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                SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
|X| ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT
    OF 1934.

            For the fiscal year ended February 3, 2001
                                OR
| | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
    EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934.

                           Commission File No. 1-11980

                                 ANNTAYLOR, INC.
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


       DELAWARE                                         51-0297083
(State or other jurisdiction of         (I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)
incorporation or organization)


    142 West 57th Street, New York, NY                     10019
  (Address of principal executive offices)              (Zip Code)

                                 (212) 541-3300
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
                                     None.


           Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
                                      None.

     Indicate  by check  mark  whether  registrant  (1) has  filed  all  reports
required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the  Securities  Exchange  Act of
1934  during  the  preceding  12 months  (or for such  shorter  period  that the
registrant was required to file such reports),  and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes |X| No .

      As of March 2, 2001, 1 share of common stock was outstanding.


                      Documents Incorporated by Reference:
                                      None




     The  registrant  meets  the  conditions  set forth in  General  Instruction
I(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-K and is therefore  filing this form with the reduced
disclosure format.

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<PAGE>

                                  PART I
                                  ------

ITEM 1. BUSINESS

GENERAL

      AnnTaylor, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ann Taylor"), through its wholly owned
subsidiaries, is a leading national specialty retailer of better quality women's
apparel, shoes and accessories sold primarily under the Ann Taylor brand name.
The Company believes that "Ann Taylor" is a highly recognized national brand
that defines a distinct fashion point of view. Ann Taylor merchandise represents
classic styles, updated to reflect current fashion trends. The Company's stores
offer a full range of career and casual separates, dresses, tops, weekend wear,
shoes and accessories, coordinated as part of a total wardrobing strategy. This
total wardrobing strategy is reinforced by an emphasis on customer service. Ann
Taylor sales associates are trained to assist customers in merchandise selection
and wardrobe coordination, helping them achieve the "Ann Taylor look" while
reflecting the customers' personal styles.

      As of February 3, 2001, the Company operated 478 retail stores in 42
states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico under the names Ann Taylor, Ann
Taylor Loft and Ann Taylor Factory Store. The Company's 332 Ann Taylor stores
compete in the "better"-priced market. These stores represent the Company's core
merchandise line. Approximately three-quarters of these stores are located in
regional malls and upscale specialty retail centers, with the balance located in
downtown and village locations. The Company believes that the customer base for
its Ann Taylor stores consists primarily of relatively affluent,
fashion-conscious women from the ages of 25 to 55, and that the majority of its
customers are working women with limited time to shop, who are attracted to Ann
Taylor by its focused merchandising and total wardrobing strategies,
personalized customer service, efficient store layouts and continual flow of new
merchandise.

     As of February 3, 2001,  the Company  operated  133 Ann Taylor Loft stores.
Ann Taylor Loft stores compete in the "upper-moderate"-priced market. Ann Taylor
Loft is designed for women with a more relaxed lifestyle, who appreciate the Ann
Taylor style but are more price  sensitive.  Merchandise is created uniquely for
these  stores and is sold under the Ann Taylor Loft label.  The first Ann Taylor
Loft  stores  opened by the  Company  were  located in factory  outlet  centers,
including some Ann Taylor  Factory Stores that, in 1996,  were converted to Loft
stores after the  introduction  of the Loft concept.  In 1998, the Company began
opening Ann Taylor  Loft stores  outside  the  factory  outlet  environment,  in
regional malls,  strip shopping centers and urban and village street  locations.
At February 3, 2001,  105 Ann Taylor Loft stores were  located in these  venues.
Management  believes that Ann Taylor Loft  represents a significant  opportunity
for the Company to compete in the upper-moderate-priced  women's apparel market.
See "Management's  Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations - Statement Regarding Forward Looking Disclosures" below.

  At February 3, 2001, the Company also operated 13 Ann Taylor Factory
stores in factory outlet centers. These stores serve primarily as a clearance
vehicle for merchandise from Ann Taylor stores. In Fall 2000, the Company also
introduced a limited assortment of current season styles created uniquely for
these stores and sold under the Ann Taylor Factory store label.

      From time to time, the Company introduces new product categories to its
merchandise assortment. The Company believes that product extensions support the
Company's total wardrobing strategy and provide existing and new customers with
additional reasons to shop at the Company's stores. Product extensions
introduced over the last several years include petite sizes in the Company's
apparel offerings, and fragrance and personal care products in both Ann Taylor
and Ann Taylor Loft stores. In Fall of 2000, the Company began test marketing
its own line of color cosmetics in a select group of 57 Ann Taylor stores.

      In November 2000, the Company launched anntaylor.com, an Online Store
making Ann Taylor merchandise available for direct retail sale to customers over
the Internet. The Online Store was designed as an extension of the in-store
experience and offers a wide selection of each season's Ann Taylor stores'
collection. The Company believes that the Online Store further builds the Ann
Taylor brand and enhances the Company's relationships with customers, as well
as creates the opportunity for sales to new and existing customers.

================================================================================
<PAGE>2



      The Company was incorporated under the laws of the state of Delaware in
1986. All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one
share of common stock, is owned by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation ("ATSC"). Ann
Taylor was acquired by ATSC in a leveraged buyout transaction in 1989.



STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURES

      Sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K contain various
forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to the financial condition, results
of operations and business of the Company. These forward-looking statements
involve certain risks and uncertainties, and no assurance can be given that any
of such matters will be realized. Actual results may differ materially from
those contemplated by such forward-looking statements. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -
Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosures".


ITEM 2. PROPERTIES

      As of February 3, 2001, the Company operated 478 stores, all of which were
leased. The store leases typically provide for initial terms of ten years,
although some leases have shorter or longer initial periods, and grant the
Company the right to extend the term for one or two additional five-year
periods. Most of the store leases require Ann Taylor to pay a specified minimum
rent, plus a contingent rent based on a percentage of the store's net sales in
excess of a specified threshold. Most of the leases also require Ann Taylor to
pay real estate taxes, insurance and certain common area and maintenance costs.

      Ann Taylor leases corporate offices at 142 West 57th Street in New York
City and office space at 1372 Broadway in New York City. The Company also leases
office space in New Haven, Connecticut.

      Ann Taylor's wholly owned subsidiary, AnnTaylor Distribution Services,
Inc., owns its 256,000 square foot distribution center located in Louisville,
Kentucky. Nearly all Ann Taylor merchandise is distributed to the Company's
stores through this facility. The parcel on which the Louisville distribution
center is located comprises approximately 20 acres and could accommodate
possible future expansion of the facility.


ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

      On April 26, 1996, certain alleged stockholders of ATSC filed a purported
class action lawsuit in the United States District Court Southern District of
New York, against ATSC, the Company, certain officers and directors of ATSC and
the Company, Merrill Lynch & Co. ("ML&Co.") and certain affiliates of ML&Co.
(Novak v. Kasaks, et. al., No. 96 CIV 3073 (S.D.N.Y. 1996)). The complaint
alleged causes of action under Section 10(b) and Section 20(a) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, by alleging that ATSC and the other defendants
engaged in a fraudulent scheme and course of business that operated a fraud or
deceit on purchasers of ATSC's common stock during the period commencing
February 3, 1994 through May 4, 1995, due to alleged false and misleading
statements about the Company and ATSC. The complaint sought, among other things,
certification as a class action on behalf of all purchasers of common stock
during the period commencing February 3, 1994 through May 4, 1995, the awarding
of compensatory damages to the plaintiffs and purported members of the class,
the awarding of costs, including pre-judgment and post-judgment interest,
reasonable attorneys' fees and expert witness fees to the plaintiffs and
purported members of the class and equitable and/or injunctive relief. On March
10, 1998, the District Court issued an order granting the defendants' motion to
dismiss the complaint. The Court's order granted the plaintiffs leave to amend
and re-file the complaint, and the plaintiffs filed an amended complaint on
April 9, 1998.

      On November 9, 1998, the District Court issued an order granting the
defendants' motion to dismiss the amended complaint with prejudice, for its
failure to plead fraud with particularity. On or about December 15, 1998, the
plaintiffs filed a notice of appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for
the Second Circuit, seeking review of the District Court's order. While this
================================================================================
<PAGE> 3

appeal was pending, ML&Co., its affiliates and the two directors who previously
served on the Company's Board of Directors as representatives of certain
affiliates of ML&Co. (the "settling defendants"), reached a settlement with the
plaintiffs, which provides, among other things, for the establishment by the
settling defendants of a settlement fund in the amount of $3,000,000 plus
interest. On or about December 14, 1999, the District Court entered an Order and
Final Judgment approving this partial settlement, dismissing the amended
complaint with prejudice as to the settling defendants, and barring and
enjoining any future claims by, among others, the remaining defendants against
the settling defendants for contribution.

      On June 21, 2000, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit vacated the dismissal of the amended complaint. The Court of Appeals
held that the allegations of the amended complaint are sufficient to satisfy the
standard for pleading intent under the federal securities laws, but expressed no
view as to whether the allegations are sufficiently particularized. The Court of
Appeals remanded the case to the District Court with instructions to allow
plaintiffs to replead their complaint, and to reconsider whether plaintiffs'
allegations are pled with sufficient particularity to satisfy the pleading
standards of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The decision
of the Court of Appeals applies only to plaintiffs' claims against ATSC, the
Company and their former directors and officers.

      Following the decision of the Court of Appeals, plaintiffs elected not to
replead their amended complaint. On or about September 29, 2000, ATSC, the
Company and their former directors and officers again moved to dismiss the
amended complaint, arguing that it fails to plead fraud with sufficient
particularity under the standards set forth by the Court of Appeals in its June
21, 2000 decision. The motion has been fully briefed and is pending before the
District Court.

      The Company continues to believe that the allegations in the amended
complaint are without merit, and intends to continue to defend this action
vigorously. Any liability that may arise from this action cannot be predicted at
this time.

      The Company is also a party to routine litigation incident to its
business. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to
these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the opinion of the Company, any
such liability will not have a material adverse effect on the financial
position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.


