Forever 21 is finally open. The women’s apparel store, located in the University Mall, held its grand-opening on Saturday morning, provoking college and middle school students alike to sleep outside of the store in anticipation. The store offered gift cards, ranging from $10 to $210, to the first 200 visitors.
Jade Miller and Toni Rizzo, both 13 years old, spent the night in line with one other friend and no adult supervision. Miller said that she was pretty comfortable and sleeping outside was worth getting a gift card. Rizzo said she felt like a hobo, especially because they were situated near a trash can.
By 8:15 a.m., there were about 400 people in queue. The line went from the entrance of Forever 21, past World Market and around the corner of the building on Sycamore Lane.
At 10 a.m., the first 200 people in line were ushered into the store by a row of chanting employees and pop music. Gift cards came with a free lip-gloss sample and a coupon.
According to Ciera Rudulph, a manager at Forever 21, there were 2129 transactions throughout the day, though it is unknown how many people visited the store.
Editor’s note: The author of this article was the 36th person in line and received a $20 gift card as compensation for a night of sleeping on cement.
BECKY PETERSON can be reached at city@theaggie.org.
1. Doesn’t forever 21 sell men’s clothes too? Wouldn’t it be inappropriate to classify it as a women’s store?
2. Isn’t a hobo, a homeless person who rides the rails in search of work, rather than a BUM, who does not search for work?