Best In Class: Price Is Right at Aeropostale

Said management team has been strategic in its growth. The company currently operates 881 stores in the United States, Puerto Rico and Canada. In comparison, Abercrombie & Fitch has 1,112 stores across its five concepts, while American Eagle owns 1,118 stores across three chains.

And save for a few international franchises, overseas expansion, a move that has been successful with Abercombie & Fitch, remains untouched.

There is, in other words, plenty of room for growth.

Aeropostale is also looking for new vehicles, and will roll out its new P.S. concept at the end of the month. The children's apparel chain will target the 7- to 12-year-old brother and sister of the Aeropostale teen, with 10 stores opening in the New York/Metro area by the end of the year.

"We are taking all of the success of Aeropostale -- both operational and merchandising -- and making modifications to fit the younger demographic," Geiger said in a recent exclusive interview. "There is a void in the market for this demographic of fashionable clothes at value prices. We have the advantage of already having built-in recognition with moms and kids."

Indeed, management not only knows when to expand, but also the right time to pull out.

In February, Aeropostale decided to shutter its flailing contemporary concept Jimmy'Z. Other retailers, namely Abercrombie & Fitch, should take note. Abercrombie is holding on to its Ruehl chain, which has been dragging down earnings. It wasn't until earlier this month that the company finally said it is considering "strategic alternatives" for the business.

American Eagle -- clearly unwilling to let a bad concept die -- is also maintaining a firm grip on Martin + Osa.