Bankrupt Mall Staple Rue21 Climbs Out Of Retail Grave

PITTSBURGH, PA — Call teen apparel store Rue21 a zombie retailer. Three months after declaring bankruptcy and closing its 540 stores nationwide, the chain is back in business under new ownership.

The Rue21 website lists nearly 60 stores that already have reopened or are about to, including two in the Pittsburgh area. The website lists the Monroeville Mall location as already open and one at the Mall at Robinson as opening soon.

“Under new ownership and management, Rue21 is on an exciting journey," a message on the website states. "We’re thrilled about our recent acquisition and are diligently working to revitalize the rue21 brand."

The new owner is believed to be Toronto-based YM Inc., which purchased the brand and intellectual property rights during the bankruptcy process.

It is unclear if the chain plans to open any additional locations in the Pittsburgh market.

The company formerly was based in Warrendale and previously declared bankruptcy in 2003 and 2017. At its peak, it had more than 1,200 stores in malls across the nation. It closed about 400 locations during the 2017 bankruptcy.