Forever 21 Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again — What's Next for the Fast-Fashion Giant?

Forever 21, the once-popular fast-fashion retailer, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy for the second time in six years. The move underscores the retailer's ongoing struggles amid declining mall traffic and rising competition from online platforms.

Key Developments in Forever 21's Bankruptcy Filing

1. Liquidation Likely

   • With no buyer for its 350 U.S. stores, Forever 21 is expected to undergo liquidation.
   • While the retailer's trademark and intellectual property are still held by Authentic Brands Group, these assets may survive in a different form.

2. Financial Details

   • Forever 21's estimated assets are valued between $100 million and $500 million, while its liabilities are significantly higher, falling between $1 billion and $10 billion.
   • The company's filing also reported 10,001 to 25,000 creditors.

3. Potential Sale and Pivot

   • Despite the likelihood of liquidation, Forever 21 stated it may pivot away from a full shutdown if a buyer emerges during its court-supervised sale process.

4. Retail Operations to Continue (For Now)

   • Forever 21's U.S. stores and website will remain operational during this period.
   • Its international stores are unaffected by the bankruptcy.

Background: Forever 21's Struggles

• Forever 21 first filed for Chapter 11 in 2019, later being rescued by Sparc Group, a joint venture between Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property, and Brookfield Asset Management (NYSE:BAM).
• More recently, Forever 21 became part of Catalyst Brands, a merger between Sparc Group and JC Penney (OTC:CPPRQ) in January 2025.
• Authentic Brands CEO Jamie Salter previously called acquiring Forever 21 "the biggest mistake I made," reflecting the brand's ongoing challenges.

Market Impact and Investor Insights

• The bankruptcy highlights the ongoing decline of the American mega mall and shifting consumer behavior favoring e-commerce.
• Investors tracking retail trends can use FMP APIs for deeper insights into market performance and bankruptcy data.

Relevant APIs for Tracking Retail and Bankruptcy Data

✅ Company Financials API — Access Forever 21's financial metrics, including debt levels, cash flow, and balance sheet details.
✅ Market News API — Stay informed about major retail developments, mergers, and bankruptcy updates.

Conclusion

Forever 21's bankruptcy signals significant challenges for traditional retail, especially mall-based stores. As liquidation sales begin, investors and consumers alike should stay informed about market shifts, competitor strategies, and the future of the fast-fashion landscape.