Ann Taylor Store On Iconic Westfield Block Is Reportedly Closed

WESTFIELD, NJ — The Ann Taylor store on East Broad Street in Westfield appears to have permanently closed, according to its Facebook page and a news report.

Calls to the location on Wednesday only reached a busy signal.

Bloomberg reported in early July that the parent company, Ascena Retail Group, was preparing to file bankruptcy and would close at least 1,200 of its 3,000 clothing stores of the U.S., which also include the Lane Bryant brand.

On Monday, TAPinto reported that the local store had a sign on its door saying, “This location is now closed, but don’t worry, you can continue to find great style at anntaylor.com,” and noted another location at the (recently reopened) Short Hills Mall.

The store seems to be a coronavirus casualty. In May, Ascena noted in a release, “COVID-19 has significantly disrupted our business. ... With retail stores making up the majority of our revenue and cash flow, the uncertainty created by COVID-19 requires us to evaluate all options available to protect the business and its stakeholders.”

Despite the local store closing, its Facebook page contains new posts daily, likely from the national brand. Each post was still getting responses from customers as of Wednesday, with some asking about returns, others critiquing the latest fashions: "Love the vertical stripes!!!" and "That top looks like PJs."

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