American Apparel Inc. said Friday that its chairman and chief executive, Dov Charney, had loaned the apparel maker and retailer $4 million in exchange for a promissory note.

The note, dated February 10, matures in January 2013 and provides for interest at an annual rate of 6 percent, the Los Angeles company said in a regulatory filing.

The loan comes two months after American Apparel renegotiated nearly $120 million in debt on tougher terms. The company was able to extend the maturity of a $51 million loan three months to April but has to make amortization payments of $16 million in March plus three other payments of $5 million each spread out over the year. It must get additional approvals from lenders.

The company continues to report steady sales of its trendy casual wear. Last week it said same-store sales rose 2 percent in January.

American Apparel shares were down 16 cents, or 6 percent, to $2.12 in morning trading on the NYSE Alternext.