TAYLOR ANN STORES CORP
10-K, 1998-04-30
WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES
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              SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                     Washington, D.C.  20549
                                
                            FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
 X  ANNUAL  REPORT  PURSUANT  TO  SECTION  13  OR  15(d)  OF   THE
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 .
           
           For the fiscal year ended January 31, 1998
                               
                               OR
   
___ TRANSITION  REPORT  PURSUANT TO SECTION 13  OR  15(d)  OF  THE
    SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.
                                
                   
                   Commission File No. 1-10738

                  
                   ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     -----------------------------------------------------
     (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
      
      
         DELAWARE                                    13-3499319
- -------------------------------      -------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of      (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)


  142 West 57th Street, New York, NY                          10019
- ----------------------------------------                ------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)                    (Zip Code)
                         
                         
                                (212) 541-3300
               ---------------------------------------------------
               (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
                                
   
   Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:


Title of Each Class                Name of each exchange on which registered
   Common Stock,                         The New York Stock Exchange
  $.0068 Par Value
   
   
   Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None.
     
     
     Indicate by check mark whether registrant (1) has filed  all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months
(or  for such shorter period that the registrant was required  to
file  such  reports),  and (2) has been subject  to  such  filing
requirements for the past 90 days.   Yes  X .    No ___.
                                         

     Indicate  by  check mark if disclosure of delinquent  filers
pursuant  to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained  herein,
and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge,
in  definitive  proxy or information statements  incorporated  by
reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to  this
Form 10-K.   Yes _____.     No  X.

     
     The  aggregate market value of the registrant's voting stock
held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of April 2, 1998  was
$315,774,583.

     The  number  of  shares  of  the registrant's  Common  Stock
outstanding as of April 2, 1998 was 25,642,685.
              
              
              Documents Incorporated by Reference:
     
     
     Portions  of  the  Registrant's  Proxy  Statement  for   the
Registrant's 1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders to  be  held  on
June 17, 1998 are incorporated by reference into Part III.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 1>   
                             PART I
                                



ITEM 1.   Business
- ------------------


General
- -------
     
     AnnTaylor  Stores Corporation (the "Company"),  through  its
wholly  owned  subsidiary AnnTaylor, Inc. ("Ann  Taylor"),  is  a
leading  national  specialty retailer of better  quality  women's
apparel,  shoes  and  accessories sold primarily  under  the  Ann
Taylor brand name.  The Company believes that "Ann Taylor"  is  a
highly  recognized national brand that defines a distinct fashion
point of view.  Ann Taylor merchandise represents classic styles,
updated to reflect current fashion trends.  The Company's  stores
offer  a full range of career and casual separates, weekend wear,
dresses,  tops, accessories and shoes, coordinated as part  of  a
total  wardrobing  strategy.  This total wardrobing  strategy  is
reinforced by an emphasis on customer service.  Ann Taylor  sales
associates   are  trained  to  assist  customers  in  merchandise
selection  and  wardrobe coordination, helping them  achieve  the
"Ann  Taylor  look"  while  reflecting  the  customers'  personal
styles.
     
     As  of January 31, 1998, the Company operated 324 stores  in
41  states  and  the District of Columbia, under  the  names  Ann
Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory Store and Ann Taylor Loft.  Of the 283
stores  operated under the Ann Taylor name, approximately  three-
quarters  are  located  in regional malls and  upscale  specialty
retail  centers, with the balance located in downtown and village
locations.  These stores represent the Company's core merchandise
line.   The Company believes that the customer base for  its  Ann
Taylor stores consists primarily of relatively affluent, fashion-
conscious women from the ages of 25 to 55, and that the  majority
of its customers are working women with limited time to shop, who
are  attracted  to  Ann Taylor by its focused  merchandising  and
total   wardrobing  strategies,  personalized  customer  service,
efficient store layouts and continual flow of new merchandise.
     
     In  1995,  the  Company began testing  Ann  Taylor  Loft,  a
separate  moderate-price store concept for women  who  appreciate
the Ann Taylor style but are more cost conscious.  Merchandise is
designed  uniquely  for these stores and is sold  under  the  Ann
Taylor  Loft label.  As of January 31, 1998, the Company operated
27 Ann Taylor Loft stores, all located in factory outlet centers.
The  Company believes that the Ann Taylor Loft concept represents
an  opportunity  for  the Company to compete in  the  moderately-
priced  women's  apparel market.  In 1998, the Company  plans  to
open  Ann  Taylor Loft stores outside the factory  outlet  center
environment for the first time, primarily in regional  malls  and
strip shopping centers.  See "Stores and Expansion" below.
     
     The  Company  also  operates 14  stores  in  factory  outlet
centers   that  serve  primarily  as  a  clearance  vehicle   for
merchandise from both Ann Taylor and Ann Taylor Loft stores.  The
Company is introducing a limited selection of original priced Ann
Taylor Loft merchandise to many of these stores as well, so  that
the  Company's emphasis on wardrobing can be represented in these
stores at all times.
     
     The Company was incorporated under the laws of the state  of
Delaware  in  1988 under the name AnnTaylor Holdings,  Inc.   The
Company changed its name to AnnTaylor Stores Corporation in April
1991.   The Company was formed at the direction of Merrill  Lynch
Capital  Partners, Inc. ("ML Capital Partners"), a  wholly  owned
subsidiary  of  Merrill  Lynch & Co.,  Inc.  ("ML&Co"),  for  the
purpose of acquiring Ann Taylor in a leveraged buyout transaction
(the  "Acquisition")  in  1989.  As of  April  2,  1998,  certain
limited  partnerships controlled directly  or  indirectly  by  ML
Capital  Partners,  together  with certain  other  affiliates  of
ML&Co.  (collectively, the "ML Entities"), beneficially owned  an
aggregate  of  6,159,018 shares, or approximately 24.0%,  of  the
outstanding  common stock of the Company.  The ML  Entities  have
two designees on the Company's Board of Directors and, therefore,
are in a position to influence management of the Company.  Unless
the  context  indicates otherwise, all references herein  to  the
Company  include  the  Company, its wholly owned  subsidiary  Ann
Taylor and their respective subsidiaries.


============================================================================
<PAGE 2>
     

Merchandise Design and Production
- ---------------------------------
     
     Substantially all Ann Taylor merchandise is developed by the
Company's  in-house  product design and development  team,  which
designs  merchandise exclusively for the Company's  stores.   The
Company's merchandising group determines inventory needs for  the
upcoming  season, edits the assortment developed  by  the  design
team,  plans  monthly  merchandise flows, and  arranges  for  the
production  of merchandise either through the Company's  sourcing
division, or with manufacturers or vendors who are private  label
specialists.
     
     The  Company's  production management and quality  assurance
department establishes the technical specifications for  all  Ann
Taylor  merchandise,  inspects  factories  in  which  Ann  Taylor
merchandise  is produced, including periodic in-line  inspections
while  goods  are  in  production to identify potential  problems
prior  to shipment and, upon receipt, inspects merchandise  on  a
test  basis  for  uniformity of size and color, as  well  as  for
conformity   with   specifications   and   overall   quality   of
manufacturing.
     
     The  Company  believes  that procuring merchandise  directly
from manufacturers improves the Company's competitive position by
providing  it with greater control over pre-production processes,
resulting  in  greater  consistency in  merchandise  quality  and
sizing, and by reducing merchandise costs.  To this end,  in  May
1992, the Company commenced a joint venture, known as "CAT", with
one  of its private label vendors, Cygne Designs, Inc. ("Cygne").
CAT  was  formed  for the purpose of acting as a  sourcing  agent
exclusively  for Ann Taylor, placing merchandise orders  directly
with  manufacturers.  Until September 1996, the Company  owned  a
minority  interest  in  CAT.   In  September  1996,  the  Company
acquired  Cygne's entire interest in CAT, which became  a  wholly
owned subsidiary of Ann Taylor, as well as certain assets of  the
Ann  Taylor  Woven Division of Cygne that Cygne used in  sourcing
merchandise  for Ann Taylor.  The Company's sourcing division  is
now known as Ann Taylor Global Sourcing ("ATGS").
     
     The  Company  sources  merchandise  from  approximately  175
manufacturers  and  vendors,  none of which accounted for more
than 7% of the Company's purchases  in  Fiscal 1997.   The  
Company's  merchandise is manufactured  in  over  28 countries,
with  approximately 14% of the Company's  merchandise
manufactured in Hong Kong and 24% in China.  Any event causing  a
sudden  disruption of manufacturing or imports from Hong Kong  or
China,    including   the   imposition   of   additional   import
restrictions,  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  the
Company's operations.  Substantially all of the Company's foreign
purchases are negotiated and paid for in U.S. dollars.
     
     The  Company  cannot  predict whether  any  of  the  foreign
countries in which its products are currently manufactured or any
of  the  countries  in  which  the Company  may  manufacture  its
products  in  the future will be subject to future  or  increased
import  restrictions  by  the  U.S.  government,  including   the
likelihood,  type  or  effect of any  trade  restriction.   Trade
restrictions,  including  increased tariffs  or  quotas,  against
apparel, footwear or other items sold by the Company could affect
the importation of such merchandise generally and, in such event,
could  increase  the  cost or reduce the  supply  of  merchandise
available  to  the  Company and adversely  affect  the  Company's
business,   financial  condition,  results  of   operations   and
liquidity.  The Company's merchandise flow may also be  adversely
affected  by  financial or political instability in  any  of  the
countries in which its goods are manufactured, if it affects  the
production   or  export  of  merchandise  from  such   countries;
significant  fluctuation in the value of the U.S. dollar  against
foreign currencies; and restrictions on the transfer of funds.
     
     The  Company  does not maintain any long-term  or  exclusive
commitments  or  arrangements to purchase  merchandise  from  any
single supplier.  The Company believes it has a good relationship
with  its  suppliers  and that, as the number  of  the  Company's
stores  increases,  subject to the discussion above,  there  will
continue to be adequate sources to produce a sufficient supply of
quality  goods  in  a timely manner and on satisfactory  economic
terms.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 3>


Inventory Control and Merchandise Allocation
- --------------------------------------------

     The Company's merchandise planning and allocation department
analyzes each store's size, location, demographics, and sales and
inventory history to determine the quantity of merchandise to  be
purchased  for and the allocation of merchandise to the Company's
stores.   Upon  receipt,  merchandise is allocated  in  order  to
achieve an emphasis that is suited to each store's customer base.
     
     Merchandise  typically is sold at its original marked  price
for  several weeks, with the length of time varying by item.  The
Company  reviews  its inventory levels on an  on-going  basis  in
order  to identify slow-moving merchandise and broken assortments
(items  no  longer in stock in a sufficient range of  sizes)  and
uses  markdowns to clear merchandise.  Markdowns may be  used  if
inventory exceeds  customer demand for reasons of style, seasonal
adaptation  or  changes  in  customer  preference  or  if  it  is
determined  that  the inventory will not sell  at  its  currently
marked  price.   Marked-down  items remaining  unsold  are  moved
periodically  to  the  Company's  factory  outlet  stores,  where
additional markdowns may be taken.
     
     Throughout  1997,  the  Company  focused  on  improving  its
inventory  management  strategies,  including  evaluating  target
average  inventory  investment per store,  in  order  to  achieve
increased  gross margins.  In Fiscal 1997, inventory  turned  5.1
times  compared to 4.7 times in Fiscal 1996.  Inventory  turnover
is  determined  by dividing cost of sales by the average  of  the
cost  of  inventory at the beginning and the end of  the  period,
excluding  inventory  associated  with  the  Company's   sourcing
division.   ATGS  inventory  is  principally  finished  goods  in
transit from factories.
     
     In  early  1998,  the Company selected a  new  comprehensive
merchandising  information  system to  provide  improved  systems
support  for  its merchandising functions.  This system  will  be
phased  in  over the next two years.  When complete,  the  system
will  serve  as  the  central  source  of  information  regarding
merchandise  items, inventory management, purchasing, allocation,
replenishment, and distribution and receiving.
     
     The  Company  uses a centralized distribution system,  under
which  nearly  all Ann Taylor merchandise is distributed  to  the
Company's  stores  through  its distribution  center  located  in
Louisville, Kentucky.  See "Properties".  Merchandise is  shipped
by  the distribution center to the Company's stores several times
each week.
     

Stores and Expansion
- --------------------

     An important aspect of the Company's business strategy is  a
real  estate  expansion program designed to reach  new  customers
through  the opening of new stores.  The Company adds  additional
stores, or expands the size of existing stores, in markets  where
Ann  Taylor  already has a presence as market conditions  warrant
and sites become available.  The Company also opens new stores in
additional   markets   that  it  believes   have   a   sufficient
concentration  of  its  target customers.   Store  locations  are
determined  on the basis of various factors, including geographic
location, demographic studies, anchor tenants in a mall location,
other specialty stores in a mall or specialty center location  or
in  the  vicinity  of a village location, and  the  proximity  to
professional offices in a downtown or village location.
Ann  Taylor Factory Stores and all Ann Taylor Loft stores  opened
through  1997  are located in factory outlet malls in  which  co-
tenants  generally  include a significant  number  of  outlet  or
discount  stores operated by nationally recognized upscale  brand
name retailers.
     
     As  of  January  31, 1998, the Company operated  324  stores
throughout the United States.  Ann Taylor stores opened  in  1997
averaged 4,500 square feet, compared to the average size  of  Ann
Taylor stores opened prior to 1993 of 3,500 square feet.  New Ann
Taylor  stores  opened  since 1993 have been  between  3,800  and
13,800  square  feet in size (excluding the two  flagship  stores
referred  to below).  The Company believes that the larger  store
format enhances the Company's ability to merchandise its customer
offerings  and reinforces its total wardrobing concept,  provides
area  necessary for the proper presentation of Ann Taylor  shoes,
petites  and other product line extensions, and improves customer
service and ease of shopping.  Ann Taylor stores to be opened  in
Fiscal  1998  are expected to average approximately 4,400  square
feet.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 4>

     In  Fall  1995, the Company opened two flagship  Ann  Taylor
stores,  each  in excess of 20,000 square feet,  one  on  Madison
Avenue  in  New  York City, and the other on Post Street  in  San
Francisco.   These  two  larger  stores  represent  the   fullest
assortment  of  Ann  Taylor merchandise,  and  include  amenities
unique to these stores.
     
     Ann  Taylor Factory Stores average 7,000 square feet and the
Company's  existing  Ann  Taylor Loft stores  in  factory  outlet
centers average 9,200 square feet.  The 16 Ann Taylor Loft stores to
be  opened in regional malls and strip shopping centers  in  1998
will average approximately 6,100 square feet.  The Company also plans
to open 2 Ann Taylor Loft stores in factory outlet centers in 1998,
averaging 7,500 square feet.    

     The  Company's  stores typically have approximately  19%  of
their total square footage allocated to stockroom and other  non-
selling space.
     
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding
store  openings,  expansions and closings for Ann  Taylor  stores
("ATS"),  Ann  Taylor Factory Stores ("ATFS"),  Ann  Taylor  Loft
stores  ("ATL") and the Company's former Ann Taylor Studio stores
("ATA") over the past five years:



       Total
       Stores                         No.     No.
      Open at                       Stores  Stores
      Beginn-    No. Stores Opened  Expanded Closed       No. Stores Open 
       ing of   During Fiscal Year  During  During     at End of Fiscal Year
Fiscal Fiscal --------------------- Fiscal  Fiscal   --------------------------
Year   Year   ATS  ATFS  ATL ATA(a) Year(b) Year(b)  ATS ATFS  ATL ATA(a) Total
- ----  ------- ---  ----  --- ------ ------- -------  --- ----  --- -----  -----
1993    219     8     2    3  ---     12       1     222   9   ---   ---   231
1994    231    18     7    5    5     25       4     236  21   ---     5   262
1995    262    26     4   14    4     30       4     258  22    17     9   306
1996    306     9     1    1  ---      7       8     259  14(c) 27(c)  9   309
1997    309    27   ---  ---  ---      9      12     283   14   27   ---   324

____________
 
 (a)  Ann  Taylor  Studio was a free-standing shoe and  accessory
      store  concept tested by the Company in 1994 and  1995.  All
      Ann Taylor Studio stores were closed during fiscal 1997.
 
 (b)  All  stores expanded and all stores closed were Ann  Taylor
      stores, except that one store expanded in 1994 and one  store
      expanded  in 1995 were ATL stores and nine stores  closed  in
      1997 were ATA stores.
 
 (c)  In  1995,  certain  ATFS  and ATL  stores  that  sold  both
      original  price  Ann  Taylor Loft merchandise  and  clearance
      merchandise  from  Ann  Taylor stores  and  Ann  Taylor  Loft
      stores  were  classified  as ATFS  stores.   In  1996,  these
      stores  were reclassified as ATL stores.  During 1997,  these
      stores'   merchandise   assortment   was   changed   to    be
      predominantly Ann Taylor Loft merchandise, and  these  stores
      are now operated as ATL stores.

     
     
     The  Company  believes that its existing  store  base  is  a
significant  strategic asset of its business.  Ann Taylor  stores
are  located in some of the most productive retail centers in the
United  States.  The Company believes that it is one of the  most
sought  after  tenants by real estate developers because  of  its
strong Ann Taylor brand franchise and its high average sales  per
square  foot  productivity ($445 per square foot in Fiscal  1997)
relative to other specialty apparel retailers.
     
     The  Company has invested approximately $145 million in  its
store base since the beginning of fiscal 1993; approximately  65%
of  its  stores are either new or have been completely remodeled,
as  a  result  of an expansion or relocation, in  the  last  five
years.
     
     In  1997,  the  Company  opened 27 Ann  Taylor  stores,  and
expanded or relocated 9 existing Ann Taylor stores.  The  Company
also  closed  3  Ann  Taylor stores, at the expiration  of  their
leases  or  in  accordance  with those stores'  respective  lease
terms,  and closed all 9 Ann Taylor Studio stores.  The Company's
total  store  square footage increased in 1997 from approximately
1,705,000 square feet to approximately 1,808,000 square feet,  an
increase (net of store closings) of approximately 103,000  square
feet,  or  6.0%.  In Fiscal 1998, the Company intends to increase
store  square  footage by approximately 232,000 square  feet,  or
12.8%,  representing approximately 28 new Ann Taylor stores,  the
expansion of 9 existing Ann Taylor stores, and 18 new Ann  Taylor
Loft stores.

==============================================================================
<PAGE 5>     

     Capital  expenditures for the Company's  Fiscal  1997  store
expansion  program,  net  of  landlord  construction  allowances,
totaled  approximately $18.5 million, including expenditures  for
store  refurbishing and store refixturing.  The  Company  expects
that  capital  expenditures for its Fiscal 1998  store  expansion
program,  net  of  landlord  construction  allowances,  will   be
approximately  $35.5  million, including expenditures  for  store
refurbishing and store refixturing.
     
     The  Company's bank credit agreement, which expires in  July
1998,  provides for, among other things, an annual limitation  on
capital  expenditures of $32.5 million in Fiscal 1997 and beyond,
subject  to  increase if certain conditions are  satisfied.   The
Company  is  negotiating to replace this  bank  credit  agreement
before  its expiration, and anticipates that the Company will  be
able  to  make the capital expenditures contemplated by its  1998
real  estate  expansion  program under the replacement  facility.
See Note 2 to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and
"Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis--Liquidity  and  Capital
Resources".
     
     The  Company's ability to continue to increase store  square
footage  will  be  dependent upon, among  other  things,  general
economic  and  business conditions affecting consumer  confidence
and  spending,  the availability of desirable locations  and  the
negotiation   of  acceptable  lease  terms.   See   "Management's
Discussion and Analysis--Liquidity and Capital Resources".
     
     

Information Systems
- -------------------

     In  1997,  the  Company completed a thorough review  of  its
information systems, and developed a three-year strategic plan to
upgrade  these  systems, including the planned implementation  of
the  core merchandising system referred to above under "Inventory
Control  and Merchandise Allocation".  The Company believes  that
enhanced  information  systems  are  critical  to  providing  its
management  with enhanced decision support tools and  maintaining
the  Company's  competitive position.   The  Company  expects  to
invest  at least $30 million in its information systems over  the
next three years.
     
     The  Company has been conducting a comprehensive  review  of
its  computer  systems to identify those that could be  adversely
affected   by  the  "Year  2000  issue"  and  is  developing   an
implementation plan to resolve the issue.  The "Year 2000  issue"
refers  to  the  inability of many computer  systems  to  process
accurately  dates later than December 31, 1999.   Date  codes  in
many  programs are abbreviated to allow only two digits  for  the
year,  e.g.  "97" for the year 1997.  Unless these  programs  are
modified  to  handle the century date change,  they  will  likely
interpret  the  year "00", that is, the year 2000,  as  the  year
1900.   The  Year  2000 issue creates risk for the  Company  from
unforeseen  problems in its own computer systems as  well  as  in
computer  systems  of third parties with whom  the  Company  does
business  worldwide, including banks and credit  card  processing
entities, suppliers, factories and others.
     
     The  Company presently believes that, with modifications  to
existing  software  and  conversions to  new  software  that  the
Company plans to implement over the next two years, the Year 2000
issue  will  not  pose  significant operating  problems  for  the
Company's  own  computer  systems as so modified  and  converted.
However,  if such modifications and conversions are not completed
on  a  timely  basis, the Year 2000 issue could have  a  material
adverse  impact on the operations of the Company.   In  addition,
the  Company  cannot give assurance that the third  parties  with
whom  it does business will address any Year 2000 issues in their
own  systems on a timely basis; their failure to do so could also
have  a  material adverse impact on the Company.  The Company  is
currently  compiling  a  list of these  third  parties,  such  as
significant   vendors  and  service  providers,  and  determining
procedures necessary to assess whether they are taking action  to
remedy their Year 2000 issues in a timely manner.

==============================================================================

<PAGE 6>
     
     
     
     The  total  cost to the Company of addressing the Year  2000
issue has not been, and is not anticipated to be, material to the
Company's  financial  position or results of  operations  in  any
given  year.  These costs and the date on which the Company plans
to   complete  the  Year  2000  issue  modification  and  testing
processes  are based on management's best estimates,  which  were
derived   utilizing  numerous  assumptions  of   future   events,
including the continued availability of certain resources,  third
party  modification plans and other factors.  However, there  can
be no assurance that these estimates will be achieved, and actual
costs  and  ultimate  timing could differ materially  from  those
presently contemplated.



