American Eagle Outfitters to open in Hong Kong, China

Pittsburgh American Eagle Outfitters said Wednesday it will open retail stores in Hong Kong and China via a franchise agreement with Dickson Concepts (International) Limited.

The exclusive agreement with Dickson, an international retail company that operates more than 400 stores throughout Asia, will allow American Eagle to continue its presence overseas with a planned series of stores over the next several years.

According to the companies, the first three are planned for early 2011 in Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai. American Eagle Outfitters introduced its brand in the Middle East in March of this year with stores in Dubai and Kuwait.

“There is significant appetite for the American Eagle Outfitters brand internationally, and we are excited to bring our high-quality, affordable fashion to customers in China and Hong Kong,” said Jim O’Donnell, CEO, American Eagle Outfitters.

Dickson Poon, group executive chairman of Dickson Concepts, said, “There is a burgeoning demand for trendy young fashion in Asia, and I am very confident that American Eagle Outfitters will achieve the same level of phenomenal success in Asia as in its home market of North America.”

The American Eagle stores in China and Hong Kong will offer the complete AE seasonal assortments, as well as intimates and dormwear lines from aerie by American Eagle. American Eagle Outfitters will provide merchandising and marketing input, while Dickson Concepts will handle all operational functions.

American Eagle Outfitters currently operates more than 1,000 stores worldwide.