Aéropostale is a popular American fashion retailer known for casual wear targeted at teens and young adults. Over the years, the company has experienced major changes in ownership and structure. In this article, we explore who owns Aéropostale today, its key shareholders, and other details that define the brand’s position in the fashion world.
Aéropostale Company Profile
Aéropostale is a U.S.-based fashion retailer that specializes in casual wear for teens and young adults. The brand is known for offering affordable and stylish basics such as jeans, hoodies, t-shirts, and activewear. As of 2025, Aéropostale operates over 600 retail locations globally, including company-owned stores, outlet locations, and licensed international operations. The brand has a growing online presence and a strong following among Gen Z consumers.
Aéropostale remains a central part of the youth fashion scene in malls and digital spaces alike. It continues to operate under Catalyst Brands, a portfolio company created by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group in 2024.
Company Details
Headquartered in New York City, Aéropostale functions as both a retail and lifestyle brand. While its physical stores are mainly concentrated in the U.S., it has licensing agreements across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
The company focuses on value-driven fashion and direct engagement with a young audience through social media and influencer partnerships. Its online store ships internationally and contributes a growing share of total revenue. Aéropostale also partners with third-party retailers and e-commerce marketplaces to expand reach.
Although no longer a standalone public company (it was delisted after bankruptcy), Aéropostale now operates within a brand management model under ABG and Catalyst Brands, focusing on licensing, digital growth, and global expansion.
Founders and Early History
Aéropostale was founded in 1987 by R.H. Macy & Co. as a private-label clothing brand. Initially designed to be a specialty store for adventurous, aviation-inspired apparel, the brand evolved into a trendy mall staple in the 1990s and early 2000s.
The name “Aéropostale” was inspired by Compagnie Générale Aéropostale, a French airmail service that pioneered flights across the Atlantic. Though there is no official affiliation, the name and aesthetic helped shape the brand’s youthful, travel-inspired image.
After several early ownership and structural changes, Aéropostale grew rapidly and became an independent public company in 2002.
Major Milestones
1987: Aéropostale is founded by R.H. Macy & Co. as a specialty retail concept.
1990s: The brand gains traction among teens for its laid-back, casual style. It expands into malls across the U.S.
2002: Aéropostale becomes a publicly traded company on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “ARO”.
2009: Launches a sub-brand, P.S. from Aéropostale, targeting younger kids. This line is later discontinued.
2010–2015: The company experiences declining sales due to changing trends, fast fashion competitors, and lower mall foot traffic.
May 2016: Aéropostale files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and closes over 100 stores. It is delisted from the NYSE.
September 2016: The brand is acquired by a consortium including Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property Group, and General Growth Properties (now Brookfield), saving 500+ stores from liquidation.
2020–2023: Focus shifts to digital growth, influencer marketing, and global licensing. Store footprint is optimized.
2024: Aéropostale is officially transitioned under Catalyst Brands, a new portfolio company formed by ABG and Simon Property Group, alongside other brands like Forever 21 and Brooks Brothers.
2025: Aéropostale operates over 600 stores globally. It continues to grow its digital footprint and return to profitability through a leaner, brand-focused strategy under Catalyst Brands.
Who Owns Aéropostale?
As of 2025, Aéropostale is owned and operated under Catalyst Brands, a portfolio company formed in 2024 by Authentic Brands Group (ABG) and Simon Property Group. This partnership reflects a broader strategy to consolidate and operate distressed but valuable retail brands within a more centralized and efficient brand management model.
Aéropostale is not a publicly traded company. Instead, it functions as a brand under ABG’s licensing-driven ecosystem, with physical store operations supported by Simon Property Group and retail operators within the Catalyst Brands framework.
Here’s an overview of Aéropostale’s ownership:
- Parent Company: Catalyst Brands (operational), Authentic Brands Group (ownership)
- Ownership Model: Licensing and operational partnership
- Headquarters: New York City, USA
- Store Count: Over 600 globally (owned, franchised, and licensed)
- Key Focus Areas: Teen fashion, digital retail, global expansion
- Retail Partners: Simon Property Group and other mall operators.
