through local retailers), they hold giveaways, lots of sending in photos of yourself wearing their garments, and lots of small frequent drops of clothes. &nbsp;The clothes are fairly simple, and </p> <p>they stock a very wide range of sizes, and often two lengths.</p> <p>&nbsp;They know their market - women 20-50 who like to go out and look vibrant and gorgeous and colourful.</p> <p>The founder and employees are often pictured wearing the clothes - and they don't use traditional models.</p> <p>I have only bought one thing from them (some shorts for upcoming summer) but I have sisters and friends that wear their label a lot.</p> <p>Here is the link if you are interested<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.augustine.co.nz/">http://www.augustine.co.nz/</a></p> <p>To my mind they know what their audience wants, they are different and they have created lots of positivity around the label and branding. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721275 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 23:17:56 +0000 Anonymous 1721275@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hate shopping at B&amp;M stores due to matronly petite offerings. I love shopping online because of more choices, but spent too much this year and need to call it quits for a while. Thankfully, I love my wardrobe, but it was time consuming and a bit expensive to collect all those wonderful pieces. I also have had the additional expense of paying to have all of my pants hemmed up, and now I'm losing weight and having to save $ for replacing those pants when they get too loose. Ugh! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721261 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:54:44 +0000 Barbara Diane 1721261@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I guess the biggest thing was I expected to fill holes, and I only filled one. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721260 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:54:05 +0000 Barbara Diane 1721260@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just looked over my NAS purchases and I forgot about my first pair of loungewear pants. Love. I didn't know they would be so soft.<br />And a sports bra. My last minute purchases.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721258 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:51:43 +0000 UmmLila (Lisa) 1721258@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I enjoy shopping, both on and off line. I mostly do on line these days because I am far from the cities that have the shops I like.</p> <p>It seems to me that retailers ought to do more research into:<br />1) what people actually buy;<br />2) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who buy;<br />3) what markets are underserved -- that is, what do people want to buy who are not now buying?;<br />4) what are the sizes, ages and pocketbooks of the people who want to buy more; and then finally<br />5) deciding what they will stock in their establishments!</p> <p>Where is Ms. Viva? I think this should be her new professional niche. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721256 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:41:17 +0000 Barbara Diane 1721256@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I didn't read the article, as my free views were up for the month.</p> <p>Shopping is a mixed bag for me. Frustrating as I don't fit in regular stores/departments, and so many department stores have bought up other department stores. It always shocks me when I can't find something simple over multiple years, like a cozy oversized bottom covering cotton long pullover sweater in a jewel tone with a cable pattern that hides lumps and bumps. :)</p> <p>I often spend hours trying on clothes and come home with nothing.</p> <p>I remember the thrill when I shopped at Bloomingdales in NYC before they were out here. I bought those bead topped sticks that hold up long hair. I was so excited to see something new. Now they've been bought up and have the same clothes as Macy's. Macy's also bought Emporium, and put them out of business. (I might have the details wrong, but you get the idea). So many many stores are gone.</p> <p>I find in general I get better customer service at some of the outlet stores. I was shocked when I realized that they were more helpful and had a better attitude than their regular stores. Usually I shop at less busy times, so that might make a difference.</p> <p>I still like browsing in small local one of a kind innovative stores for jewelry and clothing inspiration. That's almost like admiring things at a museum.<br />I love shopping a new to me store that carries my size. I bought a favorite top last year at one.&nbsp;</p> <p>I am still returning NAS clothing to Nordstroms as I sadly realize that I'm not going to change my mind on some of what I tried so hard to like. The best of what I ordered is not necessarily good enough.&nbsp;</p> <p>When I like what I already own more than what I see in the stores, there is no reason to buy new things.</p> <p>I still love my NAS watch and the dress I know I will wear next month. And my first pair of leggings. I am waiting to see if I wear some of the other dresses. I finally figured out that the skirts won't work because even if I buy some long tops that will cover my abdomen even if I lift my arms, the proportions will be off. And the print and sleeve length on the top aren't as good as what I already own. So that's at least 3 more items to return.&nbsp;</p> <p>I'm going to look at my wardrobe and figure out where and when I bought the items. Should &nbsp;be interesting.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721253 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:28:57 +0000 Angie 1721253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thistle, clearly you need to go shopping with me! I've never had an unhappy client - not so far anyway. I've also never had an off experience when returning items in the US.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think we should be very grateful for the privileges we have shopping in the US. WE ARE VERY SPOILED! The return policies are off the charts (don't for a second think that it's like that in Europe and Asia). Most of the shipping is free when purchasing online. SA's are helpful and friendly, and all sizes are available online. You cannot expect retailers to stock all sizes across petite, regular and plus in stores because they do not have the space.&nbsp;</p> <p>Unlike Gaylene, I do not enjoy the boutique or small store shopping experience. I am a department store gal through and through. I need variety, my size (boutiques don't usually carry my size), independence, anonymity, service, and a good return policy. All my favourite shopping destinations in the US, Asia, Europe, Africa and Canada are department stores - and they vary in price point and target market.