How Multichannel Retailing Is Pushing Ann Taylor's Store Count Down

From 349 in 2007, Ann Taylor's store count declined to 245 in 2014, as the company closed more stores than it opened every year. The strategy behind these store closures was to have an optimum presence in the market with minimal self-cannibalization and maximum store productivity. As online sales of apparel and accessories saw robust growth, several retailers across the industry, including Ann, realized that the future of apparel retailing was e-commerce and there were very few incentives for op...