AEO ICON Finalist: Torrey, VP – Aerie Brand Voice & Creative Strategy

Each year, AEO honors one associate who has achieved significant accomplishments, personifies our values and who has left an indelible impact on our company and people. We are proud to spotlight the top three finalists for the 2022 AEO ICON.

Meet Torrey, VP – Aerie Brand Voice & Creative Strategy and 2022 ICON nominee.

Torrey was part of the team that created the DNA for the Aerie brand and the #AerieREAL movement. He is the force behind the Aerie brand’s “voice” and narrative, which is the emotional connection we have with our community and customers. There is not a tagline, email, sign, mailer, social media post, brand campaign or even Aerie product equity that Torrey Acri has not touched. In 2022, Torrey helped to further support the Aerie mission and legacy by helping to launch the Aerie Real Foundation.

Torrey’s strategic passion, partnership, vision and clarity has built a brand on values, style and quality, and he’s also helped create a purpose that positively impacts the lives of our customers everywhere. To bring this to life, Aerie does not rely on creative agencies, but has built our own creative power in-house and Torrey plays a key role in the ability to do this.

Congratulations, Torrey!

American Eagle Outfitters Reports First Quarter Results

AEO Inc. Reports First Quarter Results In Line with Plan

  • Delivered record first quarter revenue of $1.1 billion, reflecting 2% growth to last year
  • Adjusted operating profit of $44 million, up to last year
  • Aerie posted all-time high first quarter revenue and profitability, with positive comp growth
  • American Eagle continued to see a sequential improvement in revenue trends with year-over-year growth in operating income

May 24, 2023

PITTSBURGH — (BUSINESS WIRE) – American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended April 29, 2023.

“We entered 2023 with a cautious plan, balancing continued optimism for our brands with the flexibility to navigate uncertainty in the macro environment. I am pleased to note that this strategy delivered for us, as we successfully managed through the first quarter and achieved results in-line with plan. Both Aerie and American Eagle saw solid improvement during the quarter and maintained strength in their categories,” commented Jay Schottenstein, AEO’s Executive Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer.

“With ongoing macro challenges, we are maintaining a clear focus on inventory discipline, cost savings and efficiencies across the business. Looking forward, our priority is to rebuild operating margins, while also seeking opportunities for profitable growth and to deliver more consistent shareholder returns.”

First Quarter 2023 Results:

  • Total net revenue of $1.1 billion was up 2% to the first quarter of 2022. Store revenue was up 5%. Digital revenue declined 4%.
  • Aerie revenue of $359 million rose 12% versus first quarter 2022. Comp sales increased 2%. American Eagle revenue of $671 million declined 2% versus first quarter 2022. Comp sales declined 4%.
  • Gross profit of $413 million increased approximately 6% compared to $388 million in the first quarter of 2022 and reflected a gross margin rate of 38.2% compared to 36.8% last year. Merchandise margin expansion was driven by lower transportation costs with a partial offset from higher markdowns. Lower compensation and delivery costs also had a positive impact on margins offset by higher rent linked to new store openings.
  • Selling, general and administrative expense of $312 million was up 5% to last year. Higher corporate compensation and advertising were partially offset by lower store compensation and professional service expenses. SG&A increased 60 basis points as a rate to sales versus first quarter 2022.
  • GAAP operating income was $23 million. Non-GAAP operating income of $44 million, reflected a 4.1% margin. This excluded $21 million of impairment, restructuring and other charges related to Quiet Platforms as the company repositions for improved profitability.
  • GAAP diluted EPS of $0.09. Non-GAAP diluted EPS of $0.17 excludes $0.08 of impairment and restructuring charges.
  • Average diluted shares outstanding were 197 million including less than 1 million average shares of unrealized dilution associated with the company’s convertible notes for the period prior to redemption.

Inventory

Total ending inventory declined 8% to $625 million compared to $682 million last year, with units down 9%. Inventory is current, with AE and Aerie inventory across the US and Canada down in the double-digits to last year. The company is maintaining inventory discipline with the second quarter planned below the sales trend.

Capital Expenditures

Capital expenditures totaled $46 million in the first quarter. For 2023, management now expects capital expenditures to approximate $150 to $175 million, compared to prior guidance of $150 to $190 million.

Balance Sheet

The company continues to take steps to strengthen the balance sheet. In the first quarter, the remaining $9 million of outstanding principal related to the senior convertible notes due 2025 was redeemed.

Outlook

For the second quarter, management’s outlook reflects revenue down low-single digits to last year with operating income in the range of $25 to $35 million. This assumes gross margin recovery year-over-year as the company cycles pressure from end of season sell-offs and elevated freight costs. SG&A is expected to increase in the low-to-mid-single digits. Depreciation is expected to be similar to the first quarter.

For the year, management expects revenue in the range of flat to down low-single digits to last year with operating income in the range of $250 to $270 million.

Conference Call and Supplemental Financial Information

Management will host a conference call and real time webcast today at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. To listen to the call, dial 1-877-407-0789 or internationally dial 1-201-689-8562 or go to www.aeo-inc.com to access the webcast and audio replay. Additionally, a financial results presentation is posted on the company’s website.

