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‘They Played Us’: Forever 21 Vendors Scorn Retailer’s Bankruptcy

Several vendors are alleging the fast-fashion brand’s US operator requested heavy discounts on orders and took delivery of shipments shortly before filing for bankruptcy without disclosing its plans to reorganise.
Forever 21 store front.
It’s not the first time a Forever 21 bankruptcy has hurt vendors. (Shutterstock)
By
BoF PROFESSIONAL

When Forever 21’s US operator asked for a discount of as much as 50 percent on a shipment from Kyuseung Ahn’s Seoul-based activewear supplier Leukon Inc., Ahn agreed to the American fast-fashion chain’s demands. For Ahn, it was business as usual: The goods were delivered and the two were exchanging emails on March 14. 

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