‘Everything must go!’: Fashion retailer closing only Lehigh Valley store | Eat, Sip, Shop

WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. – A longstanding destination for jeans, skirts, coats and other fashions is ending operations at the Lehigh Valley Mall, where a host of other changes are underway.

Forever 21, a fashion retailer known for offering “the latest trends,” is holding a store closing sale at its location on the mall’s upper level. Markdowns range from 10% to 40% off.

In recent months, Lehigh Valley Mall has also bid farewell to several other businesses, including Icing, Face Foundrie, Indian Bite and Hairitage Beauty Salon. Some of these departing businesses are continuing operations at other locations.

The mall’s most recent departures include cologne and perfume retailer Perfume Galaxy and airsoft shooting gallery Battlestar.

Lehigh Valley Mall, at MacArthur Road and Route 22 in Whitehall Township, also is set to welcome five businesses – Address for Him, D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery, MINISO, Carter’s/OshKosh B’gosh and Star Park Indoor Playground & Party – in the coming months.

The businesses will follow the recent openings of several other new Lehigh Valley Mall tenants, including Joseph & Co. Jewelers, Game Box Arcade, As Seen on TV, Spice n Shake, Fit Leggy and Perfume City.

Forever 21 closing

Forever 21 is holding a store closing sale – featuring items discounted 10% to 40% off their original prices – at its only Lehigh Valley location. All sales are final, according to store signage.

“Everything must go!” other signs read. 

A manager was unsure when the store’s last day of business would be and could not comment on the reason(s) surrounding its upcoming closure.

The Whitehall store opened in 2007 on the mall’s upper level, in space that was previously home to a McDonald’s restaurant.

The U.S.-based operator of Forever 21 Inc. is preparing to close at least 200 more locations as part of a bankruptcy process expected to start as soon as next month, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people with knowledge of the matter.

The potential bankruptcy plan would also seek a buyer for the retailer’s remaining stores, according to the report. However, if no qualified buyer emerges, Forever 21 would likely liquidate its entire chain of roughly 350 stores, the report added.

Other Forever 21 store closing sales have kicked off in recent days at other locations nationwide, according to various news reports.

The developments come several months after CNBC reported that Forever 21 was encountering financial difficulties and asking landlords for a break on rent as sales drop and it struggles to keep up with competitors.

Forever 21 filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in September 2019 and was later purchased by a consortium including Authentic Brands Group and landlords Simon Property Group and Brookfield Property Partners, according to the CNBC report.

In January, JCPenney and Forever 21’s parent company, SPARC Group, announced that they combined to form a new organization, Catalyst Brands, creating an “unmatched portfolio of six iconic retail banners that celebrate the essence of American style.”

Catalyst Brands brings together SPARC Group’s brands Aéropostale, Brooks Brothers, Eddie Bauer, Lucky Brand and Nautica with JCPenney and its exclusive private brands, including Stafford, Arizona and Liz Claiborne, according to a news release.

Catalyst Brands is launching with more than $9 billion of revenue, 1,800 store locations, 60,000 employees and $1 billion of liquidity, and it is poised to “generate significant strategic and operational value,” the release continues.

The combined Catalyst Brands organization is a joint venture formed in an all-equity transaction between JCPenney and SPARC Group, with shareholders Simon Property Group, Brookfield Corporation, Authentic Brands Group and Shein.

The news release also noted that Catalyst Brands has sold the U.S. operations of Reebok and is “exploring strategic options for the operations of Forever 21.”

Coming soon tenants

Address for Him, offering menswear, shoes and accessories, is expected to open in late February or early March at the Lehigh Valley Mall, according to Sherry Smith, the mall’s area marketing administrator.

The new store will operate in a second-level space near Macy’s.

The second-level spot was previously home to Jennifer’s Unique Boutique, a store carrying handmade gifts, home decor, personal care products and other items from more than 50 local vendors, which recently moved to the former Williams-Sonoma space at the mall’s outdoor lifestyle center.

Carter’s/OshKosh b’gosh, offering clothing for babies and young children, is expected to open in the spring on the mall’s second level, between GameStop and Hot Topic, Smith said.

Carter’s, Inc., headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is the largest branded marketer in North America of apparel exclusively for babies and young children, according to a corporate profile.

The company owns the Carter’s and OshKosh B’gosh brands, which are sold through over 1,000 company-operated stores in the United States, Canada, and Mexico and online.

The apparel is also sold in leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally. The company’s Child of Mine brand is available at Walmart, its Just One You brand is available at Target, and its Simple Joys brand is available on Amazon.com.

The company also owns Little Planet, a brand focused on organic fabrics and sustainable materials, and Skip Hop, a global lifestyle brand for families with young children.

To make way for the new children’s clothing store, Battlestar – an airsoft shooting gallery where individuals shoot small plastic pellets at targets – moved to the mall’s first level (across from Austin 5) in late 2024.

