The
site for all things Transgender in the Chicago Area
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The
site for all things Transgender in the Chicago Area
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NATIONWIDE CHAINS This page is dedicated to listing any retail chain who has a corporate policy of tolerance and open mindedness. If a chain is listed here, it means that I have contacted their corporate HQ and was informed that their stores are open to the Transgender community. Most of these stores I have shopped at personally. If you know of a nationwide retail chain that should be listed here, e-mail me and I will be sure to add it! |
| LINGERIE |
| Frederick's of Hollywood Various Locations - No shopping site is complete without Frederick's of Hollywood. They value all of their customers business, and have many products that are useful to T-Girls (i.e. breast forms, padded panties, girdles and of course, what they are famous for - their lingerie.) I've shopped here often, in my Male persona. I've also used their online store. This is one of my absolute favorite places to shop. I've always had good experiences. |
| Victoria's
Secret Various Locations - I'm sure you know of this store, and YES, all Victoria's Secret store's are transgender friendly. Click here to read what they told me when I inquired about the subject. (and of course, they sell Lingerie here). I have shopped at Victoria's Secret many times both in Male and Female persona and have had a good experience each and every time. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. They prefer men don't use the dressing room to try on bras during busy times. If the store is not busy, they have no problem with it. |
| Lovers
Lane Various Locations - Located throughout Michigan and Illinois. When I asked if their store was transgender friendly, they responded with a resounding "YES, YES, YES!" I have shopped here in Male mode multiple times (last time I was there, a guy in line in front of me was purchasing a lot of lingerie for "his wife" - I'm sure "his wife" will never see that lingerie!) |
| COSMETICS |
| ULTA Various Locations - A large cosmetics chain. These guys are open to anybody, and will give free consultations and makeovers to men! Click here to read what they responded to me when I inqured about the TG community using their stores. I have shopped at Ulta in both Male and Female personas. In my experience the store clerks seemed didn't seem to care whether I was a man or woman. They were very helpfull. |
| Sephora Various Locations - Cosmetics and Fragrance. They have very strict anti-discimination policies. Their philosophy is that they help all of our customers find their inner beauty and this applies to each and every person who enters their stores. |
| APPAREL |
| Express Various Locations - Another big name woman's clothing chain. Their stores ARE transgender friendly! Not suprising since their parent company also owns Victoria's Secret. They sell woman's fashions, swimwear, lingerie, etc. I have shopped at Express in my Female Persona. They quickly prepared a dressing room for me during a busy time of the day. I had a very good experience with Express. Everytime I go I have a wonderful experience. Last time I went I was en femme, but with no makeup on, and it was obvious I was a man. The attendants were extremely helpful, prepared a dressing room for me, helped me with sizes and didn't blink when I handed them my drivers license to sign up for an Express credit card. Needless to say, I love this store. |
| Ashley
Stewart Various Locations - It's suprising how many big name chains are on this list isn't it? Yep, Ashley Stewart women's clothing stores are TG Friendly! |
| Lane
Bryant Various Locations - Hot fashions and intimate apparel. They do request you call your store before coming in. I have shopped at Lane Bryant en femme without calling in advance. I have not had any problems with the stores I've visited. |
| Abercrombie
& Fitch Various Locations - They claim to be "color and gender blind." The person I talked to there was very friendly and made me feel very at ease. |
| Casual
Corner Various Locations - They cater to all lifestyles according to the person I talked to, but they request you call the store to make an appointment. |
| Petite
Sophisticate Various Locations - they are owned by the Casual Corner Group, so they have the same policy as Casual Corner. |
| Deb
Shops Various Locations - Clothing. they train their people to be open and friendly to everybody. |
| Wet
Seal Various Locations - This store goes by many different names. Contempo Casuals, Arden B, Limbo Lounge, etc. Same products, same company, same website, just different store names. When I asked them if their stores were Transgender friendly, they were kind of confused (they told me that they only sold women's clothes, not men's clothes - I told them that was OK!) After I explained what Transgender meant they told me that they welcome all customers, and there stores were open to men buying their women's clothing. |
| Dress
Barn Various Locations -Clothing. Thanks to "Kristie" for doing the leg work and giving me this tip! Dressing room policy: "While we do not prohibit the use of our fitting rooms by men, we do ask that they also be cognizant to the needs of our female customers." They suggest talking to a store manager before coming in to find times where the stores are less busy so they don't have many women customers already in the dressing room. |
