I applied in-person. The process took 1 day. I interviewed at Forever 21 in July 2011
Interview
I printed out an application online and brought it to the store. Not sure if they were hiring or not. Didn't ask. A little over a month later, I got a call asking if I would attend a group interview the next day. Interviewer was one of the assistant managers and was very nice. She said that previous experience was not required. Anybody who made it through was notified later that day for a second interview with the manager.
My advice to others is write out potential questions (the basics: who are you, why do you want this job, etc. and maybe a few random ones that pop into your head) and your answers. Don't act too nervous, but smile and show them a friendly personality.
It was an in-person interview. It was very easy, and a standard retail interview. lasted around 10 minutes. The manager asked some scenario questions but overall, the questions were pretty straightforward.
It was a casual group interview. I sat down with a manager and another girl who was applying. They just asked a few standard questions about us and our experience.
Interviewer did not seem very experienced. He was rushing the interview and only asked general questions such as where do you see yourself in 10 years… for an entry level job.