Aeropostale and DoSomething.org launch service initiative, Teens for Jeans

Gossip Girl Chace Crawford stars in first ever PSA Campaign

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Teens are cleaning their closets -- and it's not because their mom asked them to do it. NYC-based teen retailer Aeropostale (NYSE: ARO) and teen not-for-profit DoSomething.org announced their second annual Teens for Jeans campaign today. The campaign aims to raise awareness on the growing number of homeless teens in the United States and Canada by empowering teens nationwide to collect jeans for homeless youth.

Last year, the campaign which is organized by Aeropostale and DoSomething.org collected over 125,000 pairs of jeans in just two weeks. This year the campaign will run for 4 weeks, from January 26th through February 22nd.

Teen favorite Chace Crawford (Gossip Girl) stars in the PSA campaign which encourages teens to take action in their communities. "Right now one in three homeless people in the US are under the age of 18. Let's Do Something about it. This year, we want to collect over 200,000 pairs of jeans," says Crawford. You can view his PSA at TeensforJeans.com.

Joining Chace to lend their help in raising awareness are David Archuleta, Eva Amurri, Shailene Woodley and many others.

"We're excited to be partnering with DoSomething.org on Teens for Jeans again," says Scott Birnbaum, Senior Vice President, Marketing at Aeropostale. "As a teenage brand, teen homelessness is an issue that's very near to us and by mobilizing our customer base we can really make a difference."

Starting Monday, January 26th until Sunday, February 22nd, people are encouraged to bring in any brand of their gently worn jeans to any Aeropostale store in the U.S. and Canada. Aeropostale and DoSomething.org will make sure the jeans are donated to one of the 500 local youth shelters that have been selected as partners. As an extra incentive for those who donate, Aeropostale will give an additional 25% off a new pair of jeans, though no purchase is necessary.

"DoSomething.org believes that service is all about action. We're not selling them a rubber bracelet or special t-shirt. We want kids to give something precious up: their jeans!" says Nancy Lublin, CEO of Do Something.

In addition to getting customers involved in stores, Aeropostale and DoSomething.org are encouraging teenagers in their local high schools and colleges to coordinate Teens for Jeans school drives. To be a 'Teens for Jeans' school ambassador and start their own drive they can sign up at TeensforJeans.com and receive a special Teens for Jeans action kit to help them get started. Over 1,000 teens have registered to be ambassadors.

"Aeropostale is committed to causes that are relevant to our customer. We are happy to be joined by so many of today's stars in getting as many people involved in the cause and help bring light to this serious epidemic," says Birnbaum. To kick off the initiative, Aeropostale will be donating 10,000 pairs of new jeans.

To learn how to get involved or for more information about teen homelessness and what you can do, visit teensforjeans.com.

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).

About Do Something

Do Something believes teenagers have the power to make a difference. We leverage communications technologies to enable teens to convert their ideas and energy into positive action. We inspire, empower and celebrate a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Plug in at www.dosomething.org.

Company Contact:
Kenneth Ohashi/Vice President, Investor & Media Relations
(646) 452-1876
or kohashi@aeropostale.com

Media Contact:
Quinn Solomon/Director, Public Relations
(646) 452-1820
Janell Vantrease/Sunshine, Sachs & Associates
(212) 691-2800

SOURCE Aeropostale, Inc.

Web Site: http://www.aeropostale.com
http://www.dosomething.org