NEW YORK, July 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ — Aeropostale, Inc. (NYSE: ARO), a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel for young women and men, today announced expansion plans throughout Asia with new licensing agreements in India and Indonesia. The Company plans to open stores in India through a licensing agreement with Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited, and in Indonesia through a licensing agreement with PT Mitra Adiperkasa TBK (MAP).
Julian R. Geiger, Chief Executive Officer, stated, “India and Indonesia are two of the most populated countries in the world and see significant opportunities by bringing the Aeropostale brand to these key countries. Following the successful launch of our brand in the Philippines and Singapore, we are excited to capitalize on the strong growth prospects in both India and Indonesia. We are totally comfortable partnering with two of the largest and strongest retailers in their respectful regions, Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited and MAP.”
Aeropostale’s expansion plans in India include the opening of 50 standalone stores, 150 shop-in-shops in select locations, and e-commerce operations across the country over the next five years, beginning in March 2016. In addition, the Company expects to open 10 to 12 standalone stores in Indonesia over the next five years, with its first store opening in Jakarta in Fall 2016.
Mr. Geiger continued, “We anticipate ending the year with over 300 locations across 17 countries. Our aggressive international growth underscores the strength and recognition of the Aeropostale brand, and we look forward to announcing new global licensing partnerships throughout the year.”
About Aeropostale, Inc.
Aeropostale, Inc. is a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 14 to 17 year-old young women and men through its Aeropostale stores and website and 4 to 12 year-olds through its P.S. from Aeropostale stores and website. The Company provides customers with a focused selection of high quality fashion and fashion basic merchandise at compelling values in an exciting and customer friendly store environment. Aeropostale maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, sourcing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise, other than in licensed stores. Aeropostale products can be purchased in Aeropostale stores and online at www.aeropostale.com. P.S. from Aeropostale products can be purchased in P.S. from Aeropostale stores, in certain Aeropostale stores and online at www.ps4u.com and www.aeropostale.com. The Company currently operates 761 Aeropostale® stores in 50 states and Puerto Rico, 52 Aeropostale stores in Canada and 26 P.S. from Aeropostale® stores in 12 states and Puerto Rico. In addition, pursuant to various licensing agreements, the Company’s licensees currently operate 278 Aeropostale® and P.S. from Aeropostale® locations in the Middle East, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Since November 2012, Aeropostale, Inc. has operated GoJane.com, an online women’s fashion footwear and apparel retailer. GoJane products can be purchased online at www.gojane.com.
About Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited
Arvind Lifestyle Brands Limited is a subsidiary of Arvind Ltd which is India’s largest integrated textile player and is one of the oldest and most respected groups in the Textile Business in India. Arvind is also one of the largest producers of denim fabrics and is supplier to a large number of fashion brands in the world. Arvind has been a pioneer in bringing international brands to India and first brought ARROW to India in the year 1993. Arvind has licensing relationships with many international brands including GAP, TCP, Gant, Nautica, Arrow, Izod, US Polo Association, Elle, Ed Hardy, Hanes, Cherokee and Geoffrey Beene. Arvind also has a portfolio of 12 of its own brands. Arvind is launching stores of marquee retailers Gap and The Children’s Place. Arvind has a JV with PVH Corp. for the Tommy Hilfiger and Calvin Klein businesses in India. It also runs the value retail chain, Megamart.
About MAP
Incorporated in 1995, Pt Mitra Adiperkasa TBK (“MAP”) achieved phenomenal growth over the years culminating in its IPO in November 2004. Today, MAP is the leading lifestyle retailer in Indonesia with over 1,800 retail stores and a diversified portfolio that includes sports, fashion, department stores, kids, food & beverage and lifestyle products. Some of our iconic brands include Starbucks, Zara, Marks & Spencer, SOGO, SEIBU, Debenhams, Oshkosh B’ Gosh, Reebok, among many others. Listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, with over 23,000 employees, MAP was voted Fortune Indonesia’s Most Admired Companies (Top 20) in 2012 and Forbes Indonesia’s Top 40 Companies in 2011. Apart from retailing, MAP is also a leading distributor for sports, kids and lifestyle brands.