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<PAGE>4



                                     PART II
                                     -------


ITEM 5.  MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

      There is no public market for the common stock of the Company. All of the
outstanding stock of the Company, consisting of one share of common stock is
owned by ATSC.

      The payment of dividends by Ann Taylor to ATSC is subject to certain
restrictions under the Company's Credit Facility described below under
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations--Liquidity and Capital Resources". From time to time, the Company
pays dividends to ATSC in amounts sufficient to fund ATSC's operating expenses.



ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S  DISCUSSION  AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL  CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

SALES

      The following table sets forth certain sales and store data for the
periods indicated:


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Fiscal Year
                                              -------------------------------------------
                                                   2000            1999           1998
                                              -----------     -----------    ------------
                                               (53 weeks)      (52 weeks)      (52 weeks)

<S>                                           <C>             <C>            <C>
Net sales ($000) ..........................   $ 1,232,776     $ 1,084,519    $   911,939
Total net sales increase
percentage (52 week basis) ................          12.2%           18.9%          16.8%
Comparable store sales increase
  (decrease) percentage (52 week basis) ...          (0.5)%           8.4%           7.9%
Net sales per average square foot .........   $       496     $       502    $       474
Total store square footage at end of period     2,695,000       2,280,000      2,038,000
Number of:
  New stores ..............................            81              47             45
  Expanded stores .........................             4               8              8
  Closed stores ...........................             8               7              4
Total stores open at end of period ........           478             405            365
</TABLE>

      The Company's net sales do not show significant seasonal variation,
although net sales in the fourth quarter have historically been moderately
higher than in the other quarters. As a result, the Company has not had
significant overhead and other costs generally associated with large seasonal
variations.

================================================================================

<PAGE>5



RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      The following table sets forth income statement data expressed as a
percentage of net sales for the periods indicated:

                                                             Fiscal Year
                                                      -----------------------
                                                       2000     1999     1998
                                                      -----    -----    -----
Net sales .......................................     100.0%   100.0%   100.0%
Cost of sales ...................................      50.5     49.4     50.0
                                                      -----    -----    -----
    Gross profit ................................      49.5     50.6     50.0
Selling, general and administrative expenses ....      40.7     38.2     38.4
Retirement of assets ............................        --       --      0.4
Amortization of goodwill ........................       0.9      1.0      1.2
                                                      -----    -----    -----
    Operating income ............................       7.9     11.4     10.0
Interest income .................................       0.2      0.4      0.2
Interest expense ................................       0.6      1.1      2.2
                                                      -----    -----    -----
Income before income taxes and extraordinary loss       7.5     10.7      8.0
Income tax provision ............................       3.3      4.6      3.7
                                                      -----    -----    -----
Income before extraordinary loss ................       4.2      6.1      4.3
Extraordinary loss ..............................        --      0.1       --
                                                      -----    -----    -----
Net income ......................................       4.2%     6.0%     4.3%
                                                      =====    =====    =====



FISCAL 2000 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1999

      The Company's net sales increased to $1,232,776,000 over $1,084,519,000 in
Fiscal 1999, an increase of $148,257,000, or 13.7%. Comparable store sales for
Fiscal 2000 decreased 0.5%, compared to an increase of 8.4% in Fiscal 1999.
Total sales for the fifty-two-week period ended January 27, 2001 were up 12.2%
to $1,216,808,000, compared to the same period for the fiscal year ended 1999.
The sales increase was primarily attributable to the opening of new stores and
the expansion of existing stores, partially offset by a net decrease in
comparable store sales in 2000. Management believes that the decrease in
comparable store sales was the result of customer dissatisfaction with certain
of the Company's product offerings and merchandise assortment in the Fall 2000
season.

      Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased to 49.5% in 2000 from
50.6% in 1999. This decrease in gross margin reflects a higher markdown rate on
goods sold below full price and the sale of a greater amount of goods below full
price as a percentage of sales, most significantly in the fourth quarter of
2000, compared to the prior year, offset, in part, by higher gross margins
achieved on merchandise that was sold at full price, attained through ongoing
efficiencies achieved through continued improvements in the Company's sourcing,
merchandising and inventory processes.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses, excluding certain
nonrecurring expenses described below, were $490,760,000, or 39.8% of net sales,
in 2000, compared to $414,315,000, or 38.2% of net sales, in 1999. Selling,
general and administrative expenses for 2000 included approximately $10,300,000
of expenses related to the development of the Company's Online Store which
commenced during Fiscal 2000. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of net sales also reflected increases in tenancy expenses and
increases in Ann Taylor Loft store operations expenses offset by a decrease in
the provision for management performance bonus expense. During the first quarter
of Fiscal 2000, the Company incurred a pre-tax nonrecurring charge of
approximately $8,500,000 in connection with an extensive review conducted with
the Company's financial and legal advisors of various strategic approaches to
enhance shareholder value. In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 2000, the Company
recorded a one-time pre-tax charge of $2,200,000 relating to the estimated costs
of the Company's obligations under a former executive's employment contract with
the Company, in connection with the executive's resignation in January 2001.
After taking these one-time charges into account, selling, general and
administrative expenses, as a percentage of sales, were 40.7%.

      Operating income decreased to $98,240,000, or 7.9% of net sales, in 2000,
from $123,150,000, or 11.4% of net sales, in 1999. Amortization of goodwill was

================================================================================
<PAGE>6

$11,040,000, or 0.9% of net sales, in 2000, compared to $11,040,000, or 1.0% of
net sales, in 1999. Operating income without giving effect to such amortization
was $109,280,000, or 8.8% of net sales, in 2000 and $134,190,000, or 12.4% of
net sales, in 1999.

      Interest income was $2,473,000 in 2000, compared to $4,378,000 in 1999.
The decrease was primarily attributable to decreased cash on hand in 2000 as a
result of a dividend to ATSC, described below under "Liquidity and Capital
Resources", to facilitate the repurchase by ATSC of shares of its common stock
during the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 1999.

    Interest expense was $7,315,000 in 2000, compared to $11,814,000 in 1999.
The decrease in interest expense was attributable to the net reduction in the
Company's outstanding long-term debt and other obligations and a decrease in the
interest rate borne by the Company's remaining outstanding long- term debt.
During the second quarter of 1999, a note (the "intercompany note") payable by
the Company to ATSC in August 1998 was forgiven, and the Company's 8 3/4%
Subordinated Notes due 2000 ("8 3/4% Notes") referred to below were redeemed.
These transactions were completed using, in part, the proceeds from the issuance
in June 1999 of a promissory note to ATSC ("Note Payable to ATSC"), which bears
interest at a rate of 3.75% per annum. The weighted average interest rate on the
Company's outstanding indebtedness at February 3, 2001 was 3.79%.

      The income tax provision was $41,035,000, or 43.9% of income before income
taxes in the 2000 period, compared to $50,221,000, or 43.4% of income before
income taxes and extraordinary loss in 1999. The effective tax rates for both
periods were higher than the statutory rates, primarily as a result of
non-deductible goodwill expense.

      As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had net income of
$52,363,000, or 4.2% of net sales, for 2000, compared to net income of
$64,531,000, or 6.0% of net sales, for 1999.


FISCAL 1999 COMPARED TO FISCAL 1998

      The Company's net sales increased to $1,084,519,000 over $911,939,000 in
Fiscal 1998, an increase of $172,580,000, or 18.9%. Comparable store sales for
Fiscal 1999 increased 8.4%, compared to an increase of 7.9% in Fiscal 1998. The
sales increase was primarily attributable to the opening of new stores, the
expansion of existing stores and the net increase in comparable store sales in
1999. Management believes that the increase in comparable store sales was the
result of improved customer acceptance of the Company's product offerings and
merchandise assortment.

      Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased to 50.6% in 1999 from
50.0% in 1998. This increase in gross margin reflects a higher initial markup
rate, reflecting ongoing improvements achieved by the Company's sourcing
division, offset in part by a higher markdown rate on goods that were sold below
full price.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses were $414,315,000, or 38.2%
of net sales, in 1999, compared to $350,522,000, or 38.4% of net sales, in 1998.
The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of
net sales was primarily attributable to increased leverage on fixed expenses
resulting from increased comparable store sales and improved operating
efficiencies. The benefits of this leverage were partially offset by an increase
in marketing expenditures in support of the Company's strategic initiatives to
enhance the Ann Taylor brand and increased investment in infrastructure,
including in the Company's stores organization, to support the planned expansion
of the Company's Ann Taylor Loft business.

      Operating income increased to $123,150,000, or 11.4% of net sales, in 1999
from $91,020,000, or 10.0% of net sales, in 1998. Amortization of goodwill was
$11,040,000, or 1.0% of net sales, in 1999, compared to $11,040,000, or 1.2% of
net sales, in 1998. Operating income without giving effect to such amortization
was $134,190,000, or 12.4% of net sales, in 1999 and $102,060,000, or 11.2% of
net sales, in 1998.

      Interest income was $4,378,000 in 1999, compared to $2,241,000 in 1998.
The increase was primarily attributable to interest income earned on increased
================================================================================
<PAGE>7

cash on hand for the portion of the fiscal year prior to the distribution of a
dividend, described below under "Liquidity and Capital Resources", to ATSC, in
the second half of 1999, to facilitate ATSC's securities repurchase program.

      Interest expense was $11,814,000 in 1999, compared to $20,358,000 in 1998.
The decrease in interest expense is attributable to the forgiveness during the
second quarter of 1999 of the intercompany note and the redemption during the
second quarter of 1999 of the 8 3/4% Notes referred to below, offset in part by
interest expense on the Note Payable to ATSC that was issued in the second
quarter of 1999. The weighted average interest rate on the Company's outstanding
indebtedness at January 29, 2000 was 3.88%, compared to 8.60% at January 30,
1999.

      The income tax provision was $50,221,000, or 43.4% of income before income
taxes and extraordinary loss, in the 1999 period, compared to $33,579,000, or
46.1% of income before income taxes, in 1998. The effective tax rates for both
periods were higher than the statutory rates, primarily as a result of
non-deductible goodwill expense.

