Aeropostale Q1 profit jumps 81% on strong sales

New York City Aeropostale Thursday said its first-quarter profit surged 81% to $31.7 million, up from $17.5 million a year ago. Its results, which include pretax charges of around $2.7 million related to the closing of the chain’s Jimmy'Z stores, exceeded analysts expectations.

The chain, which has attracted teens with its low-priced but fashionable offerings, offered second-quarter guidance above analyst estimates.

"The last three months, like the 10 consecutive quarters that preceded it, was a period of record sales and record earnings for Aeropostale. We all know these results are extraordinary given the macro-economic climate in which we are operating,” said Julian R. Geiger, chairman and CEO.

Net sales for the quarter rose 21% to $408 million, from $336.3 million in the year-earlier quarter. Same-store sales increased 11%.

Total net revenue from e-commerce business surged 74% to $16.7 million, from $9.6 million in the comparable quarter last year.