Tillys is a specialty retailer focused on action sports-inspired apparel, footwear, and accessories. Its aesthetic centers on Southern California surf, skate, and streetwear cultures. The brand represents a youth-oriented ethos rooted in outdoor activity, individual expression, and the casual lifestyle associated with coastal board sports.
History
Hezy Shaked and Tilly Levine founded the company in 1982, opening the first store in Orange County, California. The retailer became a significant distributor for emerging surf and skate brands, facilitating their transition from niche subcultures to mainstream retail environments. Throughout the late twentieth century, it played a role in the commercialization of the West Coast aesthetic, expanding its physical presence across the United States to serve a broad demographic of young consumers.