Beloved Clothing Store Is Closing All 354 Locations in the U.S.

A beloved clothing store is closing all 354 locations nationwide.

According to USA Today, all of Forever 21's 354 "leased stores in the U.S. are to close by May 1," and some already started closing in April.

"Forever 21 is one of the most recognizable names in fast fashion. It is a global brand rooted in the U.S. with a strong future ahead," Jarrod Weber, global president for lifestyle at Authentic Brands, told USA Today in March.

"Retail is changing, and like many brands, Forever 21 is adapting to create the right balance across stores, e-commerce and wholesale," he told the news site.

According to CNBC, Forever 21 "blamed fast-fashion e-tailers Shein and Temu for its demise."

The company "is expected to cease all operations in the U.S. and has already begun liquidation sales at its more than 350 locations," CNBC confirmed.

"After careful deliberation, we have made the decision to file for chapter 11 bankruptcy protection under chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code," a notice on Forever 21's website says. "We are deeply grateful for the support you have shown us over the years, but rising costs and increased competition from abroad have made our current business model unsustainable."

The website statement added: "In connection with the filing, we are beginning the process of closing a number of stores across the U.S. Importantly, however, our stores will remain open for the time being and we will continue to fulfill customer orders placed online. We also will continue to honor customer gift cards and store credit through and including April 15, 2025." 

The company added, "All sales both in U.S. stores and the U.S. website are now final. Accordingly, we will no longer be accepting returns or exchanges. Additionally, at this point, we are no longer offering new gift cards or credit cards."

The statement noted that the company will still have international stores. "This process applies only to Forever 21’s operations in the United States. Forever 21 stores outside of the U.S. will continue to operate business as usual," the statement says.

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