ANN INC., Parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, Supports the Fight Against Breast Cancer

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN) reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer, which the Company supports through its ANN Cares program.

In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October, the Company is proud to support The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® through the sale of Ann Taylor Cares Cards and LOFT Cares Cards. Through this unique program, the Company has donated more than $6.5 million over the last four years and is currently fully funding ten researcher projects.  The Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are also each offering a unique opportunity to engage their clients to support the cause by purchasing limited edition products. The Ann Taylor Cares Pink Jewel Collection includes a necklace and ring designed by Lisa Axelson, Head of Design for the Ann Taylor brand.  This year, the LOFT brand brings LOFT Cares Jewelry Collaborations with designers Rachel Leigh, Roxanne Assoulin of Lee Angel and blogger Jessica Quirk of "What I Wore," as well as three limited edition LOFT Cares t-shirts that are inspired by the stories of real women who have been afflicted by the disease.

Commenting on the Company's commitment to the fight against breast cancer, Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC., stated, "ANN INC. is a company of women for women.  Every year our associates and clients help raise the bar higher in supporting The Breast Cancer Research Foundation to eradicate this terrible disease.  We are so proud to be funding ten researchers this year! We are dedicated to helping women put their best selves forward every day and caring for every aspect of their lives is something we are passionate about as a Company."

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is so grateful to ANN INC. for the Ann Taylor Cares and LOFT Cares programs.  ANN INC.'s ability to rally its employees and customers to support life-saving breast cancer research is truly amazing," said Evelyn H. Lauder, Chairman and Founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  "These remarkable programs are truly making a difference in finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime and BCRF is honored to be the recipient."

The Ann Taylor Cares Card and LOFT Cares Card

Those who purchase a $25 Ann Taylor Cares Card or LOFT Cares Card, available now through October 31st, will receive 20% off every purchase of $100 or more at Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Factory Store, LOFT Outlet, AnnTaylor.com, and LOFT.com through November 15th, or 25% if combined with the Ann Taylor or LOFT credit card.  Ninety percent of the purchase price of every card sold is donated directly to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

The Ann Taylor Cares Pink Jewel Collection

The Pink Jewel Collection was inspired by Ann Taylor's Legacy Jewelry. Lisa Axelson, Head of Design, took her favorite pieces and added a beautiful rose colored stone in honor of the iconic breast cancer pink ribbon…and in honor of strong, compassionate and stylish women everywhere. The necklace and ring retail for $58 each.  Seventy percent of full-priced purchases will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to $150,000.

LOFT Cares Jewelry and T-shirts Collaborations

LOFT, an avid supporter in the fight against breast cancer, has enlisted some of fashion's favorite jewelry design talent including Rachel Leigh and Roxanne Assoulin of Lee Angel, and blogger Jessica Quirk of "What I Wore" to create unique pieces that will offer their customers a chic alternative to the customary cause-supporting pin.  Additionally, the three limited edition t-shirts represent stories of Strength, Support, and Inspiration.  For every purchase made, $5 will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation, up to $200,000.

About ANN INC.

ANN INC. is the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, two of the leading women's specialty retail fashion brands in the United States. The Company operates 942 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of July 30, 2011, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com. Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About ANN Cares

ANN INC.'s commitment to corporate responsibility extends into the communities where we live and work. Through our charitable platform, ANN Cares, we develop campaigns that engage, inspire, and connect our clients and our associates with the charities that we support.  We provide support to renowned programs that contribute to women's and children's health and well-being, as well as our associates and the environment.  Visit ResponsiblyANN.com for more information.

About The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®

The Breast Cancer Research Foundation® was founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder as an independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to funding innovative clinical and translational research. In October 2011, BCRF will award $36.5 million to 186 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Australia and China. Currently, more than 90 cents of every dollar donated is directed to breast cancer research and awareness programs. With exceptionally low administrative costs, BCRF continues to be one of the most efficient organizations in the country and is designated an "A+" charity by The American Institute of Philanthropy, the only cancer organization to achieve this.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

SOURCE ANN INC.