Like every clothing brand, Aeropostale’s popularity has risen and fallen several times throughout the years.
Aeropostale’s mission is “Through the brand’s Oneness ethos, Aeropostale embraces acceptance, empathy and respect to promote a sense of unity.”
As part of this mission, the brand works tirelessly to provide quality products that will appeal to its niche market—teenagers.
It also strives to better the economy and environment through all aspects of its production process.
Let’s take a look at 10 reasons why the brand is a good choice when shopping for back-to-school or casual clothes.
Is Aeropostale A Good Brand? (10 Reasons It Is)
1. They Offer A Student Discount
Students 16 years of age and older benefit by receiving 15% off on the Aeropostale site.
To receive the student discount, students must register online with UNiDAYS and verify that they are a student.
To verify, you can register with your student identification number, student identification card, or university email address.
Other benefits of being registered with UNiDAYS include free access to discounts within the retail stores, online, or via the smartphone application.
Students registered with UNiDAYS receive discounts from a variety of brands and are not restricted to Aeropostale products only.
Brand options and discounts are subject to change and may include Samsung, Adidas, and Ray-Ban.
UNiDAYS also produces a variety of fun online content for its followers.
These include tips and tricks for becoming a blogger, online quizzes, advice columns for those curious about college, sweepstakes for brand collaborations, pop culture, and even political pieces.
2. Variety Of Non-Student Discount Options
Even if you are not a student, there are still discounts available for you to access.
Consumers can sign up, using their preferred email address, to receive emails that detail the latest styles and offers directly from Aeropostale.
Another option is to sign up for Aero texts.
Consumers can currently sign up by texting JOIN to 237687.
The text code is subject to change, so head to the Aeropostale website and scroll to the bottom for information on how you can sign up for Aero texts.
The website also has a coupons and promotions page that allows consumers to take advantage of deals right from their homes.
Some coupons are online only, so it is important to be conscious of the coupon you are trying to utilize.
Coupons change regularly but can include free shipping after an online order has reached a certain dollar amount, an extra discount off of clearance clothing, or an extra amount taken off of any pair of jeans.
Aeropostale recommends visiting your local store to verify what promotions are ongoing due to frequent changes.
3. Aero Impact’s Environmental And Sustainability Efforts
Aero Impact is a clothing line that is responsibly produced to help the planet.
Aeropostale’s Aero Impact webpage states that they have an ongoing effort to reduce their carbon footprint.
To do this, their Aero Impact line uses recycled cotton and polyester fabrics “to create a conscious collection made from a mix of pre-and post-consumer waste.”
A. Reducing Air And Water Pollution
The company states that by utilizing recycled polyester materials, they are able to avoid having to utilize new petroleum in their production processes.
Avoiding petroleum as much as possible is one part of their efforts to decrease their carbon emissions and avoid the further contribution of toxic chemicals into the environment.
B. Requiring Less Water And Energy
Utilizing recycled materials like polyester and cotton to produce products requires a significantly reduced amount of “hidden water” and energy.
The World Wildlife Fund describes hidden water as the water that is utilized in every step of the production process.
It is not water that the common consumer sees in action and as a result, is often forgotten about.
This is often the water that is used to grow cotton and used to manufacture garments.
Hidden water used in the production process can be difficult to pinpoint, so the World Wildlife Fund has established partnerships with recognizable brands like Ralph Lauren to establish innovative methods to decrease water use with the end goal of preserving water and benefiting the environment and communities.
At this time, Aeropostale does not have an established partnership with any outside sustainability organizations although they have many of their own processes in place.
The importance of minimizing water cannot be ignored.
The 71 Percent organization, an Indiana-based water education resource, states that roughly 1,800 gallons of water are utilized to create a single pair of jeans and 400 gallons are used for one t-shirt.
This is water that is used to grow the cotton needed for one product and does not include the water used in constructing the fabric and the general manufacturing process.
C. Minimizing The Amount Of Waste Produced
Aeropostale works to minimize the amount of waste produced and disposed of by repurposing their materials.
Repurposing helps to prolong the lifespan of a product or material. Ideally, this aids in preventing products from being disposed of in landfills prematurely.
D. REPREVE – Recycled Polyester Yarns
REPREVE fibers are materials like plastic bottles and other waste that have been reformulated into recyclable materials.
This process of manufacturing utilizing REPREVE materials reduces waste in landfills, conserves energy, saves water, and limits greenhouse gas emissions.
E. Organically Grown Cotton
Organic cotton is produced without utilizing pesticides, herbicides, or synthetic fertilizers.
The Aero Impact line, in accordance with certified organic agriculture standards, works to promote water and air quality, conserve energy, and improve the health and biodiversity of soil throughout the process of organic cotton cultivation.
4. Aeropostale’s Social Responsibility And Values
The company strives to meet a variety of core values, which include:
- Integrity
- Teamwork
- Compassion
- Respect
A. Aero In Action
Employees and teammates work together to demonstrate their core values in action, by joining together to raise money for charity.
These charities include local and nationwide organizations.
Fundraising efforts include charitable walks or runs and volunteering.
Aeropostale also partners with Delivering Good, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, by donating merchandise.
As of 2007, Aeropostale has donated more than 8 million dollars worth of merchandise.
B. Values Month
One full month of every year is dedicated to prioritizing Aeropostale’s values and community efforts across the organization.
During Values Month, the organization participates in community work like volunteering to assist with food drives or warming shelters within their local communities.
Employees who have gone above and beyond in supporting their values are also awarded.
Most importantly, this month serves as a reminder to employees and the community of what the organization stands for and strives for every day.
C. Sponsorship Opportunities And Donations
Aeropostale accepts public submissions of requests for the company to provide a donation or sponsor an event.
