ANN INC. is an American native group of apparel retail chain stores for women, with its headquarter in New York City. The stores offer classic styled dresses, suits, accessories, separates and shoes. This huge brand is marketed under four different divisions: Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet.
The history of Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft is very interesting and complex. The founder of Ann Taylor, Richard Liebeskind, opened his first store in 1954, at New Haven, Connecticut. And guess where the name “Ann Taylor” came from? That’ s how the best- selling dress at Richard Liebeskind father’ s store was named. This name was given by his father for good luck. So this name created the ideal identity for the classic women’ s apparel.
The company’ s line of classic clothing started to became very popular. New shops were primarily opened in eastern college towns as Providence, Georgetown, New Haven, Cambridge and Boston. In 1977, due to unknown reasons, Liebskind sold his stores to the Brooks Brothers (known also as Garfinckels) from Miller Rhodes Corporation. Under a new and better management, the stores began to spread rapidly during the late 1970′ s.
Perry Ellis was the one who designed the clothing for the AnnTaylor label during this time. His creations were amazing and many found them attractive. Other cutting edge, upscale designers, as Marimeko, were pleased to offer their services to Ann Taylor chain of stores. That’ s why Ann Taylor’ s name as a brand increased steadily and the stores popularity has greatly increased. The stores began to offer European fashions, as their clients were willing to spend a little more for less conservative and unique styles, as the European one.
In 1981, something major happened in the company: it was acquired by Allied Stores Corporation. It quickly became the most profitable company among the group of Allied retailers, surpassing even the most famous Bonwit Teller and Brooks Brothers. Then, in later 1991, after another 10 succesful years, the company continues to spread, having a total of 176 stores and 58 new outlets.
The Ann Taylor Loft division was established in late 1996 as an extension of the original Ann Taylor brand, offering more relaxed fashions for home and work, targeting the “upper moderate” class. Initially, the selections of clothes were a more casual replica to the regular Ann Taylor concept, but now it carries a unique style, providing high quality clothes for a younger class.
Today, the Ann Taylor brand has 935 stores consisting of 510 LOFT stores, 320 Ann Taylor stores, 91 Ann Taylor Factory stores and also 14 LOFT Outlet stores. The total revenue last fiscal year was $ 2.19 Billion.
Another interesting fact at Ann Taylor Loft is that you can save money with the special Ann Taylor Loft coupons. These can be found on our websites or even on their site. The 50% Off Everything + Free Shipping coupon it’ s amazing when buying several items from them, online. The 25% Off $125+ Order coupon is valid on full priced items only, but it’ s quite a good and easy way to save some money. There is also an up to 60% Off for Ann Taylor Loft denim trousers, specially made for teens who love jeans.