PacSun
Golden Gate Capital · United States
PacSun, formally Pacific Sunwear, is a California youth apparel retailer founded in 1980 by Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore. It has been owned by Golden Gate Capital since its 2016 bankruptcy restructuring and had 325 stores in 2025.
| Founded | 1980 |
|---|---|
| Founders | Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore |
| Headquarters | Anaheim, California |
| Owner | Golden Gate Capital (per Wikipedia) |
| Stores | 325 in 2025 |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Website | pacsun.com |
What is PacSun?
PacSun is a US specialty retailer of youth apparel rooted in surf and skate culture. Wikipedia reports that it was founded in 1980 by Jack Hopkins and Tom Moore, with roots in a surf shop in Seal Beach, California, and that it is based in Anaheim, California.
History
The company went public on 15 March 1993 and launched the d.e.m.o. store chain in 2000, which closed in 2008. It collaborated with Kendall and Kylie Jenner on a fashion line in 2012. PacSun filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2016, with 593 stores at the time, and restructured under Golden Gate Capital. In 2018 it merged with Eddie Bauer to form PSEB. Brie Olson became co-chief executive in March 2023 and sole chief executive on 15 June 2023, and the source reviewed does not confirm her current status.
Business model and distribution
PacSun's peak store count exceeded 1,300 across all 50 states. By February 2020 it had about 400 stores, and in 2025 it had 325 stores in 46 states and Puerto Rico. The article mainly describes physical retail and does not detail online sales. Partnerships include Formula 1 licensing from November 2022, and LAFC and the Los Angeles Rams in 2024.
Ownership
Wikipedia lists Golden Gate Capital as the current owner after the 2016 restructuring. The status of the 2018 PSEB combination in later years was not verified here.
Why it matters
PacSun is a long-running US mall brand whose store count has fallen sharply from its peak, a trend shared by teen specialty retail. It competes with Hot Topic, Zumiez and Rue21.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns PacSun?
Wikipedia lists Golden Gate Capital as the current owner, following its 2016 bankruptcy restructuring.
Where is PacSun from?
PacSun is from California. It began as a surf shop in Seal Beach in 1980 and is now based in Anaheim.