WASHINGTON – The National Retail Federation has named Jay Schottenstein, executive chairman and chief executive officer of American Eagle Outfitters Inc., as the recipient of The Visionary award for 2027.
Schottenstein will receive the honor at the 12th annual NRF Foundation Honors in New York City on January 10, 2027. The award recognizes retail leaders whose careers and contributions have significantly impacted the industry.
“Jay Schottenstein’s leadership has been instrumental in building AEO into the influential, multi-brand powerhouse it is today,” said Matthew Shay, president and CEO of NRF. “His vision has guided AEO through decades of growth and change, helping to make the retailer a leader in denim, intimates and the specialty apparel space. His experience across merchandising, operations and brand building, along with his steadfast commitment to quality, value and customer service, have been central to the company’s enduring success and created a foundation for continued growth.”
Under Schottenstein’s leadership, AEO has grown from a single-brand retailer into a global business generating more than $5 billion in annual revenue. Its portfolio now includes American Eagle, Aerie, OFFL/NE by Aerie, Todd Snyder and Unsubscribed.
The company has continued to position American Eagle as a major denim destination while expanding Aerie into a fast-growing intimates and lifestyle business. AEO also supports community initiatives through the AE Foundation, Aerie Real Foundation, and AEO Better World Foundation, which includes a $10 million endowment.
“It is a profound honor to be recognized as a NRF Visionary, which is a testament to the strength and spirit of AEO and our associates. Leading our iconic brands through decades of growth — and working alongside the most remarkable team in the business — has truly been the privilege of my career,” Schottenstein said. “Having spent my entire life in retail, this industry has shaped who I am, and I’m incredibly proud of all we have achieved together. We have navigated shifting market landscapes and periods of change, yet our commitment to excellence and serving our customers has never wavered. AEO is a very special company with a deeply rich heritage, and as we prepare to celebrate our 50th anniversary in 2027, I am certain our most exciting chapters are yet to come.”
Schottenstein’s retail interests extend beyond AEO. He is chairman and CEO of SB360 Capital Partners and executive chairman of Designer Brands Inc., where he served as CEO from 2005 to 2009. He also serves as chairman of Schottenstein Property Group and Schottenstein Stores Corp., the family business founded by his grandfather more than a century ago. Additionally, the company operates a robust e-commerce business across its brands. For more information, visit aeo-inc.com.
Schottenstein will participate in a fireside chat with Shay on January 11 during NRF 2027: Retail’s Big Show.
Previous recipients of The Visionary include Abercrombie & Fitch Co. CEO Fran Horowitz, Tommy Hilfiger, DICK’S Sporting Goods executive chairman Ed Stack, Lowe’s chairman and CEO Marvin Ellison, Target Corp. executive chairman Brian Cornell, former Kohl’s CEO Michelle Gass, Nike executive chairman Mark Parker, former Walmart president and CEO Doug McMillon and former Levi Strauss & Co. president and CEO Chip Bergh.
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