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The basics:

• Torrid will close 180 stores across North America in 2025
• Nearly 70% of demand now comes from online shoppers
• Retailer will refresh 135 stores with low-cost investments
• Sub-brands Lovesick and Studio Luxe will expand

As more of its customers shop online, plus-size fashion retailer Torrid plans to close 180 stores across North America under a ramped-up digital-forward approach.

In its latest quarterly earnings report, the California-based chain did not share which of its 632 locations in the U.S. and Canada will close. A media representative told NJBIZ that “a full list of affected stores has not been released.”

The representative added, “As of now, several Torrid stores across New Jersey—including locations in Paramus, Cherry Hill, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth—remain open and operational.”

After closing 26 stores last year, the 24-year-old brand anticipated shutting down between 40 to 50 sites in 2025. However, since tracking a continuing shift in consumer shopping habits, the brand reassessed its business strategy to meet demand better, according to Torrid CEO Lisa Harper.

“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, which includes optimizing our retail footprint,” she said.

Harper added that closing “underperforming stores” will allow the company to “to reduce fixed costs and reinvest in areas that drive long-term growth, including customer acquisition and omnichannel enhancements.”

Fast returns

By next year, e-commerce is projected to reach “low-to-mid 70%” of total sales. Ultimately, Torrid expects only about one-quarter of sales to take place in stores.

However, brick-and-mortar will remain an “important touchpoint,” Harper said. Later in 2025, Torrid plans to refresh 135 stores as part of a series of “low-capital investments with an expected fast return,” she said.

“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,” Harper said. “We remain in a strong financial position and are executing with clarity and focus. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s commitment to delivering innovative product, deepening customer connections, and building a more agile, resilient business for the future.”

The plan to cut costs and support digital growth came as Torrid reported a 5% year-over-year decline in first quarter sales to $266 million.

Harper said the results are “in line with expectations.” She added they reflect “our continued focus on disciplined execution and profitability.”

“Our sub-brand strategy is delivering positive results, exceeding expectations, and helping us reach new and younger customers while driving higher margin sales. With the upcoming launches of Lovesick and Studio Luxe, we’re doubling down on this momentum and expect sub-brands to represent nearly a third of our business by 2026,” she added. “ … I’m proud of the strong progress we made this quarter across our strategic initiatives.”

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 4:06 p.m. EST July 7, 2025, to include a statement from a Torrid representative.