Forever 21

4.0 star rating
13 reviews Rating Details

Category: Women's Clothing  [Edit]

4800 Kingsway
Ste 280

Burnaby, BC V5H 4J2
Neighbourhood: Metrotown
(604) 437-7115
Price Range:
$
Accepts Credit Cards:
Yes
Parking:
Garage
Wheelchair Accessible:
No
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13 reviews in English

  • Review from Emily-Anne P.

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    9/16/2011 1 Check-in Here

    * Disclaimer - It kills my activist soul to have a love-in for somewhere like Forever21 but here we go:

    There are four things I adore about Forever21
    1. Underwear, sleeping wear and lingerie - they have the most amazing selection of underwear for $5, great little sleeping outfits for less than $20, bras for under $20 and they come in all colours, shapes and sizes. Awesome.

    2. Party dresses - for under $50 you can get an awesome little dress for any party of your choosing. Seriously.

    3. Sweaters. They have a really great selection of sweaters for very cheap. Great!

    4. Accessories - $2.50 fishnets, hair clips, bracelets, earrings and more. Seriously, this is my favourite part of the whole thing. Amazing selection, super cheep, saves your ass.

  • Review from Ellie V.

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    • 11 friends
    • 40 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    8/30/2011

    My Spanish teacher once made our class watch "Made in L.A", which shows the immigrants who work in sweatshops for Forever 21. Unfortunately, this happens everywhere.

    Their clothes are decent and cheap, which makes the place a great place to buy trashy, wear-once, summer clothes. Watch out though! Sometimes their sheer and crappy fabric tanks are a little overpriced.

    I really like their assortment of accessories, ranging from long necklaces to bangles. Their stud earrings are really cute and cheap!

    And best of all, there's always a ton of people working at this location!

  • Review from Olivia C.

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    • 0 friends
    • 2 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/23/2011

    Forever21 has very quickly become one of my favorite clothing stores.  Being in high school, it's fun to have a bunch of clothes that are fun, young and cheap.
    Everything is crazy cheap and trendy.  The quality is not the greatest and these clothes won't last years but you need to accept that about Forever21.  The accessories are super cheap and always cute and fun.  The clothes are always cool and interesting and you can find an outfit for any occasion for a very very very affordable price!

  • Review from I K.

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    • 0 friends
    • 7 reviews

    Surrey, BC

    3.0 star rating
    1/30/2012

    It seems to be a bit overstuffed in there with product. There is stuff everywhere and not that much room. You will never be still, simply for the fact that your have to move around so people can come through.

    A lot of the clothes are cheaply made and you can tell after one wash they won't be the same. I mostly buy three things from here: (1.) Leggings with a crazy print (tribal, fair isle, leopard etc) which would be expensive or unavailable someplace else. Make sure you feel the fabric properly before you buy so you know its worth the money.  (2.) Belts, which I need to attach a walkie talkie onto while I'm at work (I work in retail). They are nice and cheaply priced here, and usually last pretty well. (3.) Jewelry. I mostly buy necklaces from here. I go for the stuff which has more weight to it because the lightweight ones just feel cheap, like they will break quickly. My ring finger, which is a 7.5 everywhere else, does not fit into their largest size here (size 8). This place is also good for simple hair accessories, such as hair clips or headbands. They're usually $1 per pack of 3-12 (depending on what you're buying) so it is well worth it. There is also a variety of color.

    The sizes run out at this location fairly quickly for some items. For example, I bought a fair isle sherpa lined zip-up the day they got it in stores. When I went back two days later to exchange the size, there were only 2 left (luckily one was my size). If an item you like does happen to run out in store, such as a pair of leggings, it will most likely be in stock online for much longer. Check there before giving up the shopaholics search.

  • Review from Vicky L.

    London

    UK
    3.0 star rating
    2/22/2011

    Foever 21 is like shopping in the train station malls in Tokyo.  Everything is kinda cheap and great looking but look closer, there is something definitely not right aesthetically.  It could be that there is excessive trimming, or the color is wrong or the length or just something little, but it just doesn't look 100% right.

