Forever 21 reportedly preparing potential bankruptcy filing

Apparel retailer Forever 21 is preparing to potentially file for bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported Wednesday afternoon, citing people familiar with its plans.

The retailer has been exploring restructuring options to shore up its liquidity as it struggles with its business, CNBC previously reported. Those efforts though, have stalled, and the company’s focus has instead shifted to raising a so-called debtor-in-possession loan to fund a potential bankruptcy, Bloomberg reported. The newswire cautioned it is still possible it will be able to restructure its debt without filing for bankruptcy.

Many of the most troubled retailers, like Forever 21, are located in malls, where fewer shoppers are spending their money. As sales decline, the companies are still weighed down by large, expensive store bases even as the retailers need to invest in technology to fend off competition from new brands born online, like Lulus.

One of its biggest burdens has been its massive real estate portfolio. Forever 21 has more than 815 stores globally.

More recently, it’s been trying to work with landlords to find a way to keep its business afloat, especially heading into the key holiday shopping season.

Forever 21 didn’t immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.