American Eagle Stock Surges After Sweeney Campaign

American Eagle Outfitters' stock surged between 10% and 16%, adding over $300 million in market value following the launch of its largest-ever denim campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney. The campaign, titled 'Sydney Sweeney Has Great (American Eagle) Jeans,' leveraged provocative imagery, viral social media buzz, 3D billboards, and AI try-on technology to target Gen Z and millennial shoppers. Major marketing activations included high-profile placements in Times Square and a takeover of Las Vegas's Sphere. Sweeney's influence and the campaign's high visibility spurred significant meme stock trading activity, with American Eagle trending on Reddit's WallStreetBets. The campaign's financial impact comes as the company faces declining revenues and increased tariff pressures. Analysts highlight the combined effects of celebrity marketing and retail trader speculation in driving the brand's rapid turnaround.