      On July 22, 1999, the Company redeemed its outstanding 8 3/4% Notes. This
resulted in an extraordinary charge to earnings in Fiscal 1999 of $962,000, net
of income tax benefit.

      As a result of the foregoing factors, the Company had net income of
$64,531,000, or 6.0% of net sales, for 1999, compared to net income of
$39,324,000, or 4.3% of net sales, for 1998.


CHANGES IN FINANCIAL POSITION

      Prepaid expenses and other current assets increased to $53,227,000 at the
end of 2000 from $37,796,000 at the end of 1999, an increase of $15,431,000, or
40.8%. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in construction
allowance receivables and deferred income taxes.

      Merchandise inventories increased to $170,631,000 at February 3, 2001 from
$140,026,000 at January 29, 2000, an increase of $30,605,000, or 21.9%.
Merchandise inventories at February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000 included
approximately $33,469,000 and $22,959,000, respectively, of inventory associated
with the Company's sourcing division, which is principally finished goods in
transit from factories. The increase in merchandise inventories is primarily due
to inventory purchased to support 81 new stores opened since the beginning of
the year. Total store square footage increased to approximately 2,695,000 at
February 3, 2001 from approximately 2,280,000 square feet at January 29, 2000.
Merchandise inventory on a per-square-foot basis, excluding inventory associated
with the Company's sourcing division, was approximately $51 at the end of 2000,
compared to $51 at the end of 1999. Inventory turned 4.9 times in 2000, compared
to 4.8 times in 1999, excluding inventory associated with the Company's sourcing
division. Inventory turnover is determined by dividing cost of sales by the
average of the cost of inventory at the beginning and end of the period
(excluding inventory associated with the sourcing division).


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

      The Company's primary source of working capital is cash flow from
operations. The following table sets forth material measures of the Company's
liquidity:

                                                        Fiscal Year
                                             -------------------------------
                                                2000        1999       1998
                                             ---------   ---------  --------

                                                (dollars in thousands)

Cash provided by operating activities......  $ 76,625    $ 98,299   $ 75,535
Working capital............................  $172,767    $151,368   $168,708
Current ratio..............................    2.22:1      2.26:1     2.30:1
Debt to equity ratio ......................     .20:1       .22:1      .48:1

================================================================================
<PAGE>8




      Cash provided by operating activities in 2000, as presented on the
consolidated statements of cash flows, primarily resulted from earnings, noncash
charges and increases in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, partially
offset by increases in merchandise inventories and receivables.

      The Company's principal credit facility is a bank credit facility that it
entered into in June 1998 with a syndicate of lenders (the "Credit Facility").
The Company uses the Credit Facility for the issuance of commercial and standby
letters of credit and to provide funds for other general corporate purposes. The
lenders' commitment under the Credit Facility was originally $150,000,000. The
Credit Facility had an original maturity date of June 30, 2000, subject to
extension upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Effective September 3,
1999, the Company elected to reduce the commitment of the lenders under the
Credit Facility by $25,000,000 to $125,000,000 and extended the term of the
Credit Facility to June 30, 2001.

      Loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time may not exceed
$50,000,000. The Company did not make any borrowings under the loan provisions
of the Credit Facility during Fiscal 2000, and there were no loans outstanding
at fiscal year end. The outstanding loan balance is required to be reduced to
zero for the thirty-day period commencing January 1 each year. This cleandown
period was achieved for January 2001. Maximum availability for loans and letters
of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a monthly borrowing base,
determined by the application of specified advance rates against certain
eligible assets. Based on this calculation, the maximum amount available for
loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility at February 3, 2001 was
$125,000,000. Commercial and standby letters of credit outstanding under the
Credit Facility as of February 3, 2001 were approximately $89,894,000.

      Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate
equal to, at the Company's option, the lead lender's Base Rate or Eurodollar
Rate, plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00%, and from 1.25% to 2.00%,
respectively. In addition, the Company is required to pay the lenders a
quarterly commitment fee on the unused revolving loan commitment amount at a
rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per annum. Fees for outstanding commercial and
standby letters of credit range from 0.625% to 1.0% and from 1.25% to 2.0%,
respectively.

      The Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants, including
limitations on indebtedness, liens and investments, restrictions on dividends or
other distributions to stockholders and maintenance of certain financial ratios
including a specified fixed charge ratio and specified levels of net worth.

      The lenders have been granted a pledge of the common stock of ATSC and
certain of its subsidiaries, and a security interest in substantially all other
tangible and intangible assets, including accounts receivable, trademarks,
inventory, store furniture and fixtures, of the Company and its subsidiaries, as
collateral for the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility.

      As noted above, the Credit Facility matures in June 2001. The Company is
currently negotiating to obtain new financing to succeed the Credit Facility,
and anticipates new arrangements will be in place in the Spring of 2001.

      The Company had outstanding an intercompany note payable of $100,625,000
to ATSC. During the second quarter of Fiscal 1999, the Company made a prepayment
on the intercompany note in the amount of $100,000, and the balance was forgiven
by ATSC. This forgiveness of debt constitutes a contribution of capital by ATSC
to the Company.

      In the second quarter of Fiscal 1999, the Company issued a promissory
note, as amended, to ATSC of an aggregate of $199,072,000 principal amount at
maturity. The Note Payable to ATSC was issued, as amended, by the Company during
the second quarter of 1999 for value received and has interest and payment terms
substantially similar to the terms of the Convertible Debentures Due 2019
("Convertible Debentures") that were issued in 1999 by ATSC. ATSC has pledged
the Note Payable to ATSC to the lenders under the Company's bank Credit Facility
as collateral for ATSC's guarantee of the Company's performance of its
obligations under the Credit Facility.
================================================================================
<PAGE> 9

      On July 22, 1999, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding 8 3/4%
Notes, at a redemption price of 101.375% of principal amount, plus accrued
unpaid interest to the redemption date. The redemption of the 8 3/4% Notes
resulted in an extraordinary charge to earnings in the second quarter of Fiscal
1999 and fiscal year 1999 of $962,000, net of income tax benefit.

      The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary, AnnTaylor Distribution
Services, Inc., are parties to a $7,000,000 seven-year mortgage loan maturing in
Fiscal 2002. The loan is secured by the Company's distribution center land and
building in Louisville, Kentucky. The mortgage loan bears interest at 7.5% and
is payable in monthly installments of approximately $130,000. The mortgage loan
balance at February 3, 2001 was $2,650,000.

      The Company's capital expenditures totaled $83,310,000, $53,409,000, and
$45,131,000 in Fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998, respectively. Capital expenditures
were primarily attributable to the Company's store expansion, renovation and
refurbishment programs, as well as the investment the Company made in certain
information systems and the Company's corporate offices. These expenditures also
include, in Fiscal 2000, increased capital expenditures related to the Company's
Internet e-commerce Web site and related enhancements to the material handling
system at the Company's distribution center. The Company expects its total
capital expenditure requirements in Fiscal 2001 will be approximately
$98,000,000, including capital for new store construction for a planned square
footage increase of approximately 500,000 square feet, or 20%, as well as
capital to support continued investments in information systems. The actual
amount of the Company's capital expenditures will depend in part on the number
of stores opened, expanded and refurbished and on the amount of construction
allowances the Company receives from the landlords of its new or expanded
stores.

      On January 26, 2000, the Company declared a cash dividend, authorized by
its Board of Directors, to ATSC in the amount of $89,944,612 to facilitate the
repurchase, by ATSC, of up to $90,000,000 of its common stock and/or Convertible
Debentures through open market purchases and privately negotiated transactions.
As of January 29, 2000, 3,012,500 shares of ATSC's common stock had been
repurchased for an aggregate purchase price of $89,900,900 (exclusive of
brokerage commissions), completing ATSC's repurchase program. All of the
repurchased shares became treasury shares of ATSC and may be used for general
corporate and other purposes. No Convertible Debentures were purchased.

      In order to finance its operations and capital requirements, the Company
expects to use internally generated funds, trade credit and funds available to
it under the Credit Facility and replacements thereof that are expected to be
obtained. The Company believes that cash flow from operations and funds
available under the Credit Facility and replacements thereof that are expected
to be obtained are sufficient to enable it to meet its ongoing cash needs for
its business, as presently conducted, for the foreseeable future.

      In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"), issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 133, "Accounting for
Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", as amended by SFAS No. 137,
"Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities-Deferral of
Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133", which establishes accounting and
reporting standards for derivatives, derivative instruments embedded in other
contracts and for hedging activities. In 2000, the FASB issued SFAS No. 138,
"Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities", which
establishes accounting and reporting standards for certain derivatives,
derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for certain hedging
activities. These statements are effective for the Company's Fiscal 2001
financial statements. Management has determined that the adoption of these
standards will have no impact on the Company's financial statements.


STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURES

      Sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the preceding
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations, contain various forward-looking statements, within the meaning of
the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, with respect to the
financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. Examples
of forward-looking statements are statements that use the words "expect",
"anticipate", "plan", "intend", "project", "believe" and similar expressions.
These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties, and no

================================================================================
<PAGE>10

assurance can be given that any of such matters will be realized. Actual results
may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward-looking statements
as a result of, among other things, failure by the Company to predict accurately
customer fashion preferences; a decline in the demand for merchandise offered by
the Company; competitive influences; changes in levels of store traffic or
consumer spending habits; effectiveness of the Company's brand awareness and
marketing programs; lack of sufficient customer acceptance of the Ann Taylor
Loft concept in the upper-moderate-priced women's apparel market; general
economic conditions that are less favorable than expected or a downturn in the
retail industry; the inability of the Company to locate new store sites or
negotiate favorable lease terms for additional stores or for the expansion of
existing stores; lack of sufficient consumer interest in our Online Store; a
significant change in the regulatory environment applicable to the Company's
business; an increase in the rate of import duties or export quotas with respect
to the Company's merchandise; financial or political instability in any of the
countries in which the Company's goods are manufactured; or an adverse outcome
of the litigation referred to in Note 5 to the Consolidated Financial Statements
of the Company as of February 3, 2001, that materially and adversely affects the
Company's financial condition. The Company assumes no obligation to update or
revise any such forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their date,
even if experience or future events or changes make it clear that any projected
financial or operating results implied by such forward-looking statements will
not be realized.


ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

      The Company maintains the majority of its cash and cash equivalents in
financial instruments with original maturities of three months or less. These
financial instruments are subject to interest rate risk and will decline in
value if interest rates increase. Due to the short duration of these financial
instruments, a change of 100 basis points in interest rates would not have a
material effect on the Company's financial condition.

      The Company's outstanding long-term debt as of February 3, 2001 bears
interest at fixed rates; therefore, the Company's results of operations would
only be affected by interest rate changes to the extent that fluctuating rate
loans are outstanding under the Credit Facility. As of February 3, 2001, the
Company has no such amounts outstanding. Future borrowings would be affected by
interest rate changes; however, the Company does not believe that a change of
100 basis points in interest rates would have a material effect on the Company's
financial condition.


ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

     The following consolidated financial statements of the Company for the
 years ended February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 are
 included as a part of this Report (See Item 14):

      Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal years ended February 3,
         2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999.

      Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000.

      Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended February
         3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999.

      Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.


ITEM 9. CHANGES  IN AND  DISAGREEMENTS  WITH  ACCOUNTANTS  ON  ACCOUNTING  AND
        FINANCIAL DISCLOSURES

       None.

================================================================================
<PAGE>11


                                 PART IV


ITEM 14.   EXHIBITS,  FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON
           FORM 8-K

   (a)   List of documents filed as part of this Annual Report:

          The  following  consolidated  financial  statements of the Company are
          included  on pages 17 through 33 and are filed as part of this  Annual
          Report:  Independent  Auditors'  Report;  Consolidated  Statements  of
          Income for the fiscal years ended  February 3, 2001,  January 29, 2000
          and January 30, 1999;  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets as of February 3,
          2001 and January 29, 2000;  Consolidated  Statements of Cash Flows for
          the fiscal years ended February 3, 2001,  January 29, 2000 and January
          30, 1999; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

   (b)   Reports on Form 8-K
         The Company filed a report dated January 23, 2001 with the Commission
         on Form 8-K with respect to the resignation of a former executive of
         the Company.

   (c)     Exhibits
         The exhibits listed below are filed as a part of this Annual Report.

         Schedules other than the above have been omitted because they are
         either not applicable or the required information has been disclosed in
         the consolidated financial statements or notes thereto.

EXHIBIT NUMBER
-------------

3.1     Certificate   of   Incorporation   of  the   Company,   as
           amended.  Incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit 3.3 to
           the Registration  Statement of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed
           on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522).

3.2     By-Laws of the  Company.  Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit
           3.4  to the  Registration  Statement  of  ATSC  and  Ann
           Taylor filed on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522).

4.1     Indenture, dated as of June 18, 1999, between the Company, ATSC, and
           the Bank of New York, as Trustee. Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.01 to the Registration Statement of ATSC filed on September
           13, 1999.

10.1    1989 Stock  Option  Plan.  Incorporated  by  reference  to
           Exhibit 10.18 to the Registration  Statement of ATSC and
           Ann  Taylor  filed  on May  3,  1989  (Registration  No.
           33-28522).

10.1.1  Amendment to 1989 Stock Option Plan. Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.15.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company
           filed on April 30, 1993.

10.2    Lease, dated as of March 17, 1989, between Carven Associates and Ann
           Taylor concerning the West 57th Street headquarters. Incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.21 to the Registration Statement of ATSC and
           Ann Taylor filed on May 3, 1989 (Registration No. 33-28522).

10.2.1  First Amendment to Lease, dated as of November 14, 1990, between Carven
           Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.17.1 to the Registration Statement of ATSC filed on April 11, 1991
           (Registration No. 33-39905).

10.2.2  Second Amendment to Lease, dated as of February 28, 1993, between
           Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.17.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on
           April 29, 1993.

10.2.3  Extension and Amendment to Lease dated as of October 1, 1993, between
           Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.11 to the Form 10-Q of the Company for the Quarter ended
           October 30, 1993 filed on November 26, 1993.


================================================================================
<PAGE>12




EXHIBIT NUMBER
--------------

10.2.4   Modification of Amendment and Extension to Lease, dated as of April
            14, 1994 between Carven Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.15.4 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
            ATSC filed on April 28, 1995.

10.2.5   Fifth Amendment to Lease, dated as of March 14, 1995, between Carven
            Associates and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            10.15.5 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 28,
            1995.

10.2.6    Sixth Amendment to Lease, dated as of January 5, 1996, between
            Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by
            reference to Exhibit 10.8.6 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
            ATSC filed on April 30, 1998.

10.2.7    Seventh Amendment to Lease, dated as of June 5, 1996, between Pacific
            Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 10.8.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on
            April 30, 1998.

10.2.8    Eighth Amendment to Lease, undated, between Pacific Metropolitan
            Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
            10.8.8 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30,
            1998.

10.2.9    Ninth Amendment to Lease, dated as of May 13, 1997, between Pacific
            Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 10.8.9 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on
            April 30, 1998.

10.2.10   Tenth Amendment to Lease, dated as of May 21, 1997, between Pacific
            Metropolitan Corporation and Ann Taylor. Incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 10.8.10 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed
            on April 30, 1998.

10.2.11   Eleventh Amendment to Lease, dated as of May 15, 1998, between
            Pacific Metropolitan Corporation and ATSC. Incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 10.3.11 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC
            filed on March 29, 1999.

10.2.12   Sublease Agreement,  dated as of February 23, 1999, between Societe
            Air France  (formerly known as Compagnie  Nationale Air France) and
            the Company.  Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit  10.2.12 to the
            Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 18, 2000.

10.3      Tax  Sharing  Agreement,   dated  as  of  July  13,  1989,
            between ATSC and Ann Taylor.  Incorporated  by reference
            to Exhibit 10.24 to Amendment No. 2 to the  Registration
            Statement  of ATSC and Ann Taylor filed on July 13, 1989
            (Registration No. 33-28522).

10.4      Employment Agreement dated as of February 1, 1994 between ATSC and
            Sally Frame Kasaks. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8 to the
            Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter ended October 29, 1994 filed on
            December 9, 1994.

10.5      Employment  Agreement  dated  February 16, 1996 between ATSC and J.
            Patrick Spainhour.  Incorporated  by reference to Exhibit 10.4 to
            the Annual Report on Form 10-K of the Company filed on
            April 8, 1996.


10.5.1    Amendment to the  Employment  Agreement,  dated August 23,
            1996,   between   ATSC   and   J.   Patrick   Spainhour.
            Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.11.1 to the
            Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on May 1, 1997.

10.5.2    Amendment #2 to the Employment Agreement, dated August 12, 1999,
            between ATSC and J. Patrick Spainhour. Incorporated by reference
            to Exhibit 10.6.2 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter
            ended July 31, 1999 filed on September 14, 1999. Confidential
            treatment has been granted with respect to certain portions of this
            exhibit.

10.5.3    Amendment  #3 to the  Employment  Agreement,  dated  March
            10,  2000,   between  ATSC  and  J.  Patrick  Spainhour.
            Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.5.3  to the
            Annual  Report on Form  10-K of ATSC  filed on April 18,
            2000.


================================================================================
<PAGE>13


EXHIBIT NUMBER
--------------



10.6     Employment Agreement dated November 25, 1996 between ATSC and
           Patricia DeRosa. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to Form
           10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter ended November 2, 1996 filed on December
           17, 1996.

10.6.1   Amendment #1 to the Employment Agreement, dated as of February 16,
           2000, between ATSC and Patricia DeRosa. Incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 10.6.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on
           April 18, 2000. Confidential treatment has been granted with respect
           to certain portions of this exhibit.

10.6.2   Separation Agreement, dated as of January 15, 2001, between ATSC
           and Patricia DeRosa. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.6.2 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 5,
           2001.

10.7     The AnnTaylor Stores Corporation 1992 Stock Option and Restricted
           Stock and Unit Award Plan, Amended and Restated as of February 23,
           1994. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.15 to the Annual Report
           on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on May 1, 1997.

10.7.1   Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated 1992
           Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan, as approved by
           stockholders on June 18, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit
           10.15.1 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997
           filed on September 12, 1997.

10.7.2   Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated 1992
           Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan dated as of
           January 16, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10 of Form 8-K
           of ATSC filed on March 12, 1998.

10.7.3   Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated 1992
           Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan dated as of May
           2, 1998. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16.3 to the Form
           10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter ended April 2, 1998 filed on June 16,
           1998.

10.7.4   Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated 1992
           Stock Option and Restricted Stock and Unit Award Plan dated as of
           March 10, 2000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.8.4 to the
           Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 18, 2000.

10.8     AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated Management
           Performance Compensation Plan, as approved by stockholders on June
           18, 1997. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.16 to the Form 10-Q
           of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 2, 1997 filed on September 12,
           1997.

10.8.1  Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated
           Management Performance Compensation Plan dated as of March 12, 1998.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17.1 to the Annual Report on
           Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 30, 1998.

10.8.2  Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Amended and Restated
           Management Performance Compensation Plan, dated as of March 10, 2000.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.9.2 to the Annual Report on
           Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 18, 2000.

10.9   Associate    Stock   Purchase   Plan.    Incorporated   by
           reference  to  Exhibit  10.31 to the  form  10-Q of ATSC
           for  the  Quarter   Ended  October  31,  1992  filed  on
           December 15, 1992.

10.10  AnnTaylor  Stores   Corporation   Deferred   Compensation
           Plan.  Incorporated  by  reference  to Exhibit  10.33 to
           the Annual  Report on Form 10-K of ATSC  filed on
           April 28, 1995.

10.10.1 Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Deferred Compensation
           Plan as approved by the Board of Directors on August 11, 1995.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33.1 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC
           for the Quarter Ended July 29, 1995 filed on September 11, 1995.


