How American Eagle Outfitters Is Reinventing Logistics with AI

Why It Matters

By accelerating same‑day delivery and embedding AI across its supply chain, AEO gains a competitive edge in a fast‑moving apparel market while mitigating tariff risks, illustrating how retailers can harness technology to meet evolving consumer expectations.

Key Takeaways

• AEO prioritizes same‑day delivery using store network to customers
• AI foundation built for agentic, end‑to‑end control tower
• Generative AI tools deployed to assist associates daily
• Tariff volatility now central focus for global logistics strategy
• Human‑machine balance emphasized to free staff from mundane tasks

Summary

At Manifest 2026, Brandon Freeze, senior leader of global logistics at American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), discussed how the retailer is reinventing its logistics with AI and same‑day delivery.

He highlighted AEO’s push for same‑day delivery leveraging its extensive store network, the development of an AI‑ready data foundation for an agentic control tower, and the integration of generative AI tools for associates. He also noted that tariff uncertainty has become a top strategic concern.

Freeze shared examples such as naming the AI assistant “Aquarius,” rolling out the tool to all employees, and observing a retailer’s drone airport as inspiration. He stressed the importance of a balanced human‑machine approach, freeing staff from routine tasks.

These initiatives position AEO to meet Gen Z expectations for rapid fulfillment, improve operational efficiency, and build resilience against trade policy shifts, signaling broader industry movement toward AI‑driven, customer‑centric logistics.

Original Description

At Manifest 2026 in Las Vegas, Scott Luton sits down with Brandon Friez, Global Logistics Leader at American Eagle Outfitters (AEO), to discuss how retailers are evolving their supply chains to meet rising customer expectations and a rapidly changing global trade environment.

Brandon shares how AEO is tackling challenges like tariffs, accelerating delivery expectations, and the growing role of AI in supply chain operations. From enabling same-day delivery through store networks to preparing data foundations for an agentic AI future, the conversation highlights how modern retail logistics is becoming faster, smarter, and more responsive to consumer demand.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- Why AI is becoming essential for modern retail supply chains

- How tariffs and global trade shifts are impacting apparel logistics

- Why retailers are investing in same-day delivery through store networks

- How control towers and data foundations prepare supply chains for AI-

- The importance of keeping humans in the loop when implementing AI tools

- Emerging ideas around circularity and sustainability in the apparel industry

Additional Links & Resources:

Connect with Brandon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-friez/

Learn more about AEO: https://www.aeo-inc.com/

See more coverage from Manifest 2026: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLlLoUG3n7TmU6SeFG__XDNUjOgq_QN3tD

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