Forever 21's operating company announced its filing for bankruptcy protection in a statement, expressing the challenges it faced in retaining its customer base due to rising prices and intensified competition from foreign fast-fashion brands. Despite filing for bankruptcy previously in 2019, which allowed for a joint acquisition by a group of investors, the firm is unable to create a viable path forward amid economic struggles affecting its core demographic.
In its latest announcement, the company confirmed that all US stores and its online platform would continue to operate during this transitional period. Nevertheless, it indicated that it would initiate liquidation sales and may undertake a court-supervised process to sell its assets. As the company states, a successful sale could allow for a potential restructuring of operations, rather than a complete closure.
Chapter 11 protection provides Forever 21 with some breathing space in terms of debt management, delaying its obligations to creditors while the retailer looks for new strategies. Notably, the company's overseas branches are operated by independent license-holders and will remain unaffected by this filing.
Founded in 1984 in Los Angeles by South Korean immigrants, Forever 21 rapidly gained popularity amongst young consumers for its stylish and inexpensive fashion offerings. At its height in 2016, the company boasted 800 locations worldwide, with around 500 of those situated in the US, competing directly with significant players like Zara and H&M.
In its latest announcement, the company confirmed that all US stores and its online platform would continue to operate during this transitional period. Nevertheless, it indicated that it would initiate liquidation sales and may undertake a court-supervised process to sell its assets. As the company states, a successful sale could allow for a potential restructuring of operations, rather than a complete closure.
Chapter 11 protection provides Forever 21 with some breathing space in terms of debt management, delaying its obligations to creditors while the retailer looks for new strategies. Notably, the company's overseas branches are operated by independent license-holders and will remain unaffected by this filing.
Founded in 1984 in Los Angeles by South Korean immigrants, Forever 21 rapidly gained popularity amongst young consumers for its stylish and inexpensive fashion offerings. At its height in 2016, the company boasted 800 locations worldwide, with around 500 of those situated in the US, competing directly with significant players like Zara and H&M.