Non-GAAP Measures

This press release includes information on non-GAAP financial measures (“non-GAAP” or “adjusted”), including consolidated adjusted operating income, net income and net income per diluted share, excluding non-GAAP items. These financial measures are not based on any standardized methodology prescribed by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) and are not necessarily comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Non-GAAP information is provided as a supplement to, not as a substitute for, or as superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.  Management believes that this non-GAAP information is useful for an alternate presentation of the company’s performance, when reviewed in conjunction with the company’s GAAP consolidated financial statements and provides a higher degree of transparency.

These amounts are not determined in accordance with GAAP and therefore, should not be used exclusively in evaluating the company’s business and operations.  We encourage investors and others to review our financial information in its entirety, not to rely on any single financial measure and to view these non-GAAP financial measures in conjunction with the related GAAP financial measures.

The tables included in this press release reconcile the GAAP financial measures to the non-GAAP financial measures discussed above.

* * * *

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and Japan, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 260 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. In 2022, AEO released its first annual Building a Better World report, which outlines two decades of ESG achievements through the company’s Planet, People and Practices initiatives.  For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.

SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT UNDER THE PRIVATE SECURITIES LITIGATION REFORM ACT OF 1995

This release and related statements by management contain forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995), which represent our expectations or beliefs concerning future events, including second quarter and annual fiscal 2023 results. All forward-looking statements made by the company involve material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on many important factors, some of which may be beyond the company’s control. Words such as “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “potential,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements. Except as may be required by applicable law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise and even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. The following factors, in addition to the risks disclosed in Item 1A., Risk Factors, of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2023 and in any other filings that we may make with the Securities and Exchange Commission in some cases have affected, and in the future could affect, the company’s financial performance and could cause actual results for fiscal 2023 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied in any of the forward-looking statements included in this release or otherwise made by management: the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and related operational disruptions; the risk that the company’s operating, financial and capital plans may not be achieved; our inability to anticipate customer demand and changing fashion trends and to manage our inventory commensurately; seasonality of our business; our inability to achieve planned store financial performance; our inability to react to raw material cost, labor and energy cost increases; our inability to gain market share in the face of declining shopping center traffic; our inability to respond to changes in e-commerce and leverage omni-channel demands; our inability to expand internationally; difficulty with our international merchandise sourcing strategies; challenges with information technology systems, including safeguarding against security breaches; and global economic, public health, social, political and financial conditions, and the resulting impact on consumer confidence and consumer spending, as well as other changes in consumer discretionary spending habits, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and liquidity.

AEO Celebrates Annual Better World Community Day

Associates continue to show up, give back and make a REAL difference.

On May 19, 2023, more than 725 associates in Pittsburgh, NYC, San Francisco and Hong Kong took time to get out in their local communities and give back!

In Pittsburgh, associates packed more than 103,000 soup kit meals for the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank. In New York, teams participated in numerous volunteer projects, from weeding and planting community gardens to unpacking and sorting craft materials for Material for the Arts. San Francisco-based associates joined Surfrider at Ocean Beach to clean up debris and trash, making our coastlines cleaner for everyone. The Hong Kong team volunteered at a community kitchen and with an organization that helps families shop for basic necessities.

We are also very proud to share that our AE and Aerie field associates are taking part in nearly 100 Community Day projects across the U.S. and Canada as part of May Month of Service! And, our Distribution Center teams will get in on the action in June with their own Community Day events.

Giving back is part of our DNA and we believe in helping to build a better world for future generations. Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves and volunteered. You made a HUGE impact and a REAL difference in our communities.

Want to learn more about how associates give throughout the year? Visit AEO Foundation and Giving Back for all the details.

AEO Building a Better World Volunteer of the Month: Michael, District Team Leader

AEO associates share our commitment to doing better, being better and building a better world. We’re proud to spotlight our people who are making a real and lasting impact in their communities.

Florida-based Michael – District Team Leader – and his family spend their weekends giving back to their local community through Boca Helping Hands, a community-based nonprofit that provides food, medical and financial assistance. Michael is sharing what giving back means to him and how connecting with those in his community has helped him gain new perspectives.

Tell us about your volunteer service with Boca Helping Hands.

My family and I volunteer at Boca Helping Hands on Saturday mornings to distribute food to those in need and interact with the many people in our community by lending a helping hand.

Why is volunteering important to you?

Volunteering at Boca Helping Hands is important because it allows me to make a positive impact on my local community. It also provides me with opportunities to gain new skills and build relationships. Additionally, it serves as a way for me to give back and show gratitude for the privileges and resources I have access to.

How many years have you been volunteering there?                                                                  

My family and I have been volunteering at Boca Helping Hands for seven years now!

How do you think that being an active participant in your community helps to Build a Better World?

Being an active participant in my community promotes a sense of unity and togetherness, allowing many people from the same community to work together towards common goals. This can lead to the development of a more inclusive and supportive community, where everyone feels valued and supported. I hope that my community involvement can serve as an inspiration for others to get involved and take action, creating positive change that can spread beyond local communities and contribute to building a better world.

What are some of the benefits you have found in volunteering? What have you learned?

There are many benefits and learning experiences that I have gained from volunteering. Some of these include personal growth, professional development, social connections, increased empathy and understanding, and a sense of accomplishment.

