The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (2024)

Table of Contents

Ann Taylor was founded by Richard Liebeskind in New Haven, Connecticut in 1954. Ann Taylor was named after the best-selling dress style at Liebeskind's father's women's wear store — the "Ann." He added "Taylor" as a nod to its tailored apparel. With the "Ann" as its guide, the brand established itself in the following years as a go-to destination for the modern career woman. In the 1960s and 1970s, it rose to prominence as one of the first apparel brands to begin selling trousers and pants, helping to shift trends in traditional women's style at the time. By the 1980s, Ann Taylor had helped usher in the era of the "power suit." "We get women," the company's website read in 2011. "Real women live ever more complicated lives. They juggle more activities, play more roles, and carry more expectations." Building on its momentum and success, the company filed its initial public offering in 1991. In the 1990s, Ann Taylor started to face increased competition from other retailers targeted at career women. In response, the company launched Ann Taylor Loft in 1998 in an effort to diversify its customer base and appeal to younger working women. Ann Taylor Loft quickly became known as the company's cooler, hipper younger sister brand. It eventually changed its name to just LOFT in 2009. Ann Taylor further demonstrated its strength and resilience in 2002, when it became the first retail store to reopen near the site of Ground Zero and the September 11 attacks in New York City. The store donated a portion of its sales in its first week in business to the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund. In the first decade of the 2000s, Ann Taylor continued to have a strong presence in the New York City fashion scene. Its shows and events attracted some of the city's most notable figures, including Vogue editor Anna Wintour and famed photographer Annie Leibovitz ... ... as well as stars like Amanda Bynes ... ... Anna Kendrick ... ... and Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, and Maria Menounos, among others. Around this time, Ann Taylor also began to bring on more celebrity partners, like model Petra Nemcova, who collaborated with the company on a perfume line in 2007. Ann Taylor also continued to elevate itself by hosting philanthropic efforts for causes like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. To expand its reach, Ann Taylor also moved into new areas like outlet stores, offering items at a lower price point. In March 2011, the company changed the name of its holding company from Ann Taylor Stores Corporation to Ann Inc. This period marked the start of Ann Taylor's woes. The company began to struggle with dwindling foot traffic and competition from e-commerce as the retail apocalypse began to wreak havoc on traditional mall brands. In May 2015, Ann Inc. was acquired by the Ascena Retail Group — the owner of Lane Bryant, Catherines, Cacique, and Justice — for $2.16 billion. In the following years, Ann Taylor continued to flounder. The brand faced criticism for bland styles and failure to innovate, a similar problem faced by peers like Gap, Inc. The store's perceived lack of imagination even inspired an SNL sketch called "The Fashion Coward," starring Emma Stone making "safe" fashion choices. "Ann Taylor, the tried-and-true, white-collar women's retailer, is in the strange position of being both ubiquitous and ubiquitously mocked," The Atlantic's Olga Khazan wrote in June 2019. By 2020, the company's difficulties were furthered by the coronavirus outbreak, which forced stores to temporarily shutter and severely damaging sales. On July 23, Ascena Retail Group announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. As part of the bankruptcy, the company will close a total of 1,100 stores, including some Ann Taylor and Loft stores. FAQs

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Bethany Biron

2020-07-23T19:53:25Z

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (1)

Ascena Retail Group, parent company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, filed for bankruptcy on Thursday with plans to shutter 1,100 stores across its brands.
However, for decades, Ann Taylor has been a staple for the modern career women, equipping their wardrobes with classic tailored styles likecrisp button-downs and sharp suits.
We took a look at the rise and fall of the company over the years, and how the company began as a small women's wear apparel brand founded in 1954 and grew into a fashion powerhouse.
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Ascena Retail Group — the parent company of Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant, Catherines, Cacique, and Justice — filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Thursday, with plans to shutter an 1,100 stores across its brands.

For Ann Taylor and its sister brand LOFT, the filing marks the culmination of several years of slumping sales and dwindling foot traffic, challenges worsened by the coronavirus outbreak. However, for decades, Ann Taylor made a name for itself by helping American women get dressed for work, with its classic tailored styles and a wide range of crisp button-downs and sharp suits.

Founded in 1954, Ann Taylor became the go-to destination for professional women and set several styles on the map, including trousers and pants for women in the 1960s and 1970s and the ubiquitous 1980s power suit. As it evolved over the years, the company expanded to include spinoff brands like Ann Taylor Loft — later renamed just LOFT — to diversify its customer base and appeal to younger professional women seeking to upgrade their wardrobes.