================================================================================
<PAGE>14


EXHIBIT NUMBER
--------------



10.11    Mortgage, Assignment of Rents and Leases, Security Agreement
           and Fixture Financing Statement dated November 20, 1995, between
           AnnTaylor Distribution Services, Inc., as Mortgagor, and General
           Electric Capital Assurance Company, as Mortgagee. Incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the
           Quarter ended October 28, 1995 filed on December 8, 1995.

10.12    Promissory Note dated November 20, 1995 from Ann Taylor and AnnTaylor
           Distribution Services, Inc., collectively as Borrower, to General
           Electric Capital Assurance Company, as Lender. Incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Form 10-Q of Ann Taylor for the
           Quarter ended October 28, 1995 filed on December 8, 1995.

10.13    Commitment Letter dated as of May 7, 1998 among the Company, Bank of
           America National Trust and Savings Association, BancAmerica Robertson
           Stephens, Citicorp USA and CoreStates Bank, N.A. Incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter
           Ended May 2, 1998 filed on June 16, 1998.

10.14    Credit Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998 among the Company, Bank
           of America, Citicorp USA and First Union National Bank, as Co-Agents,
           the financial institutions from time to time party thereto,
           BancAmerica Robertson Stephens, as Arranger, and Bank of America, as
           Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to
           the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on
           September 14, 1998.

10.14.1  Trademark Security Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, made by Ann
           Taylor in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.1 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC
           for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998.

10.14.2  Guaranty, dated as of June 30, 1998, made by the Company in favor of
           Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10.28.2 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended
           August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998.

10.14.3  Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998, made by
           ATSC in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.3 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC
           for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998.

10.14.4  Security and Pledge Agreement, dated as of June 30, 1998 made by Ann
           Taylor in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative Agent.
           Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.4 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC
           for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14, 1998.

10.14.5  Subsidiary Guaranty, dated as of June 30, 1998 made by AnnTaylor
           Distribution Services in favor of Bank of America, as Administrative
           Agent. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28.5 to the Form 10-Q
           of ATSC for the Quarter Ended August 1, 1998 filed on September 14,
           1998.


10.14.6  First Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated as of September 7,
           1999, among the Company, Bank of America, N.A., Citibank, N.A., First
           Union National Bank and each of the other lenders party to the Credit
           Agreement, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, as Arranger and
           Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10.19.6 to the Form 10-Q of ATSC for the Quarter Ended
           July 31, 1999 filed on September 14, 1999.

10.14.7  Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement, dated December 1999, among
           the Company, Bank of America, N.A., Citibank, N.A., First Union
           National Bank, and each of the other lenders party to the Credit
           Agreement, NationsBanc Montgomery Securities LLC, as Arranger and
           Bank of America, as Administrative Agent. Incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10.15.7 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on
           April 18, 2000.


================================================================================
<PAGE>15




EXHIBIT NUMBER
--------------



10.15    AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Long-Term Cash Incentive Compensation
           Plan, as approved by stockholders on June 17, 1998. Incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit A to the Proxy Statement of ATSC dated
           May 1, 1998 filed on May 6, 1998.

10.15.1  Amendment to the AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Long-Term Cash
           Incentive Compensation Plan, dated as of March 10, 2000. Incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 10.16.1 to the Annual Report on Form 10-K of
           ATSC filed on April 18, 2000.

10.16    AnnTaylor Stores Corporation Special Severance Plan, dated as of
           March 10, 2000. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.18 to the
           Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 18, 2000.

10.17    The AnnTaylor Stores Corporation 2000 Stock Option and Restricted
           Stock Award Plan. Incorporated by reference to the Registration
           Statement on Form S-8 of ATSC filed on May 31, 2000.

10.18    Employment Agreement, dated as of March 7, 2001, between ATSC and
           Barry Erdos.  Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.17 to the
           Annual Report on Form 10-K of ATSC filed on April 5, 2001.

23       Consent of Deloitte & Touche LLP.


================================================================================
<PAGE>16



                                   SIGNATURES
                                   ----------


      Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.


                                        ANNTAYLOR, INC.

                                        By: /s/ J. Patrick Spainhour
                                           -------------------------------
                                              J. Patrick Spainhour
                                                Chairman and Chief
                                                Executive Officer

Date:  April 5, 2001
       -------------


    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this
report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.



 /s/ J. Patrick Spainhour    Chairman and Chief Executive       April 5, 2001
-------------------------      Officer and Director
     J. Patrick Spainhour



 /s/ Barry Erdos             Senior Executive Vice President    April 5, 2001
-------------------------      and Chief Operating Officer
     Barry Erdos



 /s/ James M. Smith          Senior Vice President and          April 5, 2001
-------------------------      Chief Financial Officer
     James M. Smith              and Treasurer



 /s/ Gerald S. Armstrong             Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     Gerald S. Armstrong



 /s/ James J. Burke, Jr.             Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     James J. Burke, Jr.



 /s/ Wesley E. Cantrell              Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     Wesley E. Cantrell



 /s/ Robert C. Grayson               Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     Robert C. Grayson



 /s/ Ronald W. Hovsepian             Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     Ronald W. Hovsepian



 /s/ Rochelle B. Lazarus             Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     Rochelle B. Lazarus



 /s/ Hanne M. Merriman               Director                   April 5, 2001
-------------------------
     Hanne M. Merriman



================================================================================
<PAGE> 17

                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
            INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS




                                                          PAGE NO.
                                                          --------

Independent Auditors' Report.............................    18

Consolidated Financial Statements:

     Consolidated Statements of Income for the
        fiscal years ended February 3,  2001,
        January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999............    19

     Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
        February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000............    20

     Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
       for the fiscal years ended
       February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000
       and January 30, 1999..............................    21

     Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements..........    22

================================================================================
<PAGE> 18

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT




To the Stockholder of
ANNTAYLOR, INC.:


      We have audited the accompanying consolidated financial statements of
AnnTaylor, Inc. and its subsidiaries, listed in the accompanying index. These
financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

      We conducted our audits in accordance with auditing standards generally
accepted in the United States of America. Those standards require that we plan
and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial
statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a
test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and
significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

      In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in
all material respects, the financial position of the Company and its
subsidiaries at February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000 and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period
ended February 3, 2001 in conformity with accounting principles generally
accepted in the United States of America.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP


New York, New York
March 1, 2001
================================================================================
<PAGE> 19

                                 ANNTAYLOR, INC.
                        CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
       For the Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and
                                January 30, 1999






                                                   Fiscal Years Ended
                                          ------------------------------------
                                           Feb. 3,      Jan. 29,      Jan. 30,
                                             2001         2000          1999
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                      (in thousands)

Net sales ............................... $1,232,776   $1,084,519   $  911,939
Cost of sales ...........................    622,036      536,014      455,724
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------
Gross profit ............................    610,740      548,505      456,215
Selling, general and administrative
   expenses .............................    501,460      414,315      350,522
Retirement of assets ....................       --           --          3,633
Amortization of goodwill ................     11,040       11,040       11,040
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------
Operating income ........................     98,240      123,150       91,020
Interest income .........................      2,473        4,378        2,241
Interest expense ........................      7,315       11,814       20,358
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------
Income before income taxes and
  extraordinary loss.....................     93,398      115,714       72,903
Income tax provision ....................     41,035       50,221       33,579
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------
Income before extraordinary loss ........     52,363       65,493       39,324
Extraordinary loss (net of income
  tax benefit of $0, $641,000 and
  $0, respectively) .....................         --          962           --
                                          ----------   ----------   ----------
    Net income ............s.............. $   52,363   $   64,531   $   39,324
                                          ==========   ==========   ==========


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

================================================================================
<PAGE>20



                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
                    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
               February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000





                                                            Feb. 3,    Jan. 29,
                                                              2001      2000
                                                           --------   --------
                                                              (in thousands)
                       ASSETS
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents.............................   $ 31,962   $ 35,081
  Accounts receivable, net .............................     57,989     58,686
  Merchandise inventories ..............................    170,631    140,026
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets.............     53,227     37,796
                                                           --------   --------
      Total current assets .............................    313,809    271,589
Property and equipment, net ............................    220,032    173,639
Goodwill, net ..........................................    297,619    308,659
Deferred financing costs, net ..........................      4,281      5,358
Other assets ...........................................     12,374      5,872
                                                           --------   --------
      Total assets......................................   $848,115   $765,117
                                                           ========   ========

            LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable......................................   $ 65,903   $ 56,175
  Accrued salaries and bonus ...........................     12,960     23,297
  Accrued tenancy ......................................      9,800      7,800
  Gift certificates and merchandise credits redeemable .     20,375     15,618
  Accrued expenses .....................................     30,604     16,031
  Current portion of long-term debt ....................      1,400      1,300
                                                           --------   --------
      Total current liabilities ........................    141,042    120,221
Long-term debt, net ....................................    116,210    114,485
Deferred lease costs and other liabilities..............     16,834     14,789

Commitments and contingencies

Stockholder's equity
  Common stock, $1.00 par value; 1,000 shares authorized
      1 share issued and outstanding ...................          1          1
  Additional paid-in capital ...........................    383,199    377,155
  Retained earnings ....................................    190,829    138,466
                                                           --------   --------
      Total stockholder's equity .......................    574,029    515,622
                                                           --------   --------
      Total liabilities and stockholder's equity .......   $848,115   $765,117
                                                           ========   ========




      See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
================================================================================
<PAGE>21


                                 ANNTAYLOR, INC.
                      CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
            For the Fiscal Years Ended February 3, 2001, January 29,
                            2000 and January 30, 1999



