Fred Segal
Fred Segal is a Los Angeles fashion retail brand that began in 1961 as a jeans store on Melrose Avenue. It later became a licensed brand covering clothing, accessories and home.
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1961 |
| Origin | Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles |
| Brand acquirer, 2026 | Aritzia |
| Website | fredsegal.com |
What is Fred Segal?
Fred Segal is a Los Angeles fashion brand named after its founder, who died on 25 February 2021 at the age of 87. It is best known for the retail centre on Melrose Avenue and for its role in shaping the city's casual, celebrity-led style.
History
The business began as Pants America, a 300-square-foot store selling only jeans. It took the Fred Segal name when it moved to Melrose Avenue in 1961, and the site later grew to 29,000 square feet through the acquisition of adjacent properties.
Ownership and licensing
The Segal family sold its retail centres well before 2012. In May 2012 Sandow Media acquired the worldwide brand licensing rights, and in March 2019 Global Icons bought the brand, with the Segal family retaining the trademark. In February 2026 Aritzia announced its acquisition of the brand.
Distribution
Stores opened at LAX in 2013 and on Sunset Boulevard in West Hollywood in 2017. As of 2023 there were six US locations plus stores in Japan, Taiwan and South Korea. The last store, in Las Vegas, closed in December 2024. In 2024 a Fred Segal Home showroom was sublicensed in Culver City.
Why it matters
Fred Segal is a case study in a retail institution becoming a licensed brand.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Fred Segal from?
Fred Segal is from Los Angeles, where it began as a small jeans store before moving to Melrose Avenue in 1961.
Who owns Fred Segal?
In February 2026 Aritzia announced its acquisition of the Fred Segal brand, following Global Icons' purchase in 2019.