Cato

This store is located next to the Planet Fitness/​Publix in the Rio Pinar Shopping Plaza. I too had never heard of it, but decided to go in before going to the gym next door.
The store is divided in two halves plus-​size women’s clothes on one side, and regular sizes on the other. I wear plus sizes, so was excited to see a store in my neighborhood that had my size. I had gone in the fall and they had a lot of cute sweaters and tops in a variety of colors and funky prints. They had things that could be worn at work, clothes that I could pull off at a goth club or concert, and clothes for the gym and hanging out. They also had shoes, jewelry, and a knickknack corner (not sure why). The prices were very reasonable a pair of jeans I tried on weren’t on sale, but retailed for about 30 $ and came with a belt!
This store reminded me of Fashion Bug, Ashley Stewart/​Mariannes (none exist in Orlando), and a much hipper version of Dress Barn (hipper except for the knickknack area. lol) If you are in the area check it out, it is a great and younger alternative to Lane Bryant, Avenue, and Catherines for Plus size ladies.

I’ve passed by Cato a hundred times and always wondered what kind of clothing they carried… so I finally hopped in last week to check it out.
My first impression: Blah. Dull and just blah. Nothing really caught my attention, some of it looked cheap, and nothing motivated me to want to try it on.
The good stuff: A couple of cute fall coats that they had. They were bright, patterned, and very trendy looking. I liked! Also, they had cute shoes. I am a huge fan of flats and usually I steer away from wearing them because they offer no support on my feet… but Cato had a few pairs that were well cushioned and comfy feeling. I would definitely look into buying those.
All in all, an OK place. If I was in the area I might pop in to see what they have… but not a place I’d drive out of my way for.