The privately held company is shuttering nearly 400 stores, leaving it more than 700 stores in 48 states.
The company is based in Cranberry, north of Pittsburgh. In a Facebook post, it called the decision to close the stores "difficult but necessary." Like many brick-and-mortar retailers, it has been battling declining mall traffic amid strong competition online.
The company didn't say how soon the stores will close, though its website is promoting store-closing sales.Rue21's website currently lists regional stores in Paducah, Murray and Sikeston. According to the company's website, none of the regional stores are closing.