Parent Company: Catalyst Brands
Catalyst Brands serves as the operational parent of Aéropostale. It was formed after restructuring SPARC Group, the former joint venture between ABG and Simon Property Group that managed retail operations for several brands. Catalyst Brands now manages the retail, logistics, and merchandising functions of multiple fashion labels, including Aéropostale, Forever 21, Brooks Brothers, Lucky Brand, and Nautica.
ABG retains ownership of the Aéropostale intellectual property, trademarks, and branding strategy, while Catalyst Brands handles day-to-day operations such as product development, store management, and e-commerce.
Authentic Brands Group’s Role
Authentic Brands Group (ABG) is the majority owner of the Aéropostale brand itself. ABG is known for acquiring struggling or legacy brands and revitalizing them through global licensing, marketing innovation, and partnerships. It owns or controls dozens of recognizable names in fashion, media, and entertainment.
In Aéropostale’s case, ABG owns the brand’s trademarks and licenses its operations to Catalyst Brands for retail execution. This licensing structure allows Aéropostale to operate leanly and focus on digital transformation, collaborations, and international expansion.
Simon Property Group’s Role
Simon Property Group, the largest shopping mall operator in the U.S., is a key operational partner and minority stakeholder. Simon was instrumental in rescuing Aéropostale from bankruptcy in 2016 and continues to support the brand’s retail footprint by leasing space in its malls, managing store operations, and investing in joint ventures.
Through Catalyst Brands, Simon maintains a vested interest in ensuring that Aéropostale continues to attract mall traffic and remain viable as a tenant brand.
Acquisition History
2016 Bankruptcy and Acquisition
Aéropostale filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2016 after years of declining sales and mounting losses. At the time, it closed over 100 stores and faced liquidation. However, later that year, a consortium led by Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property Group, and General Growth Properties (now Brookfield) acquired the brand for $243 million. This deal saved more than 500 stores and shifted the company’s model from direct retailing to a licensing-focused operation.
Transition from SPARC to Catalyst Brands (2024)
From 2017 to 2023, Aéropostale was operated by SPARC Group, a joint venture between ABG and Simon Property Group. In 2024, ABG restructured SPARC and launched Catalyst Brands, a new portfolio company to manage the growing set of brands under its umbrella. Aéropostale, along with Forever 21 and others, became part of this new entity for more centralized operations and better strategic alignment.
Who is the CEO of Aéropostale?
Here’s a quick summary of the CEO of Aéropostale as of July 2025:
- In 2025, Marc Rosen leads the broader Catalyst Brands group (including Aéropostale).
- Natalie Levy is the dedicated Brand CEO, managing Aéropostale’s daily business and market strategy.
- Strategic direction flows from Rosen to Levy, with cross-functional executive teams ensuring execution across channels.
Marc Rosen is the Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst Brands, the parent company overseeing Aéropostale as well as other notable brands like J.C. Penney, Brooks Brothers, Nautica, and Lucky Brand. He became CEO of Catalyst in early 2025 after serving as CEO of J.C. Penney since late 2021.
Rosen brings over 25 years of leadership in retail and e-commerce. His background includes senior roles at Walmart, where he led global e-commerce, and at Levi Strauss, where he was EVP and President of North America. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
Under Rosen’s leadership, Catalyst launched in January 2025 with over $9 billion in annual revenue, 1,800 stores, and 60,000 employees. His vision includes leveraging AI-driven supply chain integration and unified loyalty systems across brands.
Brand CEO: Leading Aéropostale Day-to-Day
While Rosen oversees all brands under Catalyst Brands, Natalie Levy serves as the Brand CEO of Aéropostale, along with Nautica and Lucky Brand. She reports directly to Rosen and leads the strategic direction, merchandising, and marketing efforts specific to Aéropostale.
