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American Eagle Outfitters exits UK

By Aiko Tanaka
1 min read
American Eagle
American Eagle
In this article (4)

After three years trying to crack the UK market, US fashion retailer American Eagle Outfitters is heading home.

The Daily Telegraph reports online that stores at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, Westfield Stratford and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush have all ceased trading.

The first American Eagle Outfitters UK store opened in November 2014 and at the time the brand said it planned as many as 30 stores across the region. But the brand has failed to gain any brand traction with London’s 15- to 25-year-olds.

Confirming the exit, an American Eagle Outfitters spokesperson said UK customers would still be able to buy its products online.

Based in Pittsburgh, the company has about 950 stores in the US.

Questions & Answers

Q.

Which specific American Eagle Outfitters stores in the UK have now closed?

A.

The American Eagle Outfitters stores at Bluewater shopping centre in Kent, Westfield Stratford, and Westfield Shepherd’s Bush have all ceased trading. This confirms the brand's complete exit from its physical retail presence in the UK.

Q.

What was American Eagle Outfitters' initial expansion plan for the UK market?

A.

When the first UK store opened in November 2014, American Eagle Outfitters had ambitious plans. The brand stated at the time that it intended to open as many as 30 stores across the region.

Q.

Will UK customers still be able to purchase American Eagle Outfitters products?

A.

Yes, despite the closure of its physical stores in the UK, American Eagle Outfitters products will still be available. A company spokesperson confirmed that UK customers would continue to be able to buy its products online.

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