Customer Credit
- ---------------

     Customers may pay for merchandise with the Ann Taylor credit
card,  American  Express, Visa, MasterCard, JCB, cash  or  check.
Credit  card sales were 78.7% of net sales in Fiscal 1997,  77.8%
in  Fiscal 1996 and 77.0% in Fiscal 1995.  In Fiscal 1997,  18.7%
of net sales were made with the Ann Taylor credit card, and 60.0%
were made with third-party credit cards.  As of January 31, 1998,
the  Company's Ann Taylor credit card accounts receivable totaled
$49,721,000,  net  of allowance for doubtful accounts.   Accounts
written off in Fiscal 1997 were approximately $1,794,000, or 0.2%
of net sales.
     
     Ann  Taylor has offered customers its proprietary Ann Taylor
credit card since 1976.  The Company believes that the Ann Taylor
credit  card  enhances  customer  loyalty  while  providing   the
customer with additional credit.  However, the percentage of  the
Company's total sales made with its proprietary credit  card  has
been declining over the past several years.  The Company believes
the  declining  penetration of its Ann Taylor credit  card  as  a
percentage  of sales is attributable to the gain of market  share
by  bank cards throughout the retail industry generally, as  well
as  to  the  increase in the number of the Company's  Ann  Taylor
Factory  Stores and Loft stores in factory outlet mall locations,
which   have  historically  experienced  a  significantly   lower
penetration  of sales with the Ann Taylor card.  At  January  31,
1998, over 419,000 Ann Taylor credit card accounts had been  used
during the past 18 months.
     
     

Advertising and Promotion
- -------------------------
     
     For many years, the Company relied on its Ann Taylor fashion
catalog, mailed principally to Ann Taylor credit card holders, as
its principal advertising vehicle.  The Company also occasionally
ran  print  advertisements  in newspapers  and  national  women's
fashion  magazines  such as Elle, Vogue and Harpers  Bazaar.   In
early 1996, the Company suspended publication of its catalog  and
ran  very  few  print  advertisements.  Beginning  in  1997,  the
Company  has placed a renewed emphasis on marketing.  The Company
believes  it  is strategically important to communicate  directly
with its customer base on a regular basis, both through increased
national and regional advertising, as well as through direct mail
marketing   and   in-store  presentation.   In  1997,   marketing
expenditures  as  a  percentage of  sales  returned  to  pre-1996
levels, and the Company intends to maintain or increase marketing
expenditures as a percentage of sales in 1998.
     
     

Trademarks and Service Marks
- ----------------------------
     
     The  Ann  Taylor trademark, and other trademarks and service
marks  used  by  the  Company,  either  are  registered  or  have
trademark applications pending with the United States Patent  and
Trademark  Office  ("USPTO")  and with  the  registries  of  many
foreign countries.  The Company's rights in the "AnnTaylor"  mark
are  a significant part of the Company's business, as the Company
believes  its  mark is well known in the women's  retail  apparel
industry.   Accordingly,  the Company  intends  to  maintain  its
"AnnTaylor" mark and related registrations and vigorously protect
its trademarks against infringement.

==============================================================================
<PAGE 7>     

     
     

     In   1994,  the  Company  initiated  trademark  registration
applications  with the USPTO for its AnnTaylor Loft trademark  in
the   categories   of   retail  store   services   and   apparel.
Registration of the mark was issued in the retail store  services
category  in  1996.   However, the Company's  application  for  a
trademark  registration  in the apparel classification  is  being
challenged  in  the USPTO by a French company,  Freche  et  Fils,
which  cites  its  own  "Loft Design  By  .  .  ."  trademark  in
opposition  to  the Ann Taylor Loft mark.  The  Company  believes
that  the  challenge is without merit and intends to  defend  the
action  vigorously.  In the event that Freche et Fils'  challenge
to  the  Company's trademark application for the Ann Taylor  Loft
trademark  is  successful, the Company would  be  denied  federal
registration  of  the Ann Taylor Loft trademark  in  the  apparel
classification.



Competition
- ------------
     
     The  women's  retail apparel industry is highly competitive.
The  Company's Ann Taylor stores compete with certain departments
in  national or local department stores, and with other specialty
store chains and independent retail stores carrying similar lines
of   merchandise.    The  Company  believes  that   its   focused
merchandise  selection,  exclusive  Ann  Taylor  brand  fashions,
personalized  service and convenience distinguish it  from  other
specialty  retailers.   Many  of the  Company's  competitors  are
considerably  larger  and have substantially  greater  financial,
marketing  and other resources than the Company and there  is  no
assurance  that the Company will be able to compete  successfully
with  them  in  the future.  The Company believes  that  the  Ann
Taylor Loft concept offers the Company the opportunity to compete
in  the  moderately-priced women's apparel market.   The  Company
does  not  have significant prior experience in this market,  and
the  competitive factors described above are applicable  to  this
market as well.  Further, existing competitors in that market may
have  significantly greater brand recognition among this customer
segment than the Company.



Employees
- ---------
     
     Store  management  receives  compensation  in  the  form  of
salaries  and  performance-based bonuses.  Sales  associates  are
paid on an hourly basis plus performance incentives.  A number of
programs exist that offer incentives to both management and sales
associates  to  increase sales and support  the  Company's  total
wardrobing strategy.
     
     As  of January 31, 1998, the Company had approximately 6,300
employees, of whom 1,600 were full-time salaried employees, 1,600
were  full-time hourly employees and 3,100 were part-time  hourly
employees  working  less than 30 hours per  week.   None  of  the
Company's  employees  are represented  by  a  labor  union.   The
Company  believes  that its relationship with  its  employees  is
good.



Statement Regarding Forward Looking Disclosures
- -----------------------------------------------

     Sections  of  this  Annual  Report contain  various  forward
looking  statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation  Reform  Act of 1995, with respect  to  the  financial
condition,  results of operations and business  of  the  Company.
These  forward  looking  statements  involve  certain  risks  and
uncertainties,  and no assurance can be given that  any  of  such
matters  will be realized.  Actual results may differ  materially
from those contemplated by such forward looking statements.   See
"Management's   Discussion   and  Analysis--Statement   Regarding
Forward Looking Disclosures".


==============================================================================
<PAGE 8>


ITEM 2. Properties
- ------------------
     
     As of January 31, 1998, the Company operated 324 stores, all
of  which  were leased.  The store leases typically  provide  for
initial terms of ten years, although some leases have shorter  or
longer initial periods, and grant the Company the right to extend
the  term for one or two additional five-year periods.   Most  of
the  store  leases require Ann Taylor to pay a specified  minimum
rent, plus a contingent rent based on a percentage of the store's
net sales in excess of a specified threshold.  Most of the leases
also  require Ann Taylor to pay real estate taxes, insurance  and
certain common area and maintenance costs.  The current terms  of
the  Company's  leases,  including  renewal  options,  expire  as
follows:
     
               Fiscal Years Lease        Number of
                  Terms Expire             Stores
               -------------------       -----------
                 
                  1998 - 2000...............  31
                  2001 - 2003...............  29
                  2004 - 2006............... 148
                  2007 and later............ 116
     
     
     Ann  Taylor leases corporate offices at 142 West 57th Street
in  New York City, containing approximately 125,000 square  feet,
and  approximately  59,000 square feet of office  space  at  1372
Broadway in New York City.  The leases for these premises  expire
in  2006 and 2010, respectively.  The Company also leases  office
space  in New Haven, Connecticut, containing approximately 37,000
square feet.  This lease expires in 2000.
     
     Ann Taylor's wholly owned subsidiary, AnnTaylor Distribution
Services, Inc., owns its 256,000 square foot distribution  center
located   in   Louisville,  Kentucky.   Nearly  all  Ann   Taylor
merchandise  is distributed to the Company's stores through  this
facility.  The parcel on which the Louisville distribution center
is located comprises approximately 20 acres and could accommodate
possible future expansion of the facility.



ITEM 3. Legal Proceedings
- -------------------------
     
     On  April  26,  1996,  certain alleged stockholders  of  the
Company  filed  a purported class action lawsuit  in  the  United
States District Court Southern District of New York, against  the
Company,  Ann  Taylor,  certain officers  and  directors  of  the
Company  and Ann Taylor, ML&Co. and certain affiliates of  ML&Co.
(Novak v. Kasaks, et. al., No. 96 CIV 3073 (S.D.N.Y. 1996)).  The
complaint  alleged  causes  of action  under  Section  10(b)  and
Section 20(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended,
by  alleging that the Company and the other defendants engaged in
a  fraudulent scheme and course of business that operated a fraud
or  deceit on purchasers of the Company's common stock during the
period  commencing February 3, 1994 through May 4,  1995  due  to
alleged false and misleading statements about the Company and Ann
Taylor.   The complaint sought, among other things, certification
as  a  class  action on behalf of all purchasers of common  stock
during  the  period commencing February 3, 1994  through  May  4,
1995, the awarding of compensatory damages to the plaintiffs  and
purported  members of the class, the awarding of costs, including
pre-judgment  and  post-judgment interest, reasonable  attorneys'
fees  and  expert  witness fees to the plaintiffs  and  purported
members of the class and equitable and/or injunctive relief.   On
March  10,  1998,  the Court granted the defendants'  motions  to
dismiss the complaint.  The Court found that the complaint failed
to  state a claim upon which relief may be granted, and failed to
plead  fraud with particularity and an inability to do  so.   The
Court's  Opinion grants the plaintiffs leave to amend and re-file
the  complaint within thirty days of the date of the Opinion, and
an  amended  complaint was filed by the plaintiffs  on  April  9,
1998.  The Company believes that the amended complaint is without
merit  and  intends to continue to defend the action  vigorously.
As  the  case  is in preliminary stages, any liability  that  may
arise from this action cannot be predicted at this time.
     
=============================================================================
<PAGE 9>


     
     The  Company is also a party to routine litigation  incident
to  its  business.    Although the amount of any  liability  that
could  arise  with respect to these actions cannot be  accurately
predicted, in the opinion of the Company, any such liability will
not  have  a  material adverse effect on the financial  position,
results of operations and liquidity of the Company.
     
     

ITEM  4.  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders
- -------------------------------------------------------------
     
     None.
============================================================================  
<PAGE 10>

                             PART II
                             --------
                                
                                
     
     
     
ITEM 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
     
     The  Company's common stock is listed and traded on the  New
York  Stock Exchange under the symbol ANN.  The number of holders
of  record  of  common  stock at April  2,  1998  was  727.   The
following  table sets forth the high and low closing sale  prices
for the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange during Fiscal
1997 and Fiscal 1996.
     
                                            Market Price
                                           ---------------
                                           High        Low
                                           ----        ----
       Fiscal Year 1997
       ----------------
        Fourth quarter.................. $14-15/16    $11-5/16
        Third quarter...................  19-5/8       14
        Second quarter..................  25           16-7/8
        First quarter...................  24-1/4       17
       
       Fiscal Year 1996
       ----------------
        Fourth quarter.................. $21-3/8      $15-3/8
        Third quarter...................  19-7/8       12
        Second quarter..................  23-1/4       12
        First quarter...................  19-1/8       11-1/8
        
        
     
     In  Fiscal 1996, in connection with the acquisition  of  the
Company's sourcing division ATGS, the Company issued an aggregate
of  2,348,145  shares of common stock to Cygne (including  shares
issued  to  a  wholly  owned subsidiary  of  Cygne),  in  partial
consideration for the sourcing operations purchased  from  Cygne.
Also in Fiscal 1996, the Company awarded to J. Patrick Spainhour,
Chairman  and  Chief  Executive Officer of  the  Company,  75,000
shares  of restricted common stock pursuant to the terms  of  his
employment  agreement with the Company, and awarded  to  Patricia
DeRosa,  President and Chief Operating Officer  of  the  Company,
30,000  shares of restricted common stock, pursuant to the  terms
of  her  employment  agreement with  the  Company.   The  Company
believes  that each of the foregoing share issuances  was  exempt
from registration pursuant to Section 4(2) of the Securities  Act
of  1933, as amended, in each case as a transaction by an  issuer
not involving a public offering.
     
     The Company has never paid dividends on the common stock and
does not intend to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.  As a
holding  company, the ability of the Company to pay dividends  is
dependent  upon the receipt of dividends or other  payments  from
Ann  Taylor.   The  payment of dividends by  Ann  Taylor  to  the
Company  is  subject to certain restrictions under  Ann  Taylor's
Bank  Credit Agreement, the indenture relating to the  8-3/4%  Notes
and  the Receivables Facility described below under "Management's
Discussion  and Analysis--Liquidity and Capital Resources".   The
payment  of cash dividends on the common stock by the Company  is
also  subject to certain restrictions contained in the  Company's
guarantee  of  Ann  Taylor's obligations under  the  Bank  Credit
Agreement.   In  addition,  in  connection  with  the   preferred
securities  issued by the Company's financing vehicle,  AnnTaylor
Finance  Trust, the payment by the Company of cash  dividends  on
the  common stock is restricted in the event of a default by  the
Company   of  its  obligations  in  relation  to  the   preferred
securities or in the event payment of dividends on the  preferred
securities is deferred.  Any determination to pay cash  dividends
in the future will be at the discretion of the Company's Board of
Directors  and  will be dependent upon the Company's  results  of
operations,  financial  condition, contractual  restrictions  and
other factors deemed relevant at that time by the Company's Board
of Directors.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 11>



ITEM 6. Selected Financial Data
- --------------------------------
     
     The  following selected historical financial information for
the   periods  indicated  has  been  derived  from  the   audited
consolidated financial statements of the Company.  The  Company's
consolidated statements of operations, stockholders'  equity  and
cash  flows for each of the three fiscal years ended January  31,
1998,  February  1, 1997 and February 3, 1996,  and  consolidated
balance  sheets as of January 31, 1998 and February 1,  1997,  as
audited  by  Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors,  appear
elsewhere  in  this document.  The information  set  forth  below
should  be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion  and
Analysis"  and  the consolidated financial statements  and  notes
thereto of the Company included elsewhere in this document.   All
references to years are to the fiscal year of the Company,  which
ends on the Saturday nearest January 31 in the following calendar
year.   All fiscal years for which financial information  is  set
forth  below  had  52 weeks, with the exception of  Fiscal  1995,
which had 53 weeks.

==============================================================================
<PAGE 12>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                               Fiscal Years Ended        
                             -------------------------------------------------
                             Jan. 31,        Feb. 1,     Feb. 3,     Jan. 28,     Jan. 29,
                                1998          1997         1996        1995         1994
                             --------        ------     ---------    --------     --------
                                    (dollars in thousands, except per square 
                                        foot data and per share data)
<S>                          <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>           <C>
Operating Statement
  Information:
Net sales                    $781,028     $  798,117    $  731,142   $  658,804    $501,649
Cost of sales                 411,756        443,443       425,225      357,783     271,749
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
  Gross profit                369,272        354,674       305,917      301,021     229,900
Selling, general and 
  administrative expenses     308,232        291,027       271,136      214,224     169,371
Studio shoe stores closing 
  expense (a)                     ---          3,600           ---          ---         ---
Employment contract 
  separation expense (b)          ---          3,500           ---          ---         ---
Distribution center           
  restructuring charge (c)        ---            ---           ---          ---       2,000
Amortization of goodwill (d)   11,040         10,086         9,506        9,506       9,508
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
  Operating income             50,000         46,461        25,275       77,291      49,021
Interest expense (e)           19,989         24,416        20,956       14,229      17,696
Other (income) expense, net       548            403            38          168        (194)
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
Income before income taxes 
  and extraordinary loss       29,463         21,642         4,281       62,894      31,519
Income tax provision           17,466         12,975         5,157       30,274      17,189
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
Income (loss) before 
  extraordinary loss           11,997          8,667          (876)      32,620      14,330
Extraordinary loss (f)            173           ---           ---           868      11,121
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
  Net income (loss)          $ 11,824     $    8,667     $    (876)  $   31,752    $  3,209
                              =======        =======       =======      =======     =======
Basic earnings (loss) per 
  share before
  extraordinary loss         $   0.47     $     0.36     $   (0.04)  $     1.44    $   0.67
Extraordinary loss 
  per share (f)                  0.01            ---           ---         0.04        0.52
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
Basic earnings (loss) 
  per share                  $   0.46     $     0.36     $   (0.04)  $     1.40    $   0.15
                              =======        =======       =======      =======     =======
Diluted earnings (loss) 
  per share before
  extraordinary loss         $   0.47     $     0.36     $   (0.04)  $     1.42    $   0.66
Extraordinary loss 
  per share (f)                  0.01            ---           ---         0.04        0.51
                              -------        -------       -------      -------     -------
Diluted earnings (loss) 
  per share                  $   0.46     $     0.36     $   (0.04)  $     1.38    $   0.15
                              =======        =======       =======      =======     =======
Weighted average shares 
  outstanding
  (in thousands)               25,628         23,981        23,067       22,687      21,233
Weighted average shares 
  outstanding, assuming
  dilution (in thousands)      25,693         24,060        23,167       23,067      21,834
Operating Information:
Percentage increase 
  (decrease) in
  comparable store sales (g)     (5.5)%          1.8%         (8.9)%       13.7%        2.3%
Net sales per gross 
  square foot (h)            $    445     $      476     $     518   $      627    $    576
Number of stores:
  Open at beginning of 
    the period                    309            306           262          231         219
  Opened during the period         27             11            48           35          13
  Expanded during the period        9              7            30           25          12
  Closed during the period         12              8             4            4           1
  Open at the end of the 
    period                        324            309           306          262         231
Total store square 
  footage at end 
  of period                 1,808,000      1,705,000      1,651,000   1,173,000     929,000
Capital expenditures       $   22,945     $   16,107     $   78,378  $   61,341    $ 25,062
Depreciation and 
  amortization, 
  including
  goodwill (d)             $   38,843     $   36,294     $   28,294  $   21,293    $ 18,013
Working capital 
  turnover (i)                    6.5x           7.8x           7.8x        8.5x       12.1x
Inventory turnover (j)            5.1x           4.7x           4.3x        4.6x        4.9x
Balance Sheet Information 
  (at end of period):
Working capital (k)        $  122,181      $ 118,850     $   86,477  $  102,181    $ 53,283
Goodwill, net (d)             330,739        341,779        313,525     323,031     332,537
Total assets                  683,661        688,139        678,709     598,254     513,399
Total debt                    106,276        131,192        272,458     200,000     189,000
Preferred securities           96,391         96,158            ---         ---         ---
Stockholders' equity          384,107        370,582        325,688     326,112     259,271

</TABLE>
                                                                      
                                                   (Footnotes on following page)

==============================================================================

<PAGE 13>


(Footnotes  for  preceding  page.  In Fiscal  1997,  the  Company
adopted  Statement  of Financial Accounting  Standards  No.  128,
"Earnings per Share" and all prior year per share information has
been   recalculated.   Unless  otherwise  noted,  all  per  share
information is for both basic and diluted earnings per share.)



(a) Relates  to  the closing of the nine Ann Taylor  Studio  shoe
    stores.   The charge of $3,600,000 ($2,052,000, or $0.08  per
    share,  net of income tax benefit) represented the  write-off
    of the net book value of the nine stores and leases and other
    related costs for these locations.

(b) In  connection  with the resignation in August  1996  of  the
    former  Chairperson, a one-time pre-tax charge of  $3,500,000
    ($1,958,000, or $0.08 per share, net of related tax  benefit)
    was recorded relating to the estimated costs of the Company's
    obligations under her employment contract with the Company.

(c) In   connection   with  the  relocation  of   the   Company's
    distribution center, completed in late Spring 1995, a  charge
    of $2,000,000 ($1,140,000, or $0.05 per share, net of related
    tax  benefit)  was  recorded relating to  severance  and  job
    training  costs,  as well as the write-off of  the  net  book
    value of certain assets.

(d) As  a result of the Acquisition of Ann Taylor by the Company,
    which  was  effective  as of January 29, 1989,  $380,250,000,
    representing the excess of the allocated purchase price  over
    the  fair value of the Company's net assets, was recorded  as
    goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over
    40 years.  In addition, as a result of the acquisition of the
    Company's  sourcing division, effective September  20,  1996,
    the  Company recorded goodwill of $38,430,000 that  is  being
    amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years.

(e) Includes non-cash interest expense of $1,419,000, $1,574,000,
    $1,004,000,  $978,000 and $4,199,000 in  Fiscal  1997,  1996,
    1995,  1994  and  1993,  respectively, from  amortization  of
    deferred  financing  costs, and in 1993,  from  accretion  of
    original issue discount.

(f) In  Fiscal 1997, Ann Taylor incurred an extraordinary loss of
    $303,000  ($173,000, or $0.01 per share, net  of  income  tax
    benefit),   in   connection  with  the  prepayment   of   the
    outstanding  balance  of a term loan.  In  Fiscal  1994,  Ann
    Taylor   incurred   an  extraordinary  loss   of   $1,522,000
    ($868,000, or $0.04 per share, net of income tax benefit), in
    connection  with the prepayment of long-term  debt  with  the
    proceeds of a public sale of common stock of the Company.  In
    Fiscal  1993,  Ann Taylor incurred an extraordinary  loss  of
    $17,244,000 ($11,121,000, or $0.51 per share, net  of  income
    tax benefit) due to debt refinancing activities.

(g) Comparable  store sales are calculated by excluding  the  net
    sales of a store for any month of one period if the store was
    not also open during the same month of the prior period.   In
    a  year with 53 weeks, such as Fiscal 1995, sales in the last
    week  of that year are not included in determining comparable
    store  sales.  A store that is expanded by more than  15%  is
    treated  as  a  new  store for the first year  following  the
    opening of the expanded store.

(h) Net  sales  per  square  foot ("sales per  square  foot")  is
    determined  by  dividing net sales  for  the  period  by  the
    average of the gross square feet at the beginning and end  of
    each  period.  Unless otherwise indicated, references  herein
    to  square  feet  are to gross square feet, rather  than  net
    selling space.

(i) Working capital turnover is determined by dividing net  sales
    by  the  average  of  the amount of working  capital  at  the
    beginning and end of the period.

(j) Inventory turnover is determined by dividing cost of sales by
    the average of the cost of inventory at the beginning and end
    of  the  period  (excluding  inventory  associated  with  the
    Company's sourcing division).

(k) Includes  current  portion of long-term debt  of  $1,119,000,
    $287,000,  $40,266,000, $0, and $8,757,000  in  Fiscal  1997,
    1996, 1995, 1994 and 1993, respectively.

