Aéropostale files bankruptcy, closes stores

BOARDMAN — The Mahoning Valley’s two malls are losing the Aéropostale stores after the retailer announced its bankruptcy today.

The Aéropostale stores in Eastwood Mall, 5555 Youngstown-Warren Road, and Southern Park Mall, 7401 Market St., will both close this month.

New York-based Aéropostale filed voluntary petitions under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York.

“Aéropostale is reviewing its leases and other contracts to ensure they are competitive with current market dynamics,” the company said.

The company announced an initial store closure list of 113 U.S. locations, as well as all 41 stores in Canada.

Store closing sales are scheduled to begin in the U.S. during the weekend of May 7-8 and in Canada during the week of May 9.

Aéropostal is a specialty retailer of casual apparel and accessories, principally serving young women and men.