(KETK/CNN) — Plus-size apparel has become a $21 billion industry. 

For many decades, most major retailers have been ignoring this profitable shopping sector. 

Walmart is now joining a growing list of stores finally catering to shoppers size 12 and above.

The old stigmas about plus-size shopping are melting away, forcing retailers and designers to shift their attitude. 

Madeline Jones of Plus Model Magazine says: “We’re kinda alienated when it comes to fashion.” 

Walmart is the latest retailer to announce it’s expanding it’s plus-size clothing selection, citing statistics showing more than half of US women ages 18 to 65 wear a size 14 or higher. 

Last week, Walmart bought plus-size clothing brand Eloquii which makes clothes exclusively for women sizes 14 and above. 

If you’re ignoring plus size women and men, you’re leaving money on the table, according to Madeline Jones of Plus Model Magazine, “I guess making money is not part of your formula then.” 

Walmart is not the only retailer paying attention.

Old Navy announced it’s bringing its formerly online-only plus-size collection to 75 stores. 

J.Crew is also tapping into the market, expanding sizes on fall and winter fashion collections. 

Nordstrom says it’s adding more 14, 16 and 18 size choices, and that they’ll feature a more inclusive range of mannequins. 

Kohl’s is scheduled to launch a plus-size brand called Evri next spring. 

Madeline Jones of Plus Model Magazine explains: “As a business person, how could you not want to offer your clothing to plus size women when we’re 65% of American women.”

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