Popular teen fashion retailer Brandy Melville has started closing fitting rooms in its stores across the United States. The decision has sparked strong reactions from customers, especially young women who regularly shop at the brand.
Employees from stores in New York City, Boston, and Austin confirmed that management instructed staff to permanently close changing rooms this week. However, the company has not released an official statement explaining the move.
Customers Concerned About Shopping Experience
Many shoppers say the closure will make it harder to buy clothing with confidence. Since Brandy Melville is known for offering only one size for most items, customers often relied on fitting rooms to check how clothes looked and felt before purchasing.
Several shoppers shared their frustration on social media. Many questioned how they could determine whether an outfit suited them without trying it on first. Others predicted an increase in product returns because customers would have to buy items without knowing how they fit.
The decision has also renewed discussions about the brand’s long-standing sizing policy. Critics have previously argued that the retailer’s one-size approach caters mainly to smaller body types and may contribute to unrealistic body image expectations.
Employees Point to Vandalism Issues
Store employees in Boston and Austin said repeated vandalism may have influenced the decision. Staff members reported ongoing problems inside fitting rooms, particularly involving chewing gum being stuck to walls and curtains.
Earlier this year, several viral social media videos showed shoppers attaching fitting room curtains to walls with chewing gum. The trend reportedly spread online after customers complained that curtains would not stay fully closed.
Employees said removing the gum became a frequent and frustrating task. Some workers even posted videos showing the cleanup process and the damage left behind.
Viral Videos Show Fitting Rooms Being Removed
The changes became more visible after employees shared videos of fitting rooms being dismantled in various store locations. These clips quickly gained attention online and fueled customer concerns.
While many shoppers understand the challenges caused by vandalism, others believe closing fitting rooms is an extreme response. Customers argue that fitting rooms remain an important part of the in-store shopping experience, especially for a retailer that offers limited sizing options.
What Happens Next?
Brandy Melville has yet to clarify whether the closures are temporary or permanent nationwide. Until the company provides further details, customers can only speculate about the future of fitting rooms at the popular fashion chain.
For now, many shoppers are left wondering whether they will need to rely on returns and exchanges when purchasing clothing from the brand.
