Quiksilver, Billabong and Volcom, once a magnet for Millennials looking for surfer and skateboard-inspired clothing, are permanently closing all of their stores. Like many outdoor brands, Liberated profited throughout the pandemic. In 2021 and 2022, the company more than doubled its number of retail locations it owned, expanding from 67 stores to 140.
More than 100 locations across the United States are shutting down in the coming weeks after their operator, Liberated Brands, filed for bankruptcy, blaming fast-fashion rivals and other economic factors for its financial struggles.
As the pandemic receded, the company began to face the same economic headwinds that have affected the U.S. economy at large, including the outdoor gear and apparel sectors. In a statement obtained by Shop Eat Surf, Liberated said it had “worked tirelessly over the last year to propel these iconic brands forward.” The brands have seen a volatile global economy, consumer spending changes amid a rising cost of living and inflationary pressures have all taken a heavy toll,” the company said in a statement.
As for the fast-fashion brands partially blamed for Liberated’s situation — they’re now facing their own problems. Major Chinese brands Temu and Shein will likely experience delivery delays and other difficulties getting products to the U.S. following new rules on Chinese imports instituted by President Donald Trump earlier this week, CBS News reported.
