NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 4, 2005--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 April 30, 2005 increased 13.8% to $65.1
million, compared to $57.2 million for the four-week period ended May
1, 2004. The company's comparable store sales decreased 5.7% for the
month, versus a comparable store sales increase of 19.3% in the year
ago period.
For the first quarter of fiscal 2005, total net sales have
increased 26.2% to $211.7 million, compared to $167.7 million in the
year-ago period. Comparable store sales for the first quarter have
increased 4.4%, compared to 18.9% in the year-ago period.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We
were disappointed with the retail environment during April. For our
young teenage customer, the shift in Easter led to a greater than
expected decrease in mall traffic. While our sales were below plan for
the month, we are pleased to be able to deliver earnings in line with
our previously issued guidance."
The company noted that it is comfortable with its previously
issued guidance of $0.15 per share for the first quarter. This
compares to earnings of $0.11 per share in the first quarter of last
year.
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded April sales message, please
dial (877) 519-4471 or (973) 341-3080, followed by the conference
identification number #5637324.
About Aeropostale, Inc.
Aeropostale, Inc. is a fast growing, mall-based, specialty
retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 11
to 18 year-old young women and men. The company provides customers
with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion
basic merchandise at compelling values. Aeropostale maintains control
over its proprietary brands by designing, marketing and selling all of
its own merchandise. Aeropostale products are currently purchased only
in its stores or at organized sales events at college campuses.
Starting this summer, Aeropostale will also be selling its products
on-line through its website (www.aeropostale.com).
The first Aeropostale store was opened in 1987. As of April 30,
2005, the company operated 597 stores in 47 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, AMONG OTHERS, 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 CURRENT REPORTS ON FORM 8-K, 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.
Michael Cunningham/Chief Financial Officer
Kenneth Ohashi/Director of Investor Relations
888-363-2825
or
Investor Relations:
Integrated Corporate Relations, Inc.
James Palczynski/Chad A. Jacobs
203-682-8200
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
