American Eagle Outfitters is expanding not only locally, but also internationally.
The brand will open its first stores outside of North America later this March in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait City, with plans to expand to additional international markets in the future. The launch into the Middle Eastern market is in cooperation with Kuwait-based retailer M.H. Alshaya Co.
Closer to home, American Eagle is transitioning its temporary "pop-up shop" 77kids into a permanent retail store at the Mall at Robinson. American Eagle introduced the children's brand online-only in October 2008, then followed what was initially a temporary brick-and-mortar store in October 2009. The concept was so successful it's stuck around, and will be sticking around for much longer.
The 5,581-square-foot Pittsburgh-area 77kids will open in July 2010. Four other 77kids stores will open in the northeast in the second half of the year, an American Eagle spokesperson says.
American Eagle recently announced it is closing its Martin+Osa brand, including all stores and online business. American Eagle expects to open 14 new AE stores and complete 20 AE store remodels in 2010, in addition to opening 20 new aerie stores and its first five 77kids stores.
American Eagle's corporate headquarters is located in Soffer Organization's SouthSide Works.
"We believe in the vision for that development and for Pittsburgh. It's a perfect fit with the AE brand--a dynamic urban environment that fosters both creativity and productivity among our employees," the spokesperson says. "AEO Inc. believes in Pittsburgh and the quality of life that the city has to offer our employees."
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Writer: Caralyn Green
Source: American Eagle Outfitters spokesperson
Photograph courtesy of American Eagle