Aeropostale Reports Record March Sales Results; Same Store Sales Increase 19%; Raises First Quarter Guidance

NEW YORK, April 8 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- 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 3, 2010 increased 25% to $200.1 million, from $160.5 million for the five-week period ended April 4, 2009. The Company's same store sales increased 19% for the month, compared to a same store sales increase of 3% in the year ago period.

Year to date, total net sales have increased 21% to $326.5 million, from $270.4 million in the year-ago period. Year to date, same store sales have increased 14%, compared to a same store sales increase of 6% last year.

The Company stated that its performance reflected the continued strength of its spring merchandise assortment. The Company also noted that its results for the month include a positive impact due to the Easter calendar shift. In addition, merchandise margins for the month increased significantly over last year, and inventories remain well controlled and on plan.

Based on the stronger than expected results for the month, the Company now expects first quarter earnings of approximately $0.44 per diluted share, compared to its previously issued guidance of $0.39 to $0.40 per share.  The revised guidance represents an increase of approximately 42% versus earnings of $0.31 per share last year.

To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded March sales message, please dial (866) 644-7738 or (585) 267-8033.

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 through its Aeropostale® stores and 7 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores. 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 can only be purchased in its Aeropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale™ products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores and online at www.ps4u.com. The Company currently operates 895 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 44 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 16 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 7 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

SOURCE Aeropostale, Inc.