一个「女生潮牌」宣布破产

Core Viewpoint - Forever 21, a fast-fashion women's clothing brand, has filed for bankruptcy for the second time, highlighting the challenges faced by traditional retail in the face of e-commerce competition and changing consumer behavior [4][11][15]. Company Overview - Forever 21 was founded in 1984 by Korean-American couple Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang, initially opening a small store in San Francisco with a focus on affordable fashion for young women [7][9]. - At its peak, Forever 21 operated over 800 stores globally, including a prominent location on Nanjing East Road in Shanghai [4][9]. - The brand's revenue exceeded $4 billion by 2015, with ambitions to reach $8 billion by 2017 [10]. Decline Factors - The rise of e-commerce platforms like SHEIN and Temu, coupled with declining foot traffic in U.S. malls, contributed to Forever 21's struggles [5][11]. - The company's failure to adapt to the digital retail landscape and its aggressive physical expansion led to unsustainable costs and ultimately its first bankruptcy filing in 2019 [11][14]. - Despite a brief recovery after being acquired by a consortium in 2020, Forever 21 faced renewed challenges, leading to its second bankruptcy filing in 2023 [13][14]. Financial Situation - As of the latest filing, Forever 21's estimated liabilities range from $1 billion to $10 billion, while its assets are estimated between $100 million and $500 million [15]. - The brand's decline reflects broader trends in the retail sector, where many companies are struggling under the pressures of inflation and changing consumer spending habits [15][18]. Industry Context - The U.S. bankruptcy rate has reached its highest level since the global financial crisis, with significant impacts on sectors like retail, healthcare, and automotive [18]. - The economic environment, characterized by high inflation and rising interest rates, has led to increased financial strain on many businesses, including those in the fast-fashion sector [19][20].