Torrid shoppers, take note: the California-based clothing chain says as many as 180 “underperforming” locations could disappear by the end of 2025 as the brand pivots harder toward e-commerce. The announcement came during Thursday’s first-quarter earnings call, where CEO Lisa Harper framed the downsizing as a cost-cutting move designed to “accelerate digital transformation” and protect future growth.
Why Torrid says a leaner store footprint will boost profits despite softer quarterly sales
Harper acknowledged that Q1 net sales slid 4.9 percent year over year, dropping from $279.8 million to $266 million, while comparable sales fell 3.5 percent and gross profit margin slipped to 38.1 percent. Still, she told investors the brand is “in a strong financial position” and ready to reinvest in customer acquisition and omnichannel upgrades. After all, roughly 70 percent of total demand already comes from digital orders, and a whopping 95 percent of customers participate in the Torrid rewards program.
Wondering if your local Torrid is on the chopping block? The company hasn’t published a full closure list yet, but it has already shuttered 26 stores since May 4, 2024—two of them during the first quarter of 2025—leaving 632 U.S. locations in operation. By eliminating fixed costs tied to slower malls and high-rent outlets, Torrid expects to funnel more cash into faster fulfillment, targeted marketing, and fresh product drops tuned to online trends.
| Metric | Q1 2024 | Q1 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Net sales | $279.8 million | $266 million |
| Comparable sales | – | –3.5 % |
| Gross profit margin | 41.3 % | 38.1 % |
Those numbers underscore the urgency behind the store-reduction strategy. Yet Harper insists the chain can “deliver top- and bottom-line growth” once the heavy lifting is done.
What shoppers and employees need to know about the 2025 closures and the shift to online buying
Torrid plans to stagger closures throughout the year, prioritizing sites with declining foot traffic or overlapping trade areas. Store associates will receive transfer opportunities “whenever possible,” according to management, though severance packages are on the table for roles that cannot relocate.
For customers worried about losing in-person fitting rooms, Torrid says its revamped sizing guides, free returns, and expanded virtual styling sessions will bridge the gap. Have Torrid Cash coupons stashed in your purse? Don’t panic—the retailer confirms all loyalty perks will remain valid online and in any surviving stores. Below, you have a resume:
- March 2025: Early guidance hinted at just 40–50 closures.
- June 2025: New plan raises the ceiling to 180.
- Throughout 2025: Rolling announcements of specific locations.
Consequently, fashion-savvy consumers should check Torrid’s website and social channels for real-time updates before planning their next shopping trip. On the other hand, bargain hunters might score deep discounts as closing-sale signs go up.
Torrid’s drastic footprint trim reflects the broader retail reality: digital carts trump dressing rooms. If the strategy works, the company could emerge lighter, faster, and—yes—more profitable. Until then, watch for clearance bins, keep those rewards points handy, and stay tuned for the official closure map.