Ann Taylor’s rich heritage dates to 1954, when founder Robert Liebeskind, the son of a dressmaker, opened his first shop. Back then, “Ann Taylor” represented a best-selling dress style that had been gifted to the storeowner by his father. The “Ann Taylor” design embodied the well-dressed woman, and the Ann Taylor legacy was born. By 1983, Ann Taylor had grown from a regional, primarily East Coast brand, to a national brand with 47 stores across the United States. Today, the Ann Taylor brand is represented by three divisions: Ann Taylor Stores, Ann Taylor LOFT, and Ann Taylor Factory. At the end of Fiscal 2007, Ann Taylor operated 869 stores throughout the United States, District of Columbia and Puerto Rico and generated more than $2.3 billion in sales.

The mission at Ann Taylor is to provide women with updated classics that are feminine, stylish, versatile and polished and that wardrobe her across all aspects of her evolving lifestyle. We offer sophisticated and refined style for the woman who always wants to look appropriate in classic, updated fashion. From a young professional wanting to start on the right foot as she enters the workforce to the mother of three wanting to look best for her family function, Ann Taylor clients place a premium on how they are perceived. We strive to serve as a trusted advisor to help women with all of their wardrobe needs.

Ann Taylor, through 346 store locations, competes in the "better" priced category, and caters to the successful, relatively affluent career woman, who needs appropriate, fashion conscious attire for her professional life, and prefers stylish, coordinated looks for her leisure activities.

Ann Taylor Loft, through 483 store locations, competes in the "upper moderate" priced category. Ann Taylor Loft collections are designed for value conscious women with a more relaxed lifestyle both at work and at home.