Iconic Mall Fashion Store Forever 21 Will Now Close All Locations

Yet another chain selling clothing, mostly in malls, is ready to say goodbye.

Fashion Chains Seeing Increased Competition From Cheaper Alternatives

Stores that carry a heavy inventory of fashion are having a difficult time trying to keep up while services are offering cheaper alternatives.

USA Today noted that both Chinese online discount retailers Shein and Temu are creating increased competition for chains in the U.S.

(KEEP SCROLLING FOR A FULL LIST OF CHAINS THAT HAVE CLOSED LOCATIONS IN 2025)

Department store chains have especially been hit hard in the first quarter of the year.

Kohl’s started shedding some of its stores during the first weeks of 2025 with plans to close 27 “underperforming stores” and a fulfillment center before April. Macy’s initial plans called for closing 50 stores by the end of January before the total was later bumped up to 65.

In February, JCPenney was added to the list of chains closing locations with stores being shuttered in multiple states.

Forever 21 Closing All Stores

The latest chain to run into major financial issues is Forever 21.

It was initially reported by BusinessOfFashion.com that least 200 Forever 21 locations would close as the company was preparing to file for bankruptcy. At that time, it was believed that the chain may be able to find a buyer for the remained of its stores.

Unfortunately, we learned this week that Forever 21 is now set to close all 360 of its stores after filing for bankruptcy and coming up short in its pursuit to find a buyer.

ABC News reports that Forever 21’s U.S. stores will remain open for the time being with liquidation sales underway. International stores are not among those expected to close.

Forever 21 got its start as a standalone store in California in 1984. The chain would later grow into more than 500 locations in the U.S. with another 300 stores spread throughout other countries.