7A Assignment: Testing the Hypothesis, Part 1
7A Assignment: You Have an Opportunity, Now
What?
Plus Size Evening Wear Fashion
Who: Plus Size women in the United States
The what: They are unable to easily find
beautiful evening gowns catered to size 16 and up
The Why: Current retailers don’t know how
to cater to these women
Plus Size women in the United States are
unable to easily find beautiful evening gowns catered to size 16 and up because
current, popular retailers do not offer the same styles they offer to smaller women
than they do to plus size women.
Hypothesis:
Testing the
what: Everyone in my current “who” does share the need. After talking to other
individuals there are problem for plus size men as well however, for this
opportunity it is geared towards men
Testing the
what: For plus size clothing, there are retailers who specialize in plus size
clothing however, they don’t specialize in couture or evening gowns. There are
a very few who offer this specific service.
Testing the why:
Not all plus size women are looking for couture evening wear or anything
special. Some women are satisfied with the options they see now because they
believe if they get it from somewhere that specializes in their clothing, they
will be too expensive. However, for those who are willing to pay, totally believe
they need more options.
Interview 1: After talking with this woman,
a married math professor and mother of two, for a second time, she reiterated
some of the same things she stated previously. She knows many women who is
affected by this situation. One of the main people that comes to mind is her
sister who is plus size as well. The only difference she sees between them is
that her happiness doesn’t have a price tag where for as her sister it does. She
believes If there was a store that catered to her evening wear needs she would
be elated.
Interview 2: In this interview, a
stay-at-home mother of 5, explained her process in deciding whether she needs
to purchase a gown. Being that she does have 5 children, she has learned to be
very frugal. Although she does recognize that there is a problem in the plus
size fashion sector she doesn’t stress over it as much as other women do. If she
does not find anything to fit her curves she decides she will not attend the
event, it is just not worth the time and energy to go searching for retailers
that offer what she Is looking for.
Interview 3: In this interview, a full-time
college student, felt that she has had issues her entire life regarding plus
size fashion. She feels that a store like Industry, could solve common issues.
Being that she goes to a University that is in a small town, they don’t offer
any options that cater to plus size women so she must always resort online.
Although she believes, her closest friends don’t experience the same issues
with because they wear a smaller size she believes other women are very
frustrated.
Interview 4: A married nurse and mother of
3 children and 3 grandchildren was had different opinions than the other women.
Her focus was more on asking if the INDUSTRY would offer more conservative
gowns for plus size women. Being that she is religious she believes one of the
biggest downsides of today’s fashions are that they are too revealing. So,
regarding the ready-to-wear line she made me reconsider religious groups. These
women are looking for gowns as well but not only is there a lack in variety but
they’re not conservative.
Interview 5: In this interview, another
married nurse and mother believes that a lot designer do not cater to her body
shape. Because she is curvier on the top section then the bottom, the gowns don’t
flatter her. Because of this, she only shops at certain retailers. She would
appreciate if the INDUSTRY could provide gowns and garments that catered to
people with body types such as hers. She believes a lot of women her age is similarly
affected.
What do you know about the opportunity that
you didn't know before:
Hi Beau!
ReplyDeleteI believe the interviews you had with these potential customers are very valuable to your opportunity, as they give you the feedback you need in order to decide whether or not the idea is worth your time. Clearly, the people you interviewed agree that it is something that most women need. It is clear that you have taken the time to think your opportunity through, and your interviews have proven that it is a good opportunity.
Hey Beau,
ReplyDeleteYou have a great opportunity. I think the plus size clothing market can use a touch of diversity. Also, you mentioned plus sized men having these same issues as well; that’s quite interesting because I never really thought about how hard it could be for plus size men to find clothing that meets their needs because I’m a woman, but now that I think about I hardly ever see a section that offers trendy clothing for plus size women or men. Moreover, I know many women who feel the same way as your interviewees, so I think your opportunity would definitely be a hit.
Beau,
ReplyDeleteThe opportunity you chose to present was REAL! I know several people who would agree with the fact that finding plus size clothing is harder to find than "regular" sizes. The fact that you specified evening wear made it all the more real. Although I'm not a size 16 +, I a size 8. earlier this year while prom dress shopping, it was hard far me to even find something above a size 6! This seems like something that seems to be overlooked, and I think its great that you chose this.