By: Shelisa Melendez

Last week fast-fashion retailer Forever 21 opened its doors to the city of Lexington.

The demand for a Forever 21 store in Fayette Mall has been present for the past few years and its opening was long overdue.

In 2009, the Facebook group, “Petition to Bring a Forever 21 to Lexington, KY” was created, where many expressed their undying desire for the trendy retailer to bring its clothes closer than its nearest location in Louisville.

On Friday, I went to the mall and decided to check out the new store; I must say it was bigger than expected and well laid out.

Employees were everywhere. People were everywhere. I almost checked my calendar on my phone to see if I somehow managed to wake up on Black Friday. The line streamed across half of the store in diameter, totally leaving some with the “I’ll come back tomorrow” attitude despite heaps of clothes draped over their arms.

Nonetheless, it was a Forever 21 store; everything the people wanted and then some, including a fully equipped bite-sized men’s section. But, that’s no biggie. I don’t think the Fayette Mall location would attract many men anyway.

Although the store opened on Thursday, the grand opening was Saturday. Hundreds lined up before the store opened to guarantee their position among the first 200 customers, who received store gift cards ranging in value from $10 to $200.

Also in celebration of the grand opening, was a free locket with a purchase of $75 or more — the store also had free engraving available.

According to an assistant store manager, there was a constant line from one end of the store to the other from 10 a.m. when the store opened, until 9 p.m. when it closed.

I can definitely understand the initial excitement of “fashionable pieces for less” at your fingertips, believe me I can. But, what’s next?

Does this mean that girls are going to be walking around wearing the same outfits? Are everyone and their mom, sister and cousin going to begin shopping at the store who claims to keep those at the youthful age of 21?

As much as I may hope otherwise, I believe that this will in fact occur. However, I do applaud Fayette Mall and Lexington for bringing in such a “money maker.”

Who knows, maybe H&M will be next.