NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 6, 2003--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 August 2, 2003 increased 59.2% to $49.5
million, compared to $31.1 million for the four-week period ended
August 3, 2002. The company's comparable store sales increased 19.3%
for the month, versus the year-ago comparable store sales increase of
4.3%.
For the quarter ended August 2, 2003, total net sales have
increased 44.2% to $129.9 million, compared to $90.1 million in the
quarter ended August 3, 2002. Comparable stores sales for the second
quarter have increased 9.2%, compared to 11.2% in the year-ago period.
Year-to-date, total net sales have increased 38.2% to $242.2 million,
compared to $175.3 million in the year-ago period. Year-to-date,
comparable store sales have increased 5.5%, compared to 16.4% in the
year-ago period.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We
are very pleased with our exceptional sales results for July. This
performance continues the momentum we experienced last month and
encourages us that our merchandise assortments are well positioned for
back to school. Based upon these results, we are raising our second
quarter earnings per diluted share to be $0.05 - $0.06, including
costs of approximately $0.01 relating to our recently completed
secondary offering."
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded July sales message, please
dial (877) 519-4471 or (973) 341-3080, followed by the conference
identification number 3788345#.
About Aeropostale, Inc.
Aeropostale, Inc. (www.aeropostale.com) is a mall-based specialty
retailer of casual apparel and accessories that targets both young
women and young men aged 11 to 20. The company provides customers with
a selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion basic
merchandise in a high-energy store environment. The company maintains
complete control over the proprietary brand by designing and sourcing
all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale products can be purchased only
in its stores, which sell Aeropostale merchandise exclusively.
The first Aeropostale store was opened in 1987. The company
currently operates 427 stores in 40 states.
Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information
contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute
forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the
Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and
uncertainties, including statements regarding the company's strategic
direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including
factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ
materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements.
These factors include the company's ability to implement its growth
strategy successfully, changes in consumer fashion preferences,
economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate,
competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in the
company's prospectus dated July 28, 2003 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this
release by reference.
CONTACT: Aeropostale, Inc. Michael Cunningham, 888-363-2825
or
Investor Relations:
Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc.
James Palczynski / Chad A. Jacobs
203-222-9013
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