Levy’s background is rooted in consumer brand leadership. She guides Aéropostale’s product development, store operations, digital marketing, and collaborations aimed at resonating with Gen Z and younger demographics.
Leadership Structure & Decision-Making
- Marc Rosen, as corporate CEO, sets corporate strategy for Catalyst Brands, covering resource allocation, financial targets, and full brand integration.
- Natalie Levy, as Aéropostale’s Brand CEO, adapts that strategy to the teen fashion market, focusing on seasonal collections, social media, and customer engagement.
- Operational support comes from executives like Kevin Harper (COO) and Marisa Thalberg (Chief Customer & Marketing Officer), all reporting to Rosen.
Previous CEOs of Aéropostale
Prior to its integration with Catalyst:
- Julian Geiger served as Aéropostale’s standalone CEO during its peak expansion and briefly led efforts before the 2016 bankruptcy.
- Thomas Johnson and Michael J. Cunningham led the company through its financial struggles in the early 2010s, before it filed for Chapter 11.
Aéropostale Annual Revenue and Net Worth
2025 Annual Revenue
As of 2025, Aéropostale is generating an estimated $850 million in annual revenue, marking a modest but steady increase from previous years. The revenue growth is largely driven by the brand’s improved supply chain efficiency, growing e-commerce presence, and renewed appeal among Gen Z consumers. Since being integrated under Catalyst Brands in early 2025, Aéropostale has benefited from shared resources and streamlined operations alongside sister brands like Forever 21 and Lucky Brand.
The brand’s U.S. retail footprint continues to be its primary revenue generator, with over 500 stores operating domestically. However, international licensing agreements—especially in the Middle East, India, and Latin America—are becoming increasingly significant contributors. In 2025, online sales account for nearly 30% of total revenue, boosted by mobile-optimized shopping, influencer partnerships, and seasonal digital campaigns.
The brand has also seen growth from outlet locations and private label collaborations, which have helped improve both margins and sell-through rates. With the added backing of Simon Property Group and Authentic Brands Group, Aéropostale has been able to maintain favorable retail positioning while focusing on profitability over aggressive expansion.
Net Worth in 2025
Aéropostale’s estimated brand valuation in July 2025 is $1.2 billion. This includes the value of its global trademarks, retail operations, e-commerce platforms, and licensing agreements. The brand’s valuation has steadily climbed after falling sharply during its bankruptcy in 2016.
Authentic Brands Group, which owns the brand’s intellectual property, has strategically positioned Aéropostale as a stable, scalable, and youth-focused brand within its portfolio. By moving away from a direct ownership model and toward licensing and operational partnerships through Catalyst Brands, Aéropostale has reduced risk and improved operational efficiency.
The brand’s net worth is also supported by its continued relevance in malls and its ongoing transformation into a digitally savvy label. Strong brand recognition among U.S. teens, leaner operations, and strategic collaborations have helped Aéropostale not only recover from its earlier financial distress but also rebuild long-term brand value.
