**Forever 21 Declares Bankruptcy Again, Plans to Shut U.S. Outlets**

Forever 21 is encountering financial difficulties yet again. As reported by CNBC, the fast-fashion brand has sought bankruptcy protection for the second time in six years and plans to close all of its U.S. stores. Many online buyers are lamenting the closure, deeming it the conclusion of an era. In the meantime, both Forever 21 and the digital marketplace are attributing blame to rivals such as Shein and Temu for the company’s downturn.

In a court document cited by CNBC, Forever 21 asserted that Shein and Temu have had a “materially and negatively impacted” influence on its operations. Stephen Coulombe, the firm’s co-chief restructuring officer, noted that these online competitors have taken advantage of exemptions that enable them to evade certain duties and tariffs, which provides them with a pricing edge over U.S.-based outlets.

Nevertheless, while Forever 21 assigns blame to its rivals, it is concurrently situated in the fast-fashion sector—a market infamous for worker exploitation, environmental harm, and encouraging overconsumption. As per *Business Insider*, the typical consumer acquired 60% more apparel in 2014 than in 2000 but held on to those items for only half the duration.

Furthermore, *Greenpop* reveals that around 80 billion articles of clothing are purchased each year, marking a staggering 400% rise from twenty years ago. Regrettably, *Human Rights Pulse* indicates that roughly 85% of these items end up in landfills, exacerbating environmental degradation and human rights issues.

While the decline of Forever 21 may be tied to competition, it also underscores the wider challenges present in the fast-fashion industry—where swift production, low pricing, and excessive waste continue to negatively impact both individuals and the planet.