Battlestar, which originally opened at the Lehigh Valley Mall in 2020, was later slated to move again – with a target opening date of February – to a new space next to The Cheesecake Factory.

However, Battlestar no longer has plans to open at the mall, according to Smith. A reason was not provided.

MINISO, a variety store chain that specializes in household and consumer goods including cosmetics, stationery, toys and kitchenware, is planning to open its first Lehigh Valley location in the spring in a lower-level space next to Bath & Body Works, Smith said.

MINISO founder Jack Ye gained inspiration for MINISO while vacationing with his family in Japan in 2013, according to a brand profile.

He came across several specialty stores that stocked “good quality, well designed, and inexpensive products” that were mostly manufactured in China.

With knowledge and experience in product development, supply chain and the fashion industry, Ye established MINISO as a “brand catering to young people around the world,” the online description continues.

Ye wanted customers to have “affordable, well-designed, quality products.”

MINISO sells a wide variety of items, including household items such as noodle bowls and energy-saving, mini night lamps; health and beauty products such as moisturizing facial masks and lipstick; fashion accessories such as bath slippers and eye masks; and digital products such as headphones and a “home theater” double-speaker-stereo Bluetooth speaker.

“To meet the needs of young consumers, MINISO innovates through co-branding partnerships with popular license holders, its excellent designs, and trendy technology, and launches products that are visually pleasing, easy to use and fun to play with,” MINISO’s brand profile reads.

MINISO, headquartered in Guangzhou, China, operates its global business under the brand slogan “Life is for fun.”

MINISO has more than 5,500 stores around the world, covering the core business districts of major cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Paris, London, Dubai, Sydney, and Istanbul.

Also set to open in the spring is D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery, Smith said.

D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery will specialize in empanadas and other baked goods, Smith said. The counter-service shop will fill the space recently vacated by Indian Bite, a take-out eatery offering authentic Indian cuisine.

Lastly, Star Park Indoor Playground & Party is expected to open in late spring in a lower-level space that previously housed various retailers, including Track 23 and Modell’s Sporting Goods, Smith said.

The expansive facility will offer a unique, interactive play area where children ages 12 and under can climb, play, explore, and use their imaginations in a clean, bright and colorful world filled with a variety of fun, according to an online description.

“Your child will be thrilled to celebrate his or her birthday with friends at a fully personalized, fun and entertaining birthday party at Star Park Indoor Playground,” the description continues. 

Other Star Park locations operate at the Franklin Mall in Philadelphia and Cherry Hill Mall in Cherry Hill, New Jersey.

The facilities offer “challenging fun” with various play equipment, including climbing structures, crawling tunnels, slides, swings and more.

They’re suitable for a wide array of events, including parent play dates, field trips, parties and more.

“Star Park Indoor Playground provides a fun environment for kids to play while giving parents a place to relax,” a message on Star Park’s website reads.

“We believe playtime should be a break from screens and an opportunity for creativity to flourish. Our facility offers parents a chance to unwind and connect while their children enjoy themselves.”

Recent openings

Carter’s/OshKosh B’gosh, Joseph & Co., MINISO, D’Colombia Restaurant & Bakery and Star Park Indoor Playground & Party will follow a string of other new Lehigh Valley Mall tenants.

Joseph & Co. Jewelers opened Feb. 8 in a lower-level space near the escalators.

The spot previously housed Rêver, a store selling menswear, shoes and accessories, which recently moved to a nearby lower-level space.

Joseph & Co., offering a wide array of fine jewelry, is affiliated with Joseph Jacob Jewelers, a New York City-headquartered jewelry company with more than 20 retail locations in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, manager Eddie Bitar said.

Another Joseph & Co. store opened in late 2024 at the Willow Grove Park Mall in Montgomery County, Bitar said.

In Whitehall, customers can shop a variety of rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces.

There’s also watches from top brands such as Invicta, Seiko and Michael Kors.

“We design and make our own jewelry,” Bitar said.

“We’re very known for our beautiful and high-quality bridal selections, and we also can work with customers to create a custom design. So, for example, you could bring a picture or sketch of the ring of your dreams and we can bring that vision to life.”

The store offers jewelry options for all tastes and budgets, Bitar said.

“We have beautiful pieces ranging from around $75 to up to $20,000 or $30,000,” Bitar said. “There is really something for everyone.”

Next to Joseph & Co., Game Box Arcade, a traditional arcade concept where players use quarters to play various games, opened in December.

Individuals can play around a dozen different games, including various claw machines.

As Seen On TV, a store carrying a wide assortment of unique products seen on TV, opened in early November on the mall’s upper level.

The new store occupies space that previously housed Slime Time, which moved to Promenade Saucon Valley in early 2024.

As Seen On TV features a vast assortment of merchandise, including household items, tech gadgets, fitness equipment, kitchen utensils, toys and seasonal décor.

