How American Eagle Outfitters Is Stacking the Deck Against the Competition

American Eagle Outfitters (NYSE: AEO) reported strong second quarter numbers on Aug. 23. Its comparable-store sales rose for the tenth straight quarter, and its total revenue grew 3% annually to $845 million, beating estimates by over $20 million.

That's a stark contrast to its peer Abercrombie & Fitch, which posted 18 straight quarters of sliding comps. American Eagle is also faring better than Gap, which only recently broke its streak of declining comps with three straight quarters of growth. Let's examine four ways the company stays ahead of its rivals to remain a "best in breed" player in the tough apparel industry.

Source: American Eagle Outfitters.

Source: Fool.com