
NYSE: SPG
Key Data Points
Eventually, the Changs changed the company's name to Forever 21 and leaned into the fast-fashion model. The company grew exponentially through the first 10 years. Forever 21 would often add new stores every six months, expanding its chain of locations rapidly.
Fast Fashion
As of 2013, it had 480 stores open both domestically and abroad, bringing in revenue just shy of $4 billion. At the time, the business remained family-owned, with the daughters of the Changs serving in executive leadership roles. Forever 21 generated peak sales in 2015, with worldwide sales of $4.4 billion, and launched its in-house beauty brand, Riley Rose, in 2017.
Fast fashion is a fickle business, and competition abounds in this space. By 2018, steep competition in the fast-fashion industry was hammering Forever 21's sales, and it began pulling out of certain markets and closing stores.
In 2019, sales dropped by more than 30% from the prior year. Like many other fast-fashion brands, Forever 21 would face continued backlash from environmentalists and labor rights entities concerned about its manufacturing practices. In September 2019, Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.
As part of its reorganization, Forever 21 stopped operations in 40 countries and closed more stores. The company geared its focus back toward growth in its e-commerce presence and in markets like the U.S. and Latin America.
By early 2020, Forever 21 had slashed its international store count by more than one-third. It also relaunched its e-commerce store in 30 countries, focusing on customers in Latin America, Canada, and the Asia Pacific region.
Here's everything you need to know about who owns Forever 21, its largest shareholders, and how to invest in companies that offer exposure to Forever 21 and its industry.
Shareholder
Board of Directors
How to invest in Forever 21?
Since Forever 21 isn't publicly traded, you can't invest in shares. Authentic Brands Group, which owns 50% of Forever 21, isn't publicly traded either. However, you can buy shares of its other 50% owner, Simon Property Group, a publicly traded REIT.
Simon Property Group's portfolio includes more than 250 properties in 43 of the top 50 U.S. markets, including regional malls and premium outlets, and international properties. In its U.S. portfolio, the REIT boasts tenants that generate annual retail sales of more than $63 billion.
REITs are required to pay out at least 90% of income as shareholder dividends, and Simon Property Group has been consistently profitable. As of mid-2024, its dividend yield is about 5.3%, it pays a quarterly dividend of $2.00 per share, and it maintains an exceptional payout ratio of approximately 97%.
If you want to buy shares of Simon Property Group to get exposure to Forever 21's business, there are some important steps you need to follow for investing in stocks:
- Open a brokerage account: You have to open and fund a brokerage account before you can buy shares of Simon Property Group or any other stock. Research brokers to find the best one for you. The best brokerages have an easy-to-use interface, low fees, and quality support for investors.
- Figure out your budget: You should diversify your capital across numerous companies and sectors, preferably 25 or more stocks. You don't need to invest in one stock at a time. Instead, you can allocate your capital across multiple companies and consistently build your positions with time, even if you have a modest amount of cash to start.
- Do your research: Always research a company before you buy shares. Look at its balance sheet, growth story, and financial history to make sure it's a solid fit for the type of portfolio you want to build and your investment goals.
- Place an order: After you have done your research and funded your account, you can buy shares. Search for the correct ticker (SPG for Simon Property Group). Then, select the number of shares you want to buy and whether you want a market order or a limit order.



















