Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies) |
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May 02, 2026 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Principles of Consolidation | Principles of Consolidation The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly owned subsidiaries and consolidated entities where the Company's ownership percentage is less than 100%. Non-controlling interests’ (“NCI”) share of net income (loss) is presented as net income (loss) attributable to NCI on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income and the NCI share of stockholders equity is presented as a component of Total stockholders' equity on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Certain prior‑period amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current‑period presentation, including the separate presentation of non-controlling interests. These reclassifications had no impact on the Company’s operating income, net income attributable to NCI, net income per common share attributable to AEO or cash flows. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. At May 2, 2026, the Company operated in two reportable segments, American Eagle and Aerie. |
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| Fiscal Year | Fiscal Year Our fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week year that ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. As used herein, “Fiscal 2028” refers to the 53-week period that will end on February 3, 2029. "Fiscal 2027" refers to the 52-week period that will end on January 29, 2028. "Fiscal 2026" refers to the 52-week period that will end on January 30, 2027. "Fiscal 2025" refers to the 52-week period ended January 31, 2026. |
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| Estimates | Estimates The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company’s management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. On an ongoing basis, our management reviews its estimates based on currently available information. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates. |
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| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | Recent Accounting Pronouncements In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses ("ASU 2024-03"), which requires disclosure of additional information for specific expense categories in the notes to financial statements for interim and annual periods. Specifically, the amendment requires quantitative disclosure for purchases of inventory, employee compensation, depreciation, and intangible asset amortization within an expense caption. For any remaining amounts within an expense caption, a qualitative description must be included. In all reporting periods, a total selling expense amount must be disclosed, with an annual disclosure of the entity's definition of selling expenses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2027. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2024-03 effective for Fiscal 2027. In July 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-05, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses ("ASU 2025-05"), which amends the guidance under Topic 326. This amendment provides the option to use a practical expedient to assume balance sheet conditions remain unchanged when developing forecasts for estimating expected credit losses. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2025. The Company has adopted ASU 2025-05, which did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-06, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Internal-Use Software ("ASU 2025-06"). The new guidance modernizes accounting for the costs of internal-use software by removing "project stages" from the capitalization process. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027 and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company plans to adopt ASU 2025-06 effective for Fiscal 2028. In September 2025, the FASB issued ASU 2025-07, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) ("ASU 2025-07"). This amendment clarifies the scope of derivative accounting to exclude nonexchange-traded contracts. The guidance is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2027 and interim periods within those years. Transition may be applied prospectively, or under a modified retrospective approach. The Company has adopted ASU 2025-07 using the modified retrospective approach, which did not have a material impact to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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| Foreign Currency Translation | Foreign Currency Translation In accordance with FASB Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 830, Foreign Currency Matters, the Company translates assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies into U.S. dollars ("USD") (the reporting currency) at the exchange rates prevailing at the balance sheet date. The Company translates revenues and expenses denominated in foreign currencies into USD at the monthly average exchange rates for the period. Gains or losses resulting from foreign currency transactions are included in the consolidated results of operations, whereas related translation adjustments are reported as an element of other comprehensive income (loss) in accordance with ASC 220, Comprehensive Income. We are exposed to the impact of foreign exchange rate risk primarily through our Canadian and Mexican operations where the functional currency is the Canadian dollar and Mexican peso, respectively. The impact of all other foreign currencies is currently immaterial to our consolidated financial results. During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026, an unrealized gain of $0.4 million was included in other comprehensive income, which was primarily related to the fluctuations of the USD to Mexican peso and USD to Canadian dollar exchange rates. |
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| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Refer to Note 3, Cash and Cash Equivalents, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding cash and cash equivalents. |
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| Accounts Receivable | Accounts Receivable The Company's receivables are primarily generated from product sales and royalties from our licensees. Receivables also include amounts due from landlords, including construction allowances and lease incentive receivables, vendors, and governmental authorities, as well as amounts for sell-offs of past season merchandise. The primary indicators of the credit quality of our receivables are aging, payment history, economic sector information and outside credit monitoring, and are assessed on a quarterly basis. Our credit loss exposure is mainly concentrated in our accounts receivable portfolio. Our allowance for credit losses is calculated using a loss-rate method based on historical experience, current market conditions and reasonable forecasts.
