Bebe Is Closing Its Stores To Focus On E-Commerce

Another one bites the dust. Over the past few years, the immense popularity of online shopping has caused a lot of brick-and-mortar retailers to either adapt or close their mall locations (think American Apparel and J.C. Penny). Up next? Bebe. This year, Bebe will close all of its mall stores and focus on building up its e-commerce presence.

Unlike American Apparel and Wet Seal, who both had to file bankruptcy due to large scale debt and low sales, Bebe doesn't doesn't have plans to file bankruptcy, unless they can't get out of their mall leases. According to Bloomberg, Bebe has lost $200 million over the last four years, which I don't find too surprising, considering the early 2000s was definitely their hey day.

However, since the 2000s are making a triumphant fashion return (even Juicy Couture velour tracksuits are making a comeback), they might be able to work that throwback-2000s vibe for their future e-commerce endeavors. I'm thinking bedazzled Bebe crop tops, maybe some denim miniskirts. You know the drill.

It's really sad to hear that another retailer is closing its doors. It only seems like a matter of time before shopping malls are empty, a relic of the pre-internet era.

Fans of the retailer seem to be pretty sad, too.

They better have a great online return policy!

RIP to our favorite childhood mall stores.

I really hope they have some better luck once they start focusing on e-commerce specifically.