WARRENDALE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 28, 2006--
Builds on Existing Strength in Category; Diversified Real Estate
Strategy Includes In-Store Shops and Stand-Alone Locations
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NASDAQ:AEOS) today announced the
upcoming launch of its new intimates sub-brand, "aerie by American
Eagle." A new branded intimates line under the aerie name will arrive
in American Eagle stores this Fall. The assortment will include a
complete line of bras, panties, and dormwear designed for American
Eagle's core 15 to 25 year-old customer.
The Company will support the launch of aerie with a diversified
real estate strategy including expanded intimates shops within
existing American Eagle stores, intimates-only locations adjacent to
AE stores, and select stand-alone aerie stores in premier shopping
malls.
Susan McGalla, President and Chief Merchandising Officer
commented, "Our inspiration for aerie was to create a unique lifestyle
environment for intimates; a category that our girl loves and wants
more of. This new sub-brand includes a dynamic assortment which takes
her from dorm room to the coffee shop. aerie is a natural extension of
the American Eagle brand, and speaks to expanding our relationship
with the AE girl whom we characterize as 'sweetly sexy.' With aerie,
we are continuing to broaden the scope of our existing brand by
building upon our experience and the success we've enjoyed in
intimates over the past few years. Our confidence in launching the
aerie sub-brand rests on this proven success. I am thrilled to have a
highly talented and experienced intimates team driving this brand, and
I look forward to working with them to build aerie into a significant
extension of the AE brand."
"Intimates is the perfect platform from which to launch our first
sub-brand," noted Jim O'Donnell, American Eagle Chief Executive
Officer. "We already have a successful intimates business, and we
believe the opportunity to extend our presence is significant. Along
with our new casual sportswear concept, MARTIN + OSA, the aerie
sub-brand demonstrates our commitment to strategic initiatives that
will continue to drive the growth of our company."
American Eagle Outfitters (NASDAQ:AEOS) is a leading retailer that
designs, markets and sells its own brand of laidback, current clothing
for 15 to 25 year-olds, providing high-quality merchandise at
affordable prices. AE's original collection includes standards like
jeans and graphic T's as well as essentials like accessories,
outerwear, footwear, basics and swimwear. American Eagle Outfitters
currently operates 798 stores in 50 states, the District of Columbia,
Puerto Rico, and 71 AE stores in Canada. AE also operates ae.com,
which offers additional sizes and styles of favorite AE merchandise
and ships around the world. The company plans to open MARTIN + OSA, a
new sportswear concept targeting 25 to 40 year old women and men, in
the fall of 2006. For additional information and updates, visit
www.martinandosa.com.
"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 success of our aerie sub-brand and future
growth. 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 risk that our aerie sub-brand is not successful,
that growth will not continue, 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
OR
Financial Media Contact
Berns Communications Group
Stacy Berns or Melissa Jaffin, 212-994-4660
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.