American Eagle and Forever 21 to make a return to Japan
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Forever 21 and American Eagle Outfitters Inc. are set to return to Japan after both U.S. fast-fashion brands exited the market in 2019, according to company announcements on Wednesday.
Forever 21 will begin e-commerce sales next February and open a physical store in the spring, according to Japanese trading company Itochu Corp., which acquired domestic sales and licensing rights for the brand.
Forever 21 was acquired in 2020 by New York-based Authentic Brands Group (ABG). Itochu said in August it was working with ABG to expand Eddie Bauer stores in Japan after that brand closed its last shop in the country in December 2021.
American Eagle said separately it was returning to Japan with two flagship stores in the Tokyo neighborhoods of Shibuya and Ikebukuro in October. The brand had only been available online in Japan following the closure of its last physical stores in 2019.
Questions & Answers
Q.Which company is bringing Forever 21 back to Japan?
Which company is bringing Forever 21 back to Japan?
Japanese trading company Itochu Corp. Acquired the domestic sales and licensing rights for Forever 21. They will be responsible for reintroducing the brand to the Japanese market.
Q.When will American Eagle's physical stores reopen in Japan?
When will American Eagle's physical stores reopen in Japan?
American Eagle plans to reopen two flagship stores in Tokyo in October. These will be located in the Shibuya and Ikebukuro neighbourhoods, marking their physical return to the market.
Q.Who owns Forever 21 globally?
Who owns Forever 21 globally?
Forever 21 was acquired in 2020 by New York-based Authentic Brands Group (ABG). Itochu is working with ABG to expand the brand's presence in Japan.
Q.How was American Eagle available in Japan after its physical store closures?
How was American Eagle available in Japan after its physical store closures?
Following the closure of its last physical stores in 2019, American Eagle had only been available online in Japan. Its return in October includes new flagship stores.
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