Clothing chain to close all stores, including NY locations: See gift card deadline

A national clothing chain is closing all of its U.S. stores after filing for bankruptcy a second time.

Forever 21 announced this week that it would shutter all 354 of its remaining locations, including 21 stores in New York state. The “fast fashion” retailer filed for Chapter 11 on Sunday and said it would liquidate all of its assets because the company couldn’t find a buyer.

“We are deeply grateful for the support you have shown us over the years, but rising costs and increased competition from abroad have made our current business model unsustainable,” F21 OpCo’s chief financial officer, Brad Sell, said in a statement.

Forever 21 stores closing include shops in Buffalo, New York City, Niagara Falls, Poughkeepsie, Victor and Yonkers. Forever 21 previously had a store at Destiny USA, but closed the Syracuse mall location last year.

F21 OpCo, the operator of Forever 21, told USA Today that all of its remaining locations are expected to close for good by May 1. Some may have already closed or will close by April 1, as Forever 21 previously announced 200 locations would close while it considered bankruptcy proceedings.

As a result, there is a deadline for shoppers to use any remaining store credit or gift cards they may have: April 15, 2025. In other words, customers shouldn’t wait for deeper discounts in going-out-of-business sales to use them.

“All sales both in U.S. stores and the U.S. website are now final,” Sell said. “Accordingly, we will no longer be accepting returns or exchanges. Additionally, at this point, we are no longer offering new gift cards or credit cards.”

The changes only apply to U.S. locations. Forever 21 stores outside of the U.S. will continue to operate as usual.

Customers who have questions about products, warranties, or rewards, can contact Forever 21’s Customer Service Department at 1-888-494-3837. Questions about the Chapter 11 bankruptcy process can be addressed at veritaglobal.net/forever21 or by phone at 1866-480-0830.

Forever 21, which previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2019, had more than 800 locations at the height of its popularity. Industry analysts said the brand expanded too rapidly and struggled to keep up with changes in fast-fashion trends and competition from online retailers.

Other national brands that have closed locations recently due to financial struggles include Advance Auto Parts, Joann fabrics, Big Lots, TGI Fridays, Denny’s, Red Lobster, Macy’s, Kohl’s, Wendy’s, GameStop, LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators), Walgreens, Rite Aid, Family Dollar and Dollar Tree.