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| Merchandise Inventory | Merchandise Inventory Merchandise inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or net realizable value, utilizing the retail method. Average cost includes merchandise design and sourcing costs and related expenses. The Company records merchandise receipts when control of the merchandise has transferred to the Company. The Company reviews its inventory levels to identify slow-moving merchandise and generally uses markdowns to clear merchandise. Additionally, the Company estimates a markdown reserve for future planned permanent markdowns related to current inventory. Markdowns may occur when inventory exceeds customer demand for reasons of style, seasonal adaptation, changes in customer preference, lack of consumer acceptance of fashion items, competition, or if it is determined that the inventory in stock will not sell at its currently ticketed price. Such markdowns may have a material adverse impact on earnings, depending on the extent and amount of inventory affected. The Company also estimates a shrinkage reserve for the period between the last physical count and the balance sheet date. The estimate for the shrinkage reserve, based on historical results, can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shrinkage trends. |
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| Property and Equipment | Property and Equipment Property and equipment is recorded on the basis of cost with depreciation computed utilizing the straight-line method over the asset’s estimated useful life. The useful lives of our major classes of assets are as follows:
As of May 2, 2026, the weighted average remaining useful life of our assets was approximately six years. In accordance with ASC 360, Property, Plant, and Equipment ("ASC 360"), the Company’s management evaluates the value of leasehold improvements, store fixtures, and operating lease right-of-use ("ROU") assets associated with retail stores. The Company evaluates long-lived assets for impairment at the individual store level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. Impairment losses are recorded on long-lived assets used in operations when events and circumstances indicate that the assets might be impaired and the projected undiscounted cash flows estimated to be generated by those assets are less than the carrying amounts. When events such as these occur, the impaired assets are adjusted to their estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded separately as a component of operating income within the Consolidated Statements of Operations. Our impairment loss calculations require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment to estimate future cash flows and asset fair values. The significant assumptions used in our fair value analysis are forecasted revenue and market rent. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions we use to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with our estimates and assumptions, our consolidated operating results could be adversely affected. When the Company closes, remodels, or relocates a store prior to the end of its lease term, the remaining net book value of the assets related to the store is recorded as a write-off of assets within depreciation and amortization expense.
Refer to Note 6, Property and Equipment, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding property and equipment, and refer to Note 13, Impairment and Restructuring Charges to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding impairment charges for the 13 weeks ended May 3, 2025. There were no long-lived asset impairment charges recorded during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026. |
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| Goodwill and Intangible Assets | Goodwill and Intangible Assets The Company’s goodwill is primarily related to the acquisition of its regionalized fulfillment center network, as well as its importing operations and Canadian business, and represents the excess of cost over fair value of net assets of businesses acquired. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other, the Company evaluates goodwill for possible impairment at least annually as of the last day of the fiscal year and upon occurrence of certain triggering events or substantive changes in circumstances that indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying value. If the carrying value of the reporting unit exceeds the fair value, an impairment charge is recorded in the period of the evaluation based on that difference. The Company last performed an annual goodwill impairment test as of January 31, 2026. No indicators of impairment were present during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026 or May 3, 2025. Definite-lived intangible assets are initially recorded at fair value, with amortization computed utilizing the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The Company’s definite-lived intangible assets, which consist primarily of trademark assets, are generally amortized over 10 to 15 years. The Company evaluates definite-lived intangible assets for impairment in accordance with ASC 360 when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. Such an evaluation includes the estimation of undiscounted future cash flows to be generated by those assets. If the sum of the estimated future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amounts of the assets, then the assets are impaired and are adjusted to their estimated fair value. No definite-lived intangible asset impairment charges were recorded during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026 or May 3, 2025. Refer to Note 7, Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Net, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding goodwill and intangible assets. |
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| Equity Method Investments | Equity Method Investments The Company holds a limited partner position in ACON Apparel Investors, L.P. (the "Fund"), with ACON Apparel GenPar, LLC. ("ACON") as the general partner. The Company paid $35.0 million for a 20% interest for its limited partner position in the Fund, which was recorded in Other Assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheet. During the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026, the Company recorded a $5.7 million unrealized gain related to its position in the Fund. Realized and unrealized gains (losses) from equity method investments are included within the Consolidated Statements of Operations as a component of Other (income) expense, net. The balance of the Company's investment at May 2, 2026 was $42.6 million. |
