Ann Taylor Stores Corporation Supports the Fight Against Breast Cancer

NEW YORK, Sept. 27 /PRNewswire/ -- AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (NYSE: ANN) reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to the fight against breast cancer, which the Company supports through its ANN Cares® and LOFT Cares® programs.

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 Cares® and LOFT Cares® Cards. Through this unique program, the Company has raised more than $3.8 million over the last three years to fully fund four researchers.  This year, the Ann Taylor and LOFT brands are also each offering a unique opportunity to enable their clients to support the cause: The ANN Cares® Bracelet & Necklace designed by Lisa Axelson and LOFT Cares® Jewelry Collaborations with designers Robin Renzi for Me&Ro, Kara Ross and Anna Sheffield.

Commenting on the Company's commitment to the fight against breast cancer, Kay Krill, President and CEO of Ann Taylor Stores Corporation, stated, "We are a company dedicated to inspiring and connecting with women to put their best selves forward every day.  Caring for every aspect of their lives is something we are passionate about as a company.  I am proud of how our associates have embraced our commitment to the great work being done by The Breast Cancer Research Foundation."

"The Breast Cancer Research Foundation is honored to be the recipient of the incredible ANN Cares Program for the past five years and we are excited about the addition of the new jewelry offerings this year," said Evelyn H. Lauder, Chairman and Founder of The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.  "Both ANN Cares and LOFT Cares remarkable programs are truly making a difference in finding a cure for breast cancer in our lifetime."  

The ANN Cares® and LOFT Cares® Cards

Those who purchase a $25 ANN Cares® 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, LOFT Outlet, anntaylor.com, and loftonline.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 Cares® Bracelet & Necklace

Designer Lisa Axelson took inspiration from the pink breast cancer awareness ribbon and the iconic charm bracelet to create pieces that can be worn with both endless style and compassion. Each item retails for $38. Seventy percent of full-priced purchases will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

LOFT Cares® Jewelry Collaborations

LOFT, an avid supporter in the fight against breast cancer, has enlisted some of fashion's favorite jewelry design talent including Anna Sheffield, Kara Ross and Robin Renzi of Me&Ro to create unique pieces that will offer their customers a chic alternative to the customary cause-supporting pin.  For every purchase made, $5 will be donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation®.

About Ann Taylor Stores Corporation

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation is one of the leading women's specialty retailers for fashionable clothing in the United States, operating 894 Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, LOFT and LOFT Outlet stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico as of July 31, 2010, as well as online at AnnTaylor.com and LOFTonline.com. Visit AnnTaylorStoresCorp.com for more information (NYSE: ANN).

About ANN Cares® and LOFT Cares®

Ann Taylor Stores Corporation commitment to corporate responsibility extends into the communities where we live and work. Through our charitable arms, ANN Cares® and LOFT 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.

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 2010, BCRF will award $33 million to over 170 scientists across the United States, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and Australia.  Currently, more than 88 cents of each dollar donated to the Foundation goes directly to breast cancer research and awareness programs.  And the American Institute of Philanthropy has awarded the Foundation its highest possible rating of A+.  BCRF is the only breast cancer organization to receive this accolade; and is the only cancer organization to currently hold this ranking.  For more information about BCRF, visit www.bcrfcure.org.

SOURCE Ann Taylor Stores Corporation