Liquidation sales are well underway at Forever 21’s large storefront next to JCPenney in Briarwood Mall. The long-troubled fast-fashion chain is winding down operations both locally and at its approximately 357 stores nationwide.
The decision to close follows the January creation of Catalyst Brands, a merger of JCPenney and SPARC Group. Its shareholders include Simon Property Group, which owns the mall. The combined entity also includes Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.
In a January announcement, Catalyst noted it was “exploring strategic options for the operations of Forever 21.” On March 16, the brand’s operating company, F21 OpCo, announced a Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing and “an orderly wind down of its U.S. business.”
No further details were forthcoming from the store, Catalyst Brands, or the mall’s public relations agency.
Asem “as in awesome” Yousef, a digital marketing student at Washtenaw Community College, noticed a store under construction near Penney’s: XIMI-V (pronounced she-mee-vee), a Korean-inspired, low-cost lifestyle retailer geared toward Gen Z.
“So I left a note—I left my number, my name, I told them what I do—and I just slid it under, and they contacted me. It was super cool!” The Central Academy grad is now a part-time manager and coordinates the store’s online presence.
The bright, pastel-laden shop is a franchise of the China-based Ximivogue, whose website boasts of more than 1,100 stores worldwide. Its accessories include press-on nails, stuffed animals, journals, backpacks, socks, jewelry, snacks, and seasonal items.
Yousef acknowledges that foot traffic in the mall’s west end has been slow. “I hope this place is going to be able to afford itself,” he says. “So far, it’s not.”
XIMI-V, Briarwood Mall (JCPenney wing). (734) 780–7177. Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. instagram.com/ximiv_a2
Latte Factory recently succeeded Starbucks in Briarwood’s center court.
The outlet of the Texas-based chain shares ownership with the neighboring boba kiosk Totally Tea, according to an employee on duty.
About 80 percent of customers opt for one of their $6.90 signature lattes, particularly the caramel truffle. They also offer refreshers, chillers, energy drinks, and a few toast and croissant options.
Related: More Boba at Briarwood
Latte Factory, Briarwood Mall (Center Court). Mon.–Sat. 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.–6 p.m. lattefactory.net
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