American Eagle Outfitters opened its first store in 1977.
The American clothing retailer was founded by brothers Jerry and Mark Silverman, and its first store opened in Novi, Michigan. American Eagle developed a youthful casualwear identity that includes jeans, T-shirts, underwear and other everyday clothing.
The brand is often associated with denim because jeans became one of its most visible product categories, particularly among teenagers and young adults. Its retail model combines seasonal fashion with accessible casual basics.
The 1977 date refers to the opening of the first American Eagle store. It is not the year of a particular jeans collection, the founding year of parent company Retail Ventures, or the launch of the separate Aerie brand.