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| Construction Allowances | Construction Allowances As part of certain lease agreements for retail stores, the Company receives construction allowances from lessors, which are generally comprised of cash amounts. The Company records a receivable and an adjustment to the operating lease ROU asset at the lease commencement date (date of initial possession of the store). The deferred lease credit is amortized as part of the single lease cost over the term of the original lease (including the pre-opening build-out period). The receivable is reduced as amounts are received from the lessor. |
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| Self-Insurance Liability | Self-Insurance Liability The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms for certain losses related to employee medical benefits and worker’s compensation. Costs for self-insurance claims filed and claims incurred but not reported are accrued based on known claims and historical experience. Management believes that it has adequately reserved for its self-insurance liability, which is capped by stop-loss contracts with insurance companies. However, any significant variation of future claims from historical trends could cause actual results to differ from the accrued liability. |
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| Leases | Leases In accordance with the provisions of ASC 842, Leases ("ASC 842"), the Company accounts for its leases, both operating and finance, by recognizing initial ROU assets and lease liabilities measured at the present value of lease payments to be made over the lease term. |
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| Co-Branded and Private Label Credit Cards | Co-Branded and Private Label Credit Cards The Company offers a co-branded credit card and a private-label credit card under the AE and Aerie brands. These credit cards are issued by a third-party bank (the "Bank") in accordance with a credit card agreement (the "Agreement"). The Company has no liability to the Bank for bad debt expense, provided that purchases are made in accordance with the Bank’s procedures. We receive funding from the Bank based on the Agreement and card activity, which includes payments for new account activations and usage of the credit cards. We recognize revenue for this funding as we fulfill our performance obligations under the Agreement. This revenue is recorded in other revenue, which is a component of total net revenue in our Consolidated Statements of Operations. |
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| Customer Loyalty Program | Customer Loyalty Program The Company offers a highly digitized loyalty program called Real Rewards by American Eagle and Aerie™ (the "Program"). The Program features both shared and unique benefits for loyalty members and credit card holders. Under the Program, members accumulate points based on purchase activity and earn rewards by reaching certain point thresholds. Members earn rewards in the form of discount savings certificates. Rewards earned are valid through the stated expiration date, which is 60 days from the issuance date of the reward. Rewards not redeemed during the 60-day redemption period are forfeited. Points earned under the Program on purchases at AE and Aerie are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"). The portion of the sales revenue attributed to the reward points is deferred and recognized when the reward is redeemed or when the points expire, using the relative stand-alone selling price method. Additionally, reward points earned using the co-branded credit card on non-AE or Aerie purchases are accounted for in accordance with ASC 606. As the points are earned, a current liability is recorded for the estimated cost of the reward, and the impact of adjustments is recorded in revenue. The Company defers a portion of the sales revenue attributed to the loyalty points and recognizes revenue when the points are redeemed or expire, consistent with the requirements of ASC 606. |
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| Credit Agreement | Credit Agreement In June 2022, the Company entered into an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Agreement"). The Credit Agreement provides senior secured asset-based revolving credit for loans and letters of credit up to $700 million, subject to customary borrowing base limitations (the "Credit Facility"). The Credit Facility expires on June 24, 2027. Refer to Note 8, Long-Term Debt, Net to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding long-term debt and other credit arrangements. |
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| Income Taxes | Income Taxes The Company calculates income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes ("ASC 740"), which requires the use of the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the Consolidated Financial Statements carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases as computed pursuant to ASC 740. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the tax rates, based on certain judgments regarding enacted tax laws and published guidance, in effect in the years when those temporary differences are expected to reverse. A valuation allowance is established against the deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred taxes may not be realized. Changes in the Company’s level and composition of earnings, tax laws or the deferred tax valuation allowance, as well as the results of tax audits, may materially impact the Company’s effective income tax rate. The Company evaluates its income tax positions in accordance with ASC 740, which prescribes a comprehensive model for recognizing, measuring, presenting and disclosing in the financial statements tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return, including a decision whether to file or not to file in a particular jurisdiction. Under ASC 740, a tax benefit from an uncertain position may be recognized only if it is "more likely than not" that the position is sustainable based on its technical merits. The calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, as well as the decision to recognize a tax benefit from an uncertain position and to establish a valuation allowance, requires management to make estimates and assumptions. The Company believes that its estimates and assumptions are reasonable, although actual results may have a positive or negative material impact on the balances of deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation allowances or net income (loss). Refer to Note 10, Income Taxes, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information regarding income taxes. |