Volunteering has allowed me to gain valuable experiences that can be applied in other areas of life. It has provided me with the opportunity to develop skills  such as leadership, communication, and teamwork, which are  beneficial in regards to my role as a District Team Leader for the American Eagle brand.

While helping me to grow in character, volunteering has also exposed me to different perspectives and experiences, increasing my empathy and understanding of others with different backgrounds. What I love most about volunteering is that I am able to not only spend time with my family, but am also able to teach my children about the importance of positive community involvement and how our efforts create a meaningful impact on the community.

AEO Foundation Distributes 31 Grants To Support Youth Programming In Our Communities

The AEO Foundation is committed to showing the world that there’s real power in the optimism of youth by supporting causes that matter to all of us and the world. In partnership with our associates, the AEO Foundation works to support local youth programming in our communities. Our nonprofit partners make a real impact by delivering dynamic programming to support our next generation of leaders, and we recognize their important work and are proud to support them! Click here to learn more about the AEO Foundation Community Grants Program.

Here are some of the organizations that will receive funding from the AEO Foundation for youth programming in Spring 2023.

NEW YORK

Breakthrough New York was awarded $10,000 in renewed support by the AEO Foundation. Breakthrough New York empowers motivated students from low-income households to graduate from college and pursue fulfilling and sustaining careers. They offer a ten-year, tuition-free program that supports 500 promising students and their families from 7th grade all the way through college. Breakthrough New York provides academic and social enrichment through their summer and afterschool programs, coaches students and families through the complex admissions processes and helps them find the best-fit school, and trains over 100 college students to teach their students and serve as their admissions coaches and mentors. 

Convenant House New York (CHNY) has 50 years of experience working with one of New York City’s most vulnerable populations – youth experiencing homelessness, age 16-24, and their dependent children. They were awarded $10,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of their Enhanced Staff Training to Better Serve Youth Experiencing Homelessness program. They provide trauma-informed care services including shelter, transitional and permanent housing; physical and behavioral healthcare; workforce development and education; anti-human trafficking services and advocacy; legal services; recreation; and LGBTQ+-focused programs. The main goal of this program is to empower young people in their care to confide in and work with trained staff around two of the main external threats to their ability to gain and maintain stable housing: (1) becoming involved in gang activity, and (2) being drawn in to commercial sexual exploitation/human trafficking. 

exalt is a non-profit organization which combines a rigorous, culturally responsive curriculum with paid internships and career development to elevate the expectations of personal success for court-involved youth ages 15-19. They were awarded $10,000 in support of their program, which  addresses the School-to-Prison Pipeline. exalt uses a 21-week core program made up of four components that teach foundational life skills, advocacy, effective court strategies, offer paid internships, and connection with an alumni-network program that offers post-graduate internships, career counseling and career workshops. 

Free Arts NYC was awarded $10,000 in support of their Teen Arts Program. Free Arts NYC empowers youth from underserved communities through arts and mentoring programs to develop their creativity, confidence, and skills to succeed. The organization is dedicated to leveling the playing field by providing access to high-quality, positive mentorship, grounded in transformative programming. Through the Teen Arts Program students are provided with an in-depth experience that allows them to create a professional visual arts portfolio, learn about careers in creative industries, and build their resume and social network through paid internships. 

Friends of Materials for the Arts was awarded $10,000 towards their fundraising efforts to support educational programs, outreach opportunities, and infrastructure improvements for Material for the Arts. Materials for the Arts is an organization that provides access to free materials to NYC arts nonprofits, public schools, and city agencies. Their goal is to keep valuable materials from entering the landfill and put those materials into the hands of professionals, educators, and students. 

Hear Your Song, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in New York City that empowers children and teens with serious illnesses and complex health needs to make their voices heard through collaborative songwriting. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of their program focusing on supporting transgender and non-binary youth receiving outpatient treatment for mental health diagnoses. 

Publicolor is an innovative educational youth development organization that empowers students facing immense life challenges for academic and career success through a multi-year project-based continuum of programs. They were awarded $10,000 in support of their Paint Club program, which partners with schools where students remain at the center of a crisis that has disproportionately affected them. The program teaches the skill of commercial painting as well as transferable work habits including time management, attention to detail, and teamwork.

Resources For Children With Special Needs d/b/a INCLUDEnyc was awarded $10,000 towards Project Possibility/Bridges, a program that works with young people ages 16-26 with disabilities, primarily from marginalized communities in all five boroughs. This program aims to  increase youth access to postsecondary opportunities, help them develop skills they need for college and employment, and catalyze career pathways. The program also focuses intentionally on disability identity, helping students gain a positive identity, embrace their strengths, and learn how to advocate for supports that will help them now and in adulthood.

PITTSBURGH

Over the last decade Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank has expanded to combat period poverty and incontinence to better support caregivers, women, and their families. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of their Period Advocacy Project & Period Product Giveaway. The program educates teens and young adults on the social and economic impacts of having a period, as well as how to contact local officials to advocate for change based on what they learned in the course. 

UpstreamPgh mission is to restore and protect the watershed ecosystem while working regionally to support and implement resilient solutions for a healthier urban environment. They were awarded $10,000 in support of their Environmental Education and Outreach Program, which aims to reach out to youth in the community and foster a new level of appreciation for the environment and the ways in which humans can positively or negatively impact it. The program will offer educational programming that pairs classroom lessons with service-learning opportunities in the restoration area. 

