Ann Taylor opens on 36th and Walnut

Escaping the dreary weather yesterday, community members found shelter amidst the red Merino wool sweaters, crisp white button-down shirts and black wide-leg pantsuits of Ann Taylor Loft.

The national women's apparel chain, offering slightly more casual and economical merchandise than its sister operation, Ann Taylor, opened on schedule on the corner of 36th and Walnut streets yesterday.

Visitors to Ann Taylor Loft were largely approving of the franchise's opening on campus.

"I live next door and I have been waiting for this to open all year," Kings Court/English House resident and Engineering freshman Anna Mayergoyz said. "I will be shopping here every day to and from class. I just need more college money."

University officials announced in June the decision to bring the clothing store to campus. Its arrival follows the Dec. 30 closing of the nearby Steve Madden store.

With $40 button-down shirts, $50 sweaters and $150 suits, the cost issue was a concern for some students.

"It is a little on the expensive side," second-year Medicine student Melissa Hofmann said, admitting, that she will probably pop her head in every once in a while.

For most customers, though, having the business close by will save trips to Center City, when the need for dressy clothes arises.

"This will be more upscale -- like if you need an outfit to go out after work," Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania employee Joanne Gwin said. "I hope they will open more stores like this. All we need now is a good shoe store."

But for others, shopping at Ann Taylor Loft is not as appealing.

"I am an architecture student; I live in the studio," first-year graduate student Hannah Jackson said.

Penn's Retail and Real Estate representatives said they were excited about the store's opening.

"Ann Taylor Loft is going to be a terrific anchor to complement the Bookstore, EMS and Urban Outfitters," Director of Retail Development Lisa Prasad said.

According to Prasad, the women's clothing store is part of the University's retail strategy to bring "more browsable retail and apparel to the University Square area."

Penn's plan for developing University Square, the area between Walnut and Sansom streets on 36th Street, concerns turning the location into a "vibrant destination with a square in the middle and with more student-focused retail around it."

Until Ann Taylor representatives signed a lease in July, the space had been under renovation for exterior refurbishing and for interior environmental remediation.

Ann Taylor Loft representatives did not respond to calls for comment.

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