==============================================================================
<PAGE 14>

ITEM  7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------
         and Results of Operations
         -------------------------
     

Sales
- -----
     The  following table sets forth certain sales and store data
for the periods indicated:
  
                                                Fiscal Year Ended
                                    ----------------------------------------
                                     Fiscal          Fiscal          Fiscal
                                      1997            1996            1995
                                    (52 weeks)      (52 weeks)     (53 weeks)
                                    ----------      ----------     ----------
  Net sales ($000)................ $   781,028    $    798,117     $   731,142
  Total net sales increase 
    (decrease) percentage
    (52 week basis)...............       (2.1)%          10.6%            9.5%
  Comparable store sales 
    increase (decrease)  
    percentage (52 week basis)....       (5.5)%           1.8%           (8.9)%
  Net  sales per average 
    square foot................... $      445     $       476      $      518
  Total  store  square footage 
    at end of  period.............  1,808,000       1,705,000       1,651,000
  Number of
    New stores....................         27              11              48
    Expanded stores...............          9               7              30
    Closed stores.................         12               8               4
  Total stores open at end 
    of period.....................        324             309             306
     
     
     New  Ann Taylor stores opened in 1997 averaged 4,500  square
feet,  compared to the average size of Ann Taylor  stores  opened
prior to 1993 of 3,500 square feet.  New Ann Taylor stores opened
since  1993 have ranged between 3,800 and 13,800 square  feet  in
size  (excluding the Company's two flagship stores).  Ann  Taylor
Factory  Stores  average 7,000 square feet, and Ann  Taylor  Loft
stores average 9,200 square feet.  This increase in average store
size  has  had, and is expected to continue to have,  a  negative
effect  on sales per square foot.  However, the Company  believes
that  the  larger store format enhances the Company's ability  to
merchandise  its  customer  offerings and  reinforces  its  total
wardrobing  concept,  provides  area  necessary  for  the  proper
presentation of Ann Taylor shoes, petites and other product  line
extensions,  and improves customer service and ease of  shopping.
Ann  Taylor  stores to be opened in Fiscal 1998 are  expected  to
average  approximately 4,400 square feet,  and  Ann  Taylor  Loft
stores are expected to average approximately 6,300 square feet.
     
     The  Company's  net  sales do not show significant  seasonal
variation,  although  net  sales  in  the  fourth  quarter   have
historically  been moderately higher than in the other  quarters.
As  a  result,  the Company has not had significant overhead  and
other costs generally associated with large seasonal variations.
     


Results of Operations
- ---------------------

     The  following  table  sets forth operating  statement  data
expressed as a percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:
                                             
                                             
                                             Fiscal Year
                                      ---------------------------
                                       1997       1996       1995
                                       ----       ----       ----
   Net sales......................... 100.0%     100.0%     100.0%
   Cost of sales.....................  52.7       55.6       58.2
                                      -----      -----      -----
       Gross profit..................  47.3       44.4       41.8
   Selling, general and 
     administrative expenses.........  39.5       36.5       37.0
   Studio shoe stores 
     closing expense.................   ---        0.4        ---
   Employment contract 
     separation expense..............   ---        0.4        ---
   Amortization of goodwill..........   1.4        1.3        1.3
                                      -----      -----      -----
       Operating income..............   6.4        5.8        3.5
   Interest expense..................   2.6        3.1        2.9
   Other expense, net................   ---        ---        ---
                                      -----      -----      -----
   Income  before income taxes 
     and extraordinary loss..........   3.8        2.7        0.6
   Income tax provision..............   2.3        1.6        0.7
                                      -----      -----      -----
   Income  (loss) before 
     extraordinary  loss.............   1.5        1.1       (0.1)
   Extraordinary loss................   ---        ---        ---
                                      -----      -----      -----
       Net income (loss).............   1.5%       1.1%      (0.1)%
                                      =====      =====      =====

=======================================================================
<PAGE 15>



Fiscal 1997 Compared to Fiscal 1996
- ------------------------------------
     
     The  Company's net sales decreased to $781,028,000 in Fiscal
1997 from $798,117,000 in Fiscal 1996, a decrease of $17,089,000,
or  2.1%.  Comparable store sales for Fiscal 1997 decreased  5.5%
compared  to Fiscal 1996.  Management believes that the decreases
were  primarily  attributable  to lower  customer  acceptance  of
certain  of the Company's merchandise offerings and, to a  lesser
extent,  planned decreases in promotional inventory  for  certain
periods during the year.
     
     Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 47.3%
in  1997  from  44.4%  in  1996.   This  increase  was  primarily
attributable  to  benefits  achieved by  the  Company's  sourcing
division.  See discussion of Sourcing Acquisition below.
     
     Selling,   general   and   administrative   expenses    were
$308,232,000,  or  39.5%  of  net sales,  in  1997,  compared  to
$291,027,000,  or 36.5% of net sales, in 1996.  The  increase  in
selling,  general and administrative expenses as a percentage  of
net sales was primarily attributable to increased tenancy expense
related  to  increased  retail  square  footage,  investments  in
certain  strategic  initiatives, such as marketing  and  enhanced
merchandising  information  systems, and  decreased  leverage  on
fixed expenses due to lower sales in 1997.
     
     Operating  income increased to $50,000,000, or 6.4%  of  net
sales,  in 1997 from $46,461,000, or 5.8% of net sales, in  1996.
Operating  income in 1996 was reduced by $3,500,000, or  0.4%  of
net  sales,  representing the estimated costs  of  the  Company's
obligations  under  the former Chairperson's employment  contract
following  her  resignation in August 1996,  and  by  a  one-time
charge  of  $3,600,000,  or 0.4% of net sales,  relating  to  the
planned  closing  of  all  nine Ann  Taylor  Studio  shoe  stores
announced   in  January  1997.   Amortization  of  goodwill   was
$11,040,000,  or  1.4%  of  net  sales,  in  1997   compared   to
$10,086,000,  or  1.3% of net sales, in 1996.   Operating  income
without  giving  effect to such amortization was $61,040,000,  or
7.8%  of  net  sales, in  1997 and $56,547,000, or  7.1%  of  net
sales, in 1996.
     
     Interest  expense  was  $19,989,000  in  1997  compared   to
$24,416,000  in  1996.   The decrease  in  interest  expense  was
primarily attributable to a decrease in the Company's outstanding
long-term  debt,  resulting in part from the prepayment  in  July
1997 of a $24,500,000 term loan referred to below, and to greater
interest  income  earned on cash on hand.  The  weighted  average
interest  rate  on  the  Company's  outstanding  indebtedness  at
January 31, 1998 was 8.59% compared to 8.63% at February 1, 1997.
     
     The income tax provision was $17,466,000, or 59.3% of income
before  income taxes and extraordinary loss, in the  1997  period
compared to $12,975,000, or 60.0% of income before income  taxes,
in  1996.   The effective tax rates for both periods were  higher
than the statutory rates, primarily as a result of non-deductible
goodwill expense.
     
     On  July 2, 1997, the Company used available cash to  prepay
the  outstanding balance of a $24,500,000 term loan due September
1998.  This loan repayment resulted in an extraordinary charge to
earnings in Fiscal 1997 of $173,000, net of income tax benefit.
     
     As  a  result of the foregoing factors, the Company had  net
income  of $11,824,000, or 1.5% of net sales, for 1997,  compared
to net income of $8,667,000, or 1.1% of net sales, for 1996.
     
     
Fiscal 1996 Compared to Fiscal 1995
- ------------------------------------
     
     The  Company's net sales increased to $798,117,000 in Fiscal
1996  (52 weeks) from $731,142,000 in Fiscal 1995 (53 weeks),  an
increase  of $66,975,000, or 9.2%.  Total sales for the fifty-two
week period ended February 1, 1997 were up 10.6% compared to  the
fifty-two  week period ended January 27, 1996.  This increase  in
net  sales  was attributable to the inclusion of a full  year  of
operating results for the 48 stores opened and 30 stores expanded
during    1995,    the   opening   of   11   new    stores    and

===========================================================================
<PAGE 16>


the  expansion  of  7 stores in 1996, and to a  comparable  sales
increase of 1.8% for the fifty-two week period ended February  1,
1997.  This sales increase was partially offset by the closing of
8 stores in 1996.  The Company believes that the 1.8% increase in
its comparable store sales in 1996 was attributable primarily  to
positive customer reaction to the Company's Fall 1996 merchandise
offerings.
     
     Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 44.4%
in  1996  from  41.8%  in  1995.   This  increase  was  primarily
attributable   to  lower  markdowns  associated  with   decreased
promotional activities.
     
     Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of  net sales decreased to 36.5% in 1996 from 37.0% in 1995.  The
decrease  in  selling, general and administrative expenses  as  a
percentage  of  net sales was primarily the result  of  increased
leverage  on  fixed  expenses due to  improved  comparable  store
sales.
     
     Operating  income increased to $46,461,000, or 5.8%  of  net
sales,  in 1996 from $25,275,000, or 3.5% of net sales, in  1995.
Operating  income in 1996 was reduced by $3,500,000, or  0.4%  of
net  sales,  representing the estimated costs  of  the  Company's
obligations  under  the former Chairperson's employment  contract
following  her  resignation in August 1996,  and  by  a  one-time
charge  of  $3,600,000,  or 0.4% of net sales,  relating  to  the
planned  closing  of  all  nine Ann  Taylor  Studio  shoe  stores
announced   in  January  1997.   Amortization  of  goodwill   was
$10,086,000,  or  1.3%  of  net  sales,  in  1996   compared   to
$9,506,000,  or  1.3%  of net sales, in 1995.   Operating  income
without  giving  effect to such amortization was $56,547,000,  or
7.1% of net sales, in 1996 and $34,781,000, or 4.8% of net sales,
in 1995.
     
     Interest  expense  was  $24,416,000  in  1996  compared   to
$20,956,000  in  1995.   The increase  in  interest  expense  was
attributable  to  higher  interest  rates  associated  with   the
issuance   of   8-1/2%   Company-Obligated  Mandatorily   Redeemable
Convertible Preferred Securities (the "preferred securities")  by
the   Company's  financing  vehicle,  AnnTaylor  Finance   Trust,
partially  offset by a decrease in the Company's long-term  debt.
The  weighted average interest rate on the Company's  outstanding
indebtedness at February 1, 1997 was 8.63% compared to  8.26%  at
February 3, 1996.
     
     The income tax provision was $12,975,000, or 60.0% of income
before  income taxes, in the 1996 period compared to  $5,157,000,
or  120.5% of income before income taxes, in 1995.  The effective
tax  rates for both periods were higher than the statutory rates,
primarily as a result of non-deductible goodwill expense.
     
     As  a  result of the foregoing factors, the Company had  net
income of $8,667,000, or 1.1% of net sales, for 1996 compared  to
a net loss of $876,000, or 0.1% of net sales, for 1995.


Changes in Financial Position
- -----------------------------

     Accounts receivable decreased to $60,211,000 at the  end  of
1997  from  $63,605,000  at  the  end  of  1996,  a  decrease  of
$3,394,000, or 5.3%. This decrease was primarily attributable  to
a  decrease in Ann Taylor credit card receivables, which declined
$4,784,000,  or  8.8%,  to  $49,721,000  in  1997.   The  Company
believes the declining penetration of its Ann Taylor credit  card
as a percentage of sales is primarily attributable to the gain of
market  share  by  bank  cards  throughout  the  retail  industry
generally.
     
     Merchandise inventories decreased to $97,234,000 at  January
31,  1998  from $100,237,000 at February 1, 1997, a  decrease  of
$3,003,000, or 3.0%.  Merchandise inventories at January 31, 1998
and  February  1,  1997, included approximately  $21,124,000  and
$13,728,000,  respectively,  of  inventory  associated  with  the
Company's  sourcing division.  The sourcing division's  inventory
is  principally finished goods in transit from factories.   Total
square  footage increased to approximately 1,808,000 square  feet
at  January 31, 1998 from approximately 1,705,000 square feet  at
February  1,  1997.  Merchandise inventory on a per  square  foot
basis, excluding inventory associated with the Company's sourcing
division,  was approximately $42 at the end of 1997, compared  to
approximately  $51  at  the  end  of  1996,  a  decrease  of

=======================================================================
<PAGE 17>

approximately 17%.   This  decrease   is   a  reflection of
more conservative inventory management as  part  of
the  Company's  strategy to increase inventory turns.   Inventory
turned 5.1 times in 1997 compared to 4.7 times in 1996, excluding
inventory   associated  with  the  Company's  sourcing  division.
Inventory turnover is determined by dividing cost of sales by the
average of the cost of inventory at the beginning and end of  the
period   (excluding  inventory  associated  with   the   sourcing
division).
     

Liquidity and Capital Resources
- -------------------------------
     
     The  Company's primary sources of working capital  are  cash
flow  from operations and borrowings under Ann Taylor's revolving
credit   facility  under  the  Bank  Credit  Agreement  and   the
Receivables Facility described below.  The following  table  sets
forth material measures of the Company's liquidity:
                                                   
                                                   
                                                   Fiscal Year
                                         -------------------------------
                                            1997       1996       1995
                                            ----       ----       ----
                                              (dollars in thousands)
   Cash  provided  by  
     operating activities..............   $ 71,589   $ 67,532     $ 7,376
   Working  capital....................   $122,181   $118,850     $86,477
   Current ratio.......................     2.39:1     2.53:1      1.77:1
   Debt to equity ratio................      .28:1      .35:1       .84:1
   
     Cash  provided by operating activities, as presented on  the
consolidated  statements  of  cash  flows,  increased   in   1997
principally  as  a  result  of  increases  in  earnings,  noncash
charges,  accounts payable and accrued liabilities, and decreases
in receivables, merchandise inventories and prepaid expenses.
     
     Ann  Taylor's  Bank  Credit Agreement  originally  provided,
among   other  things,  for  a  $25,000,000  term  loan   and   a
$125,000,000 revolving credit facility.  As described  below,  in
January  1996 the Company prepaid a portion of the term loan  and
reduced  the revolving credit facility to $122,000,000.  On  July
2,   1997,  the  Company  used  available  cash  to  prepay   the
outstanding  balance of the $24,500,000 term loan.  The  maturity
date  of the revolving credit facility is July 29, 1998; however,
the  Company is required to reduce the outstanding balance  under
the  revolving credit facility to $50,000,000 or less for  thirty
consecutive days in 1996 and in each fiscal year thereafter.  The
maximum  amount  that may be borrowed under the revolving  credit
facility  is  reduced  by  the amount of commercial  and  standby
letters  of  credit outstanding under the Bank Credit  Agreement.
At  January 31, 1998, there were no borrowings outstanding  under
the  revolving credit facility and the amount available under the
facility,  after  taking  into  account  outstanding  letters  of
credit, was approximately $89,000,000.  The Bank Credit Agreement
contains financial and other covenants, including limitations  on
indebtedness, liens and investments, restrictions on dividends or
other distributions to stockholders, and requirements to maintain
certain financial ratios and specified levels of net worth.   The
Company's  ability  to satisfy such financial covenants  will  be
dependent  upon,  among  other things, the  Company's  sales  and
earnings  and  the  amount of capital expenditures  made  by  the
Company.   The  Bank  Credit Agreement also provides  for,  among
other  things,  an annual limitation on capital  expenditures  of
$32,500,000  in 1997 and beyond, subject to increase  if  certain
conditions are satisfied.  The Company is negotiating to  replace
this  bank  credit agreement before its expiration in July  1998,
and anticipates that the Company will be able to make the capital
expenditures  contemplated  by its  1998  real  estate  expansion
program, under the replacement facility.
     
     Ann  Taylor  sells  its  proprietary  credit  card  accounts
receivable  to AnnTaylor Funding, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of  Ann Taylor.  AnnTaylor Funding, Inc. uses the receivables  to
secure  borrowings  of  up  to $40,000,000,  depending  upon  the
eligible   accounts  receivable  balance,  under  a   receivables
financing   facility  (the  "Receivables  Facility").   AnnTaylor
Funding,  Inc.  had total assets of approximately $50,440,000  at
January  31,  1998,  all  of which are subject  to  the  security
interest  of  the  lender  under the  Receivables  Facility.   At
January 31, 1998, there were no borrowings outstanding under  the
Receivables  Facility.  The Receivables Facility matures  in  May
1998.

======================================================================
<PAGE 18>
     
     On July 29, 1997, ATGS and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking
Corporation ("HKSBC") amended their credit agreement (the  "HKSBC
Agreement"), increasing the commitment available for  letters  of
credit  to  $50,000,000; cash borrowings under the  facility  are
limited to a maximum of $5,000,000.  Such credit facility matures
on  July 29, 1998 and contains financial and other covenants.  As
of  January  31, 1998, commercial and standby letters  of  credit
outstanding  under  this facility totaled $25,102,000  and  there
were no borrowings outstanding under this facility.
     
     As   noted  above,  the  Company's  Bank  Credit  Agreement,
Receivables Facility and HKSBC Agreement mature in May  and  July
1998.   The  Company  is  currently  negotiating  to  obtain  new
financing  and anticipates new arrangements will be in  place  in
the second quarter of Fiscal 1998.
     
     In  April and May of 1996, the Company completed the sale of
an  aggregate of $100,625,000 of preferred securities  issued  by
its  financing  vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust.  The  preferred
securities have a liquidation preference of $50 per security  and
are  convertible at the option of the holders thereof into shares
of  common  stock of the Company at a conversion  rate  of  2.545
shares  of common stock for each preferred security.  A total  of
2,012,500  preferred securities were issued, and are  convertible
into   an   aggregate  of  5,121,812  shares  of  common   stock,
representing  approximately  17%  of  the  Company's  outstanding
common  stock  as of January 31, 1998.  The Company received  net
proceeds  of  $95,984,000 in connection  with  the  sale  of  the
preferred   securities   and  applied   $94,000,000   to   reduce
outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.
     
     Ann  Taylor  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  AnnTaylor
Distribution  Services, Inc., are parties to a $7,000,000  seven-
year  mortgage loan secured by the Company's distribution  center
land  and  building in Louisville, Kentucky.  The  mortgage  loan
bears interest at 7.5% and is payable in monthly installments  of
approximately $130,000.  Pursuant to the requirements of the Bank
Credit Agreement, in January 1996 the Company applied one-half of
the proceeds of the mortgage to reduce the amount available under
the  revolving  credit facility, thereby reducing  the  revolving
credit facility by $3,000,000, and prepaid a portion of the  term
loan.
     
     The  Company's  capital  expenditures  totaled  $22,945,000,
$16,107,000,   and   $78,378,000  in  1997,   1996,   and   1995,
respectively.  The decrease in capital expenditures in  1997  and
1996  is  due  primarily to the construction  of  fewer  new  and
expanded  stores  compared to 1995.  In that  year,  the  Company
increased  its  retail  store square footage  by  nearly  500,000
square  feet,  or  40%.   The  Company  slowed  its  real  estate
expansion  program  in  1996  and 1997,  to  enable  it  to  more
effectively  consolidate  the  growth,  including  organizational
changes,  that  had  occurred during recent years.   The  Company
expects  its  total  capital  expenditure  requirements  will  be
approximately  $50,000,000  in 1998, including  capital  for  new
store  construction  for  a planned square  footage  increase  of
approximately 240,000 square feet, or 13.3%, as well  as  capital
to support investments in information systems.  The actual amount
of  the Company's capital expenditures will depend in part on the
number  of  stores opened, expanded and refurbished  and  on  the
amount  of construction allowances the Company receives from  the
landlords  of  its new or expanded stores as well as  limitations
imposed  by  new  credit  facilities.  See "Business--Stores  and
Expansion".
     
     Dividends  and distributions from Ann Taylor to the  Company
are  restricted  by  the Bank Credit Agreement,  the  Receivables
Facility and the Indenture for Ann Taylor's 8-3/4% Notes.
     
     In order to finance its operations and capital requirements,
the  Company  expects  to use internally generated  funds,  trade
credit  and funds available to it under the Bank Credit Agreement
and the HKSBC Agreement, as well as the Receivables Facility, and
replacements  thereof  that are expected  to  be  obtained.   The
Company  typically  purchases merchandise  from  certain  of  its
vendors  on terms requiring payment within 30 days or less  after
the  Company's receipt of the merchandise.  If some or all of the
Company's such vendors were to demand shorter payment terms,  the
Company's  working  capital needs would  increase.   The  Company
believes that cash flow from operations and funds available under
the Bank Credit Agreement, the Receivables Facility and the HKSBC
Agreement,  and  replacements thereof that  are  expected  to  be
obtained,  are sufficient to enable it to meet its on-going  cash
needs   for  its  business,  as  presently  conducted,  for   the
foreseeable future.

========================================================================
<PAGE 19>
     
     
     The  Company has been conducting a comprehensive  review  of
its  computer  systems to identify those systems  that  could  be
adversely affected by the "Year 2000 issue" and is developing  an
implementation plan to resolve the issue.  The "Year 2000  issue"
refers  to  the  inability of many computer  systems  to  process
accurately  dates later than December 31, 1999.   Date  codes  in
many  programs are abbreviated to allow only two digits  for  the
year,  e.g.  "97" for the year 1997.  Unless these  programs  are
modified  to  handle the century date change,  they  will  likely
interpret  the  year "00", that is, the year 2000,  as  the  year
1900.   The  Year  2000 issue creates risk for the  Company  from
unforeseen  problems in its own computer systems as  well  as  in
computer  systems  of third parties with whom  the  Company  does
business  worldwide, including banks and credit  card  processing
entities, suppliers, factories and others.
     
     The  Company presently believes that, with modifications  to
existing  software  and  conversions to  new  software  that  the
Company plans to implement over the next two years, the Year 2000
issue  will  not  pose  significant operating  problems  for  the
Company's  own  computer  systems as so modified  and  converted.
However,  if such modifications and conversions are not completed
on  a  timely  basis, the Year 2000 issue could have  a  material
adverse  impact on the operations of the Company.   In  addition,
the  Company  cannot give assurance that the third  parties  with
whom  it does business will address any Year 2000 issues in their
own  systems on a timely basis; their failure to do so could also
have  a  material adverse impact on the Company.  The Company  is
currently  compiling  a  list of these  third  parties,  such  as
significant   vendors  and  service  providers,  and  determining
procedures necessary to assess whether they are taking action  to
remedy their Year 2000 issues in a timely manner.
     
     The  total  cost to the Company of addressing the Year  2000
issue has not been, and is not anticipated to be, material to the
Company's  financial  position or results of  operations  in  any
given  year.  These costs and the date on which the Company plans
to   complete  the  Year  2000  issue  modification  and  testing
processes  are based on management's best estimates,  which  were
derived   utilizing  numerous  assumptions  of   future   events,
including the continued availability of certain resources,  third
party  modification plans and other factors.  However, there  can
be no assurance that these estimates will be achieved, and actual
costs  and  ultimate  timing could differ materially  from  those
presently contemplated.
     
     Effective  February 1, 1998, the Company elected  to  change
its  method  of inventory valuation from the retail method  to  a
cost  method.   The  Company  believes  the  cost  method  is   a
preferable method for matching the cost of merchandise  with  the
revenues  generated.  The cumulative effect  of  this  accounting
change  and  the effect on future financial statements  resulting
from this change is not expected to be material.

