It's been clear for some time that American Eagle Outfitters' (NYSE: AEO) best-performing business is its Aerie lingerie chain, and though revenue for the brand was down slightly in the first quarter due to store closures necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, demand remained strong and far outstripped that for the American Eagle brand itself.
That sort of dynamic has persuaded at least one analyst that Aerie could become a $3 billion business over the next five years for the apparel retailer.
#AerieREAL models, part of the brand's effort to encourage positive body image. Image source: Aerie.