Aéropostale, Inc. is a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally targeting 11 to 18 year-old young women and men. The company provides customers with a focused selection of high-quality, active-oriented, fashion basic merchandise at compelling values. Aéropostale maintains control over its proprietary brands by designing, marketing and selling all of its own merchandise. Aéropostale products are currently purchased only in its stores, on-line through its website (www.aeropostale.com), or at organized sales events at college campuses. The first Aéropostale store was opened in 1987. As of June 1, 2005, the company operated 610 stores in 47 states.