Items include portable wireless speakers, headphones, 3D panoramic cameras, light strips, phone chargers and accessories, massage guns, detox foot pads, resistance bands, humidifiers, Himalayan salt lamps, seat cushions, knee pillows, cascading incense holders, umbrellas, blenders, rotating refrigerator organizers, faucet drain pads, hoses, puzzles, tabletop games and remote control cars, among other items.

Various toys, portable heaters and holiday décor have been popular picks, an associate said.

Spice n Shake, a fast-casual eatery specializing in custom, freshly prepared French fries gently shaken in your choice of signature seasoning and chicken items available in unique sauces, opened Nov. 14 on the mall’s second level.

The restaurant, with chair and banquette seating, occupies an updated space that previously housed other eateries, including Subway and, most recently, Almost Vegan.

For Spice n Shake’s custom fries, individuals first choose their size (6-ounce with one flavor or 13-ounce with up to two flavors) before then picking their type (straight fries or curly fries) and flavor (spicy, BBQ, curry, house special chili BBQ, sweet plum, seaweed or ketchup).

Other menu highlights include chicken wings (traditional or boneless), cauliflower bites and popcorn (available plain or tossed in exclusive blend of signature seasonings).

The boneless chicken with the amber (house special) sauce has been a top seller in the business’ first few weeks, according to crew member Giovanni Lopez.

“Spice N Shake is your go-to spot for the ultimate fry experience!” a message on the business’ website reads.

“We specialize in serving up French fries in a variety of shapes, like shoestring and curly, all perfectly seasoned and shaken with your choice of bold flavors.” 

Fit Leggy, offering women’s leggings, legging sets, socks and accessories such as handbags, also opened in early November on the mall’s lower level.

The store occupies an updated space that previously housed Icing, a jewelry and fashion accessories store that closed in late 2024.

Fit Leggy customers can shop a wide assortment of women’s leggings, suitable for activewear and everyday comfort, in the latest styles and premium fabrics.

Women’s perfume is also available for sale.

Golf Galaxy, an interactive golf store chain, held a soft opening of its new Lehigh Valley Mall location on Oct. 16.

The new performance center occupies a renovated outparcel space that previously housed HobbyTown USA and a portion of the former Babies R Us store.

It represents a relocation of Golf Galaxy’s former Lehigh Valley location, which operated at the Airport Shopping Center.

Golf Galaxy, which opened its first store in 1997, offers “superstore selection and pricing with pro shop knowledge and services,” according to a description on the business’ website.

The company prides itself on its world-class selection of brand name golf equipment, golf apparel, golf accessories, golf technology and golf gifts for golfers of all ages and abilities. The retailer also sells pre-owned golf clubs and offers golf club trade-ins.

In addition to merchandise, Golf Galaxy – with about 100 stores nationwide – offers a comprehensive array of golf services and interactive golf features.

Furniture & Linen, offering furniture for living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms, opened in September on the mall’s second level.

The store fills the space that was previously home to Rivals Indoor Battlefield, a facility offering a safe indoor environment for all ages to play with Nerf guns, which closed in late August.

Furniture & Linen customers can shop a wide variety of brands and styles of furniture, including classic and modern beds, sofas, dining room sets and more, along with mattresses and other home furnishings such as rugs and mirrors.

The store offers lease-to-own financing and invites customers to “shop now, pay later.”

Also recently opening at the mall is a Perfume City store.

The store, which opened in November on the mall’s second level between Claire’s and Banter by Piercing Pagoda, offers a wide assortment of men’s and women’s fragrances, including selections by Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Choo, Lacoste and Ralph Lauren.

Other recent changes

The Lehigh Valley Mall, which debuted in 1976 and added an outdoor lifestyle center in 2007, is home to more than 140 businesses, including anchor department stores Boscov’s, Macy’s and JCPenney.

Earlier in 2024, the mall welcomed a host of other new stores and restaurants, including sports gear retailer Rally House; a second location of watch retailer Time On My Hands; Stone Haven, a store offering natural stone jewelry other related natural products; and the Lehigh Valley’s first Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant.

While new tenants are joining the mix, the Lehigh Valley Mall has also recently said goodbye to some businesses.

In the summer, the mall bid farewell to Rivals Indoor Battlefield; a Starbucks kiosk; Ardene, a fashion retailer with more than 250 stores worldwide; and Face Foundrié, a chain of all-inclusive focused facial bars.

In recent months, Icing, Indian Bite and Hairitage Beauty Salon also vacated their Lehigh Valley Mall locations.

Hairitage Beauty Salon has relocated its Lehigh County salon to 429 Front St. in Catasauqua, where it has added manicures, pedicures and other nail services to its offerings, according to the business’ Instagram page.

Additionally, a Perfume Galaxy store – selling a wide array of men’s and women’s fragrances – recently closed after less than six months of business on the mall’s upper level.