Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant Stores To Close After Bankruptcy

LONG ISLAND, NY — In another blow to brick and mortar retail, the parent company that owns Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. The New Jersey-based Ascena announced Thursday that the coronavirus pandemic "disrupted meaningful progress underway to optimize balance sheets."

The company owns retail chains Ann Taylor, Loft, Justice, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey with 2,800 stores in total across the United States and Canada, many in malls and shopping centers. Ascena said they will close a number of Justice stores, and some Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey locations. They will shutter all locations outside the U.S.

The final number of locations to close is not yet determined, the company stated in the news release. Ascena previously closed all Dress Barn locations last year.

There are Ann Taylor Factory outlet stores in the Deer Park and Riverhead Tanger outlet malls, and an Ann Taylor store in Garden City. Lane Bryant currently operates nine locations across Long Island. Employees at the three Long Island Ann Taylor stores told Patch that they are staying open for now as far as they are aware.

J. Crew was among other retailers to declare bankruptcy in the wake of the pandemic.