As we all have heard, good times never last forever.
They sure are enjoyable, though they aren't intended to endure.
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This mirrors what has happened with numerous fast-fashion retailers, which have found it difficult to hold onto their dominant position in the worldwide market recently.
Certainly, this was not always how things were.
Serving as a quick-fashion merchant in a shopping center or on a busy street made it simple to lead the market in sales one or two decades back.
Consider Forever 21 as an illustration.
The quick-fashion outlet with physical locations was ubiquitous, having established itself in almost all significant indoor malls across America as well as commanding a large, shining presence in Times Square within New York City.
However, with online rivals such as Shein gaining popularity, it ceased to be trendy to spend hours at a Forever 21 store searching for your size and finding a bargain.
The retail chain at the shopping center declared Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in March 2025 and is currently working on shutting down all approximately 350 of its outlets throughout the country.
It will, nonetheless, attempt to keep operating online.
Rapidly produced fashion goods keep facing challenges.
This situation doesn't apply specifically to Forever 21.
Plenty of other fast fashion retailers have fallen out of favor as customers opt for the e-commerce shopping experience.
It makes sense why.
More closings:
- Yet another beleaguered brick-and-mortar store cutting down its number of locations
- Troubled grocery store company shuts down additional stores
- Widespread bank shutting down numerous locations (specific sites disclosed)
A significant number of fast-fashion companies stock extensive inventories. Online shopping simplifies finding your size, desired styles, color options, or personal preferences via digital interfaces more so than searching through frequently messy clothing displays and shelves in physical shops.
Moreover, numerous fast-fashion businesses are well-known for their lack of sustainability. Several have faced allegations regarding the use of significant amounts of hazardous substances in their garments or engaging in unsafe and unethical work conditions to rapidly produce items at low costs.
As a growing number of concerned Generation Z members and younger cohorts focus on sustainability issues, these stores are becoming less popular.
Another fashion retailer closing
Now, Select Fashion, a UK-based clothing retailer mainly targeting women, is shutting down.
Select Fashion has faced financial challenges recently, reporting a £1.1 million loss for the fiscal year ending in February 2023. The company attributed these issues to increased living costs in the UK, high inflation rates, escalating prices, and higher taxes.
Although the company hasn't filed for formal bankruptcy, it has exhausted its funds and will start closing stores.
Insolvency firm Moorfields is helping Select Fashion liquidate and close about 35 stores across the U.K.
Related: Struggling retailer closing more stores after shuttering 1,000
"Please be assured that your wages will be processed and paid out next week," Select Fashion reportedly emailed its affected employees. "We are doing everything we can to resolve this matter as swiftly as possible and appreciate your understanding during this difficult time."
At its height, Select Fashion operated over 100 stores. About 48 stores are expected to remain open and operate under a new partnership with Essence Fashion Limited.