Aritzia has acquired the  Fred Segal  brand and has leased 8100 Melrose Avenue — Fred Segal’s original  flagship destination, WWD has learned.

The acquisition includes the Fred Segal brand, including intellectual property and trademarks. Aritzia did not disclose the purchase price. Aritzia purchased the Fred Segal brand from Fred Segal Family LLC. 

The move marks another step in the Vancouver, Canada-based Aritzia’s long-term strategy to continue to expand in the U.S., but also challenges the retailer to revive the Fred Segal brand so that it lives up to its storied reputation.

Fred Segal founded his namesake brand in 1961, pioneering experiential retail and  introducing what was known as the “California cool aesthetic,” with sexy looks, fashion-forward denim lines, and collaborations with designers. Segal shaped  Los Angeles’ stylistic and cultural identity for decades and the store often appeared on television shows such as “Dawson’s Creek” and “Beverly Hills 90210.” Aside from integrating into pop culture, the store was an L.A. hot spot, drawing celebrities. Fred Segal died at the age of 87 in 2021.  

Now the brand enters a new chapter under Aritzia’s vision. ​ 

“Fred Segal has long been a cultural touchstone in Los Angeles — a place where creativity, community and style converge,” Jennifer Wong, chief executive officer of Aritzia, said in a statement. “We are honored  to steward and evolve this iconic brand for a new generation with  the elevated experience and ‘everyday luxury’ that define Aritzia.”

Aritzia plans to restore the Melrose location and its ivy-covered facade, which was destroyed during a recent storm. The plan also calls for creating a new “experiential destination  that reflects the creative spirit that has defined both brands,” Aritzia indicated. “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.”

Fred Segal is not the first acquisition by Aritzia, which was founded in 1984. In June 2021, Aritzia acquired a 75 percent stake in CYC Design Corporation, the parent company of the Reigning Champ brand, in a deal valued at about 63 million Canadian dollars. The acquisition boosted Aritzia’s presence in menswear. Aritzia purchased the remaining 25 percent of CYC in May 2023. 

In 2017, Fred Segal moved from 8100 Melrose to Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood, Los Angeles. The Sunset location and the Malibu location closed in 2024, victims of the COVID-19 pandemic and the internet. Fred Segal at times also operated other retail locations.

Asked if the Aritzia brand will have a presence at the Fred Segal Melrose location, a spokesperson replying by email said, “Further plans and details are actively being developed, and more information will be shared as it becomes available.” 

Asked what criteria Aritzia has for making an acquisition, the spokesperson replied, “This was an opportunistic acquisition that aligned with our strategic priorities. We remain focused on executing our three key growth levers — geographic expansion, e-commerce growth, and increased brand awareness, particularly in the U.S.

“For  more than 40 years, Aritzia has built a reputation  transforming retail into an immersive world of design, culture and connection — delivering beautiful products, aspirational spaces, highly personalized service and captivating communications. 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,” the company stated.

Aritzia is steadily growing its presence and popularity across North America, and sees the potential to operate upward of 200 stores in the U.S. alone. The U.S. expansion began in 2007, and was followed by the launch of e-commerce in 2012, and an initial public offering in 2016.

The company was founded in 1984. Aritzia, a vertically integrated design house, is guided by its “everyday luxury” philosophy. The retailer can be fashion-forward, and has a reputation for quality and being spot on with trends. It fills a niche between mass-market and high-end brands. Many of the items in the collection are considered wardrobing staples, versatile and easy to mix and match. Aritzia is further advantaged by successfully attracting mothers and daughters shopping together.