Popular Mall Retailer Closing 200 Stores – Louisiana Locations are Affected

(KMDL-FM) When was the last time you took a stroll through the mall? If you haven't been in a while, it's a shocking experience to say the least. I can only speak of the mall in my hometown, but I understand the "mall experience" is nowhere close to what it used to be. That probably explains the news that a popular mall retailer is going to close some 200 underperforming stores across the country.

READ MORE: Popular Women's Clothing Chain Shutting Down Nationwide

However, in this instance, the shuttering of storefronts does not necessarily mean the business is going to file for bankruptcy. In fact, based on comments made by company officials, this is part of the business strategy to shift more of its business operations to online shopping.

A spokesperson for the company suggested that recent, less-than-glowing sales numbers were the result of missteps that were within the company's control. The company actually began its strategy shift in the summer of 2025.

Get our free mobile app

Which Louisiana Locations of Torrid Have Already Been Closed?

It was at that time that the principles behind the plus-sized women's apparel retailer Torrid announced that they were closing 57 locations.

There were two Louisiana locations on that list, notably the Bossier City location and the Baton Rouge location. The Torrid Store Locator online still shows locations in Lafayette, New Orleans, and Lake Charles operating.

READ MORE: Women Warned - "Love to See You" Text Scam Hits Louisiana

Torrid stores' mission is to be a leading fashion destination for plus-sized or curvy women. The brand offers designer names, well-fitting apparel that complements the attributes of a full-figured woman. The styles are trendy, fun, and beautiful. The shopping experience is described as inclusive and diverse.

It actually sounds as if the brand has everything its customers want. The only exception seems to be that many of the brand's shoppers prefer to do their shopping online instead of a traditional storefront.

Across the store's footprint, there are still some 560 locations. But, the announced plan is to close a little less than a third of those locations that have been deemed "underperforming". As of now, we have no confirmed information if any of the Louisiana stores we mentioned are being considered for closure.

Company leaders remain optimistic that recent changes, the economic adjustments, and the reintroduction of footwear and a larger selection in key customer categories will help foster positive growth moving forward.