Popular Teen Retailer Folds Up Shop and Closes All Indiana Locations

I guess when it comes to filing for bankruptcy, the third time's a charm, or maybe it's more like three strikes and you're out. Take your pick of the two sayings - either way, it appears to be the end of the line for Rue21.

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The once popular shopping destination for teens filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in May 2023 - the third time it's done so - and this time it is final. All 540 stores across the country, including the 17 locations in Indiana, will be closing their doors for good.

This kind of thing is becoming more and more common and the retail landscape continues to change. The COVID-19 pandemic, which led to an increase in online shopping, is one of the leading factors in the decline of Rue21's market share. Here's what Reuters reported in May 2024...

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Indiana Locations of Rue21

• Clarksville (1)
• Edinburgh (1)
• Elkhart (1)
• Evansville (1)
• Fort Wayne (1)
• Goshen (1)
• Greenwood (1)
• Indianapolis (2)
• Kokomo (1)
• Lafayette (1)
• Merrillville (1)
• Michigan City (1)
• Mishawaka (1)
• Muncie (1)
• Plainfield (1)
• Speedway (1)

When Will Rue21 Locations Officially Close?

I can tell you that the Rue21 located in Eastland Mall here in Evansville appears to be closed already. The phone number does not work and it has been removed from the mall's online directory. I can only imagine that the same has happened, or soon will, for the other 16 Indiana locations, along with the other 500+ locations nationwide. The company's website, rue21.com, is also no longer working, which is most likely the final nail in the proverbial coffin.