     In  June  1997,  the  Financial Accounting  Standards  Board
issued  Statement  of  Financial Accounting  Standards  No.  130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income", which requires that changes  in
comprehensive  income be shown in a financial statement  that  is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements;
and   Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.   131,
"Disclosure   About  Segments  of  an  Enterprise   and   Related
Information",  which  establishes annual  and  interim  reporting
standards  for  an  enterprise's operating segments  and  related
disclosures about its products, services, major customers and the
material  countries in which the entity holds assets and  reports
revenues.   In February 1998, the Financial Accounting  Standards
Board issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 132,
"Employers'  Disclosure about Pensions and  Other  Postretirement
Benefits",  which revises disclosures, but does  not  change  the
measurement  or  recognition  of  these  plans.   Management   is
currently  evaluating the impact of these standards and  believes
their   adoption  will  not  impact  the  Company's  consolidated
financial position, results of operations or cash flows, and  any
impact   will  be  limited  to  the  form  and  content  of   its
disclosures.   All of these statements are effective  for  fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1997.
     

Sourcing Acquisition
- --------------------
   
     In  Fiscal 1995, the Company purchased approximately 16%  of
its  merchandise directly from Cygne Designs, Inc. ("Cygne")  and
an additional 38% of its merchandise through the Company's direct
sourcing joint venture with Cygne known as CAT.  On September 20,
1996 (the "Effective Date"), Ann Taylor acquired the entire

====================================================================
<PAGE 20>
     

interest of Cygne in CAT and certain of  the assets (the "Assets") 
of the Ann Taylor Woven Division of Cygne  (the  "Division") 
that were used for sourcing  merchandise for  Ann Taylor 
(the "Sourcing Acquisition").  As a result of the Sourcing  
Acquisition,  CAT  became  an  indirect  wholly   owned
subsidiary  of the Company and now performs all of  Ann  Taylor's
direct sourcing functions, including those previously provided by
the  Division,  under  the name AnnTaylor Global  Sourcing.   The
results  of  operations of ATGS are included in the  consolidated
financial statements of the Company since the Effective Date.
     
     The  Company believes that the Sourcing Acquisition provides
Ann Taylor with greater control over pre-production processes and
production management, which it expects will result in a  variety
of   operational   benefits,  such  as  greater  consistency   in
merchandise  quality and sizing.  The Company is also recognizing
a  net reduction in the cost of merchandise purchased through the
sourcing  division  (after  taking  into  account  the  cost   of
operating ATGS).
     
     In consideration for Cygne's interest in CAT and the Assets,
the  Company  paid (i) 2,348,145 shares of common  stock  of  the
Company  having an aggregate value, as of the Effective Date,  of
$36,000,000, (ii) $3,200,000 in cash in payment for inventory and
fixed  assets  and  (iii) approximately  $6,500,000  in  cash  in
settlement  of open accounts payable by Ann Taylor to  Cygne  for
merchandise delivered by Cygne prior to the closing.  The Company
also assumed certain liabilities related to the operations of the
Division.    The  purchase  price  was  subject  to  post-closing
adjustments  based  upon  final determination  of  the  value  of
certain of the assets purchased and liabilities assumed.   As  of
February  1,  1997, certain post-closing adjustments reduced  the
net  cash  paid  for inventory and fixed assets to  approximately
$227,000.   The  total purchase price has been allocated  to  the
tangible  and intangible assets and liabilities of  CAT  and  the
Division  that  were  acquired,  based  on  estimates  of   their
respective  fair values.  The excess of the purchase  price  over
the  fair  value  of  the  net assets acquired  was  recorded  as
goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over  25
years.
     
     Pursuant  to  the terms of a Stockholders Agreement  entered
into  at  the  time  of  the  Sourcing Acquisition,  the  Company
registered the sale of the shares of Common Stock issued to Cygne
as   part  of  the  consideration  for  the  acquisition.   Cygne
subsequently  sold, pursuant to this registration statement,  all
of the shares of Common Stock issued to it by the Company.
     
     
Statement Regarding Forward Looking Disclosures
- -----------------------------------------------
   
Sections   of   this  Annual  Report,  including  the   preceding
Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition  and
Results   of   Operations,   contain  various   forward   looking
statements,   within  the  meaning  of  the  Private   Securities
Litigation  Reform  Act of 1995, with respect  to  the  financial
condition,  results of operations and business  of  the  Company.
Examples  of forward-looking statements are statements  that  use
the  words "expect", "anticipate", "plan", "believe" and  similar
expressions.   These forward looking statements  involve  certain
risks  and uncertainties, and no assurance can be given that  any
of  such  matters  will be realized.  Actual results  may  differ
materially  from  those  contemplated  by  such  forward  looking
statements  as  a result of, among other things, failure  by  the
Company  to  accurately predict customer fashion  preferences;  a
decline  in  the demand for merchandise offered by  the  Company;
competitive influences; levels of store traffic; effectiveness of
the  Company's  brand awareness and marketing  programs;  general
economic  conditions that are less favorable than  expected;  the
inability  of the Company to locate new store sites or  negotiate
favorable  lease terms for additional stores or for the expansion
of  existing  stores;  a  significant change  in  the  regulatory
environment applicable to the Company's business; an increase  in
the  rate of import duties or export quotas with respect  to  the
Company's  merchandise; an adverse outcome of certain  litigation
described  in  "Legal Proceedings" that materially and  adversely
affects  the Company's financial condition; or lack of sufficient
customer  acceptance  of  the  Ann Taylor  Loft  concept  in  the
moderate-priced women's apparel market.  The Company  assumes  no
obligation   to   update  or  revise  any  such   forward-looking
statements,  even if experience or future events or changes  make
it  clear  that  any  projected financial  or  operating  results
implied by such forward-looking statements will not be realized.

========================================================================
<PAGE 21>


ITEM  8.  Financial  Statements and Supplementary Data
- ------------------------------------------------------
     
     The  following  consolidated  financial  statements  of  the
Company  for the years ended January 31, 1998, February  1,  1997
and  February 3, 1996 are included as a part of this Report  (See
Item 14):
     
     Consolidated  Statements of Operations for the fiscal  years
        ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February  3,
        1996.
     
     Consolidated  Balance  Sheets as of  January  31,  1998  and
        February 1, 1997.
     
     Consolidated  Statements  of Stockholders'  Equity  for  the
        fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
        February 3, 1996.
     
     Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal  years
        ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February  3,
        1996.
     
     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
     
     
ITEM  9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------
         and Financial Disclosures
         -------------------------
     
      None.

==========================================================================
<PAGE 22>
                                
                                
                            PART III
                            --------
                                
                                
                                
                                
ITEM 10.  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant
- --------------------------------------------------------------
     
     The information required by this item is incorporated herein
by  reference to the Section entitled "Nominees for  Election  as
Directors"  and  "Section  16(a) Beneficial  Ownership  Reporting
Compliance" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1998  Annual
Meeting of Stockholders.
     
     
ITEM 11. Executive Compensation
- -------------------------------

     The information required by this item is incorporated herein
by  reference to the Sections entitled "Compensation of Directors
and  Related  Matters", "Executive Compensation" and  "Employment
Agreements" in the Company's Proxy Statement for its 1998  Annual
Meeting of Stockholders.
     
     
ITEM 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------
     
     The information required by this item is incorporated herein
by  reference  to the Section entitled "Beneficial  Ownership  of
Common  Stock"  in  the Company's Proxy Statement  for  its  1998
Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
     
     
ITEM 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- -------------------------------------------------------
     
     The information required by this item is incorporated herein
by  reference to the Sections entitled "Compensation of Directors
and  Related  Matters"  and  "Compensation  Committee  Report  on
Executive  Compensation--Compensation  Committee  Interlocks  and
Insider  Participation" in the Company's Proxy Statement for  its
1998 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
     
     In  connection  with the Sourcing Acquisition,  the  Company
issued to Cygne an aggregate of 2,348,145 shares of Common Stock.
See   "Management's   Discussion   and   Analysis   --   Sourcing
Acquisition".

========================================================================
<PAGE 23>
                             PART IV
                             -------
     
     
ITEM  14. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules,  and Reports on Form 8-K
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
  (a)   List of documents filed as part of this Annual Report:
         
        The   following  consolidated financial  statements 
        of the Company and the  independent auditors' report 
        are included on pages 30 through 51  and are filed 
        as part of this Annual Report:
                  
        Consolidated Statements of Operations  for  the
        fiscal  years  ended January 31, 1998, February  1,  1997
        and  February 3, 1996; Consolidated Balance Sheets as  of
        January  31,  1998  and  February 1,  1997;  Consolidated
        Statements  of Stockholders' Equity for the fiscal  years
        ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February  3,
        1996;  Consolidated  Statements of  Cash  Flows  for  the
        fiscal  years  ended January 31, 1998, February  1,  1997
        and  February  3,  1996; Notes to Consolidated  Financial
        Statements; Independent Auditors' Report.
        
  (b)   Reports on Form 8-K
        
        The Company filed a report with the Commission
        on  Form  8-K  dated March 12, 1998 with respect  to  the
        dismissal  of the purported class action lawsuit  against
        the  Company, Ann Taylor, certain officers and  directors
        of  the  Company  and  Ann  Taylor,  ML&Co.  and  certain
        affiliates of ML&Co.  Additionally the Form 8-K  reported
        on  an  Amendment to the Company's amended  and  restated
        1992  Stock  Option and Restricted Stock and  Unit  Award
        Plan.
        
  (c)   Exhibits
        
        The  exhibits listed below are filed as a part
        of this Annual Report.
          
Exhibit Number
- --------------
  
  3.1    Restated  Certificate of Incorporation of  the  Company.
          Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to   the
          Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 filed with
          the    Securities   and   Exchange   Commission    (the
          "Commission") on August 10, 1992 (Registration No.  33-
          50688).
  
  3.2    By-Laws  of  the Company.  Incorporated by reference  to
          Exhibit  3.2  to the Form 10-Q of the Company  for  the
          Quarter  ended November 2, 1991 filed on  December  17,
          1991 (Registration No. 33-28522).
  
  4.1    Indenture,  dated  as  of  June 15,  1993,  between  Ann
          Taylor and Fleet Bank, N.A., as Trustee, including  the
          form  of  Subordinated Note due 2000.  Incorporated  by
          reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on  Form
          8-K of Ann Taylor filed on July 7, 1993.
  
  4.1.1  Instrument  of Resignation, Appointment and  Acceptance,
          dated  as of December 1, 1995, among Ann Taylor,  Fleet
          Bank,  N.A.,  as  Resigning Trustee, and  Norwest  Bank
          Minnesota,  N.A., the Successor Trustee.   Incorporated
          by  reference to Exhibit 4.1.1 to the Annual Report  on
          Form 10-K of the Company filed on April 8, 1996.
  
  10.1   Form   of   Warrant  Agreement  entered   into   between
          AnnTaylor  and The Connecticut Bank and Trust  Company,
          National  Association, including the form  of  Warrant.
          Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to  Amendment
          No.  1 to the Registration Statement of the Company and
          Ann Taylor filed on June 21, 1989 (Registration No. 33-
          28522).
  
  10.2   Amended  and  Restated  Credit Agreement,  dated  as  of
          September  29, 1995, among Ann Taylor, Bank of  America
          National  Trust  and  Savings  Association  ("Bank   of
          America"), and Fleet Bank, National Association, as Co-
          Agents,  the financial institutions from time  to  time
          party  thereto, BA Securities, Inc., as  Arranger,  and
          Bank  of  America, as Agent.  Incorporated by reference
          to  Exhibit 10.1 to the Current Report on Form  8-K  of
          Ann Taylor filed on October 17, 1995.

=========================================================================
<PAGE 24>

Exhibit
Number
- -------
  
  10.2.1 First   Amendment   to  Amended  and   Restated   Credit
          Agreement,  dated  as of January  4,  1996,  among  Ann
          Taylor,   Bank   of  America,  Fleet   Bank,   National
          Association,  as Co-Agents, the financial  institutions
          from  time to time party thereto, BA Securities,  Inc.,
          as   Arranger,   and   Bank  of  America,   as   Agent.
          Incorporated  by  reference to Exhibit  10.2.1  to  the
          Annual  Report  on  Form 10-K of the Company  filed  on
          April 8, 1996.
  
  10.2.2 Second  Amendment  to  the Amended and  Restated  Credit
          Agreement, dated as of April 9, 1996 among Ann  Taylor,
          Bank  of  America and Fleet Bank, National Association,
          as  Co-Agents, the financial institutions from time  to
          time party thereto, BA Securities Inc. as Arranger, and
          Bank of America as Agent.  Incorporated by reference to
          Exhibit  10.1  on  Form 10-Q of  the  Company  for  the
          Quarter  ended  August 3, 1996 filed on  September  16,
          1996.
  
  10.3   Amended  and  Restated Guaranty, dated as  of  September
          29,  1995,  made  by the Company in favor  of  Bank  of
          America,  as  Agent.   Incorporated  by  reference   to
          Exhibit 10.4 to the Current Report on Form 8-K  of  Ann
          Taylor filed on October 17, 1995.
  
  10.4   Amended  and  Restated  Security and  Pledge  Agreement,
          dated  as of September 29, 1995, made by Ann Taylor  in
          favor  of  Bank of America, as Agent.  Incorporated  by
          reference to Exhibit 10.2 to the Current Report on Form
          8-K of Ann Taylor filed on October 17, 1995.
  
  10.5   Amended  and  Restated  Security and  Pledge  Agreement,
          dated as of September 29, 1995, made by the Company  in
          favor  of  Bank of America, as Agent.  Incorporated  by
          reference to Exhibit 10.5 to the Current Report on Form
          8-K of Ann Taylor filed on October 17, 1995.
  
  10.6   Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of September  29,
          1995,  made by Ann Taylor in favor of Bank of  America,
          as Agent.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to
          the  Current Report on Form 8-K of Ann Taylor filed  on
          October 17, 1995.
  
  10.7   1989  Stock  Option Plan.  Incorporated by reference  to
          Exhibit  10.18  to  the Registration Statement  of  the
          Company   and   Ann  Taylor  filed  on  May   3,   1989
          (Registration No. 33-28522).
  
  10.7.1 Amendment  to  1989 Stock Option Plan.  Incorporated  by
          reference  to Exhibit 10.15.1 to the Annual  Report  on
          Form 10-K of the Company filed on April 30, 1993.
  
  10.8   Lease,  dated  as  of  March 17,  1989,  between  Carven
          Associates  and  Ann Taylor concerning  the  West  57th
          Street  headquarters.   Incorporated  by  reference  to
          Exhibit  10.21  to  the Registration Statement  of  the
          Company   and   Ann  Taylor  filed  on  May   3,   1989
          (Registration No. 33-28522).
  
  10.8.1 First  Amendment  to  Lease, dated as  of  November  14,
          1990,   between  Carven  Associates  and  Ann   Taylor.
          Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit  10.17.1  to  the
          Registration  Statement of the Company filed  on  April
          11, 1991 (Registration No. 33-39905).
  
  10.8.2 Second  Amendment  to Lease, dated as  of  February  28,
          1993,   between   Carven  Associates  and  Ann  Taylor.
          Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit  10.17.2  to  the
          Annual  Report  on  Form 10-K of the Company  filed  on
          April 29, 1993.
  
  10.8.3 Extension and Amendment to Lease dated as of October  1,
          1993,   between  Carven  Associates  and  Ann   Taylor.
          Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.11 to the  Form
          10-Q  of  Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended October  30,
          1993 filed on November 26, 1993.
  
  10.8.4 Modification of Amendment and Extension to Lease,  dated
          as  of April 14, 1994 between Carven Associates and Ann
          Taylor.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.15.4
          to  the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed
          on April 28, 1995.

  =====================================================================
  <PAGE 25>

 Exhibit
 Number
- --------

  10.8.5  Fifth  Amendment to Lease, dated as of March  14,  1995,
           between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor.  Incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 10.15.5 to the Annual Report on
           Form 10-K of the Company filed on April 28, 1995.
  
  10.8.6  Sixth  Amendment to Lease, dated as of January 5,  1996,
           between   Pacific  Metropolitan  Corporation  and   Ann
           Taylor.
  
  10.8.7  Seventh  Amendment to Lease, dated as of June  5,  1996,
           between   Pacific  Metropolitan  Corporation  and   Ann
           Taylor.
  
  10.8.8  Eighth  Amendment  to  Lease, undated,  between  Pacific
           Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor.
  
  10.8.9  Ninth  Amendment  to Lease, dated as of  May  13,  1997,
           between   Pacific  Metropolitan  Corporation  and   Ann
           Taylor.
  
  10.8.10 Tenth  Amendment  to Lease, dated as of  May  21,  1997,
           between   Pacific  Metropolitan  Corporation  and   Ann
           Taylor.
  
  10.9    Tax  Sharing  Agreement, dated  as  of  July  13,  1989,
           between  the  Company and Ann Taylor.  Incorporated  by
           reference to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No.  2  to  the
           Registration  Statement of the Company and  Ann  Taylor
           filed on July 13, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522).
  
  10.10   Employment  Agreement  dated  as  of  February  1,  1994
           between   the   Company   and   Sally   Frame   Kasaks.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to  the  Form
           10-Q  of the Company for the Quarter ended October  29,
           1994 filed on December 9, 1994.
  
  10.11   Employment  Agreement dated February  16,  1996  between
           the Company and J. Patrick Spainhour.  Incorporated  by
           reference to Exhibit 10.4 to the Annual Report on  Form
           10-K of the Company filed on April 8, 1996.
  
  10.11.1 Amendment to the Employment Agreement, dated August  23,
           1996,  between  the  Company and J. Patrick  Spainhour.
           Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit  10.11.1  to  the
           Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed on  May
           1, 1997.
  
  10.12   Employment  Agreement dated November  25,  1996  between
           the  Company  and  Patricia  DeRosa.   Incorporated  by
           reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for
           the  Quarter  ended November 2, 1996 filed on  December
           17, 1996.
  
  10.13   Employment  Agreement dated September 20,  1996  between
           Ann  Taylor  and  Dwight  F.  Meyer.   Incorporated  by
           reference  to  Exhibit 10.4 to the  Form  10-Q  of  Ann
           Taylor for the Quarter ended November 2, 1996 filed  on
           December 17, 1996.
  
  10.14   Separation Agreement dated January 24, 1997 between  Ann
           Taylor  and Paul E. Francis.  Incorporated by reference
           to  Exhibit 10.14 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K  of
           the Company filed on May 1, 1997.
  
  10.15   Separation  Agreement dated July 15,  1997  between  Ann
           Taylor and Barry Shapiro.
  
  10.16   The  AnnTaylor Stores Corporation 1992 Stock Option  and
           Restricted  Stock  and  Unit Award  Plan,  Amended  and
           Restated  as  of  February 23, 1994 (the  "1992  Option
           Plan").  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15  to
           the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed  on
           May 1, 1997.
  
  10.16.1 Amendment  to  the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation  Amended
           and Restated 1992 Stock Option and Restricted Stock and
           Unit  Award Plan, as approved by stockholders  on  June
           18, 1997.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15.1
           to  the Form 10-Q of the Company for the Quarter  Ended
           August 2, 1997 filed on September 12, 1997.

=======================================================================
<PAGE 26>




Exhibit
Number
- ---------

  10.16.2 Amendment  to  the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation  Amended
           and  Restricted 1992 Stock Option and Restricted  Stock
           and  Unit  Award  Plan dated as of  January  16,  1998.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 on the  Current
           Report  on  Form 8-K of the Company filed on March  12,
           1998.
  
  10.17   AnnTaylor   Stores  Corporation  Amended  and   Restated
           Management  Performance Compensation Plan, as  approved
           by  stockholders  on  June 18, 1997.   Incorporated  by
           reference  to  Exhibit 10.16 to the Form  10-Q  of  the
           Company  for the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997 filed  on
           September 12, 1997.
  
  10.17.1 Amendment  to  the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation  Amended
           and  Restated Management Performance Compensation  Plan
           dated as of March 12, 1998.
  
  10.18   Associate   Stock   Purchase  Plan.    Incorporated   by
           reference  to  Exhibit 10.31 to the Form  10-Q  of  the
           Company for the Quarter Ended October 31, 1992 filed on
           December 15, 1992.
  
  10.19   Amended  and  Restated  Receivables Financing  Agreement
           dated  October 31, 1995, among AnnTaylor Funding, Inc.,
           Ann  Taylor, Market Street Capital Corp. and PNC  Bank,
           National  Association.  Incorporated  by  reference  to
           Exhibit 10.31.4 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the
           Quarter  ended  October 28, 1995 filed on  December  8,
           1995.
  
  10.19.1 First  Amendment to the Amended and Restated Receivables
           Financing  Agreement,  dated as of  November  1,  1996,
           among  AnnTaylor  Funding,  Inc.,  Ann  Taylor,  Market
           Street   Capital   Corp.   and   PNC   Bank,   National
           Association.     Incorporated by reference  to  Exhibit
           10.5  to  the  Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the  Quarter
           ended November 2, 1996 filed on December 17, 1996.
  
  10.20   Purchase  and  Sale Agreement dated as  of  January  27,
           1994  between  Ann Taylor and AnnTaylor  Funding,  Inc.
           Incorporated  by  reference to  Exhibit  10.29  to  the
           Annual  Report  on  Form 10-K of the Company  filed  on
           March 31, 1994.
  
  10.21   AnnTaylor   Stores  Corporation  Deferred   Compensation
           Plan.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.33  to
           the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed  on
           April 28, 1995.
  
  10.21.1 Amendment  to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation  Deferred
           Compensation Plan as approved by the Board of Directors
           on  August  11,  1995.  Incorporated  by  reference  to
           Exhibit 10.33.1 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the
           Quarter  Ended  July 29, 1995 filed  on  September  11,
           1995.
  
  10.22   Mortgage,  Assignment  of  Rents  and  Leases,  Security
           Agreement   and   Fixture  Financing  Statement   dated
           November   20,  1995,  between  AnnTaylor  Distribution
           Services,  Inc.,  as  Mortgagor, and  General  Electric
           Capital  Assurance Company, as Mortgagee.  Incorporated
           by  reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Form 10-Q of  Ann
           Taylor for the Quarter ended October 28, 1995 filed  on
           December 8, 1995.
  
  10.23   Promissory Note dated November 20, 1995 from Ann  Taylor
           and AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., collectively
           as  Borrower,  to  General Electric  Capital  Assurance
           Company,  as  Lender.   Incorporated  by  reference  to
           Exhibit  10.35 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor  for  the
           Quarter  ended  October 28, 1995 filed on  December  8,
           1995.
  
