{{short description|American retail clothing brand}} {{Infobox company | name = Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC | logo = PacSun Logo.svg | logo_size = 250px | image = PacSun The Mall at Millenia exterior view - April 2026.jpg | image_caption = A PacSun store located at The Mall at Millenia in Orlando, Florida | type = Private | trade_name = PacSun | foundation = Newport Beach, California, U.S. (1980) | founder = Jack Hopkins | location = Anaheim, California, U.S. | locations = {{decrease}} 325 (May 2022) <ref name="ceo">{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200123005686/en/PSEB-Group-Announces-CEO-Transition|title=PSEB Group Announces CEO Transition|date=2020-01-03|access-date=2020-06-18|publisher=Businesswire}}</ref> | revenue = {{increase}} USD$ 950 million (2025) | net_income = | num_employees = {{decrease}} 8,200 (June 2020)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.vault.com/company-profiles/retail/pacific-sunwear-stores-corp/company-overview|title=Pacific Sunwear Stores Corp-Company Profile-Vault.com|access-date=2020-06-18}}</ref> | area_served = United States<br>Canada | products = California inspired clothing, footwear, and accessories. | owner = PSEB (Golden Gate Capital) | homepage = {{URL|pacsun.com}} }} '''Pacific Sunwear of California, LLC''', commonly known as '''PacSun''', is an American retail clothing brand. The company sells lifestyle apparel, along with swim, footwear and accessories designed for teens and young adults. As of 2025, the company operated 325 stores in 46 states and Puerto Rico.<ref name="ceo"/> PacSun is headquartered in Anaheim, California, and formerly operated a distribution center in Groveport, Ohio.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/kansascity/news/2019/02/13/pacsun-olathe-distribution-center-closes.html|title=PacSun will close Olathe center; facility goes on the market for $21.75M|first=Miranda|last=Davis|date=2019-02-13|access-date=2020-06-18|publisher=Kansas City Business Journal}}</ref> The company's regional directors, district managers and store positions are located throughout the United States.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=83185&p=irol-IRHome |title=PacSun.com - Investor Relations |access-date=2009-05-02 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081218091219/http://phx.corporate-ir.net/phoenix.zhtml?c=83185&p=irol-IRHome |archive-date=2008-12-18 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The company went bankrupt in April 2016 and is now owned by Golden Gate Capital.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-09-06/pacific-sunwear-has-retailer-s-dream-as-bankruptcy-wraps-up|title=Pacific Sunwear Has 'Retailer's Dream' as Bankruptcy Wraps Up|author=Steven Church|date=2016-09-07|publisher=Bloomberg|via=www.bloomberg.com}}</ref>
==History== thumb|Last D.E.M.O. logo, introduced in 2006 as Pacsun hoped to expand operations of the chain|left|160x160pxthumb|Original D.E.M.O. logo from 2000|left|160x160px Initially founded by Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore in 1980, its roots can be traced back to a small surf shop in Seal Beach, California.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://dailydolphin.hbcsd.org/595/feature/girls-clothing-trends-2016/|title=Girls Clothing Trends 2016|last=Catie|work=The Daily Dolphin|access-date=2017-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref> Pacsun built its business selling merchandise from established surf brands but later expanded to include skate and streetwear labels. The company offers products for both men and women that include: jeans, tees, tanks, polos, knits, flannels, hoodies, boardshorts, bikinis, shorts, pants, dresses, rompers, skirts, sweaters, jackets, snow apparel, shoes, sandals and accessories. The company had an initial public offering on March 15, 1993, and at its height had over 1,300 stores in all 50 states. Pacsun opened a second chain of stores called d.e.m.o., in 2000.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2003/11/11/demo-rocks-pacsun.aspx|title=d.e.m.o. Rocks PacSun|first=Dave|last=Marino-Nachison|date=11 November 2003 }}</ref> The last of these stores closed in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wwd.com/business-news/financial/pacsun-to-close-all-d-e-m-o-stores-471544/|title=PacSun to Close All D.e.m.o. Stores|first=WWD|last=Staff|date=7 January 2008}}</ref>
On February 23, 2005, the company restated results for certain periods to correct its accounting for leases.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pacific+Sunwear+Announces+Lease+Accounting+Corrections.-a0129097070 |title= Pacific Sunwear Announces Lease Acctg Corrections |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140826115546/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Pacific+Sunwear+Announces+Lease+Accounting+Corrections.-a0129097070 |archive-date=2014-08-26 |url-status=dead |access-date=2019-10-06}}</ref>
In 2012, Pacsun collaborated with celebrity influencers Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner to produce their own fashion line.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.business2community.com/consumer-marketing/shifting-winds-retail-01903509#ljJffBzGwdOpWGo8.97|title=The Shifting Winds in Retail|work=Business 2 Community|access-date=2017-09-15}}</ref>
