Aeropostale Reports February Results.

Business Editors

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 3, 2004

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 February 28, 2004 increased 58.5% to $43.1 million, compared to $27.2 million for the four-week period ended March 1, 2003. The company's comparable store sales increased 26.4% for the month, versus a comparable store sales decrease of 3.1% in the year ago period.

Julian R. Geiger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer said, "Our February performance reflects a continuation in the strong sales momentum we experienced last month. Our sales results clearly indicate the desirability of, and the enthusiastic reaction to, our spring merchandise assortment. The increase in the number of transactions in February demonstrates the vitality of our brand, and the growth in mall traffic."

To hear the Aeropostale prerecorded February sales message, please dial [phone] or [phone], followed by the conference identification number #4497112.

About Aeropostale, Inc.

Aeropostale, Inc. (www.aeropostale.com) is a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories that targets both young women and young men aged 11 to 20. The company provides customers with a selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion basic merchandise in a high-energy store environment. The company maintains complete control over the proprietary brand by designing and sourcing all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale products can be purchased only in its stores, which sell Aeropostale merchandise exclusively.

The first Aeropostale store was opened in 1987. The company currently operates 462 stores in 41 states.

Special Note: Safe Harbor Statement Under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Except for historical information contained herein, the statements made in this release constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding the company's strategic direction, prospects and future results. Certain factors, including factors outside of our control, may cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These factors include the company's ability to implement its growth strategy successfully, changes in consumer fashion preferences, economic and other conditions in the markets in which we operate, competition, seasonality and the other risks discussed in the company's prospectus dated July 28, 2003 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which discussions are incorporated in this release by reference.