| Bebe Various Locations -Clothing. When I inquired if their store was Transgender Friendly, their reply was a simple "Of course!" Hot fashions. Dresses, Skirts, Lingerie, Shoes - Bebe has it all! |
| Antrhopologie Various Locations -Apparel and Accessories. They assure me their sales representatives will be helpful in finding apparel, accessories or whatever else it may be you're looking for. |
| CP
Shades Various Locations - The best way to describe it is by a quote from them: "Please know that CP Shades is built up on very relaxed attitudes which goes with the clothing that we produce. It is comfortable, unstructured, simple but yet still elegant and sophisticated. Please also know that each and every one of our Store Managers are very professional, helpful and knowledgeable and their number #1 that we have instilled in them is the focus to create a comfortable environment for ALL our customers regardless of any differences and to assist them in any of their shopping needs!" |
| Talbots Various Locations -Petites, Misses, Womans size apparel, accessories and shoes. Here is a quote from their customer service: "We would like you to know that we make every effort to accomodate our customers whenever possible. Although many of our stores allow only women in the dressing rooms, most stores will accomodate you. We would suggest contacting your local store to speak with the manager. She would be happy to arrange for a convenient time for you to come in and shop." |
| Ann
Taylor Various Locations - Wide range of women's apparel. Here was their response to me when I asked if their stores were TG Friendly: "We would be happy to assist you with all of your wardrobing needs at our Ann Taylor stores. Simply contact your local Ann Taylor store location to set-up a wardrobing appointment and a Client Associate will be happy to assist you with all your shopping needs." |
| Elisabeth
by Liz
Claiborne Various Locations - Women's fashions. Here was their response when I inquired about men purchasing women's clothing in their stores, and their dressing room policies: "Everyone is welcomed to make purchases at our stores. For the policies regarding the dressing rooms, please contact the manager of the store nearest you." When asked about dressing room policy they replied "To better answer your question, we do not allow men to use dressing rooms designated for women. However, if a transgender consumer is dressed as a female and appears, in fact, to be a female, it is entirely possible that they may be using a dressing room without our knowledge." In other words, if you are dressed as a man, you cannot use the dressing rooms, but if you are en femme, you can use the dressing rooms. |
| Nordstrom Various Locations - Shoes, Clothing, Lingerie, Makeup - Nordstrom has it all! Their response was short and sweet: "Our #1 goal at Nordstrom is to give great customer service to everyone." |
| dELiA*s Various Locations - Hot Fashions. Their response was "There is no discrimination at any of stores or in our company whatsoever. You can feel free to shop at any of our dELiA*s stores with no problem." They suggested contacting specific stores about their dressing room policies |
| Fitigues Various Locations - Their emphasis is on comfort - they sell comfortable clothes, and they also emphasize the comfort of customers in their store. A quote from them: "We welcome whatever makes you feel most comfortable." |
| The
Gap Various Locations - They tell me that "Discrimination is against the law" and they prohibit any kind of discrimination by their employees. They, of course, sell clothes |
| Brooks
Brothers Various Locations - Sophisticated, Quality Clothing. When asked about their Transgender policy, they replied "Our Sales Associates will be happy to help you." |
| Cache Various Locations - Hot Styles, dresses, tops, bottoms, blouses, jackets, sweaters etc. When asked about their Transgender policy, they suggested "You can contact your local Cache management team, they should be able to accomadate you." |
| Charlotte-Russe Various Locations - Clothing, accessories, shoes, etc. I received a response from Charlotte herself when I inquired if her stores were transgender friendly. "My stores are whatever you want them to be...." That pretty much says it all. |
Fashion Bug Various Locations - According to Fashion Bug "Although Fashion Bug is primarily a women’s apparel brand, we welcome male customers and are happy to assist you in our store. You may find it more convenient for contact the manager at your favorite Fashion Bug store to request a visit ahead of time, so we can provide you with a private fitting room. To find a Fashion Bug store near you, go to http://fashionbug.charmingshoppes.com/pagebuilder/fashionbug_store_locator?reset=0 |
| SWIMWEAR |
| Everything
But Water Various Locations - Women's swimwear. Here was their response to me when I asked if their stores were TG Friendly: "We are very proud to be a leader in exceptional customer service and invite you to experience it first hand. If you had a specific store and date in mind, I could arrange a private fitting with one of our fit specialists or visit any one of our 42 retail locations at your leisure." |