Here is an overview of Aéropostale’s estimated historical revenue and brand net worth for the past 10 years (2015–2025):
| Year | Estimated Annual Revenue | Estimated Brand Net Worth | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.5 billion | $900 million | Final full year before bankruptcy |
| 2016 | $1.0 billion | $250 million | Filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May |
| 2017 | $700 million | $400 million | Acquired by ABG, Simon, and GGP |
| 2018 | $650 million | $500 million | Licensing model begins under SPARC |
| 2019 | $600 million | $550 million | Revenue stabilizes, focus shifts to digital |
| 2020 | $500 million | $500 million | Pandemic impact, temporary store closures |
| 2021 | $580 million | $600 million | E-commerce gains momentum |
| 2022 | $650 million | $700 million | Improved licensing deals and global expansion |
| 2023 | $720 million | $800 million | Recovery continues, brand partnerships increase |
| 2024 | $800 million | $950 million | Transitioned to Catalyst Brands |
| 2025 | $850 million | $1.2 billion | Strong e-commerce, international growth, improved operations |
Brands Owned by Aéropostale
Here’s a list of the major brands owned by Aéropostale as of July 2025:
| Entity/Brand | Type | Status | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| P.S. from Aéropostale | Sub-brand | Discontinued (active only in capsules) | Originally launched in 2009 for kids (ages 4–12); closed in 2014–2015; occasionally revived in limited collections. |
| Aéropostale Factory Stores | Retail Format | Active | Outlet-based stores offering discounted and seasonal inventory across U.S. outlet malls. |
| Aéropostale Global Licensing Network | International Licensing | Active | Franchise and license agreements across Latin America, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. |
| Aero Active | Private Label | Active | Aéropostale’s activewear and athleisure line focused on performance and comfort. |
| Aero Denim | Private Label | Active | Denim-focused in-house label, including jeans, jackets, shorts, and signature fits. |
| Aero World Tour | Seasonal Collection | Active (rotating) | A themed graphic and travel-inspired collection released seasonally for trend engagement. |
| Aéropostale E-commerce & Mobile Division | Digital Operations | Active | Direct-to-consumer online store and mobile app platform managing digital sales, marketing, and customer experience. |
P.S. from Aéropostale (Former Sub-Brand)
P.S. from Aéropostale was launched in 2009 as a children’s apparel line, targeting kids aged 4 to 12. It was intended to expand Aéropostale’s demographic reach and compete with brands like The Children’s Place and Gap Kids.
The brand focused on casual, age-appropriate fashion including activewear, denim, and school clothing. At its peak, P.S. from Aéropostale operated standalone stores and was also sold in Aéropostale’s flagship locations. However, due to underperformance and rising operational costs, the brand was discontinued in 2014–2015, just before Aéropostale’s bankruptcy.
In 2025, while there are no standalone P.S. stores, Aéropostale occasionally revives the brand name through capsule collections or licensing collaborations in select markets.
Aéropostale Factory Stores
Aéropostale operates a large number of factory outlet stores, which serve as a major retail format within the brand. These stores are not separate companies, but they function as a distinct segment focused on price-conscious customers.
As of 2025, factory stores contribute significantly to Aéropostale’s domestic revenue, especially in outlet malls. They typically offer end-of-season merchandise, exclusive value lines, and bundle discounts. The outlet division is fully managed by Aéropostale’s in-house retail team under Catalyst Brands.
Aéropostale Global Licensing Entities
While Aéropostale does not own international companies, it has a network of exclusive licensing partners that operate stores and e-commerce platforms under the Aéropostale name across Asia, Latin America, the Middle East, and parts of Europe. These partners are independent entities authorized to use the brand under multi-year agreements.
These licensing deals allow Aéropostale to expand its global footprint without direct ownership or capital investment. In some cases, Aéropostale collaborates with these partners on region-specific collections and marketing campaigns.
Private Label Collections
Within the brand, Aéropostale has developed in-house product lines that function like micro-brands or private labels. These are not standalone businesses but are marketed as distinctive categories for brand loyalty and merchandising.
Some examples include:
- Aero Active: The activewear and athleisure line, focused on leggings, sports bras, joggers, and performance fabrics.
- Aero Denim: A signature denim collection that includes jeans, jackets, and overalls, often marketed under a dedicated design theme.
- Aero World Tour: A travel-themed seasonal collection featuring city-inspired graphics, often tied to limited-time promotions.
These collections are controlled directly by Aéropostale’s internal merchandising and creative teams and are used to refresh seasonal inventory, engage trend cycles, and compete with fast fashion rivals.
E-commerce and Mobile Platform Operations
Aéropostale also manages its own digital commerce infrastructure, including its official website and mobile app. These platforms are internally operated in partnership with Catalyst Brands’ digital and logistics units. The digital division functions semi-autonomously and handles everything from customer experience to product drops, influencer campaigns, and social commerce integration.
