-- Raises third quarter earnings guidance to $0.58 - $0.59 per
diluted share, versus previously issued guidance of $0.55 -
$0.57 per diluted share
Business Editors/Retail Writers
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 5, 2006--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 September 30, 2006 increased 21.9% to $127.1
million, compared to $104.3 million for the five-week period ended
October 1, 2005. The company's comparable store sales increased 8.5%
for the month, versus a comparable store sales decrease of 4.2% in the
year ago period.
Fiscal year to date, total net sales have increased 17.8% to
$807.2 million, compared to $685.2 million in the year-ago period.
Fiscal year to date, comparable store sales increased 1.4%, versus a
comparable store sales increase of 0.2% in the year-ago period.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We
are very pleased to have generated such strong results for the month.
During September, we were able to drive comparable store sales while
controlling our promotional cadence and inventory levels. As a result,
we were able to make gains in both our merchandise margins and average
unit retails. Our overall merchandise assortment continues to receive
a positive response from our customers and we are encouraged by the
momentum of our business as we transition into the holiday selling
season."
The company also updated its guidance for the third quarter today.
Based on the stronger than expected sales and margins for September,
the company now expects to report third quarter earnings in the range
of $0.58 - $0.59 per diluted share, versus its previously issued
guidance in the range of $0.55 - $0.57 per diluted share.
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded September 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 720 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.
CONTACT: Aeropostale, Inc.
Kenneth Ohashi, VP, Investor and Media Relations
646-452-1876
kohashi@aeropostale.com
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
