i came across this press release through google news proclaiming “Cross-Dress/Transgender Niche Retailer Beating the Recession”. i began reading with interest. the press release goes on to say how Genie, The Crossdress Store is doing well during these difficult economic times by catering to “cross-dressers, transvestites, transsexuals and transgenders”. i was particularly interested when i read:

“Retailers like Genie, The Crossdress Store, don’t sell luxuries. They sell the every day items of people’s lives – and people don’t stop living their lives because of recession. As a niche retailer, you just have to tailor your messages and your product line to reflect your customers’ needs.”

i was intrigued. after seeing so many on line stores that cater to crossdressers with outrageous prices and nothing more than club wear or costumes, i thought i may have finally found a place that offered tall and skinny pants or actual long sleeve shirts at a reasonable price that would fit my body. you know, being tall and skinny with long arms. i do a lot of shopping at my local tall girl shop which does offer a modest selection for tall and skinny women like myself, but the prices are pretty high, so i often must wait for their clearance sales.

so i went to genie’s site, and this is what i found:

now, perhaps things are different in canada, where the genie store is located. i spent a couple of weeks in montreal several years back receiving some medical treatment, and i don’t remember any of the women walking around in these types of outfits. but then again, i really didn’t get out much. but i can tell you that if i showed up at work in any of these “every day clothes”, i’d be fired. and $156.00 for a skirt? i could buy two pair of designer jeans at tall girl for the regular price, and i could actually wear them to work. or if i wait for the sales, i could buy a weeks worth of clothes.

it just seems to me that genie is yet another attempt at exploiting the trans community. what a disappointment.