Aeropostale is a NYC based chain consisting of 254 mall-based stores nationwide, with 30 additional stores to open by the end of the year. Matt Golonka, Vice President of Marketing noted that the “Growth of Aeropostale can be directly attributed to the company’s commitment of developing a product line that is geared towards HS and college age kids”, “however, the clothing line developed for the University of Pittsburgh has a today’s style that is very comfortable and wearable for all age groups.”

It all started a year and half ago when students made their displeasure known over the current outfitter, Champion. Students wanted a look that is more modern and younger in appearance. Aeropostale already had a strong showing from the students who migrated to Aeropostale fresh, hipper look. They approached the University of Pittsburgh Athletic Director Steve Pederson and recommended that Aeropostale be given a look as a possible outfitter. The Athletic Office made the initial contact last spring. From that initial meeting, the students have had a critical role in the design of the new threads. Now the fruit of the student’s involvement is going to start to pay off.

The Aeropostale product line was delivered to Pitt about two weeks ago and will be rolled out in grand fashion on August 28. Aeropostale will be putting on a fashion show in the Student Union Commons. “We are going to make this a fun event. We will have music playing as athlete’s and coach’s model our new line,” Golonka said. Look for Walt to be sporting a new, hip look as he struts his stuff on the catwalk. Following up on the Fashion Show, will be Aeropostale's 3rd Campus Box Sale. “We go directly to the student population for this promotion. We had two previous ones, which were outstanding. Now we get to offer something near and dear to Pitt students, the Pitt logo. Students can pick up their favorite in mall clothes now directly on campus for 30-65% off list price” said Golonka. In addition, Aeropostale will have its presence known in the Student Union, The Book Store and the Pitt Shop. The Campus Box Sale will run until Friday, Aug 31st.

Matt Golonka emphasized, “Aeropostale is a logo driven company. Everything we design and sell is based on our logo. However, we also like to “Aeropostalize” those logos we associate ourselves with, such as the Pitt’s Panther head.” Golonka promises a “fun, fresh, and hipper” Pitt logo.

The company has no plans at this time to move into outfitting teams for their game day uniforms. “This has not been an area that Aeropostale has pursued in the past and at this time we have no plans in the future… but who knows what the future holds” admitted Golonka. The line developed for the athletic teams is for practicing. “It’s a fresh young look”. The University of Pittsburgh’s female athletes no longer have to wear clothing that best suits the male figure. “The cuts are tighter and the styling was designed to flatter our female athletes”, said Golonka.

Pitt’s new tradition the “Eyetooth” will see limited action early on as Aeropostale had to rush the product line to market. “It is not as widespread as we would like, but we’ll catch up to Pitt’s new tradition as time goes on,” stated Golonka..

Don’t look for the new look in a wide geographical area in the early going. It has not been decided which of the 8 Pittsburgh area stores will carry the logo gear but “as demand increases, the possibility of expanding the availability of the Panther line outside Western PA certainly exists,” said Golonka. “So far, feedback and response has been phenomenal,” admitted Golonka. In addition to select area Aeropostale stores, the Pitt Shop, Bookstore and Heinz Field will sell the hipper, younger looks.

“Pitt is Aeropostale’s first full blown Sideline Apparel Clothing Line for any University. We are confident this time next year, we will be working with many other Universities in the same capacity,” Golonka said. He went on “Pitt is our beta test site. So far it’s been a great relationship.”