Though the pandemic and online shopping have presented challenges for shopping malls, Harlem Irving Plaza is seeing a longtime occupant expand and relocate within the mall.
Forever 21, which opened its first store at the Norridge mall in 2006, moved into a new, larger space this month. It’s one of the brand’s 15 stores in Illinois, and it has 540 stores globally. Lucy Tirado, General Brands Manager, is the manager of the 35-employee store, which comes in at around 14,000 square feet.
Keith Herbert, Vice President, Store Operations at Forever 21 answered a few questions about the store and company.
1. Explain Forever 21’s ownership.
Forever 21 is owned by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and SPARC Group. The acquisition was announced in February 2020.
2. What has Forever 21’s situation been since March 2020, when the pandemic hit?
Employee and customer safety is a priority as we work closely with our mall property partners and follow local guidelines.
3. Have stores closed during the pandemic? Opened?
As a retailer primarily located inside of malls, our stores have closed and re-opened during the pandemic.
4. Has it been a challenge to hire employees during the pandemic?
As with most retailers and consistent with national hiring trends, hiring throughout the pandemic has been challenging. However, we work hard to create a safe, engaging and valuable work experience for all team members.
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5. Why did Forever 21 choose Norridge?
We have seen success with our brand at Norridge in our previous store location in the mall. We moved to a new location in the mall that has provided us the opportunity to upgrade and refresh the store to best accommodate shoppers.
6. The store is located pretty close geographically to the Rosemont store—do you see different audiences there?
We know there is a desire and market for our brand in both areas. We are happy to provide the convenience of a brick-and-mortar location.
7. How would you describe the market in the Norridge area?
Customers in this market are fashion forward. We find that this area also appeals to students, as there are several schools in the area. We know our brand resonates with the community as Forever 21 first opened at Harlem & Irving Plaza in 2006.
