Exclusive Franchise Agreement Signed with Leading International
Retail Operator Dickson Concepts (International) Limited
PITTSBURGH, Jun 09, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today announced plans to open
retail stores in Hong Kong and China. The company has signed an
exclusive franchise agreement with Dickson Concepts (International)
Limited, a leading international retail company that operates more than
400 stores throughout Asia. Together, the companies plan to open a
series of stores over the next several years. The first three are
planned for early 2011 in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. American
Eagle Outfitters introduced its brand in the Middle East in March of
this year with stores in Dubai and Kuwait.
"There is significant appetite for the American Eagle Outfitters brand
internationally, and we are excited to bring our high-quality,
affordable fashion to customers in China and Hong Kong," said Jim
O'Donnell, chief executive officer, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
"Dickson's tremendous experience with some of the most prestigious and
valuable brands in the world makes them the ideal partner for this
region."
Mr. Dickson Poon, Group Executive Chairman of Dickson Concepts
(International) Limited, commented, "I am excited that Dickson Concepts
has entered into this exclusive franchise agreement with American Eagle
Outfitters. There is a burgeoning demand for trendy young fashion in
Asia, and I am very confident that American Eagle Outfitters will
achieve the same level of phenomenal success in Asia as in its home
market of North America."
The American Eagle stores in China and Hong Kong will offer the complete
AE seasonal assortments, as well as intimates and dormwear lines from
aerie by American Eagle. American Eagle Outfitters will provide
merchandising and marketing input, while Dickson Concepts will handle
all operational functions.
American Eagle Outfitters operates more than 1000 stores worldwide, and
through its e-commerce business, ships merchandise to 76 countries.
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 936 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 143 standalone
stores in the U.S. and Canada and online at www.aerie.com.
The latest brand, 77kids by american eagle(R), is available
online only at www.77kids.com.
The 77kids(R) brand 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 76 countries worldwide.
About Dickson Concepts (International) Ltd.
Dickson Concepts owns and operates over 400 shops throughout Asia and
represents many of the world's leading international brands. It also
owns 5 Seibu lifestyle stores in Hong Kong and China as well as the
Harvey Nichols store in Hong Kong. Dickson Concepts also has a thriving
wholesale business, distributing a very wide range of product categories.
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Jani Strand, 412-432-3359
strandj@ae.com
or
Dickson Communications Limited
Nancy Yip, 852.2301.0222
nancy_yip@dickson.com.hk