Net Sales Increase 51.6% to $69.6 Million;
Same Store Sales Increase 21.3%
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 7, 2004-- 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 five-week period ended July 3, 2004
increased 51.6% to $69.6 million, compared to $45.9 million for the
five-week period ended July 5, 2003. The company's comparable store
sales increased 21.3% for the month, versus a comparable store sales
increase of 8.7% in the year ago period.
Year-to-date, total net sales have increased 51.3% to $291.4
million, compared to $192.6 million in the year-ago period. Year to
date, comparable store sales have increased 20.8%, compared to an
increase of 2.7% in the year-ago period.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "Our
sales for the month once again exceeded our expectations. Our June
results reflect the timely sell through of our summer merchandise as
well as a strong customer reaction to our back to school assortment.
We ended the month with appropriate inventory levels and we continue
to believe that we are well positioned for the back to school selling
season."
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded June sales message, please
dial (877) 519-4471 or (973) 341-3080, followed by the conference
identification number #4497112.
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 509 stores in 42 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 Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004 filed with the
Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated
in this release by reference.
CONTACT: Aeropostale, Inc.
Michael Cunningham or Kenneth Ohashi
888-363-2825
or
Investor Relations:
Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc.
James Palczynski or Chad A. Jacobs
203-222-9013
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