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721251 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:27:15 +0000 Echo 1721251@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love to shop. Even without purchasing, I like to see what is available and what is current. I enjoy trying things on to see whether it works for me or not, and the more often I try on a look, the more it grows on me, so it might introduce me to something new. I enjoy the social experience, too, although if I am shopping seriously it is easier to do it alone. The more things I try, the more picky I become, so shopping often is good for me.</p> <p>While I am not at all attracted to most smaller mall stores, I very much enjoy the anchor stores (generally Boston Store and Macy's around here). Our Nordstrom is quite small and doesn't carry much at all, so I still shop Nordstrom online. The Macy's is in an old Marshall Field's (I really miss that store), so the building itself is beautiful and well laid out. Their dressing rooms are gorgeous, and product is well placed and artfully done. There is none of the bargain rack "thrill of the hunt" there (which is good because I am not a fan of thrifting or rummaging, whether the product is new or used). And while the department stores aren't quite the experience they used to be (complete with restaurant), the Nordstrom has a cafe, and Macy's has a coffee shop.&nbsp;</p> <p>I rather think that department stores ought to think about the Cabella's approach. Cabella's often bill themselves as "destination stores" - they think people make trips specifically to visit them. Maybe people do (I wouldn't). But I enjoyed the "old-fashioned" department stores that had restaurants and noticeably different sections with completely different feels. I enjoy shopping more when it is an experience and not a hunt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721239 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 22:01:27 +0000 Nebraskim 1721239@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love shopping but I don't necessarily end every trip, or even most trips, with purchases. In fact, I practice the look-wait-buy routine in which I might find something, but I leave it for several days, or even weeks, before I decide to buy it, and only if it meets various criteria that make the item essential. I like to look at items, to touch them, to imagine how they might look on me or integrate into my wardrobe.&nbsp;</p> <p>I think a lot of people are into minimalism, purging, simplifying life mindset now, and the mindless/endless amassing of things is antithetical to this mindset. I can understand that as I want to get rid of things, too. I'm drowning in "stuff" so my purchases are much more targeted and laserlike and they must be completely and totally perfect to make the cut.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721212 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 20:48:28 +0000 catgirl 1721212@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting question.&nbsp; I find shopping to be great fun - but I have always been that way, and don't need to FIND anything to be happy just&nbsp;browsing.&nbsp; I also enjoy doing it with friends or my sister.&nbsp; But the venue has to be either pleasant (like Nordstrom) or&nbsp;cheap (like Value Village). &nbsp;F21 and the like have less appeal for me because they are ill-made clothing in an awful setting.&nbsp; I used to like them but feel they've really gotten stale and gone downhill.</p> <p>When I'm being efficient, I find things online.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons/page/2#post-1721194 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 20:16:51 +0000 Style Fan 1721194@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have similar feelings to Gaylene.&nbsp; I use to shop for fun.&nbsp; I spent too much money on clothes.&nbsp; Now I rarely shop and I don't need a lot of new clothing.&nbsp; I enjoy going to small boutiques with beautiful things but those places are hard to find.&nbsp; <br />I have started to buy online.&nbsp; I am realizing that is the way to go.&nbsp; I also am using Angie's finds.&nbsp; Thank you YLF.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721179 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 19:46:44 +0000 Thistle 1721179@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting trend here . . .&nbsp;</p> <p>Is it possible retail has missed the boat on offering up the experience that "older" shoppers want?</p> <p>It also sounds like I am not alone in needing a size most stores don't carry.</p> <p>Doubly interesting as this is a fashion orientated crowd. I wonder how this would translate to a wider group. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721142 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:57:47 +0000 always trying 1721142@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The fun part for me is getting something new.&nbsp; I love when I find something in a store that I love, or when something arrives that I ordered on line and is just what I hoped it would be.&nbsp; returning is frustrating for me.&nbsp; I mostly avoid mall shops except for nordstroms and macys as I feel too old to be in most of the mall stores, except Chicos that I hardly ever find anything that I like there that fits. I do not feel comfortable in the ones you folks on here shop at unless I am looking for something for my granddaughter.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721134 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:42:55 +0000 Gaylene 1721134@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Do I find shopping fun? Yes--and no!