Torrid to close 180 underperforming stores. What to know

• Torrid, a plus-size clothing retailer, plans to close up to 180 underperforming stores.
• The company is shifting focus to its digital platform, which accounts for nearly 70% of its sales.

Torrid announced early last week that it will close nearly 200 underperforming stores this year, shifting its focus to meet digital demands, and possibly affecting 18 locations in Michigan.

“Digital continues to be our customer’s preferred channel, now approaching 70% of total demand. We’re accelerating our transformation to a more digitally led business,” said Lisa Harper, Torrid’s chief executive officer.

Torrid, a clothing company that produces apparel and accessories for curvy women, began operations in April 2001, according to Forbes. The company employs 7,620 people.

“We now plan to close up to 180 underperforming stores this year — allowing us to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in areas that drive long-term growth, including customer acquisition and omnichannel enhancements,” the company said in a first quarter earnings report.

Here’s what to know about the recent closings and if it will affect Michigan stores:

What is Torrid?

Torrid describes itself as a “direct-to-consumer brand in North America dedicated to offering a diverse assortment of stylish apparel, intimates and accessories skillfully designed for the curvy woman.

The company says they specialize in sizes 10 to 30, providing ” fashionable, comfortable, and affordable options that meet the unique needs of our customers.”

Why is Torrid closing 180 stores?

Torrid plans to close up to 180 stores this year “to better align our current demand and sales channels,” according to the company’s first quarter 2025 report.

“Digital continues to be our customer’s preferred channel, now approaching 70% of total demand,” Harper said.

“We’re accelerating our transformation to a more digitally led business, which includes optimizing our retail footprint. We now plan to close up to 180 underperforming stores this year, allowing us to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in areas that drive long-term growth, including customer acquisition and omnichannel enhancements.

“Leveraging the deep connection with our existing customers, of which 95% are engaged in our loyalty program, combined with strategic and targeted acquisition and retention efforts, this digital transformation will position us for efficient and accelerated top and bottom-line growth.”

How has Torrid’s financial picture changed?

In its earnings report, Torrid outlined drops in sales, income and profit margin.

• Net sales decreased 4.9%to $266.0 million compared to $279.8 million for the first quarter of last year. Comparable sales decreased 3.5% in the first quarter.
• Gross profit margin was 38.1% compared to 41.3% in the first quarter of last year. The decrease was primarily driven by a decline in net sales.
• Net income of $5.9 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to a net income of $12.2 million, or $0.12 per share, in the first quarter of last year.

What stores will Torrid close?

In the first quarter, the company closed two Torrid stores, it said in the report. The total store count at quarter end was 632 stores.

As of June 10, Torrid had not shared which locations would be closing and had not yet responded for comment about the closures when contacted by USA TODAY.

How many Torrid locations are in Michigan?

Torrid’s website shows 18 locations in Michigan. They include:

• Novi
• Roseville
• Brighton
• Flint
• Okemos
• Grand Rapids
• Canton
• Norton Shores
• Farmington Hills
• Traverse City
• Byron Center
• Birch Run
• Auburn Hills
• Lansing
• Grandville
• Sterling Heights
• Taylor
• Westland