As I mentioned in my
yesterday, a brave and gorgeous friend of mine wrote a heartfelt letter in September to lululemon expressing her disappointment at not being able to fit into their sizing.
With her permission, here is the amazing Dani Fecko's letter to lululemon, and lululemon's response, which can be summarized as, "not changing our sizing structure, but we'll take your feedback into consideration." I received the identical response when I wrote to them in 2007 - so I guess they're still getting around to taking my feedback into consideration. Sorry about the highlighting, haven't figured out why it's there or how to get rid of it...
Sent: Sep 16, 2013 8:44:00 PM
Subject: Disappointment
Dear Lululemon,
I'm writing to express my concern at your severe mismanagement of
expectations. I'm going through a change in my lifestyle right now. I let
work rule my life for many years, and was not healthy. Now, I have a
wedding coming up and am working to make fitness a priority. Im watching
what I eat and I'm working out at least four times a week. I feel awesome.
I'm revisiting my yoga practice now and I'm really enjoying it. I get to a
yoga or pilates class at least twice a week and I bike or run at least
three times a week. I don't feel any pressure from my classmates or
teachers to look or feel a certain way. I'm doing what's right for me and
moving at my own pace. I feel like Im really moving along and am more
comfortable in my skin than I have been in a long time.
At least I was until I went into your store looking for a new yoga top. It
was my understanding, based on your company values, that Lululemon is a
company that stands for inclusion, joy and being healthy. It seems that you
can only participate in those values, and in trying to get healthy, if you
wear a size 12 or lower. It would seem that your actual values are quite
different than what you preach: only people who look healthy now can wear
your clothes, even if they only wear them to buy groceries. Those of us who
are not the ideal “lululemon shape” but are working on themselves, to feel
and be healthier, may not be seen in your clothes.
I have fit into Lululemon clothes in the past. In fact, I have some pants
that have stretched out that I still wear. Needless to say, I'll be looking
for new ones. And when I am a size 12,and then size 10 and then size 8
again, I won't be coming back to your store. Because I believe in
practicing what I preach. And I'm working to get healthier – not to fit
some store's ideal body type.
With great disappointment,
Dani Fecko
And here's the response:
From:
lululemon athletica
<
>
Date: Tue, Sep 17, 2013 at 5:45 PM
Subject: RE: Disappointment (#2046-380799686-0948)
To: Danielle Fecko
Hi Dani,
Thank you for taking the time to write to lululemon athletica.
Currently our size range is 2 - 12 (or XXS – XL) for women and S-XXL for men. Our goal is to elevate the level of health and fitness in every community we touch and we recognize that people who are passionate about health and fitness come in all shapes and sizes. At this time, we don’t have plans to change our current sizing structure. However, we are a culture based on feedback and are our design team is committed to reviewing guest feedback on an ongoing basis. We are passionate about product innovation and will take your thoughts into consideration as we continue to develop new product that support the sweaty pursuits of our guests. Thank you again for reaching out and sharing your feedback.
Warm regards,
Emma
lululemon athletica
Guest Education Centre
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