Leaving the Nest

American Eagle Outfitters (Pittsburgh) announced plans to open 46 stores in Canada, the retailer's first expansion outside of the U.S. The first will open its doors in Limeridge Mall, Hamilton, Ont., on May 3, and 45 more stores across nine Canadian provinces will debut by the fall, including an 8000-square-foot flagship store in Toronto.

American Eagle, a self-described “lifestyle retailer” of casual, versatile clothing, shoes and accessories, feels its market now extends north of the border. “We are thrilled to open our doors in Canada,” stated Lora Tisi, president of American Eagle Outfitters, Canada. “After researching the Canadian market, we discovered that our core demographic of 16-to-34-year-old men and women are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to shop at AE.”

American Eagle has reported a 35 percent annual growth rate of sales in its 568 U.S. stores over the past five years. It attributes its success to a strong student and young adult following.