</p> <p>I'm in Rachylou 's camp in missing the refinement and inspirational atmosphere I remember from past decades. The two dominant themes these days seem to be (1) "the thrill of the hunt" stores with endless racks of smashed together garments and heaped tables topped by SALE signs or (2) "let's party with the cool kids" shops with trendy, one-season only, merchandise in an overly stimulated playroom with just a curtained cubby as a try-on area. </p> <p>I used to enjoy shopping in some of those stores which are slowly dying when they had interesting displays, helpful staff, and reasonable dressing rooms. But Banana Republic and J Crew decided to imitate Zara, and Gap decided that Old Navy and Target were its competitors. That decision required revamping sizing, styles, designs, and price points as well as re-fitting stores, which turned away many of their traditional customers. It seems not to have worked out. </p> <p>Nordstroms held out longer than most department stores, but I've been disappointed in their Canadian stores which seem to be versions of their down-market US stores. I hadn't been in their flagship Seattle store for almost a decade, but was dismayed at how dispirited it appeared when I was there a year ago. </p> <p>More and more, I'm finding the fun in shopping smaller, independent shops where the dressing rooms are large enough to hold a chair and the staff seem interested in my reaction to their merchandise. Once they get to know me, the owner often makes an effort to bring in items in my sizes. The staff never pressure me to buy something if it appears I am unsure, but they will encourage me to take an item home for a few days if I'm wavering. Alterations are free, and, as a returning customer, I often get a 10-15% discount and, on occasion, a scarf or pair of socks are tossed into my bag as a freebie. The downside is I pay close to full price, but I also get a phone call to alert me if a sale is coming up so I can shop ahead for my "bargains".</p> <p>This is the kind of shopping I remember from past decades--and, yes, it is fun. But I also think my shopping habits make me a member of a dying breed. I don't want to shop endless racks of so-so merchandise to find a gold nugget, nor do I want to struggle to fit my senior bod into the latest Jenna-inspired sequined skirt. I don't much care for the idea of owning a one-season-only, trendy top made in a Bangladesh sweatshop. I love fashion, but that doesn't mean I have to wear, or own, everything I like. Valentino Rockstuds thrill me when I see them on others and their owners seem pleased when I shoot them an admiring glance, but, if I could wear them, I'd covet the real thing, not an imitation. </p> <p>A bit of a rant here, but I hesitated to reply on the other thread because I believe, like Angie, that the sheer volume of shopping alternatives and selection we have today hasn't made consumers happy. Retailers aren't getting it right, but I'm not sure the problem, or solution, lies solely with them. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721129 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:33:54 +0000 Thistle 1721129@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah! &nbsp;Caught me on the drones :)</p> <p>DH got me one last Christmas after I broke my foot and ankle and was laid up. It's an inexpensive "learner's" model, and I'm still am terrible at flying it, but it's been fun to play with.</p> <p>Sometimes, though, I think he has more fun with it than I do!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721126 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:26:47 +0000 El Cee 1721126@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you Thistle. Shopping can be very stressful for those of us that do not wear typical retail sizes. I have a larger frame and am very tall... with enormous feet. I still love shopping under the right circumstances -- in a specialty store for tall ladies, in the Nordstrom shoe department, or online shopping from brands and stores that I know will work for me. And I really enjoy helping others to shop for clothing and accessories. But I agree that a lot of things can be way more fun than shopping... like eating... and herein lies part of my problem. You play with drones? That sounds like great fun. You need to tell us more about that.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721125 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:26:29 +0000 Jenn 1721125@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I liked shopping a lot more when I was several sizes smaller. Now, I find myself hesitant to browse in new or higher-end stores, because I suspect I'll be sized out. It's not a nice feeling. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721124 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:25:27 +0000 milehighstyle (Linda) 1721124@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'm with TexStyle - I find shopping a bit too much fun.&nbsp; But I have a mostly easy body to fit, other than being short.&nbsp; And I have so much stuff already, I&nbsp;am not&nbsp;under any pressure to find something or I'll have nothing to wear.&nbsp; So it's a very leisurely hobby for me.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721116 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 17:10:26 +0000 Suz 1721116@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>What Diana said. :)</p> <p>I used to hate shopping but now I really like it at least if certain criteria are met. I use the Top Picks and Finds to help me source a lot of things worth trying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721111 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:57:13 +0000 abc 1721111@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I do enjoy shopping, too, but I'm typically limited to doing it when I'm in the USA for business (my own choice, but echoing Angie's sentiment re variety and access in US vs elsewhere). &nbsp;Sometimes I stress myself out trying to hit every possible store vs sticking with the places that I usually do well in.</p> <p>As I've aged I've overcome the thrill of the hunt shopping. &nbsp;I used to be a TJMaxx shopper and lived for the thrill of the hunt. Nowadays those places tend to stress me out, along with H&amp;M and even Zara sometimes. &nbsp;I tend to stick to Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Gap for jeans.</p> <p>I did recently fill out a survey about the upcoming launch of Stitch Fix for plus sizes, you might be interested in that option since you don't like shopping. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/declining-sales-in-retail---the-real-reasons#post-1721095 Tue, 30 Aug 2016 16:29:37 +0000 Janet 1721095@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I find shopping fun for the most part, but that's mostly the thrill of the find for me. Shopping is fun when I have the advantage of doing it as a leisure activity and no pressure of having to find a specific item. I find the best stuff when I am not really looking for it!</p> <p>Shopping for something specific that relies on fit (i.e. not accessories or even shoes) is often when I stop having fun. Shopping for an event dress this spring: not fun. Shopping for new jeans when the old ones are wearing out: not fun. Shopping for updated bras: not fun. Shopping for these items is hard enough for me that it makes me feel a bit freakish, like my body is so odd no one is making clothes to fit it. When the truth is, I'm not all that unusual! I'm not overly tall, petite, plus, etc, so if it's this hard for me, I can only imagine how hard it is for women who fit into those categories! </p>