Aerie

Introduction / Overview

For Michigan locals, particularly those in the Byron Center area and beyond, Aerie is more than just a clothing store; it's a movement centered around comfort, confidence, and real body positivity. As a sub-brand of American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie has carved out a unique niche by offering a wide array of intimate apparel, including bras and undies, alongside popular loungewear, activewear, sleepwear, and swimwear. What truly distinguishes Aerie is its pioneering "AerieREAL" campaign, which launched in 2014, committing to no retouching of its models and featuring women of diverse sizes, shapes, skin tones, and abilities. This philosophy deeply resonates with customers, fostering a loyal community that values authenticity and self-acceptance.

The Aerie store at Tanger Outlets in Byron Center embodies this brand ethos, providing a welcoming and inclusive shopping environment where Michigan women can find comfortable and stylish pieces designed to make them feel good, inside and out. From the softest fabrics to trendy designs, Aerie aims to empower its customers, making shopping for essentials and fashion-forward items an uplifting experience. Customers frequently praise the "great customer service" and "awesome staff," making this store a beloved local spot for quality apparel and a positive shopping journey.

Location and Accessibility

The Aerie store is conveniently located at 350 84th St SW Suite 230, Byron Center, MI 49315, USA. This address places it within the popular Tanger Outlets West Michigan, a premier shopping destination for residents across West Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Holland, and surrounding communities. Being part of an outlet mall offers several advantages in terms of accessibility.

The Tanger Outlets are easily reachable via major roadways, including US-131, making it a straightforward drive for visitors from various directions. The ample parking available throughout the outlet center ensures that customers will find convenient spots, even during peak shopping seasons. The layout of the outlet mall is designed for pedestrian access between stores, allowing for a comfortable shopping stroll. While public transportation options directly to the outlet mall might be limited, its location as a regional shopping hub means many locals will have a car or rideshare as their primary mode of transport. The strategic placement within Tanger Outlets makes this Aerie store a highly accessible and attractive destination for Michigan locals looking for their favorite comfortable styles.

Services Offered

Aerie, including its Byron Center location, offers a range of services centered around providing a comfortable and empowering shopping experience for its customers:

• Extensive Apparel Selection: The core service is providing a wide variety of clothing, specializing in:
  • Intimates: A broad range of bras (including various styles like wireless, push-up, bralettes), and a vast selection of comfortable and stylish undies.
  • Loungewear & Sleepwear: Soft and cozy apparel perfect for relaxing at home, including sweatshirts, hoodies, joggers, sweatpants, and pajamas.
  • Activewear: Through its "OFFLINE by Aerie" sub-brand, the store offers a collection of leggings, sports bras, and workout tops designed for movement and comfort.
  • Swimwear: A diverse collection of swimsuits, including bikinis, one-pieces, and mix-and-match options.
  • Dormwear & Accessories: Comfortable apparel suitable for dorm life, along with various accessories to complete outfits.
• Bra Fit Expertise: Staff members are typically trained to offer personalized bra fittings, helping customers find the perfect size and style for optimal comfort and support.
• "AerieREAL" Philosophy & Community: Beyond products, Aerie promotes a brand philosophy of body positivity, self-love, and no retouching. The store environment reflects this inclusivity.
• Returns and Exchanges: A flexible return policy allows customers to return or exchange items purchased online or in-store, often without a strict time limit if proof of purchase is available, ensuring customer satisfaction.
• In-Store Pickup (Buy Online, Pick Up In-Store): For added convenience, customers can often place orders online and pick them up at the Byron Center store, saving on shipping costs and time.
• Gift Card Sales: Aerie gift cards are available, making them a perfect present for friends and family who love comfortable and stylish apparel.

Features / Highlights

The Aerie store in Byron Center boasts several key features and highlights that contribute to its popularity among Michigan locals:

