Shopping at Ann Taylor Factory Stores and Loft Outlets (2024)

FAQs

What is the difference between Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Factory Store? ›

When you see “Ann Taylor Factory” on labels and price tags, it's an outlet item. Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft outlets carry mostly — or entirely — made-for-outlet clothing. On Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT pieces, look for “Factory” underneath the brand name.

Also, Ann Taylor, Loft, Loft Outlet, and Ann Taylor Factory Outlet are all different stores. They have different merchandise and it's easy to tell the tags apart.

Unwashed, unworn and defective merchandise may also be returned or exchanged at any Ann Taylor location with the exception of select merchandise explicitly noted in our return policy below. Please note, we cannot accept online purchase returns at LOFT, LOFT Outlet or Ann Taylor Factory store locations.

The parade of department store bankruptcies continues in 2020, as the parent company of Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lane Bryant has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

LOFT Outlets carry a more youthful look and more casual styles, while the Ann Taylor Factory stores cater more to professionals. Both divisions sell suits, separates, dresses, shoes, and accessories designed for professional women.

Ann Taylor was founded in 1954. Loft, originally Ann Taylor Loft, was established in 1998 as an extension of the original Ann Taylor brand, offers more relaxed fashions for work and home, in the "moderate" priced category.

Ann Taylor has a specific target market of affluent female buyers in the age group of 25-50 years, which justifies its small presence (in terms of stores) in the U.S.

The reality of the fashion market is that very respectable, though not true 'luxury' brands like Talbots, Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor are delivering an investment in fashion that is most highly regarded by affluent customers loyal to these brands.”

Plan on making your returns to Loft within 30 days of the purchase date. Beyond 30 days and you will be refunded in merchandise credit. Loft does have a holiday return window. You can return purchases made from November 1, 2022 to December 24, 2022 through January 31, 2023.

MERCHANDISE PURCHASED AT A LOFT OUTLET STORE may only be returned to a LOFT OUTLET store. RETURNS ACCOMPANIED BY A VALID ORIGINAL RECEIPT MADE WITHIN 30 DAYS OF THE PURCHASE DATE are credited for the price paid in the original form of payment or an exchange.

Are LOFT and Ann Taylor sizes the same? ›

Ann Taylor sizes also differ from LOFT, so even if you know your size in one brand, it doesn't mean it will be consistent.

REDEEMABLE FOR MERCHANDISE AT LOFT, LOFT OUTLET, ANN TAYLOR, ANN TAYLOR FACTORY STORE, LOU & GREY, LOFT.COM, ANNTAYLOR.COM, LOFTOUTLET.COM, ANNTAYLORFACTORY.COM AND LOUANDGREY.COM. NOT VALID OUTSIDE OF THE US AND PUERTO RICO.

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.

Loft is not quite in the fast-fashion category, although if you wait a few weeks, that $98 dress will be on sale, just as soon as a new dress gets shipped in; it operates on a highly promotional basis. It's inexpensive, but it's still not as cheap as a Forever 21 or H&M. It's not sexy and sharp like Zara.

REDEEMABLE FOR MERCHANDISE AT LOFT, LOFT OUTLET, ANN TAYLOR, ANN TAYLOR FACTORY STORE, LOU & GREY, LOFT.COM, ANNTAYLOR.COM, LOFTOUTLET.COM, ANNTAYLORFACTORY.COM AND LOUANDGREY.COM. NOT VALID OUTSIDE OF THE US AND PUERTO RICO.

Ann Taylor has a specific target market of affluent female buyers in the age group of 25-50 years, which justifies its small presence (in terms of stores) in the U.S.