Ascena Retail Group, Inc. is a women’s specialty apparel retailer that designs, sources and markets a multi‐brand portfolio of fashion and lifestyle merchandise. The company’s banners have included names such as Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey, Lane Bryant and Catherines, each targeting distinct segments of the women’s apparel market. Ascena’s offerings span core apparel categories—dresses, tops, outerwear and accessories—and extend into lingerie, activewear and plus‐size fashions. These products are sold through a combination of brick‐and‐mortar stores and e-commerce platforms, supported by integrated marketing and loyalty programs.
Founded in 1962 under the Dressbarn name by Roslyn Jaffe, the company grew through organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. In 2011, it formally adopted the Ascena Retail Group moniker following its acquisition of ANN Inc., the parent of Ann Taylor and LOFT. This transformation broadened the company’s scale and geographic reach, while reinforcing its commitment to offering accessible, trend‐influenced apparel for women of various ages and body types. Over the years, Ascena has invested in omnichannel capabilities, supply chain optimization and data analytics to enhance inventory management and customer engagement.
Headquartered in Mahwah, New Jersey, Ascena historically served consumers across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Its retail footprint encompassed thousands of stores at peak, supplemented by dedicated digital sites for each brand. The company’s executive leadership team was headed by CEO Gary Muto, who joined in 2016 with extensive retail and brand management experience. Through integrated store operations, digital initiatives and loyalty programs, Ascena sought to deliver a cohesive shopping experience and foster long‐term customer relationships.
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