A Calgary-based Sport Chek Women's store knows all too well that bodies aren't a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. So they're making sure their mannequins reflect that.
"Sport Chek Women was designed by women, for women," Kara Anastasiadis, assistant VP of merchandising strategy for FGL Sports Ltd., the store's parent company, tells the Huffington Post Canada.
"The vision of the store was to ensure women felt confident and comfortable in an inclusive retail environment while pursuing their unique fitness journey. It was important to us that all women feel encouraged, strong, and inspired while in our store."
"Each category of mannequin showcases a different body composition and they are all strong, beautiful and representative of all sizes and shapes."
As for design, Anastasiadis says each mannequin is uniquely made with sport and fitness as the foundation, while showcasing a variety of figures.
"We have run, yoga, swim, training and lifestyle mannequins," she says. "Each category of mannequin showcases a different body composition and they are all strong, beautiful and representative of all sizes and shapes."
The businesswoman also notes that customers have had an "overwhelmingly positive" reaction to the mannequins, with many saying "how refreshing it is to see all shapes and sizes of women represented in the store, and how inclusive and comfortable the shopping experience has been."
This Sport Chek store is also the first in Canada to cater solely to women.
Thankfully, the athletic giant isn't the first to embrace new ideals when it comes to body sizes.
Back in 2015, Target Australia announced that the company would be showcasing size 16 mannequins not just for plus-size clothing, but throughout the whole store.
"We’ve always tried to cater for all sizes," Australian Target's former managing director Stuart Machin told the Herald Sun.
"Nothing in life is one size fits all."
"The real-sized mannequins will take this commitment to diversity one step further, by helping everyday women to accurately see what clothes will look like on themselves and on a body that they can identify with," he added.
And Sport Chek Women has the same idea.
"Nothing in life is one size fits all, especially your own personal fitness journey," Anastasiadis explains. "If you run, walk, dance, spin or move your body, you are an athlete and it is important for us to celebrate and recognize all body types."
We hope to see more and more diverse mannequins popping up in other stores soon!
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