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             Fiscal Years Ended
                                                              --------------------------------------------
                                                              February 3,        January 29,   January 30,
                                                                 2001                2000          1999
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
                                                                                (in thousands)
<S>                                                            <C>                 <C>          <C>
Operating activities:
   Net income ..............................................   $  52,363           $  64,531    $  39,324
   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash
     provided by operating activities:
       Extraordinary loss ..................................        --                 1,603         --
       Provision for loss on accounts receivable ...........       1,154               1,032        1,476
       Depreciation and amortization .......................      35,033              30,347       28,783
       Amortization of goodwill ............................      11,040              11,040       11,040
       Amortization of deferred compensation ...............       1,133               1,877          465
       Non-cash interest ...................................       4,247               3,026        1,290
       Deferred income taxes ...............................      (3,864)             (3,843)       3,966
       Loss on disposal of property and equipment ..........       1,884               1,219        4,175
       Changes in assets and liabilities:
             Increase in receivables .......................        (457)             (1,154)      (5,813)
             Increase in merchandise inventories ...........     (30,605)             (3,278)     (39,514)
             Increase in prepaid expenses and
                 other current assets ......................     (12,106)             (1,601)     (12,082)
             Decrease (increase) in other
                 non-current assets
                 and liabilities, net ......................      (3,918)              3,131          679
          Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and
           and accrued liabilities .........................      20,721              (9,631)      41,746
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
   Net cash provided by operating activities ...............      76,625              98,299       75,535
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
Investing activities:
   Purchases of property and equipment .....................     (83,310)            (53,409)     (45,131)
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
   Net cash used by investing activities ...................     (83,310)            (53,409)     (45,131)
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
Financing activities:
   Parent company activity .................................       4,911             (80,109)       9,036
   Payment of financing costs ..............................         (45)             (4,150)      (2,659)
   Payments of mortgage ....................................      (1,300)             (1,206)      (1,119)
   Proceeds from Issuance of Note Payable to ATSC ..........        --               110,000         --
   Redemption of 8 3/4% Notes ..............................        --              (101,375)        --
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
   Net cash provided by (used by) financing activities .....       3,566             (76,840)       5,258
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
Net increase (decrease) in cash ............................      (3,119)            (31,950)      35,662
Cash, beginning of year ....................................      35,081              67,031       31,369
                                                               ---------           ---------    ---------
Cash, end of year ..........................................   $  31,962           $  35,081    $  67,031
                                                               =========           =========    =========
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
   Cash paid during the year for interest ..................   $   2,418           $   9,405    $  18,582
                                                               =========           =========    =========
   Cash paid during the year for income taxes ..............   $  43,393           $  51,222    $  33,934
                                                               =========           =========    =========
</TABLE>


          See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.


================================================================================
<PAGE>22



                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
            NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS



1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      AnnTaylor, Inc. (the "Company" or "Ann Taylor") is a leading national
specialty retailer of better quality women's apparel, shoes and accessories sold
principally under the Ann Taylor brand name. Its principal market consists of
the United States. The Company sells its products through traditional retail
stores and over the Internet, through its Online Store.

      All of the outstanding capital stock of the Company, consisting of one
share of common stock, is owned by AnnTaylor Stores Corporation ("ATSC").

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

      The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company
and its subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts have been eliminated in
consolidation.

      Certain Fiscal 1999 and 1998 amounts have been reclassified to conform to
the Fiscal 2000 presentation.


FISCAL YEAR

      The Company follows the standard fiscal year of the retail industry, which
is a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31 of the
following calendar year. All fiscal years presented include 52 weeks, except the
fiscal year ended February 3, 2001 which included 53 weeks.


REVENUE RECOGNITION

      The Company records revenue as merchandise is sold. The Company's policy
with respect to gift certificates is to record revenue as the certificates are
redeemed for merchandise. Prior to their redemption, the certificates are
recorded as a liability.


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

      Cash and short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of
three months or less are considered cash or cash equivalents.


MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES

      Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of average cost or market.
Effective February 1, 1998, the Company elected to change its method of
inventory valuation from the retail method to the average cost method. The
majority of the Company's inventory represents finished goods available for
sale.


PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

      Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Depreciation and amortization
are computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the
assets (3 to 40 years) or, in the case of leasehold improvements, over the lives
of the respective leases, if shorter.


================================================================================
<PAGE>23


                             ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)




1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)


DEFERRED FINANCING COSTS

      Deferred financing costs are being amortized using the interest method
over the term of the related debt. Accumulated amortization at February 3, 2001
and January 29, 2000 was $2,750,000 and $1,628,000, respectively.


FINANCE SERVICE CHARGE INCOME

      Income from finance service charges relating to customer receivables,
which is deducted from selling, general and administrative expenses, amounted to
$8,614,000 for Fiscal 2000, $8,650,000 for Fiscal 1999 and $8,422,000 for Fiscal
1998.


GOODWILL AND OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS

      Goodwill relating to the 1989 acquisition of Ann Taylor by ATSC is being
amortized on a straight-line basis over 40 years. Goodwill relating to the
acquisition, in 1996, of the operations comprising the Company's sourcing
division, is being amortized on a straight-line basis over 25 years. Accumulated
amortization at February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000 was $120,971,000 and
$109,931,000, respectively.

      The Company evaluates its long-lived assets for impairment annually or
whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may
not be recoverable. The Company compares the carrying value of its long-lived
assets to an estimate of their expected future cash flows (undiscounted and
without interest charges) to evaluate the reasonableness of the carrying value
and remaining depreciation or amortization period. If the sum of the expected
future cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset, an impairment
loss is recognized.


ADVERTISING

      Costs associated with the production of advertising, such as printing and
other costs, are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with communicating
advertising that has been produced, such as magazine ads, are expensed when the
advertising first takes place. Costs of direct mail catalogs and postcards are
expensed when the advertising arrives in customers' homes. Advertising costs
were $30,900,000, $25,700,000 and $17,800,000 in Fiscal 2000, 1999 and 1998,
respectively.

================================================================================
<PAGE>24


                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)


1.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)

INCOME TAXES

      The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement of
Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes",
which requires an asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income
taxes. Under the asset and liability method, deferred tax assets and liabilities
are recognized, and income or expense is recorded, for the estimated future tax
consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax
bases. The Company and its domestic subsidiaries file a consolidated Federal
income tax return, while the Company's foreign subsidiaries file in their
respective local jurisdictions.

      Pursuant to a Tax Sharing Agreement, ATSC and the Company have agreed to
elect to file consolidated income tax returns for federal income tax purposes
and may elect to file such returns in states and other relevant jurisdictions
that permit such an election, for income tax purposes. With respect to such
consolidated income tax returns, the Tax Sharing Agreement generally requires
the Company to pay to ATSC the entire tax shown to be due on such consolidated
returns, provided that the amount paid by the Company shall not exceed the
amount of taxes that would have been owed by the Company on a stand-alone basis.

SEGMENTS

      The Company has one reportable segment given the economic characteristics
of the store formats, the similar nature of the products sold, the type of
customer and method of distribution.

USE OF ESTIMATES

      The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires
management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of
assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at
the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenue and
expenses during the reported period. Actual results could differ from these
estimates.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

      In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB"), issued
SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities" as
amended by SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging
Activities-Deferral of Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133", which
establishes accounting and reporting standards for derivatives, derivative
instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities. In 2000, the
FASB issued SFAS No. 138, "Accounting for Certain Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities", which establishes accounting and reporting standards for
certain derivatives, derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for
certain hedging activities. These statements are effective for the Company's
Fiscal 2001 financial statements. Management has determined that the adoption of
these standards have no impact on the Company's financial statements.

================================================================================
<PAGE>25


                             ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)



2.  LONG-TERM DEBT

      The following table summarizes long-term debt outstanding at February 3,
2001 and January 29, 2000:

                                    February 3, 2001         January 29, 2000
                                 ----------------------   ----------------------
                                  Carrying   Estimated    Carrying    Estimated
                                   Amount    Fair Value   Amount      Fair Value
                                 --------    ----------   --------    ----------

                                                 (in thousands)

Mortgage .....................   $  2,650     $  2,650     $  3,950     $  3,950
Note Payable to ATSC, net.....    114,960      114,960      111,835      111,835
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------
       Total debt ............    117,610      117,610      115,785      115,785
Less current portion .........      1,400        1,400        1,300        1,300
                                 --------     --------     --------     --------
       Total long-term debt...   $116,210     $116,210     $114,485     $114,485
                                 ========     ========     ========     ========



      In accordance with the requirements of SFAS No. 107, "Disclosures about
Fair Value of Financial Instruments", the Company determined the estimated fair
value of its financial instruments using quoted market information, as
available. As judgment is involved, the estimates are not necessarily indicative
of the amounts the Company could realize in a current market exchange.

      The Company's principal credit facility is a bank credit facility that it
entered into in June 1998 with a syndicate of lenders (the "Credit Facility").
The Company uses the Credit Facility for the issuance of commercial and standby
letters of credit and to provide funds for other general corporate purposes.
 The lenders' commitment under the Credit Facility was originally $150,000,000.
The Credit Facility had an original maturity date of June 30, 2000, subject to
extension upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. Effective September 3,
1999, the Company elected to reduce the commitment of the lenders under the
Credit Facility by $25,000,000 to $125,000,000 and extended the term of the
credit agreement to June 30, 2001.

      Loans outstanding under the Credit Facility at any time may not exceed
$50,000,000. The Company did not make any borrowings under the loan provisions
of the Credit Facility during Fiscal 2000, and there were no loans outstanding
at fiscal year end. The outstanding loan balance is required to be reduced to
zero for the thirty-day period commencing January 1 each year. This cleandown
period was achieved for January 2001. Maximum availability for loans and letters
of credit under the Credit Facility is governed by a monthly borrowing base,
determined by the application of specified advance rates against certain
eligible assets. Based on this calculation, the maximum amount available for
loans and letters of credit under the Credit Facility at February 3, 2001 was
$125,000,000. Commercial and standby letters of credit outstanding under the
Credit Facility at February 3, 2001 were approximately $89,894,000.

      Amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility bear interest at a rate
equal to, at the Company's option, the lead lender's Base Rate or Eurodollar
Rate, plus a margin ranging from 0.25% to 1.00% and from 1.25% to 2.00%,
respectively. In addition, the Company is required to pay the lenders a
quarterly commitment fee on the unused revolving loan commitment amount at a
rate ranging from 0.375% to 0.5% per annum. Fees for outstanding commercial and
standby letters of credit range from 0.625% to 1.0% and from 1.25% to 2.0%,
respectively.

================================================================================
<PAGE> 26




                             ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)


2. LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

      The Credit Facility contains financial and other covenants, including
limitations on indebtedness, liens and investments, restrictions on dividends or
other distributions to stockholders and maintenance of certain financial ratios
including a specified fixed charge coverage ratio and specified levels of net
worth.

      The lenders have been granted a pledge of the common stock of ATSC and
certain of its subsidiaries, and a security interest in substantially all other
tangible and intangible assets, including accounts receivable, trademarks,
inventory, store furniture and fixtures, of the Company and its subsidiaries, as
collateral for the Company's obligations under the Credit Facility.

      As noted above, the Credit Facility matures in June 2001. The Company is
currently negotiating to obtain new financing and anticipates new arrangements
will be in place in the Spring of 2001.

      In the second quarter of Fiscal 1999, the Company issued a promissory
note, as amended, to ATSC of an aggregate of $199,072,000 principal amount at
maturity (the "Note Payable to ATSC"). The Note Payable to ATSC was issued, as
amended, by the Company during the second quarter of 1999 for value received and
has interest and payment terms substantially similar to the terms of the
Convertible Debentures Due 2019 ("Convertible Debentures") that were issued in
1999 by ATSC. ATSC has pledged the Note Payable to ATSC to the lenders under the
Company's bank Credit Facility as collateral for ATSC's guarantee of the
Company's performance of its obligations under the Credit Facility.

      On July 22, 1999, the Company redeemed all of its outstanding 8 3/4%
Subordinated Notes due 2000 (the "8 3/4% Notes"), at a redemption price of
101.375% of principal amount, plus accrued unpaid interest to the redemption
date. The redemption of the 8 3/4% Notes resulted in an extraordinary charge to
earnings in the second quarter of 1999 and fiscal year 1999 of $962,000, net of
income tax benefit.

      The Company had outstanding a note (the "intercompany note") payable of
$100,625,000 to ATSC. The intercompany note was issued by the Company on August
28, 1998 and had interest and payment terms substantially similar to the terms
of the 8 1/2% Convertible Subordinated Debentures Due 2016 that were issued in
1996 by ATSC to AnnTaylor Finance Trust. ATSC had pledged the intercompany note
to the lenders as collateral for ATSC's guarantee of the Company's performance
of its obligations under the Credit Facility. During the second quarter of
Fiscal 1999, the Company made a prepayment on the intercompany note in the
amount of $100,000 and the balance was forgiven by ATSC. The forgiveness of debt
constituted a contribution of capital by ATSC to the Company.

      The Company and its wholly owned subsidiary AnnTaylor Distribution
Services, Inc. are parties to a $7,000,000 seven-year mortgage loan maturing in
Fiscal 2002. The loan is secured by the Company's distribution center land and
building in Louisville, Kentucky. The mortgage loan bears interest at 7.5% and
is payable in monthly installments of approximately $130,000. The mortgage loan
balance at February 3, 2001 was $2,650,000.

================================================================================
<PAGE>27


                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)




2.  LONG-TERM DEBT (CONTINUED)

      The aggregate principal payments for the next five years of all long-term
obligations at February 3, 2001 are as follows:

        Fiscal Year                                (in thousands)
        -----------
          2001.....................................   $ 1,400
          2002.....................................     1,250
          2003.....................................       ---
          2004.....................................       ---
          2005.....................................       ---
                                                       ------
          Total....................................   $ 2,650
                                                       ======


3.  PREFERRED SECURITIES

      In April and May of Fiscal 1996, ATSC completed the sale of an aggregate
of $100,625,000 of 8 1/2% Company-Obligated Mandatorily Redeemable Convertible
Preferred Securities (the "preferred securities") issued by its financing
vehicle, AnnTaylor Finance Trust, a Delaware business trust (the "Trust"). On
June 29, 1999, AnnTaylor Finance Trust redeemed all of the outstanding preferred
securities. All but $100,000 of the liquidation amount of the preferred
securities was tendered for conversion into an aggregate of 5,116,717 shares of
ATSC common stock prior to the redemption date, at a conversion price of $19.65
per share of ATSC common stock, or 2.545 shares of ATSC common stock per $50
liquidation amount of the security. Holders of preferred securities that were
not tendered for conversion received 105.95% of the liquidation amount of the
preferred securities redeemed, plus accrued distributions.


4.  ALLOWANCE FOR DOUBTFUL ACCOUNTS

      A summary of activity in the allowance for doubtful accounts for the
fiscal years ended February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 is as
follows:

                                                    Fiscal Years Ended
                                              ------------------------------
                                              Feb. 3,    Jan. 29,   Jan. 30,
                                               2001       2000        1999
                                              -------    -------    --------
                                                    (in thousands)

Balance at beginning of year ...............  $   666    $   820    $   812
Provision for loss on accounts receivable...    1,154      1,032      1,476
Accounts written off .......................   (1,199)    (1,186)    (1,468)
                                               ------     ------     ------
Balance at end of year .....................  $   621    $   666    $   820
                                               ======     ======     ======
================================================================================
<PAGE>28



                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)




5.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

RENTAL COMMITMENTS

      The Company occupies its retail stores and administrative facilities under
operating leases, most of which are non-cancelable. Some leases contain renewal
options for periods ranging from one to ten years under substantially the same
terms and conditions as the original leases. Most of the store leases require
payment of a specified minimum rent, plus a contingent rent based on a
percentage of the store's net sales in excess of a specified threshold. In
addition, most of the leases require payment of real estate taxes, insurance and
certain common area and maintenance costs in addition to the future minimum
lease payments shown below.

      Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases at
February 3, 2001 are as follows:

      Fiscal Year                           (in thousands)
      -----------
       2001..................................$ 117,419
       2002..................................  118,108
       2003..................................  113,145
       2004..................................  108,743
       2005..................................  100,034
       2006 and thereafter...................  353,493
                                              --------
       Total.................................$ 910,942
                                              ========

      Rent expense for the fiscal years ended February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000
and January 30, 1999 was as follows:

                                                Fiscal Years Ended
                                       -------------------------------------

                                       Feb. 3,        Jan. 29,       Jan. 30,
                                        2001           2000           1999
                                       -------        -------        -------
                                                  (in thousands)

Minimum rent .......................   $91,482        $73,363        $66,916
Percentage rent.....................     3,534          3,131          2,414
                                       -------        -------        -------
     Total .........................   $95,016        $76,494        $69,330
                                       =======        =======        =======


LITIGATION

      The Company has been named as a defendant in several legal actions arising
from its normal business activities. Although the amount of any liability that
could arise with respect to these actions cannot be accurately predicted, in the
opinion of the Company, any such liability will not have a material adverse
effect on the financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the
Company.

================================================================================
<PAGE>29


                             ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)



5.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (CONTINUED)

      In addition, ATSC, Ann Taylor, certain directors and former officers and
directors of ATSC and Ann Taylor, Merrill Lynch & Co. ("ML&Co.") and certain
affiliates of ML&Co. are defendants in a purported class action lawsuit
originally filed in April 1996 by certain alleged stockholders, alleging that
ATSC and the other defendants engaged in a fraudulent scheme and course of
business that operated a fraud or deceit on purchasers of ATSC's common stock
during the period from February 3, 1994 through May 4, 1995. On November 9,
1998, the District Court issued an order granting the defendants' motion to
dismiss the amended complaint with prejudice for its failure to plead fraud with
particularity. On or about December 15, 1998, the plaintiffs filed a notice of
appeal to the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, seeking
review of the District Court's order. The Court heard oral argument on this
appeal on September 15, 1999. ML&Co., its affiliates and the two directors who
previously served on the Company's Board of Directors as representatives of
certain affiliates of ML&Co. (the "settling defendants") reached a settlement
with the plaintiffs, which provides, among other things, for the establishment
of a settlement fund in the amount of $3,000,000, plus interest. On or about
December 14, 1999, the District Court entered an Order and Final Judgment
approving this partial settlement, dismissing the amended complaint with
prejudice as to the settling defendants, and barring and enjoining any future
claims by, among others, the remaining defendants against the settling
defendants for contribution.

      On June 21, 2000, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second
Circuit vacated the dismissal of the amended complaint. The Court of Appeals
held that the allegations of the amended complaint are sufficient to satisfy the
standard for pleading intent under the federal securities laws, but expressed no
view as to whether the allegations are sufficiently particularized. Accordingly,
the Court of Appeals remanded the case to the District Court with instructions
to allow plaintiffs to replead their complaint, and to reconsider whether
plaintiffs' allegations are pled with sufficient particularity to satisfy the
pleading standards of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The
decision of the Court of Appeals applies only to plaintiffs' claims against ATSC
and Ann Taylor and their former directors and officers. As a result, any
liability that may arise from this action cannot be predicted at this time.
ML&Co. and its affiliates entered into a settlement with the plaintiffs, and
plaintiffs withdrew their appeal of the dismissal of the amended complaint with
respect to those defendants.

      On or about September 19, 2000, ATSC and Ann Taylor and their former
directors and officers filed a petition for a writ of certiorari in the United
States Supreme Court seeking review and reversal of the decision of the Court of
Appeals. This petition was denied on or about November 27, 2000.

      Following the decision of the Court of Appeals, plaintiffs elected not to
replead their amended complaint. On or about September 29, 2000, ATSC and Ann
Taylor and their former directors and officers again moved to dismiss the
amended complaint, arguing that it fails to plead fraud with sufficient
particularity under the standards set forth by the Court of Appeals in its June
21, 2000 decision. The motion has been fully briefed and is pending before the
District Court.

      The Company believes that the amended complaint is without merit and
intends to continue to defend the action vigorously.

