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Apparel retailer reports record fourth quarter

Aeropostale Inc. (New York), the casual apparel retailer for young women and men, announced it will launch a new kids store concept, called P.S. from Aeropostale, aimed at kids ages 7 to 12. The company says the concept offer trend-right merchandise at compelling values within a fun, playful and inviting store environment. The first P.S. from Aeropostale store is planned to debut in June, with an online component shortly thereafter.

The mall-based specialty apparel retailer reported total net sales for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2008 increased 17 percent to $690 million, from $591.3 million last year. Same-store sales increased 6 percent, compared with a 9 percent rise during the same period a year ago.

"We are extremely pleased with our record fourth quarter performance and our strong finish to fiscal 2008,” says Julian Geiger, chairman and ceo. “The ongoing strength of our merchandise assortment, coupled with our powerful promotions, led to another record quarter and another record year. Throughout the year we have maintained strong brand momentum and we have executed consistently on our strategies to meet our corporate goals."

The company’s total net sales for the fiscal year ended Jan. 31, 2009 increased 19 percent, while same-store sales increased 8 percent.
"We are very pleased with the initial customer reaction to our spring merchandise assortment,” says Geiger. “We look forward to expanding the Aeropostale brand, both domestically and internationally, while also launching our new concept."

In fiscal 2009, the company plans to invest $55 million in capital to open 40 Aeropostale and 10 P.S. from Aeropostale stores, remodel certain existing stores and make certain information technology investments. Aeropostale operates 874 stores in 48 states and Puerto Rico, and 29 stores in Canada.