Surprising Facts About Forever 21 You Might Not Know
Forever 21 has been a staple in fast fashion, known for its trendy, budget-friendly clothing. But how much do you really know about the brand? From its humble beginnings to major legal battles and now, another shocking bankruptcy, Forever 21’s history is filled with fascinating twists and turns.
Whether you’ve shopped there for years or are just curious about its story, these surprising facts will give you a whole new perspective on this fashion giant.
Forever 21 has been a go-to fashion retailer for affordable, trendy clothing for decades. But beyond the racks of stylish outfits, there’s a lot to learn about the brand. Here are ten surprising facts about Forever 21 that you may not know:
1. It Started as a Small Store in Los Angeles
Forever 21 was founded in 1984 by Korean immigrants Do Won Chang and Jin Sook Chang. The first store, originally called Fashion 21, was a small 900-square-foot shop in Los Angeles.
2. The Name Changed to Reflect Its Target Audience
The store’s name changed from Fashion 21 to Forever 21 as a way to symbolize timeless youth and appeal to a younger crowd.
3. It Became a Billion-Dollar Business
Thanks to its rapid expansion and affordable pricing, Forever 21 grew into a retail empire, with sales surpassing $4 billion at its peak.
4. Forever 21’s Owners Had No Prior Fashion Experience
Before launching the brand, Do Won Chang worked as a janitor, gas station attendant, and in coffee shops, while Jin Sook Chang was a hairdresser.
5. The Brand Was Known for Fast Fashion
Forever 21 built its reputation on quickly adapting runway trends and making them accessible at budget-friendly prices.
6. It Has Faced Legal Controversies
The company has been sued multiple times for copyright infringement by designers and artists who claimed their work was copied without permission.
7. Forever 21 Once Sold Electronics
In an unexpected move, the brand briefly sold gadgets and accessories like headphones and phone chargers alongside its clothing.
