In this solo episode of The AHA! Moment Podcast, Angelina breaks down one of the most surprising retail trends of the year — the comeback of three iconic brands: Gap, American Eagle, and Barnes & Noble. Once considered relics of dead malls and Amazon’s dominance, these retailers are proving that with the right mix of nostalgia and strategy, no brand is ever truly over.

From Gap’s viral TikTok collaborations, to American Eagle’s billion-dollar Aerie sub-brand, to Barnes & Noble’s rebirth fueled by BookTok and community-driven stores, Angelina unpacks what these comebacks reveal about the future of retail — and what lessons entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders can take away.

If you’ve ever wondered why some legacy brands fade away while others reinvent themselves for a new generation, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on branding, customer connection, and cultural timing.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Gap leveraged nostalgia and collaboration to become relevant again
• The playbook behind American Eagle’s pivot with Aerie and Offline
• Why Barnes & Noble is thriving in the age of Amazon, thanks to BookTok and local curation
• The common strategies these comebacks share — and how you can apply them to your own brand or business
• Why consumer values, storytelling, and community matter more than ever in 2025

Substack:
See Angelina’s full companion piece — including her analysis of these retail revivals, lessons for entrepreneurs, and predictions on what brands might be next — by subscribing for free to The AHA! Moment on Substack.

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LinkedIn: Angelina Spiropoulos

05:14 Gap’s Nostalgic but Modern Comeback

10:41 How American Eagle Won Gen Z with Aerie & Offline

17:07 Barnes & Noble’s Rebirth Through BookTok & Community

22:20 Lessons for Entrepreneurs, Creators & Brands