Torrid Closes 177 Stores as Part of Retail Restructuring
Women’s clothing retailer Torrid has closed approximately 20% of its retail stores, totaling around 177 locations. The closures are part of a broader strategy to shift toward digital sales and reduce fixed costs by optimizing the company's physical footprint. CEO Lisa Harper emphasized that online demand now accounts for nearly 70% of total customer activity, prompting Torrid’s transformation into a more digitally-focused business model. The store optimization program was announced in early 2025 with plans to close up to 180 underperforming locations by the end of the year. While sales have declined during this period, margins and profits improved, indicating that cost-cutting measures are positively impacting Torrid’s bottom line. The company has also reported strong customer retention despite store closures, attributing success to marketing efforts redirecting traffic online or to nearby stores. The shift reflects broader retail trends where in-store experiences remain important for initial product discovery but do not necessarily drive long-term sales. As consumers increasingly prefer digital channels after an in-person visit, Torrid is adapting its strategy with a focus on omnichannel enhancements and customer acquisition.
