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Forever 21 Files for Bankruptcy Again, Plans U.S. Shutdown

The fast-fashion retailer will close all U.S. stores while seeking buyers for its assets, with international operations remaining unaffected.

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Shoppers walk into a Forever 21 store at Fashion Valley, an upscale shopping mall on December 13, 2024 in San Diego, California.
A Forever 21 store in New York on Feb. 7, 2025.
FILE - Shoppers walk by a Forever 21 clothing store, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Tokyo, as the liquidation sale signs are posted on the storefront. (AP Photo/Kiichiro Sato, file)

Overview

  • Forever 21 has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in six years, citing competition from online retailers, rising costs, and declining mall traffic.
  • The retailer will permanently close all 354 U.S. stores in two waves by May 1, 2025, with liquidation sales ongoing.
  • Forever 21's liabilities are estimated between $1 billion and $10 billion, while its assets are valued at $100 million to $500 million.
  • International stores, operated by licensees, are not included in the bankruptcy and will continue normal operations.
  • Authentic Brands Group, which owns Forever 21's intellectual property, may license the brand to other operators, potentially keeping it alive in some form.