June 11 (UPI) — Between 250 and 650 retail stores including Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, Loft and Lane Bryant are closing, owner Ascena Retrail Group announced.
The locations are closing over the next two years and also include Justice, Maurices and Catherines. CEO David Jaffe revealed the news Thursday during a conference call with investors.
It’s unclear how many of each specific brand are expected to close, though 250 locations will definitely close. Up to 400 others are also being considered for shuttering.
Jaffe said the retail group is encountering “persistent traffic decline” at its brick-and-mortar stores.
Ascena stores aren’t the only brick-and-mortar retailers having sales problems. In May, Michael Kors announced it was closing 100 stores and teen retailer Rue21 filed for bankruptcy.
