In a strategic move to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in future growth, Torrid, a retailer specializing in plus-size clothing, has announced plans to potentially shut down up to 30% of its retail locations this year. This includes the closure of around 180 underperforming stores.
The announcement was made as part of the company’s latest earnings report. According to CEO Lisa Harper, online sales now represent 70% of Torrid’s total demand, indicating a significant shift in consumer purchasing habits. The brand is known for offering direct-to-consumer clothing, intimates, and accessories for women sizes 10 to 30.
Founded in 2001, Torrid has established itself as a prominent clothing brand catering to younger plus-sized consumers. The company has grown into a standalone entity with more than 600 stores across the United States.
Torrid specializes in fashionable and professional attire designed specifically for plus-size women. The planned store closures are part of a broader initiative to enhance its digital presence. Harper noted in a press release that the company experienced a decline of approximately 5% in first-quarter revenues compared to 2024. Since January, Torrid has already shuttered two stores, bringing the total number of locations down to 632.
In its first-quarter report, Torrid revealed a 4.9% decrease in net revenues, with figures dropping from $279 million in the same quarter last year to $266 million this year. Additionally, the company reported a net loss of $7.3 million, a notable decline from the $11.8 million profit recorded in 2024.
Despite the store closures, Torrid’s first-quarter profits aligned with expectations. The retailer has reiterated its sales forecast for the year, predicting net sales between $1.030 billion and $1.055 billion for 2025. While closures are on the horizon, details regarding the exact timing of the shutdowns remain unclear.
