NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 5, 2005--Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE:
ARO), a mall-based specialty retailer of casual and active apparel for
young women and men, today announced that Mary Jo Pile has joined
Aeropostale as Chief Store Officer - Director of Stores. Ms. Pile is
succeeding Tom Johnson in the position. Mr. Johnson was previously
promoted to the position of Executive Vice President and Chief
Operating Officer for the company.
"We are thrilled to have Mary Jo aboard. Her extensive retail
background and powerful leadership capabilities will complement our
already talented store line organization," said Julian R. Geiger,
Chairman and CEO. "We expect Mary Jo to have a seamless transition
into her new role and look forward to her positive contributions to
the continued success of Aeropostale."
Ms. Pile brings more than 20 years of retail experience to
Aeropostale. Most recently, she held the position of Executive Vice
President of Stores for Express/Express Men's, where she led the
integration of the Express men's and women's storeline businesses.
Prior to that, from 1997 to 2001, Ms. Pile held the position of
Vice-President of Stores for Express and The Limited, where she
performed an integral role in turning around the women's business.
From 1995 to 1997, Ms. Pile led the startup and launch of Victoria's
Secret Beauty stores as Vice President of Stores - Victoria's Secret
Beauty. Pile began her career in 1982 with Express, where she held
various sales and management positions between 1982 and 1994.
Pile will be based in New York and will report to Tom Johnson.
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
203-222-9013
SOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.
