Avenue

Founded in 1983, Avenue was established to meet the growing demand for fashionable clothing designed specifically for plus-size women. Unlike many traditional retailers that simply expanded straight-size collections, Avenue built its business around designing apparel for curvier bodies from the ground up, making it one of the earliest national chains dedicated exclusively to plus-size fashion. Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Avenue expanded rapidly across the United States, becoming a familiar destination for accessible everyday fashion. The retailer developed a broad assortment that included dresses, denim, workwear, casual separates, activewear, lingerie, swimwear, outerwear, accessories, and one of the industry’s largest selections of wide-width footwear. Following financial restructuring and store closures in 2019, Avenue transitioned to an online-first business model. The brand was acquired by City Chic Collective, which integrated Avenue into its portfolio alongside Lane Bryant competitor Evans. Today, Avenue continues to operate primarily through e-commerce while maintaining its focus on affordable plus-size fashion and extended fit options. Avenue remains particularly well known for its commitment to inclusive sizing, offering apparel in sizes 14-32, bras through larger band and cup sizes, and wide-width shoes in numerous styles. Its collections emphasize comfort, versatility, and trend-conscious design while serving women seeking stylish everyday wardrobes at accessible price points.