email I received from Ann Taylor

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

Re: email I received from Ann Taylor

I just got that too.

Interesting.

Re: email I received from Ann Taylor

Have they announced which stores they will be closing or did they close already (in January)? If they are still closing stores I could see why someone might be hesitant to buy a gift card for someone and the nearest Ann Taylor store shut down. (online is great but sometimes you want that authentic shopping experience)

Re: email I received from Ann Taylor

I got that email too.

I am not buying anyone gift cards this year. a check does the trick and this way, they can shop anywhere their heart desires w/o having to worry about them expiring, getting lost, having the ID # stolen or a store going out of business.