The Andy Warhol Museum was awarded $10,000 toward their LGBTQ+ Youth Prom. The prom is the largest affirming prom in Western PA and is open to all young people ages 13-20 who identify as LGBTQIA+ as well as their allies. The prom is one of their most popular youth programs and is a safe space where there will be dinner, dancing, and artmaking. The goal is to create a space where LGBTQIA+ youth can express themselves, build community, and have fun.

South Side Community Council – Friends of South Side Park was awarded $5,000 towards the Reforestation of South Side Park program. The mission of Friends of South Side Park is to protect, improve, revitalize and improve South Side Park. This project utilizes students from marginalized communities who are engaged with the Student Conservation Association who work together with FOSS Park to reforest parts of South Side park, which overtime has been neglected. They are currently working towards planting 60 native trees and three wildflower plants per tree to address the third layer of a healthy forest, and applying cages to the trees and shrubs planted to protect them from deer. 

The AEO Foundation awarded Sewickley Academy $7,500 in support of their program Breakthrough Pittsburgh. Breakthrough Pittsburgh is a tuition-free academic enrichment program with the mission to: increase academic opportunity for high-potential, academically-motivated underserved students and to inspire and develop the next generation of teachers and educational leaders. The program aids students in applying to colleges, obtaining scholarships, analyzing which college is offering the best package as well as looking at what each program means for their income post graduation. The program also offers teaching fellowships to college students who wish to pursue careers in education or youth-service. 

Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy was awarded $10,000 to support the 2023 Young Naturalists Program, an intensive paid internship for high school students. The internship focuses on  environmental stewardship, team building, developing a conservation ethic, and learning about careers in environmental fields. Students will gain hands-on environmental restoration and field study experience and develop self-confidence, communication skills, and leadership experience.

Miracle League of the South Hills’ mission is to create an environment of acceptance for people with disabilities and their families by promoting meaningful and authentic relationships that connect people on the baseball field as well as in the community. They were awarded $5,000 towards the Next Inning Program, which aims to remove barriers keeping children with mental and physical disabilities off the baseball field. The program encourages making new friends, builds self-esteem, and allows participants to be treated like other athletes. 

Junior Achievement of Western PA’s purpose is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. They were awarded $7,500 by the AEO Foundation to support the JA Equitable Access high school programming, which aims to empower youth to chart a future course and connect them to life’s realities. JA entrepreneurship programming provides a holistic approach in understanding how businesses work resulting in talent remaining in our region, inspiring our next generation of start-ups, and fueling economic growth.

Jeremiah’s Place was awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of the JereCare Family Program. Jeremiah’s Place protects children and strengthens families by providing safe haven of respite, health, renewal and support for children when their families are experiencing a critical need for childcare. The JereCare Family Program is hoping to expand their program which offers support group meetings for young, single parents, bi-monthly events for families with themes chosen by participating parents, and the JereBear Fair which is open to the public. 

Glade Run’s mission is to empower individuals to achieve personal wellness and growth. They were awarded $5,000 in support of the PAES Lab which serves teens and young adults who have a developmental or intellectual disability diagnosis. The program aims to address the need in our community for the development of vocational aptitude and skills for individuals with disabilities.

Citizen Schools’ vision is that all students have experiences and relationships that ignite curiosity, build confidence and help them develop into the next generation of leaders, thinkers and makers. They were awarded $10,000 by the AEO Foundation to support the Maker Fellows Program, which connects K-12 students to experiential STEM learning opportunities in their communities, and introducing them to experiences and mentors in those fields who they otherwise likely encounter or have access to. 

MISSISSAUGA 

Youth Troopers for Global Awareness was established with the aim of mobilizing and empowering youth through leadership, community development, and effective social justice advocacy. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO foundation to support their Youth Social Justice Team – Enviro Hacks. YSJT – Enviro Hacks is a conference that will be led and hosted by youth from the YSJT team and comprised of local youth who are interested in addressing environmental racism and climate change. These youth will have a chance to hear from local policymakers and activists on issues related to recycling and understand the impact of Canada’s waste. 

Credit Valley Conservation Foundation is a registered environmental charity working to help protect and conserve the lands and waters of the Credit River Watershed. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of the Conservation Youth Corps (CYC) program. CYC provides local youth with opportunities to participate in hands-on environmental stewardship activities, learn STEM-related technical job skills, and grow into champions of conservation. 

The South Asian Yard’s mission is to empower all second-generation South Asian Canadian Immigrants through collaboration and creating initiatives to foster a sense of connection, community and belonging to the South Asian community. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of their Project Daari, which addresses the gap of mental health services and community for second-generation South Asian Canadian women, women who identify as LGBTQ, and gender diverse people ages 15 to 25 by offering 8 in-person group therapy sessions covering various subject matter.

Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation is Canada’s largest children’s rehabilitation hospital, dedicated to being at the forefront of clinical care, research, and education. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation towards the Independence Program, a program working with a group of young adults with cognitive or physical disabilities learning how to live away from home by staying at a college residence for three weeks. TIP includes workshops on grocery shopping and preparing meals, managing money, how to safely use public transportation, how to direct an attendant for care needs and other independent living and social skills.

