Customers Can Now Purchase AE, aerie and 77kids Product from Smart Phones and Other Web-enabled Mobile Devices
PITTSBURGH, Sep 10, 2009 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) today announced the launch of its
mobile commerce program. In addition to browsing and buying, customers
can now experience expanded functionality of www.ae.com
from their mobile devices, including Find a Store and Wish Lists.
"We know that AE customers are using their mobile devices for just about
everything, from communication to entertainment," said Mike Dupuis, vice
president of marketing, digital channels. "Mobile commerce is still in
its early stages, but as an early adopter of technology and a leading
lifestyle brand, it is important to AEO to be among the first to offer
it to customers as another way to interact with our brands."
Mobile devices are growing rapidly as a means for consumers to access
the brands they love, particularly among AE's demographic of 15- to
25-year-olds. Since November 2008, American Eagle Outfitters has had an
opt-in SMS texting program in which customers sign up to receive
targeted messages about special offers, new product introductions and
promotions on their mobile phones. This program has been highly
successful, with hundreds of thousands of customers opting in to date,
and increasing daily.
Enabling customers to experience the functionality of the Web site,
including commerce, takes the mobile experience to the next level.
Customers can look up the store nearest them, complete with a detailed
map and directions. They can access Wish Lists from their mobile devices
to assist with shopping in the store, or purchase directly from their
mobile device. They can also e-mail their Wish Lists directly to a
parent, friend or relative.
Accessing the AE Web site from a mobile device is easy and requires no
downloads or special Web address entries. The technology detects when a
customer is accessing the site from a mobile device and serves up the
appropriate Web experience that is customized for whatever device they
happen to be using.
American Eagle Outfitters has partnered with Usablenet, a mobile Web
platform for leading brands to offer this functionality. The company
offers a universal solution, supporting all Web-enabled devices,
carriers, mobile browsers, screen and file sizes, and technologies.
As part of its commitment to customer connection, AEO will continue to
pursue mobile technology advancements that enable customers to interact
with its brands. Dupuis continued, "American Eagle Outfitters' mobile
strategy is designed to make our brands accessible to customers anytime,
anywhere, as well as bridge the gap between online and stores. The
ultimate goal is to create a seamless experience in which each
channel--store, mobile and traditional online--work together to the mutual
benefit of all three."
About Usablenet
Usablenet's unique mobile Web platform, Usablenet Mobile, is a fully
managed service that enables companies to translate all existing Web
site functionality to a full-featured mobile interface. Usablenet Mobile
provides leading brands with a new channel to extend marketing, commerce
and client service efforts to their customers' mobile phones. The
solution requires no IT resources on the client side, works on all
Web-enabled mobile devices worldwide and can be implemented in six
weeks. Usablenet customers include American Airlines, Amtrak, Limited
Brands, Nissan and Pfizer. Founded in 2000, Usablenet is a private
company headquartered in New York City with offices in Italy. For more
information, visit www.usablenet.com.
About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc., through its subsidiaries, ("AEO, Inc.") offers high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal
care products at affordable prices. The American Eagle Outfitters(R)
brand targets 15 to 25 year old girls and guys, with 954 stores in the
U.S. and Canada and online at www.ae.com.
aerie(R) by american eagle offers Dormwear(R) and
intimates collections for the AE(R) girl, with 133 standalone
stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.aerie.com.
MARTIN + OSA(R) provides clothing and accessories for 28 to 40
year old men and women at its 28 stores and online at www.martinandosa.com.
The latest brand, 77kids(TM) by american eagle(TM), is available online only
at www.77kids.com.
77kids offers "kid cool," durable clothing and accessories for kids ages
two to 10. AE.COM(R), the online home of the brands of AEO,
Inc. ships to more than 60 countries worldwide.
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Jani Strand, 412-432-3359
or
Usablenet
Miko Mercer, 212-564-3665