[il-talk] follow-up to an earlier post

[sharon howerton]

I wanted to share the following I received from Ann Taylor Loft Stores. One 
of the other stores on the list I sent earlier in the week was Lowe's. My 
younger son is a loss prevention specialist at the Lincolnwood store and 
knew of no pending store closures. If anyone would know, he would, 
particularly in his region. I'm glad no one gave that list credibility and 
apologize if anyone was concerned about getting gift cards as a result.

Sharon Howerton

Dear Valued Client:

It has come to our attention that false and misleading information, 
regarding our Company and our store closure program, is circulating on the 
Web, as
part of a hoax to scare consumers away from purchasing gift cards. Ann 
Taylor is a financially strong Company that operates nearly 1,000 Ann 
Taylor, LOFT,
Ann Taylor Factory and LOFT Outlet stores across the U.S. In January 2008, 
we announced plans to close some underperforming stores, as part of a 
strategic
restructuring program to make us an even stronger Company that can continue 
to serve you in the future. Our gift cards continue to be a popular and 
great
option for gifting this Holiday season and can be redeemed at any of our 
stores, as well as online at anntaylor.com and anntaylorLOFT.com. We look 
forward
to serving you again soon!

Kay Krill
President and Chief Executive Officer
Ann Taylor Stores Corporation