Ann Taylor

AnnTaylor Stores Corp. (New York) announced a 6.7 percent increase in total net sales for the four-week period ended Feb. 26, 2005.

By division, net sales dropped 10.3 percent for Ann Taylor but gained 23 percent for Ann Taylor Loft.

Overall same-store sales decreased 5.4 percent for the period (compared to an increase of 15.3 percent for the same four-week period last year) and were down 11.5 percent for Ann Taylor (compared to a 12.7 percent increase last year) but were up 1.2 percent for Ann Taylor Loft (compared to a 20.8 percent increase last year).

“At Ann Taylor Loft, more affordable and casual products, such as denim, knit tops, woven shirts and fashion accessories were well received,” stated chairman J. Patrick Spainhour. “Additionally, we are pleased with early reads on Loft's March store set. Ann Taylor met our expectations, and new suits, embellished sweaters and outerwear met with positive client acceptance.”