Peek into your local Forever 21 and you’re likely to see racks of trendy, inexpensive clothing, young teenaged shoppers, and now… maternity clothes? It’s true! Forever 21 recently launched a maternity line, called Love 21 Maternity.
The line features basic tank tops, cozy tees, black leggings, and a selection of pleather diaper bags. Prices range from $7.80 for a knit belly panel to $31.80 for a tote bag. The line only launched in select stores in five states – Arizona, Alaska, California, Texas, and Utah. Three of those states (Arizona, California, and Texas), have some of the highest rates of teen pregnancy in the nation.
With teen-friendly prices and teenaged customers, isn’t it reasonable to draw the conclusion that Love 21 Maternity is targeted towards pregnant teens? Following the drama surrounding teen moms Jamie Lynn Spears and Bristol Palin, and the smash successes of Juno, Sixteen and Pregnant, and Teen Mom, is Forever 21 attempting to capitalize on teen pregnancy’s cool factor?
Forever 21 executive vice president Larry Meyer explains, “Forever 21 did not create, design or distribute Love 21 Maternity to target, or appeal specifically to pregnant teens. Any relationship between teen pregnancy rates and the locations of our stores is unintentional.”
Whether intentional or not, Forever 21 is glamorizing teen pregnancy. With such a large base of impressionable teen customers, should Forever 21 be more conscious of its pro-pregnancy stance? Do you think that Forever 21 is actively marketing towards pregnant teens? Leave a comment below and join the debate!