WARRENDALE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 20, 2005--American Eagle
Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEOS) today introduced MARTIN + OSA (Martin
and Osa) as the name of its new casual sportswear retail concept.
Targeted to men and women aged 25 to 40, MARTIN + OSA will debut in
better shopping centers in the Fall of 2006.
CEO Jim O'Donnell commented, "MARTIN + OSA represents an important
long-term growth opportunity for our company. It will give us access
to the sportswear market for an entirely new generation of shoppers,
outside of AE's 15 to 25 year old target customers. While operating
separately from our successful American Eagle brand, MARTIN + OSA will
embody the same virtues - namely excellence in fit, quality and style
- qualities that have made AE a leading specialty retail brand."
Vice Chairman, and inspirational leader of new concept
development, Roger Markfield described the brand's style as "a union
of everything that is right about classics, denim, and active
sportswear. To put it simply, we're using denim and sport inspiration
to design fun and sport back into sportswear." Charles and Michele
Martin, who were instrumental in the successful launch and creative
development of Abercrombie & Fitch, head Men's and Women's Design,
respectively. Markfield continued, "Michele and Charles are a powerful
team, with a proven track record of creating and evolving a strong
lifestyle brand. I have tremendous regard for their talent and their
vision for MARTIN + OSA."
MARTIN + OSA President Ken Pilot explained the derivation of the
brand's name and its relevance. "Our brand name evokes the spirit of
Martin and Osa Johnson, two enterprising Kansans who were married and
chose a life of discovery long before it was fashionable. From 1917 to
1936 - through their films, photographs, books and lectures - the
Johnsons produced an epic record of life and the great outdoors in
some of the most remote areas of the world. Our store environment and
merchandise assortments will embody Martin and Osa's classically
American spirit of sport, outdoor and adventure for today's generation
in constant motion," said Ken. He added, "In addition to Michele and
Charles Martin, we have assembled a dynamic leadership team, with
extensive experience building and launching specialty lifestyle
brands."
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ: AEOS) is a leading
lifestyle retailer that designs, markets, and sells its own brands of
casual sportswear. The American Eagle brand targets 15 to 25 year olds
and operates 787 stores in 50 states (including the District of
Columbia and Puerto Rico), 71 stores in Canada, and a Web business at
www.ae.com. MARTIN + OSA is the company's new sportswear concept,
which will target 25 to 40 year old women and men. Visit
www.martinandosa.com for information and future updates.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation
Reform Act of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements,
which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events,
specifically regarding the opening of our new retail concept. All
forward-looking statements made by the Company involve material risks
and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors beyond
the Company's control. Such factors include, but are not limited to
the risks that our new concept is not well accepted by customers, that
the new brand faces increased competition in the retail marketplace,
that the company is not able to attract and retain qualified
personnel, including management and designers, and those other risks
described in the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations" section of the Company's filings
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, the
Company's future performance and financial results may differ
materially from those expressed or implied in any such forward-looking
statements. The Company does not undertake to publicly update or
revise its forward-looking statements even if future changes make it
clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be
realized.
CONTACT: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Judy Meehan, 724-776-4857
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.