Despite the criticism, West seems resolute in advancing the Yeezy brand. The announcement of potential brick-and-mortar stores suggests that he is undeterred by the public outcry and remains determined to forge ahead with his business ventures.

Days after Kanye West’s Yeezy site started selling only one product — a white T-shirt imprinted with a black swastika — the e-tailer’s site had been deactivated Thursday. But hours later its home page teased Yeezy stores “coming soon.”

Shopify said that the brand has violated its terms; meanwhile, a former Yeezy staffer filed a suit claiming West sent antisemitic and misogynistic texts.