American Apparel to close its first retail location in Echo Park

Los Angeles – The SoCal-based retailer’s first U.S. flagship is preparing to close. As part of the company’s restructuring plan, a couple of American Apparel locations will shutter in 2016. Unfortunately as part of these closures, the apparel manufacturer and retailer must shut down its first location in Echo Park.

As previously reported, American Apparel filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection earlier this year in October. Shortly after, the company announced plans of restructuring including shuttering stores, product turnaround, and closing down Oak NYC stores. The reason for these store closures is because these stores do not fit their turnaround business plan. “This store closure is a next step in implementing our previously announced turnaround plan, which includes closing underperforming locations and investing in new stores in promising areas,” the company said in a statement. High rents and underwhelming sales also contributed to why these certain locations are being picked out to close.

The 5,300 square foot flagship has been active since its opening in 2003. Although the date of the store’s closure is not yet announced, the store is already up for a lease and will be available in February.