COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Low-cost clothing giant Forever 21 will close all U.S. locations in bankruptcy filing, including its nine Ohio storefronts.

The fast-fashion empire has already closed two of its three central Ohio locations in the past five years, leaving only a shop at the Mall at Tuttle Crossing. Forever 21 cited foreign competition, rising costs and rapidly changing trends in its foreclosures.

Forever 21 closed its Polaris location in early 2024 and its Easton location in 2019 after the company first filed for bankruptcy. At the time, the chain was saved by Authentic Brands, Brookfield Property Partners and Simon Property Group, who announced a strategic partnership to acquire Forever 21 from its original owners. Around the same time Polaris’ Forever 21 shop closed, Authentic Brands’ CEO called the acquisition his “biggest mistake.”

Now, the company said it will keep its U.S. website active as it seeks a final bidder and begins closing operations. If the company is able to find a buyer, it may not close all locations. Otherwise, the company said it plans to shutter all storefronts in the U.S. in the coming months.

Forever 21 was at its height in the early 2000s, hitting more than $1 billion in annual sales by 2005. The store joined H&M, Abercrombie & Fitch and Lacoste among favored brands for teens and young adults at the time. However, In recent years, younger generations have begun avoiding fast fashion companies in favor of thrift stores and unique pieces, hurting stores like Forever 21

Forever 21 locations outside the U.S. are managed by other licensees and will remain open and untouched by the bankruptcy filings, the company said.