Aeropostale Same Store Sales Decrease 1% (ARO)

Aeropostale, Inc. 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 28, 2010 increased 4% to $252.5 million, compared to $241.7 million for the four-week period ended August 29, 2009. The Company's same store sales decreased 1% for the month, compared to a same store sales increase of 9% in the year ago period. Year to date, total net sales have increased 10% to $1.211 billion, from $1.103 billion in the year ago period. Year to date, same store sales have increased 4%, compared to a same store sales increase of 11% last year. The Company noted that it experienced stronger results in its peak back to school regions, reflecting a customer that is shopping closer to need. Merchandise margins were down slightly versus last year, and inventories remain well controlled.