Forever 21

Forever 21 is a well-known retailer offering affordable clothing and accessories for women, men, and teens. The company began in Los Angeles in 1984, founded by Do Won and Jin Sook Chang, who started with a single store and quickly built a brand recognized for delivering current fashion trends to a broad audience. Over the years, Forever 21 became a fixture in shopping centers across the United States and expanded internationally, reaching a peak of more than 800 stores worldwide.

A significant turning point came in early 2020, when Forever 21 was acquired by Authentic Brands Group after a period of financial restructuring. Since then, the brand has focused on revitalizing its presence and adapting to changes in consumer behavior. As of November 2025, Forever 21 operates approximately 390 stores in the United States and select international markets, including Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East. The company continues to invest in both urban and suburban locations, working closely with major mall operators to secure high-visibility sites and adjusting store formats to better fit local demand and shopping patterns.

In the past five years, Forever 21 has shifted its strategy to balance physical stores with a strong e-commerce platform, while also pursuing international growth. The brand’s flexible approach to store size and layout, combined with its established reputation and ongoing expansion, positions Forever 21 as a reliable anchor for retail properties in a wide range of markets. The company’s continued partnership with Authentic Brands Group and its emphasis on right-sizing and opening new stores in high-traffic areas reflect a commitment to growth and adaptability in today’s retail landscape.