Aeropostale Lifts Outlook Again

Today's teenagers have many choices to make. One of the toughest is "What should I wear?"

Aeropostale ARO is among many specialty retailers and department stores willing to help with that answer.

The New York-based company operates more than 750 mall-based stores in 47 states.

It revamped its stores with new wooden floors, music, fixtures and lighting to try to build brand awareness.

The company also runs 14 Jimmy'Z stores, which focus on clothing with an attitude. An expansion of about 85 stores is in the works for the year, with 10 of those in Canada, marking the firm's first international endeavor.

Aeropostale's March same-store sales jumped 15.9%, nearly double estimates. In early April it boosted its Q1 outlook to 22-23 cents a share from 19-21 cents.

But like many other retailers, its April sales fizzled, tumbling 14% or far worse than the 2.5% decline expected by analysts.

However, Aeropostale raised guidance again. It now sees Q1 profit of 24 cents to 25 cents. That would represent growth of 50% -- the best since the second quarter of fiscal 2005. Aeropostale reports results May 24.