In today's increasingly inclusive world, businesses have a unique opportunity to tap into an often overlooked, yet highly lucrative market—the big body community. Whether you’re a small startup or a multinational corporation, adjusting your business model to serve people of all body types isn't just the right thing to do; it's a smart business decision.
Solutions for Businesses to Better Serve the Big Body Community
The key to unlocking the potential of the big body community is understanding their needs and creating solutions that cater to them. This could be as simple as offering larger sizes in clothing and footwear or designing more accessible spaces and seating arrangements in public areas like restaurants, theaters, and offices. But it doesn’t stop there. Offering products and services that are truly inclusive—from ergonomic furniture to flexible fitting rooms and even customer service trained to cater to larger customers—will set your business apart.
The truth is, the big body community isn’t looking for special treatment; they want to be treated with dignity and respect, just like everyone else. When businesses provide thoughtful, inclusive solutions, they foster trust and loyalty that will keep customers coming back.
Increase Retention: Treating Customers Right
Customer retention is always a top priority for any business. Research shows that retaining existing customers is far more cost-effective than acquiring new ones, and providing an inclusive, welcoming experience can be a powerful driver of loyalty.
People are more likely to return to a business that makes them feel valued and respected. The big body community, often marginalized or overlooked, will not only reward businesses that cater to their needs—they’ll spread the word. Word-of-mouth marketing from satisfied, loyal customers is invaluable, and by offering inclusive services, you can keep your customers coming back time and time again.
People Will Pay a Premium When Treated Well
When businesses go above and beyond to treat customers with dignity and respect, they create an emotional connection that can justify premium pricing. It’s not about charging more because you think people can afford it—it's about offering value that aligns with the experience.
Customers who feel respected and appreciated, especially from communities that are often excluded or underserved, are willing to pay a premium for products and services that meet their needs. By demonstrating genuine care, you build goodwill that can translate into higher revenue and stronger customer loyalty. This is a powerful, long-term strategy for business growth.
Balancing Profit & People
It’s possible to achieve a balance between profit and people by taking a thoughtful, inclusive approach to business. Inclusivity isn’t just about social justice; it’s about creating an environment where people feel seen, heard, and valued. In turn, this creates a customer base that is more likely to engage with and spend money on your products and services.
Profitability can be driven by offering products and services that cater to a broader demographic, reducing churn, and increasing customer satisfaction. By making body inclusion a core part of your brand, you’ll attract a diverse customer base that feels loyal to your values—and your bottom line.
Low and No-Cost Opportunities for Inclusivity
Inclusivity doesn't have to break the bank. There are many low and no-cost opportunities for businesses to become more body-inclusive. For example, adjusting your advertising to reflect a diversity of body types can make a huge impact. Showcasing people of all shapes and sizes in your promotional material demonstrates that your brand values inclusivity and reflects the reality of your customer base.
Another low-cost option is to train staff to be sensitive to the needs of larger customers. Simple things, like offering a little extra space in fitting rooms or not making assumptions about a customer’s needs based on their appearance, can go a long way in creating a welcoming environment.
Body Inclusion Strategies
Implementing effective body inclusion strategies is a critical step in building a successful, sustainable business. Start by integrating the following approaches:
Product Design: Ensure your products are available in a wide range of sizes and that they're designed with comfort and accessibility in mind. Think about offering options that work for all body types, from clothing to furniture to tech devices.
Inclusive Marketing: Make sure your marketing materials are representative of the big body community. Use diverse models and imagery that showcases a range of body types. Representation matters in building trust and customer loyalty.
Customer Service Training: Train your customer service teams to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of larger customers. Make sure they understand the importance of dignity and respect in every interaction.
Community Engagement: Engage with the big body community directly. Participate in events, support causes that promote body positivity, and create forums for feedback. When customers feel they have a voice, they are more likely to invest in your brand.
Changing Company Philosophy
Body inclusion should not just be a marketing strategy—it should be embedded into your company philosophy. This means fostering a corporate culture where inclusivity is valued, from hiring practices to product development to customer service. A company-wide commitment to body inclusion reflects a broader commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Adopting this philosophy can help position your business as a leader in the space, encouraging others to follow suit. As more companies embrace body inclusion, the stigma and discrimination that many larger-bodied people face will continue to decrease, making for a more equitable and accessible marketplace.
One-Third of Americans Are Missing Out
In the United States, nearly one-third of adults are considered to have a larger body type. Yet many businesses continue to ignore this demographic, missing out on a significant customer base. By catering to this community, your business has the potential to tap into a market that is both sizable and underserved. With simple changes, you can transform your business into one that not only attracts this customer base but also builds long-term relationships based on trust, respect, and inclusivity.
Body Discrimination Is Now the Law
Body discrimination, or weight bias, has been a longstanding issue, but it’s becoming increasingly clear that businesses need to be proactive about preventing such discrimination. In some regions, body discrimination is now considered illegal, and companies must ensure their practices and policies are in compliance.
By adopting inclusive policies and creating a welcoming environment, businesses can avoid legal issues while also gaining a competitive edge by showing they are ahead of the curve when it comes to inclusivity.
Dignity Above All
Ultimately, the key to success in the body inclusion space is treating all customers with dignity. This isn't just about size—it’s about respecting people as they are, without judgment or assumption. Acknowledging and embracing everyBODY’s needs is an essential step toward building a business that will not only thrive in the market but also foster long-lasting relationships with customers.
By focusing on dignity, inclusivity, and respect, businesses can create a space where people feel valued and appreciated—and that’s the kind of environment that leads to loyal customers and sustainable growth.
By making the big body community a focus of your business, you're not just meeting a need—you're creating a brand that people will trust and return to. By treating customers well and offering solutions that meet their needs, you’ll find that your business can flourish in ways you never expected. So, let’s get to work—it's time to meet everyBODY's needs and watch your business thrive.
