CRANBERRY TWP — Teen clothing retailer rue21 is closing nearly 400 stores nationwide as it focuses more on its online business.

The privately-held company, based in Cranberry Township, still has more than 700 stores in 48 states.

The company in a Facebook post called the decision to close the stores “difficult but necessary.”

In Western Pennsylvania, the company is closing stores at the Cranberry Mall; the Grove City Premium Outlets; the Shenango Valley Mall in Hermitage; the Indiana Mall; the Galleria at Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer Township; and the Tanger Outlet Center near Washington, Pa.

The company didn’t say how soon the stores will close.