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The retail landscape in Orange County was shaken up in 2024 resulting in leadership and ownership changes, business shutdowns and relocations.
Late last year, Boot Barn Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BOOT) saw Jim Conroy depart for Ross Stores Inc. (Nasdaq: ROST) after 12 years and welcomed Interim Chief Executive John Hazen.
Following a headquarters move to Anaheim in October, St. John Knits added an executive management committee to be overseen by CEO Andy Lew upon his appointment as executive president of parent company Lanvin Group (NYSE: LANV). The leadership team consists of Chief Financial and Operating Officer Andrew Wong, Chief Commercial Officer Mandy West and new Chief Merchandising Officer Lauren Parrish.
San Clemente’s Rip Curl recently added Ashley Reade as CEO.
Vans Inc. will soon be joined by sister brand Dickies at its Costa Mesa headquarters in May. New brand presidents were appointed at both companies in 2024, Sun Choe at Vans and Chris Goble at Dickies, who are expected to turn around the declining sales performance at each of their respective businesses (see story, page 3).
Sole Technology and its four Lake Forest-based retail brands, founded by French skateboarding champion Pierre-André Senizergues, was sold to The Nidecker Group last June.
The most notable impact to this year’s list of apparel companies was the recent closing of Liberated Brands. The operator shut down its Costa Mesa offices resulting in 363 employee layoffs in January, according to state employment records. This was after Liberated lost most of its major licenses for action sports brands like Billabong and Volcom from New York owner Authentic Brands Group.
The 31 apparel companies based in OC on the list employed around 7,600 people as of April, almost 1% off from a year ago, according to Business Journal research.
Prioritizing Expansion, Unique Products
Several apparel companies reported year-over-year growth in Orange County employees as of April.
Benchmark FR, a Santa Ana-based maker of flame-resistant clothing, said it grew from 29 to 41 local employees this year.
Co-owner and Vice President John O’Sullivan credited exports, higher domestic demand and fasterlead times for the increase in headcount.
A current priority is “increasing electrical capacity from our local utility or (increasing) capacity by expanding in another state so we can add more automation,” O’Sullivan said. “We are seeing steady growth and are optimistic for the future because as a USA manufacturer, we are less exposed to tariffs than competition.”
A manufacturer of soccer jerseys and gear from Mexico established its U.S. headquarters in Irvine back in 2019 and is looking to stick around for the time being. Charly USA counts 3,000 employees in total with 11 currently based in OC.
“Orange County is a great hub for Charly’s operations in the United States because of its strong business community, central location, and proximity to its Mexico headquarters,” a company spokesperson said.
Anaheim-based Pacsun, which grew 7.4% to 422 local employees, said that “unique products continue to drive (their) infinity brands” among consumers.
Chief Executive Brieane Olson also reported revenue growth across all channels and that new store openings in the U.S. helped employee growth overall. Pacsun counts over 5,500 people companywide.
Olson noted that as Pacsun continues “to have strong brand and consumer affinity,” it will focus on expansion both in the U.S. and internationally while also pushing into social commerce.
Sales and Consumer Connection
5.11, with 2024 sales flat around $532 million, said it has “increased new customer traffic to our website and double-digit growth at remodeled stores.” The Costa Mesa-based apparel firm reported 165 local employees as of April.
“While we remain deeply committed to the core consumers who’ve built this brand alongside us, we’re also expanding our reach to connect with new audiences who share the same mindset and drive,” CEO Troy Brown told the Business Journal.
Boot Barn, with 482 employees in OC, saw annual sales grow 8.3% to $1.8 billion in 2024.
Interim executive Hazen said he felt “very good about the overall tone of the business and the future growth potential of the brand” after reporting fiscal third quarter results in January.
Costa Mesa’s Z Supply said 2024 marked “a milestone in both growth and consumer connection.” The firm reported $120 million in revenue, a 20% increase from 2023, and grew its local headcount by 5.4% to 97 people.
“As we experienced our biggest year yet—with increased demand across product development, marketing, and operations—we strategically added new talent to support that growth,” President Mandy Fry said.