From 2009 to 2017, Gary Schoenfeld was the CEO of Pacsun. Following his departure from the organization, James Gulmi became the interim CEO.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.mytotalretail.com/article/pacsun-names-interim-ceo-as-gary-schoenfeld-departs-company/|title=PacSun Names Interim CEO as Gary Schoenfeld Departs Company|last=Knight|first=Taylor|work=Total Retail|access-date=2017-09-15|language=en-US}}</ref>
In 2016, Pacsun filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and reorganized through a debt-for-equity restructuring agreement with Golden Gate Capital, emerging as a privately owned company. At the time of the bankruptcy filing, there were 593 stores with no immediate plans to close any locations.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-pacsun-bankruptcy-20160407-story.html|title=PacSun files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, plans to go private|last=Masunaga|first=Samantha|work=Los Angeles Times|date=2016-04-07|access-date=2020-06-18}}</ref>
In 2018, Pacsun merged with Eddie Bauer, also owned by Golden Gate, to form PSEB. Mike Egeck, CEO and president of Eddie Bauer, became the chief executive officer of PSEB, with oversight of both the Eddie Bauer and PacSun brands. James Gulmi continued to serve as a PSEB director.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180607005918/en/Golden-Gate-Capital-Announces-Eddie-Bauer-Pacific|title=Golden Gate Capital Announces Eddie Bauer and Pacific Sunwear to Become Portfolio Companies of New Operating Company, PSEB Group|date=2018-06-07|access-date=2020-06-18|publisher=Businesswire}}</ref>
On February 4, 2020, Egeck stepped down from his role of CEO, but remained as an active board member and shareholder. PSEB announced that James Gulmi would become the interim CEO, a role he previously held from 2017 to 2018. At the time of the announcement, Pacsun was down to 400 stores.<ref name="ceo"/>
On September 25, 2020, Pacsun launched the 'Gender Neutral Shop', a unisex collection of basic clothing, graphics, pants, hoodies and sneakers. With this collection, the company is "taking a big step towards a more sartorially inclusive future, joining in on a generational movement of less rules and more options".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Russo |first=Gianluca |date=February 21, 2021 |title=Emma Chamberlain Teams Up With Pacsun For New Collection |url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/emma-chamberlain-pacsun-new-collection |access-date=February 21, 2021 |website=Teen Vogue}}</ref>
In February 2021, Pacsun partnered with YouTuber and fashion icon Emma Chamberlain for their Spring campaign.<ref>{{cite web|title=Emma Chamberlain Teams Up With Pacsun For New Collection|url=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/emma-chamberlain-pacsun-new-collection|date=2021-02-21|access-date=2025-11-22|website=Teen Vogue}}</ref>
In November 2022, Pacsun debuted its collaboration with Formula 1 at ComplexCon, releasing a six-piece collection featuring co-branded apparel such as graphic tees and sweatshirts. This marked the beginning of a multi-year licensing partnership aimed at expanding Formula 1's presence among Gen Z consumers in the U.S.<ref>{{cite web|title=F1 and Pacsun present debut apparel range as part of a multi-year collaboration|url=https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/f1-and-pacsun-present-debut-apparel-range-as-part-of-a-multi-year.hx33SJYDqKnQfeC2rL1r1|date=2022-11-25|access-date=2025-11-22|website=Formula1}}</ref>
In March 2023, Brie Olson, then Pacsun president and board member, was appointed co-chief executive officer alongside Mike Relich, following Alfred Chang's departure after 17 years with the company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacsun Announces Leadership Transition|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacsun-announces-leadership-transition-301731650.html|date=2023-01-26|access-date=2025-11-22|website=PR Newswire}}</ref> In May, Olson was named sole CEO, effective June 15, 2023, as Mike Relich retired from his role as co-CEO and transitioned to vice chairman on the Pacsun Board.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacsun Announces Executive Changes Effective June 15, 2023|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacsun-announces-executive-changes-effective-june-15-2023-301828910.html|date=2023-05-18|access-date=2025-11-22|website=PR Newswire}}</ref>
In 2024, Pacsun continued its collaborations with professional sports organizations, extending partnerships with the Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) and the Los Angeles Rams.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacsun Celebrates 5th Year of Partnership with Los Angeles Rams|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacsun-celebrates-5th-year-of-partnership-with-los-angeles-rams-302258716.html|date=2024-09-25|access-date=2025-11-22|website=PR Newswire}}</ref> These partnerships included co-branded apparel releases, event activations, and community initiatives.
