bringing fashion to the figure

BRINGING FASHION TO THE FIGURE
Concept
Fashion To Figure (FTF) is the only
fast-fashion retail chain dedicated solely
to women’s plus-size fashion. Rapidly
expanding with a global web store and
13 physical locations, FTF provides up-tothe-minute fashion trends at the best prices.
With service provided by personal Fashion Stylists in an upbeat store environment,
guests leave FTF feeling chic, stylish and
supremely confident.
FTF was founded by the great-grandsons of Lena Bryant, the fashion
revolutionary and businesswoman who
founded the special size market more
than 111 years ago.
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PRODUCT:
FTF offers a vast selection of trendy
related separates including fashion
tops, bottoms, stylish dresses and
multiple denim brands and
contemporary styles.
Key basic items include camisoles,
tube tops, and leggings in
varying color palettes. Chic
accessories include jewelry,
cosmetics, hats and scarves; and
customers can also find a selection
of innovative shapewear. New items
arrive in stores each day, providing
fresh looks for guests on every visit.
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STYLISTS:
FTF “Stylists” provide a personalized experience for each of our guests.
Our Stylists are full-fashion experts – they are trained to match our
guests’ body types with our fashions and provide excellent advice on
product selection, fit, and what makes an outfit work. Our Stylists share
a passion for style and for providing you with the ultimate full-fashion
shopping experience.
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STORES:
Palisades Center, West Nyack, NY
GREEN ACRES MALL, VALLEY STREAM, NY
LIVINGSTON MALL, LIVINGSTON, Nj
KINGS PLAZA, BROOKLYN, NY
BAY PLAZA SHOPPING CENTER, BRONX, NY
CROSS COUNTY CENTER, YONKERS, NY
WESTFIELD SUNRISE MALL, MASSAPEQUA, NY
BOWIE TOWN CENTER, BOWIE, MD
JERSEY GARDENS MALL, ELIZABETH, Nj
ST. CHARLES TOWNE CENTER, WALDORF, MD
MONDAWMIN MALL, BALTIMORE, MD
FTF.COM
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IN THE MEDIA
“Best Plus Size Chain Store”
“ STYLE FILE”
“LIVINg large is the best revenge”
“model hunt AT FASHION TO FIGURE”
“GETTING BACK TO THAT GOLDEN ERA”
“SHOPPING”
“lena bryant descendant continue
family tradition”
“perfection’s price- too much attention
to detail can be costly”
“girlfriends’ getaway”
“Plus Size Wars”
“FASHION’S NIGHT OUT”
“rising stars: 40 under 40”
“where can i find cute plus-size
dresses? “
“retailers return fashion to full figures”
“fashion to figure owners carry
on great- grandma’s tradition”
“Interview with Michael Kaplan”
“THE KAPLAN’S FASHION TO FIGURE’ “plus sizes a plus”
“growth industrY - will paris respond?
super sized couture”
“lane bryant kin launch concept”
“inheriting the girth: plus size store
inspired by ‘gram’ “
“Interview with Michael Kaplan”
“eXtra! fashion to figure, a new website and
store FOR amazing curvy girls
“sizeable profits”
“fashion to figure”
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MISSION:
Making people’s lives better through the ultimate full-fashion
shopping experience.
MESSAGE FROM FOUNDERS:
More than 100 years ago, our greatgrandmother
Mrs. Lena H. Bryant created the full-fashion market.
As a widow in the late 1800s, “Gram” pawned a pair
of diamond earrings to buy a sewing machine so that
she could make dresses to support her family. Responding
to a full-figured customer’s request for something both
pretty and practical for entertaining, Gram sparked a fashion
revolution with her design. Generations of our family built
Gram’s business into a national chain of stores before the
company was sold in the 1980s. Gram used to say that you
should never ask women to conform their figures to fashion
but rather bring fashion to the figure. Bringing fashion to the
figure continues to be our passion today. Come visit our
stores and have the ultimate full-fashion experience.
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
Michael Kaplan is a co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of
Fashion To Figure Stores. He previously co-founded an online
community and shopping portal for full-figured women purchased
by Charming Shoppes (Ticker Symbol: CHRS) in 2000. Prior to
that, Michael worked as a venture capitalist with RRE Ventures and a
financial analyst at Lazard Frères in New York. Kaplan was named
one of Chain Store Age’s “40 under 40” Rising Retail Stars in 2006
and has been a featured guest speaker at The Fashion Institute of
Technology and The Laboratory Institute of Merchandising. He
studied jazz, saxophone at The Manhattan School of Music, is a
graduate of Brown University and earned an MBA from Harvard
Business School.
