India, March 31 -- Zumiez, a well-known teen clothing retailer that helped define skater culture for nearly five decades, is closing 25 stores in 2026. However, the company has made it clear that this decision is not due to poor performance, but rather a shift in strategy as shopping habits change.

Founded in 1978 as "Above the Belt," Zumiez later became one of the most well-known specialty retailers in the United States. It became a popular part of mall culture, especially for teens and young adults.

CEO Richard Brooks clearly explained the reason for the closure.

"What we're seeing in the U.S. is actually finally the end of, I think, the final leg on a bunch of mall locations at the lower end C- and D-volume mall locations, where we ...