Aeropostale Reports Record September Sales Results; Same Store Sales Increase 19%; Raises Third Quarter Earnings Guidance

NEW YORK, Oct. 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 October 3, 2009 increased 28% to $187.3 million, from $146.7 million for the five-week period ended October 4, 2008. The Company's same store sales increased 19% for the month, compared to a same store sales increase of 5% in the year ago period. The Company believes that its results for the month reflect a positive same store sales impact due to the Labor Day calendar shift.

Year to date, total net sales have increased 21% to $1.290 billion, from $1.068 billion in the year ago period. Year to date, same store sales have increased 12%, compared to a same store sales increase of 10% in the same period last year.

The Company stated that the continued strength of its merchandise assortment, coupled with its compelling pre-planned promotions, led to another month of record sales. The Company also stated that its merchandise margins continued to improve over last year, and that its inventories remain well controlled and on plan.

Third Quarter Guidance:

Based on the better than expected results for the month, the Company now believes it will achieve net earnings in the range $0.84 to $0.85 per diluted share, compared to its previously issued earnings guidance in the range of $0.78 to $0.80 per share.

The Company achieved net earnings of $0.63 per share in the third quarter last year.

To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded September sales message, please dial [phone] or [phone].

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(TM) 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 http://www.aeropostale.com/. P.S. from Aeropostale(TM) products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale(TM) stores and online at http://www.ps4u.com/. The Company currently operates 891 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 39 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 9 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 3 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.

  Company Contact:
  Kenneth Ohashi/Vice President, Investor & Media Relations
  [phone] or kohashi@Aéropostale.com

  Media Contact:
  Leigh Parrish/Diane Zappas, FD
  [phone]


DATASOURCE: Aeropostale, Inc.



CONTACT:  Kenneth Ohashi, Vice President, Investor & Media Relations,

646-452-1876, ; Media, Leigh Parrish or Diane Zappas,

both of FD, [phone]



Web Site:  http://www.aeropostale.com/ 

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