In a surprising development that underscores the continued volatility in the U.S. retail sector, a major retail store has announced it will be shuttering all of its locations.

According to a recent article from Men’s Journal, the chain is closing its doors nationwide, signaling the end of an era for many loyal customers and raising questions about the future of traditional brick-and-mortar shopping.

The article reveals that Express, a popular fashion retailer, will be closing its remaining stores as part of a bankruptcy restructuring plan.

The decision affects not only Express stores, but also related brands under its umbrella, including UpWest and Bonobos, which the shifting retail landscape has also impacted.

The closures are part of a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing, a move that allows the company to reorganize its finances while attempting to sell off parts of the business to interested buyers.

As of now, 95 Express stores and all UpWest locations are set to shut down, with liquidation sales already underway.

Factors Behind the Closure

Retail experts point to several key issues that likely contributed to Express’s downfall:

• Declining mall traffic: As shopping habits continue to shift online, fewer consumers are visiting malls—where many Express locations were situated.

• Increased competition: With fast fashion giants like Zara and online-first retailers like Shein dominating the market, Express struggled to maintain relevance.

• Post-pandemic struggles: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated changes in consumer behavior, and some companies simply haven’t been able to recover.

The closures will result in significant job losses across the country, affecting hundreds of retail workers. For shoppers, liquidation sales may offer short-term savings, but the long-term loss of a well-known brand marks a change in the retail landscape.

Customers with gift cards or store credits are being encouraged to use them as soon as possible, as they may not be honored once the stores close permanently.