Profile: Aeropostale Inc (ARO)

Aeropostale, Inc., incorporated on September 1, 1995, is a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories. The Company designs, markets and sells its own brand of merchandise principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and young men. The Company also sells Aeropostale merchandise through its e-commerce Website, www.aeropostale.com. As of January 31, 2009, it operated 914 stores, consisting of 874 Aeropostale stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico, 29 Aeropostale stores in Canada, and 11 Jimmy’Z stores in 10 states.

The Company locates its stores primarily in shopping malls, outlet centers and, to a much lesser degree, lifestyle and off-mall shopping centers. The Company has developed a new retail store concept called P.S. from Aeropostale, which will offer casual clothing and accessories focusing on elementary school children between the ages of seven and 12. It offers a focused collection of apparel, including graphic t-shirts, tops, bottoms, sweaters, jeans, outerwear and accessories.

The Company competes with American Eagle Outfitters, Hollister, Old Navy, Pacific Sunwear and Tween Brands.