For GLP-1 users, the in-store clothes shopping trip is back

More than two-thirds of consumers using GLP-1s say sizing changes have made them more likely to shop in-store, according to a survey of 500 people from ReturnPro, which helps retailers manage returns.

That presents a new — or old — challenge for retailers, who are starting to reevaluate their brick-and-mortar strategies to meet those expectations, analysts said.

"It has the potential to at least slow the flight to purely online," said Don Johnson, a consumer strategist at EY-Parthenon. "You have to be more thoughtful about the in-store experience."

Kelly Cook, CEO of wedding fashion company David's Bridal, said weight-loss drugs are having an effect on how people shop at its roughly 200 stores. Over the last six months, she said shoppers have been trying on twice as many dresses on average, sometimes up to 10 styles.

Because of these medications, department stores, discount chains and boutiques are evaluating the sizes they carry, their dressing room set-ups and styling services, said Ali Furman, PwC's consumer markets industry leader. In-store investments are likely to be implemented within the next year, she said.