For the Reporter

Torrid, a retailer of sexy fashion with an edge for young, stylish women who wear size 12-28, announced it will open its 253rd retail store at The Outlet Collection Seattle in Auburn on Tuesday.

The official grand opening is 10 a.m. Saturday, July 19.

“Our customers love our fashion collections and exceptional fit, and have been very vocal about wanting us to expand our store base,” said Lisa Harper, chairman and CEO of Hot Topic, Inc.., the parent company of Torrid. “More than 60 percent of women in the U.S. wear our sizes range, yet this market represents only 17 percent of the women’s fashion retail industry. We want to offer these customers apparel and accessories that fit their sense of style, while helping them look and feel irresistible.”

Torrid’s hallmark is that its collections reflect the latest trends for each season. The brand’s approach is different because each item is designed and constructed specifically to fit and flatter a voluptuous figure, rather than being a “sized up” version of a fashion piece. Once developed, each piece is tried and tested on a plus-size model, ensuring a fit that’s unmatched in the industry.

“Our jeans are an example of our commitment to an exceptional fit,” Harper said. “For example, all women struggle with finding the right cut of denim for their body and style sensibility. Our customers love that we have a variety of fits that reflect the latest trends. Yet we create them to be flattering to their figures.”

The new, 2,205-square-foot Torrid store is near the Marshalls entrance.

At the July 19 grand opening, the first 100 people to enter the store will receive a mystery Torrid gift card valued up to $250. All customers who enroll in the Torrid loyalty program at the mall from July 18 through July 20 will be entered into a sweepstakes for the chance to win a $500 shopping spree.

All new Torrid loyalty members will receive 10 percent off their first purchase. Details about the sweepstakes and promotional offer are available at the Torrid store or by contacting Torrid.

Learn more by visiting www.outletcollectionseattle.com or www.torrid.com.