Forever 21 opening 14 stores across the U.S.
Forever 21 has already begun a nationwide brick-and-mortar expansion plan — with an emphasis on outlet locations.
The fast-fashion retailer will open 14 new stores across the country, including a new location at the Gran Plaza Outlets in Calexico, Calif., which opened in August 2022. The Calexico store is the first in a series of Forever 21 openings scheduled to roll out across America through June 2023. (See complete list of the upcoming new stores at end of article.)
“We’re seeing even more consumers returning to the in-store shopping experience,” said Winnie Park, who took the reins as CEO of Forever 21 in January. “While our online business remains strong and a key component of our growth strategy, we love interacting with our consumers in-store."
Forever 21 said it will celebrate the grand opening of each location with special events and special promotions, including gift card giveaways, gifts with purchase and food and beverages. The new stores will also be decorated with a variety of photo-op moments to help customers share the celebrations and their in-store experience via social media, the company said.
“Consumers are once again enjoying the benefits of shopping in-store and are purchasing for a range of activities such as expanded social events or a wardrobe refresh as they return to the office,” said Jacob Hawkins, Forever 21 chief marketing, digital and omni officer. “We’re also seeing even more customers choosing the buy online, pick up in-store option, and these 14 new stores reflect our commitment to ensuring we have the local inventory to meet demand for this increasingly popular omni shopping model.”
Forever 21 declared bankruptcy in 2019 and was subsequently acquired by Authentic Brands Group in a deal that also included Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners. (JCPenney declared bankruptcy in May 2020, and its retail operations were acquired in November 2020 by Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners.)
The store expansion follows Forever 21's announcement in December that it would sell a curated mix fashions at 100 J.C. Penney stores and on the retailer's website.
In addition to the Calexico opening, Forever 21 will unveil stores at Chicago Premium Outlets in Aurora, Ill.; Warwick Mall in Warwick, R.I.; Las Vegas Premium Outlets North in Las Vegas, Nev.; The Outlets of Des Moines in Altoona, Ia; Grove City Premium Outlets in Grove City, Pa.; Norfolk Premium Outlets in Norfolk, Va.; Cape Cod Mall in Hyannis, Mass.; The Outlet Shoppes at Atlanta in Woodstock, Ga.; Mayaguez Mall in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico; Leesburg Premium Outlets in Leesburg, Va.; Florida Keys Premium Outlets in Florida City, Fla., The Outlets at Tejon in Tejon Ranch, Calif. and Ross Park Mall in Pittsburgh.
Based in Los Angeles, Forever 21 is located in more than 572 freestanding locations globally and online.