American Eagle Outfitters is an international specialty retailer that offers high-quality, trendy clothing, accessories, and personal care products at reasonable prices. They built their best-known brand, American Eagle Outfitters, with a dedicated, innovative, and customer-centric approach. As of November 2021, the company’s net value is over $4.5 billion, their brands have grown to more than 1,000 stores in the U.S., Mexico, Canada, China, and Hong Kong, and their American Eagle and Aerie merchandise is sold in over 200 locations in 25 countries.
American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) was founded in 1977 by Jerry and Mark Silverman with a focus on brand-named apparel, leisurewear, footwear, and accessories in the outdoor recreation category for men and women. The chain grew throughout the 1980s but started losing money as it entered the 90s. In 1991 the Schottenstein’s, who had 50% ownership, bought out the Silverman’s ownership interest. The new owners found success focusing on the men’s and women’s casual clothing niche, and in 1994 the company started trading on the NASDAQ stock exchange. By 2016 AEO had well over 900 stores in the U.S. and five other countries.