SAN FRANCISCO 

Raphael House of San Francisco’s mission is to help low-income families and families experiencing homelessness strengthen family bonds by achieving stable housing and financial independence. They were awarded $10,000 by the AEO Foundation to support their academic enrichment program, which aims to support children, grades K-12, in staying on track academically with the support of trained tutors. 

NatureBridge connects young people to the wonder and science of the natural world through overnight, hands-on environmental science programs for children and teens. They were awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation to provide scholarships for the environmental science program at Golden Gate, which will help approximately 75 underserved students. 

OTTAWA

Ottawa Recreation Commision was awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of their mission to improve the mental and physical health and well-being of the citizens in their community. The goal of their current project is to build “recreation equipment hubs” around local parks and recreation facilities where people can borrow recreational equipment at their leisure. They also hope to purchase communication boards for their community center and pool, which would serve as a visual tool to support communication accessibility. 

Ottawa High School Renaissance Program’s mission is to build a positive climate and culture where all students and staff feel celebrated and valued. The AEO Foundation awarded them $5,000 towards the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference. The conference is an opportunity for the program to collaborate with other schools nationwide and internationally to come up with new ways to develop a climate and culture at Ottawa High School where students and faculty feel like they are seen, valued, and cared for. 

Aviation Explorers Post 8000 was awarded $5,000 by the AEO Foundation in support of their mission to deliver character-building experiences and mentorship that allow youth to achieve their full potential in both life and work. The program the funding will directly support is their free community Young Eagles Flights program and their Post-Pathway-to Flight program. The purpose of the Young Eagles Flight Program is to introduce young kids and youth in the community to flying by providing free introductory flights and inspire them in the world of aviation. The Post-Pathway-to flight program is for post members which gives them the opportunity to learn how to fly. 

HAZLETON

Child Hunger Outreach Partners (CHOP) mission is to create an entire generation that doesn’t know hunger through innovative and collaborative partnerships. They were awarded $12,250 by the AEO Foundation in support of the CHOP In-School and Backpack Program. The backpack program sends food home on Fridays with two breakfasts and two dinners, two fruits or vegetables, and five to ten healthy snacks to students in need. They also maintain an In-School pantry to assist teens and their siblings who are experiencing food insecurity.

CAN DO Community Foundation was awarded $2,750 by the AEO Foundation in support of Ferrwood Camperships, which would provide a scholarship to a child to attend the music camp. The music program aims to use music as a vehicle to teach respect, teamwork, responsibility, nutrition and other valuable life skills in a rustic camp setting. 

WWD: Pride Month 2023 Collections From Brands That Give Back to Support LGBTQIA+ Initiatives

By: Charlie Carballo | Link to article

A look at the retailers and brands that are releasing products with purpose.

It’s been nearly 25 years since June was first declared as Pride Month by President Bill Clinton in 1999. Along with federal recognition, over the years brands have incorporated lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer messaging in products and campaigns as a way to celebrate the community’s ongoing advancements toward equality, protections and inclusion.

Here, WWD highlights some of the brands and retailers that are donating to causes that support LGBTQIA+ people and are releasing products with purpose — Pride-themed apparel, footwear, beauty and accessories collections with empowering messages.

American Eagle

American Eagle has partnered with influencer Olivia Ponton on a colorful collection featuring genderless T-shirts, boxers, shorts and more. The AE + Olivia Ponton collection will be released Thursday in the select stores and americaneagle.com.
LGBTQIA+ community impact: The retailer will continue its support to It Gets Better Project by donating $100,000. Customers will have the opportunity to give back to the organization during June with donations in-stores and online. It Gets Better Project is dedicated toward empowering and connecting LGBTQ+ youth worldwide.

Dr. Martens

Dr. Martens gets animated with Japanese artist Fuyuki Kanai, who collaborated with the footwear brand on a manga-inspired version of its 1460 boot. The illustrations promote inclusivity, community and queer relationships. The shoes retail for $180 and are available at select stores and drmarters.com. Kanai’s 1460 Boot is part of a series of three artists the brand’s commissioned to create Pride products this year.
LGBTQIA+ community impact: Dr. Martens continues its partnership with a $200,000 commitment to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LGBTQ young people.

Psycho Bunny

Psycho Bunny looked within for its limited-edition Pride Month T-shirt designed by its director of stores, Michael J. Lopez. The T incorporates a rainbow-colored version of its logo emblazoned with “Live Out Loud,” a message emphasizing living without fear. It’s available for $65 in-stores and psychobunny.com.
LGBTQIA+ community impact: The brand will donate 100 percent of net proceeds to One Pulse Foundation, which empowers LGBTQIA+ youth through educational programs, scholarships and more.

AEO Building a Better World Volunteer of the Month: Maple, Manager – Merch Business Strategies, Aerie 

AEO associates share our commitment to doing better, being better and building a better world. We’re proud to spotlight our people who are making a real and lasting impact in their communities. 

Maple, Manager – Merch Business Strategies, Aerie is a volunteer mentor for Pennsylvania Women Works 3 Cups of Coffee where she connects with job-seekers to help them strengthen their interview skills, network, and create a customized career plan. Keep reading to learn more about the connections Maple is building with like-minded women and how her mentees are helping her to learn and grow in her own career. 

