Pre-teens

Trendy plus-size teens make retro brands hot

Juniors apparel has rebelled against the sluggish sales trends evident in missy plus sizes. Vendors that formerly catered exclusively to the 1-13 standard juniors range are successfully expanding into sizes 15, 17, 19 and beyond.

"Today, 50% or more of our business is geared to juniors plus-size customers," said Bruce Fischer, president of Golden Touch, a misses and juniors vendor.

Plus-size consumers want to purchase high-fashion juniors looks identical to those in the 5-7-9 offerings. These shoppers also want the same brands, as they've proven at retail with Paris Blues, L.e.i. and Z. Cavaricci. First successful at Hot Topic's Torrid plus-size chain, now Sears and other retailers are picking up the lines.

"The demand for plus-size jeans from buyers and customers is just phenomenal," stressed James Cavaricci, president. His retro brand is on the upswing again, Other brands, including Jordache at Wal-Mart, have been growing business thanks to nostalgia for the Reagan years. However, the specs that fit today's juniors have changed, so only brands altering their patterns are exceeding plan.