Forever 21, a familiar name in American retail, has officially announced that all 354 of its leased stores in the United States will close by May 1. Some branches have already begun the process, causing concern among shoppers nationwide.
The closures come on the heels of a bankruptcy filing, with company leaders citing rising costs and tough competition. According to multiple reports, Forever 21’s decision follows a wave of challenges, including online rivals and rapidly changing consumer trends.
Breaking down how these store closures affect Forever 21’s U.S. customers and loyal shoppers
In March, Jarrod Weber, global president for lifestyle at Authentic Brands, emphasized that Forever 21 is adapting to a changing retail landscape. While closures seem drastic, Weber remains hopeful about the brand’s long-term potential. However, CNBC confirmed that the company began liquidation sales at more than 350 locations and plans to end operations in the U.S.
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Who feels the biggest impact here? Shoppers with gift cards, employees who have relied on stable positions, and local malls counting on foot traffic from the fast fashion giant. Forever 21 blames stiff competition from online platforms like Shein and Temu, highlighting just how fierce the retail market has become.
What every Forever 21 follower needs to know about bankruptcy filings, gift cards, and next steps
Wondering if you can still use your gift cards? The company said it will honor gift cards and store credit through April 15, 2025, so there’s still time. At the moment, all sales are final in both physical stores and online, and new gift cards or credit cards are no longer available.
Below is a brief list of key highlights from Forever 21’s official statements:
- All U.S. stores closing by May 1
- Gift cards honored until April 15, 2025
- No returns or exchanges on recent purchases
- Liquidation sales underway in most stores
Meanwhile, Forever 21 also assures customers that its international locations will continue business as usual. This means if you have travel plans outside the U.S., you might still find a Forever 21 store. But don’t wait too long if you were hoping to snag a final purchase from your local branch.
Important dates for store closings and gift card use
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Expected closure of all U.S. stores | May 1 |
| Gift card and store credit validity | Through April 15, 2025 |
For now, the biggest question is what direction the brand will take once it has fully exited the U.S. market. Forever 21 representatives have hinted at a shift toward online retail and international growth, but no specific details have been confirmed.
In short, if you have unredeemed gift cards or final items on your wish list, you’ll need to act quickly. Keep an eye on closing dates, stay informed about sales, and make use of any remaining store credits before the deadline.
