Controversies
Controversies tied to this brand in public sources. A listing is not a finding of fault.
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2020
Forever 21 cited by Nevada OSHA in 2020
Fine or penalty
In August 2020, Nevada OSHA issued citation and penalty notices to three stores at the Fashion Show mall: Saks Fifth Avenue #645, Shiekh Shoes LLC, and Forever 21. The notices concerned observed noncompliance with workplace health and safety requirements. The three stores were penalized a total of $8,501. The agency announced the action as part of its listing of COVID-19-related violations for the week of August 3. The event is recorded as a regulatory enforcement matter involving Forever 21 among the cited retailers.
Source excerpt
All three stores located inside of Fashion Show mall were penalized with a $8,501 fine.
The Division of Industrial Relations has announced that violation of required workplace health and safety measures has resulted in Nevada OSHA issuing notices of citation and penalty to the following businesses: -Saks Fifth Avenue #645 (3200 Las Vegas Blvd.) -Shiekh Shoes LLC (3200 Las Vegas Blvd.) -Forever 21 (3200 Las Vegas Blvd.)
2019
Weight-loss bars included with plus-size orders
Customers criticized the inclusion of diet bars in some plus-size orders as insensitive. Forever 21 apologized and described the practice as an oversight.
2019
Design-copying and intellectual-property accusations
The company faced repeated accusations and lawsuits alleging that merchandise designs copied independent designers or other brands. Forever 21 described its design and supplier process as proprietary.
2014
Store safety citations
OSHA recommended penalties for serious safety hazards at three Forever 21 locations in Northern New Jersey and Manhattan.
2012
Employee wage and bag-check lawsuit
Employees alleged that time spent on bag checks and additional work was unpaid. A Labor Department inquiry also sought information concerning supplier wages and records.
2011
Cadmium in jewelry
Forever 21 was among retailers associated with jewelry containing cadmium. A settlement established a strict concentration limit and included a payment.
2001
Garment-worker labor allegations
Worker advocates and contracted garment workers alleged minimum-wage violations, altered time records, retaliation, and sweatshop-like conditions. Related litigation and a company defamation suit were settled in 2004.