PacSun, Quiksilver, and American Apparel have all danced with bankruptcy, but now Wet Seal is the latest clothing store of our teen years to close up shop. After five decades, Wet Seal will close its Southern California headquarters, according to a January 20 notice. This means that all 171 locations in more than 40 states will close as well–say goodbye to the chokers, denim and lace that were the epitome of cool in middle school.
It’s really too bad, considering the clothing brand has had an impact beyond just appealing to teen and tween fashionistas. It started a Diversity and Inclusion Council and a Seal’d With Love program that supports impactful causes such as school newspapers, volunteer organizations and fundraisers.
In sum, One Direction broke up. Blockbuster is gone. Now Wet Seal is closing. My younger years are slipping further into the past. At least Britney Spears is still around?