Aeropostale

Aeropostale, the cheap-but-stylish clothing store for young teens, is sitting squarely in the stock market's bargain bin. The company has encountered some setbacks of late, sending its share price down. But none of its problems should prove lasting, and Aeropostale has three noteworthy opportunities right now.

Despite the dismal economy, some investors have been snapping up teen retail stocks, driving their prices higher. But the combination of high fashion and high prices doesn't necessarily earn a company a premium price tag, or a place in a well-managed portfolio. Keep these metrics in mind to separate the bargains from the poseurs.

Much to retailers' surprise, old man winter didn't deter consumers from the post-holiday clearance sales. Merchants posted better-than-expected January results despite the dreadful weather that had caused many analysts to cool their forecasts.

Holiday sales are historically make-or-break for many retailers, and every year, several break -- and even go out of business. Others make large cuts in their store numbers and employees. 24/7 Wall St. combed through the numbers and spotlights 10 retailers that won't look the same next year -- if they're even around.

Retailers saw their sales figures jump in November with a strong Black Friday and a record-breaking Cyber Monday. The news could suggest this holiday season will be better than the last two, but could also mean that consumers have finished their shopping early.

Abercrombie & Fitch's idealized (and expensive) version of perpetual youth has worn thin among cash-strapped consumers, threatening the company's sales, stock price, and prospects.

After a stronger-than-expected spring, summer doldrums have hit harder than usual. Merchants' second-quarter reports and a slow economic recovery means retailers have to work hard to boost sales for the year.

The earnings spotlight falls on retailers this week, and expectations are high for many of them, including Abercrombie & Fitch and Dollar Tree, which has benefited from the recession and slow recovery.

Many retailers have raised guidance for their upcoming first-quarter earnings reports and saw modest gains in April sales. But stores warn that May could be a weak month due to a late Memorial Day this year. And concerns remain over the health of consumer demand.

Get $10 off a purchase of $10 or more using this awesome Aeropostale coupon, which is good this weekend only. It is valid today through Sunday, April 25, 2010. If I had time to shop on Saturday I would love to buy a new tank top, which usually go for about $15 at Aeropostale. The coupon is not...