Type: Public
On the web: http://www.ae.com
Employees: 39,900
Employee growth: 1.3%

It was once a purveyor of outdoor gear, but American Eagle Outfitters now feathers its nest with polos and khakis. The mall-based retailer sells casual apparel and accessories (shirts, jeans, shorts, sweaters, skirts, footwear, belts, bags) aimed at men and women ages 15-25. The chain operates about 1,085 stores in all 50 US states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and now in the Middle East. Virtually all of the company's products bear its private-label brand names: American Eagle Outfitters and aerie. Its 77kids chain (launched in 2010) caters to a younger set (children ages two to 10). Direct sales come from the company's website and its AE magazine, a lifestyle publication that doubles as a catalog.

Key numbers for fiscal year ending January, 2011:
Sales: $2,967.6M
One year growth: (0.8%)
Net income: $140.6M
Income growth: (16.8%)

Officers:
Chairman: Jay L. Schottenstein
CEO and Director: James V. (Jim) O'Donnell
EVP and CFO: Joan H. Hilson

Competitors:
Abercrombie & Fitch
The Gap
Pacific Sunwear

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