RETAILING
Compiled by Mary Ann Galante, Times staff writer
Wet Seal, the junior women’s retailer, has announced plans to open at least 18 new stores by the end of the year, including one at Fashion Island in Newport Beach. The Irvine-based company plans to expand in the spring into regional malls in Northridge, Arcadia and San Luis Obispo, said Ken Chilvers, president. Also on the agenda are stores in Bakersfield, Fresno, the Glendale Galleria, Santa Maria, Napa and Las Vegas.
Wet Seal has 58 stores in California. It recently opened its first out-of-state store in Phoenix.
