Fashionistas, have you heard? Avenue is officially closing its doors *lonely tear trickles down cheek*! They will be shutting down all physical locations in 33 states. Gordon Brothers and Hilco Merchant Resources are managing the going-out-of-business sales for over 200 stores. Avenue serves as one of the original destinations for trendy plus size women’s clothing. The retailer committed itself to serve quality fashions from sizes ranging from 14 to 32.
Avenue encourages its consumers to make their way in stores and take full advantage of their liquidation sales. Item markdowns are going as high as 50%.
It is always heartbreaking to say goodbye to a store that represents us. Even though the ending of our relationship with Avenue is near, do not worry because we have assembled a list of plus size stores for your wardrobe and to keep you FIERCE!
Here are the plus size fashion retailers you can shop offline, that will continue to keep us in style!
Here's Where to Shop for Plus Size Fashion OFFLINE
One of our favorite destinations, Target has slowly been expanding their plus size options in store. You can expect to see more of a destination for plus sizes rolling out as well as inclusion in brand collaborations.
Have you been to an Old Navy lately? With news that they have launched plus sizes in store, you can expect to experience the Old Navy brand IN PERSOn at more locations.
Charlotte Russe will NOT disappoint. YES, they closed all doors, but guess what? They are coming back with over 20 locations!
A tried and true favorite, Macy's plus size departments are one of the most detailed and thorough in store places, depending on your city. You can shop for your whole fashion life here, from underpinnings to wide width shoes!
How cute is Darlene of Suits, Heels, & Curves in her JCPenney outfit?! DOn't sleep on JCPenney, they have been expanding their fashion assortments throughout the seasons.
If you are on the west coast, you probably have only shopped them online, but if you are on the east coast or down south, you can play in store! Fashion to Figure comes to the rescue for all of your fashion needs, from essentials to statement pieces!
This California based brand has been consistent with their plus size fashion options, in store and online. You can dash in for all of your fashion needs from shoes, accessories, and of course, clothing!
One of the tried and true fashion spots, you can find your assortment of bold plus size fashion options at various Forever 21 locations.
This cornerstone plus size brand is one of the tried and true places you can go to when looking for your must wear plus size options! Each year, they push the envelope with the introduction of collaborations, new categories, and accessories!
Did you know that Rue 21 carries plus sizes in store? You can check out their store locator to see which ones closest to you offer and carry plus sizes in store!
LOFT Plus size clothes is a new addition to the plus size in store shopping experience. Their women's plus size clothes are designed to fit and flatter in all the right places. From wear to work, to every day casualness, we have options!
Nordstrom has stepped up its game with the options for plus size people to play in up through a size 28! From junior plus sizes in Brass Plum to contemporary exclusive plus size collections, you can find more than a few gems here.
New to the offline and in store experience, Eloquii has been slowly rolling out stores for our shopping pleasure! Make sure you check out their store locator for their latest store opening!
On top of these other places, how about a plus size boutique to support? Check out our directory of in store plus size boutiques across the US!
Now, before you get mad at us because you can’t find what you are looking for, please know that these stores and availability for certain items depends on your location. Every place’s plus size section is not equal! Just remember a few things when venturing into a store:
- Do your RESEARCH! It doesn’t matter if you are shopping locally or in another state, know what items are being carried.
- Take your time. For instance, one does not simply walk into a Target without a plan! Next thing you know you’re walking out with a cute new pair of jeans, body wash, and a breadmaker… why did I need a breadmaker!? *facepalm*
- JUST BREATHE! We know it can be overwhelming venturing into new or even old stores. You won’t know if their new line of denim fits the same or if you’ll find a love-it piece? Don’t worry! Let the items speak to you.
You got this and we got you! Let’s get to shopping!
What was one of your favorite pieces from Avenue? Let’s discuss in the comments below…
Ashley Stewart should take those buildings!
Is your online shopping closing as well? I have been looking for the 5 pocket skinny jean in size 18 or 20 petite but can’t find them.
Their online store is or will be open soon!
Where do you shop for plus size mother of the groom dresses?
🥰, I think I just fell in love. This blog is what I need to keep me from buying boxy oversized clothes.
I am crushed that Avenue and Stein Mart closed, on top of the fact that for almost 2 decades Lane Bryant has been boring and sucks. Roaman’s, Catherines, etc. Every one has gone dumpy, frumpy, uniform and boring. Others I miss are Spiegels, NewPort, Lew Magram. Mostly I miss battenburg lace that Spiegels sold and all the boho, colorful patterns, artsy and resort styles.
I wouldn’t shop in any of the stores you listed with the exception of maybe Macy’s and Dillards. All the rest look like laundry hamper clothes for 20 somethings. BTW Target has NEVER had a plus section with any selection (Walmart would be better). Even Penny’s has fallen off in style. I guess they all have over the last few years.
We plus size worked so hard from the late 80’s to 90’s to get cute sexy stylish clothes for all ages and with every parasite venture capitalist takeover they have gutted plus size styles and shopping opportunities.
I want color and personality in my clothes. Avenue and Stein Mart gave me that at reasonable pricing. They had variety for grown up women (meaning all of us 30-up. I’m now 67 but I don’t want to dress like grandma. I don’t think many of us in the Boomer Gen. do. Dillards at least has some designers with some boho (but I can only buy on sale). Avenue made the best soft jeans “Butter Denim” but the parasites have kept changing manufactures and now they are worthless. Frankly, I am now buying my tops on ebay, Posh etc. and I can’t find jeans to save my soul. They are too heavy and hot (I live in the desert) or too skinny and not enough color choices.
What I REALLY wish is that the old buyers from Avenue and Stein Mart and a few other plus shops that had style choice would get together and start up their own clothing store and bring back the personality and choice of those stores. Maybe start online and eventually grow to brick and mortar. However I have no idea how to find them.
Plus they really need more plus teens/20’s styles. Those kids have little choice too. I think Torrid is closest for them. I really like some of the Chinese clothing adds on FB. They are very colorful, BOHO, artsy etc. but you can’t buy from them because you don’t know what you’re going to get, when you might get it, or whats’ going to happen with your credit card. It would be great if some collective group of buyers from the failing stores got together and sold some of those styles too.
It is such a shame seeing plus size revert to pre 90’s with no where to shop and no choice in styles, just dull, frumpy and dumpy.
Debbie W: I have the same problem.
I’m 70 (about to be). I started shopping on QVC channel television due to lymphedema of both lower legs. Their designers do a great job specifically for
QVC. Susan Graver, Denim & Co., Bob Mackie, Isaac Mizrahi and others. I try to get sale or clearance items in my size.
qvc.com is also available.
I totally agree with you Debbie!
Im 61 and love the boho, colorful, flowy look. Avenue and Spegel were the best.
Lane Bryant used to have solid color full coverage bras that I have in most every color. Now they sell with lace and patterns that are ugly. I also liked jeans before they started putting stretch into it. Now I have to wear a belt as the stretch to baggy and fall down.
Did I miss your mention of Ashley Stewart?! Now there’s a store that doesn’t carry boring styles!!!