Online Only Store Eyeing Stores in London
Three UK stores are set to anchor American Eagle’s move from online to retail brand. The US firm is said to be looking to open a number of key locations, including one in each of London’s Westfield shopping centres, by Christmas. According to reports, bosses are close to signing a total of 20,000 sq ft of space in the capital, with a further 6,000 in Bluewater in Kent. The move will bring an end to the online-only approach it has previously held, despite outlets in 12 countries outside America. The budget store will join other transatlantic names setting up shop in London, including Hollister, Urban Outfitters, Tom Ford and J Crew. Shareholders will be hoping the clothing label can repeat the success it enjoys on home soil, where its T-shirts, polo shirts and jeans have been voted a leading brand by students aged 15 to 25. In 2011 it was claimed the company and its property agent, Harper Dennis Hobbs, entered discussions to open up to 100 retail locations in the country but later shelved the proposal. A later filing from the label stated it continues to “evaluate further opportunities to expand internationally, which may include additional company-operated stores in Mexico, Asia and the United Kingdom.” Further details of the revisited plans are expected to be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, American Eagle continues to operate its UK-facing website. Prices currently range from as low as £5 for T-shirts to £50 for outerwear.
American Eagle Menswear Lookbook
