Forever 21 has filed for bankruptcy protection for a second time and plans to close down its U.S. business as traffic in U.S. shopping malls fades and competition from online retailers like Amazon, Temu and Shein intensifies.

Fast fashion retailers Shein and Forever 21 are going into business together.

Forever 21 leases almost all its retail stores it has 549 US stores and 251 in other countries, for a total of 12.2 million total square feet. "For those reasons, I do believe that there is a very good chance that Forever 21 will emerge from bankruptcy." In the first half of 2019, more retail stores closed than in all of 2018, according to Coresight Research, making Forever 21 part of an industry trend facing many retailers. Many Forever 21 stores are in malls, and the decline in mall foot traffic has led to a decrease in sales through what has traditionally been the company's predominant retail channel. "I have to imagine that that would generally speaking be detrimental to landlords," Van Horn said.

Getty Images(CNN) - Forever 21, the teenage clothing emporium that rode America's mall boom and bust, said on Sunday that it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Forever 21 is the latest retailer to collapse amid the ascendancy of online shopping that has cut foot traffic to malls and brick-and-mortar stores. Forever 21 was founded in 1984 in a small Los Angeles store by South Korean immigrants Do Won Chang and his wife, Jin Sook. And while many retailers started paring back their network of stores in recent years, Forever 21 kept adding stores as recently as 2016. Forever 21, by contrast, is still owned by its founders.

Ariana Grande is currently suing Forever 21 for profiting off of her look in her "7 Rings" music video, but it turns out Grande may have copied the idea as well. (Finally met the designer and got told the Tea) I guess stealing from queer artists for profit is fine tho." She also shared a gif from Grande's video, parodying the song lyrics in the caption, "You like my look? ET's Brice Sander recently sat down with Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who dished on some of her favorite moments in the series' history. RELATED CONTENT:Ariana Grande Sues Forever 21 for $10 MillionJohn Travolta Mistook a 'Drag Race' Queen for Taylor Swift at 2019 VMAs'RuPaul's Drag Race UK': Meet the Queens

Getty Images/Dave HoganLOS ANGELES - Ariana Grande has a problem with Forever 21. The documents allege Forever 21 and Riley Rose published at least 30 unauthorized images and videos "misappropriating Ms. Grande's name, image, likeness and music in order to create the false perception of her endorsement." The images showcased in the lawsuit no longer appear to be on Forever 21's Instagram, Twitter or Facebook pages. The suit claims Forever 21 left some of the unauthorized posts up until at least April 17, 2019, despite requests beginning in February that all of them be removed. In an email to CNN, Forever 21 said, "Forever 21 does not comment on pending litigation as per company policy.

Ariana Grande has taken legal action against Forever 21. Grande claims the brand stole her idea and continued to run the campaign across their website and social media accounts. Grande is suing for at least $10 million in damages for copyright and trademark infringement, false endorsement and violating her right of publicity. RELATED CONTENT:Ariana Grande Gives Manchester Performance for First Time Since Benefit Concert for Tragic BombingAriana Grande Drops New 'Thank U, Next' Fragrance That Represents Moving on From a Broken Heart -- Shop! Ariana Grande Reveals Her Signature High Ponytail Has Been a Staple Since Childhood -- See the Adorable Pic!

Getty Images(CNN) - Teen clothing retailer Forever 21 is preparing for a potential bankruptcy filing, according to several published reports. Forever 21, which is privately held, has more than 800 stores in 57 countries. And while many retailers have been paring back their network of stores in recent years, Forever 21 was adding stores as recently as 2016. But Forever 21 is still owned by its founders, Do Won and Jin Sook Chang. Mall owner Simon Property Group, for which Forever 21 is a major tenant, took a stake in Aeropostale during its bankruptcy process.

Getty Images(CNN) - Forever 21 recently shipped diet bars along with customers' online orders. "Bought a swimsuit online from Forever 21 and they sent me an Atkins bar along with it," Twitter user @caileeargudo wrote. Forever 21, in a statement, said it sent the free diet bar samples with all orders and sizes. "From time to time, Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders," the company said. Others on social media confirmed the bars were sent with all online orders not just to plus-size customers.

"I pulled out three jumpsuits and inside, along with no invoice, was that Atkins bar," Fuchs said. Critics on social media panned Forever 21 for what they said was fat-shaming behavior that could harm individuals struggling with eating disorders or general self-image. From time to time, Forever 21 surprises our customers with free test products from third parties in their e-commerce orders," Forever 21 said. Though she often shops at Forever 21 both online and in person, Garcia said she no longer plans to. "I work in Times Square in New York City and Forever 21 is right around the corner, so it's easy," she said.