On February 19, Canada-based fashion retailer Aritzia announced that it has acquired the iconic Los Angeles retail brand Fred Segal. The company has also secured a lease for the property at 8100 Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles, the site of Fred Segal’s original flagship store.
The transaction includes ownership of the Fred Segal brand name, intellectual property, and trademarks. Aritzia acquired the brand from Fred Segal Family LLC. The purchase price has not been disclosed.
Reviving a Cultural Landmark of Los Angeles
Fred Segal founded his business in 1961 in Santa Monica, California, under the name Pants America. About four years later, he relocated to a much larger, approximately 20,000-square-foot space on Melrose Avenue and renamed the store after himself.
The Melrose flagship grew into one of Los Angeles’ most influential retail destinations, known for spotlighting fashion-forward designers and attracting a celebrity clientele. Frequently referenced in television shows and films, the store became synonymous with the city’s cultural identity. At its peak, the company operated nine stores in California and two international outposts.
However, increased online competition and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic led to declining performance. In 2024, the Sunset Boulevard and Malibu locations closed, and in July of the same year, the final two clothing stores—including the flagship—shuttered.
Reimagining an “Experiential Destination”
As a first step following the acquisition, Aritzia plans to restore the Melrose location, including revitalizing its signature historic ivy-covered façade, which was damaged during a recent storm. Over the coming years, the site will evolve into what the company describes as “an entirely new, experiential destination that reflects the creative spirit that has defined both brands.”
“The space will bring together curated product and immersive experiences that transcend traditional retail while also serving as a dynamic lifestyle hub. Our focus now is on revitalizing the Fred Segal brand across product and retail, with the goal of reestablishing it as a true destination.”
Jennifer Wong, Chief Executive Officer of Aritzia, stated: “Fred Segal has long been a cultural touchstone in Los Angeles—a place where creativity, community and style converge. We are honored to steward and evolve this iconic brand for a new generation with the elevated experience and ‘everyday luxury’ that define Aritzia.”
She further added: “We are honored to steward and evolve this iconic brand for a new generation with the elevated experience and ‘everyday luxury’ that define Aritzia,” she said. “With the acquisition, Aritzia will bring that ethos to Fred Segal, honoring the brand’s storied heritage while reimagining its future for a new generation.”
Part of a Broader U.S. Expansion Strategy
Founded in 1984, Aritzia is a vertically integrated design house headquartered in Vancouver. The company entered the U.S. market in 2007, launched e-commerce in 2012, and went public in 2016. It currently operates 72 locations across the United States and sees potential to expand to as many as 200 stores in the future.
The acquisition aligns with Aritzia’s broader growth strategy focused on geographic expansion, e-commerce development, and increased brand awareness. The question now is whether Fred Segal—once a cultural hub of Los Angeles—can be successfully redefined within Aritzia’s contemporary vision of “Everyday Luxury.” A new chapter begins.
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