Martin + Osa
Division | |
Industry | Retail |
Fate | Closed |
Founded | September 6, 2006 |
Defunct | 2010 |
Parent | American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. |
Martin + Osa (Martin & Osa) was a brand of clothing and stores developed by American Eagle Outfitters.[1] The store's name and inspiration came from Martin and Osa Johnson, a husband and wife team from southeast Kansas who explored Africa and the South Pacific Islands, chronicling their travels in photographs and diaries.[2]
Martin + Osa targeted 25 to 40-year-old customers and offered classic and contemporary clothing, with an emphasis on denim.[2]
The first retail store opened at Tysons Corner Center in McLean, Virginia, on September 6, 2006. Stores were designed by Michael Neumann Architecture (MNA) in NYC.[3] ranging in size from 6,500 to 7,500 square feet (700 m2).
On March 10, 2010, American Eagle Outfitters announced it would close down its 28 Martin + Osa stores and online store.[1] Although performance improved from fiscal 2008, management determined that the brand was not achieving performance levels that warrant further investment.[1] In fiscal 2009, Martin + Osa generated an after-tax loss of approximately $44 million, including a non-cash impairment charge of approximately $11 million, net of tax.[1] The company chose to focus its efforts and resources on the American Eagle family of brands including, AE, aerie and 77kids, estimated to have greater potential of creating long-term shareholder value.[1][4]
As of late July 2010, the Martin + Osa online store and all retail stores had closed. For a time customers could still visit the Martin + Osa website for gift card and e-gift card balance look up, order tracking and customer service contact information. This functionality is now disabled and the website redirects to American Eagle.
References
- 1 2 3 4 5 Press Release, 2010.
- 1 2 Barbaro, Michael. "Leaving Behind the Torn-Jeans Look". New York Times. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ↑ , 2013.
- ↑ O'Reilly, Kelly. "American Eagle Closing Martin + Osa". NBC New York. Retrieved 26 October 2015.