20. Paving the Way for Other Retailers

Forever 21’s early embrace of K-pop fashion trends set a precedent in the U.S. retail landscape, inspiring competitors like H&M and Zara to incorporate Korean-inspired styles into their own collections. This ripple effect helped mainstream Korean fashion across America, making it a staple in malls and online stores nationwide. The brand’s pioneering approach demonstrated the commercial viability of K-pop aesthetics, paving the way for broader industry adoption. For more on this influence, explore insights at The Business of Fashion.