In the early 2000s, Ann Taylor continued to act as a major player in the New York fashion scene, attracting celebrities and notable figures like Anna Wintour and Annie Leibovitz to its fashion shows and parties. A slew of celebrity partnerships and collaborations further set it on the map.

By the time Ascena Retail Group had acquired the brand in 2015, it was already mired in the difficulties of the retail apocalypse, challenges that within just five years would be furthered by the unforeseen fallout of the global pandemic.

We took a closer look at the rise and fall of Ann Taylor over the years.

Ann Taylor was founded by Richard Liebeskind in New Haven, Connecticut in 1954.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (2)

Ann Taylor was named after the best-selling dress style at Liebeskind's father's women's wear store — the "Ann." He added "Taylor" as a nod to its tailored apparel.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (3)

The "Ann" was a cotton dress with a button-up top, full skirt, and belt — a style which has endured at the company to this day. Liebeskind's called the dress Ann in honor of the name's New England heritage.

Source: The Chicago Tribune

With the "Ann" as its guide, the brand established itself in the following years as a go-to destination for the modern career woman.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (4)

In the 1960s and 1970s, it rose to prominence as one of the first apparel brands to begin selling trousers and pants, helping to shift trends in traditional women's style at the time.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (5)

Source: The Chicago Tribune

By the 1980s, Ann Taylor had helped usher in the era of the "power suit."

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (6)

Source: The Chicago Tribune

"We get women," the company's website read in 2011. "Real women live ever more complicated lives. They juggle more activities, play more roles, and carry more expectations."

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (7)

"But what women value is what they have always valued: connecting with others, making smart choices, looking and feeling great. Living life fully means women choose to play all their roles with confidence and style. That is why we're here."

Source: Ann Inc. via Wayback Machine

Building on its momentum and success, the company filed its initial public offering in 1991.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (8)

In the 1990s, Ann Taylor started to face increased competition from other retailers targeted at career women.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (9)

In response, the company launched Ann Taylor Loft in 1998 in an effort to diversify its customer base and appeal to younger working women.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (10)

Ann Taylor Loft quickly became known as the company's cooler, hipper younger sister brand. It eventually changed its name to just LOFT in 2009.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (11)

Ann Taylor further demonstrated its strength and resilience in 2002, when it became the first retail store to reopen near the site of Ground Zero and the September 11 attacks in New York City.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (12)

The store donated a portion of its sales in its first week in business to the New York Police and Fire Widows and Children's Benefit Fund.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (13)

In the first decade of the 2000s, Ann Taylor continued to have a strong presence in the New York City fashion scene.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (14)

Its shows and events attracted some of the city's most notable figures, including Vogue editor Anna Wintour and famed photographer Annie Leibovitz ...

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (15)

... as well as stars like Amanda Bynes ...

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (16)

NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 17: Actress Amanda Bynes attends the Ann Taylor See Now, Wear Now runway show at The New York Public Library on September 17, 2009 in New York City. (Photo by George Napolitano/FilmMagic)

... Anna Kendrick ...

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (17)

... and Heidi Klum, Rachel Zoe, and Maria Menounos, among others.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (18)

Around this time, Ann Taylor also began to bring on more celebrity partners, like model Petra Nemcova, who collaborated with the company on a perfume line in 2007.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (19)

Ann Taylor also continued to elevate itself by hosting philanthropic efforts for causes like the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (20)

To expand its reach, Ann Taylor also moved into new areas like outlet stores, offering items at a lower price point.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (21)

In March 2011, the company changed the name of its holding company from Ann Taylor Stores Corporation to Ann Inc.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (22)

This period marked the start of Ann Taylor's woes. The company began to struggle with dwindling foot traffic and competition from e-commerce as the retail apocalypse began to wreak havoc on traditional mall brands.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (23)

In May 2015, Ann Inc. was acquired by the Ascena Retail Group — the owner of Lane Bryant, Catherines, Cacique, and Justice — for $2.16 billion.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (24)

In the following years, Ann Taylor continued to flounder. The brand faced criticism for bland styles and failure to innovate, a similar problem faced by peers like Gap, Inc.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (25)

The store's perceived lack of imagination even inspired an SNL sketch called "The Fashion Coward," starring Emma Stone making "safe" fashion choices.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (26)

Source: The Atlantic, NBC Universal

"Ann Taylor, the tried-and-true, white-collar women's retailer, is in the strange position of being both ubiquitous and ubiquitously mocked," The Atlantic's Olga Khazan wrote in June 2019.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (27)

Source: The Atlantic

By 2020, the company's difficulties were furthered by the coronavirus outbreak, which forced stores to temporarily shutter and severely damaging sales. On July 23, Ascena Retail Group announced it was filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (28)

As part of the bankruptcy, the company will close a total of 1,100 stores, including some Ann Taylor and Loft stores.

