Popular trendy fashion retailer expected to close 200 stores, layoff 750

A popular spot for trendy and affordable fashion finds appears to be the next national retailer to close its doors.

Bloomberg is reporting Forever 21, a staple of malls around the country, is laying off at least 700 workers and shutting down its Los Angeles headquarters. Bloomberg had previously reported the chain was eyeing a possible sale to avoid filing for bankruptcy a second time. It is also planning to close nearly 200 stores but it’s also a possibility that all 350 stores could be shuttered.

Three hundred and fifty of the layoffs will take place at the company’s Los Angeles headquarters with others at stores around the country. A spokesperson told Retail Dive the brand will continue “to explore strategic options while also looking at ways to reduce costs across our operations and optimize our store footprint.”

Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy the first time in 2019 when it closed more than 100 of its 534 stores. It is currently owned by Sparc Group, a joint venture of Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group. In January, Sparc Group teamed with JCPenney to form a new organization, Catalyst Brands.

If it does close, Forever 21 will become the latest national chain to shut down. Big Lots and Party City have shutdown in recent months with other retails closing stores throughout the country.