Forever 21

Los Angeles, United States

Forever 21 is a fast fashion retailer specializing in trendy clothing and accessories primarily aimed at young women. The company is known for its rapidly changing merchandise and affordable, up-to-date styles, making it a popular destination for fashion-forward consumers.

CCI Score

7.75

-0.01% April 18

Latest Event

Forever 21 Inc Political Engagement Report

According to an OpenSecrets report, Forever 21 Inc has not reported lobbying the federal government during the 2024 election cycle, suggesting a deliberate withdrawal from political lobbying practices that might otherwise bolster authoritarian influences.

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OBJECTOR

Forever 21 is currently rated as an Objector.

0 to +9 CCI Score

These companies deliberately avoid direct involvement with authoritarian practices. While they do not actively challenge oppressive regimes, they maintain a neutral stance to ensure they are not complicit in supporting such systems.

Latest Events

FEB

19

2025

Forever 21 Inc Political Engagement Report
78.73

According to an OpenSecrets report, Forever 21 Inc has not reported lobbying the federal government during the 2024 election cycle, suggesting a deliberate withdrawal from political lobbying practices that might otherwise bolster authoritarian influences.
+80

Political Contributions and Lobbying Efforts

March 21

Forever 21 Inc's absence of reported lobbying activity during the 2024 election cycle indicates they are not engaging in direct political influence that could support authoritarian agendas. This non-engagement is viewed positively by anti-fascist advocates who contest corporate contributions to authoritarian practices.

Forever 21 Inc Profile: Summary • OpenSecrets
AUG

31

2017

Labor Exploitation and Supply Chain Accountability at Forever 21
-34.94

An investigative report by the Los Angeles Times reveals that Forever 21 benefits from a supply chain structure that distances it from direct accountability for wage violations and labor abuses in its domestic garment factories. The article details exploitative practices where workers earn well below minimum wage, highlighting a systemic failure in labor relations and supply chain ethics.
-80

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 21

The report illustrates severe labor rights abuses, with workers earning as little as $6 an hour despite long working days. This consistent underpayment and disregard for worker rights, evidenced by nearly 300 wage claims and a convoluted supply chain design that shields the retailer from direct liability, signifies a deep complicity in exploitative practices.

Behind a $13 shirt, a $6-an-hour worker
-70

Supply Chain Ethics

March 21

Forever 21’s reliance on a complex network of middlemen to distance itself from the manufacturing process allows the perpetuation of unethical practices. The structure not only obscures direct accountability but also creates a system where suppliers can undercut wages, thereby embedding exploitation into its supply chain.

Behind a $13 shirt, a $6-an-hour worker
AUG

06

2012

Forever 21's Ideological Messaging and Executive Political Engagement
-4.91

Forever 21’s founder and corporate practices, such as including Bible verses on shopping bags and engaging in missionary work through the Chang 21 Foundation, reveal an active promotion of ideological and religious values. From an anti‐fascist perspective, this messaging can be seen as aligning with conservative, exclusionary views that may indirectly support authoritarian tendencies.
-20

Public and Political Behavior

March 21

Forever 21’s consistent use of religious imagery, exemplified by the Bible verse printed on every shopping bag, demonstrates the company's public engagement in ideological messaging. This use of corporate branding to promote a specific conservative, religious outlook raises concerns for those wary of the subtle blending of commerce and political ideology, which may contribute to a culture supportive of authoritarian narratives.

Chick-fil-A and Six Other Companies That Have Taken a Political Stand
-15

Executive Political Engagement

March 21

The active role of Forever 21's founder, Do Won Chang, in engaging with religious causes and running the Chang 21 Foundation, reflects a significant level of executive political engagement. While these activities are framed as philanthropic, from an anti-fascist viewpoint they serve as a conduit for advancing a narrow ideological agenda that aligns with conservative and potentially authoritarian forces.

Chick-fil-A and Six Other Companies That Have Taken a Political Stand
DEC

30

2004

Forever 21 Settles Dispute With Garment Workers
-7.87

Forever 21 reached a settlement with 33 garment workers who alleged they were subjected to sweatshop conditions, after a prolonged boycott and legal dispute brought attention to the company's labor practices.
-60

Labor Relations and Human Rights Practices

March 21

The settlement highlights significant concerns regarding labor rights and working conditions at Forever 21. Worker allegations of being forced to work long hours for below minimum wage in unsafe environments led to a prolonged boycott, which forced the company to settle. This incident underscores questionable labor practices that align with exploitative corporate behavior and complicity in systemic oppression of workers.

Forever 21 Settles Dispute With Garment Workers