Century 21 closed all its stores in 2021

Century 21 Department Stores filed for bankruptcy and shut down every location in September 2021. The chain, which operated for over 60 years, had roughly 13 million square feet of retail space across the United States when it closed. If you held a gift card, had a return pending, or are looking for where to shop now, this guide explains what happened and what your options are.

The company announced the closure in early September 2021 and completed liquidation sales by the end of that month. Unlike some store closures that happen gradually, Century 21 closed all locations at once. This meant gift cards stopped working when ready, and the company began a process to handle outstanding returns and refunds.

Key Takeaways

  • Century 21 closed all stores in September 2021 and no longer operates any physical locations or online store.
  • Gift cards issued by Century 21 became worthless after the closure, though some cardholders pursued legal claims through the bankruptcy process.
  • If you had an active return or pending refund, you needed to contact the bankruptcy trustee during the claims period, which has now closed.
  • Department store shoppers who used Century 21 can find similar merchandise at Macy's, Kohl's, Dillard's, or regional chains depending on your location.

What happened to Century 21 gift cards

Gift cards issued by Century 21 are no longer valid and cannot be redeemed anywhere. The company did not honor them after the bankruptcy filing, and no redemption program was created. If you held a Century 21 gift card at the time of closure, the card has no monetary value.

Some cardholders filed claims through the bankruptcy court to recover the value of their cards. The bankruptcy process allowed creditors and cardholders to submit claims, but the amount recovered depended on what assets remained after the company's debts were paid. Most cardholders received little to nothing from these claims. If you held a card and want to know whether a claim was filed on your behalf or whether you could have filed one, you would need to contact the bankruptcy trustee's office directly, though the claims period has long since closed.

Returns and refunds after the closure

If you had merchandise you intended to return to Century 21 or a refund pending at the time of closure, you needed to file a claim with the bankruptcy trustee. The company did not process returns or issue refunds after September 2021. The claims period for the bankruptcy has now closed, so new claims cannot be filed.

Customers who had receipts and documentation of their purchase or return authorization could submit a claim during the open period. The trustee's office handled these claims and distributed money from the bankruptcy estate. Because the claims period is now closed, if you did not file during that window, you cannot recover the refund through the bankruptcy process.

Where to shop for similar merchandise now

Century 21 positioned itself as a mid-range department store, carrying clothing, shoes, accessories, and home goods. Shoppers who used Century 21 typically have several alternatives depending on what they bought and where they live.

Macy's is the closest direct competitor in terms of merchandise mix and price point. Macy's carries national brands across apparel, footwear, and home categories and operates stores in most major markets. Kohl's focuses on casual clothing and home goods at a lower price point than Century 21 typically offered. Dillard's operates primarily in the South and Southwest and carries a similar range of brands and price points. Regional chains like Bon-Ton (in the Northeast and Midwest) and Bealls (in Florida and the Southeast) serve specific areas. Many shoppers also shifted to online retailers like Amazon, Target, and brand websites for the same categories Century 21 carried.

Why Century 21 closed

Century 21 struggled with the shift to online shopping and faced increasing competition from both e-commerce retailers and other department store chains. The company had been losing money for several years before the 2020 pandemic accelerated the decline in physical retail. By the time the bankruptcy was filed in 2021, the company could not sustain its store base or operations.

The closure was part of a broader wave of department store bankruptcies that began in the 2010s. Chains like Sears, Kmart, and Bed Bath & Beyond also filed for bankruptcy and closed during the same period. These closures reflected structural changes in retail: consumers shifted spending to online channels, mall traffic declined, and the traditional department store model became harder to sustain.

What to do if you have questions about your account

If you have questions about a Century 21 account, a pending transaction, or a claim you filed during the bankruptcy, you can contact the bankruptcy trustee's office. The trustee handles all remaining matters related to the company's liquidation. You will need your receipt, order number, or account information to reference your specific situation.

The bankruptcy trustee's contact information was published in court filings and bankruptcy notices sent to customers at the time of closure. If you no longer have that information, you can search for the case through the U.S. Bankruptcy Court website for the district where Century 21 filed (the company filed in the Southern District of New York). The court records will list the trustee's name and contact details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still use my Century 21 credit card?

If you had a Century 21-branded credit card issued by a bank, that card still works for purchases at other retailers. The card itself did not close—only the ability to use it at Century 21 stores ended. Contact your card issuer if you have questions about your account or rewards balance.

Is there any way to get money back for my gift card?

The claims period for the bankruptcy has closed, so you cannot file a new claim. If you filed a claim during the open period, you would have received any distribution the trustee issued. If you did not file and the period is now closed, recovery through the bankruptcy is not possible.

Did Century 21 have an online store?

Century 21 operated a website before the closure, but it shut down along with the physical stores in September 2021. The website is no longer active, and no online store exists under the Century 21 name.

Are there any Century 21 stores still open?

No. All Century 21 locations closed in September 2021. The company does not operate any physical stores or online retail presence.