MAN, OH MAN

BY MARCY MEDINA

As it marks its 50^th Anniversary, Zara makes a stylish statement at South Coast Plaza with its first U.S. men’s-only boutique, Zara Man.

December 22, 2025

When founder Amancio Ortega opened the first-ever Zara store in A Coruña, Spain in 1975, it ushered in a new approach to retail, one driven by customer insights, accessibility and quality fashion at affordable prices. Fifty years later, Zara has reached a pivotal moment in the United States. This year, the brand completed no less than 10 major projects Stateside, highlighted by the recent debut of its first U.S. men’s-only boutique at South Coast Plaza.

“We have always been highly selective when it comes to locations,” said a Zara spokesperson. “The United States–our second-largest market–is no exception. This Zara Man boutique is a strong example of that approach. Zara has operated a store at South Coast Plaza since 2004, offering Women’s, Men’s, and Kids’ collections. The evolution of that store, together with the strength of our online business in the area, made South Coast Plaza a natural choice for a dedicated men’s boutique serving our Orange County customers.”

The new 7,650 space introduces Zara’s latest men’s collections through a design-forward concept that offers a personalized and seamless shopping experience with each area carefully curated to highlight the collections and foster a sense of warmth and intimacy.

The boutique’s elevated interior design combines neutral tones, chrome, leather, and reclaimed wood to create a refined and welcoming atmosphere. Warm lighting, area rugs and honed concrete tile floors add to the cozy, living-room-like atmosphere while a clear, open layout of six successive and unique spaces encourages exploration.

Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the limited-edition Archive collection, available only in select Zara stores worldwide. This capsule presents a curated range of outerwear, knitwear, and leather pieces. The boutique also includes an exclusive Origins room, Zara Man’s most contemporary line focused on essential, timeless wardrobe staples, alongside dedicated areas for denim and tailoring. There are also spaces for athleisure, streetwear and men’s furnishings and fragrances. Accessories are featured throughout, from footwear to backpacks and bags.

For shoppers seeking a range of fashion options, Zara Man at South Coast Plaza offers a comprehensive view of the brand’s approach to modern menswear, blending tailored sophistication with contemporary ease, from wool suits and versatile shirts to urban-inspired designs and classic staples.

“Driven by the creativity and vision of our teams, Zara Man has expanded its offering in recent years to include sportswear, timeless wardrobe essentials, and a broad urban and denim range. The brand has also introduced special collaborations with creators who share its passion for quality and design in menswear, including Nanushka, Harry Lambert, Samuel Ross, and TwoJeys, among others,” added the spokesperson.

The store also integrates Zara’s digital and physical platforms, offering a fully connected omnichannel experience. Customers can browse online, check stock, and make purchases for in-store pickup within two hours. The high-tech POS stations can read multiple RIFD tags at once, making check-out quick and accurate.

The Golden State is at the forefront of Zara’s focused U.S. expansion strategy. Earlier this year, the brand opened new stores at Brea Mall in Brea and The Grove in Los Angeles, following an expansion in Canoga Park late last year. In October, Zara also unveiled a new flagship at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, with additional openings planned before year-end in Austin, Boston and Charlotte.

Since making its U.S. debut in 1989 with a store on Lexington Avenue in New York City, Zara has steadily expanded its footprint across the country. Today, it operates more than 100 stores nationwide across 26 states.

As it celebrates its golden anniversary, Ortega’s same philosophy continues to guide Zara’s evolution. The South Coast Plaza boutique follows Zara Man openings in Madrid and Zurich, with additional boutiques set to open in Rome and Osaka. This launch marks the next step in the brand’s global expansion, while reflecting Zara’s ongoing commitment to innovation, blending digital convenience with an immersive in-store experience.

As the company put it, “We continually strive to offer our customers an exceptional fashion experience through an increasingly engaging and dynamic retail environment. This boutique reflects Zara’s commitment to listening to its customers and evolving store formats that respond to their changing preferences and lifestyles, while offering more personalized service.”