Torrid (clothing retailer)


Torrid LLC is an American women's retail chain formerly owned by Hot Topic. While it is still owned by Sycamore Partners, owners of Hot Topic, in 2015 the company branched off to become Torrid, LLC. The store offers plus-size clothing and accessories for women size 10-30. Torrid began operations in April 2001. The first location opened in the Brea Mall in Brea, California. As of 2020, Torrid has over 600 stores in operation across 36 states in the United States. Torrid opened its first store in 2001, and an international store in Canada in August 2015.

Products

The store's clothing styles are aimed at women. In 2005, Torrid expanded its merchandise selection to include styles distinct from its parent company, Hot Topic. Torrid sells accessories, shoes, jewelry, novelty tee shirts, fashion tops, pants, Capri pants, shorts, skirts, dresses, outerwear, intimate apparel, hosiery, gifts, and beauty products. Torrid follows the Hot Topic merchandise strategy of monitoring fashion trends closely, utilizing direct communication between customers, employees and corporate personnel to be in step with current fashion.

Models

In February 2014, Georgina Burke was named the first face of Torrid and signed a one-year contract. In December 2014, Philomena Kwao was signed as a second face of Torrid.
In 2015, Torrid launched their first model search, inviting customers to apply and audition to become the next face of Torrid. Over 14,000 people auditioned, with the winner being Lyanna Lynette. In May 2016, it was announced that the brand would be doing a second model search to find their spokesmodel for 2017.
Torrid held its first fashion show at New York Fashion Week in September 2017.

Media

On December 6, 2019, Torrid released the first installment of a four part short film series called Torrid Stories. The short films follow Barbie Ferreira on several adventures while showing off clothing from Torrid. The second installment named included special guest RuPaul. The third and fourth installments are expected to be released in January 2020 and February 2020.