American Eagle to expand internationally

Pittsburgh American Eagle Outfitters announced the opening of its first stores outside of North America. The news comes on the heels of the company’s announcement that it is closing its Martin+Osa business, which includes 28 stores and an e-commerce arm.

This month, flagship American Eagle Outfitters stores will open in Dubai and Kuwait City. This Middle East launch comes in cooperation with M.H. Alshaya Co., the leading retailer in the region, which last year signed a franchise agreement to open a series of American Eagle Outfitters stores in international markets over the next several years.

A new 9,400-sq.-ft. American Eagle Outfitters store will open in Dubai on March 16. An 8,500-sq.-ft. store will open in Kuwait City on March 25 at the Avenues Mall. Both stores will feature the casual lifestyle of the brand and provide the same high-quality, on-trend clothing and accessories at affordable prices featured at American Eagle Outfitters stores throughout North America.

Also available at the new stores will be the latest collection of aerie, the comfortable loungewear and intimates brand by AEO.

“We are very excited to expand the international presence of the American Eagle Outfitters brand,” said Jim O’Donnell, CEO of American Eagle Outfitters. “There is a significant appetite for the AEO brand internationally, and we are excited to bring our high-quality, affordable fashion to customers in the Middle East. We are confident that our franchise partner, M.H. Alshaya, will bring the authentic AEO brand experience to life given their track record of presenting the world’s most prominent brands in international markets.”

American Eagle Outfitters operates 938 stores throughout the United States and Canada, and through its e-commerce business, ships merchandise to 75 countries worldwide.