James O'Donnell

American Eagle Outfitters' CEO James O'Donnell will step down Saturday in a move that was expected. He will be replaced by former Levi's executive Robert Hanson. O'Donnell, 70, said early last year he planned to retire. Hanson was named as his successor in November after a lengthy search.

Mobile commerce sales at American Eagle Outfitters have more than tripled since last year, and the retailer is gaining added value by using mobility to strategically support its other channels, including its brick-and-mortar stores. "Our new AE app adds greater functionality and importantly drives customers to the stores with rewards tied to in-store activities," said American Eagle CEO James O'Donnell during a recent conference call discussing the retailer's Q3 financial results. "The shopkick rewards app is a great example and has generated positive traffic and transaction growth." The mobile app allows customers to "easily place online orders, put outfits

With comp store sales down 8 percent for the first quarter of 2011, American Eagle Outfitters' CEO James O'Donnell revealed that the retailer will close up to 35 stores in 2011 and a large number of stores are being considered for potential closing within the next two years.

American Eagle Outfitters is looking for a new chief executive. James O'Donnell, 70, has been CEO since 2003 and is said to be retiring. Chairman Jay Schottenstein, a longtime retailer who also chairs the board of discount footwear chain DSW, is heading the board's search. Schottenstein was CEO of the company from 1992 to 2002.