If you have a gift card or store credits to spend at bankrupt fast-fashion retailer Forever 21, you’re going to want to use those as soon as possible.
The operator of Forever 21, F21 OpCo, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection for the second time in six years in March, citing “competition from foreign fast fashion companies” and rising costs, among other challenges.
This time around, Forever 21 plans to shutter all stores by early May unless a potential buyer emerges, in which case it may pivot away from the wind-down of store operations, a spokesperson previously told USA TODAY.
As of April 14, however, closing sales were ongoing. Shoppers looking to use gift cards or store credits have a limited time to do so. Here’s what shopper should know.
Retail bankrupcy: All Forever 21 stores to be closed by May 1 following closing sales, operator says
Some Forever 21 stores remain open for in-person shopping and online orders were still being filled, as of Monday, April 14.
The retailer suggests using its store locator to check the status of your closest location before heading out to shop.
Forever 21 will continue to honor gift cards and store credit through the end of the day on Tuesday, April 15.
According to the brand, all online and in-store purchases are now final sale. Forever 21 is no longer accepting returns or exchanges, nor is it offering new gift cards or credit cards.
Existing locations will continue operating unless otherwise specified. Forever 21 suggests checking the status of your local store before heading out to shop.
“Decisions about which stores will ultimately close are ongoing, pending further discussions with landlords and potential buyers,” said a notice on the company’s website. “For the most up-to-date information, please visit our store locator.”
According to local reports, Forever 21 locations had begun closing locations in several states, including Connecticut, California, Washington state, Pennsylvania, Idaho and North Dakota. In February, the company disclosed its plans to lay off about 358 employees and shut down its headquarters in Los Angeles, California.
Legal counsel for F21 OpCo, the operator of Forever 21, said during a hearing in March that the company anticipates vacating its approximately 354 leased stores by the end of April, a spokesperson for the fast fashion retailer previously told USA TODAY.
According to court records, the company plans to complete all store closing sales before May 1, with many stores closing before April 1. Once the closing sales are complete, the stores will close, the spokesperson noted.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: All Forever 21 gift cards expire this week; stores not taking returns