    It reminded me of urban outfitters 5/6 years ago before they started selling designer clothing (by the by, do they do that in canada?  I didn't seem to notice them in the granville store...); it also reminded me of H&M before they smart up and did collaborations with the super fash brands.

    I also don't like it because as someone who is 8/10, I have trouble fitting into their L.

    Actually I probably would have fitted in when I was 21, so it is defo aptly named.  If only I met my r-patz/Edward to my Forever 21 then...

  • Review from Kas D.

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    • 1 friend
    • 73 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    3.0 star rating
    9/17/2011

    The clothes are cheaply priced...but also cheaply made. Forever 21 is great for accessories, and closer to "a-ok" for clothes. The store is huge and has a huge selection for casual to dressy. I guess my "gripe" would be that everything seems to be somewhat ill-fitting. A good place to pick up some new clothes that look cute on a budget.

  • Review from Maha E.

    Richmond, BC

    4.0 star rating
    12/28/2009

    I'm sorry, let me take a second to get this right...

    I can buy myself something pretty.

    It's reasonable priced.

    ...and their employees won't give me the death stare if  I walk by them like those gals who work at Aritzia?

    Forget the clothes, I'M sold! I'm head-over-heels in love with their product as well as their prices.

    In fact, I would give them five stars if not for a couple of slip-ups...

    Number I: I LOATHE the hooks in their fitting rooms; I cannot tell you how many times my jacket, purse, and clothes have repeatedly fallen to the ground just because they opted for straight rather than hooked tips- it drives me bonkers every time I try something on.

    Number II: their return policy. GCs or exchange only? C'mon guys, you don't need to lock us in with a no-returns sales policy; we'll keep coming back, just be a tad more flexible with us, okay?

    Number III: their sizing; I'm usually a small/ medium, but at Forever XXI, I am always a medium. What about our ladies who are a large, or an extra small? Nope, no love for them. The biggest market is a size larger than I am- broaden your size ranges and I guarantee you'll double your profits.

    Number IV: cashing out; I was told that my card doesn't work as they swiped it three times in front of me. I worriedly called VISA who assured me that it was a problem with their machine, not my account- y'know, after I had to count-out over fifty dollars in bills and change. *sigh*

    Score: XXI to IV- I give this place a XVII out of X.

  • Review from Joyce D.

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    • 273 friends
    • 190 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    3.0 star rating
    10/12/2009

    I eagerly anticipated the opening of Forever 21 being a fan of the US branches long before. I stalked the construction site for at least a month before every weekend to see how they were coming along.
    I was shocked to say the least to see the grand opening this past Friday and fastened my coat button and braved the crowds.

    It is a two level style house with an escalator, the more fancy, girly clothes on the upper level and the jeans and hip wrap a round sweaters and such on the lower level.

    Was I impressed? No, for a myriad of reasons. First of all I had built myself up expecting a copycat of the states stores and was disappointed to see that was not really the case. I loved the US cousin with it's layout, prices and themes. This was more a mishmash, a sorta upper end clothing feeding frenzy. You couldn't get near the racks because it was complete pandemonium. Yes, I realize it was opening night but the clothes were in heaps on the floor. It is kinda of hard to pick and choose from the bottom of the pile.

    It had a totally different feel than the US stores. It is almost like they tried a little to hard to be more different and unique. I seen one really nice sweater but it would have meant standing in line for a waiting room for at least 1 hour and 2 hours to pay for it. I didn't like it that much.

    I just really expected more and felt totally let down. Am I glad the chain is here finally, yes. Now I just hope after all the hoopola and maybe a month or two down the line it will settle into it's own and perhaps shine. Prices were between $20 to 30 with Urban Behavior being cheaper for sure. I do have to admit Guess, Mariposa and all the other fine stores in the area were dead this weekend!

    Forever 21, I will see you again and until then think about whether you can pull it all together and be one of the frequents on my growing lists of weekly stops. Hmmmm, we will have to see!

  • Review from Sonya R.

