Total inventory levels at the end of August were down approximately 15 percent on a per square foot basis compared to the same period last year. By division, inventory levels on a per square foot basis were down approximately 20 percent for Ann Taylor and down approximately 7 percent for Ann Taylor LOFT.
During the month, the Company opened nine Ann Taylor LOFT stores and one Ann Taylor Factory store. The total store count at month end was 792, comprised of 361 Ann Taylor stores, 384 Ann Taylor LOFT stores, and 47 Ann Taylor Factory stores. Total square footage at the end of August 2005 increased 15.0 percent over the same period last year.
For the fiscal year-to-date period ended August 27, 2005, total net sales were $1,119,233,000 up 9.6 percent from $1,021,191,000 last year. By division, net sales for the fiscal year-to-date period were $471,091,000 for Ann Taylor compared to $484,268,000 last year, and $535,576,000 for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to $448,342,000 last year.
Comparable store sales for the fiscal year-to-date period were down 2.7 percent compared to a 7.6 percent increase last year. Comparable store sales by division for the fiscal year-to-date period were down 4.4 percent for Ann Taylor compared to a 1.2 percent increase last year, and down 1.9 percent for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to an 18.7 percent increase last year.
New York City based updated classic clothing firm Ann Taylor is one of the country's leading women's specialty retailers, operating 792 stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Ann Taylor strives to provide our shareholders with a solid and growing investment.
The company is currently recruiting for exciting, high-profile, growth-oriented opportunities, both within company retail stores and home office headquarters, that would enable your talent to work for one of the hottest retail companies in America.
AnnTaylor Stores Corporation
marketing@alchempro.com
