American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

PITTSBURGH — American Eagle Outfitters is getting out of the children's business, announcing Friday that it is exploring a full or partial sale of 77kids, which includes 22 stores and the online business.

Robert Hanson, CEO of American Eagle Outfitters stated, “Although making this decision is disappointing, it is in the best interest of the company and our shareholders to prioritize and focus our efforts on businesses with the highest return potential. We thank the 77kids team for their hard work, passion and dedication.”

Harrisburg, Pa. -- Philadelphia-based Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust said that DSW will open a 17,400-sq.-ft. store at Capital City Mall in Camp Hill, Pa.

To accommodate the footwear and accessories retailer, PREIT said that 5,000 sq. ft. of retail space is being added to the mall. A 2013 opening for DSW is anticipated.

By Craig R. Johnson, [email protected]

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters said Tuesday that its debut store in Israel will open on Thursday at Ramat Aviv Mall, in Tel Aviv.

Ten additional locations are planned over the next month, in locations such as The Big Mall in Petach Tikva, Kiryat Ono Mall, and Mall of Haifa. The franchise stores will be operated by Fox-Wizel Ltd., a leading retailer and wholesaler in the region.

New York City -- As was previously announced, American Eagle Outfitters Inc. longtime chief executive James O'Donnell will step down Saturday and be replaced by former Levi's executive Robert Hanson.

O'Donnell, 70, said early last year he planned to retire. Hanson was named as his successor in November.

In addition, Jay Schottenstein, non-executive chairman, has become executive chairman.
 

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters said Friday that it has begun a search for a marketing communications agency partner or partners.

The scope of services, according to the retailer, will include traditional and digital media strategy, planning and execution, as well as collaboration in creative development for its American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie and 77kids brands in North America and internationally.

“Hiring an agency is a natural evolution in the growth of the AEO family of brands,” said Michael Leedy, CMO.

New York City -- Jesta I.S. said Wednesday it has partnered with Americaneagle.com to offer a pre-integrated front-end e-commerce solution designed to deliver an integrated and comprehensive merchandising suite that allows retailers to rapidly deploy a solid merchandising infrastructure and a comprehensive e-commerce solution.

“Increasingly, we are seeing a higher demand for a full end-to-end integrated e-commerce solution,” said Jerry Boduch, director of business development at Americaneagle.com.

Pittsburgh -- American Eagle Outfitters announced Wednesday that it has opened stores in three new international markets — Morocco, Jordan and Egypt.

The company said it also opened its third store in Saudi Arabia, and has plans for a second store in Lebanon in early 2012. The retailer currently operates in Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE through its franchise partner, M.H. Alshaya.