Tell us about your volunteer service with PA Women Work.

I am a mentor for the Pennsylvania Women Work 3 Cups of Coffee program. I get matched with mentees based on my experiences and what they are looking to learn, and we meet at least three times, often over a cup of coffee (or chai for me… still not a coffee drinker!). They also occasionally tap volunteers to hold mock interviews, which I have not yet participated in, but am looking forward to deepening my involvement as new opportunities arise.

Why is volunteering at PA Women Work important to you?
I want to support fellow women, cheering them on and providing guidance and shared experience as they move ahead with their educational and career goals. It’s really important to me to build a sense of community – especially after living through the COVID-19 pandemic, when I felt myself draw inward and tighten my circle to only very close family and friends – and PA Women Work has provided me with a way to connect with new people throughout Pittsburgh.

How long have you been volunteering at PA Women Work?

I just recently began volunteering with PA Women Work in the fall of 2022! I learned of this workforce development organization after reading about the AEO Foundation Community Grant that they received to support their 3 Cups of Coffee Grad program. I had been thinking for a while about finding a new organization to volunteer for after falling off the wagon for several years, and I have always loved talking about career growth and mentoring others. It felt like such a perfect fit when I read the description of the organization’s work that I signed up right away to be a volunteer!

Participating in the community keeps us motivated to build a better world for ALL people.

How do you think that being an active participant in your community helps to Build a Better World?

I think participating in the community keeps us motivated to build a better world for ALL people. It’s pretty straightforward to improve things just for myself and my inner circle, right? I feel very fortunate to live a good life, and by being connected to others in my community, I am better able to understand and empathize with those whose struggles are different from mine. That empathy keeps me invested, not just in continuing to volunteer my time and contribute to my community, but also to speak up for issues that don’t directly affect me and lend support in other ways.

What are some of the benefits you have found in volunteering? What have you learned?

I value the opportunity to meet other like-minded women and expand my professional network through this particular program. Even though I’m a mentor, I’m still fairly early in my career and have been learning a lot from my mentees as well, as they give me glimpses into different industries or roles that I’m not familiar with.

AEO Celebrates Graduates of The Advanced Leadership Institute Emerging Leaders Program

AEO is proud to congratulate the graduates of The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) Emerging Leaders Program and is celebrating our associates – Miguelina, Tami and Shana – who were part of the cohort. The Emerging Leaders Program prepares rising Black leaders for professional success and meaningful advancement in both corporate and community roles and is presented by TALI in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University, and in collaboration with the University of Pittsburgh, Robert Morris University, and Duquesne University.

Miguelina, Tami and Shana share their insights into the program, including their most meaningful takeaways and what’s NEXT for their career journey at AEO.

What is the most meaningful take away from your time in The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) Emerging Leaders Program? Any favorite learning to share?

The course program was very well rounded and a great reminder that we should never stop learning. I can see myself continuing to take personal development classes sporadically throughout my life. My favorite class was Accounting 101. The module was the most challenging, but it taught me patience and persistence.


How do you see yourself applying your learnings from the program to your role at AEO?

In my opinion, TALI was a great representation of  AEO’s values – people, passion, innovation, integrity and teamwork. During the time I attended the program, it enhanced my natural skills, taught me new concepts, and how to successfully navigate challenges I may face as a new leader.

What are you most excited about in your career journey?

I am most excited about applying my newly acquired skills in my current role.

What do you hope is NEXT for you at AEO? 

I would love to venture into new leadership roles that enable me to expand my career. 

What is the most meaningful take away from your time in The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) Emerging Leaders Program? Any favorite learning to share?

My most meaningful takeaway is all of the strategic planning I’ve been able to do for my career. It seems to be common knowledge to regularly reflect and plan strategically, but sitting down to actually do it is easier said than done (at least for me). Using the module time each month for learning, planning and implementation was hugely impactful for me.

How do you see yourself applying your learnings from the program to your role at AEO?

I’ve already been able to! One of my favorite things about TALI is that every session comes with several different pieces of actionable advice, and usually fairly bite-sized, so you can choose which pieces are most fitting for your needs and begin implementing almost immediately.

What are you most excited about in your career journey?

Continued engagement in the TALI program and with the TALI community. I can’t say enough good things about the community that the TALI organization has built and continues to build – it’s been very meaningful to me both personally and professionally.

What do you hope is NEXT for you at AEO?

Continued growth! Learning other segments of the AEO business, revisiting my TALI learnings on a semi-regular basis to keep me on track for the growth and career development I want to see.

What is the most meaningful take away from your time in The Advanced Leadership Institute (TALI) Emerging Leaders Program? Any favorite learning to share?

We learned so many important things while at TALI, but I would say having a vision and being intentional about how I show up as a leader was one of the most meaningful takeaways I got from the program. I personally experienced clarity for my future at TALI and tactics on how to get there. More importantly, now I have a vast network of classmates, mentors, professors, and executives rooting for me every step of the way.

How do you see yourself applying your learnings from the program to your role at AEO?

I started applying things that I learned as I was going through the program. A lot of the teachings were structured in a way that you can immediately implement them into your role.

