Aeropostale Q2 sales fall below initial expectations

For the second quarter of fiscal 2012, net sales increased 4% to $485.3 million, from $468.2 million in the year ago period. Comparable sales, including the e-commerce channel, for the second quarter were essentially flat, compared to a 12% decrease last year.  Same store sales, excluding the e-commerce channel, for the second quarter decreased 1%, compared to a 14% decrease last year.

Thomas P. Johnson, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are clearly disappointed that our second quarter results fell below our initial expectations. While we delivered a more cohesive fashion offering and continued to improve our sales per transactions, our overall store traffic was weaker than anticipated."

Mr. Johnson continued, "We remain confident with our strong market positioning and our long-term strategic initiatives, which include evolving our merchandise assortment and increasing our brand projection and fashion message to the consumer."

Based on lower than expected sales and margins for the quarter, the Company now expects second quarter earnings to be approximately $0.00 per diluted share, versus its previously issued guidance range of $0.03 to $0.05 per diluted share.

Aeropostale, Inc. is a primarily 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 4 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale stores.

Aeropostale Inc