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    • 41 friends
    • 69 reviews

    Burnaby, BC

    5.0 star rating
    12/14/2009

    Looks like good customer service is in with Vancouver's newer stores. How bad can that be??? SA's here are, to my surprise, not only accessible on the floor, but greet you and act really helpful. FRs are big, have personal mirrors and I waited for 2 seconds tops. I know people will criticize the quality, but this place has so much stuff you are bound to find great clothes.. the items here let you pick according to your own tastes. It's not like it's Sirens where everything has been touched by the sleaze fairy or Urb. Outfitters with the Seattle grunge fairy or Tommy with the prep school / nautical fairy...time to stop? One more? Zara and the price-taunting fairy. Ok, you got it.

    As I was saying,  even if you have to search for your piece for a while, you will not need to browse for prices nor wait for sales (do those even happen here?? oh yeah, my $10 hoodie says they do) - everything is cheap. Remember that commercial for IKEA where a couple runs out of the store and starts the car thinking they stole their goods, they were so cheap? That's how I feel, but trust me, I can get used to it...

    Fabrics aren't itchy on the sweaters, sweatpants are cozy, fits on bombers are polished. In my opinion I find winter coats here are a bit iffy to buy, at least most, they wrinkle too much, the silhoutte is a bit frumpy, and buttons are falling off. Anyway, to me a coat should be made to last. Jewellery is a little weak in my opinion also, too gaudy, but whatever! That isn't even a problem considering how much other stuff there is, and how much is still to come. The philosophy that this store follows is most important - cheap, good quality, attractive, and with choice.. so just enjoy browsing till what you like arrives!

    One thing is their men's selection is pretty small, but guess what, that just means more for meee!! Mwahaahahahaah!!1!1 uh... what I mean is, you would've made it this way anyway, right guys? I'm sure men aren't even interested in shopping somewhere that caters to people who wish for eternal youth.. pssh, such a womanly notion.

  • Review from Tracy P.

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    • 33 friends
    • 61 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    5.0 star rating
    6/13/2010

    As someone who:

    1. Loves to shop for clothes
    2. Is extremely cheap when it comes to clothes (I hardly ever spend more than $30 on a piece of clothing, jeans included)
    3. Loves anything that's dramatic, adorable AND comfy

    Forever21 is, hands down, my favourite store to shop.

    Yes, their clothes tend to fall apart if you're not careful with them (read: not the greatest quality), but if you're looking for instant gratification, and trendy, fashion-relevant clothing, this is your place.

    I agree with other yelpers, though. Even though this Forever21 is HUGE (the biggest I've ever been in), I feel like the selection still doesn't compare to the smaller US Forever21s I've been in.

    The only thing it has, that the US ones I've visited, don't have, is Menswear. My lovely boyfriend loves this, even though he's relegated to a small corner on the bottom floor.

    I braved the 6 hour waiting line and INTENSE crowd, for its opening day, and I left with bags and bags of goodies. It was wonderful. On Halloween, I was in desperate need for a costume (I was going as Lady Gaga). I walk in, 5 minutes later, I've got the perfect dress. I've had a bad day, or I feel like treating myself, and F21 never fails in delivering me an array of adorable dresses, without feeling like I've just blown my whole paycheck.

    I'm a big fan of their dresses.

    Disclaimer: I am perfectly aware that F21 has come under fire for their sweatshops and style-theft, so if this kind of thing bothers you, obviously avoid.

  • Review from Brooke T.

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    • 1 friend
    • 9 reviews

    Vancouver, BC

    1.0 star rating
    10/29/2009

    Dudes.
    I am a size 10/12 and I only fit into Mens size M here.
    Boo. Hiss. Sniff.
    At least they have accessories..oh wait, the rings fit a straw.
    OK SERIOUSLY. SERIOUSLY? This is a US chain - how on Earth are the sizes so small? Even 21 year olds have boobs, bums and hips right?
    It felt like being back in Tokyo where I could maybe fit half my body in most things.
    Extremely disappointing to say the mofo least.

  • Review from Pia W.

