(NEXSTAR) — Another retailer frequently found in malls is set to close dozens of stores this year in an effort to “optimize” its footprint.
Lisa Harper, CEO of California-based Torrid, announced last week during an earnings call with investors that up to 180 “underperforming” stores are expected to close this year.
According to Harper, this will allow Torrid “to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in areas that drive long-term growth.”
Woman alleges Costco cabinet display fell on her in $14M lawsuit
” … Digital continues to be our customers’ preferred channel, now approaching 70% of total demand. We’re accelerating our transformation to a more digitally-led business, which includes optimizing our retail footprint,” she explained.
As of June, Torrid, which “designs for stylish women in sizes 10-30,” has more than 600 stores across all 50 states and parts of Canada.
A list of closing stores was not available, and Torrid did not immediately respond to Nexstar’s request for comment.
While other brands have closed stores this year in the face of economic struggles, Harper said Torrid remains “in a strong financial position and [we] are executing with clarity and focus.”
Nonetheless, Torrid reported a net sales decrease of nearly 5 percent during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the same time last year. “Strategic promotional activity, and corporate investments” partially contributed to the dip, according to a press release.
Torrid expects net sales to be between $1.03 billion and $1.055 billion this year, as well as a net tariff impact of $20 million that will be “fully offset by discretionary cost reductions, store optimization, and project prioritization,” though its full year outlook does not take “the volatility of tariff changes,” inflation, or customer demand into consideration.
Apple announces iOS 26: When is it coming, and what devices can’t get it?
Shuttering Torrid stores could be another blow to malls that have already lost retailers in recent years.
In March, Forever 21 filed for bankruptcy and announced it would close all of its U.S. locations in response. The operator of surfwear and skating retailers Billabong, Quiksilver, and Volcom filed for bankruptcy earlier this year as well and announced plans to close all U.S. stores.
Kohl’s, in an effort to “support the health and future of our business,” closed more than two dozen locations earlier this year. Around the same time, Macy’s announced it was closing 66 stores across nearly two dozen states as part of its “Bold New Chapter” strategy.
Citing struggling consumer confidence, Dollar General unveiled plans to close dozens of locations in 2025 and 45 of its home decor stores, pOpshelf. Meanwhile, retail pharmacy chain Rite Aid has already identified nearly 600 stores for closure as part of its second bankruptcy filing.
