Forever 21 Faces Uncertain Future as Parent Company Shutters Headquarters and Cuts Jobs
Mar/05/2025
Forever 21’s operating company is laying off nearly 700 employees in California and Pennsylvania, closing its headquarters and several stores, according to recent WARN notices. The downsizing is part of a broader restructuring by Catalyst Brands, the retail operator that manages Forever 21, J.C. Penney, Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, and others. The move follows Catalyst’s previous cut of 250 jobs and comes amid strategic uncertainties for the once-dominant fast-fashion brand. Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property Group, and Brookfield, which acquired Forever 21 for $81 million in 2020, have struggled to revitalize the retailer, with Authentic’s CEO even calling the purchase "a mistake". Simon Property Group has since divested from Authentic, while Catalyst is actively exploring strategic alternatives for the struggling chain. As retail headwinds intensify and mall-based brands face declining foot traffic, Forever 21’s path forward remains precarious. The following tag cloud visualizes all textual registered and pending trademarks owned by Forever 21, offering insight into the brand’s intellectual property portfolio.
