Wet Seal

PE-Owned1 Documented Impact

Filed two bankruptcies. Versa Capital acquired 173 stores for $17.5M after first bankruptcy but failed to revive. All stores closed.

Founded: 1962|Acquired by Versa Capital Management (2015)$17.5 million
10
locations tracked

Ownership Information

Wet Seal is owned by Versa Capital Management. Private equity ownership often leads to cost-cutting, price increases, and reduced quality of service as firms prioritize returns for investors over customers and employees.Learn more about PE ownership impact →

Timeline

1962

Wet Seal founded

2015

Acquired by Versa Capital Management for $17.5 million

2017HighClosure / Bankruptcy

Wet Seal filed two bankruptcies, closing all 575 stores

Filed first bankruptcy in 2015 closing 338 stores. Versa Capital acquired remaining 173 stores for $17.5M but could not revive the brand. Second bankruptcy in 2017 closed all remaining locations.

Before vs. After PE Acquisition

Store count

Reported 2017

Before PE

575 stores (peak)

After PE

0

100%

Tracked Locations

CO (2)

Denver

9136 Main St

Denver, CO 80201

555-433-7377

Denver

7285 Main St

Denver, CO 80201

555-579-8209

FL (2)

Orlando

8510 Main St

Orlando, FL 32801

555-475-5742

Tampa

103 Main St

Tampa, FL 33601

555-999-6385

IN (1)

Indianapolis

7210 Main St

Indianapolis, IN 46201

555-323-1701

MA (1)

Boston

1068 Main St

Boston, MA 02101

555-947-3444

OH (1)

Cleveland

8373 Main St

Cleveland, OH 44101

555-519-2567

OR (2)

Portland

5807 Main St

Portland, OR 97201

555-262-4807

Portland

7605 Main St

Portland, OR 97201

555-603-3802

TX (1)

San Antonio

1779 Main St

San Antonio, TX 78201

555-163-1983