================================================================================

<PAGE>30


                             ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)



6.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

      Property and equipment consists of the following:

                                                  Fiscal Years Ended
                                                  ------------------
                                                  Feb. 3,    Jan. 29,
                                                   2001       2000
                                                  -------    -------
                                                   (in thousands)

Land and building ............................   $  8,774   $  8,774
Leasehold improvements .......................    132,537    110,573
Furniture and fixtures .......................    213,195    169,521
Construction in progress .....................     25,279     23,518
                                                  -------    -------
                                                  379,785    312,386
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization    159,753    138,747
                                                  -------    -------
    Net property and equipment ...............   $220,032   $173,639
                                                  =======    =======


7.  EXTRAORDINARY ITEM

      On July 22, 1999, the Company applied the proceeds received from the
issuance of its Note Payable to ATSC to redeem the outstanding 8 3/4% Notes.
This resulted in an extraordinary charge to earnings in Fiscal 1999 of $962,000,
net of income tax benefit of $641,000.



8.  NONRECURRING CHARGES

      In the fourth quarter of Fiscal 1998, the Company recorded a $3,633,000
non-cash pre-tax charge for the retirement of certain assets. This charge
related to the write-off of the net book value of assets relinquished during the
renovation of the Company's corporate offices.


9.    INCOME TAXES

      The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended February 3,
2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 consists of the following:
                                                 Fiscal Years Ended
                                           -------------------------------
                                           Feb. 3,     Jan. 29,    Jan. 30,
                                            2001        2000        1999
                                           ------      ------      ------
                                                   (in thousands)
Federal:
 Current..............................   $ 38,082    $ 41,682    $ 21,589
 Deferred ............................     (3,047)     (3,033)      2,748
                                           ------      ------      ------
   Total federal .....................     35,035      38,649      24,337
                                           ------      ------      ------
State and local:
 Current .............................      6,476      11,856       7,869
 Deferred ............................       (817)       (809)      1,217
                                           ------      ------      ------
   Total state and local .............      5,659      11,047       9,086
                                           ------      ------      ------
Foreign:
 Current .............................        471         525         156
 Deferred ............................       (130)       --          --
                                           ------      ------      ------
   Total foreign .....................        341         525         156
                                           ------      ------      ------
 Total................................   $ 41,035    $ 50,221    $ 33,579
                                           ======      ======      ======
================================================================================
<PAGE>31


                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)



9.   INCOME TAXES (CONTINUED)

      The reconciliation between the provision for income taxes and the
provision for income taxes at the federal statutory rate for the fiscal years
ended February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999 is as follows:

                                                       Fiscal Years Ended
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Feb. 3,    Jan. 29,     Jan. 30,
                                                  2001       2000          1999
                                                -------    --------     -------
                                              (in thousands, except percentages)

Income before income taxes and
   extraordinary loss ......................... $93,398    $115,714     $72,903
                                                =======    ========     =======
Federal statutory rate ........................      35%         35%         35%
                                                =======    ========     =======
Provision for income taxes at
   federal statutory rate...................... $32,689    $ 40,500     $25,516
State and local income taxes, net of federal
   income tax benefit .........................   4,751       6,278       4,660
Non-deductible amortization of goodwill .......   3,500       3,500       3,500
Earnings of foreign subsidiaries ..............      78          79        (188)
Other .........................................      17        (136)         91
                                                -------    --------     -------
Provision for income taxes .................... $41,035    $ 50,221     $33,579
                                                =======    ========     =======




      The tax effects of significant items comprising the Company's deferred tax
assets as of February 3, 2001 and January 29, 2000 are as follows:


                                       February 3, 2001    January 29, 2000
                                       ----------------    ----------------

                                                   (in thousands)
    Current:
     Inventory............................  $ 4,375           $ 2,071
     Accrued expenses.....................    3,364             2,306
     Real estate..........................   (2,087)           (2,050)
                                            -------           -------
    Total current.........................  $ 5,652           $ 2,327
                                            =======           =======
    Noncurrent:
     Accrued expenses.....................  $   983           $   763
     Depreciation and amortization........   (2,616)           (2,936)
     Rent expense.........................    5,510             5,168
     Other................................      (16)              327
                                            -------           -------
    Total noncurrent......................  $ 3,861           $ 3,322
                                            =======           =======


      Income taxes provided reflect the current and deferred tax consequences of
events that have been recognized in the Company's financial statements or tax
returns. U.S. federal income taxes are provided on unremitted foreign earnings,
except those that are considered permanently reinvested, which at February 3,
2001 amounted to approximately $6,803,000. However, if these earnings were not
considered permanently reinvested, under current law, the incremental tax on
such undistributed earnings would be approximately $2,137,000.

================================================================================
<PAGE>32


                          ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)



 10.RETIREMENT PLANS

      SAVINGS PLAN. The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) savings
plan for substantially all full-time employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries. Participants may contribute to the plan an aggregate of up to 10%
of their annual earnings. The Company makes a matching contribution of 50% with
respect to the first 3% of each participant's annual earnings contributed to the
plan. The Company's contributions to the plan for Fiscal 2000, Fiscal 1999 and
Fiscal 1998 were $792,000, $697,000, and $592,000, respectively.

      PENSION PLAN. Substantially all full-time employees of the Company and its
subsidiaries are covered under a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan.
Through December 31, 1997, the pension plan was a "cash balance pension plan",
under which each participant accrued a benefit based on compensation and years
of service with the Company. As of January 1, 1998, the plan was amended and the
formula to calculate benefits was changed to a career average formula. The new
career average formula was used to determine the funding status of the plan
beginning in Fiscal 1997. The Company's funding policy for the plan is to
contribute annually the amount necessary to provide for benefits based on
accrued service and projected pay increases. Plan assets consist primarily of
cash, equity and fixed income securities.

      The following table provides information for the pension plan at February
3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and January 30, 1999:




                                                       Fiscal Years Ended
                                                  ----------------------------
                                                  Feb. 3,   Jan. 29,   Jan. 30,
                                                   2001       2000       1999
                                                  -----      -----      -----
                                                         (in thousands)

Change in benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation, beginning of year .......   $ 4,954    $ 4,642    $ 3,820
Service cost ................................     1,206      1,129        669
Interest ....................................       442        340        292
Actuarial loss ..............................       912         19        348
Benefits paid ...............................      (732)    (1,176)      (487)
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Benefit obligation, end of year .............     6,782      4,954      4,642
                                                  -----      -----      -----

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year      9,489      7,486      5,128
Actual return on plan assets ................       887        763      1,205
Employer contribution .......................      --        2,416      1,640
Benefits paid ...............................      (732)    (1,176)      (487)
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Fair value of plan assets, end of year ......     9,644      9,489      7,486
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Funded status (fair value of plan assets less
   benefit obligation) ......................     2,862      4,535      2,844
Unrecognized net actuarial gain .............      (763)    (1,621)    (1,675)
Unrecognized prior service cost .............        57         63         69
                                                  -----      -----      -----
Prepaid benefit cost ........................   $ 2,156    $ 2,977    $ 1,238
                                                  =====     ======      =====

================================================================================
<PAGE>33


                             ANNTAYLOR, INC.
      NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS--(Continued)


10.RETIREMENT PLANS (CONTINUED)

Net pension cost includes the following components:


                                                Fiscal Years Ended
                                       --------------------------------------
                                       February 3,   January 29,  January 30,
                                           2001          2000         1999
                                       ----------    ----------   ----------
                                                 (in thousands)

Service cost........................     $  1,206      $ 1,129     $   669
Interest cost.......................          442          340         292
Expected return on assets...........         (831)        (776)       (481)
Amortization of prior gains.........           (1)         (22)        (61)
Amortization of prior service cost..            6            6           6
                                         --------      -------     -------
Net periodic pension cost...........     $    822      $   677     $   425
                                         ========      =======     =======

      For the fiscal years ended February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000 and January
30, 1999, the following actuarial assumptions were used:

                                                       Fiscal Years Ended
                                                --------------------------------
                                                Feb. 3,     Jan. 29,    Jan. 30,
                                                  2001        2000       1999
                                                -------     --------    --------

Discount rate .............................      7.75%       8.25%       6.75%
Long-term rate of return on assets ........      9.00%       9.00%       9.00%
Rate of increase in future compensation....      4.00%       4.00%       4.00%


11. STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY

      The following summarizes the changes in stockholder's equity during Fiscal
2000, Fiscal 1999 and Fiscal 1998:
                                                                        Total
                                               Additional               Stock-
                                    Common     Paid-in      Retained    holder's
                                    Stock      Capital      Earnings    Equity
                                    -----      ----------   --------    --------

                                                (in thousands)

Balance at January 31, 1998 ....... $  1     $ 445,886    $  34,611   $ 480,498
   Net income .....................   --          --         39,324      39,324
   Parent company contributions ...   --         9,501         --         9,501
   Intercompany note ..............   --      (100,625)        --      (100,625)
                                     ---      --------     --------    --------
Balance at January 30, 1999 .......    1       354,762       73,935     428,698
   Net income .....................   --          --         64,531      64,531
   Parent company contributions ...   --        11,713         --        11,713
   Forgiveness of intercompany note   --       100,625         --       100,625
   Dividend to ATSC ...............   --       (89,945)        --       (89,945)
                                     ---      --------     --------    --------
Balance at January 29, 2000 .......    1       377,155      138,466     515,622
   Net income .....................   --          --         52,363      52,363
   Parent company contributions ...   --         6,044         --         6,044
                                     ---      --------     --------    --------
Balance at February 3, 2001 ....... $  1     $ 383,199    $ 190,829   $ 574,029
                                    ====     =========    =========   =========

      During Fiscal 1999, ATSC's Board of Directors authorized a program under
which ATSC was authorized to purchase up to $90,000,000 of ATSC's common stock
and/or Convertible Debentures. As of January 29, 2000, 3,012,500 shares of
ATSC's common stock had been repurchased, using the funding provided by a
dividend from the Company to ATSC. The securities repurchase program was
completed in Fiscal 1999.