Pacsun charts aggressive expansion with first international venture into Dubai

Pacsun, a leading U.S. retailer specializing in youth apparel, has announced a significant expansion plan that includes its first international venture into the Middle East. The company revealed on Thursday its intention to open a flagship store in Dubai in early 2026. This move comes alongside an acceleration of domestic growth, with nine stores slated to open in the United States in 2025, and an additional 20 to 35 locations planned across the U.S. for the following year.

The Dubai location will mark Pacsun's debut international store, representing a major milestone in the brand's 40-year history. This expansion follows a newly established regional partnership in the Middle East with Majid Al Futtaim, announced earlier this month. The agreement outlines plans for Pacsun to establish a substantial retail presence across the region.

Under the terms of the partnership, Pacsun aims to open up to 20 stores across the Middle East within the next five years. The expansion strategy includes the opening of another flagship location in Abu Dhabi, further solidifying the brand's commitment to the new market.

The decision to expand internationally closely follows recent domestic store openings, including new locations in New York City and Westchester. The Los Angeles-based retailer cited "double-digit growth in in-store traffic" as a primary catalyst for its aggressive brick-and-mortar strategy. Looking ahead, Pacsun plans to add 20 to 35 new stores over the next three years, with nine leases already signed for 2026. The company noted that next year is set to be its largest domestic retail expansion in nearly two decades.

Brieane Olson, Chief Executive Officer of Pacsun, commented on the strategy, stating, "Our stores have become cultural touch points for a generation that values experience as much as product. What begins on our social channels—inspiration and community—ultimately drives young people to see it in person." She added that "Doubling down on brick-and-mortar simply reflects what our community is already telling us."

In addition to its physical expansion, Pacsun recently launched a curated resale shop, PS Vintage Powered by Springy, earlier this month. The initiative features a dedicated collection of thousands of one-of-a-kind vintage pieces for both men and women, aligning with a broader industry trend toward sustainable and circular fashion.