Popular plus-size fashion brand Arula has announced it is closing all of its stores, prompting a wave of emotional responses from loyal customers and sparking concerns within the plus-size community. In an official post on Instagram, the company confirmed that it will be ceasing operations entirely after seven years of business, with the online store remaining active only for a few more weeks until mid-June. The announcement came with heartfelt gratitude from the brand, thanking shoppers for their support and the shared moments over the years.
The message conveyed deep appreciation for customers who contributed to Arula’s journey by trying on clothes, tagging photos on social media, and offering kind words. However, the abrupt nature of the announcement and the absence of a clear explanation for the closure left many followers reeling. As final sales and special thank-you offers roll out while supplies last, shoppers are scrambling to snag their favorite items one last time.
The unexpected closure has deeply affected Arula’s customer base, particularly those who valued the brand’s commitment to stylish and inclusive plus-size fashion. Many customers expressed heartbreak in the comment section of the announcement, with one person writing that their entire closet consists of Arula clothing and they now feel lost about where to shop next. Others described the news as a “devastating loss for the plus size community” and mourned the disappearance of a brand that had finally provided fashionable options for curvier bodies.
Despite the sadness, frustration quickly took root among fans, especially after it was revealed that Arula’s sister brand, Altar’d State, will remain in operation. Some questioned whether Altar’d State would now expand its sizing to accommodate the displaced Arula customer base. Others accused the company of turning its back on plus-size women, implying that the decision to shut down Arula reflects a lack of long-term commitment to size inclusivity.
The backlash intensified as customers criticized the brand for failing to offer any alternative solutions or plans for transitioning plus-size customers to other stores or collections. One shopper warned in the comments that simply shutting down without considering the loyal community built around Arula would be “severely disheartening.” Calls to boycott Altar’d State and any affiliated entities emerged, with some users vowing never to support the brand again, feeling that they were being told they no longer matter in the fashion marketplace.
One comment summed up the outrage: “Exactly what every plus size person has come to expect—a brand deciding we are no longer worth it. Expect to never receive any business from me EVER again.” The emotional and vocal reaction from customers highlighted a persistent frustration in the plus-size shopping experience: finding trendy, size-inclusive clothing remains a challenge, and losing a beloved source like Arula only worsens that reality.
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for a shopping mall in Louisville, Kentucky, confirmed that Altar’d State will remain open and will expand into the soon-to-be-vacant Arula space. It is likely that similar expansions will occur in other locations across the country, but no official announcements have been made to confirm such plans.
The news of Arula’s closure comes amid a broader trend of retail turbulence, with many brands citing a challenging economic environment. In a related development, a budget-friendly furniture company is also set to close by the end of the year, signaling ongoing strain in the retail sector as businesses reevaluate operations and try to stay afloat.
As Arula prepares for its final days, shoppers are not just mourning the loss of a brand—they are mourning the loss of representation in an industry that has long struggled with inclusivity. The closure leaves a gap that many customers hope other fashion retailers will now feel pressure to fill.
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