Nicholas Kaplan is a co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of
Fashion To Figure. He co-founded and served as Managing Partner
of The Designer Warehouse, an off-price retailer of apparel for men
and women operating several stores in New York City and New
Jersey. Previously, Nick was General Merchandise Manager at
Bluefly.com and a merchandise buyer at Saks Incorporated. Nick
started his retail career more than 20 years ago when, as a highschool
student, he was a sales associate at a Tommy Hilfiger store
in Manhattan. Kaplan was named one of Chain Store Age’s
“40 under 40” Rising Retail Stars in 2006 and has been a featured
guest speaker at The Fashion Institute of Technology. He earned
his BA at Lehigh University.
Frances Freixas is Chief Merchant at Fashion To Figure and
responsible
for
merchandise
strategy
and
store
operations.
Previously, she served as a women’s sportswear buyer at Saks
Fifth Avenue, where for fifteen years she held various positions in
operational
capacities.
Frances
attended
Florida
International
University.
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
Kara Jenny (Chief Financial Officer) Before joining FTF, Kara was the Chief Financial Officer of Bluefly.com, the online destination offering exclusive designer merchandise
at a value. Prior to joining Bluefly, Kara was an Experienced Audit Manager at Arthur Andersen LLP. She spent 8 years in their New York Office’s Enterprise Group. Kara received
a BS from Binghamton University, is a Certified Public Accountant and is a member of the
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. In 2011 Kara was selected to the Securities and Exchange Commission’s Advisory Committee on Small and Emerging Companies.
David Rogosky (VP of Finance) Before joining FTF, David spent six years with Rafaella Apparel, a Cerberus portfolio company, as the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis; seven
years with Foot Locker, Inc. in various positions of increasing responsibility in Treasury and Financial Planning and Analysis; and four years with T. Rowe Price Associates. David holds a B.B.A
from James Madison University, an M.S. in Finance from Loyola College, and the CFA designation.
Jennifer
Schmitt
(eCommerce
Director)
Previously,
she
was
eCommerce
Manager at SBRshop.com, a multi-channel retailer of sporting equipment and related
merchandise
for
tri-athletes.
Prior
to
that
position,
Jennifer
was
Project
Manager
and Web Developer for 1-800-SAN-DIEGO and Systems and Application Programmer
and Software Engineer for Florida Atlantic University. She has a Master of Science
degree from New York University and graduated magna cum laude from Florida
Atlantic University.
Palley
Jackson
(Assistant
Merchant)
Previously,
she
completed
the
Nordstrom Executive Training Program where she was a department manager. She
has also worked in Estee Lauder’s Bumble and Bumble division. Palley is a graduate of Villanova University where she was a member of the University’s Varsity Women’s
Lacrosse Team.
Kent
Chong
(Accounts
Payable)
Prior
to
joining
FTF,
Kent
worked
at
Permanent Foliage, Inc. as an office manager and bookkeeper. As a pioneer, he was also responsible for many of the company matters.
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MANAGEMENT TEAM
Maria Sifre (Office Manager & Bookkeeper) Previously, she was Project Manager and
Executive Assistant at Concierge Equity Holdings and Bookkeeper at Gotham Abstract, a home
title company. Before these positions, Maria was a Multi-Lingual Sales and Service Consultant at
Verizon.
Yehuda Kohavi (Staff Accountant) Before joining the FTF family, Yehuda has worked in a
public accounting firm as a bookkeeper and tax accountant. Yehuda is a graduate of Baruch
College, where he received his MS in accountancy.
Christina Hamilton (eCommerce Assistant) Christina joined the team at our Kings Plaza
location as a Stylist in 2011. While at Kings Plaza, Christina managed the store’s weekly newsletter and became known as the ‘Squeem Queen’ for her top sales on the floor. Christina is a
graduate of OCTI with a degree in Network Support Systems.
Mikaya Newell (eCommerce Assistant)
Mikaya first joined FTF in the begin-
ning of 2011 where she worked as a Stylist at our Cross County Shopping Center location. Within a year, Mikaya became a Lead Stylist during which time she helped with the
opening of two new FTF locations and also appeared on ABC Nightline’s feature of FTF.
