ANN INC. Reduces Carbon Footprint By 20%

NEW YORK, April 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- ANN INC. (NYSE: ANN), the parent Company of Ann Taylor and LOFT, today announced that it has surpassed its 2015 carbon footprint goal of reducing its emissions by 8 percent per square foot. Based on year-end 2012 results, the Company has more than doubled that goal, achieving a 20 percent reduction over its 2008 baseline. ANN INC. reaffirms its continued commitment to environmental sustainability by setting a new goal of reducing emissions per square foot by 30 percent by 2015.

This significant reduction in carbon emissions was achieved through the implementation of key programs ranging from the installation of energy efficient lighting in its stores to behavior change campaigns for associates.

"At ANN INC. we have a strong commitment to our clients and associates to operate our business responsibly and to minimize our impact on the environment," said Kay Krill, President and CEO of ANN INC.  "We're thrilled to surpass this goal earlier than expected. It was not an easy task, but investing in new programs, coupled with the power of our passionate associates, have helped us get there."

ANN INC.'s ANN Conserves Energy (ACE) program trains more than 18,000 store associates on energy efficiency best practices and behaviors, including lighting, equipment and temperature control settings. In 2012, ANN INC. installed more than 50,000 light-emitting diode (LED) light bulbs in almost 400 stores, which has resulted in significant reduction of energy use and utility costs. The Company's flagship LOFT store in Times Square, New York has also been outfitted with energy efficient LEDs, and the store's 12,000-light-bulb marquee now uses one quarter of the energy that it used when it was first installed.

"Our LED initiative and other in-store activities have produced an increase in energy efficiency in ANN INC.'s stores by 10 percent per square foot in only three years," said Jeannette Ferran Astorga, Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility at ANN INC. "This Earth Day, we celebrate our current practices that have helped us achieve our goals of becoming a more efficient fleet of stores, while reducing our carbon emissions."

In January 2013, ANN INC. announced its membership to the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a trade association comprised of brands, retailers, manufacturers, government and non-governmental organizations and academic experts who are committed to supply chain sustainability. ANN INC. is the first women's specialty retailer to join the SAC and will use the group's sustainability index to drive environmental responsibility throughout its supply chain.

The Company regularly reports on its programs, including its carbon footprint results and other corporate social responsibility initiatives, on its website, ResponsiblyANN.com.  

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 North America.  The Company operates 984 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada as of February 2, 2013.  Our Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are available in more than 100 countries worldwide online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFT.com.  Visit ANNINC.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

SOURCE ANN INC.