Same Store Sales Increase 13%
Raises Second Quarter Earnings Guidance to $0.30 to $0.31 Per Share
Aéropostale, 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
August 2, 2008 increased 24% to $138.8 million, from $111.7 million for
the four-week period ended August 4, 2007. The Company’s
same store sales increased 13% for the month, compared to a same store
sales decrease of 12% in the year ago period.
For the second quarter of fiscal 2008, total net sales increased 21% to
$377.1 million, from $311.2 million for the second quarter of fiscal
2007. For the second quarter, same store sales increased 11%, compared
to a same store sales decrease of 4% in the second quarter last year.
Year to date, total net sales have increased 22% to $713.5 million, from
$587.0 million in the year-ago period. Year to date same store sales
increased 10%, compared to a same store sales decrease of 1% last year.
The Company noted that it was very pleased with the customer response to
its back to school merchandise assortments and pre-planned promotions.
The Company also remains comfortable with both the level and composition
of its inventory as it heads into the remainder of the back to school
selling season. Based on better than expected sales and gross margins
for the month, the Company now believes it will achieve second quarter
earnings of $0.30 to $0.31 per share, versus its previously issued
guidance of $0.25 to $0.26 per share.
To hear the Aéropostale prerecorded July sales
message, please dial (866) 644-7738 or (585) 267-8033.
About Aéropostale,
Inc.
Aéropostale, 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. Aéropostale
maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing,
marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aéropostale
products can only be purchased in its stores or on-line through its
e-commerce website (www.aeropostale.com).
The Company currently operates 843 Aéropostale
stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico, 22 Aéropostale
stores in Canada 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
Aéropostale, Inc.
Kenneth Ohashi,
646-452-1876
Vice President, Investor & Media Relations
kohashi@aeropostale.com
or
Media:
Financial
Dynamics
Cara O’Brien/Leigh Parrish,
212-850-5600
