American Eagle upgrades POS system in stores

American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is converting all of its store locations to a new POS software platform.

The apparel and accessories retailer, parent company of American Eagle and Aeire, is replacing its existing POS solution at all American Eagle and Aeire stores with the Jumpmind Commerce POS software system. AEO plans to leverage the platform’s web user experience feature and microservices architecture to enable custom deployment and streamlined modification or upgrade, as needed.

In late 2022, AEO completed the conversion to Jumpmind Commerce POS in all of its American Eagle and Aerie stores in the U.S. and Hong Kong. Locations in Canada, Mexico and Japan are poised to go live early 2023.

“AEO is a customer-first company and every decision we make is centered around delivering exceptional products, services and experiences. Our partnership with Jumpmind offers our American Eagle and Aerie stores the flexibility of both a traditional and mobile POS, which provides an intuitive interface for a seamless checkout experience,” said Susan Eshleman, senior VP, product management and technology strategy, AEO. “Jumpmind’s commitment to service and the development of flexible solutions to meet each of our store’s unique needs has been integral in the successful launch of this important customer touchpoint.”

“AEO and its industry-leading brands have a reputation of providing exceptional products and customer experiences,” said Joe Corbin, president & CEO of Jumpmind. “With Jumpmind Commerce, their in-store teams will be able to better serve their customers where they are and provide differentiated experiences while also empowering AEO with a technology platform that will enable further enhancing of ever-changing customer journeys.”

AEO had second-best holiday season in its history

AEO is transforming its POS system on the heels of revealing that its fourth quarter-to-date brand revenue, through Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, is down approximately 3%, on the higher end of its expectations. American Eagle tracking slightly ahead and Aerie is in line with expectations, the company said.  In November,  AEO forecast that fourth-quarter revenues would be down by mid-single digits.

The company said its Quiet Logistics business is expected to add two percentage points to its fourth-quarter brand revenue. AEO acquired Quiet  acquired at the end of 2021 (when it was known as Quiet Logistics) for approximately $350 million in cash.

[Read More: AEO subsidiary Quiet Platforms offers full supply chain visibility]

AEO expects gross margins to be on the high end of its guidance of 32-33%, reflecting controlled promotions fueled by strong inventory management. Inventory is expected to be down compared to last year, in-line with prior guidance.

At the end of its third quarter, AEO had a total of 1,179 stores and more than 260 international locations operated by licensees in 26 countries.