One of the biggest retailers that sells plus-size apparel in the United States will close a huge number of stores by this year. This is happening because of the increased online shopping trend these days. This means things are changing in how clothes will be available to people across the country.
1. Store Closure Plan
The famous California-based plus-size clothing brand, Torrid, will close as many as 180 poorly performing stores by 2025. This worryingly represents roughly 30% of their physical locations. The shift won’t just make the company spend less, but also help it to concentrate on more profitable stores, and increase online sales.
2. Current Store Count
Before closures, Torrid operated over 600 stores nationwide. Some stores have already closed in early 2025. The majority of closures are expected later in the year. This will make it harder to find Torrid physical stores but it does strengthen their financial position and operational efficiency.
3. Reason for Closures
The main reason they are closing stores is to reduce fixed costs and improve profitability. Torrid wants to retain its best locations and increase digital sales, so that it can also improve resource management. This strategy helps Torrid remain relevant and competitive in today’s world, where online shopping is the new norm.
4. CEO’s Statement
According to Torrid CEO Lisa Harper, the company has to adjust to new customer habits. She mentioned that they’re gonna put more effort into online shopping, but still keep some stores open. That way, people can still go to a store if they want, but have the convenience of buying online.
5. Impact on Sales
Although closures may temporarily reduce sales, Torrid remains financially stable. Recent reports show a slight sales dip but project solid revenue for 2025. The retailer anticipates that they’ll make more money online and have smoother operations, which will help make up for closing some of their physical stores.
6. Digital Shift in Retail
Closures are one aspect of a broader trend to online shopping. Torrid isn’t the only clothing brand that has cut down its physical stores to shift to selling goods online. Customers prefer the ease of online shopping, and retailers invest more in online stores with emerging technology to accommodate the evolving customer preferences.
7. Importance of Physical Stores
Even though things are changing technology-wise, Torrid’s remaining physical shops are still open for everyone who doesn’t like online shopping for clothes. Having connections with the customers is a great way to have on-site feedback that will help them grow. These stores help customers really believe in the brand and feel like they’re part of the Torrid family.
8. Customer Concerns
Some customers are worried that Torrid is closing a lot of its physical stores. They prefer being able to try on clothes before they buy them. It’s harder when there aren’t as many stores because it’s better to make sure everything fits perfectly when you’re buying plus-size outfits.
9. Plus-Size Market Growth
The plus-size clothing scene is blowing up because 60% of women in our country are considered plus-size. And because everyone wants clothes that actually fit, the market’s just getting bigger and bigger all over the world. Torrid’s idea is to get their products online, so it’s way easier for people to find, instead of just hoping they can find one in a physical store.
10. Industry Challenges
It’s tough for most stores to keep up with plus-size clothes, even though there’s a high demand for it. Running physical stores is expensive for Torrid, especially with people’s shopping habits changing fast. They’re trying to find the sweet spot that’s affordable but is high quality and fashionable to keep up with the demand.
11. Line Strategy
Torrid has these two new lines, Lovesick and Studio Luxe, that are doing way better than they thought. By 2026, they’re expecting these lines could make up a large part of their revenue. They figure if they have lots of styles at different prices, more people will shop with them and they’ll stay on top.
12. Retail Downsizing Trend
Torrid isn’t the only clothing shop that’s closing multiple physical stores. This is also happening to other plus-size brands, too. Every retailer is trying to adapt to the current changes in the market as more people are preferring to shop online.
13. Financial Outlook
Torrid’s trying to save money by improving their store operations and cutting costs. This strategy helps them maintain profit and sell more online. By running stores smarter, they can stay financially stable even after a reduced number of physical stores.
14. Customer Loyalty Programs
Torrid also needs to keep its customer rewards going strong. These programs get people to come back and buy more stuff. Having better customer relationships increases their chances of customers returning to shop more, creating brand loyalty, which is important now that everyone’s buying almost everything online.
15. Future of Plus-Size Retail
The future of plus-size retail is increasingly digital. Brands that sell all sizes for everyone and have good online services will grow the most. In the new changing retail world, having good online tools and customer service is essential to satisfy the needs of plus-size shoppers.
The future of plus-size clothes is definitely online. The brands that have great online stores and include all sizes are gonna do really well. They’ll need to have awesome online tools and customer support to help plus-size shoppers.
16. Challenges for Plus-Size Shoppers
As mentioned before, with fewer stores, it’s harder for customers to try on clothes. Torrid’s online shop needs better ways to help customers find the right size and easy returns. Having better service will make plus-size customers feel good about shopping at home.
17. Commitment to Inclusivity
Torrid might have closed a bunch of stores, but they’re still dedicated to the plus-size community. They continue to offer stylish clothes and put money into new lines that customers will like, that will fit all sizes. Their dedication shows they really care about being inclusive and giving customers what they want.
18. Take Away
Closing almost 180 stores is a big shift for Torrid. Big changes can be a bit of a gamble, but they’re trying their best to still serve the plus-size community despite all the challenges. Their focus on online sales would hopefully make things run smoother and help them grow in the ever-growing plus-size market.