Sumikin Bussan Corporation Selected as Exclusive Franchise Partner
PITTSBURGH, Dec 21, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE:AEO) today announced its plans for
American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie by American Eagle stores in Japan,
in partnership with Sumikin Bussan Corporation. The first store is
slated to open in Tokyo's legendary Harajuku shopping district in the
first half of 2012.
AEO has signed an exclusive franchise agreement with Sumikin, a leading
marketer, importer and exporter with extensive experience in the fashion
industry, among other lines of business. Since opening its first stores
outside North America in Dubai and Kuwait earlier this year, American
Eagle Outfitters has been steadily pursuing its international strategy,
with additional agreements for stores in China, Hong Kong, and Israel,
as well as plans for other countries.
"Japan is one of the most important international markets for retail and
home to millions of fashion-conscious young people," said Jim O'Donnell,
chief executive officer, American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. "Sumikin Bussan
Corporation is the ideal partner for this region, given their extensive
experience, industry leadership, and commitment to creating lasting
value for customers."
"There is tremendous opportunity for sportswear brands in Japan, both
domestic and international," said Gashun Amaya, president, Sumikin
Bussan Corporation. "American Eagle Outfitters is increasingly popular
among Japanese customers, who have experienced it in their travels to
the U.S. and Canada, as well as online. We are very pleased to offer
this brand to customers across Japan with the official launch of the
flagship store at one of the most auspicious shopping destinations in
the world."
The American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie by American Eagle stores in
Japan will offer complete seasonal assortments as well as special
product custom-designed with the Japanese customer in mind. As with its
other franchise partnerships, American Eagle Outfitters will provide
merchandising and marketing direction, while Sumikin will handle all
operational functions.
American Eagle Outfitters operates more than 1,000 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 937 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 147 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,
as well as at nine stores across the nation. The 77kids(R) brand small
sizes and great big style for kids 0-14. AE.COM(R), the online home of the
brands of AEO, Inc., ships to more than 76 countries worldwide.
About Sumikin Bussan Corporation
Sumikin Bussan Corporation is one of the leading trading companies in
Japan with business segments ranging from steel, to restaurants to
textiles and apparel.
SOURCE: American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
Samantha Nelson, 412-432-4500
nelsons@ae.com
or
Sumikin Bussan Corporation
Hideki Yamauchi
8-5-27, Akasaka,
Minatoku, TOKYO
yamauchih@gw.sumikinbussan.co.jp