For example our first assignment we were asked to gather feedback from those we see as role models and who have leadership qualities that we think highly of. It was scary at first, but gave us the ability to see how we’re perceived by others and to look outside of ourselves. The feedback that I received resulted in me being more intentional about how I show up and pushed me to exude leadership qualities others saw in me that I didn’t realize I possessed.

What are you most excited about in your career journey?

I’m most excited about one day becoming a design leader and to give back what’s been and (is still being) taught to me. I work within a supportive team and I admire how our managers and senior designers at AEO advocate for our customers and are at the cutting edge of innovation. I know that there will be a time in the future when I can do the same and help grow the next generation of designers.

What do you hope is NEXT for you at AEO? 

I hope that I can elevate within the team and continue to create and design innovative and exciting experiences for our customers while also advocating for diversity in the design community as a whole.

Sourcing Journal: American Eagle Promotes New thredUp Resale Shop with Snapchat Activation

By: Glenn Taylor | Link to article

As part of a broader effort to be carbon-neutral by 2030, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) is launching its first online branded resale experience in tandem with ThredUp just ahead of Earth Day.

AEO’s new RE/AE resale shop offers secondhand and exclusive vintage American Eagle (AE) clothing available for purchase via a dedicated page on the ThredUp platform.

RE/AE is powered by ThredUp’s Resale-as-a-Service (RaaS) solution, which equips brands to deliver customizable, scalable resale experiences to their customers.

“We are passionate about finding new and exciting ways to connect with our customers and RE/AE’s accessible, digital-first, circular shopping experience provides an opportunity to refresh your closet by shopping pre-loved, iconic styles from a brand that has defined youth culture for decades,” said Jennifer Foyle, president, chief creative officer, American Eagle and Aerie. “Standing behind our commitment to help create a more sustainable future, the partnership with ThredUp innovatively gives new life to clothing and accessories that might otherwise contribute to the throwaway fashion culture we are working to eliminate.”

Resale’s growth among apparel and fashion companies took a major step in 2022. Eighty-eight brands launched dedicated resale programs in 2022, a 244 percent increase from 2021, bringing the total in the space from 36 to 124, according to ThredUp’s 11th annual Resale Report. This isn’t even counting the likes of H&M, Francesca’s and Canada Goose, with the first two being powered by ThredUp and the last of the three anchored by recommerce platform provider Trove.

RE/AE includes AE styles from as early as the 1980s, the company says, in an example of the brand’s focus on “made-to-last quality” apparel. Unique styles range from jeans and dresses to miniskirts, jackets, accessories and more, with the resale program also including all-gender clothing in its offering. All items are priced between $10 and $40, according to the retailer.

“American Eagle is a mainstay brand among younger generations, and its core customer base is actively engaged in apparel resale,” said James Reinhart, CEO of ThredUp. “Eighty-three percent of Gen Z have shopped or are open to shopping secondhand apparel, which is a massive opportunity for the brand. We’re proud to support American Eagle through RaaS as the company innovates to serve its customers and meet sustainability goals.”

With younger consumers clearly driving this resale push, the retailer is catering further to its audience by extending the product lifecycle and offering its community more curated styles to discover via engaging new platforms.

AEO is working with Snapchat to deploy a shoppable AR Lens feature showcasing select styles from the specially curated inaugural 200-piece RE/AE collection.

The RE/AE Snapchat popup allows users to view the collection through an exclusive AR shopping lens, where virtual animations are overlaid on a Snapchat photo. AE pieces will be displayed throughout the space, arranged as a vintage store, for users to explore. They can click on select products for details on the item and learn more about their impact with secondhand sustainability information woven throughout the experience. Each product will link customers directly to ae.thredup.com where they can complete their purchase.

American Eagle and Snapchat have been frequent collaborators since 2020, when the fashion company opened a virtual popup on the platform during the holiday season. The next year, the companies debuted an AE x Snapchat AR Jeans Guide, with the retailer unveiling its first-ever digital clothing line, the Bitmoji Collection, on the social media platform. Both firms then launched three virtual, shoppable experiences for the 2022 holiday season based on themes including an outdoor adventure, a friends getaway and a holiday party.

According to the 45th Semi-Annual Taking Stock With Teens Survey from Piper Sandler, American Eagle is the second-most popular apparel brand among teenagers, with 7 percent of consumers calling it their top brand. Nike is still far and away the No. 1, at 33 percent of the 5,690 teens surveyed.

While RE/AE represents AEO’s first trek into branded resale, it’s not the company’s first rodeo in secondhand sales. In March 2019, American Eagle converted its SoHo Broadway store into a popup with resale sneaker seller Urban Necessities. The collection featured limited-edition pre-worn sneakers from Nike, Adidas and Supreme that cost between $150 and $50,000.

AEO isn’t the only seller teaming with ThredUp to keep more of their product in circulation.

Patricia Nash Designs, a designer leather handbag and accessories brand, also partnered with the online consignment platform to debut its Rediscovered resale program, which allows customers to resell pre-owned items for shopping credit at the brand.

Patricia Nash and American Eagle join more than 40 other brands offering resale programs through RaaS, including J.Crew, Tommy Hilfiger and Madewell.

