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Ann Taylor is the Specialty Resource for Petites

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NEW YORK, Aug. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- As one of the top U.S. specialty retailers servicing the needs of the petite shopper, Ann Taylor Stores Corporation, including both Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT stores, continues its aggressive expansion for the fall 2006 season in over 700+ stores by offering proportionally designed silhouettes, a newly expanded size range offering online, and easier than ever size and style availabilities for one of its most loyal client segments, the petite customer.

With recent reports of petites falling out of favor with many department stores, Ann Taylor Stores and Ann Taylor LOFT continues its commitment to the petite client by addressing all of her wardrobe needs, a strategy the company will not change. As the company approaches a 15 year history of offering petites, Ann Taylor understands that 'petite' is a proportion, not a size, and the traditional height of 5'4" and under is not the only factor to consider. Proprietary research shows that approximately 50% of all women in the U.S. identify themselves as petite. She may wear only petite tops, only petite bottoms, or she may wear petites head to toe.

"Petite consumers are very passionate shoppers and very vocal ones as well. Like an elite group of shoppers, petite consumers love to be loyal to 'their' stores and they tell every petite friend they know about a good experience. Those stores that have remained loyal to the petite shopper are positioned to reap the benefit," said Marshal Cohen, Chief Industry Analyst, The NPD Group.

At Ann Taylor it remains very important to give the petite client the same wardrobe options all clients and customers know the brand for: professional business, occasion and modern weekend wear. "Overall, we are giving the petite client the same look as our missy client," stated Adrienne Lazarus, President, Ann Taylor Stores Division. "We want her to have all of the same great options."

To achieve this, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT address the overall design and proportion of each garment. Each style is fit on an actual petite fit model. Sleeve and pant lengths are adjusted, prints and trims may be scaled down 15-30% and large buttons are made smaller. This attention to detail ensures that the same fashion message of the missy design is being delivered in the perfect petite silhouette. With its ever-growing collections for petites, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT combined currently offer around 2,000 petite styles throughout the year.

Ann Taylor LOFT clearly defines petites for its client base and offers petites in all of its LOFT store locations. "Petite sizing is based on height, not weight", said Donna Noce, President of Ann Taylor LOFT. "If you're 5'4" and under, you're a petite from head to toe. If you're over 5'4" and find that regular size tops or bottoms often drop at the shoulder or fall too long in the sleeve, waist, rise, or leg, you may need a petite size either on the top or the bottom".

Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT store associates are specially trained to help determine each client's body proportion and help make the right sizing suggestions to best fit all body types. Additionally, Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT both offer a unique client service technology that is able to locate a petite item for the client from across our nationwide network if a particular store does not carry the style in her chosen size or color. Once located, the item can be shipped directly to the client's home. In addition, Ann Taylor 'petite specialists' are available by calling 1-800-DIAL-ANN and selecting option "P".

The majority of Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT stores nationwide feature a petites department and each season the entire petites collection are available online at http://www.anntaylor.com and http://www.anntaylorLOFT.com. For fall 2006 Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor LOFT have also introduced more petites sizes online including 00P - 16P and PXXS - PXL.

Ann Taylor is one of the country's leading women's specialty retailers, operating 824 stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and also Online Stores at http://www.anntaylor.com and http://www.anntaylorLOFT.com as of the end of the first quarter of fiscal year 2006.