WWD: AEO Brands Open SoHo Store Featuring Aerie, American Eagle and Unsubscribed

By: Lisa Lockwood | Link to article

This month, the AEO family of brands — Aerie, American Eagle and Unsubscribed — have joined forces to open a 24,000-square-foot store featuring all the brands.

The first of its kind store concept, called The Gateway, is located in SoHo at 599 Broadway, in time for the holiday shopping season. The store was previously an American Eagle unit.

The shop, which has 15,000 square feet of spelling space and 9,000 square feet of storage/back of house, will be converted to The Gateway on Wednesday.

The company recognizes that time is a precious commodity during the holidays, so looks to make things easier at one convenient location. In addition to all three brands, The Gateway will house AE’s 24/7 men’s activewear collection and its premium AE77 denim, along with OFFL/NE by Aerie. The store also provides space to engage with different experiences, events and technologies to immerse with the brands.

The Sub level will feature Unsubscribed and AE77, the main level will house AE women’s and Aerie, and the second level will house AE men’s, 24/7 and Offl/ne by Aerie.

Jennifer Foyle, president and executive creative director of AE and Aerie, said, “The Gateway store concept evolved from our customer-centered priorities to provide the best and most exciting shopping experience. AEO’s retail portfolio includes some of the most highly recognizable and innovative lifestyle brands. By bringing them together under one roof, we are able to showcase our collections in a unique and convenient way. Customers can shop the brands they love like AE and Aerie, while exploring timeless and luxe pieces from Unsubscribed, and premium denim and cashmere from AE77. As we head into the season, The Gateway also becomes the ultimate gifting destination for everyone on your list.”