NEW YORK, Nov. 5 /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 four-week period ended October 31, 2009 increased 9% to $138.8 million, from $127.4 million for the four-week period ended November 1, 2008. The Company's same store sales increased 3% for the month, compared to a same store sales increase of 1% in the year ago period.

For the third quarter of fiscal 2009, total net sales increased 18% to $567.8 million, from $482.0 million in the year ago period. Same store sales for the third quarter increased 10%, compared to a same store sales increase of 7% last year. Year to date, total net sales have increased 20% to $1.429 billion, from $1.195 billion in the year ago period. Year to date, same store sales have increased 11%, compared to a same store sales increase of 9% last year.

The Company stated that it made a seamless transition into its holiday floor set, while managing its back to school clearance inventories. The Company also noted that its merchandise margins increased significantly over last year, and 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 $0.90 to $0.91 per diluted share, compared to its previously issued earnings guidance in the range of $0.84 to $0.85 per share.

The revised guidance compares to earnings of $0.63 per share in the third quarter last year, representing an increase of 43% to 44%.

To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded October 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(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 www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale(TM) products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale(TM) stores and online at www.ps4u.com. The Company currently operates 894 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 40 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 11 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in 4 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
    (646) 452-1876 or kohashi@Aeropostale.com

    Media Contact:
    Leigh Parrish/Diane Zappas, FD
    (212) 850-5600

SOURCE Aeropostale, Inc.