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Fashion chain Forever 21 to close all U.S. locations including 7 in Houston

Forever 21 will soon be forever gone in the U.S.

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Fashion giant Forever 21, known for its stylish clothes at a budget price, has filed for bankruptcy and will close all store locations, including seven across the Houston area.

The Los Angeles-based company, which sells trendy fast fashion and accessories for women, men, and children, announced its bankruptcy in a statement on Sunday, March 16. This is the second time Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy since 2019, when it was sold to Authentic Brands Group, Simon Properties Group, and Brookfield Property.

"While we have evaluated all options to best position the company for the future, we have been unable to find a sustainable path forward, given competition from foreign fast fashion companies," said the parent company's CFO Brad Sell in a statement.

The physical and online stores will remain open for now as they prepare for an "orderly wind down" in the U.S. They'll also hold liquidation sales while conducting a court-supervised sale and looking for a buyer.

The seven Houston-area locations include:

Friendswood: 1408 Baybrook Mall
Houston: 5085 Westheimer Rd.
Houston: 7925 FM 1960 Rd. W.
Humble: 20131 US-59
Katy: 5000 Katy Mills Circle
Pearland: 11200 W. Broadway St.
Spring: 1201 Lake Woodlands Dr.

Forever 21 was founded as a single store in 1984 by husband-and-wife duo Jin Sook and Do Won Chang after they emigrated from South Korea to Los Angeles. It went on to become one of the most recognizable names in "fast fashion" — the term for inexpensive clothing that follows high-fashion trends, and is manufactured and hurried to market, often to be discarded just as quickly.

They went on to open more than 800 stores worldwide, including 549 in the U.S. — some occupying massive footprints exceeding 35,000 square feet.

Acquiring designer-inspired looks quickly and cheaply was initially a revelation, but their fortunes peaked in 2015. In recent years, younger environmentally-conscious shoppers have eschewed an industry that hinges on wasteful disposability.

Forever 21’s locations outside of the United States are operated by other licensees and are not included in the bankruptcy filings. The Forever 21 locations outside the U.S. and its international e-commerce sites will continue operating as usual.

"We are also grateful for the many years of support from our partners and our loyal customers, who have allowed us to serve as a fashion industry leader and go-to retailer for generations,” Sell said.

Other Texas locations include:

Allen: 820 W. Stacy Rd.
Amarillo: 7701 I-40 Frontage Rd.
Arlington 3811 S.Cooper St.
Austin: 2901 S. Capital Of Texas Hwy. and 3409 Espervana Crossing
Beaumont: 6155 Eastex Fwy.
Cedar Hill: 305 W. 1382
College Station: 1500 Harvey Rd.
Corpus Christi 5488 S. Padre Island Dr.
Dallas: 13350 Dallas Pkwy.
Dallas: 8166 Park Ln.
El Paso: 8401 Gateway Blvd. West
Fort Worth: 4800 S. Hulen St.
Grapevine: 3000 Grapevine Mills Pkwy.
Hurst: 1101 Melbourne Rd.
Laredo: 5300 San Dario Ave.
Lubbock: 6002 Slide Rd.
McAllen: 2200 S 10th Street and 700 East Expy. 83
Mercedes: 5001 East Expy 83
Mesquite: 2063 N. Town East Blvd.
San Antonio: 15900 La Cantera Pkwy. and 7400 San Pedro Ave.
San Marcos: 4015 South I-35

shopping closings

RODEO ROYALTY

Bun B debuts exclusive Western streetwear collab at RodeoHouston

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

Houston's rodeo scene got a hefty dose of Western-meets-streetwear flair as Bun B took the RodeoHouston stage in style during his highly anticipated concert on March 7. Since 2022, the rap icon has been turning heads with custom outfits styled by Luke Cosby, co-founder of Purple Brand. But this year, some of Bun B's looks weren't just exclusive; they inspired his capsule collection with Purple Brand and Crown Royal, making his performance a combination of music, fashion, and culture.

"Performing at the Rodeo is an honor, and I love every aspect of creating that show. I look forward to my on-stage look every year, and trust Purple will create something that I love," Bun B shared in a statement. "Being able to bring two brands I respect together to form this unique look and create a collection inspired by those looks, made this Rodeo even more special."

The capsule collection, available at Purple Brand's Galleria boutique and online, consists of three pieces, including the Crown Royal x Purple Brand Jeff Hamilton Varsity Jacket, Crown Royal x Purple Brand Bun B Signature Poncho, and Crown Royal x Purple Brand Graphic Tee. According to Cosby, every detail was carefully curated for a one-of-a-kind look. Premium wool, leather accents, and bold embellishments blend rich texture with modern streetwear elements.

The collection is available online and in Purple Brand's Galleria boutique. Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"The collection was heavily inspired by Crown Royal and Bun B himself, his dynamic stage presence, his legacy in Houston, and the Western aesthetic that defines the Rodeo," Cosby tells CultureMap. "We took cues from classic rodeo fashion, Crown Royal branding and colors. The poncho, for example, is a recreation of the standout piece Bun wore on stage last year, blending tradition with contemporary design. Each piece reflects Houston's culture while feeling fresh and elevated."

Net proceeds from the collection and other events in the Crown Royal Saloon & Showroom during the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo will be donated to Soldiers' Angels' LA Wildfire Relief Fund, supporting fire relief efforts for veterans in the Los Angeles area.

The Crown Royal x Purple Brand collab features luxe textures, bold embellishments, and undeniable Houston energy.Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

"As a long-time sponsor of the RodeoHouston, it was important to elevate our presence by extending our partnership to leaders in the community. Bun B is a Houston legend. His presence at RodeoHouston and annual Birthday Bonanza is a highly anticipated moment that unites the city," Hadley Schafer, vice president of Crown Royal, tells CultureMap." In our second year partnering with Bun B, we are thrilled to evolve our partnership in a way that pays homage to rodeo tradition and the Houston community."

Photo by BFA for Crown Royal

Bun B takes the RodeoHouston stage in style, debuting an exclusive Western streetwear collab with Purple Brand and Crown Royal.

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