They cannot guarantee that your request will be completed due to the high rate of submissions.
However, they encourage all correspondence to be written on the letterhead of the organization or company applying and then be submitted to [email protected].
Submission will be reviewed within three weeks of submission.
5. Social Compliance Audits Within Manufacturing Facilities And Retail Operations
In addition to the materials and processes used to protect the environment, Aeropostale also is dedicated to improving the working conditions and the overall environment that is experienced in their facilities.
As a way of creating trust within local communities, each manufacturing facility that produces Aeropostale products is required to submit an annual Social Compliance Audit.
The Social Compliance Audit verifies that the facility is honoring local laws and codes of conduct.
This audit specifically requires the facility to report on and evaluate the working conditions of these manufacturers including child labor, excessive working hours or forced labor, health and safety conditions, fire safety, and salary or overtime pay standards.
If any deficits are found in the audit, the manufacturing facility has a set amount of time to address and correct the issues.
The company strives to be a welcoming environment for all levels of workers, including those working in retail stores.
On average, the company has received ratings of 3-5 stars on Indeed Jobs.
Positive reviews mention:
- Supportive coworkers and upper management
- A good part-time job for those who are still in school
- Good training for team members
- Great culture
- Employee discount
- Friendly and fun working environment
6. Aeropostale Is A Worldwide Organization
The organization’s leadership team is continuously improving their understanding and knowledge of the DNA of the brand to better serve their target markets (teenagers).
This has allowed them to expand their retail stores throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.
They have also established licensing partnerships so they can open retail stores internationally.
These retail stores can be found in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, Egypt, India, Greece, Mexico, Turkey, the Philippines, Mexico, Panama, Guatemala, and Chile.
Altogether, the company has over 375 manufacturing facilities worldwide in approximately 20 different countries.
7. Clothing That Is Suitable For A Variety Of Sizes
Aeropostale’s clothing suits a wide variety of teen and young adult sizes.
The organization recognizes that all bodies are different and has adapted accordingly.
To see size charts, visit the website.
A. Girls
Bralettes and sports bras are offered in small through extra-large sizing, suiting an A through D cup size.
Size options are based on under-bust and over-bust sizes, ranging from 32A to 38D.
Bra sizes differ based on country, so it is important to check what size is appropriate for you using their size guides.
Active, yoga, and casual tops are available in XXS through XXL sizes.
Their top sizes are based on bust, waist, and hip sizes.
Belts fit sizes extra-small (38 inch) to extra-large (43 inch).
Girls’ shoes fit sizes 5 through 11, with insoles measuring 9 ¼ inches to 11 inches in length.
Sizes are represented in small (5/6), medium (7/8), and large (9/10).
Jeans and pant sizes are based on inseam length, waist, and hip size.
In-store, you may see sizes dictated as XXS through XXL or based on numbers 000 through 18.
B. Guys
Guys’ athletic wear is represented by sizes XS through XXL and is based on length and waist size in inches.
Shorts range from a 27 through 42-inch inseam.
Guys’ tops range from XS to XXL, dictated by chest, waist, neck, and sleeve length.
Shoes range from small (8/9), medium (9/10), large (10/11), and extra-large (11/12).
8. Aeropostale Does Their Own Work Without Outsourcing
It is common for brands to outsource their designing, materials sourcing, and marketing to an outside company.
However, Aeropostale does all of this on their own.
The company oversees all aspects, including planning, development, production and manufacturing, advertising, and last but not least, sales.
By being involved in all aspects of the process, the company can ensure that they are effectively meeting their goals, while also ensuring the highest quality of products to meet the demand of their consumers.
This is also why their products are priced higher than the same types of products at Walmart, Shopko, or other similar stores.
9. Designer Quality Without The Designer Cost
AEROPOSTALE Womens Pullover Knit Sweater, Grey, Small
Aeropostale’s clothing is not priced as cheaply as some other brands.
However, many consider the clothing to be appropriately priced for the designer qualities offered.
Similar clothing items sold in high-end boutiques are priced higher.
Their clothing is designed and priced with the blue-collar worker in mind.
It is high quality without the high-end costs that would turn away the common consumer.
The main reason the company is able to offer these prices is due to the fact that all aspects of the production and marketing process are handled in-house.
10. Popular Collaborations And Niche Building Collections
The company has formed a variety of partnerships and collaborated with popular influencers.
These partnerships are used to help design new features and appeal to teenagers around the world.
Particularly in a society that uses social media regularly, the celebrity partnerships that brands can utilize and market are a great way to interest the younger generations.
One example of a successful collaboration was with Bethany Mota in 2013.
Bethany Mota is an American video blogger.
She is extremely popular and influential among teenagers. Collaborating with Aeropostale, she designed her own line of specialty clothing and accessories.
The brand also continues to strive to meet the interests of their niche age group—teenagers.
Their Live Love Dream collection was created as a secondary brand.
It comprises clothing, accessories, and perfume that appeal to Bethany’s “Mota-vators.”
“Mota-vators” is what Bethany called her fans, who are typically surfers and skaters.
Chloe Grace Moretz collaborated with the brand in 2012.
This collection involved printed pants, colorful sweaters, and jean jackets perfect for fall weather.
Chloe also put together her own Chloe’s Favorites line and encouraged her fans to shop at Aeropostale to dress like her.
Sabrina Carpenter was the face of the brand for the holiday collection in 2018.
In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily (WWD), Carpenter said that “the price point is reachable for my fans.”
Sabrina felt like the collaboration with Aeropostale gave her fans a glimpse into her style and allowed them to actively emulate her.
She also excitedly told WWD that she was able to be directly involved in the designing process and encouraged the designers to use specific shirt designs that she felt her audience would find attractive.