    Vancouver, BC

    4.0 star rating
    Updated - 10/30/2009

    I have gone back to this store a few times since it opened a few weeks ago, and I have to say I am impressed at the rate of product turnover...

    Let me put it in simpler terms: Styles that you saw a week ago in this very store is completely cleared out and replaced by new styles a week later.

    Now this simply intrigues me as a logistics student (yes, I know I'm a nerd), so I decided to test and see how it is possible for Forever 21 to have all these new styles changed within weeks (or even days) after it has been placed on the shelf. On the other hand, almost all other retail clothing stores have their seasonal styles stuck on their shelves for at least 3-4 months! Doesn't that make you wonder?

    So here is what I got out of probing into "the system": I had found this nice dark grey, 3/4 sleeve cardigan on the shelf...but here's the thing, it was the only one left. Luckily, it was my size, and it fitted me perfectly, but I was also curious as to what a size up would look like. I found a sales associate, and asked her if she could find me a size in the stock room. Seems like a typical request in a clothing store right? Well, the answer is something I haven't really heard before, especially when it's obviously that this cardigan hasn't been sitting on the shelves of the store for any longer than a week. Apparently, what you see out on the floor, is exactly how much they have of each item. I'm sure there are some exceptions, but I think it's pretty much the deal for most tops, dresses and coats.

    Logistics-wise, I think it's a pretty cool start for their inventory system. If Forever 21 is going to rival with Zara and Urban Behavior, then this is definitely a win: Getting new styles in every week and being able to completely clear old styles without marking down the prices....why not? Well because the clothes are already pretty reasonably priced! My cardigan, which I ended up purchasing was only $12.50 plus tax. For quality like that, I would say it's worth the price!

    Only one complaint I would have is that Forever 21 doesn't do refunds, they only do exchange or store credit. But then again, all that I've purchased from Forever 21 so far, I have not needed to return any of them...I simply love what I bought!

    P.S. Without the mobs of ladies on the weekends (because everyone goes shopping then), Forever 21 is pretty well kept! So if you want to shop here, I'd suggest you to go on a weekday.

    P.P.S. Size-wise, I'm usually a Medium/Small in most stores, and I find Forever 21 pretty consistent with sizing. Mind you, I am not a tiny, skinny Asian.

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    1 Previous Review: Show all »

    • 4.0 star rating
      10/12/2009 First to Review

      This highly anticipated clothing store from the U.S. has finally opened a location at Metrotown! And… Read more »

  • Review from Jenni B.

    Manhattan, NY

    USA
    5.0 star rating
    11/8/2009

    There was some serious fist pumps of joy flying around tonight.

    Somehow my "chill" evening turned into a trip to Metrotown to check out XXI prior to going out. I figured Saturday evening, must be quieter. Haha... wrong!

    I was easily impressed with the size of this store - for being the inaugural location in the GVRD it's great there is a massive retail store. And a massive amount of stock without being prohibitive. I just didn't know where to start. With just more than 45 minutes before I had to take off I did a quick run through then pull - their merchandising was good and the store was surprisingly clean so it made my job fast and easy.

    There was a small wait for the fits, which were spacious with a good mirror, but crappy lighting (which was strange because the store lighting was fantastic). I scored on with two skirts (both less than $20) and some trousers ($21.80 and surprisingly a great cut on).

    I then proceeded to do a pull from accessories... I was elated to find the perfect black waist belt, basically a replica of the one I have which is worn out. I then loaded up on yellow bobbles - a brillian faux pearl three strand bracelet with yellow metal flower encrusted with bling was my find of the night.

    With just enough time I arrived at the register after a short wait in line and the girl who rang me through was awesome. She easily offered the best and friendliest service I have received in a retail setting in an age (note: I've been on a 3 week shopping binge, and I'm someone who goes shopping whenever possible, so this is significant).

    I easily could have bought more if I had had the time. Worth coping with a) Metrotown and b) the crazy shoppers in general.

    In sum - we already knew I am a XXI addict, I just have less travel time for my fix now.

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