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Aritzia Buys Iconic Fred Segal Brand
21 Feb
Summary
- Aritzia has acquired the historic Los Angeles retailer Fred Segal.
- Fred Segal's former flagship store site on Melrose Avenue will reopen.
- Aritzia aims to evolve the iconic Fred Segal brand for a new generation.
Aritzia Inc., a Canadian mass-market retailer, has acquired the iconic Los Angeles brand Fred Segal. This marks a new ownership chapter for the retailer, once a symbol of West Coast style and celebrity culture. Aritzia has also signed a lease to open a Fred Segal store at 8100 Melrose Avenue, the site of its former flagship store that closed in 2017.
Jennifer Wong, Aritzia's chief executive, expressed the company's commitment to evolving the brand for a new generation. The acquisition highlights current retail trends, with Aritzia, known for accessible luxury, absorbing a legacy brand celebrated for its curation and support of emerging designers.
Fred Segal was founded in 1961 and quickly became a cultural touchstone, influencing Los Angeles style and attracting numerous celebrities. Despite its past success and a wide retail footprint, the brand struggled with e-commerce and competition, leading to its eventual sale and closure of clothing stores in Los Angeles by 2024.
Aritzia plans to leverage its operational rigor and creative direction to revive Fred Segal, focusing on curated products and immersive experiences, aiming to restore the brand's iconic status.