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BOARD OF ADVISORS
Myra Hart
Professor
Harvard Business School
Former Founding Officer
Staples Inc
Rakesh Kaul
Former President and CEO
Hanover Direct, Inc
Nancy Koehn
Professor
Harvard Business School
David Levin
President and CEO
Casual Male Retail Group Inc
(Nasdaq: CMRG)
Stephen Siegel
Chairman Global Brokerage
CB Richard Ellis
(NYSE: CBG)
Morty Singer
President
Marvin Traub Associates
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CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
FROM: Mari I 3 Jan 2013
“I felt it was important to take the time to give “kudos” to one of your employees that works in the Fashion to Figure Jersey
Gardens Store. For the past 4 years, I’ve shopped at Fashion to Figure and my most memorable and BEST moments were
because of your Fashion Specialist-Rasheeda. I shop at least once a month and I always look for her when I walk in the
store. She is truly my fashion consultant and has sold me hundreds of dollars in merchandise. She has dressed me for formal
events, parties, work, etc and always knows how to put outfits together that compliment my body. I trust her suggestions and
she takes the time to develop connections with her customers and build a rapport. She is what I would refer to as an
All-Star employee!”
FROM: Lauren I 3 January 2013
“I am writing because of the experience I had today at the Fashion to Figure in the Sunrise Mall. I was shopping this morning and upon my arrival I was greeted by two very friendly associates. In the fitting room, Jessica was
very helpful and let me know that she would be of any assistance I needed. When I went to make my purchases Jessica greeted me by name again and had a very friendly conversation with me. At the end of my purchase she walked
around the counter to give me my bag. I was incredibly impressed by the service at this store and loved the environment. I felt very comfortable and welcomed and the customer service exceeds all of my expectations. I will most certainly be making this Fashion to Figure one of my regular shopping destinations after this experience. Thank you!”
FROM: Tanisha I 2 Jan 2013
“My experience with this website has been completely positive! The clothing is priced beautifully and
fit well. Plus size women need this type of confidence. I also have a wonderful customer service experience with Jessica over at the store in Massapequa, NY. She is always helpful, nice, courteous and willing to go the extra mile for me. I love working with her. Thanks again for this great idea with wonderful designers.”
FROM: Cassie I 1 Jan 2013
“Love your fashions! Order online but wish y’all were in North Carolina!”
FROM: Erik I 18 Dec 2012
“You have a wonderful selection of clothes that I am excited to share with my friends and family...”
FROM: Samantha I 18 Dec 2012
“I have absolutely NO complaints about your store. The clothes are AMAZING, the prices are more than fair, and the people that
work there (at the Palisades location, anyways) are more than helpful and friendly....they make it so you feel like you are shopping
with good friends. I do have one complaint, however. And that is....why are there not more of these stores around the states???
The farthest one north is apparently the palisades...which is 6 hours from me! And yes....I make the 6 hour drive from Buffalo
to the Palisades for one store… your store. Now THAT’S customer loyalty. I’ll be back there in January....looking forward to it!”
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CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
FROM: Rosemary I 14 Dec 2012
“On Tuesday December 11th I had walked into the Fashion to Figure store in the Westfield Sunrise Mall in Massapequa,
NY. This was the first time I have been in the store and was taken back by the selection and how in tune the clothes you
had to offer women of my size.I had selected a dress to try on as well as a blazer and shirt ( that I saw on the manikins)
to try on. There was a girl called Alexia who helped me through out the whole process and was extremely helpful and
extremely nice that it made my experience very happy. I always hate to go shopping as I find most stores for my size very
frumpy and the staff not that helpful. The girls that you have here were great and I felt so comfortable. I ended up purchasing the blazer and the shirt as it looked great and the lady that helped me at the register was just as nice and helpful as
Alexia. Her name was Jessica and she also signed me up for the card your store offers. I just wanted to make sure that
these two women were acknowledged for their superb customer care as I have never had a more wonderful experience
and will defiantly be a return customer to that location and will be telling all my friends and family about this store.”
FROM: Rosemary I 11 Dec 2012
“I just came from the Massapequa mall location and the girls are super nice and extremely helpful. Great clothes!!”
FROM: Ms. Williams I 5 Dec 2012
“Saturday, December 2, 2012 was the first time I was ever in the store and it most certainly will not be my last. I would
like to let you know that I had a wonderful experience on my mini shopping spree and thanks to your stylist Khalida I was
treated so special that I felt very comfortable spending every dollar of my purchased garments. Sometimes you go into a
fashion store and spend because you need or just have to have something and you may have to ignore the fact that the
service is not up to the standard you would like. That truly was not the case here. When I came into your establishment the
first person to greet me was Khalida and she took my overloaded cart and bags and put them safely behind the counter so I
could freely shop. This was a number one big plus. Then she made herself available to assist me pick out the clothes that fit
my fancy. Next she set me up a section on the rack as I tried on my chosen outfits. As I asked her for her opinion she was
so professional as she straightened and fussed over details that completed the correct fit of the item I was trying on. Finally
she gave an honest response to how particular articles looked and if it really looked good on me. Mind you she never
made feel that anything looked BAD but first she asked how did I like it and how did I feel in it. All of her actions were
important in, not only making me feel as since of trust, but helped me finalize my purchase knowing I had clothing I would
still be happy with once I got home… this young lady made me feel like a million dollars. OK. A Billion Dollars. I may not
have Khalida as my stylist the next time I visit but if all of your employees are as kind, patient and attentive as her then Your
business should only stay and grow stronger and steadfast always.”
