Forever 21 to Close Sioux Falls Location Amid Nationwide Downsizing
February 20, 2025
The popular fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 is set to close its store in The Empire Mall, Sioux Falls, South Dakota, as part of a broader initiative that will see the company shutter at least 200 of its locations across the United States. The announcement follows mounting financial difficulties and anticipated bankruptcy filings, as reported by various media outlets. Presently, Forever 21 operates a total of 359 stores nationwide.
Founded in 1984, Forever 21 has become synonymous with trendy, budget-friendly apparel aimed chiefly at teenagers and young adults. However, the retail landscape has shifted significantly in recent years, particularly following the COVID-19 pandemic, which accelerated changes in consumer shopping habits towards online platforms and away from brick-and-mortar retail. These factors have combined to create a challenging environment for many traditional retailers, including Forever 21.
The Sioux Falls location first opened its doors in 2018 and has been a fixture of The Empire Mall since then. A year after its opening, Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy, which led to a partnership involving Authentic Brands Group as well as prominent landlords Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners purchasing the company. While the purchase aimed to revitalize the brand, the ongoing effects of the retail downturn have proven significant.
Although no official closing date for the Sioux Falls store has been announced, there are indications that consumers may soon find the store offering discounts on merchandise. Presently, regular items are priced at approximately 10 percent off, while clearance items are available at a striking 40 percent discount. These markdowns could further signal an impending closeout as the company seeks to liquidate remaining inventory.
The impact of Forever 21’s closure extends beyond retail workforce implications; it underscores a larger trend in the retail sector that is reflected in the closing of numerous stores across the landscape. As shopping behaviors continue to evolve, many retailers are finding it increasingly challenging to maintain brick-and-mortar operations.
As Forever 21 navigates these tumultuous waters, many will be monitoring how the brand adapts to meet the demands of a shifting market. The closing of the Sioux Falls location is not just a localized event but part of a broader narrative concerning the retail industry’s adaptation to contemporary consumer preferences and economic realities.
