Martin & Osa's Big Step
While retail watchers wait for the highly anticipated announcement of American Eagle Outfitters Inc.’s fourth brand, expected to debut in summer 2008, they can cool their collective heels at the biggest store for American Eagle’s Martin & Osa concept.
The 8,200-square-foot store debuted Nov. 29 at the Westfield Century City mall in the Century City neighborhood of Los Angeles. The store’s super-sized footprint will allow it to hold the most comprehensive collections of Martin & Osa’s refined business-casual styles for men and women, according to the label’s brand manager, Leslie Smith. Martin & Osa stores—there are 18 of them—generally do not go beyond 7,500 square feet.
Retail price points range from $15 for a tank top to $238 for outerwear. Core price points range from $78 to $98 for the holiday collection currently in the store.
The award-winning New York–based Michael Newman Architects firm designed the Martin & Osa space to emphasize a relaxed, natural look. Most of the wall sidings are covered with American cypress wood, and the store’s back wall is covered with quartz and granite stone. Smith said more than 20 additional Martin & Osa stores could open in 2008.
The company opened a Martin & Osa store at Fashion Island in Newport Beach, Calif., in October 2006. —Andrew Asch
