American Eagle’s Controversial Campaigns Spark 152nd Volume Surge Amid Sells-Out Products and Tariff Woes

On September 5, 2025, , . The retailer’s recent marketing initiatives, particularly its partnerships with celebrities and Travis Kelce, have drawn significant attention, despite mixed public reactions to its advertising campaigns.

The company’s collaboration with Sweeney, featuring a controversial “Great Jeans” ad referencing “blue jeans,” sparked widespread debate, . Executives attributed rising customer engagement and improved quarterly sales expectations to the campaigns, . The partnership with Kelce, timed with his engagement to , was highlighted as a strategic move to rejuvenate brand image. Management emphasized that marketing-driven momentum is expected to sustain growth, despite ongoing challenges like tariff-related costs and pricing adjustments.

AEO’s leadership noted that the Sweeney campaign, while polarizing, has driven product sellouts and increased brand visibility. However, the ad’s association with eugenics-related interpretations prompted public backlash, including a response from former President . The company remains committed to its marketing strategy, with plans for further collaborations, while navigating supply chain negotiations to mitigate tariff impacts.

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