AnnTaylor Stores Corporation, through its subsidiaries, operates as a specialty retailer of women's apparel, shoes, and accessories in the United States. Its stores offer a range of career and casual separates, dresses, tops, weekend wear, shoes, and accessories. The company serves customers through in-store and direct marketing, as well as through its online sites or by phone. As of February 2, 2008, it operated 929 retail stores in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico under the Ann Taylor, Loft and Ann Taylor Loft, and Ann Taylor Factory brands. The company was founded in 1986 and is headquartered in New York, New York.