First Look: PacSun opening ‘landmark’ stores, complete with pop-ups, events

PacSun is going bicoastal.

The teen apparel retailer is opening two “landmark stores,” in Los Angeles and New York City respectively. Each location is designed to channel the energy, history and native talent of its locale, while working together to amplify PacSun's core values of a lifestyle brand, the company said. 

The recently opened Los Angeles store has 5,000 sq. ft. of space and references the ongoing renaissance of the city’s downtown. The New York store, an 8,000-sq.-ft. location in an historic SoHo storefront, is slated to open on March 2.

"SoHo NY and Downtown LA are epicenters of fashion and art," said chief merchandising officer Brie Olson. "We want to honor each city's energy by bringing the best of PacSun's design, exclusive offerings, and creative experiences straight to the source."

Besides selling exclusive PacSun collaborations – including upcoming lines with Playboy and Fear Of God Essentials – the two stores will have a dedicated "white space" for a revolving flow of pop-up shops, workshops, performances, panels and exhibits that brands and influencers will curate on a bi-monthly basis. Interactive video screens will search and showcase PacSun's many collections. The Los Angeles location also features a dedicated denim room with 40 different denim styles.

"Our customers are young and informed,” said Alfred Chang, president, PacSun. "Of course, digital connection is critical for our shoppers, but above convenience, PacSun fans crave community, and they use personal style and real-life experiences to help create theirs. We will continue to invest in strategic physical spaces – as well as innovations within the digital space – to provide our customers the forum for that community. Our aim is to bring the best of PacSun and the most exciting global trends and brands together in our landmark stores and digital platforms."