You probably remember the old Macy's spot. It was huge. When Forever 21 took over that massive 153,500-square-foot space back in 2011, it felt like the Galleria at Tyler had basically peaked. It wasn't just a store; it was two floors of sensory overload—bright lights, thumping bass, and enough crop tops to outfit the entire Inland Empire. But honestly, things have changed.
The Forever 21 Riverside Tyler Mall location is currently in the middle of a massive wind-down. If you’ve walked by lately, you’ve likely seen the "Liquidation" signs plastered everywhere. It’s part of a much larger 2025 bankruptcy filing that’s hitting California harder than almost any other state. We aren't just talking about a few racks being cleared out; we're talking about the end of an era for one of the mall's biggest anchors.
The Reality of the 2025 Bankruptcy
In March 2025, F21 OpCo (the company behind the brand) officially filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. It’s their second major filing in recent years, but this one feels different. They’re looking to close over 350 stores across the U.S., and the Riverside location at 3700 Galleria at Tyler Mall is right at the top of the list.
Why Riverside?
Basically, the store is just too big for today’s world. That space was originally a Broadway, then a Macy's, and finally became the flagship-sized Forever 21 we know today. Maintaining a two-story, 150,000-square-foot footprint in 2026 is an absolute nightmare when everyone is buying their fast fashion on apps like Shein or Temu.
The overhead is just brutal.
👉 See also: Executive desk with drawers: Why your home office setup is probably failing you
What’s Happening Inside the Store Right Now?
If you’re planning a trip to the Forever 21 Riverside Tyler Mall before it’s gone for good, expect some chaos. Liquidation sales have been ongoing throughout the early part of 2026.
Prices are slashed, sure, but the selection is getting "kinda" picked over.
- Discounts usually start at 30% to 50% off and get deeper as the final closing date approaches.
- The second floor, which used to be packed with men’s clothes, shoes, and home goods, often gets cordoned off as the inventory thins out.
- All sales are final. Seriously, don't even try to bring something back next week.
Shoppers have noted that the "vibe" has shifted from trendy to "everything must go." It’s sort of sad if you grew up spending your Saturday afternoons there.
Why People are Actually Leaving
It’s not just about the bankruptcy. If you look at recent reviews, people have been complaining about the same stuff for years. The quality is a massive hit-or-miss. You might find a $12 dress that lasts five years, or a $40 jacket that loses a button before you even get to the parking lot.
Then there’s the sizing. A "Medium" in Forever 21 is more of a suggestion than a measurement.
✨ Don't miss: Monroe Central High School Ohio: What Local Families Actually Need to Know
People are tired of the scavenger hunt. Finding a specific item in that Riverside store was basically an Olympic sport because the place was so sprawling. Younger Gen Z shoppers have mostly moved on to brands that feel a bit more sustainable or, at the very least, more convenient to browse on a phone screen.
Navigating the Galleria at Tyler Changes
The Galleria itself isn't dying, even if Forever 21 is. The mall owners are actually looking at this as a bit of an opportunity.
Class A malls like Tyler are in high demand. While it's hard to fill 153,000 square feet with a single clothing brand, the space could easily be partitioned into several smaller, more expensive boutiques or even "experiential" spots like a modern gym or a high-end food hall.
The Forever 21 Riverside Tyler Mall sits right near the food court on Level 2, which is prime real estate. BoxLunch, Champs, and Buffalo Wild Wings are all nearby, keeping the foot traffic relatively high. If you’re heading there before the doors lock for the last time, you can still find it by taking the Highway 91 exit at Tyler Street.
What Should You Do?
If you have a gift card sitting in your drawer, use it immediately. Once a retailer goes through this level of liquidation, those cards become worthless faster than you’d think. Don't wait for the 90% off sale, because by then, the only things left will be size XXS neon leggings and broken accessories.
🔗 Read more: What Does a Stoner Mean? Why the Answer Is Changing in 2026
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the Hours: The mall generally opens at 11:00 AM, but the liquidation crew might have different schedules. Call the mall office at (951) 351-3112 to verify the store's current status before driving out.
- Inspect Every Seam: Since all liquidation sales are final at the Riverside location, check for holes, stuck zippers, or missing buttons before you hit the register.
- Look for the "F21 Red" Alternatives: If you still want that fast-fashion fix after this location closes, you'll have to look for smaller "F21 Red" concepts or shift to the remaining stores in the LA area, though many of those are also on the chopping block.
- Download the App: Forever 21 is trying to pivot to a digital-first model. If you really love the brand, that's where the new arrivals are going to live from now on.
The era of the "Mega-Mall Fast Fashion Anchor" is basically over. Riverside is just the latest witness to that shift. It’s a bit of a bummer for nostalgia's sake, but for the Galleria at Tyler, it might finally be the room they need to bring in something actually new.
Final Insights:
The closure of the Forever 21 Riverside Tyler Mall represents a massive shift in how we shop in the Inland Empire. The days of 150,000-square-foot clothing stores are being replaced by smaller, more curated experiences. If you want to grab one last piece of the "old mall" experience, head down to Tyler Street sooner rather than later, because once those doors close this year, that massive footprint is never coming back in its current form. Keep your receipts for your own records, but remember: the refund window has officially closed. Shopping there now is a "what you see is what you get" situation.
Stay alert for the mall's announcement regarding what will replace the space; rumors of an Urban Outfitters or even a split-use entertainment venue are already circulating among local retail analysts. Whatever happens, the Riverside retail landscape is about to look very different.