(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, the CEO of Torrid, based in California, announced last week during an earnings call with investors that the company anticipates closing up to 180 “underperforming” stores this year.
According to Harper, this will allow Torrid “to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in areas that drive long-term growth.”
“… Digital remains our customers’ preferred channel, now nearing 70% of total demand. We’re hastening our transition to a more digitally-focused business, which involves optimizing our retail footprint,” she clarified.
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 shut down stores this year due to economic challenges, Harper stated that Torrid is “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.
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.
