Rue 21 closing all stores: How it will impact the youth

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Memorial Day is here, which means more people are likely shopping.

Rue 21, a popular teen retail store, has filed for bankruptcy and plans to close all 540 stores. Here in Albany, the store recently closed a month ago, leaving residents with few options for shopping.

If you are walking in the Albany Mall, you might notice a huge storefront that used to be Rue 21, a popular teen boutique. Now, officials have stated that most stores will be closing due to bankruptcy.

According to documents, The Warrendale, Pennsylvania-based retailer filed for bankruptcy in 2003 and again in 2017 — which led to massive downsizing. At its peak a decade ago, the store had 1,000 locations across the nation.

WALB spoke with residents in the community, and they say that they remember when the Albany Mall used to be filled with more options for shoppers.

“I was completely devastated by that because I love Rue 21. I do a lot of shopping for the older grandkids, like the teenage grandkids. They absolutely love Rue 21. So now, I don’t know what our go-to will be,” said Sonya Black, Lee County resident and shopper.

“I used to see American Eagle, Aeropostale, and even Sears to the right of us. It used to be a flourishing mall, and now it’s completely deserted,” said Ulises Rangel, Albany native and shopper.

WALB asked several shoppers why they feel stores in the Albany Mall keep closing, and they said that there is a range of reasons.

“Some high-end restaurants, maybe like a Texas Roadhouse, or like when you go to other big malls like in the bigger cities, they have like the restaurants. So maybe some stores like that or Ruby Tuesday because we’ve had ours to close here in Albany as well,” said Black.

“Probably the economy, for one thing, and then a lot of people shop online. That’s me; I hardly ever go in and out of stores. I’m an online shopper,” said Carrie Green, Albany native and shopper.

Several shoppers in the Albany community say that there aren’t many options, but they are looking at alternatives and even online shopping.

“Don’t be sad they are closing; just keep going because there are different places that have clothing,” said Kaitlynn McCray, a shopper.

“Belks is always a good choice, and I hated when Sears closed. And I frequent JCPenney a lot,” said Black.

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Let us know. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WALB on Facebook and X (Twitter). For more South Georgia news, download the WALB News app from the Apple Store or Google Play.