  10.24   Amended  and  Restated  Credit Agreement,  dated  as  of
           September  20, 1996, between AnnTaylor Global Sourcing,
           Inc.  and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
           Limited.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.6  to
           the  Form  10-Q  of  Ann Taylor for the  Quarter  ended
           November 2, 1996 filed on December 17, 1996.
  
============================================================================
<PAGE 27>


Exhibit
Number
- --------

  10.24.1 Promissory  Note dated September 20, 1996 from AnnTaylor
           Global  Sourcing,  Inc.  to the Hongkong  and  Shanghai
           Banking   Corporation   Limited,   New   York   Branch.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.7 to Form  10-Q
           of  Ann  Taylor for the Quarter ended November 2,  1996
           filed on December 17, 1996.
  
  10.24.2 Amended  and  Restated Security Agreement, dated  as  of
           September  20, 1996, between AnnTaylor Global Sourcing,
           Inc.  and the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
           Limited.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8  to
           the  Form  10-Q  of  Ann Taylor for the  Quarter  ended
           November 2, 1996 filed on December 17, 1996.
  
  10.24.3 Letter  of  Negative Pledge, dated as of  September  20,
           1996  from  AnnTaylor  Global  Sourcing,  Inc.  to  the
           Hongkong  and  Shanghai  Banking  Corporation  Limited.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9 to  the  Form
           10-Q  of  Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended November  2,
           1996 filed on December 17, 1996.
  
  10.24.4 First  Amendment  to  the Amended  and  Restated  Credit
           Agreement,   dated  as  of  April  11,  1997,   between
           AnnTaylor  Global Sourcing, Inc. and the  Hongkong  and
           Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited.  Incorporated  by
           reference  to Exhibit 10.25.4 to the Form 10-Q  of  the
           Company  for the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997 filed  on
           September 12, 1997.
  
  10.24.5 Second  Amendment  to  the Amended and  Restated  Credit
           Agreement, dated as of July 29, 1997, between AnnTaylor
           Global  Sourcing,  Inc. and the Hongkong  and  Shanghai
           Banking Corporation Limited.  Incorporated by reference
           to  Exhibit 10.25.5 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for
           the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997 filed on September 12,
           1997.
  
  10.24.6 Notification  of extension of termination  date  of  the
           Amended  and  Restated Credit Agreement,  dated  as  of
           September  20, 1996 between AnnTaylor Global  Sourcing,
           Inc.  and the HongKong and Shanghai Banking Corporation
           Limited.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.25.6
           to  the Form 10-Q of the Company for the Quarter  Ended
           November 1, 1997 filed on December 16, 1997.
  
  10.25   Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement, dated as of June  7,
           1996,  by and among the Company, Ann Taylor, Cygne  and
           Cygne  Group (F.E.) Limited.  Incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 2 to the Registrants' Current Report on Form
           8-K filed on June 10, 1996.
  
  10.25.1 Amendment  to Stock and Asset Purchase Agreement,  dated
           as  of  August 27, 1996, by and among the Company,  Ann
           Taylor,   Cygne   and  Cygne  Group   (F.E.)   Limited.
           Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit   3   to   the
           Registrants' Current Report on Form 8-K filed on August
           30, 1996.
  
  10.25.2 Stockholders Agreement, dated as of September 20,  1996,
           among   the  Company,  Cygne  and  Cygne  Group  (F.E.)
           Limited,  a  Hong  Kong corporation  and  wholly  owned
           subsidiary  of  Cygne.  Incorporated  by  reference  to
           Exhibit  10.26.2 to the Annual Report on Form  10-K  of
           the Company filed on May 1, 1997.
  
  10.25.3 Consulting  Agreement, dated as of September  20,  1996,
           by  and  between the Company, Cygne and Mr. Bernard  M.
           Manuel.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.26.3
           to  the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed
           on May 1, 1997.
  
  10.25.4 Consulting  Agreement, dated as of September  20,  1996,
           by  and  between  the  Company, Cygne  and  Mr.  Irving
           Benson.   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit  10.26.4
           to  the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed
           on May 1, 1997.
  
=========================================================================
<PAGE 28>


Exhibit
Number
- --------

  10.26   Certificate   of  Trust  of  AnnTaylor  Finance   Trust.
           Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.1  to   the
           Registration  Statement of the  Company  and  AnnTaylor
           Finance Trust filed on June 21, 1996 (Registration 333-
           06605).
  
  10.26.1 Amended  and Restated Declaration of Trust of  AnnTaylor
           Finance  Trust,  dated as of April 25, 1996  among  the
           Company,  as Sponsor, The Bank of New York, as Property
           Trustee,  The Bank of New York (Delaware), as  Delaware
           Trustee  and J. Patrick Spainhour, Paul E. Francis  and
           Walter  J.  Parks,  as  Trustees.     Incorporated   by
           reference  to Exhibit 4.2 to the Registration Statement
           of  the  Company and AnnTaylor Finance Trust  filed  on
           June 21, 1996 (Registration 333-06605).
  
  10.26.2 Indenture,  dated as of April 15, 1996, among  AnnTaylor
           Stores  Corporation  and  The  Bank  of  New  York,  as
           Trustee,  including  form of Preferred  Securities  and
           form  of Convertible Subordinated Debentures due  2016.
           Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  4.3  to   the
           Registration  Statement of the  Company  and  AnnTaylor
           Finance Trust filed on June 21, 1996 (Registration  No.
           333-06605).
  
  10.26.3 Amendment  No. 1 to the Amended and Restated Declaration
           of Trust of AnnTaylor Finance Trust, dated as of August
           27, 1996, between the Company and Bank of New York,  as
           Trustee.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2  to
           Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the Quarter ended August 3,
           1996 filed on September 16, 1996.
  
  21      Subsidiaries of the Company.
  
  23      Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.
  
  27      Financial Data Schedule.




===========================================================================
<PAGE 29>
                           SIGNATURES
                           -----------
          
          
          
     Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d)  of  the
Securities  Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly  caused
this  report  to  be  signed on its behalf  by  the  undersigned,
thereunto duly authorized.
          
                                      ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION

                                      By: /s/ J. Patrick Spainhour
                                          ---------------------------
                                              J. Patrick Spainhour
                                               Chairman and Chief
                                               Executive Officer
                                      
Date:  April 29, 1998
                                      
   Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act  of
1934,  this report has been signed below by the following  persons
on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.


/s/ J. Patrick Spainhour        Chairman and Chief Executive   April 29, 1998
- ------------------------             Officer and Director
    J. Patrick  Spainhour


/s/ Patricia DeRosa             President and Chief Operating  April 29, 1998
- ------------------------             Officer and Director
    Patricia DeRosa


/s/ Walter J. Parks             Senior Vice President -        April 29, 1998
- ------------------------             Chief Financial Officer
    Walter J. Parks                  and Treasurer


/s/ James M. Smith              Vice President and Controller  April 29, 1998
- ------------------------             Principal Accounting Officer
    James M. Smith


/s/ Gerald S. Armstrong          Director                      April 29, 1998
- -------------------------
    Gerald S. Armstrong


/s/ James J. Burke, Jr.          Director                      April 29, 1998
- --------------------------
    James J. Burke, Jr.


/s/ Robert C. Grayson            Director                     April 29, 1998
- --------------------------
    Robert C. Grayson


/s/ Rochelle B. Lazarus          Director                    April 29, 1998
- --------------------------
    Rochelle B. Lazarus


/s/ Hanne M. Merriman            Director                    April 29, 1998
- ---------------------------
    Hanne M. Merriman


=============================================================================
<PAGE 30>
          
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
           INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




                                                                     Page No.
                                                                     --------

Independent Auditors' Report..........................................   31

Consolidated Financial Statements:

    Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years
     ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996....   32
    
    Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 31, 1998 and
      February 1, 1997................................................   33
    
    Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the
      fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 
      and February 3, 1996............................................   34
    
    Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years
      ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996...   35

    Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........................   36

=============================================================================
<PAGE 31>

                  INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT





To the Stockholders of
  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION:

     
     We  have  audited  the  accompanying consolidated  financial
statements  of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation and its subsidiaries,
listed in the accompanying index.  These financial statements are
the    responsibility   of   the   Company's   management.    Our
responsibility  is  to  express an  opinion  on  these  financial
statements based on our audits.
     
     We   conducted  our  audits  in  accordance  with  generally
accepted  auditing standards.  Those standards  require  that  we
plan  and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance  about
whether   the   financial  statements  are   free   of   material
misstatement.   An  audit includes examining, on  a  test  basis,
evidence  supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements.   An  audit  also includes assessing  the  accounting
principles used and significant estimates made by management,  as
well  as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We  believe  that our audits provide a reasonable basis  for  our
opinion.
     
     In  our  opinion,  such  consolidated  financial  statements
present  fairly, in all material respects, the financial position
of  the  Company  and its subsidiaries at January  31,  1998  and
February  1, 1997, and the results of their operations and  their
cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended
January 31, 1998 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.




DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New York, New York
March 19, 1998

==========================================================================
<PAGE 32>
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
For the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
                        February 3, 1996






                                               Fiscal Years Ended
                                        -----------------------------------
                           
                                        Jan. 31,      Feb. 1,      Feb. 3,     
                                          1998         1997         1996
                                        ---------    ---------    ---------

                                     (in thousands, except per share amounts)

Net sales.............................  $781,028      $798,117     $731,142
Cost of sales.........................   411,756       443,443      425,225
                                         -------       -------      -------
Gross profit..........................   369,272       354,674      305,917
Selling, general and 
  administrative   expenses...........   308,232       291,027      271,136
Studio shoe stores closing expense....       ---         3,600         ---
Employment contract separation expense       ---         3,500         ---
Amortization of goodwill..............    11,040        10,086       9,506
                                         -------       -------     -------
Operating income......................    50,000        46,461      25,275
Interest expense......................    19,989        24,416      20,956
Other expense, net....................       548           403          38
                                         -------       -------     -------
Income  before  income  taxes 
  and  extraordinary  loss............    29,463        21,642       4,281
Income tax provision..................    17,466        12,975       5,157
                                         -------       -------     -------
Income (loss) before extraordinary loss   11,997         8,667        (876)
Extraordinary loss (net of income 
  tax benefit of $130,000).............      173           ---         ---
                                          ------       -------     -------
   Net income (loss)...................  $11,824      $  8,667     $  (876)
                                          ======       =======      ======

Basic and diluted earnings (loss) 
  per share of common stock:
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) 
  per share before extraordinary loss..  $  0.47      $   0.36     $ (0.04)
Extraordinary loss per share...........     0.01           ---         ---
                                          ------        ------       ------
   Basic  and diluted earnings 
     (loss) per share..................  $  0.46      $   0.36     $ (0.04)
                                          ======       =======      ======


                                
               See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 33>


                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
              January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997



                                                 January 31,      February 1,
                                                    1998              1997
                                                 ------------     -----------
                                                        (in thousands)
                  ASSETS

Current assets
 Cash and cash equivalents.......................  $ 31,369        $   7,025
 Accounts receivable, net........................    60,211           63,605
 Merchandise inventories.........................    97,234          100,237
 Prepaid expenses and other current assets.......    21,291           25,653
                                                    -------          -------
     Total current assets........................   210,105          196,520
Property and equipment, net......................   139,610          143,433
Goodwill, net....................................   330,739          341,779
Deferred financing costs, net....................     1,258            2,743
Other assets.....................................     1,949            3,664
                                                    -------          -------
     Total assets................................  $683,661         $688,139
                                                    =======          =======


                  LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

Current liabilities
 Accounts payable................................  $ 38,185         $ 34,341
 Accrued tenancy.................................     6,727            6,827
 Gift certificates redeemable....................     5,935            4,903
 Accrued expenses................................    35,958           31,312
 Current portion of long-term debt...............     1,119              287
                                                    -------          -------
     Total current liabilities...................    87,924           77,670
Long-term debt...................................   105,157          130,905
Deferred income taxes............................       ---            4,872
Other liabilities................................    10,082            7,952
Commitments and contingencies
Company-Obligated Mandatorily 
  Redeemable Convertible
 Preferred Securities of Subsidiary, 
   AnnTaylor Finance Trust,
   Holding Solely Convertible Debentures.........    96,391           96,158
Stockholders' equity
 Common stock, $.0068 par value; 
   40,000,000 shares authorized;
    25,657,590 and 25,598,489 
    shares issued, respectively..................       174              174
 Additional paid-in capital......................   350,647          349,545
 Warrants to acquire 2,814 shares 
   of common stock...............................        46               46
 Retained earnings...............................    34,204           22,613
 Deferred compensation on restricted stock.......      (737)          (1,590)
                                                    -------          -------
                                                    384,334          370,788
     Treasury stock, 12,659 and 11,601 
       shares, respectively,
       at cost...................................      (227)            (206)
                                                    -------          -------
     Total stockholders' equity..................   384,107          370,582
                                                    -------          -------
     Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..  $683,661         $688,139
                                                    =======          =======
                                
                                
                                
         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

==============================================================================
<PAGE 34>

                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
For the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
                        February 3, 1996
                         (in thousands)
                                
                                
                                


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>                                                   
                                   Common Stock    Additional      Warrants                 Restricted     Treasury Stock
                                  --------------    Paid-In    ---------------     Retained    Stock    ---------------------
                                  Shares  Amount    Capital    Shares   Amount     Earnings    Awards   Shares         Amount
                                  ------  ------   ---------   ------   ------     --------    ------   ------         ------
<S>                               <C>       <C>    <C>          <C>     <C>        <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>  
Balance at January 28, 1995       23,107    $157   $310,714       58    $ 951      $14,996    $  (149)      66       $(557)
Net loss                             ---     ---        ---      ---      ---         (876)       ---      ---         ---
Exercise of stock options and
   related tax benefit                23     ---        405      ---      ---          ---        ---      ---         (12)
Exercise of warrants                 ---     ---        203      (21)    (355)         ---        ---      (22)        152
Activity related to common
   stock issued as employee
   incentives                         (2)    ---        (38)     ---      ---          ---        116        1         (19)
                                  ------     ---    -------      ---     ----       ------     ------       --        ----

Balance at February 3, 1996       23,128     157    311,284       37      596       14,120        (33)      45        (436)
Net income                           ---     ---        ---      ---      ---        8,667        ---      ---         ---
Exercise of stock options and
   related tax benefit                18     ---        216      ---      ---          ---        ---      ---         ---
Exercise of warrants                 ---     ---        314      (34)    (550)         ---        ---      (34)        236
Issuance of stock for Sourcing
    Acquisition                    2,348      16     35,984      ---      ---          ---        ---      ---         ---
Amortization of discount on
    preferred securities             ---     ---        ---      ---      ---         (174)       ---      ---         ---
Activity related to common
   stock issued as employee
   incentives                        104        1      1,747     ---      ---          ---     (1,557)       1          (6)
                                  ------      ---    -------     ---     ----       ------     ------       --        ----

Balance at February 1, 1997       25,598      174    349,545       3       46       22,613     (1,590)      12        (206)
Net income                           ---      ---        ---     ---      ---       11,824        ---      ---         ---
Exercise of stock options and
   related tax benefit                48      ---        890     ---      ---          ---        ---        1         (10)
Amortization of discount on
    preferred securities             ---      ---        ---     ---      ---         (233)       ---      ---         ---
Activity related to common
   stock issued as employee
   incentives                         12      ---        212     ---      ---          ---        853      ---         (11)
                                  ------      ---    -------     ---     ----       ------     ------      ---        ----         

Balance at January 31, 1998       25,658     $174   $350,647       3    $  46      $34,204    $  (737)      13       $(227)
                                  ======      ===    =======     ===     ====       ======     ======      ===        ====

</TABLE>


                                
  See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 35>

                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the Fiscal Years Ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
                        February 3, 1996
                                
                                                     Fiscal Years Ended
                                               -------------------------------
                                                Jan. 31,   Feb. 1,     Feb. 3,
                                                 1998       1997        1996
                                               ---------  --------     ------
                                                       (in thousands)
Operating activities:
  Net income (loss).........................  $ 11,824   $  8,667    $   (876)
  Adjustments to reconcile net income.......
    (loss) to net cash
    provided by operating activities:
      Extraordinary loss....................       303        ---         ---
      Equity earnings in CAT................       ---     (1,402)     (1,646)
      Provision for loss on 
        accounts receivable.................     1,795      1,803       1,280
      Depreciation and amortization.........    27,803     26,208      18,788
      Amortization of goodwill..............    11,040     10,086       9,506
      Amortization of deferred compensation      1,065        191          68
      Non-cash interest.....................     1,419      1,574       1,004
      Deferred income taxes.................    (2,687)      (985)      3,150
      Loss  on disposal of property 
        and equipment.......................       248      3,209       1,143
      Change in assets and liabilities 
        net of effects from
        purchase of AnnTaylor Global Sourcing:
              Decrease (increase) 
                in receivables...............    1,599      4,987     (10,464)
              Decrease (increase) in 
               merchandise inventories.......    3,003      9,342      (8,980)
              Decrease (increase) in 
               prepaid expenses and
               other current assets...........   1,894        247     (12,951)
              Decrease in other non-current 
               assets and liabilities, net....   2,861        738         429
              Increase in accounts payable 
               and accrued liabilities........   9,422      2,867       6,925
                                               -------    -------     -------
  Net cash provided by operating activities...  71,589     67,532       7,376
                                               -------    -------     -------
Investing activities:
  Purchases  of  property  and  equipment..... (22,945)   (16,107)    (78,378)
  Purchase of AnnTaylor Global Sourcing.......     ---       (227)        ---
                                               -------    -------     -------
  Net  cash  used  by  investing  activities.. (22,945)   (16,334)    (78,378)
                                               -------    -------     -------
Financing activities:
  Borrowings  (repayments) under 
    revolving  credit  facility...............     ---   (101,000)     37,000
  Net  proceeds from issuance of 
    preferred securities......................     ---     95,984         ---
  Proceeds from (repayment of) term loan...... (24,500)       ---      24,500
  Term loan prepayment penalty................    (184)       ---         ---
  Proceeds from (payments of) mortgage........    (416)      (266)      6,958
  Borrowings   (repayments)  under  
    receivables  facility.....................     ---    (40,000)      4,000
  Proceeds from exercise of stock options.....     869        210         384
  Payment of financing costs..................     (69)      (384)     (2,108)
                                               -------    -------     -------
  Net  cash  provided  by (used by) 
    financing activities...................... (24,300)   (45,456)     70,734
                                               -------    -------     -------
Net increase (decrease) in cash...............  24,344      5,742        (268)
Cash, beginning of year.......................   7,025      1,283       1,551
                                               -------    -------     -------
Cash, end of year.............................$ 31,369   $  7,025    $  1,283
                                               =======    =======     =======
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash 
  Flow Information:
  Cash paid during the year for interest......$ 19,251   $ 22,689    $ 19,607
                                               =======    =======     =======
  Cash  paid  during  the  year for 
    income taxes..............................$ 17,220   $  8,990    $  6,886
                                               =======    =======     =======
  
                                
         See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

=============================================================================
<PAGE 36>
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
           NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                
                                
                                
                                
1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
- ------------------------------------------------
     
     Ann  Taylor  is  a  leading national specialty  retailer  of
better  quality  women's  apparel,  shoes  and  accessories  sold
principally under the Ann Taylor brand name.


Basis of Presentation
- ---------------------
     
     The  consolidated financial statements include the  accounts
of  AnnTaylor  Stores Corporation (the "Company") and  AnnTaylor,
Inc.  ("Ann  Taylor").  The Company has no material assets  other
than the common stock of Ann Taylor and the common securities  of
AnnTaylor Finance Trust and conducts no business other  than  the
management  of Ann Taylor.  All intercompany accounts  have  been
eliminated in consolidation.
     
     Certain  Fiscal 1996 and 1995 amounts have been reclassified
to conform to the Fiscal 1997 presentation.


Fiscal Year
- ------------
     
     The  Company follows the standard fiscal year of the  retail
industry, which is a 52 or 53 week period ending on the  Saturday
closest to January 31 of the following calendar year.  The fiscal
year  ended February 3, 1996 included 53 weeks.  The other fiscal
years presented included 52 weeks.
     
     
Finance Service Charge Income
- -----------------------------
     
     Income  from  finance service charges relating  to  customer
receivables,  which  is  deducted  from  selling,   general   and
administrative expenses, amounted to $8,568,000 for Fiscal  1997,
$9,024,000 for Fiscal 1996 and $8,328,000 for Fiscal 1995.


Merchandise Inventories
- -----------------------
     
     Merchandise  inventories are accounted  for  by  the  retail
inventory  method and are stated at the lower of cost  (first-in,
first-out  method)  or  market.  The majority  of  the  Company's
inventory represents finished goods available for sale.


Property and Equipment
- ----------------------
     
     Property  and equipment are recorded at cost.   The  Company
capitalized interest costs of approximately $1,300,000 in  Fiscal
1995.   Depreciation and amortization are computed on a straight-
line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets (3 to 40
years) or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the  lives
of the respective leases, if shorter.

=========================================================================
<PAGE 37>
     
     
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)



1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
- -----------------------------------------------------------


Deferred Financing Costs
- ------------------------
     
     Deferred  financing  costs  are being  amortized  using  the
interest  method over the term of the related debt.   Accumulated
amortization  at  January  31, 1998  and  February  1,  1997  was
$4,427,000 and $3,534,000, respectively.


Goodwill
- --------
     
     Goodwill  relating to the 1989 acquisition of Ann Taylor  by
the  Company is being amortized on a straight-line basis over  40
years.   Goodwill relating to the 1996 Sourcing Acquisition  (see
Note  13)  is  being amortized on a straight-line basis  over  25
years.  Accumulated amortization at January 31, 1998 and February
1,  1997  was $87,851,000 and $76,811,000, respectively.   On  an
annual  basis,  the Company compares the carrying  value  of  its
goodwill  to an estimate of the Company's fair value to  evaluate
the   reasonableness   of  the  carrying  value   and   remaining
amortization period.  Fair value is computed using projections of
future cash flows.
     
     
Income Taxes
- -------------
     
     The  Company  accounts for income taxes in  accordance  with
Statement  of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting
for  Income Taxes", which requires an asset and liability  method
of  accounting  for deferred income taxes.  Under the  asset  and
liability  method,  deferred  tax  assets  and  liabilities   are
recognized, and income or expense is recorded, for the  estimated
future  tax consequences attributable to differences between  the
financial  statement  carrying amounts  of  existing  assets  and
liabilities and their respective tax bases.


