Gadzooks, the popular 80s/90s mall retailer known for teen fashion and VW Beetle displays, was discontinued after filing for bankruptcy in 2004, with its assets bought by Forever 21 in 2005, who then shuttered the remaining stores or converted them, ending the brand due to changing tastes and a failed shift to women's-only junior fashion.

Key Details

What it Was: A mall-based clothing store targeting teens, known for trendy apparel, T-shirts, Doc Martens, and signature Volkswagen Beetle car displays.

Downfall: A costly 2003 rebranding to focus solely on women's junior fashion alienated male customers, leading to significant losses.

Bankruptcy & Acquisition: Gadzooks filed for bankruptcy in 2004, and Forever 21 acquired its remaining stores and inventory in 2005.

Discontinuation: Forever 21 closed the Gadzooks stores, effectively ending the brand, though some locations were converted to F21 stores.