‘They Played Us’: Forever 21 Vendors Scorn Retailer’s Bankruptcy

When Forever 21’s US operator asked for a discount of as much as 50% on a shipment from Kyuseung Ahn’s Seoul-based activewear supplier Leukon Inc., Ahn agreed to the American fast-fashion chain’s demands. For Ahn, it was business as usual: the goods were delivered and the two were exchanging emails on March 14.

Two days later, the Forever 21 operator filed for bankruptcy in the US.

Ahn is among a number of vendors that are now alleging Forever 21’s US operator asked for discounts on orders and took delivery of shipments shortly before filing for bankruptcy, without disclosing ...