Dive Brief:
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Pacsun continues “its most ambitious domestic retail expansion in nearly two decades,” with plans to open 20 to 35 stores in the U.S. over the next three years, capitalizing on what it says has been double-digit growth in foot traffic.
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The apparel retailer opened nine U.S. locations this year — its first new stores here in 18 years — and signed nine leases for 2026, including at the Mall at Millenia, in Orlando, Florida.
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The retailer will also open its first store abroad next spring in Dubai. Via an exclusive regional partnership with Majid Al Futtaim, Pacsun will open as many as 20 stores across the Middle East over the next five years, including another flagship in Abu Dhabi.
Dive Insight:
Pacsun is betting on brick and mortar again, despite its own finding this year that young consumers are shopping more online. The apparel retailer runs over 350 stores in the U.S.
In the “Youth Report,” released earlier this year with research from GlobalData, Pacsun said 57% of Gen Z and Gen Alpha consumers in the U.S. spend more than 40% of their clothing budget online. As a result, at least in the U.S., e-commerce growth is likely to outpace in-store retail, per that report.
But the company is betting on physical locations because its customers appreciate them, according to a statement from Pacsun CEO Brieane Olson.
"Our stores have become cultural touchpoints for a generation that values experience as much as product,” Olson said. “What begins on our social channels—inspiration and community—ultimately drives young people to see it in person. Doubling down on brick-and-mortar simply reflects what our community is already telling us.”
Pacsun is also leveraging more than 300 of its stores for delivery via DoorDash, the companies announced earlier this month, in time for holiday deliveries. And the retailer has tied up with Affirm to offer customers a buy now, pay later option, according to a Dec. 4 press release.
