Katie Holmes Helps Ann Taylor Rejoice its New Retailer on Fifth Avenue

Having not too long ago unveiled shops in Boston, San Diego and Costa Mesa, Calif., Ann Taylor has debuted a New York one on decrease Fifth Avenue.

The just-opened Flatiron district outpost was buzzing Tuesday morning with influencers, who had been shopping the racks, posing with an “AT❤️NY” e-newsletter and chatting over mugs of espresso. Ann Taylor executives dressed for the event in a few of this season’s newest finds, and even the DJ performed up the vacation spirit in a metallic-colored sequin high. Actress Katie Holmes, who’s at the moment starring in “Our City” on Broadway, additionally made an look. Having appeared in 2011 in an Ann Taylor promoting marketing campaign, she turned up as a nod to the corporate’s seventieth anniversary and its evolution. To that time, there was an in-house movie crew interviewing editors and influencers about their Ann Taylor purchases for job interviews, first dates and internship apparel. The New York-based former “Dawson’s Creek” star’s mix-and-match type is in step with Ann Taylor’s “My Type My Assertion” message of individualism.

Invoice Miller, chief advertising officer for Ann Taylor, Loft, Talbots and Haven Nicely Inside, stated, “It was enjoyable having Katie Holmes right here right now. It was a pleasant reflection of the place we’ve been and the place we’re going. She advised me she had plenty of enjoyable purchasing. She put it collectively in her personal manner. That’s what’s actually cool about Ann Taylor too. It’s actually about parts which you could personalize.”

Positioned between East twentieth and twenty first Streets, the Fifth Avenue retailer rests in a well-trafficked purchasing space. Ralph’s Espresso, On, Alo and Hoka are among the many retailers close by. There are additionally boutique health golf equipment like Barry’s Boot Camp, which maintain the realm’s pedestrian circulate going. Video footage is featured within the street-front home windows to draw consideration in any respect hours. Tailor-made types — what the model has been identified for — and vacation seems have been early sturdy performers. Ann Taylor can be seeing an inflow of mother-and-daughter consumers, in response to Miller. The Fifth Avenue location is the primary to debut in New York Metropolis since January 2022 as the corporate continues to eye worldwide development.

Ann Taylor is a part of the KnitWell Group, a $6 billion entity, which incorporates Chico’s, Haven Nicely Inside, Talbots, Lane Bryant, Loft, Soma and White Home Black Market. Earlier this fall, Ann Taylor and Loft returned to Canada in an enormous manner via an settlement with Centric Manufacturers LLC and Hudson’s Bay. As of late September, 30 Ann Taylor retailers and 60 Loft retailers had opened inside Hudson’s Bay division shops throughout Canada. That was the primary time in 4 years that they had been being bought in Canada. Ann Taylor and Loft merchandise are additionally being bought on-line via Hudson’s Bay at thebay.com. Centric, which acts because the distribution associate for Canada, buys product from the identical Ann Taylor and Loft vary that’s carried within the manufacturers’ stand-alone shops.

Ann Taylor has an extended historical past in New York, having first opened a 57th Road retailer in 1973. 5 years later, it unveiled a 12,000-square-foot flagship that included a third-floor restaurant. Earlier than the pandemic struck, the model had three places in Manhattan — within the Flatiron district, on Madison Avenue and in Rockefeller Middle. Whereas on-line gross sales proceed to gas development, having consumers have the ability to take a look at Ann Taylor’s cashmere, merino wool or sequin choices in particular person is a good thing about in-store purchasing, Miller stated. “It’s so vital that the product involves life differently.”

Close to the dressing rooms, consumers can swipe an oversize display to evaluate and request merchandise that will probably be delivered by gross sales associates, or take a look at Ann Taylor’s Instagram. There are additionally locations to lounge round close by within the 3,327-square-foot retailer.

Housed in a landmarked Beaux Arts constructing that was as soon as a part of the “Girls’ Mile” historic district (a primary purchasing space on the finish of the nineteenth century), the outpost was transformed after Cole Haan moved out. Customers will discover such on-line exclusives as Ann Taylor’s full cashmere assortment and its Studio assortment. Petites, which aren’t at all times simple to seek out in specialty shops, are additionally supplied within the Flatiron location, in addition to the model’s Weekend assortment. On Nov. 23, the primary day that the area was open to the general public, the Flatiron location was the corporate’s top-performing retailer. For this Saturday’s grand opening occasion, customized monogramming and floral bouquets will probably be supplied to consumers amongst different issues. Trunk reveals and different particular occasions are being deliberate for subsequent 12 months.