American Eagle Outfitters Reports Record August Sales of $156.5 Million, an Increase of 3.1%

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American Eagle Outfitters Reports Record August Sales of $156.5 Million, an Increase of 3.1%
    WARRENDALE, Pa., Sept. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (Nasdaq: AEOS) today announced that total
sales for the four-week period ended August 31, 2002 increased 3.1% to
$156.5 million, compared to $151.8 million for the four-week period ended
September 1, 2001.  Total sales for the period include $9.4 million from the
Bluenotes/Thriftys operation, compared to $12.8 million for the corresponding
period last year.
    Comparable store sales for the American Eagle Outfitters stores declined
5.0% for the August period.  Consolidated comparable store sales, which
include American Eagle and Bluenotes/Thriftys stores, decreased 6.9% for the
month compared to the corresponding period ended September 1, 2001.
Bluenotes/Thriftys comparable store sales declined 27.7% in August compared to
last year.
    Total sales for the thirty-week period ended August 31, 2002 increased
8.3% to $753.6 million from $695.8 million for the thirty-week period ended
September 1, 2001.  Total sales for the period include $45.7 million from the
Bluenotes/Thriftys operation, compared to $54.4 million for the corresponding
period last year.
    Comparable store sales for the American Eagle Outfitters stores declined
4.9% for the thirty-week period ended August 31, 2002.  Consolidated
comparable store sales, which include American Eagle and Bluenotes/Thriftys
stores, decreased 6.0% for the thirty-week period compared to the
corresponding period ended September 1, 2001.  Bluenotes/Thriftys comparable
store sales declined 18.5% for the period compared to last year.
    Despite the negative comparable store sales performance in August, the
Company is encouraged by the improvement in its women's business and the new
AE Fall One assortment which arrives in stores this week.  However, if the
comparable store sales trend experienced in August continues for the balance
of the quarter, the Company believes third quarter earnings could be 5-10%
below the current First Call consensus estimate of $0.43.
    To access our recorded monthly sales commentary, please call 800-642-1687,
conference code #3282124.

    American Eagle Outfitters (Nasdaq: AEOS) is a leading lifestyle retailer
that designs, markets, and sells its own brand of relaxed, versatile clothing
for 16 to 34 year-olds, providing high quality merchandise at affordable
prices.  AE's lifestyle collection includes casual basics like khakis, cargos,
and jeans; fashion tops like rugbys, polos, and graphic T's; and functional
items like swimwear, outerwear, footwear, and accessories.  AE's Canadian
subsidiary, Bluenotes/Thriftys, targets a slightly younger demographic,
offering a more urban/suburban, denim-driven collection for 12 to 22 year-
olds.  American Eagle Outfitters currently operates 671 AE stores in 48 states
and the District of Columbia, 51 AE stores in Canada, and 111
Bluenotes/Thriftys stores in Canada.  AE also operates via its Internet
business, ae.com.

    "Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act
of 1995: This release contains forward-looking statements, which represent our
expectations or beliefs concerning future events, specifically regarding third
quarter earnings.  All forward-looking statements made by the Company involve
material risks and uncertainties and are subject to change based on factors
beyond the Company's control.  Such factors include, but are not limited to
the risk that our third quarter sales and financial plans may not be achieved,
and those other risks described in the Company's filings with the Securities
and Exchange Commission.  Accordingly, the Company's future performance and
financial results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any
such forward-looking statements.  The Company does not undertake to publicly
update or revise its forward-looking statements even if future changes make it
clear that projected results expressed or implied will not be realized.
SOURCE American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.
http://www.ae.com
Company News On-Call:
http://www.prnewswire.com/gh/cnoc/comp/104763.html
CONTACT:
Laura Weil or Judy Meehan, +1-724-776-4857,
both of American Eagle Outfitters