American Eagle Soars with Sydney Sweeney Ads and Aerie’s AI Pledge
UPDATE: American Eagle is experiencing a remarkable surge in revenue, fueled by viral marketing campaigns featuring Sydney Sweeney and a bold anti-AI pledge from its intimates brand, Aerie. The retailer announced a staggering $1.4 billion in total revenue for the third quarter ending November 1, 2023, marking a robust 6% increase year-over-year.
The momentum didn’t stop there. Following the announcement, American Eagle’s stock surged by at least 10% in after-hours trading on Tuesday, driven by Aerie’s impressive 11% rise in comparable sales. This surge underscores the effectiveness of their recent marketing strategies, which generated an astonishing 44 billion impressions online, attracting new customers at an unprecedented rate.
While many retailers are leaning heavily into AI technologies, Aerie has taken a stand against it. The brand’s pledge not to utilize AI in its advertisements has resonated strongly with consumers, garnering tens of thousands of likes on social media and becoming its most popular Instagram post of the year, according to Metricool.
American Eagle’s partnership with Sweeney, particularly the “Great Jeans” campaign, has drawn both praise and criticism. Despite initial backlash regarding perceived negative beauty standards, American Eagle’s Chief Marketing Officer, Craig Brommers, defended the campaign’s effectiveness, stating, “Sydney Sweeney sells great jeans. She is a winner, and in just six weeks, the campaign has generated unprecedented new customer acquisition.”
Additionally, the collaboration with NFL star Travis Kelce and his Tru Kolors brand has further amplified American Eagle’s visibility, launching just a day after Kelce’s engagement to pop superstar Taylor Swift. These high-profile partnerships are not only defining the brand’s image but are also delivering tangible results.
American Eagle’s President and Executive Creative Director, Jen Foyle, emphasized the impact of these campaigns during a recent call, stating, “American Eagle launched its largest, most impactful advertising campaigns ever, which are delivering results by collaborating with high-profile partners who are defining culture.”
Looking forward, American Eagle is not slowing down. The retailer has recently announced a new collaboration with lifestyle icon Martha Stewart, aiming to capture the attention of Gen Z customers. Foyle noted, “Martha Stewart resonates with Gen Z. That’s a perfect example of what we’re up to.”
With an impressive track record of engaging campaigns and strategic partnerships, American Eagle is well-positioned to continue its upward trajectory. The combination of celebrity influence and a commitment to consumer values, like the anti-AI pledge, resonates deeply in today’s market, making American Eagle a brand to watch as it navigates the competitive retail landscape.
As these developments unfold, it will be essential to monitor how American Eagle maintains its momentum and engages with its audience moving forward. Stay tuned for more updates on this rapidly evolving story.
