The global news article dated November 15 mentions Lululemon’s founder Chip Wilson’s comments on women’s body types in a recent interview. Addressing the complaints regarding Lululemon products, Wilson said “some women’s bodies do not work for their pants.” His comments caused outrage among many women who accused him of implying that some body types are more preferable.

It seems like Wilson is following the footsteps of Mike Jeffries, the CEO of Abercrombie & Fitch, who stated in an interview in 2006 that A&F wants  “to market to cool, good-looking people” and that some people “can’t belong” to A&F.

Founder Chip Wilson With Lululemon Logo

It is upsetting to see companies distinguish between possible customers according to their appearances. Although targeting specific customer segments is beneficial for businesses, doing so based on size, “coolness” or “attractiveness” is neither acceptable nor ethical. The founder Wilson’s remarks are likely to cause problems for the company.

More importantly, people who have the opportunity to reach many others should consider how their words or actions might affect the society. If Wilson wants to make his apology genuine, a good step forward might be to actually take action and improve quality to resolve customers’ problems rather than putting the blame on body types. Lululemon could eventually expand and launch larger sizes in its stores.

Resources:
http://globalnews.ca/news/970904/petition-asks-lululemon-founder-to-apologize-and-make-clothes-for-women-of-all-sizes/
http://www.businessinsider.com/abercrombie-wants-thin-customers-2013-5

Photo Taken From:
http://lylestafford.com/2012/08/08/207/