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NEW YORK -- American Eagle Outfitters is getting citified.
The Warrendale, Pa.-based specialty chain has switched gears in its store design. Having begun with a beach house concept, the company is redesigning its stores to have more of a city loft feeling, starting with its newest location at 40 West 34th Street here. The 10,000-square-foot unit opened its doors earlier this month and, according to Michael Leedy, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for the chain, this New York flagship is different from its other stores in many ways.
"When we were working on the concept for the store, we were inspired by lofts," he said, giving a tour of the new location. "Many of us may think of New York City lofts, but there are great lofts in so many cities in this country."
The majority of the 752 American Eagle stores in the U.S. are mall-based and only one floor. The new store is not only freestanding, but on two floors -- only the fourth American Eagle store to be designed this way. The store, just like all the others, was created by American Eagle's in-house retail design team.
Walking in, the feeling of a loft is noticed immediately, with concrete floors and a high ceilings that opens into a dome skylight and railing around the top floor. The front of the store showcases part of the women's wear selection, which pops with brightly colored tanks and T-shirts with cargo capris and...