Comparable store sales for the fiscal year-to-date period were down 3.5 percent, compared to an increase of 11.4 percent for the same period last year.
By division, comparable store sales for the fiscal year-to-date period were down 4.7 percent for Ann Taylor compared to a 3.4 percent increase last year, and down 3.0 percent for Ann Taylor LOFT compared to a 25.0 percent increase last year.
In June, the Company purchased 375,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $9,300,000. Of the $100,000,000 securities repurchase program approved by the Company's Board of Directors on August 10, 2004, approximately $33,400,000 remains.
Women's classic clothing & accessories retailer Ann Taylor is operating 782 stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and also Online Stores at www.anntaylor.com and www.anntaylorLOFT.com as of July 2, 2005.