Dressbarn
Retail Ecommerce Ventures · United States
Dressbarn is an American women's fashion brand founded in 1962 in Stamford, Connecticut, by Roslyn Jaffe. Once a large store chain, it now operates as an online retailer of dresses, casual wear and workwear.
| Founded | 1962, Stamford, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Founder | Roslyn Jaffe |
| Owner | Retail Ecommerce Ventures (since 2020) |
| Model | Online-only retailer |
| Website | dressbarn.com |
What is Dressbarn?
Dressbarn is an American women's apparel brand offering casual dresses, leisure wear, workwear and accessories at accessible prices. Today it trades as an online-only retailer.
History
Roslyn Jaffe founded Dressbarn in 1962 in Stamford, Connecticut. The business grew into a large national chain of women's clothing stores and later became part of Ascena Retail Group. In May 2019 Ascena announced it would close Dressbarn's physical stores and spin off the brand. In 2020 the brand was taken over by Retail Ecommerce Ventures, an investment firm that acquires established retail names and relaunches them online.
Products and positioning
Dressbarn targets women looking for practical, affordable clothing for everyday life and work. The range includes:
- casual and occasion dresses
- leisure wear
- workwear separates
- accessories
Distribution
Since the closure of its stores, Dressbarn sells through its own e-commerce site.
Why it matters
Dressbarn is a frequently cited example of a legacy store chain whose brand name was preserved as a digital business, illustrating how recognisable retail names can outlive their physical store networks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Dressbarn still in business?
Yes, Dressbarn closed its physical stores after 2019 and continues as an online retailer under Retail Ecommerce Ventures.
Who founded Dressbarn?
Dressbarn was founded by Roslyn Jaffe in 1962 in Stamford, Connecticut.