Aeropostale, Inc. Seeks New Faces for Fall Ad Campaign with 'Real Teens 2010' Contest

March 15, 2010 | 9:11 am

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, March 15

NEW YORK, March 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Celebrating real, everyday teens across the country, New York-based retailer Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO) is seeking teenagers who demonstrate respect, integrity, and compassion for others no matter how big or small with the launch of their "Real Teens 2010" contest.

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Aeropostale, a favorite brand among today's teenagers, is looking to engage teenagers all across the United States and Canada to tell their story on what it means to be a real teen living in today's world.

"Aeropostale recognizes that every teen has a story about doing good," says Scott Birnbaum, Senior Vice President of Marketing at Aeropostale, Inc. "The Real Teens campaign celebrates teens who are making a difference whether it's in their communities, at home or in school."

Launching March 12, 2010, teens between the ages of 13 – 19 will have the opportunity to create an online profile highlighting how they exhibit qualities of an everyday teenager at www.aeropostale.com/realteens. Contestants will be required to submit up to five photographs, answer a brief personality questionnaire and answer why they feel they are a real teen.

The uniqueness of "Real Teens 2010" is that the teens are being voted for by their peers. The top 87 finalists will then be judged by a panel of industry celebrities to find the 8 Real Teens winners who will each receive a $5,000 college scholarship and the chance to be featured in Aeropostale's Fall 2010 marketing campaign.

The "Real Teens 2010" judging panel includes Ann Shoket, Editor in Chief of Seventeen magazine and former judge on "America's Next Top Model"; Paul Caine, Publisher of People magazine; Nancy Lublin, Chief Executive Officer of DoSomething.org and founder of Dress for Success; Taylor Gildersleeve, Actress "Haute and Bothered 2"; and Kent Haehl, Chief Executive Officer, Channel One Network.

Submissions must be received by April 11, 2010, and winners will be announced during the week of April 19, 2010. The contest is open to residents of the United States, Canada (excluding Quebec), and Puerto Rico.

For more information or to share your story, visit www.aeropostale.com/realteens.

About Aeropostale, Inc.

Aeropostale, Inc. is a 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 7 to 12 year-old kids through its P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores. The Company provides customers with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values. Aeropostale® maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aeropostale® products can only be purchased in its Aeropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale™ products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale™ stores and online at www.ps4u.com. The Company currently operates 895 Aeropostale stores in 49 states and Puerto Rico, 44 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 15 P.S. from Aeropostale stores in six states.

SPECIAL NOTE: THIS PRESS RELEASE AND ORAL STATEMENTS MADE FROM TIME TO TIME BY REPRESENTATIVES OF THE COMPANY CONTAIN CERTAIN "FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS" CONCERNING EXPECTATIONS FOR SALES, STORE OPENINGS, GROSS MARGINS, EXPENSES, STRATEGIC DIRECTION AND EARNINGS.  ACTUAL RESULTS MIGHT DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE PROJECTED IN THE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. AMONG THE FACTORS THAT COULD CAUSE ACTUAL RESULTS TO MATERIALLY DIFFER INCLUDE, CHANGES IN THE COMPETITIVE MARKETPLACE, INCLUDING THE INTRODUCTION OF NEW PRODUCTS OR PRICING CHANGES BY OUR COMPETITORS, CHANGES IN THE ECONOMY AND OTHER EVENTS LEADING TO A REDUCTION IN DISCRETIONARY CONSUMER SPENDING; SEASONALITY; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CHANGES IN SOCIAL, POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND OTHER CONDITIONS AND THE POSSIBLE ADVERSE IMPACT OF CHANGES IN IMPORT RESTRICTIONS; RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH UNCERTAINTY RELATING TO THE COMPANY'S ABILITY TO IMPLEMENT ITS GROWTH STRATEGIES, AS WELL AS THE OTHER RISK FACTORS SET FORTH IN THE COMPANY'S FORM 10-K AND QUARTERLY REPORTS ON FORM 10-Q, FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THE COMPANY UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO UPDATE OR REVISE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT SUBSEQUENT EVENTS