FROM: Hillaire I 25 Oct 2012
“I attended the fashion to figure store located in the Mondawmin mall in Baltimore, MD 21215. I shop here quite often
maybe once a week. Every time I attend to shop, store associates Tamika and Ebony are always willing, eager, and very
understanding when I come into the store. They greet you with a smile and I love the customer service that is given especially the help they give you to help you find your size, trying on clothes and everything. They are awesome and I love the
clothing. Please keep up the good work.”
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CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
FROM: Bernadette I 20 May 2011
“I moved to this area 3 years ago from Brooklyn. Since I moved to Orange County I have never been able to find a trendy
plus size clothing store like the many in the NYC. I was very impressed with the store as well as the staff you had when I
shopped there on Sunday October 19, 2009. I would like to tell you that if you were to open a store in either Poughkeepsie or Middletown New York you would make a killing. I have been in sales my whole life and there is a great need for a
store like this in these areas. Good luck and much success and I will continue to drive down to Nyak to visit your store even
if it is an hour away it’s worth the trip.”
FROM: Adrienne I 7 June 2011
“FTF Rocks! Best Store ever for plus size women.”
FROM: Adrienne I 7 June 2010
“I just stumbled on your Jersey Garden store and was so excited at the array of the awesome and trendy collection for us plus
sized women.I bought one of every item on display. You guys made my day!”
FROM: Oluwatoyin I 27 March 2011
“I was in you Green Acres Mall store on Sunday. Natalya helped me. Just wanted to say she was wonderful!!! Knew the
merchandise, what would fit my body type and was just very nice. We all hear so many complaints, it’s important to me to
pass it along when someone in doing a great job.”
FROM: Linda I 27 Oct 2010
“I would just like to give some recognition to the staff at the Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth NJ store. They have made FTF my first
stop for clothes permanenetly. Each and every employee is helpful, always smiling, and willing to give you whatever you
need. The store is always clean and organized and I couldnt ask for a better shopping experience. Thanks to them, I will
be an FTF customer for life.”
FROM: Nicole I 23 Sept 2010
“I was recently at your store in Elizzabeth New Jersey i went to buy some clothes that im going to be takeing to puerto
rico in a month i almost go every week and i love entering your store.its always well kept and the customer service is
spectacular.i always get helped by the same girl her name is jeannette.everytime i go there shes there either talking up a
customer or a child and if not shes danceing to the beat of her own drum .ii ended up buying a squeem for myself and
for two other family members and well not for nothing i look to good for my own good or so says my husband lol...i look
forward to going into the store its extremely exciteing going into the store never no whats to expect .i love your clothes
although i do wish certain things would be true to size but wether its 1 or 10 items i purchase i enjoy it cause i know im
makeing a good buy.well thanks so mush for complimenting the big boneded and bold females thanks a whole bunch”
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CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS
FROM: Esther I 23 July 2010
“We NEED this store in Las Vegas! any chances of opening up one here? it would be great @ town square las vegas. i
saw a friend of mine from new york (rockland county) wearing one of your out fits and i loved it. when i asked her where
she got it from, she said, “fashion to figure”. i quickly hopped on the internet and found your website hoping to do some
online shopping. i cant wait until you add that feature!”
FROM: Natalie I 20 May 2010
“I visited your store in Livingston Mall and I was sooo impressed with all your fashions, but most important, your staff members. They were sooo helpful and friendly. I will definitely shop there again and will absolutely recommend your store to all
my friends! Thank you!!!”
FROM: Maribel I 13 May 2010
“I just stumbled on your Jersey Garden store and was so excited at the array of the awesome and trendy collection for us
plus sized women.I bought one of every item on display. You guys made my day!”
FROM: Oluwatoyin I 27 March 2011
“I was in you Green Acres Mall store on Sunday. Natalya helped me. Just wanted to say she was wonderful!!! Knew the
merchandise, what would fit my body type and was just very nice. We all hear so many complaints, it’s important to me to
pass it along when someone in doing a great job.”
FROM: Linda I 27 Oct 2010
“I would just like to give some recognition to the staff at the Jersey Gardens, Elizabeth NJ store. They have made FTF my first
stop for clothes permanenetly. Each and every employee is helpful, always smiling, and willing to give you whatever you
need. The store is always clean and organized and I couldnt ask for a better shopping experience. Thanks to them, I will
be an FTF customer for life.”
