Torrid shutters 177 stores, ending 25 years of plus-size retail dominance

Torrid’s 177 Store Closures Signal the End of an Era for Plus-Size Brick-and-Mortar Retail

Torrid is shutting down 177 stores across the U.S., ending 25 years of plus-size fashion in physical retail spaces. This move exposes a harsh reality: in-store shopping for plus-size women is disappearing fast, replaced by a digital-only world that favors convenience over experience.

The Hard Facts

On September 10, 2026, Torrid announced it will close nearly 40% of its locations. The company blames declining mall traffic and the surge in online shopping. Founded in 2001 in California, Torrid built a reputation on trendy, affordable plus-size clothing for sizes 10-30, becoming a staple for many women.

Last year, in-store sales dropped 12%, while online sales jumped 20%. CEO Lisa Harper says these closures are a strategic shift to focus on digital channels. Torrid is offering discounts up to 70% to clear inventory and boost online sales, making deals hard to resist.

Industry Impact & Consumer Shift

• Who Benefits: Online retailers like Shein, Fashion Nova, and ASOS are set to dominate the plus-size market. With free shipping over $75 and BOGO deals, shopping from home becomes even more tempting.
• Who Loses: Thousands of retail workers face layoffs, and mall owners lose key tenants. Torrid’s physical stores weren’t just shopping spots—they were part of the plus-size community experience. That’s fading fast.

The Products & Deals That Matter

As Torrid shifts online, its collections—oversized blazers, eco-friendly denim, cozy athleisure—become more important. The brand is pushing steep discounts and online-only deals, but can digital shopping replace the in-store thrill of trying on clothes and feeling fabrics?

The Broader Industry Shakeup

This isn’t just about Torrid. Major brands like Lane Bryant and Catherines have closed stores, and online plus-size shopping is booming. Fast-fashion online brands are now taking over the market, leaving traditional stores behind.

Does this shift help or hurt women? Online offers variety and lower prices, but many still crave the tactile joy of browsing racks and trying on clothes. Torrid’s store closures mean less access for women who rely on in-person shopping for style and confidence.

The Bottom Line

Torrid’s brick-and-mortar presence is vanishing. While going digital makes sense for business, it signals that physical plus-size retail is dying. Can online shopping truly replace the in-store experience women cherish? My gut says no. This could be just the start of more retail failures in the plus-size segment.

Online deals and fast fashion are booming, while physical stores are shrinking. Torrid’s closure warns that the retail landscape has changed forever. Will women embrace this new world, or will the desire for in-person shopping keep fighting? Personally, I believe the era of in-store plus-size shopping is ending—and that’s a shift we can’t ignore.