21 Interesting Facts You Don't Know About Forever 21

Updated on 10/16/2016 at 4:00 PM

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At 35 years old, fast fashion retailer Forever 21 has already had quite the life. There's been a name change, some controversy, celebrity fans, and hundreds of locations, all of which doesn't even begin to tell its full — and fascinating! — story.

Considering this one-stop shop is a store we'll never quit, it's about time we got to know it a little better. Read on for 21 facts you never knew about Forever 21, then check out more tidbits about another fashion favorite, ASOS.

The First Store Opened in 1984

It was located in the Highland Park district of Los Angeles and was only 900 square feet.

It Was Originally Called Fashion 21

In its first year, Fashion 21 generated $700,000 in sales. The name was later changed to Forever 21.

It’s the Fifth Largest Specialty Retailer in the United States

And Also One of the Top Searched on Google

Currently, it's the most searched fashion brand under "Fashion."

Forever 21 Is a Family-Owned Company

It was founded by Do “Don” Won Chang and his wife, Jin Sook Chang, who had moved to the United States from South Korea. Their daughters began working for the company in 2009, leading the marketing and visuals teams.

The Owners Are Christian

A nod to their religion can be spotted on the bottom of every shopping bag, where it says John 3:16, a verse in the Christian Bible.

And Billionaires

According to Forbes, the couple's net worth is currently $4.4 billion.

Despite Being Favored by Teens, There Is No Target Consumer

In the About Us section on Forever 21's website, it states that "Forever 21 is not about a particular age, it’s for anyone who wants to be trendy, fresh and young in spirit."

In 2009, Forever 21 Added Plus Sizes

It was originally called "Faith 21" (another religious nod), but now it's call Forever 21+.

The Store Sells More Than Just Women’s Apparel

There's also 21MEN, Forever 21 Girls, and Love & Beauty, the brand's cosmetics line.

There Are 499 Stores in the United States Alone

And the Flagship Store Is Located in Times Square

It has three levels and stays open until 2 a.m.

There Are Forever 21 Stores That Only Sell Sale Items

They're called F21 Red.

The Store Sells More Brands Than Just Forever 21

There's a whole section dedicated to the brands it loves, which include Motel, Frends, Dolce Vita, Baggu, Ban.Do, and more.

Motel Eclipse Kimono Romper ($72)

Forever 21 FOREVER 21+ Motel Rocks Eclipse Kimono Romper

From

$72

A Toronto Woman Almost Gave Birth in a Forever 21 Store

And later named her daughter Tiev Forever Golding.

Many Top Models Have Posed For Forever 21

Including Kendall Jenner, Hailey Baldwin, Emily Ratajkowski, Taylor Hill, Ashley Graham, Anja Rubik, Candice Huffine, Chanel Iman, and Devon Windsor.

Chrissy Teigen Was Once Fired From a Forever 21 Modeling Gig

"Forever 21, they booked me directly when I was much younger," Chrissy revealed in a 2014 interview with DuJour magazine. "And I showed up on set, and they asked me if they could take a photo. And they shoot that photo off to my agency, who then calls me as I'm sitting in the makeup chair. And they say, 'You need to leave right now. They just said you are fat, and you need to come get your measurements taken.'"

A Lot of Celebrities Are Fans of Their Clothes

Stars such as Zendaya, Taylor Swift, Kate Mara, Diane Kruger, and Vanessa Hudgens have been spotted wearing pieces from the store. Alexandra Daddario even wore a Forever 21 dress on the red carpet!

There Have Been Over 50 Copyright Lawsuits Filed Against the Company

Designers, artists, and even H&M have accused Forever 21 of copying their designs.

There Used to Be an Instagram Account Dedicated to Finding the Best Stuff at Forever 21

It wasn't affiliated with the company but showcased some of the best items sold at the store, along with a description of why they were so great.

By 2017, Forever 21 Hopes to Be an $8 Billion Company

There are also plans to open 600 stores in the next three years. That's a lot of shopping!