American Eagle Sees Record-Breaking Q2 Despite Drop in Digital

American Eagle Outfitters saw its revenue jump 35% to a company-record $1.19 billion in the second quarter of fiscal 2021, up $311 million from Q2 of 2020, riding higher full-priced sales, reduced promotions and controlled costs to a three-month peak for the company.

“It’s extremely gratifying to see significant growth across our business, as we delivered another quarter of record revenue and profitability,” CEO Jay Schottenstein said in the company announcement. He added that the results “underscore the strength of our brands, outstanding product and a leading customer experience across selling channels.”

“We are running our business with a laser focus on profitability through inventory and real-estate optimization initiatives and investments to enhance our supply chain,” Schottenstein said.

In the second quarter, revenue from intimate apparel brand Aerie jumped 34% from the same time in 2020 to $336 million after 32% growth from 2019 to 2020. American Eagle’s revenue was up 35% from 2020 to $846 million after a 26% decline the year before. Digital revenue dropped 5% from the second quarter of 2020 as more shoppers returned to the stores in the second quarter of 2021. Digital revenue is up 66% from the same time in 2019.

Schottenstein attributed Aerie’s success to an expanding customer file, and noted that the American Eagle brand has posted “meaningful top- and bottom-line increases with significant unlock still ahead.” The CEO pointed to the company’s “Real Power. Real Growth.” transformation plan, launched earlier this year as “a guiding light for all facets of the business.”

Related: American Eagle Debuts Snapchat AR Shopping Tool

Earlier this year, American Eagle Outfitters introduced an augmented reality (AR) shopping tool on Snapchat as part of its 2021 Jeans Are Forever campaign. The company’s AR Jeans Guide for Snapchat features denim looks for men and women and give users the ability to see a variety of American Eagle jeans in augmented reality using the world-facing camera.