Use of Estimates
- ----------------
     
     The  preparation of financial statements in conformity  with
generally  accepted accounting principles requires management  to
make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets  and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets  and
liabilities  at  the  date of the financial  statements  and  the
reported  amounts  of  revenue and expenses during  the  reported
period.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
     
     
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
- --------------------------------
     
     In  June  1997,  the  Financial Accounting  Standards  Board
issued  Statement  of  Financial Accounting  Standards  No.  130,
"Reporting  Comprehensive Income", which requires that components
of comprehensive income be shown in a financial statement that is
displayed with the same prominence as other financial statements;
and   Statement  of  Financial  Accounting  Standards  No.   131,
"Disclosure   About  Segments  of  an  Enterprise   and   Related
Information",  which  establishes annual  and  interim  reporting
standards  for  an  enterprise's operating segments  and  related
disclosures about its products, services, major customers and


===================================================================
<PAGE 38>

                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)




1.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)
- ----------------------------------------------------------
     
the material countries  in  which  the entity holds assets 
and reports revenues.  In February 1998,  the Financial   
Accounting  Standards  Board  issued   Statement   of
Financial  Accounting  Standards No. 132, "Employers'  Disclosure
about  Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits", which revises
disclosures,  but does not change the measurement or  recognition
of these plans.  Management is currently evaluating the impact of
these  standards and believes their adoption will not impact  the
Company's  consolidated financial position, results of operations
or  cash  flows, and any impact will be limited to the  form  and
content  of  its  disclosures.   All  of  these  statements   are
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1997.


2.   Long-Term Debt
- --------------------
     
     The following table summarizes long-term debt outstanding at
January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997:
                                   
                                  January 31, 1998        February 1, 1997
                                 --------------------   --------------------
                                 Carrying  Estimated    Carrying   Estimated
                                  Amount   Fair Value     Amount   Fair Value
                                 --------  ----------   --------   ----------
                                             (in thousands)
Senior Debt:
 Term loan....................  $    ---     $    ---    $ 24,500   $ 24,500
 Mortgage.....................     6,276        6,276       6,692      6,692
8-3/4% Notes..................   100,000      100,500     100,000     97,750
                                 -------      -------     -------    -------
   Total debt.................   106,276      106,776     131,192    128,942
Less current portion..........     1,119        1,119         287        287
                                 -------      -------     -------    -------
   Total long-term debt.......  $105,157     $105,657    $130,905   $128,655
                                 =======      =======     =======    =======
     
     
     In   accordance  with  the  requirements  of  Statement   of
Financial  Accounting Standards No. 107, "Disclosures about  Fair
Value  of  Financial  Instruments", the  Company  determined  the
estimated  fair value of its financial instruments  using  quoted
market  information, as available.  As judgment is involved,  the
estimates  are  not  necessarily indicative of  the  amounts  the
Company could realize in a current market exchange.
     
     Ann  Taylor's  Bank  Credit Agreement  originally  provided,
among   other  things,  for  a  $25,000,000  term  loan   and   a
$125,000,000 revolving credit facility.  As described  below,  in
January 1996, the Company prepaid a portion of the term loan  and
reduced  the revolving credit facility to $122,000,000.  On  July
2,  1997,  the Company used available cash to prepay $24,500,000,
the  outstanding balance of the term loan.  The maturity date  of
the  revolving  credit facility is July 29,  1998;  however,  the
Company is required to reduce the outstanding loan balance  under
the  revolving credit facility to $50,000,000 or less for  thirty
consecutive  days  during Fiscal 1996 and  in  each  fiscal  year
thereafter.   The maximum amount that may be borrowed  under  the
revolving  credit facility is reduced by the amount of commercial
and  standby letters of credit outstanding under the Bank  Credit
Agreement.  At January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, Ann  Taylor
had  outstanding commercial and standby letters of  credit  under
the   Bank  Credit  Agreement  of  $33,000,000  and  $12,000,000,
respectively.  At January 31, 1998 the amount available under the
revolving credit facility was $89,000,000.


=======================================================================
<PAGE 39>

                                
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
2.   Long-Term Debt (continued)
- ------------------------------
     
     The  amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility
bear  interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's  option,  the
Bank of America (1) Base Rate, or (2) Eurodollar Rate plus 0.75%.
In  addition,  Ann  Taylor  is required  to  pay  the  lenders  a
quarterly  commitment  fee  of 0.25%  per  annum  of  the  unused
revolving loan commitment.
     
     Under  the  terms  of  the Bank Credit  Agreement,  Bank  of
America  obtained  a  pledge of Ann Taylor's  outstanding  common
stock  held  by  the Company and a security interest  in  certain
assets   of   Ann  Taylor,  excluding  inventory   and   accounts
receivable.   In  addition,  the Bank Credit  Agreement  contains
financial   and   other  covenants,  including   limitations   on
indebtedness, liens and investments, restrictions on dividends or
other distributions to stockholders, and requirements to maintain
certain financial ratios and specified levels of net worth.   The
Bank  Credit Agreement also provides for, among other things,  an
annual  limitation  on  capital expenditures  of  $32,500,000  in
Fiscal 1997 and beyond, subject to increase if certain conditions
are satisfied.
     
     Ann  Taylor  sells  its  proprietary  credit  card  accounts
receivable  to AnnTaylor Funding, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary
of  Ann Taylor, that uses the receivables to secure borrowings of
up  to  $40,000,000,  based on its eligible accounts  receivable,
under   a   receivables  financing  facility  (the   "Receivables
Facility").  As of January 31, 1998, there were no borrowings 
outstanding under the Receivables  Facility.  AnnTaylor Funding, 
Inc. had total  assets of  approximately $50,440,000 at 
January 31, 1998, all  of  which are  subject  to  the security 
interest of the lender under the Receivables Facility.  The
Receivables Facility matures in May 1998.
     
     In  connection  with the Sourcing Acquisition  discussed  in
Note  13,  the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation  entered
into  an  Amended  and Restated Credit Agreement  with  AnnTaylor
Global  Sourcing, Inc. ("ATGS", formerly known  as  CAT  US  Inc.
("CAT")  and  now  a  wholly  owned subsidiary  of  Ann  Taylor),
continuing the $40,000,000 credit facility of ATGS's predecessor.
On  July  29,  1997,  ATGS amended its credit facility  with  the
HKSBC,  increasing the commitment available to $50,000,000.   The
facility is available principally for the issuance of letters  of
credit;  cash  borrowings under the facility  are  limited  to  a
maximum of $5,000,000.  Such credit facility matures on July  29,
1998  and contains financial and other covenants.  As of  January
31, 1998 and February 1, 1997, commercial and standby letters  of
credit  outstanding under this facility totaled  $25,102,000  and
$28,189,000,   respectively,  and  there   were   no   borrowings
outstanding under this facility.
     
     As   noted  above,  the  Company's  Bank  Credit  Agreement,
Receivables Facility and HKSBC Agreement mature in May  and  July
1998.   The  Company  is  currently  negotiating  to  obtain  new
financing  and anticipates new arrangements will be in  place  in
the second quarter of Fiscal 1998.
     
     On  June  28, 1993, Ann Taylor issued $110,000,000 principal
amount of its 8-3/4% Subordinated Notes due 2000 ("8-3/4% Notes").  
The outstanding  principal amount of these notes as  of  
January  31, 1998 was $100,000,000.

=========================================================================
<PAGE 40>
     
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
2.   Long-Term Debt (Continued)
- -------------------------------
     
     In  July  1993,  Ann  Taylor  entered  into  a  $110,000,000
(notional  amount) interest rate swap agreement,  which  had  the
effect  of converting the Company's interest obligations  on  the
8-3/4%  Notes to a variable rate.  Under the agreement, the  Company
received a fixed rate of 4.75% and paid a floating rate based  on
LIBOR,  as determined in six month intervals.  The swap agreement
matured  in  July  1996.   Net receipts  or  payments  under  the
agreement were recognized as adjustments to interest expense.
     
     Ann   Taylor  and  its  wholly  owned  subsidiary  AnnTaylor
Distribution  Services, Inc. are parties to a  $7,000,000  seven-
year  mortgage loan secured by the Company's distribution  center
land  and  building in Louisville, Kentucky.  The  mortgage  loan
bears interest at 7.5% and is payable in monthly installments  of
approximately $130,000.  Pursuant to the requirements of the Bank
Credit  Agreement, in January 1996, the Company applied  one-half
of  the  proceeds of the mortgage to reduce the amount  available
under  the  revolving  credit  facility,  thereby  reducing   the
revolving credit facility by $3,000,000, and prepaid a portion of
the term loan.
     
     The   aggregate   principal  payments   of   all   long-term
obligations are as follows:
   
       Fiscal Year                            (in thousands)
       -----------
        1998..................................   $  1,119
        1999..................................      1,206
        2000..................................    101,300
        2001..................................      1,401
        2002..................................      1,250
                                                  -------
           Total..............................   $106,276
                                                  =======

     
3.   Preferred Securities
- -------------------------
     
     In  April and May of Fiscal 1996, the Company completed  the
sale of an aggregate of $100,625,000 of 8-1/2%  Company-Obligated
Mandatorily  Redeemable  Convertible  Preferred  Securities  (the
"preferred   securities")  issued  by  its   financing   vehicle,
AnnTaylor Finance Trust, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust").
The preferred securities have a liquidation preference of $50 per
security  ($100,625,000 in the aggregate) and are convertible  at
the option of the holders thereof into the Company's common stock
at  a  conversion rate of 2.545 shares of common stock  for  each
preferred  security  (equivalent to $19.65 per  share  of  common
stock,  which  represented a 20% premium to the  $16.375  closing
price  of the common stock on the New York Stock Exchange at  the
date  of the execution of the purchase agreement relating to  the
sale  of the preferred securities).  The sole assets of the Trust
are $103,700,000 of 8-1/2% Convertible Subordinated Debentures of
the  Company  maturing on April 15, 2016.  A total  of  2,012,500
preferred  securities were issued, and are  convertible  into  an
aggregate of 5,121,812 shares of the Company's common stock.  The
Company  received net proceeds of $95,984,000 in connection  with
the  sale  of the preferred securities, of which $94,000,000  was
applied  to  reduce  outstanding borrowings  under  Ann  Taylor's
revolving credit facility.  The carrying value and estimated fair
value  of  the  preferred securities at  January  31,  1998  were
$96,391,000 and $86,537,500, respectively.
     
========================================================================
<PAGE 41>
                                
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
     
4.   Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
- ------------------------------------
     
     A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts
for the fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
February 3, 1996 is as follows:
     
                                           Fiscal Years Ended
                                        --------------------------
                                        Jan.31,   Feb. 1,   Feb. 3,     
                                         1998       1997     1996
                                         ----      ------   ------
                                             (in thousands)

     Balance at beginning of year....  $   811   $   736   $   931
     Provision for loss on 
       accounts  receivable..........    1,795     1,803     1,280
     Accounts written off............   (1,794)   (1,728)   (1,475)
                                        ------    ------    ------
     Balance at end of year..........  $   812   $   811   $   736
                                        ======    ======    ======


5.   Commitments and Contingencies
- ----------------------------------

Rental Commitments
- ------------------
     
     Ann  Taylor  occupies its retail stores  and  administrative
facilities  under  operating  leases,  most  of  which  are  non-
cancelable.   Some  leases contain renewal  options  for  periods
ranging from one to ten years under substantially the same  terms
and  conditions as the original leases.  Most of the store leases
require  Ann  Taylor  to pay a specified  minimum  rent,  plus  a
contingent rent based on a percentage of the store's net sales in
excess of a specified threshold.  In addition, most of the leases
require  Ann  Taylor  to  pay real estate  taxes,  insurance  and
certain  common  area and maintenance costs in  addition  to  the
future minimum lease payments shown below.
     
     Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating
leases at January 31, 1998 are as follows:
     
     Fiscal Year                         (in thousands)
     -----------      
      1998...............................   $ 68,663
      1999...............................     67,537
      2000...............................     65,491
      2001...............................     62,446
      2002...............................     59,515
      2003 and thereafter................    251,998
                                             -------
           Total.........................   $575,650
                                             =======
     
========================================================================

<PAGE 42>
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
     
5.   Commitments and Contingencies (continued)
- ----------------------------------------------

     Rent  expense for the fiscal years ended January  31,  1998,
February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996 was as follows:

                                       Fiscal Years Ended
                                  ----------------------------       
                                  Jan. 31,   Feb. 1,    Feb. 3,       
                                    1998      1997       1996
                                  --------   -------    -------
                                         (in thousands)

     Minimum rent................ $59,495    $55,571   $47,132
     Percentage rent.............   1,671      2,433     3,090
                                   ------     ------    ------
          Total.................. $61,166    $58,004   $50,222
                                   ======     ======    ======


Litigation
- ----------
     
     The  Company has been named as a defendant in several  legal
actions  arising  from its normal business activities.   Although
the  amount  of  any liability that could arise with  respect  to
these  actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the opinion  of
the  Company, any such liability will not have a material adverse
effect  on  the  financial  position, results  of  operations  or
liquidity of the Company.
     
     In  addition, the Company, Ann Taylor, certain officers  and
directors  of  the Company and Ann Taylor, Merrill  Lynch  &  Co.
("ML&Co.")  and certain affiliates of ML&Co. have been  named  as
defendants  in a purported class action lawsuit filed by  certain
alleged  stockholders  alleging that the Company  and  the  other
defendants engaged in a fraudulent scheme and course of  business
that  operated  a fraud or deceit on purchasers of the  Company's
common  stock.   On March 10, 1998, the Court issued  an  Opinion
dismissing  the  complaint.   The  Court's  Opinion  granted  the
plaintiffs leave to amend and re-file the complaint within thirty
days  of  the  date of the Opinion, and an amended complaint  was
filed  by  the plaintiffs on April 9, 1998.  The Company believes
that the amended complaint is without merit and intends to defend
the action vigorously.  As the case is in preliminary stages, any
liability that may arise from this action cannot be predicted  at
this time.
     

Other
- -----
     
     The  Internal Revenue Service (the "IRS") examination of the
Company  has  recently  been concluded.   The  IRS  has  made  an
assessment,  which the Company has paid, that is not material  to
the Company's consolidated financial condition, operating results
or  liquidity.  All matters in the IRS examination are subject to
final review by the Congressional Joint Committee on Taxation.
     
     
6. Net Income per Share
- -----------------------
     
     In  Fiscal  1997, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting  Standards No. 128, "Earnings per  Share"  ("SFAS  No.
128")   which   specifies  the  computation,   presentation   and
disclosure requirements for basic and diluted earnings per share.
Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income  by
the  weighted average number of common shares outstanding  during
the period.  Diluted earnings per share includes the addition  of
potential  common  shares issued assuming the conversion  of  all
outstanding warrants and stock options, as follows:

======================================================================
<PAGE 43>
                                
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
6. Net Income per Share (continued)
- ----------------------------------
<TABLE>
     
<CAPTION>     
                                                                       Fiscal Years Ended
                                    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        January 31, 1998                  February 1, 1997              February 3, 1996      
                                    ----------------------------      -------------------------    ---------------------------
                                                              
                                                              (In thousands, except per share amounts)


                                                           Per                           Per                            Per
                                                           Share                         Share                          Share
                                    Income      Shares     Amount    Income     Shares    Amount   Loss       Shares     Amount
                                    ------      ------     ------    ------     ------    ------   ----       ------     ------
<S>                                 <C>         <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>       <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>
Basic Earnings per Share
- ------------------------
Income (loss) available
   to common stockholders
    before  extraordinary loss      $11,997     25,628     $0.47     $8,667     23,981    $0.36    $(876)     23,067     $(0.04)



Effect of Dilutive
- ------------------
Securities
- ----------
Warrants                                ---          3       ---        ---         22      ---      ---          44        ---
Stock  Options                          ---         62       ---        ---         57      ---      ---          56        ---    
                                    -------    -------      ----     ------     ------     ----     ----

Diluted Earnings per Share
- --------------------------
Income (loss) available
   to common stockholders
    before  extraordinary loss      $11,997     25,693     $0.47     $8,667     24,060    $0.36    $(876)     23,167     $(0.04)
                                     ======     ======      ====      =====     ======     ====     ====      ======      =====
</TABLE>
     


     Conversion of the preferred securities into common stock  is
not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share for
the  fiscal years ended January 31, 1998 and February 1, 1997 due
to the antidilutive effect of the conversion.
     
     
7. Other Equity
- ----------------

Common Stock Warrants
- ---------------------
     
     At January 31, 1998, the Company had outstanding warrants to
acquire,  in the aggregate, 2,814 shares of the common  stock  of
the  Company  (the  "Warrants").  The Warrants,  when  exercised,
entitle  the holders thereof to acquire such shares,  subject  to
adjustment, at no additional cost.  The Warrants expire  on  July
15, 1999 and became exercisable as a result of the initial public
offering of the Company's common stock in May 1991.
     
     
Preferred Stock
- ---------------
     
     At  January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February 3, 1996,
there  were 2,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01,
authorized and unissued.


=======================================================================
<PAGE 44>
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     

8. Property and Equipment
- -------------------------

     Property and equipment consists of the following:

                                          Fiscal Years Ended
                                          ------------------
                                          Jan. 31,    Feb. 1,
                                            1998       1997
                                          --------    -------
                                             (in thousands)

        Land and building...............  $  8,625   $  8,603
        Leasehold improvements..........    85,332     76,576
        Furniture and fixtures..........   136,314    120,595
        Construction in progress........     6,422      3,307
                                           -------    -------
                                           236,693    209,081
        Less accumulated depreciation   
          and amortization..............    97,083     65,648
                                           -------    -------
            Net property and equipment    $139,610   $143,433
                                           =======    =======
     
     
9.  Stock Option Plans
- ----------------------
     
     In  1989  and  1992,  the Company established  stock  option
plans.   122,199 shares of common stock are reserved for issuance
under  the  1989  plan and 2,924,934 shares of common  stock  are
reserved  for issuance under the 1992 plan.  Under the  terms  of
both plans, the exercise price of any option may not be less than
100% of the fair market value of the common stock on the date  of
grant.  Stock options granted prior to 1994 generally vest over a
five  year period, with 20% becoming exercisable immediately upon
grant  of  the option and 20% per year for the next  four  years.
Stock options granted since 1994 generally vest either (i) over a
four  year period, with 25% becoming exercisable on each  of  the
first  four anniversaries of the grant, or (ii) in seven or  nine
years  with accelerated vesting upon the achievement of specified
earnings  or stock price targets within a five year period.   All
stock  options  granted under the 1989 plan  and  the  1992  plan
expire  ten years from the date of grant.  At January  31,  1998,
there were 21,066 shares under the 1989 plan and 1,404,975 shares
under the 1992 plan available for future grant.
     
     The  Company  accounts for the stock options  in  accordance
with  Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, under which  no
compensation costs have been recognized for stock option  awards.
Had  compensation costs of option awards been determined under  a
fair value alternative method as stated in Statement of Financial
Accounting   Standards  No.  123,  "Accounting  for   Stock-Based
Compensation", the Company would have been required to prepare  a
fair  value model for such options and record such amount in  the
financial  statements  as  compensation  expense.   Proforma  net
income  before extraordinary loss and net income per share before
extraordinary  loss after taking into account such expense  would
have been $11.0 million and $0.43, respectively, for Fiscal 1997,
and  $8.2  million and $0.34, respectively, for Fiscal 1996,  and
proforma  net loss and net loss per share for Fiscal  1995  would
have been $1.1 million and $0.05, respectively.  For purposes  of
this  calculation, the Company arrived at the fair value of  each
stock  grant  at  the date of grant by using  the  Black  Scholes
option   pricing  model  with  the  following  weighted   average
assumptions  used for grants for the fiscal years  ended  January
31,  1998,  February  1, 1997, and February  3,  1996:  risk-free
interest  rate  of  6.2%, 5.8%, and 7.0%, respectively;  expected
life  of  5.0 years, 4.3 years, and 5.0 years, respectively;  and
expected volatility of 67.9%, 55.2%, and 44.8%, respectively.

=====================================================================
<PAGE 45>

                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
9. Stock Options Plans (continued)
- ---------------------------------

     The  following summarizes stock option transactions for  the
fiscal  years  ended  January  31, 1998,  February  1,  1997  and
February 3, 1996:


                                              Weighted       Number
                             Option Prices  Average Price   of Shares
                             -------------  -------------   ---------
Outstanding Options 
  January 28, 1995            $6.80-$42.75     $23.03       1,398,006
 Granted                     $12.50-$44.125    $31.90         478,250
 Exercised                    $6.80-$22.75     $13.68         (22,611)
 Canceled                     $6.80-$42.75     $27.64        (299,468)
                                                            ---------
Outstanding Options 
  February 3, 1996            $6.80-$44.125    $28.00       1,554,177
 Granted                     $11.00-$21.625    $17.52         463,500
 Exercised                       $6.80          $6.80         (18,234)
 Canceled                    $11.50-$42.75     $27.31        (335,358)
                                                            ---------
Outstanding Options 
  February 1, 1997            $6.80-$44.125    $22.69       1,664,085
 Granted                     $14.25-$22.75     $20.60         590,000
 Exercised                    $6.80- $20.00    $15.45         (47,436)
 Canceled                    $11.50- $39.75    $25.11        (585,557)
                                                            ---------
Outstanding Options 
  January 31, 1998            $6.80-$44.125    $21.20       1,621,092
                                                            =========

     
     At  January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and February 3,  1996
there  were  exercisable  450,776 options,  660,290  options  and
586,135   options,  respectively,  which  have  weighted  average
exercise prices of $19.02 per share, $21.03 per share and  $19.78
per share, respectively.
     
     In  1994,  the Company's 1992 stock option plan was  amended
and restated to include restricted stock and unit awards.  A unit
represents  the right to receive the cash value  of  a  share  of
common stock on the date the restrictions on the unit lapse.  The
restrictions on these grants generally lapse with respect to one-
third  of  the  shares and units awarded on  each  of  the  first
through  third  anniversaries of the date of the grant.   In  the
event  a  grantee  terminates employment with  the  Company,  any
restricted  stock  or  restricted  units  remaining  subject   to
restrictions are forfeited.  On February 23, 1994, 13,630  shares
of  restricted stock and 6,820 restricted units were awarded.  As
of  January 31, 1998, the restrictions on these grants have fully
lapsed.  The resulting unearned compensation expense was  charged
to  stockholders'  equity and was amortized over  the  applicable
restricted  period.   During 1997, certain other  employees  were
awarded  11,665 shares of restricted common  stock  and
3,335  restricted units, all of which wefre outstanding at January
31,  1998.   For  the  fiscal year ended January  31,  1998,  the
resulting  unearned compensation expense, based upon  the  market
value  on the date of grant, was charged to stockholders'  equity
and is being amortized over the restricted period.
     
