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Shoppers searching for affordable styles will soon have one fewer store to peruse after popular clothing retailer Forever 21 shutters all locations around the country.
The beloved fast-fashion retailer is expected to close all 350-plus of its U.S. locations after filing for bankruptcy protection on Sunday (March 16) for the second time in six years, per CNBC. Forever 21 has 18 stores located around Georgia, all of which will reportedly close their doors in the future, though a set date has not been announced. More information about the company's current stores can be found on its website.
In a court filing, Stephen Coulombe, co-chief restructuring officer of Forever 21's operating company, said the company was "materially and negatively impacted" by online fast-fashion competitors like Shein and Temu that "undercut" the company's business by using a trade law loophole.
"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," he said. "Consequently, retailers that must pay duties and tariffs to purchase product for their stores and warehouses in the United States, such as the Company, have been undercut."
This is the latest company closing most if not all locations in Georgia. Last month, Big Lots revealed plans to shutter several stores in the Peach State; however, some locations could potentially reopen.