Forever 21 to likely close all stores in US — here’s how many in SC may shut their doors
Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy protection on Sunday, which could soon lead to the closing of all its stores in the U.S.
The nationwide fashion retailer has already begun liquidation sales at its more than 350 locations, but it’s still open for bids if a buyer is willing to step in to run the stores, according to a recent press release. This is the second time in six years that Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy.
Forever 21 stores in SC
Without a buyer, it’s unlikely any Forever 21 in the U.S. will survive. Here are the Forever 21 store locations in South Carolina, according to the retailer’s website:
- Columbia: 100 Columbiana Circle
- Greenville: 700 Haywood Road
- Myrtle Beach: 4634 Factory Stores Blvd
What happened to Forever 21?
The company first filed for bankruptcy six years ago, then faced the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by high inflation and new competition from Chinese companies Shein and Temu.
According to CNBC, in a court filing, Stephen Coulombe, the company’s co-chief restructuring officer, said Forever 21 was “materially and negatively impacted” by Shein and Temu’s use of a trade loophole that typically lets goods valued under $800 be shipped into the U.S. without import duties.
“Certain non-U.S. online retailers that compete with the Debtors, such as Temu and Shein, have taken advantage of this exemption and, therefore, have been able to pass significant savings onto consumers,” Coulombe wrote.
Forever 21 may continue to exist
While all the Forever 21 stores in the U.S. are in jeopardy, that’s not true for those abroad.
The Forever 21 locations outside the U.S. are operated by other licensees and are not included in the bankruptcy filings. The non-U.S. stores and Forever 21’s international e-commerce sites are set to continue operating, a press release states.
This story was originally published March 18, 2025 at 9:20 AM.