     
10.  Executive Compensation
- ---------------------------
     
     Effective  August  23,  1996, the  then-Chairman  and  Chief
Executive  Officer  and Director of the Company  and  Ann  Taylor
resigned from her position.  See Note 12 for a discussion of  the
Company's  obligations  under  the former  Chairman's  employment
agreement.

=========================================================================
<PAGE 46>

     
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
10.  Executive Compensation (continued)
- ---------------------------------------
     
     Upon  this  resignation,  the Company's  then-President  and
Chief Operating Officer J. Patrick Spainhour was promoted to  the
position  of Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.  In connection
with  this promotion, Mr. Spainhour was granted 75,000 shares  of
restricted common stock.  The resulting unearned compensation 
expense of $1,171,875, based on the  market value  on  the  
date of the grant, was charged  to  stockholders' equity   and  
is  being  amortized  over  the  restricted  period applicable  
to  these shares.  Additionally, as  of  December  9, 1996,  
the  President and Chief Operating Officer of the  Company
received a grant of 30,000 restricted shares of common stock  and
20,000  restricted  units.  The resulting  unearned  compensation
expense of $592,500, based on the market value on the date of the
grant, was charged to stockholders' equity and is being amortized
over  the  restricted period applicable to these shares.   As  of
January  31, 1998, 70,000 shares of restricted stock  and  13,333
restricted units had not yet vested.
     

11.  Extraordinary Item
- -----------------------
     
     On  July 2, 1997, the Company used available cash to  prepay
$24,500,000,  the  outstanding  balance  of  its  term  loan  due
September  1998,  which  resulted in an extraordinary  charge  to
earnings in Fiscal 1997 of $173,000, net of income tax benefit.
     

12.  Nonrecurring Charges
- -------------------------

Studio Shoe Stores Closing
- --------------------------
     
     In  connection  with  the planned  closing  of  all  of  the
Company's  Ann  Taylor Studio shoe stores, announced  in  January
1997,  the  Company recorded a pre-tax charge of $3,600,000.   Of
the  total impairment loss, $2,500,000 represented impairment  of
long-lived  assets  such  as properties and  store  fixtures  and
$1,100,000 pertained to lease and other related costs  for  these
locations until the properties are sublet.


Resignation of the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- -------------------------------------------------------
     
     Effective  August  23,  1996, the then  Chairman  and  Chief
Executive  Officer  and Director of the Company  and  Ann  Taylor
resigned.   In connection with this resignation, a one-time  pre-
tax  charge of $3,500,000 was recorded relating to the  estimated
costs  of  the Company's obligations under the former  Chairman's
employment contract with the Company.
     
     
13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions
- ----------------------------------------------------
  
Transactions with Merrill Lynch and its Affiliates
- --------------------------------------------------
     
     At  January  31,  1998, certain affiliates  of  ML&Co.  held
approximately  24.0% of the Company's outstanding  common  stock.
Two  of the members of the Board of Directors of the Company  and
Ann Taylor serve as representatives of ML&Co. and its affiliates.
As  a  result,  ML&Co. and such affiliates are in a  position  to
influence the management of the Company and Ann Taylor.

===========================================================================
<PAGE 47>
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------
     
     In Fiscal 1996, the Company paid approximately $1,207,500 to
ML&Co.  and  Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith,  Incorporated
("Merrill  Lynch") in connection with their services as placement
agents  for  the sale of the preferred securities (see  Note  3).
The  Company  agreed to indemnify ML&Co. and  Merrill  Lynch,  as
placement agents, against certain liabilities, including  certain
liabilities under the federal securities law, in connection  with
the sale of the preferred securities.
     
     
Sourcing Acquisition
- --------------------
     
     In  Fiscal 1995, the Company purchased approximately 16%  of
its  merchandise directly from Cygne Designs, Inc. ("Cygne")  and
an additional 38% of its merchandise through the Company's direct
sourcing joint venture with Cygne known as CAT.  On September 20,
1996  (the  "Effective Date"), pursuant to the  Stock  and  Asset
Purchase  Agreement dated as of June 7, 1996, by  and  among  the
Company,  Ann  Taylor,  Cygne and Cygne Group  F.E.  Limited  (as
amended,  the  "Purchase  Agreement"), Ann  Taylor  acquired  the
entire  interest of Cygne in CAT and certain of the  assets  (the
"Assets")  of  the  Ann  Taylor  Woven  Division  of  Cygne  (the
"Division")  that  were  used for sourcing  merchandise  for  Ann
Taylor (the "Sourcing Acquisition").  As a result of the Sourcing
Acquisition,  CAT became an indirect wholly owned  subsidiary  of
the  Company and now performs all of Ann Taylor's direct sourcing
functions,  including those previously provided by the  Division,
under  the  name AnnTaylor Global Sourcing, Inc.   For  financial
reporting purposes, the transaction has been accounted for as  of
the  Effective  Date under the purchase method of  accounting  in
accordance  with  Accounting Principles  Board  Opinion  No.  16,
"Accounting for Business Combinations".
     
     In consideration for Cygne's interest in CAT and the Assets,
the  Company  paid (i) 2,348,145 shares of common  stock  of  the
Company  having an aggregate value, as of the Effective Date,  of
$36,000,000, (ii) $3,200,000 in cash as payment for inventory and
fixed  assets  and  (iii) approximately  $6,500,000  in  cash  in
settlement  of open accounts payable by Ann Taylor to  Cygne  for
merchandise delivered by Cygne prior to the closing.  The Company
also assumed certain liabilities related to the operations of the
Division.    The  purchase  price  was  subject  to  post-closing
adjustments  based  upon  final determination  of  the  value  of
certain of the assets purchased and liabilities assumed.   As  of
February  1,  1997, certain post-closing adjustments reduced  the
net  cash  paid  to approximately $227,000.  The  total  purchase
price  to  the  Company  of  the Sourcing  Acquisition  has  been
allocated  to the tangible and intangible assets and  liabilities
of CAT and the Division that were acquired, based on estimates of
their  respective fair values.  The excess of the purchase  price
over  the  fair value of the net assets acquired was recorded  as
goodwill and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over  25
years.
     
     The  following unaudited proforma consolidated data for  the
Company  for  the  fiscal year ended February 1,  1997  has  been
presented  to  reflect  the Sourcing Acquisition  as  if  it  had
occurred at the beginning of such period:
                                              Fiscal Year Ended
                                              February 1, 1997
                                            ---------------------
                                              Actual    Proforma
                                              ------    ---------
                                 (in thousands, except per share amounts)

   Net sales................................ $798,117    $798,117
   Net income............................... $  8,667    $ 11,595
   Basic and diluted earnings per share..... $   0.36    $   0.45
   Weighted average shares..................   23,981      25,458
   Weighted average shares, 
     assuming dilution......................   24,060      25,537

==============================================================================
<PAGE 48>

                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions (continued)
- ---------------------------------------------------------------

     The  proforma  data set forth above does not purport  to  be
indicative  of the results that actually would have  occurred  if
the  Sourcing  Acquisition had occurred at the beginning  of  the
period presented or of results which may occur in the future.
     
     A  summary  of  the noncash activity that  occurred  in  the
fiscal  year  ended  February 1, 1997  in  conjunction  with  the
Sourcing Acquisition is as follows:
     
                                                 (in thousands)

   Fair value of assets acquired.................    $  4,727
   Excess  of  purchase price over the   
     fair value of  net  assets acquired..             38,340
   Ann Taylor's previous investment in CAT.......      (6,840)
   Issuance of the Company's common stock........     (36,000)
                                                      -------
   Cash paid.....................................    $    227
                                                      =======


14.  Income Taxes
- -----------------

     The  provision for income taxes for the fiscal  years  ended
January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997, and February 3, 1996 consists
of the following:
                                        Fiscal Years Ended
                               ------------------------------------
                               January 31,  February 1,  February 3,
                                   1998         1997        1996
                               -----------  -----------  -----------

                                       (in thousands)
   Federal:
    Current..................... $14,427      $ 9,898      $1,400
    Deferred....................  (1,917)        (802)      2,249
                                  ------        -----       -----
      Total federal.............  12,510        9,096       3,649
                                  ------        -----       -----
   State and local:
    Current.....................   5,538        3,844         607
    Deferred....................    (769)        (152)        901
                                  ------        -----       -----
      Total state and local.....   4,769        3,692       1,508
                                  ------        -----       -----
   Foreign:
    Current.....................     187          187         ---
    Deferred....................     ---          ---         ---
                                  ------        -----       -----
      Total foreign.............     187          187         ---
                                  ------        -----       -----
    Total....................... $17,466      $12,975      $5,157
                                  ======       ======       =====

===================================================================
<PAGE 49>
                                
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
14. Income Taxes (continued)
- ----------------------------
     
     The  reconciliation between the provision for  income  taxes
and  the provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate
for the fiscal years ended January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and
February 3, 1996 is as follows:
                                                    Fiscal Years Ended
                                             --------------------------------
                                             Jan. 31,     Feb. 1,      Feb. 3,
                                               1998        1997         1996
                                             --------     ------       ------
                                                       (in thousands)
Income before income taxes 
  and extraordinary loss..................... $29,463     $21,642      $4,281
                                               ======      ======       =====
Federal statutory rate.......................      35%         35%         35%
                                               ======      ======       =====
Provision for income taxes at 
  federal statutory rate..................... $10,312     $ 7,575      $1,498
State and local income taxes, 
  net of federal income tax benefit..........   3,800       2,273         980
Non-deductible amortization of goodwill......   3,500       3,429       3,327
Unremitted earnings of foreign subsidiaries..    (314)       (382)       (387)
Other........................................     168          80        (261)
                                               ------      ------       -----
Provision for income taxes................... $17,466     $12,975      $5,157
                                               ======      ======       =====
     
     
     The   tax  effects  of  significant  items  comprising   the
Company's  net  deferred tax assets as of January  31,  1998  and
February 1, 1997 are as follows:

                                         January 31, 1998   February 1, 1997
                                         ----------------   ---------------
                                                    (in thousands)
   Current:
    Inventory                                 $ 2,854              $ 2,070
    Accrued expenses                            4,269                7,492
    Real estate                                (1,634)              (1,433)
    Other                                         ---                 (172)
                                               ------               ------
   Total current                              $ 5,489              $ 7,957
                                               ======               ======
   Noncurrent:
    Depreciation and amortization             $(4,982)             $(6,528)
    Rent expense                                4,364                3,328
    Other                                         901               (1,672)
                                               ------               ------
   Total noncurrent                           $   283              $(4,872)
                                               ======               ======
     
     Income  taxes provided reflect the current and deferred  tax
consequences of events that have been recognized in the Company's
financial  statements or tax returns.  U.S. federal income  taxes
are provided on unremitted foreign earnings except those that are
considered  permanently reinvested, which  at  January  31,  1998
amounted to approximately $6,775,000.  However, if these earnings
were  not  considered permanently reinvested, under current  law,
the  incremental  tax  on such undistributed  earnings  would  be
approximately $2,022,000.
     
===========================================================================
<PAGE 50>

                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
15.  Retirement Plans
- ---------------------
     
     Savings  Plan.  Ann Taylor maintains a defined  contribution
401(k)  savings  plan for substantially all full-time  employees.
Participants may contribute to the plan an aggregate of up to 10%
of   their   annual  earnings.   Ann  Taylor  makes  a   matching
contribution  of  50%  with respect  to  the  first  3%  of  each
participant's  annual  earnings contributed  to  the  plan.   Ann
Taylor's  contributions to the plan for Fiscal 1997, Fiscal  1996
and   Fiscal   1995  were  $519,000,  $390,000,   and   $337,000,
respectively.
     
     Pension Plan.  Substantially all full-time employees of  Ann
Taylor  are  covered  under  a  noncontributory  defined  benefit
pension plan.  Through December 31, 1997, the pension plan was  a
"cash  balance pension plan".  Each participant accrued a benefit
based  on compensation and years of service with Ann Taylor.   As
of  January  1,  1998, the Plan was amended and  the  formula  to
calculate  benefits  was changed.  The new  career  average  plan
formula was used to determine the funding status of the plan  for
fiscal  1997.   Ann Taylor's funding policy for the  plan  is  to
contribute annually the amount necessary to provide for  benefits
based  on  accrued  service and projected  pay  increases.   Plan
assets  consist  primarily  of  cash,  equity  and  fixed  income
securities.
     
     
     The  following  table sets forth the funded  status  of  the
Pension  Plan at January 31, 1998, February 1, 1997 and  February
3,  1996,  in  accordance with Statement of Financial  Accounting
Standards No. 87, "Employers' Accounting for Pensions":
     
                                        Jan. 31,     Feb. 1,       Feb. 3,
                                          1998         1997          1996
                                        --------    --------       -------
                                              (dollars in thousands)
Actuarial present value 
  of benefits obligation:
Accumulated benefit obligation, 
  including vested benefits of
   $2,830,000, $2,435,000 and 
   $2,064,000, respectively............. $ 3,820     $ 3,413       $ 2,893
                                          ======      ======        ======
Projected benefit obligation for                       
  service rendered to  date............. $ 3,820     $ 3,413       $ 2,893
Plan assets at fair value...............   5,128       4,745         2,537
                                          ------      ------        ------
Plan assets in excess of 
  projected benefit obligation
 (projected   benefit  obligation  
 in  excess  of   plan   assets)........   1,308       1,332          (356)
Unrecognized net gain...................  (1,286)       (802)         (231)
                                          ------      ------        ------
Prepaid (accrued) pension cost.......... $    22     $   530       $  (587)
                                          ======      ======        ======
                                
Net periodic pension cost for 
  Fiscal 1997, Fiscal 1996 and 
  Fiscal 1995 included the 
  following components:
Service cost/benefits earned 
  during the year....................... $   571     $   981       $   681
Interest cost on projected  
  benefit  obligation...................     250         213           185
Actual return on plan assets............    (907)       (527)         (104)
Net amortization and deferral...........     462         300          (132)
                                           -----       -----         -----
Net periodic pension cost............... $   376     $   967       $   630
                                          ======       =====         =====
Assumptions used to determine 
  the projected benefit
  obligation and plan assets were:
  Discount rate..........................   7.50%       8.00%         6.75%
  Rate  of  increase in 
    compensation level...................   4.00%       4.00%         4.00%
  Expected  long-term  
    rate  of  return  on  assets.........   9.00%       9.00%         9.00%


==============================================================================
<PAGE 51>         
                  
                  ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
     NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)
     
     
     
     
     
16.  Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
- ----------------------------------------

                                                    Quarter
                                 --------------------------------------------
                                  First         Second     Third      Fourth
                                  -----         ------     -----      ------
                                   (in thousands, except per share amounts)
Fiscal 1997
- -----------
Net sales....................... $197,064      $184,999   $187,200   $211,765
Gross profit....................   98,636        85,354     92,732     92,550
Income before 
  extraordinary loss............    6,475           985      2,185      2,352
Extraordinary loss..............      ---           173        ---        ---
                                  -------       -------    -------    -------
Net income...................... $  6,475      $    812   $  2,185   $  2,352
                                  =======       =======    =======    =======

Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share
  before extraordinary loss..... $   0.25      $   0.04   $   0.09    $  0.09
Extraordinary loss per share....      ---          0.01        ---        ---
                                  -------       -------     -------    ------

Basic and diluted earnings 
  per share..................... $   0.25      $   0.03   $   0.09     $ 0.09
                                  =======       =======    =======      =====

Fiscal 1996
- -----------
Net sales....................... $184,467      $187,862   $212,670   $213,118
Gross profit....................   83,154        80,747     97,090     93,683
Net income......................    1,812           627      3,262      2,966

Basic and diluted 
  earnings per share............ $   0.08      $   0.03   $   0.13   $   0.12

     
     In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 1997, the Company adopted SFAS
No.  128.   All previously reported per share information has  been
recalculated.   The  sum of the quarterly per share  data  may  not
equal  the  annual  amounts due to changes in the weighted  average
shares and share equivalents outstanding.


17.  Subsequent Event
- ---------------------
     
     Effective February 1, 1998, the Company elected to change  its
method  of  inventory valuation from the retail method  to  a  cost
method.   The  Company  believes the cost method  is  a  preferable
method  for  matching  the cost of merchandise  with  the  revenues
generated.  The cumulative effect of this accounting change and the
effect on future financial statements resulting from this change is
not  expected to be material.  It is not possible to determine  the
effect  of  the change on income in any previously reported  fiscal
years.



                       SIXTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE
                       ------------------------



SIXTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE, made this 5 day of January, 1996, by and
                                    -        -------
between PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation

(successor-in-interest to Carven Associates) having an office at

3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 236, San Ramon, California 94583

("Landlord") and ANNTAYLOR, INC. a Delaware Corporation having an

office at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 ("Tenant").



                             WITNESSETH
                             ----------



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, as of March 17, 1989, entered into a 

lease for the Third, Fourth and Fifth floors of the building known

as Metropolitan Tower at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York

10019, at the rental and upon the terms and conditions therein

more particularly set forth, and



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, have modified said lease by agreements

dated November 14, 1990 (First Amendment), October 1, 1993 (Extension

and Amendment), April 14, 1994 (Modification of Amendment and Extension

to Lease, and March 14, 1995 (Fifth Amendment), and



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant are desirous of further amending said

lease in the manner set forth below:



1.      The term of that portion of the seventeenth (17th) floor, deemed

to comprise 8,600 rentable square feet, shall be extended for six (6)

months commencing March 1, 1996 and ending August 31, 1996.



2.      And, provided that Tenant is not in default under the terms of the 

Lease beyond any applicable cure period, Landlord grants Tenant one (1)

additional option to extend the term of the Lease on that portion of the

seventeenth (17th) floor, deemed to comprise 8,600 rentable square feet, 

for a period six (6) months under the same terms and conditions as 

contained in the Fifth Amendment by giving Landlord written notice of its

election to do so on or before June 1, 1996.



3.      Landlord and Tenant covenant, warrant and represent to each

other that no broker was instrumental in bringing about or consummating

this Agreement and that neither party had any conversations or negotiations

with any broker concerning the extension of term for the Premises.

Landlord and Tenant each agree to indemnify the other against and hold the

other harmless from any claims for any brokerage commissions and all costs,

expenses and liabilities in connection therewith, including, without

limitation, attorney's fees and expenses arising out of any breach of the

covenants, warranties and representations contained in this Paragraph 3

made by Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be.



4.      The terms of this agreement cannot be changed orally, but only by 

an instrument in writing executed by both parties.



5.      Except as herein expressly modified, the Lease, as amended, is

unmodified and is ratified and confirmed in all respects.



6.      The terms, covenants and provisions contained in this Agreement

are binding and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and

their respective heirs, successors and assigns.

==========================================================================

Page 2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have respectively executed 

this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.



                                LANDLORD:


                                PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION


                                By:  /s/ David A. Hennefer
                                    -----------------------------
                                         David A. Hennefer



                                TENANT:

                                ANNTAYLOR, INC.


                                By:  /s/Valerie Richardson
                                     ------------------------------
                                         Valerie Richardson
                                         Senior Vice President
                                         Real Estate and Development









                       SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE
                       ------------------------



SEVENTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE, made this 5th day of June, 1996, by and
                                      
between PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation

(successor-in-interest to Carven Associates) having an office at

3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 236, San Ramon, California 94583

("Landlord") and ANNTAYLOR, INC. a Delaware Corporation having an

office at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 ("Tenant").



                             WITNESSETH
                             ----------



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, as of March 17, 1989, entered into a 

lease for the Third, Fourth and Fifth floors of the building known

as Metropolitan Tower at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York

10019, at the rental and upon the terms and conditions therein

more particularly set forth, and



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, have modified said lease by agreements

dated November 14, 1990 (First Amendment), October 1, 1993 (Extension

and Amendment), April 14, 1994 (Modification of Amendment and Extension

to Lease, March 14, 1995 (Fifth Amendment), and January 5, 1996

(Sixth Amendment), and



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant and desirous of further amending said

lease in the manner set forth below:



1.      The term of that portion of the seventeenth (17th) floor, deemed

to comprise 8,600 rentable square feet, shall be extended for six (6)

months commencing September 1, 1996 and ending February 28, 1997.



2.      And, provided that Tenant is not in default under the terms of the 

Lease beyond any applicable cure period, Landlord grants Tenant one (1)

additional option to extend the term of the Lease on that portion of the

seventeenth (17th) floor, deemed to comprise 8,600 rentable square feet, 

for a period of six (6) months under the same terms and conditions as 

contained in the Sixth Amendment by giving Landlord written notice of its

election to do so on or before December 1, 1996.



3.      Landlord and Tenant covenant, warrant and represent to each

other that no broker was instrumental in bringing about or consummating

this Agreement and that neither party had any conversations or negotiations

with any broker concerning the extension of term for the Premises.

Landlord and Tenant each agree to indemnify the other against and hold the

other harmless from any claims for any brokerage commissions and all costs,

expenses and liabilities in connection therewith, including, without

limitation, attorney's fees and expenses arising out of any breach of the

covenants, warranties and representations contained in this Paragraph 3

made by Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be.



4.      The terms of this agreement cannot be changed orally, but only by 

an instrument in writing executed by both parties.



5.      Except as herein expressly modified, the Lease, as amended, is

unmodified and is ratified and confirmed in all respects.



6.      The terms, covenants and provisions contained in this Agreement

are binding and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and

their respective heirs, successors and assigns.

==========================================================================

Page 2


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have respectively executed 

this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.



                                LANDLORD:


                                PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION


                                BY:  /s/ David A. Hennefer
                                    -----------------------------
                                         David A. Hennefer



                                TENANT:

                                ANNTAYLOR, INC.


                                BY:  /s/Valerie Richardson 
                                     ------------------------------
                                         Valerie Richardson
                                         Senior Vice President
                                         Real Estate and Development









                       EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE
                       ------------------------



EIGHTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE, made this __ day of _______, 1997, by and

between PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation

(successor-in-interest to Carven Associates) having an office at

3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 236, San Ramon, California 94583

("Landlord") and ANNTAYLOR, INC. a Delaware Corporation having an

office at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 ("Tenant").



                             WITNESSETH
                             ----------



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, as of March 17, 1989, entered into a 

lease for the Third, Fourth and Fifth floors of the building known

as Metropolitan Tower at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York

10019, at the rental and upon the terms and conditions therein

more particularly set forth and,



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, have modified said lease by agreements

dated November 14, 1990 (First Amendment), October 1, 1993 (Extension

and Amendment), April 14, 1994 (Modification of Amendment and Extension

to Lease, March 14, 1995 (Fifth Amendment), January 5, 1996

(Sixth Amendment), and June 5, 1996 (Seventh Amendment), and



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant and desirous of further amending said

lease in the manner set forth below:



1.      The term of that portion of the seventeenth (17th) floor, deemed

to comprise 8,600 rentable square feet, shall be extended for six (6)

months commencing March 1, 1997 and ending August 31, 1997.