By 2025, online operations represent nearly one-third of Aéropostale’s total revenue, and digital merchandising is a core pillar of its direct-to-consumer strategy.
Final Thoughts
Aéropostale has gone through many transformations since its founding in 1987. From a popular mall staple to a bankrupt company, and now a key player in ABG’s retail empire, it continues to evolve. The ownership by Catalyst Brands, backed by Authentic Brands Group and Simon Property Group, has given it renewed life. Through smart licensing, better retail planning, and digital upgrades, Aéropostale remains relevant in a tough fashion market.
FAQs
Who bought Aéropostale?
Aéropostale was bought in 2016 by a consortium that included Authentic Brands Group (ABG), Simon Property Group, and General Growth Properties (now part of Brookfield). As of 2025, the brand operates under Catalyst Brands, a portfolio company created by ABG and Simon Property Group.
Is Aéropostale still a company?
Aéropostale is no longer an independent company. It is now a brand operated under Catalyst Brands, which manages its retail and online operations. The intellectual property is owned by Authentic Brands Group.
Is Aéropostale an Indian brand?
No, Aéropostale is not an Indian brand. It is an American brand founded in the United States in 1987. However, it does operate stores in India through international licensing agreements.
Where is the headquarters of Aéropostale?
Aéropostale is headquartered in New York City, United States. It operates as part of Catalyst Brands’ corporate structure.
Is Aéropostale a fast fashion brand?
Aéropostale is considered a value-focused casual fashion brand, but not a pure fast fashion label like Shein or Zara. It offers trend-driven clothing at affordable prices and updates its collections seasonally, though with less speed and volume than typical fast fashion players.
Does Authentic Brands own Aéropostale?
Yes, Authentic Brands Group (ABG) owns the Aéropostale brand and intellectual property. It licenses retail operations to Catalyst Brands, which runs the stores and e-commerce.
Did JCPenney buy Aéropostale?
No, JCPenney did not buy Aéropostale. However, both Aéropostale and JCPenney are now managed under Catalyst Brands, which was formed in 2024 by ABG and Simon Property Group to oversee a portfolio of retail names.
Does Macy’s own Aéropostale?
No, Macy’s does not own Aéropostale. Macy’s originally founded Aéropostale in 1987 but sold it off in the 1990s. Today, the brand is owned by Authentic Brands Group.
Is Hollister owned by Aéropostale?
No, Hollister is not owned by Aéropostale. Hollister is a separate brand owned by Abercrombie & Fitch Co., and the two are direct competitors in the teen and young adult apparel market.
What countries have Aéropostale?
Aéropostale operates in several countries outside the U.S. through international licensing. Key markets include India, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Mexico, Chile, Colombia, the Philippines, and several countries in Southeast Asia and Latin America.
Who owns Aéropostale clothing?
Aéropostale clothing is owned and licensed by Authentic Brands Group, and retail operations are managed by Catalyst Brands. The physical stores and digital channels are operated through this partnership.
Where is Aéropostale made?
Aéropostale manufactures its clothing in multiple countries, primarily across Asia, including China, Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Indonesia, through contracted third-party manufacturers.
Is Aéropostale still in business?
Yes, Aéropostale is still in business in 2025. It operates more than 600 stores worldwide, has a strong online presence, and continues to be a popular brand among teens and young adults under the Catalyst Brands portfolio.
When did Aéropostale go bankrupt?
Aéropostale filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in May 2016.
Who saved Aéropostale from bankruptcy?
Aéropostale was acquired by a consortium including Authentic Brands Group, Simon Property Group, and General Growth Properties (now part of Brookfield).
Is Aéropostale owned by Forever 21?
No. Aéropostale and Forever 21 are sister brands under Catalyst Brands but are independently operated.
Who manages Aéropostale stores?
Most Aéropostale stores are operated by Catalyst Brands, with support from Simon Property Group for retail locations.