On September 22, 2025, Pacsun hosted its inaugural Purpose Partner Summit, bringing together over 300 leaders from various industries to discuss purpose-driven leadership and youth culture.<ref>{{cite web|title=THE PACSUN PURPOSE PARTNER SUMMIT UNITES POWERFUL VOICES IN YOUTH CULTURE AND COMMUNITY THROUGH PURPOSE-DRIVEN LEADERSHIP|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-pacsun-purpose-partner-summit-unites-powerful-voices-in-youth-culture-and-community-through-purpose-driven-leadership-302562653.html|date=2025-09-22|access-date=2025-11-22|website=PR Newswire}}</ref> At the summit, Pacsun also released its first Youth Report, a study conducted in partnership with GlobalData, providing insights into the values and behaviors of Gen Z and Gen Alpha.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pacsun Unveils First-Ever: The Youth Report by Pacsun, Unearthing the Values and Behaviors of Gen Z and Gen Alpha Today|url=https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pacsun-unveils-first-ever-the-youth-report-by-pacsun-unearthing-the-values-and-behaviors-of-gen-z-and-gen-alpha-today-302559575.html|date=2025-09-18|access-date=2025-11-22|website=PR Newswire}}</ref>
== Marketing practices == In May 2011, Pacsun launched its first national advertising campaign called 'Dress Irresponsibly'. The highlight of the campaign included television commercials aired across a variety of networks that featured famous athletes from the brands they work with. Appearances by Rob Machado, Bucky Lasek, Chris Pfanner, Kelia Moniz, Ryan Dungey and Leo Romero, were significant in helping re-establish the brand among its male audience. Other elements of the campaign included print media in both endemic and fashion publications, and a digital engagement initiative on Facebook titled 'Dress Irresponsibly: Style Challenge.' Through a customized Facebook app fans were encouraged to upload photos of themselves that met weekly style challenges in exchange for a chance to win a styling gig at ''Nylon'' in New York City.
== Gallery == <gallery> File:PacSun 2003.jpg|A PacSun store in 2003. File:PacSun 2004.png|A PacSun store in 2004. File:D.E.M.O. 2003.jpg|A d.e.m.o. store pictured in 2003. File:D.E.M.O. 2004.png|A d.e.m.o. store pictured in 2004. File:D.E.M.O. 2006.png|A d.e.m.o. store pictured in 2006. File:Freeport pacsun 07.07.2012 11-36-25.jpg|A freestanding PacSun store in Freeport, Maine, pictured in July 2012. File:PacSun The Mall at Millenia - inside the store.jpg|Inside of a modern-day PacSun store in April 2026. </gallery>
== References == {{reflist}}
== External links == {{Commons}} *{{Official website|www.pacsun.com}}
Category:1980 establishments in California Category:Clothing retailers of the United States Category:Clothing brands of the United States Category:Swimwear manufacturers Category:Companies based in Anaheim, California Category:American companies established in 1980 Category:Clothing companies established in 1980 Category:Retail companies established in 1980 Category:Companies that filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016 Category:Companies formerly listed on the Nasdaq Category:Surfing retailers Category:Surfwear brands