Between 250 and 650 retail stores, including Ann Taylor, Dress Barn, Loft, Lane Bryant, Justice, Dress Barn and Catherines stores are closing over the next two years, according to parent company Ascena Retail Group, UPI reported on Friday. Chief Executive David Jaffe said that 250 locations will definitely close down, and another 400 will close their doors unless the company can negotiate lower rents at those locations. The locations are closing over the next two years and also include Justice, Maurices and Catherines. It's unclear how many of each specific brand are expected to close, though 250 locations will definitely close. Up to 400 others are also being considered for shuttering. Jaffe said the retail group is encountering "persistent traffic decline" at its brick-and-mortar stores.
