Same store sales increase 15.9% Raises First Quarter Guidance
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 12, 2007--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 April 7, 2007 increased 31.5% to $124.8
million, from $94.9 million for the five-week period ended April 1,
2006. Same store sales for the month increased 15.9%, compared to the
corresponding five-week period ended April 8, 2006.
Year-to-date, total net sales have increased 23.2% to $200.4
million, from $162.7 million in the year-ago period. Year-to-date,
same store sales have increased 10.3%, compared to the corresponding
period ended April 8, 2006.
Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "We
are extremely pleased with our performance for the month. Our results
reflect a strong reaction to our spring merchandise assortment, and a
high-single digit comp store sales benefit from the shift in Easter.
During the month we experienced broad-based strength across all of our
merchandise categories - women's, men's and accessories. We were also
able to achieve significant increases in both our merchandise margins
and average unit retails, while managing our inventories. We are
gratified by our strong and consistent performance over the past
several months and we remain excited about our future opportunities."
The company also updated guidance for the first quarter of fiscal
2007. The company now expects net earnings in the range of $0.22-$0.23
per diluted share, versus its previously issued guidance of
$0.19-$0.21 per diluted share. This compares to net earnings of $0.15
per diluted share in the first quarter last year.
The company believes that the disclosure of sales on a pro-forma
basis due to the 53rd week in fiscal 2006, which is a non-GAAP
financial measure, provides investors useful information to help them
better understand the company's expected results.
To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded March sales message, please
dial (877) 519-4471, followed by the conference identification number
#8288610.
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 736 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, 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 QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q, 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: Company:
Aeropostale, Inc.
Kenneth Ohashi, 646-452-1876
VP, Investor & Media Relations
kohashi@aeropostale.com
or
Media:
Financial Dynamics
Leigh Parrish/Cara O'Brien, 212-850-5600
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
