Two well-known stores are closing in Kansas City due to a wave of retail closures. Forever21 and Amy's Hallmark Shop have declared they are closing up at the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City.
Forever 21 and Amy's Hallmark Prepare to Leave Kansas City Plaza
The closing date for Amy's Hallmark is still to be announced, but Forever 21 will officially close on April 26, according to KCTV 5.
A local shopper, Carolyn Wyrick, expressed disappointment as Forever 21 and Amy's Hallmark announced closures. Forever 21's windows are adorned with large, red "everything must go" signs, and not far away, Amy's Hallmark displays a "Store Closing April 26th" notice.
The once vibrant heart of Kansas City is now facing a downturn with an increasing number of stores departing. Mongkhoune, reflecting on the situation, suggested, "Honestly, I think it's just the lease agreements, the price of the leases, things like that are starting to scare businesses away."
A KCTV5 report from December highlighted the growing issue, counting approximately 18 closed stores at the time. This number has since risen, causing concern among shoppers about the entertainment district's future.
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"I keep hoping that something is going to happen to reinvigorate the plaza," Wyrick shared, echoing the sentiments of many anxious about the decline. Nancy Rose, another frequent visitor, voiced her concerns, "There's not going to be anywhere if another company doesn't buy this place, we're not going to have anything, anywhere."
KCTV5 attempted to contact the current owners and the general manager of The Plaza for updates on the sale negotiations that occurred at the end of last year but received no response.
This news follows discussions about Highland Park Village, a Dallas-based company, taking over ownership.
An employee at The Plaza expressed concern, saying, "It's a little worrisome."
Forever 21's Ongoing Store Closures Signal Retail Shifts
Forever 21 has been shutting down stores since it declared bankruptcy in 2019.
The brand was acquired by Authentic Brands Group the following year, yet it continues to close shops to this day. The Santa Rosa Plaza location in California was the latest to close in January.
Jamie Salter, CEO of Authentic, expressed regret over the purchase, calling it "the biggest mistake I made." Once a favorite among teens and young adults for its affordable fashion, Forever 21 has fallen behind in adapting to new shopping preferences, including a growing demand for sustainable products, a trend embraced by competitors like H&M and Zara.
Linda Chang, the company's former executive vice president, mentioned that bankruptcy was essential to save the business. However, Forever 21 isn't the only retailer facing tough times.
Soft Surroundings, known for its women's apparel, shoes, and home goods, closed its Rookwood Commons store in Norwood, Ohio.
In its last days, everything was marked down to $5, as WKRC-TV reported. Facing a significant drop in sales over the past two years, the company decided in June 2022 to reorient its strategy towards Generation X women. This pivot came too late for 30 of its more than 70 locations, which had to close due to underperformance.
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