Shoppers who rely on Torrid for stylish, size-inclusive fashion may be in for a shock. The beloved plus-size retailer is shuttering a staggering 180 stores — nearly 30% of its physical locations — this year. The unexpected move has left fans and industry watchers alike questioning what’s really behind the massive shake-up. Is this a sign of trouble—or a bold new direction?
Why Torrid Is Shutting Down So Many Stores
Torrid’s decision to close nearly 30% of its physical locations marks a significant shift in the retailer’s overall business strategy. According to USA Today, the closures are part of the brand’s push toward a stronger digital presence. The company has seen a nearly 5% drop in first-quarter sales compared to the same period in 2024, underscoring the need for change.
Torrid CEO Lisa Harper addressed the shift in a news release, highlighting a growing preference for online shopping among the brand’s customers.
“Digital continues to be our customer’s 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,” Harper said. “We now plan to close up to 180 underperforming stores this year—allowing us to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in areas that drive long-term growth, including customer acquisition and omnichannel enhancements. Leveraging the deep connection with our existing customers, of which 95% are engaged in our loyalty program, combined with strategic and targeted acquisition and retention efforts, this digital transformation will position us for efficient and accelerated top and bottom-line growth.”
With an overwhelming majority of its shoppers already browsing and buying online, Torrid is betting on digital innovation to lead its next phase of growth, while streamlining the number of brick-and-mortar stores it operates across the country.
Torrid has already shut down two locations since January, bringing its current total number of stores to 632.
Which Torrid Stores Are Closing?
As of June 11th, Torrid has yet to release a list of specific store locations slated for closure. For now, customers can visit torrid.com/stores to view all current store locations and check the status of their nearest Torrid outlet.
The news of Torrid shuttering nearly 30% of its stores has sparked emotional reactions from longtime shoppers and advocates in the plus-size community. Christine Murphy, an online advocate for size-inclusive fashion since 2016, described feeling devastated upon hearing the announcement. Much of her wardrobe comes from Torrid—not because of preference, she noted, but because it’s one of the few remaining brick-and-mortar retailers that carry her size.
In an interview with USA Today, Murphy emphasized that removing physical store options for plus-size consumers, especially those on the larger end of the sizing spectrum, has serious real-world implications. She pointed out that relying solely on online shopping forces people to pre-plan every clothing need, limiting the ability to grab last-minute outfits for events like parties, job interviews, or even funerals. For travelers who lose their luggage, finding replacements becomes nearly impossible. In contrast, she said, straight-sized shoppers enjoy countless options that plus-size individuals can only dream of.
Content creator Nikki Apostolou echoed similar concerns in a TikTok video that had garnered over 100,000 views as of June 11th. While she wasn’t surprised by Torrid’s decision to close stores, citing customer complaints about style and quality, she stressed the importance of physical retail spaces. Apostolou reflected on her own experience growing up and visiting malls where she couldn’t shop at a single store while her friends left with bags in hand. She highlighted that brick-and-mortar options are crucial, especially considering that plus-size women make up a significant portion of the market.
@fabulouslystardust This is your wake up call @Torrid – you have the opportunity to make some real and impactful changes by listening to the plus size community. We are worthy of fashion and styles that are on trend And you are one of the few places that are able to give it to us in a brick and mortar format. You’re brick and mortar stores are failing. You really need to look and see what changes you can make offering larger sizes in store offering more diverse styles, following the trends, not regurgitating the same thing over and over and over again for years. You need to find new designers and new buyers so that you’re not giving us the same styles and a different pattern for two decades. Maybe have someone attend Fashion and see on the runway so that you can bring Stiles sooner rather than a year or two after they’ve been popular. We need to see fabrics. We need to see higher quality for the price your charging. We also need to see larger bodies and more diverse bodies and identities on your website. Your doom to fail if you continue to listen to your customer base. And since you’re one of the few resources that cater to younger size individuals, this is your opportunity to turn things around before you become forever 21 🫣 #torrid #plussizefashion #fashiontiktok
Torrid Isn’t Alone in Scaling Back Physical Stores
Torrid’s move to close dozens of locations follows a broader trend among plus-size retailers. In recent years, other major brands in the industry have also reduced their brick-and-mortar presence. Lane Bryant, based in Ohio, shuttered 157 stores in 2020 as part of bankruptcy proceedings, while Avenue closed all of its physical locations in 2019 under similar financial protections. Despite these closures, both brands continue to serve customers through their online storefronts.
Source: USA Today