2.      Landlord and Tenant covenant, warrant and represent to each

other that no broker was instrumental in bringing about or consummating

this Agreement and that neither party had any conversations or negotiations

with any broker concerning the extension of term for the Premises.

Landlord and Tenant each agree to indemnify the other against and hold the

other harmless from any claims for any brokerage commissions and all costs,

expenses and liabilities in connection therewith, including, without

limitation, attorney's fees and expenses arising out of any breach of the

covenants, warranties and representations contained in this Paragraph 2

made by Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be.



3.      The term of this agreement cannot be changed orally, but only by 

an instrument in writing executed by both parties.



4.      Except as herein expressly modified, the Lease, as amended, is

unmodified and is ratified and confirmed in all respects.



5.      The terms, covenants and provisions contained in this Agreement

are binding and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and

their respective heirs, successors and assigns.



        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have respectively 
        
executed this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.



                                LANDLORD:


                                PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION


                                BY:  /s/ David A. Hennefer
                                    -----------------------------
                                         David A. Hennefer
                                         Assistant Secretary



                                TENANT:

                                ANNTAYLOR, INC.


                                BY:  /s/Valerie Richardson 
                                     ------------------------------
                                        Valerie Richardson
                                        Senior Vice President
                                        Real Estate and Development









                       NINTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE
                       ------------------------



NINTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE, made this 13th day of May 1997, by and
                                      
between PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation

(successor-in-interest to Carven Associates) having an office at

3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 236, San Ramon, California 94583

("Landlord") and ANNTAYLOR, INC. a Delaware Corporation having an

office at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 ("Tenant").



                             WITNESSETH
                             ----------



WHEREAS, under date of March 17, 1989, Landlord and Tenant entered into a 

lease as amended pursuant to agreements dated November 14, 1990 (First

Amendment), October 1, 1993 (Extension and Amendment), April 14, 1994

(Modification of Amendment and Extension to Lease), March 14, 1995

(Fifth Amendment), January 5, 1996 (Sixth Amendment), June 5, 1996

(Seventh Amendment), and the undated (Eight Amendment), together,

collectively referred to as the "Lease" affecting the entire second (2nd), 

third (3rd), fourth (4th), fifth (5th), sixth (6th), fourteenth (14th)

floor and a portion of the seventeenth (17th) floor (the "Existing

Premises"), deemed to comprise 93,275 rentable square feet, in the

commercial condominium unit (the "Building") of which the Premises form

a part known by the street address of 142 West 57th Street, New York,

New York;





WHEREAS, Tenant desires that the entire seventh (7th) and eighth (8th) 

floors, deemed to comprise 28,500 rentable square feet, be added to

the space demised under the Lease, which Premises shall be deemed to

comprise a total of 121,775 rentable square feet;



NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements

herein contained, the parties agree as follows:




     1.      Landlord hereby leases to Tenant, and Tenant hereby hires from

Landlord, the entire seventh (7th) and eighth (8th) floors of the Building,

substantially as shown in Exhibit A, Pages 1 and 2 annexed hereto and made
                          ---------  -------------
a part hereof (the "Additional Space"), upon and subject to all of the

executory terms, covenants, conditions and limitations contained in the

Lease, except as otherwise provided for herein, for a term to commence

on August 1, 1997 (the "Effective Date") and to end on the September 30,

2006 unless sooner terminated pursuant to any of the terms, covenants or 

conditions of the Lease or pursuant to law.




     2.      As of the Effective Date, the Lease shall be deemed amended as

follows:



        a.      The Premises shall include the Additional Space as shown

on Exhibit A, Pages 1 and 2 for all purposes of the Lease;



        b.      The Fixed Rent as defined in Schedule A of the Lease and as

increased pursuant to the Amendments listed above shall be increased (i) by

Nine Hundred and Twelve Thousand ($912,000) Dollars per annum for the period

from October 1, 1997 to and including July 31, 2000 (ii) and by Nine Hundred

Ninety Seven Thousand Five Hundred ($997,500) Dollars per annum for the

period from August 1, 2000 to and including the Expiration Date inclusive,

which amounts shall be payable in equal monthly installments in advance on 

the first day of each and every calendar month during the term of this Lease.



        c.      Tenant's Percentage (as defined in Section 39A (vi) of the 

Lease) shall be increased by 13.39%.



        d.      Tenant's Tax Base Year (for the purposes of the space added by

this Amendment) shall be the calendar year 1997.



        e.      Tenant's Operating Expense Percentage (as defined in Section 

40A(iii) of the Lease) shall be increased by 13.39%.



        
        f.      Tenant's Operating Expense Base Year (for the purposes of the

space added by this Amendment) shall be 1997.


        
===============================================================================

Page 2

        
        
        g.      Landlord shall not be obligated to perform any work or

construction in the Space in order to make it ready for Tenant's occupancy.

Tenant represents that it has inspected the Space and agrees to accept same

absolutely "as is".



        
        
        h.      Tenant shall obtain electric from the seventh (7th) and

eight (8th) floors in accordance with Paragraph 46B of the Lease, for which

Landlord has or will supply meter pans for separate meters for the floor.





     3.      Landlord and Tenant covenant, warrant and represent to each

other that no broker was instrumental in bringing about or consummating

this Agreement and that neither party had any conversations or negotiations

with any broker concerning the leasing of the Premises.

Landlord and Tenant each agree to indemnify, defend and hold the

other harmless from any and all claims for any brokerage commissions and 

all costs, expenses and liabilities in connection therewith, including, 

without limitation, attorney's fees and expenses arising out of any breach 

of the covenants, warranties and representations contained in this 

Paragraph 3 made by Landlord or Tenant, as the case may.





     4.      In the event other space becomes available for lease in the 

Building, Landlord shall notify Tenant of its availability.  Tenant shall 

respond to Landlord's notification as soon as reasonably possible with 

reference to Tenant's desire to have such additional space.  Landlord's 

obligation under this clause shall be of notification only.  Landlord shall 

not be obligated to lease the space to AnnTaylor, Inc.




     5.      Landlord shall grant to Tenant the use of four (4) window boxes 
     
in the lobby of the building.  Contents of window boxes must be approved by

Landlord.  Should Landlord need the window box(es) for other purposes,

Landlord, without penalty, may reclaim any or all of the window boxes at

any time.




     6.      The terms of this agreement cannot be changed orally, but only 

by an instrument in writing executed by both parties.




     7.      Except as herein expressly modified, the Lease is unmodified and 

is ratified and confirmed in all respects.



     8.      The terms, covenants and provisions contained in this Agreement

are binding on and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and their

respective heirs, successors and assigns.





IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have respectively executed 

this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.



                                LANDLORD:


                                PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION


                                BY:  /s/ David A. Hennefer
                                    -----------------------------
                                         David A. Hennefer
                                         Assistant Secretary



                                TENANT:

                                ANNTAYLOR, INC.


                                BY:  /s/Valerie Richardson 
                                     ------------------------------
                                         Valerie Richardson
                                         Senior Vice President
                                         Real Estate and Development




============================================================================
                                                          EXHIBIT A
                                                          PAGE 1






                     DIAGRAM OF 7TH FLOOR AND NOTATION OF 
                     SQUARE FOOTAGE OF 14,250 R.S.F.






===========================================================================

                                                          EXHIBIT A
                                                          PAGE 2



                            DIAGRAM OF 8TH FLOOR OF 142 WEST
                            57TH STREET.




                       TENTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE
                       ------------------------



TENTH AMENDMENT TO LEASE, made this 21 day of May, 1997, by and

between PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION, a Delaware Corporation

(successor-in-interest to Carven Associates) having an office at

3000 Executive Parkway, Suite 236, San Ramon, California 94583

("Landlord") and ANNTAYLOR, INC. a Delaware Corporation having an

office at 142 West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019 ("Tenant").



                             WITNESSETH
                             ----------



WHEREAS, under date of March 17, 1989, Landlord and Tenant entered into a 

lease as amended pursuant to agreements dated November 14, 1990 (First

Amendment), October 1, 1993 (Extension and Amendment), April 14, 1994 

(Modification of Amendment and Extension to Lease), March 14, 1995

(Fifth Amendment), January 5, 1996 (Sixth Amendment), June 5, 1996

(Seventh Amendment), the undated (Eight Amendment) and May 13, 1997

(Ninth Amendment) together, collectively referred to as the "Lease"

affecting the entire second (2nd), third (3rd), fourth (4th), fifth

(5th), sixth (6th), seventh (7th), eighth (8th), fourteenth (14th) 

and a portion of the seventeenth (17th) floor (the "Existing Premises"),

in the commercial condominium unit (the "Building") of which the 

Premises form a part known by the street address of 142 West 57th

Street, New York, New York;



WHEREAS, Landlord and Tenant, are desirous of further amending said 

lease in the manner set forth below:




1.      The term of that portion of the seventeenth (17th) floor, deemed

to comprise 8,600 rentable square feet, as shown on Exhibit A, shall be 

extended to end on September 30, 2006 unless sooner terminated pursuant 

to any of the terms, covenants or conditions of the Lease or pursuant to 

law.



2.      The Fixed Rent as defined in Schedule A of the Lease and as 

increased pursuant to the Fifth Amendment listed above shall be

applicable for the space extended by this Tenth Amendment to the Lease

until August 31, 2000.  The fixed rent shall be increased by Twenty Five

Thousand Eight Hundred ($25,800) Dollars per annum for the period from

September 1, 2000 to and including the Expiration Date inclusive, which 

amounts shall be payable in equal monthly installments in advance on the

first day of each and every calendar month during the term of this Lease.



3.      Tenant's Tax Base Year (for the purposes of the space extended

by this Amendment) shall be the calendar year 1997.



4.      Tenant's Operating Expense Base Year (for the purposes of the

space extended by this Amendment) shall be 1997.



5.      Landlord and Tenant covenant, warrant and represent to each 

other that no broker was instrumental in bringing about or consummating

this Agreement and that neither party had any conversations or negotiations

with any broker concerning the extension of term for the Premises.  

Landlord and Tenant each agree to indemnify, defend, and hold the other

harmless from any and all claims for any brokerage commissions and all

costs, expenses and liabilities in connection therewith, including,

without limitation, attorney's fees and expenses arising out of any

breach of the covenants, warranties and representations contained in this

Paragraph 5 made by Landlord or Tenant, as the case may be.



6.      The term of this agreement cannot be changed orally, but only by

an instrument in writing executed by both parties.



7.      Except as herein expressly modified, the Lease, as amended, is

unmodified and is ratified and confirmed in all respects.


==========================================================================
Page 2




8.      The terms, covenants and provisions contained in this Agreement

are binding and shall inure to the benefit of the parties hereto and

their respective heirs, successors and assigns.



IN WITNESS WHEREOF, Landlord and Tenant have respectively executed 

this Agreement as of the day and year first above written.



                                LANDLORD:


                                PACIFIC METROPOLITAN CORPORATION


                                BY:  /s/ David A. Hennefer
                                    -----------------------------
                                         David A. Hennefer
                                         Assistant Secretary



                                TENANT:

                                ANNTAYLOR, INC.


                                BY:  /s/Valerie Richardson 
                                     ------------------------------
                                         Valerie Richardson
                                         Senior Vice President
                                         Real Estate and Development


=====================================================================
                                                    EXHIBIT A





                       DIAGRAM OF THE SEVENTEENTH FLOOR 
                       AT 142 WEST 57TH STREET.






          142 West 57th St.
          New York, NY
          10019

          212 541.3519
          fax
          212 541.3316

                                                        AnnTaylor
                                                        J. PATRICK SPAINHOUR
                                                        Chairman &
                                                        Chief Executive Officer

                           PERSONAL & CONFIDENTIAL


July 15, 1997

Mr. Barry I. Shapiro
17 Fleetwood Road
Commack, NY  11725

Dear Barry:

This will confirm the agreement between you and AnnTaylor, Inc. (hereafter
referred to as the "Company") regarding your separation from the Company.

1.      We agree that your date of separation from employment with the
        Company will be July 15, 1997 (the "Separation Date") and,
        effective as of the Separation Date, you hereby resign from your
        positions as an officer and/or director of the Company and any
        of the Company's subsidiaries.

2.      In consideration of your consent to the release set forth in 
        paragraph 4 and the representations and agreements set forth
        in this letter agreement, including those set forth in
        paragraph 5 hereof, the Company agrees to pay you the severance
        compensation described in pargraph 3 below, subject to the
        terms and conditions set forth in this letter.

3.      Subject to this letter agreement becoming effective and to your
        compliance with the terms hereof, your severance compensation
        shall consist of the following:

        (a)     Cash compensation of up to $175,000.00, less all
                applicable federal, state and local withholding taxes
                ("Taxes"), payable in up to fourteen equal semi-monthly
                installments of $12,500.00 (less Taxes), commencing
                on the Effective Date of this letter agreement (as
                defined in paragraph 11 below), and continuing through
                the earlier of (i) the seven-month anniversary of such
                date and (ii) such time as you procure other full time
                employment.  The foregoing notwithstanding, the 

=============================================================================
Mr. Barry I. Shapiro
July 15, 1997
Page 2


                installment payments referenced above shall be reduced
                by the amount of any compensation you receive from
                other sources for part-time employment, consulting
                engagements, or otherwise prior to procuring full-time
                employment.  You agree that you will provide the Company
                prompt written notice of the amounts of any such other 
                compensation and, if you procure other full time
                employment prior to the fourteenth payment referenced
                above, you will provide the Company prompt written
                notice of such other employment.

        (b)     The Company shall permit you to continue your 
                participation in its medical and dental insurance
                programs at the associate rate of contribution, from the
                Separation Date throughout the period during which you
                are receiving severance compensation pursuant to paragraph
                3(a) above.  At the end of that period, you shall be 
                entitled to participate in such programs in accordance with
                the applicable COBRA regulations.

4.      In consideration of the compensation described in paragraph 3 above,
        you voluntarily, knowingly and willingly release and forever 
        discharge the Company, its parents, subsidiaries and affiliates,
        together with its and their respective officers, directors, partners, 
        shareholders, employees, successors and assigns (collectively, the
        "Related Persons"), from any and all charges, complaints, claims,
        promises, agreements, controversies, causes of action and demands of
        any nature whatsoever which against any of them you or your heirs,
        executors, administrators, successors or assigns ever had, now have
        or hereafter can, shall or may have by reason of any matter, cause
        or thing whatsoever arising to the time you sign this agreement.  This
        release includes,but is not limited to, any rights or claims relating
        in any way to your employment relationship with the Company, or the
        termination thereof, or under any Statute, including the federal Age
        Discrimination in Employment Act, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act,
        The Americans With Disabilities Act, the New York Human Rights Law,
        and any other federal, state or local law.

5.      You represent that you have not filed against the Company or the 
        Company's parents, subsidiaries, affiliates or any Related Persons, 
        any complaints, charges or law suits arising out of your employment
        by the Company, or any other matter arising on or prior to the date
        hereof.  You covenant and agree that you will not seek recovery

==============================================================================
Mr. Barry I. Shapiro
July 15, 1997
Page 3


        against the Company or any of its parents, subsidiaries, affiliates
        or any Related Person arising out of any of the matters set forth in
        this paragraph or in paragraph 4.

6.      Nothing set forth in this agreement shall prevent you from enforcing
        the terms of this agreement, nor do you waive or lose any rights 
        that you have to compensation for vested accrued unused 1997 vacation,
        or any rights that you have as a former employee under the Company's
        stock option plans, stock purchase plan, or retirement or insurance
        plans, as applicable.

7.      You represent that you have returned or will immediately return to
        the Company all confidential information of the Company ("Company
        Information" ), and you will not retain any copies, reproductions or
        excerpts thereof, including without limitation business plans and
        projections, strategic planning documentation, reports, files,
        memoranda, records, mailing lists, customer lists, credit cards,
        door and file keys, training manuals, and other physical or personal
        property which you received or prepared or helped prepare in
        connection with your employment by the Company, and other technical,
        business or financial information or trade secrets the use or
        disclosure of which might reasonably be construed to be contrary
        to the interests of the Company or any Related Person.

8.      In the course of your employment with the Company you acquired 
        confidential Company Information.  You understand and agree that such
        Company Information was disclosed to you in confidence and for the
        benefit and use of only the Company.  You acknowledge that you
        have no ownership right or interest in any Company Information
        used or developed during the course of your employment.  You
        understand and agree that (a) you will keep such Company Information
        confidential at all times after your employment with the Company and
        (b) you will not make use of Company Information on your own behalf or
        on behalf of any third party.

9.      You agree that, from the date hereof through July 15, 1998, you will
        not solicit, entice, persuade, induce or influence any individual
        who is an employee of the Company to terminate his or her employment
        with the Company or to become employed by any other individual or
        entity, and you shall not approach any such employee for any such
        purpose.  Any breach of the terms of this paragraph shall result in 
        your automatic forfeiture of the severance compensation set forth in
        paragraph 3 above.

==============================================================================
Mr. Barry I. Shapiro
July 15, 1997
Page 4

10.     The Company advises you to consult with an attorney of your choosing
        prior to signing this agreement.  You confirm that you have the
        right and have been given the opportunity to review this agreement
        and, specifically, the release set forth in paragraph 4 and the
        representations and agreements set forth in paragraph 5, with an
        attorney of your choice.  You also understand and agree that the Company
        is under no obligation to offer you the severance compensation set
        forth in paragraph 3 and that you are under no obligation to consent
        to the release set forth in paragraph 4 and the representations and
        agreements set forth in paragraph 5, and that you have entered into
        this agreement freely and voluntarily.

11.     You may have forty-five days to consider the terms of this agreement.
        Furthermore, once you have signed this agreement, you will have seven
        additional days from the date you sign it to revoke your consent.  To
        revoke this agreement you must clearly communicate your decision to do
        so to the Senior Vice President - Human Resources of the Company
        (212-541-3361) within the seven day period.  This agreement will not
        become effective until seven days after the date you have signed it, as
        indicated on the last page hereof.  Such seventh day is considered to
        be the "Effective Date" of this agreement.

12.     You agree to keep the terms of your severance compensation and this 
        agreement confidential, other than as necessary to consult with
        your legal or tax advisors.

13.     The terms in this letter constitute the entire agreement between us
        and may not be altered or modified other than in a writing signed
        by you and the Company.  You represent that in executing this letter
        agreement you do not rely and have not relied upon any representation
        or statement not set forth herein made by the Company or any of its
        agents, representatives, attorneys or Related Persons with respect
        to the subject matter, basis or effect of this letter agreement, or
        otherwise.

==============================================================================
Mr. Barry I. Shapiro
July 15, 1997
Page 5



14.     This agreement will be governed by the laws of the State of New
        York, without reference to its choice of law rules.


If this letter correctly sets forth our understanding, please so signify
by signing and dating the enclosed copy of this letter and returning it
to the Senior Vice President - Human Resources, AnnTaylor, Inc., 142
West 57th Street, New York, New York 10019.

Very truly yours,

AnnTaylor, Inc.

By:  /s/ J. Patrick Spainhour
    -----------------------------
         Chairman & CEO


AGREED TO AND ACCEPTED:

/s/Barry I. Shapiro
- ---------------------
   Barry I. Shapiro
Dated:  August 14, 1997





                                
                   March 12, 1998 AMENDMENT to
                THE ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
            MANAGEMENT PERFORMANCE COMPENSATION PLAN

     
     
     The  AnnTaylor  Stores  Corporation  Management  Performance

Compensation Plan, as heretofore amended (the "Plan"), is  hereby

further amended, effective as of March 12, 1998, as follows:


     1.    The  second sentence of Section 2(c) of  the  Plan  is

hereby  amended by replacing the words "Executive Officers"  with

the  words  "Section  162(m) Officers".   The  last  sentence  of

Section  2(c)  of  the  Plan is hereby amended  to  read  in  its

entirety as follows:

     
     With respect to Eligible Associates who are not Section
     162(m)  Officers, the Committee may, in its discretion,
     delegate  to  one or more officers of the  Company  its
     duties hereunder.
     
     
     2.    Section  2  of the Plan is hereby further  amended  by

adding the following new subsection (n) at the end thereof:

          
           (n)   "Section 162(m) Officer" means an Executive
     Officer  whose  applicable  employee  remuneration  (as
     defined in Section 162(m) of the Code), for the year in
     which  the Award would be payable and including amounts
     that  may  be  earned under this Plan, is  expected  to
     exceed  the limitation set forth in Section  162(m)  of
     the Code for deductibility.
     
     
     3.    The  fifth sentence of the first paragraph of  Section

5(b)  of  the  Plan  is  hereby amended by  replacing  the  words

"Executive  Officers" with the words "Section  162(m)  Officers",

and  the seventh sentence of the first paragraph of Section  5(b)

of  the  Plan  is  hereby amended by replacing  the  phrase  "for

Executive  officers  and Executive Committee  members"  with  the

words "Section 162(m) Officers".

     
     
     4.    The  third  sentence of Section 5(d) of  the  Plan  is

hereby amended by replacing the words "an Executive Officer" with

the words "a Section 162(m) Officer".

     
     
     5.    The  second sentence of Section 5(3) of  the  Plan  is

hereby amended by replacing the words "an Executive Officer" with

the words "a Section 162(m) Officer".

          
     
     The Plan, as amended hereby, is hereby ratified and affirmed

in all respects.




                                                         Exhibit 21

                         SUBSIDIARIES OF
                    ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION



AnnTaylor Finance Trust, a Delaware statutory business trust
AnnTaylor, Inc., a Delaware corporation
AnnTaylor Travel, Inc., a Delaware  corporation
AnnTaylor Funding, Inc., a Delaware corporation
AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., a Delaware corporation
AnnTaylor Loft, Inc., a Delaware corporation
AnnTaylor Global Sourcing, Inc., a Delaware corporation



                                                          Exhibit 23


        INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT
        -----------------------------

        We consent to the incorporation by reference in AnnTaylor
Stores Corporation's Registration Statements No. 33-31505 on
Form S-8, No. 33-50688 on Form S-8, No. 33-54387 on Form S-8,
No. 33-52389 on Form S-8, No. 33-55629 on Form S-8, 
No. 333-32977 on Form S-8 and No. 333-37145 on Form S-8 of 
our report dated March 19, 1998 appearing in the Annual Report
on Form 10-K of AnnTaylor Stores Corporation for the year
ended January 31, 1998.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
April 28, 1998



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