A new licensing arrangement will soon bring both American Eagle and Aerie brands to Europe. The multi-year agreement between American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. and AEO EU, a company that has launched brands across Europe for over three decades, will bring AE stores and e-commerce within the next few months.
The first brick and mortar AE location is expected in Ireland this summer, with an EU online store following and then a three year expansion of retailers across Germany, Switzerland, Austria, the Czech Republic, the UK and, finally, the Netherlands.
Although the global specialty retailer declined to comment further to us, in a company issued press release, Jay Schottenstein, Chief Executive Officer of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. said: “Global expansion is a major growth opportunity for AEO Inc. and we are excited to take our leading American Eagle and Aerie brands to vibrant consumer markets across Europe. The AEO EU team brings deep market expertise and strong connections enabling us to create the best possible brand experience for local consumers.” He is, no doubt, referring to AEO’s experience launching and building Pepe Jeans, Tommy Hilfiger, Guess Jeans, Esprit and Skechers in Europe.