“We have a well-known base of loyal Patricia Nash customers who love to collect and trade their previously loved handbags,” said Jennifer Vanderink, vice president of operations and general counsel, Patricia Nash Designs. “It was a no-brainer for us to partner with ThredUp and offer our customers a way to extend the lives of their beloved bags even further and also get credit for new products on our site. We are excited to partner with ThredUp to help customers rediscover classic and new Patricia Nash styles.”

American Eagle Celebrates Earth Day with the Unveiling of RE/AE, a Digital Resale Shop Enabled by thredUp’s Resale-as-a-Service®

Continuing to lead the way in innovation, AE invites customers to shop RE/AE and experience its selection of curated vintage via a shoppable AR lens on Snapchat.

04.13.23 NEW YORK – (BUSINESS WIRE) American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) and thredUP (NASDAQ: TDUP) announced today the launch of RE/AE, a resale shop of secondhand and exclusive vintage American Eagle (AE) clothing, curated by the brand, and available for purchase at ae.thredup.com. RE/AE is powered by thredUP’s Resale-as-a-Service® (RaaS®), which enables the world’s leading fashion brands and retailers to deliver customizable, scalable resale experiences to their customers. Additionally, AE has once again teamed up with Snapchat for a shoppable AR Lens showcasing select styles from a specially curated inaugural 200-piece RE/AE collection.

American Eagle knows that the planet and environmental sustainability is top of mind with its customers, and Gen Z is highly  motivated to shop secondhand. RE/AE demonstrates AEO’s commitment to implementing ways to build a better world. This unique opportunity extends the product lifecycle and also offers the AE community more styles to discover, curated by a brand they know and love.

“We are passionate about finding new and exciting ways to connect with our customers and RE/AE’s accessible, digital-first, circular shopping experience provides an opportunity to refresh your closet by shopping pre-loved, iconic styles from a brand that has defined youth culture for decades,” says Jennifer Foyle, President – Chief Creative Officer, AE and Aerie. “Standing behind our commitment to help create a more sustainable future, the partnership with thredUP innovatively gives new life to clothing and accessories that might otherwise contribute to the throwaway fashion culture we are working to eliminate.”

RE/AE includes  AE styles from as early as the 80’s, proving the brand’s  made-to-last quality. Unique styles range from jeans and dresses to mini skirts, jackets, accessories and more. All priced between $10 and $40, RE/AE includes all-gender clothing and is available to shop at ae.thredup.com.

“American Eagle is a mainstay brand among younger generations, and its core customer base is actively engaged in apparel resale,” said James Reinhart, CEO of thredUP. “Eighty-three percent of Gen Z have shopped or are open to shopping secondhand apparel*, which is a massive opportunity for the brand. We’re proud to support American Eagle through RaaS as the company innovates to serve its customers and meet sustainability goals.”

The RE/AE Snapchat pop-up allows users to view the collection through an exclusive AR shopping Lens. Arranged as a vintage store, AE pieces will be displayed throughout the space for users to explore. They can click on select products for details on the item and learn more about their impact with secondhand sustainability information woven throughout the experience. Each product will link customers directly to ae.thredup.com for a seamless check out experience.

Learn more about AEO’s comprehensive sustainability initiatives and plans to be carbon neutral by 2030 here. To learn more about thredUP’s RaaS, visit raas.thredup.com.

*Source: thredUP’s 2023 Resale Report

About American Eagle

Since 1977, American Eagle has offered an assortment of specialty apparel and accessories for everyone that enables self-expression and empowers our customers to celebrate their individuality. The brand has broadened its leadership in jeans by producing innovative fabric with options for all styles and fits for all at a value. We aren’t just passionate about making great clothing, we’re passionate about making real connections with the people who wear them. Visit www.ae.com to find your perfect pair of #AEJeans.

About American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.

American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (NYSE: AEO) is a leading global specialty retailer offering high-quality, on-trend clothing, accessories and personal care products at affordable prices under its American Eagle® and Aerie® brands. Our purpose is to show the world that there’s REAL power in the optimism of youth. The company operates stores in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Hong Kong and Japan, and ships to approximately 80 countries worldwide through its websites. American Eagle and Aerie merchandise also is available at more than 260 international locations operated by licensees in approximately 30 countries. In 2022, AEO released its first annual Building a Better World report, which outlines two decades of ESG achievements through the company’s Planet, People and Practices initiatives. For more information, please visit www.aeo-inc.com.

About thredUP

thredUP is transforming resale with technology and a mission to inspire a new generation of consumers to think secondhand first. By making it easy to buy and sell secondhand, thredUP has become one of the world’s largest online resale platforms for apparel, shoes and accessories. Sellers love thredUP because we make it easy to clean out their closets and unlock value for themselves or for the charity of their choice while doing good for the planet. Buyers love shopping value, premium and luxury brands all in one place, at up to 90% off estimated retail price. Our proprietary operating platform is the foundation for our managed marketplace and consists of distributed processing infrastructure, proprietary software and systems and data science expertise. With thredUP’s Resale-as-a-Service, some of the world’s leading brands and retailers are leveraging our platform to deliver customizable, scalable resale experiences to their customers. thredUP has processed over 137 million unique secondhand items from 55,000 brands across 100 categories. By extending the life cycle of clothing, thredUP is changing the way consumers shop and ushering in a more sustainable future for the fashion industry.