A shopper has accused Target of implementing a "fat tax" by charging higher prices for plus-size clothing compared to smaller sizes. The allegations gained widespread attention after being shared on social media by Samyra, a singer and body-positivity influencer.
Samyra posted a video claiming that a size large garment and a size 3X of the same item rang up at different prices, with the larger size costing $2 more. She shared screenshots from Target's website allegedly illustrating this price disparity for a pair of thong underwear. The video, which has amassed millions of views across social media platforms, included Samyra stating, "Two dollars extra all because we wear above an XL. This isn’t right."
Target representatives were not immediately available to comment on the allegations. This situation echoes previous controversies where companies have faced accusations of differential pricing based on customer size. Notably, Southwest Airlines recently drew criticism after a policy requiring plus-size passengers who could not fit between armrests to purchase an additional seat or risk being charged at the airport.
However, the online reaction to Samyra's claims against Target was divided. Some social media users argued that larger clothing sizes necessitate more material, thus justifying a higher price. One commenter stated, "It’s 500 yards more fabric, obviously it’s gonna be more expensive." Another agreed, "More material equals more costs."
Countering these arguments, one individual identifying as a seamstress claimed that on a mass-production scale, the cost of fabric does not significantly differ between sizes. "The fabric cost on a mass scale makes no difference because the cost is distributed evenly across all the sizes," the person wrote. "You don’t see the XXS being cheaper."
While Samyra sought to price-match the larger item to the smaller one, a Target associate reportedly explained that larger sizes may incur higher costs due to the need for more material. The debate continues online regarding the fairness and manufacturing realities of pricing clothing across a spectrum of sizes.