Ann Taylor fashions sales gains with style; Strong performance boosts stock price; still room to grow.(In the Markets)(AnnTaylor Stores Corp.)

Crain's New York Business, March, 2006 by Butler, Elisabeth

Byline: Elisabeth Butler Ann taylor stores Corp.'s stock price hit lofty levels last week, and that is no accident. Under Chief Executive Kay Krill, who previously headed the clothier's wildly successful Loft division, the company is turning in a stylish performance. Late last week, news of surprisingly strong gains in same-store sales for both Ann Taylor stores and the Loft chain in February helped to push the stock to a 52-week high of $38.

Despite a 56% jump over the last year, the shares look like they still have room to grow. Investors should dress up their portfolios accordingly. The big reason for such optimism can be summed up in two words: Kay Krill. In her four years leading the Loft division, she attracted young price-conscious women with...

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