New company launched to include Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots (2024)

Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, has announced that it has launched the KnitWell Group, a new holding company that will include three iconic apparel brands -- Ann Taylor, Loft and Talbots.

Sycamore Partners acquired Ann Taylor and Loft from The Ascena Retail Group in 2020.

“Together, these brands generate more than $3 billion in annual sales,” the Sycamore Partners, said in a news release. “The company will also continue to provide oversight and shared services to Lane Bryant, a leading plus-size women’s apparel brand.”

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Lizanne Kindler, current CEO of Talbots, will lead the KnitWell Group as executive chair and CEO

“KnitWell is a collection of powerful brands that, in aggregate, have been providing customers with the fashions they want for nearly 300 years,” Kindler said in the news release.

There are 100 Ann Taylor stores and 95 Ann Taylor Factory Stores in the United States; 343 Loft stores and 184 Loft Factory Stores in the U.S., and there are Talbots stores in 44 states and Canada, and Talbots Outlet stores and clearance stores in 29 states and Canada.

There are Ann Taylor Factory Stores in the Lancaster and Hershey areas. There are Loft stores in the Harrisburg, Lancaster and York areas, and Loft Factory Stores in the Hershey and Lancaster areas. There are Talbot stores in the Harrisburg, Camp Hill and Lancaster areas, and Talbots Outlet stores in the Hershey, Lancaster and Gettysburg areas.