3 Retail Stocks Ripe for a Short Squeeze

Group 1 - American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO) has experienced a surge in stock price following a controversial denim campaign featuring actress Sydney Sweeney, which has led to increased retail trading activity and volatility [1] - AEO's stock is up 19.9% to $12.88, marking its largest single-day percentage gain since April 2020, while still reflecting a year-to-date deficit of 23.1% [2] - There is significant short interest in AEO, with 11.1% of the stock's available float sold short, indicating lingering pessimism among investors [2] Group 2 - Abercrombie & Fitch Co (ANF) has seen its stock rise 6% to $96.51, but it has declined 30.1% over the past nine months, with 14.2% of its float sold short [3] - Dick's Sporting Goods Inc (DKS) is up 0.4% to $207.49, attempting to recover from a four-day losing streak, but remains down 9.3% in 2025, with 9.1% of its float sold short [4] Group 3 - AEO is experiencing unusual options activity, with 123,000 calls and 31,000 puts traded, which is nine times the typical volume, indicating heightened investor interest [5]