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| Revenue Recognition | Revenue Recognition The Company recognizes revenue pursuant to ASC 606. Revenue is recorded for store sales upon the purchase of merchandise by customers. The Company’s e-commerce operation records revenue upon the customer receipt date of the merchandise. Shipping and handling revenues are included in total net revenue. Sales tax collected from customers is excluded from revenue and is included as part of accrued income and other taxes on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company recognizes royalty revenue generated from its license or franchise agreements based on a percentage of merchandise sales by the licensee/franchisee. This revenue is recorded as a component of total net revenue when earned and collection is probable. The Company defers a portion of the sales revenue attributed to loyalty points and recognizes revenue when the points are redeemed or expire, consistent with the requirements of ASC 606. Refer to Customer Loyalty Program above for additional information. Revenue associated with Quiet Platforms was recognized as the services were performed until the completion of its operational wind-down during the 13 weeks ended May 2, 2026. |
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| Cost of Sales, Including Certain Buying, Occupancy and Warehousing Expenses | Cost of Sales, Including Certain Buying, Occupancy and Warehousing Expenses Cost of sales consists of merchandise costs, including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs, as well as markdowns, shrinkage and certain promotional costs (collectively, "merchandise costs"), buying, occupancy and warehousing costs and services, and until the completion of its operational wind-down, Quiet Platforms' costs to service its customers. Design costs are related to the Company's Design Center operations and include compensation, travel and entertainment, supplies and samples for our design teams, as well as rent and depreciation for our Design Center. These costs are included in cost of sales as the respective inventory is sold. Total net revenue, net of merchandise costs, represents merchandise margin. Buying, occupancy and warehousing costs and services consist of compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel and entertainment for our buyers and certain senior merchandising executives; rent and utilities related to our stores, corporate headquarters, distribution centers and other office space; freight from our distribution centers to the stores; compensation and supplies for our distribution centers, including purchasing, receiving and inspection costs; and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operation. Gross profit is the difference between total net revenue and cost of sales. |
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| Selling, General and Administrative Expenses | Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of compensation and employee benefit expenses, including salaries, incentives and related benefits associated with our stores and corporate headquarters. Selling, general and administrative expenses also include advertising costs, supplies for our stores and home office, communication costs, travel and entertainment, leasing costs and services purchased. Selling, general and administrative expenses do not include compensation, employee benefit expenses and travel for our design, sourcing and importing teams, our buyers and our distribution centers as these amounts are recorded in cost of sales. Additionally, selling, general and administrative expenses do not include rent and utilities, operating costs of our distribution centers, and shipping and handling costs related to our e-commerce operations, all of which are included in cost of sales. |
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| Interest Expense (Income) , Net | Interest Expense (Income), Net Interest expense (income), net, primarily consists of interest expense related to the Participation Agreement (as defined below) for tariff refund claims. Refer to Note 14, Subsequent Events, to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. |
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| Other (Income) Expense, Net | Other (Income) Expense, Net Other (income) expense, net, primarily consists of unrealized gains on equity method investments. |
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| Segment Information | Segment Information
The Company has identified two operating segments (American Eagle and Aerie brand) that also represent our reportable segments and reflect our chief operating decision maker's ("CODM") (defined as our Chief Executive Officer ("CEO")) internal view of analyzing results and allocating resources. Additionally, our Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed brands, as well as Quiet Platforms until the completion of its operational wind-down, have been identified as separate operating segments; however, as they do not meet the quantitative thresholds for separate disclosures they have been included in the Corporate and Other category. For additional information regarding the Company’s segment and geographic information, refer to Note 12, Segment Reporting to the Consolidated Financial Statements. |
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| Fair Value Measurements | ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement Disclosures ("ASC 820"), defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value in accordance with GAAP and expands disclosures about fair value measurements. Fair value is defined under ASC 820 as the exit price associated with the sale of an asset or transfer of a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Financial Instruments Valuation techniques used to measure fair value under ASC 820 must maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. In addition, ASC 820 establishes a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: • Level 1 — Quoted prices in active markets. • Level 2 — Inputs other than Level 1 that are observable, either directly or indirectly. •
Level 3 — Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. |
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