The Retail Winners and Losers During a Back-to-School Shopping Trip

We visited a busy shopping center to observe retailers that were resonating with kids and teens, and those that were quiet, plus some brand and fashion trends we noticed. Stores visited include Tilly's, PacSun, Vans, Zumiez, Urban Outfitters, Hollister, Foot Locker, and more.
Published: August 13, 2025

Given all the talk about tariffs and consumer caution, I wasn’t sure what I would find when I made my annual trek to the Irvine Spectrum Center, a high-profile outdoor lifestyle center in Southern California, to get a pulse on back-to-school shopping.

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Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series
Strategy & Planning Series