Forever 21 will close 200 stores as they consider bankruptcy — and potentially shuttering all locations

Forever 21 has set plans to close 200 stores as the retailer is considering whether to file for bankruptcy a second time.

If the clothing retailer decides to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, it will be the second time the chain has filed for bankruptcy and shuttered hundreds of locations in less than six years.

Forever 21 would close the stores under the bankruptcy agreement. However, if the retailer can’t find a buyer while undergoing the bankruptcy process, it might shut down all remaining stores in the U.S, according to Bloomberg.

Forever 21 hasn’t indicated which 200 stores it will close yet, but it is following the trend of retailers, such as Joann Fabrics and JCPenney, which also announced closures this month.

“Forever 21’s operating company, which is the brand licensee in the U.S., continues to explore strategic options, including a potential sale, while also reducing costs and optimizing its store footprint,” a spokesperson for Forever 21 told NJ Advance Media. “The efforts are ongoing and no final decisions have been made regarding the outcome of the process or the number of stores that may be closed.”

Forever 21 currently has 359 stores in the U.S. There are 15 stores left in New Jersey, according to Forever 21’s store locator.

The stores are located in Atlantic City, Bridgewater, Cherry Hill, Deptford, Edison, Elizabeth, Freehold, Jersey City, Mays Landing, Paramus, Rockaway, Toms River, Wayne, West Windsor and Woodbridge.

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Katherine Rodriguez can be reached at krodriguez@njadvancemedia.com. Have a tip? Tell us at nj.com/tips.