FROM: Nicole I 23 Sept 2010
“Hello FTF! My name is Antoinette Miles and I wanted to share with you a story about my enjoyable shopping experience
at Fashion to Figure at your Livingston Mall location. I was walking in the mall with my college friends and I just happened
to see the beautifully colored and brightly lit FTF store. At first I passed the store, embarrassed that I had to shop in a plus
size store. Shopping is such a sensitive topic for me. As a plus size teenage girl, I can’t go shopping with my friends; as
their favorite retail stores don’t offer my size. When I do encounter a store that offers my size I either find grandma clothes
or clothes that don’t fit my figure. Fed up with unsatisfactory shopping experiences, I walked into the FTF store. I immediately felt reassured that I was in a place where I can purchase stylish clothes in MY size. As I looked through the wracks
of clothing, I found that every item was beautifully made, stylish and most of all inexpensive. Stores like Macy’s and Torrid
often drain my pockets dry when I shop. I never imaged getting a beautiful dress for 20 bucks and a blouse for 14 bucks!
In this economy saving money is a must. Stores like Ashley Stewart & Lane Bryant have lovely clothes, but cater to an older
generation of full figured women. I can never walk into those stores without feeling somewhat out of place. I just want to
thank FTF for remembering women like me- young full figured women- who want to look just as stylish AND EVEN BETTER
than her teen friends. Thank you and I look forward to shopping at FTF again! I even told my grandmother (who lives in
Queens, NY) about your Green Acres Mall location! Thank you FTF, from the bottom of my heart.”
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IN THE
MEDIA:
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
PAGE
WWD– Beauty Summit 2013 .................................................................................................................................. 20
Newsday– Plus-size fashion chain opens 2nd LI store ..................................................................................... 21
ABC News– Big Girl Chic ......................................................................................................................................... 22
Time Out NY– Best Plus Size Chain Store ............................................................................................................. 23
Vanity Fair – Living Large is the Best Revenge ..................................................................................................... 24
WAG – Getting Back To That Golden Era ............................................................................................................. 25
WWD – Lena Bryant Descendants Continue Family Tradition ......................................................................... 26
NY Times – Plus Size Wars ........................................................................................................................................ 27
Essence Magazine – Show Off Your Shape, Girlfriends’ Getaway................................................................ 28
Daily News Fashion’s Night Out .............................................................................................................................. 29
Seventeen Magazine – Cute Plus Size Dresses .................................................................................................... 30
Newsday – Style File.................................................................................................................................................... 31
Madison Plus – Interview with Michael Kaplan .................................................................................................. 32
Black Star News – The Kaplan’s Fashion To Figure.............................................................................................. 33
Skorch Magazine – Model Hunt at Fashion To Figure .......................................................................................34
Rockland, The Journal News – Plus Size Retailer Looks to Open Westchester Store..................................35
Pasazz – Interview with Michael Kaplan................................................................................................................36
Amaze Magazine – Extra, FTF, a New Store and Website for Amazing Curvy Girls..............................37
The Record – Planning Their Big Plus: Lane Bryant Kin Building Business by the Book........................... 38
Barron’s – Growth Industry, Will Paris Respond? Super-Sized Couture....................................................... 39
The Star Ledger – Shopping........................................................................................................................................ 40
Chain Store Age – Rising Stars, 40 Under 40, 2006 .......................................................................................41
Chain Store Age – In Family Tradition, Lena Bryant’s Descendents Launch Plus Size Concept..............42
DSN Retailing Today – Affordable Fashion Meets Hard-to-Find Sizes ..........................................................43
DSN Retailing Today - Retailers Return Fashion to Figures ................................................................................44
HBS – Perfection’s Price - Too Much Attention to Detail Can Be Costly ......................................................45
Rockland, The Journal News – Plus Sizes a PLUS .................................................................................................46
RNN – Fashion To Figure ......................................................................................................................................... .47
Retailing Today - Lane Bryant Kin Launch Concept .............................................................................................48
HV Business Journal – Fashion To Figure Owners Carry on Great-Grandma’s Tradition .........................49
The Record – Inheriting the Girth: Plus-Size Store Inspired by “Gram” ........................................................ 50
NBC – Sizeable Profits ........................................................................................................................................... ....51
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DECEMBER 2010
LIVING LARGE IS THE BEST REVENGE
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Thursday, September 9 2010
FASHION’S NIGHT OUT
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September, 2007
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September 21, 2010
STYLE FILE
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