LOFT
Premium Apparel (Sycamore Partners affiliate) · United States
LOFT is a US women's apparel brand launched in 1996 as Ann Taylor Loft, an extension of Ann Taylor. Its parent history runs through Ann Inc., Ascena Retail Group and, since December 2020, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners.
| Founded | 1996 |
|---|---|
| Origin | Extension of Ann Taylor |
| Owner | Premium Apparel LLC, a Sycamore Partners affiliate (per the December 2020 sale) |
| Segment | Mass market and fast fashion |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Website | loft.com |
What is LOFT?
LOFT is an American women's fashion brand sold through its own stores, outlet stores and online at Loft.com. It started as an extension of the Ann Taylor brand and developed into a separate, more accessible and casual-leaning label.
History
The brand was founded in 1996 as Ann Taylor Loft. It sat inside Ann Inc., which Ascena Retail Group agreed to acquire in May 2015 for 2.16 billion US dollars, with the deal completed in August 2015. Ascena filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on 23 July 2020.
Ownership
On 23 December 2020 Ascena completed the sale of the Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lou & Grey and Lane Bryant brands to Premium Apparel LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners. The source reviewed does not cover later changes, so 2026 ownership and current leadership have not been verified here.
Products and positioning
LOFT sells women's clothing and accessories. LOFT Maternity became an online-only line in 2010. The brand sits below Ann Taylor in price and formality, targeting everyday and office-casual wardrobes.
Business model and distribution
- Own stores: full-price stores in the US, with a LOFT Outlet network that had 128 US stores in the data reviewed.
- E-commerce: the brand sells online at Loft.com.
- Vertical retail: the company designs and sells its own label rather than operating mainly as a wholesaler.
Why it matters
LOFT is one of the better-known US mid-market womenswear chains and a case study in how specialty retailers were reshuffled by the 2020 bankruptcies. It should not be confused with the unrelated Japanese lifestyle retailer of the same name.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns LOFT?
LOFT was sold in December 2020 by Ascena Retail Group to Premium Apparel LLC, an affiliate of Sycamore Partners. Later changes have not been verified for this profile.
Is LOFT the same as Ann Taylor?
No. LOFT launched in 1996 as Ann Taylor Loft, an extension of Ann Taylor, and operates as a separate, more casual and lower-priced brand, though the two have shared owners.