Same store sales increase 6.6%
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 6, 2007--Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE:
ARO), a mall-based specialty retailer of casual and active apparel for
young women and men, today announced that total net sales for the
four-week period ended December 1, 2007 increased 28.4% to $192.2
million, from $149.7 million for the four-week period ended November
25, 2006. Due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2006, same stores for the
month are compared to the four-week period ended December 2, 2006. On
this basis, same store sales increased 6.6%.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, said, "We
are pleased that the sales momentum we experienced during the Black
Friday weekend continued through the remainder of the month. We ended
November with same store sales at the high end of our guidance, with
gross margins above last year and with inventories well controlled.
Our merchandise assortment continues to receive a positive reaction
from our customers and we remain well positioned for the peak holiday
selling season."
The Company believes that the disclosure of same store sales on a
pro-forma basis due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2006, which is a
non-GAAP financial measure, provides investors useful information to
help them better understand the company's expected results.
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded November sales message, please
dial (866) 644-7738 or (585) 267-8033.
About Aeropostale, Inc.
Aeropostale, Inc. is a mall-based, specialty retailer of casual
apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young
women and men. The company provides customers with a focused selection
of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion and fashion basic
merchandise at compelling values. Aeropostale maintains control over
its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling
all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale products can only be purchased
in its stores or on-line through its e-commerce website
(www.aeropostale.com).
The Company currently operates 801 Aeropostale stores in 47
states, 12 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 14 Jimmy'Z stores in 11
states.
SPECIAL NOTE: THIS PRESS RELEASE AND ORAL STATEMENTS MADE FROM
TIME TO TIME BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY CONTAIN CERTAIN
"FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" CONCERNING EXPECTATIONS FOR SALES, STORE
OPENINGS, GROSS MARGINS, EXPENSES, STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND EARNINGS.
ACTUAL RESULTS MIGHT DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. AMONG THE FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL
RESULTS TO MATERIALLY DIFFER INCLUDE, CHANGES IN THE COMPETITIVE
MARKETPLACE, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTS OR PRICING
CHANGES BY OUR COMPETITORS, CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY AND OTHER EVENTS
LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN DISCRETIONARY CONSUMER SPENDING;
SEASONALITY; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL,
ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS AND THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF
CHANGES IN IMPORT RESTRICTIONS; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH UNCERTAINTY
RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT ITS GROWTH STRATEGIES,
AS WELL AS THE OTHER RISK FACTORS SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K
AND QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q, FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND
EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR
REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS OR
CIRCUMSTANCES.
CONTACT: Aeropostale, Inc.
Kenneth Ohashi, 646-452-1876
Vice President, Investor & Media Relations
kohashi@aeropostale.com
or
Media:
Financial Dynamics
Cara O'Brien or Leigh Parrish, 212-850-5600
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
