NEW YORK, May 31, 2006 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- 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 May 27,
2006 increased 17.9% to $73.9 million, compared to $62.6 million for
the four-week period ended May 28, 2005. The company's comparable
store sales decreased 1.1% for the month, versus a comparable store
sales decrease of 4.9% in the year ago period.
Fiscal year to date, total net sales have increased 16.7% to
$320.2 million, compared to $274.3 million in the year-ago period.
Fiscal year to date, comparable store sales decreased 2.5%, versus a
comparable store sales increase of 2.3% in the year-ago period.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said,
"During May we continued to drive strong increases in our merchandise
margins and our average unit retails. As a result, we were able to
achieve our gross margin dollar plan for the month. We are pleased
with both the content and level of our inventories and we believe we
are well positioned for the upcoming back to school selling season."
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded May sales message, please dial
(888) 203-1112 followed by the conference identification number
#4127309.
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 are currently
purchased only in its stores, on-line through its e-commerce website
(www.aeropostale.com) or at organized sales events at college
campuses.
The company currently operates 696 Aeropostale stores in 47 states
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, 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.
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
Aeropostale, Inc.
Michael Cunningham/Chief Financial Officer
Kenneth Ohashi/VP, Investor Relations
646-452-1876