The rise and fall of Ann Taylor, the company that dressed American career women for decades and ushered in the era of the 'power suit' (29)

Source: Business Insider

FAQs

What is the difference between Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft? ›

Clothing is targeted for fashion forward career 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.

Tell Me More ›

What happened to Ann Taylor Factory Online? ›

Our buy online, pick up from store program will not be affected by the Chapter 11 process. However, it will no longer be offered in Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, and Lane Bryant stores that are closing. Stores that remain open will honor this program where available.

Learn More ›

When was Ann Taylor popular? ›

Founded in 1954, Ann Taylor became the go-to destination for professional women and set several styles on the map, including trousers and pants for women in the 1960s and 1970s and the ubiquitous 1980s power suit.

Show Me More ›

Who owns Ann Taylor now? ›

Ascena Retail Group, Inc., is an American retailer of women's clothing. Ascena also owns Lane Bryant clothing store brand, and is the parent company of Ann Inc., operator of Ann Taylor and Loft stores.

See Details ›

Can I return Ann Taylor clothes at Ann Taylor Loft? ›

Unwashed, unworn and defective merchandise may also be returned or exchanged at any Ann Taylor store location, with the exception of merchandise from the Maternity and Swimwear Collections. Please note, we cannot accept online purchase returns at Ann Taylor, LOFT Outlet or Ann Taylor Factory store locations.

Get More Info ›

What age group does Ann Taylor target? ›

It's a relatively expensive brand and has a much sleeker product line as compared to other specialty retailers. 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.

Know More ›

Why are so many Ann Taylor stores closing? ›

Ascena Retail Group, the conglomerate behind women's apparel brands Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant and Catherines, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy Thursday and said it would close at least 877 - nearly a third - of its 2,800 stores after years of declining sales and ballooning debt.

Find Out More ›

What is Ann Taylor spin off brand? ›

Ann Taylor has Loft -- which it launched in 1996 -- and now Lou & Grey.

Keep Reading ›

What companies are associated with Ann Taylor? ›

Our Company

ascena is a national specialty retailer offering apparel, shoes and accessories for women. Through our collective brands—including Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant and Cacique—we serve women across generations, identities, affiliations and body types.

Learn More Now ›

Is Ann Taylor clothing good quality? ›

Ann Taylor has a rating of 4.13 stars from 286 reviews, indicating that most customers are generally satisfied with their purchases. Ann Taylor ranks 180th among Women's Clothing sites.

Find Out More ›

Is Ann Taylor and Talbots the same company? ›

Talbots' parent company Sycamore Partners recently purchased the Ascena Retail Group Inc., which owns Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey, for $540 million.

What is the demographic of Ann Taylor customers? ›

anntaylor.com's audience is 19.18% male and 80.82% female.

What should I wear to an Ann Taylor interview? ›

Wear appropriate interviewing attire, but avoid looking drab. Use your clothing to express your quality fashion sense and individuality. If possible, wear clothing sold at Ann Taylor. The fashion retailer wants to hire brand advocates that exude genuine passion for the Ann Taylor clothing.

Does Ann Taylor dresses run big? ›

I'm rounding up a few favorites below that I know you will love! As for sizing, I typically wear size XS and 0 in their clothes. I would say that they tend to run a little big so if you are between, size down.

View Details ›

Does Ann Taylor shoes run big or small? ›

I would say Ann Taylor pumps tend to run about a half size bigger than pumps made by comparable retailers and about a size bigger than European shoemakers. However, I would urge you to try the shoes on yourself in stores to find the best fit. If you normally wear stockings at work, try these shoes on with stockings on.

Get More Info ›

Can you machine wash Ann Taylor pants? ›

Here is what I love about the Ann Taylor Bi-Stretch Range:

All items are machine washable, which saves dry cleaning time and cost.

Learn More Now ›

Is Talbots an old lady brand? ›

I recall going to Talbot's with my grandmother as a youngster and even then it was categorized as 'the old lady store'. Yup, that is where all the older but fashionable women went before a night out a the jazz club with their husband's.

Get More Info Here ›

Is Talbots a luxury brand? ›

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.”

Learn More ›

Was Talbots bought out? ›

In 1948, the Talbots launched a direct mail business by distributing 3,000 fliers to names obtained from The New Yorker magazine. In 1973, they sold the company, consisting of a growing catalog enterprise and five stores, to General Mills.

