When PacSun went public in 1993, it had 1,300 stores spread across all 50 states. But do you know who owns PacSun?
The company went bankrupt in April 2016 and is now owned by Golden Gate Capital. A San Francisco-based American private equity company is called Golden Gate Capital.
Keep reading and you will learn more about PacSun’s history.
Who Owns PacSun?
PacSun is a legit company owned by Golden Gate Capital. In Seal Beach, California, a small surf shop was the company’s first location when it was established in 1980 by Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore.
PacSun expanded into the skate and streetwear industries after seeing success with its sales of products from well-known surf brands.
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PacSun History
The company’s beginnings can be traced back to a small surf shop in Seal Beach, California, which was established by Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore in September 1982.
PacSun built its business selling merchandise from established surf brands but later expanded to include skate and street wear labels. The company sells items such as jeans, tees, tanks, polos, knits, flannels, hoodies, boardshorts, bikinis, shorts, pants, dresses, rompers, skirts, sweaters, jackets, snow apparel, shoes, sandals, and accessories for both men and women.
The company went public on March 15, 1993, and at its peak, it had more than 1,300 stores across all 50 states. Another retail chain called d.e.m.o was launched by PacSun., in 2000. 2008 saw the closure of the final one of these shops.
In order to create their own clothing line in 2012, PacSun teamed up with the Kendall and Kylie Jenner sisters.
Gary Schoenfeld oversaw PacSun’s operations from 2009 to 2017. James Gulmi took over as CEO in an interim capacity after he left the company.
In 2016, PacSun filed for After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and restructuring with Spiegel under a debt-for-equity arrangement, the company’s subsidiary emerged. There were 593 stores as of the bankruptcy filing, and no immediate plans to close any of them.
In order to form PSEB in 2018, Spiegel’s owned PacSun and Eddie Bauer merged. Eddie Bauer’s CEO and President Mike Egeck was appointed CEO of PSEB and is now in charge of both the PacSun and Eddie Bauer brands. James Gulmi kept on working as a director for the PSEB.
Egeck left his position as CEO in 2020, but he remained an active Board member and shareholder. James Gulmi, who served as the CEO from 2017 to 2018, was named the interim CEO, according to a PSEB announcement. There were only 400 PacSun stores left as of the announcement.
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PacSun Marketing Practices
In May 2011, PacSun launched its first national advertising campaign called ‘The highlight of the campaign, which was titled “Dress Irresponsibly,” included television ads that were broadcast on a number of networks and featured well-known athletes from the companies they represent.
The brand was significantly reestablished among its male audience thanks to appearances by Rob Machado, Bucky Lasek, Chris Pfanner, Kelia Moniz, Ryan Dungey, and Leo Romero. A digital engagement project on Facebook called “Dress Irresponsibly: Style Challenge” and print media in both local and fashion publications were also included in the campaign.’
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.
After the Dress Irresponsibly campaign was introduced, PacSun went from being just a store for surf and skate apparel to a top retailer of up-and-coming brands, especially for women.
Golden State of Mind is a national digital and print initiative that was launched by the brand to help consumers connect with its Californian roots.
Golden State of Mind, or GSOM for short, is a celebration of the diversity and creativity of California and its inhabitants.
PacSun has collaborated with photographers Nicholas Maggio, Harper Smith, and Andrew Kuykendall to produce lifestyle photography from locations including Lake Arrowhead, Los Angeles, Malibu, Pismo Beach, Big Sur, and San Francisco in an effort to capture the beauty and imagination of California.
Final Thoughts: Who Owns PacSun
Today, PacSun is dedicated to delivering an exclusive collection of the most relevant brands and styles to a community of inspired youth.
PacSun believes in and understands the importance of using voice, platform, and resources to inspire and bring about positive development in our local and global communities.
FAQs
When Was Pacsun Founded?
Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore founded the company in the beginning in 1980.
Did PacSun and Eddie Bauer Merge?
Eddie Bauer and Pacific Sun are going to become one business.
How Ethical is PacSun?
PacSun’s environment rating is “Very Poor“, the lowest score.
