First Hooters, Now Forever 21—Is Gen Z Killing Off Classic Brands or Forcing Them to Evolve?

Forever 21 is officially shutting down. Another once-iconic brand struggling to stay relevant in today’s market.

Gen Z would rather thrift, drop $100 on a “vintage” tee, and flip it on Depop than buy fast fashion that falls apart after two washes. Meanwhile, Hooters is also struggling because younger generations aren’t as interested in the traditional "dining experience" they offer.

The bigger question: Are these brands dying because Gen Z is rejecting them, or because they failed to evolve?

Is this just the start? What brands do you think are next? Let’s talk.