Read On ›

When was Ann Taylor founded? ›

1954, New Haven, CT

Ann Inc. / Founded

Find Out More ›

What is converse demographics? ›

Converse is a female-dominated company. 49% of Converse employees are male and 51% of Converse employees are female. The most common race/ethnicity at Converse is White.

Who was the husband of Ann Taylor? ›

Marriage and widowhood

On 24 December 1813, Ann married Joseph Gilbert, an Independent (later Congregational) minister and theologian, and left Ongar for a new home far from her family, at Masborough near Rotherham.

Get More Info ›

What is the largest single store in the US? ›

World's Largest Store: Macy's Herald Square.

Keep Reading ›

Does Ann Taylor carry size 16 in store? ›

Stores I Frequent Because They Have Good Size 14 and 16 Clothing: – Ann Taylor. Yes, Ann Taylor is NOT cheap, but they have ridiculous sales. When I enter their store, I go straight to the sale section.

Discover More Details ›

How many fashion stores are there in the US? ›

The US clothing store industry includes more than 95,000 establishments (single-location companies and units of multi-location companies) with combined annual revenue of about $190 billion.

Discover More ›

What is the difference between loft and Ann Taylor? ›

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.

Get More Info ›

Is Rebecca Taylor shutting down? ›

Taylor left the brand in 2019, and not long after, it was acquired by Vince. The new parent company installed Club Monaco alum Steven Cateron as creative director in January 2020. For Spring 2022, the brand dropped "Taylor" from its name, opting to instead be simply Rebecca.

Who is Maurices biggest competitor? ›

maurices.com Top 6 competitors

torrid.com, with 12.9M visits, 61 authority score, 47.21% bounce rate.
lanebryant.com, with 6.7M visits, 59 authority score, 48.61% bounce rate.
avenue.com, with 1.1M visits, 48 authority score, 48.07% bounce rate.
catofashions.com, with 1.0M visits, 47 authority score, 40.13% bounce rate.

More items...

Tell Me More ›

What age group does Maurices target? ›

OpCapita | Maurices. Founded in 1931 by Maurice Labovitz, Maurices is an American women's apparel retailer based in Duluth, Minnesota. The chain targets women aged 25-45 with value apparel and accessories through a network of c. 900 stores across the U.S. and Canada, and its website maurices.com.

Keep Reading ›

What is the age range for Maurices? ›

Founded in 1931, Maurices has mostly targeted women aged 25-45 with around 900 stores across the U.S. and Canada.

Learn More ›

Is Ann Taylor Loft cheaper than Ann Taylor? ›

Yes, Loft is cheaper than Ann Taylor. Loft and Ann Taylor are owned by the same parent company, Ann Inc. While both stores are similar, the clothing at Loft comes at a lower price point. Loft also carries clothing that is a bit more trendy, casual, and youthful.

View Details ›

What happened to Ann Taylor Loft? ›

Premium Apparel LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore, bought Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey brands from Ascena in December for $540 million, agreeing to keep at least 900 stores open.

Show Me More ›

What are Ann Taylor sister brands? ›

See Details ›

What age group is the LOFT clothing for? ›

"There's really something for everything at Loft," Horowitz said, "that we don't specifically target [anyone, like,] 'we have to get the 25 to 34 year olds. ' It's really about that connection with her at an individual level." "Her" is the Loft girl.

Know More ›

Who owns the loft clothing store? ›

UPDATE: December, 10, 2020: Over objections from the U.S. Trustee, a judge in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Virginia in Richmond on Tuesday approved Ascena's sale of the Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey brands to Sycamore Partners for $540 million.

Are loft jeans good quality? ›

As someone who lived and breathed denim for year in corporate America, I can attest that LOFT makes quality jeans for the price. As for the girlfriend jeans style: They are a great, comfortable fit if you don't want skinny jeans but you also don't want baggy jeans. Kind of like Goldilocks.

Can you use Ann Taylor gift card at Loft? ›

REDEEMABLE FOR MERCHANDISE AT LOFT, LOFT OUTLET, ANN TAYLOR, ANN TAYLOR FACTORY STORE, LOU AND GREY, LOFT.COM, ANNTAYLOR.COM, LOFTOUTLET.COM, ANNTAYLORFACTORY.COM AND LOUANDGREY.COM.

Learn More ›

What is the difference between Loft and loft outlet? ›

Learn More Now ›

Who bought out Talbots? ›

In 1948, the Talbots launched a direct mail business by distributing 3,000 fliers to names obtained from The New Yorker magazine. In 1973, they sold the company, consisting of a growing catalog enterprise and five stores, to General Mills.

Keep Reading ›