• Exceptional Customer Service: This is a frequently praised highlight. Customers consistently mention "great customer service" and "awesome staff" who are attentive and helpful. This contributes to a positive and welcoming shopping atmosphere.
• Body Positivity & Inclusivity (AerieREAL): A cornerstone of the Aerie brand, the store promotes a message of self-acceptance and uses unretouched models of diverse body types, shapes, and sizes in its advertising. This resonates deeply with customers looking for authentic representation.
• Comfort-First Apparel: Aerie is renowned for its incredibly soft fabrics and comfortable designs. From "the softest fabrics to the cutest prints," the clothing is designed to make customers "feel good" and be comfortable for "any way you move," whether lounging or being active.
• Wide Range of Sizes: The brand is committed to offering a broad spectrum of sizes, ensuring that various body types can find well-fitting and flattering apparel, particularly in their intimate wear.
• Trendy and Stylish Designs: While prioritizing comfort, Aerie also stays current with fashion trends, offering stylish pieces in loungewear, activewear, and swimwear that appeal to a wide demographic.
• "Good Deals": Customers appreciate that the store frequently offers "good deals" and promotions, making their quality products accessible and providing great value for shoppers.
• Sustainability Efforts (Made Real Good™): Aerie is committed to sustainability, incorporating materials made from recycled polyester and nylon fabric, or sustainably sourced cotton, into many of its products, aligning with environmentally conscious consumers.
• Loyalty Program (Real Rewards): As part of American Eagle Outfitters, Aerie participates in the Real Rewards program, offering points, exclusive offers, and birthday coupons, further enhancing the shopping experience for regular customers.

Promotions or Special Offers

Aerie, being part of American Eagle Outfitters, consistently runs a variety of promotions and special offers designed to provide value to its Michigan customers:

• Real Rewards Loyalty Program: This is the primary avenue for ongoing savings. Members earn points on every purchase, which can be redeemed for discounts. Perks include:
  • Earning 10 points for every $1 spent.
  • A $5 birthday coupon.
  • Exclusive member-only offers and early access to sales.
  • Higher tiers unlock additional perks like free shipping.
• AEO/Aerie Credit Card Benefits: Opening and using a Real Rewards credit card often provides significant initial discounts (e.g., "20% off your first Aerie purchase") and ongoing benefits like "free shipping on every order" and "16% back in rewards" on Aerie purchases.
• Regular Sales and Clearance: The store frequently features "good deals," including widespread sales on various categories. For instance, common promotions include:
  • "Up to 70% off Almost Everything" or specific categories like swim.
  • "Undies Now: 10 for $38" or similar multi-buy offers on underwear.
  • Discounts on sports bras (e.g., "40% off all sports bras").
  • "Take an Extra 50% off Clearance Prices" on already reduced items.
• Email and Text Sign-Up Discounts: New subscribers to Aerie's email list or text alerts often receive a percentage off their next order (e.g., "10% off your next order with Email Signup" or "15% off your next order" for text alerts).
• Refer-a-Friend Program: Customers can receive discounts (e.g., "25% off your next order") when they refer friends who make their first purchase.
• Student Discounts: Aerie offers a student discount through UNiDAYS, typically providing 20% off for verified students.

Michigan locals are encouraged to check the Aerie website, sign up for their loyalty program and emails, or visit the Byron Center store to stay updated on the latest sales and promotions.

Contact Information

For any inquiries about products, store hours, or services at the Aerie store in Byron Center, Michigan, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 350 84th St SW Suite 230, Byron Center, MI 49315, USA (Located within Tanger Outlets West Michigan)
• Phone: (616) 730-7098

Typical store hours for Tanger Outlets are generally Monday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. However, it's always advisable to verify specific store hours directly with Aerie or the Tanger Outlets website, especially during holidays or for any special events.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Michigan locals, particularly those in West Michigan, the Aerie store at Tanger Outlets in Byron Center is a highly suitable and cherished destination for their apparel needs. What makes it particularly appealing is its unique blend of comfortable, high-quality clothing with a powerful, uplifting brand philosophy. In a world often dominated by unrealistic beauty standards, Aerie's "AerieREAL" campaign, emphasizing no retouching and celebrating diverse body types, resonates deeply, fostering a sense of empowerment and self-love among its customers. This makes shopping not just about acquiring clothes, but about affirming self-acceptance.

Beyond its impactful message, the store delivers on practicality. Locals can find a wide range of essential and trendy items, from the softest intimates and loungewear to stylish activewear and swimwear, all designed for comfort and durability. The "great customer service" and "awesome staff," as noted by numerous reviews, ensure a pleasant and helpful shopping experience. While one customer wished for a more comfortable seating area for "us guys" outside fitting rooms, the overall positive atmosphere and the consistent availability of "good deals" make Aerie a valued part of the local retail landscape. For Michigan women seeking clothing that combines comfort, style, and a truly positive message, this Aerie location in Byron Center is an ideal and empowering choice.