Ann Taylor To Open New Concept Store At Kierland Commons

A new Ann Taylor concept store will celebrate its grand opening Friday, August 17, at Kierland Commons in Scottsdale. This will be Arizona’s second Ann Taylor concept store; the first opened last summer in the Chandler Fashion Center.

These concept stores are part of the brand’s effort to promote its recently revamped collection, which initially launched in the fall of 2009. Since it’s beginning, Ann Taylor has prided itself on offering iconic, classic American style for the modern working woman. However, throughout the decades, Ann Taylor has adapted to meet changing needs and emerging styles.

“The new Ann Taylor is chic and stylish with a more fashion-forward direction to address the needs of today’s modern working women,” says Lisa Axelson, head designer and a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA). “Our new concept stores are a reflection of our new fashion direction. They are light, modern, feminine and designed to showcase the full Ann Taylor collection while making our client feel comfortable and welcome.”

The new Ann Taylor boutiques, designed in partnership with S. Russell Groves architects, are inspired by a modern, contemporary home feel that can provide an intimate shopping experience that is both chic and inviting. Such accessories as modern-tufted furniture, elegant crystal chandeliers and flattering backlit mirrors serve as the focal points for the stores’ shoppers. New wardrobe niches allow for a broader assortment of products than previous Ann Taylor stores.

“The shopping experience is better on many levels,” says Andrew Taylor, style director for Ann Taylor. “For one, curated fashion presentations and expert styling services add to the new store experience and make shopping easy. At the front of the store, Lisa Axelsons’ favorite looks of the season greet the client and help with wardrobing and styling ideas.”

In addition to the wardrobe niches, a private lounge area features a touchscreen monitor that provides access to the Ann Taylor website. Such accessibility to the brand’s website allows shoppers to view and order the complete product assortment outside of the particular store they are in, including additional fashion and wear-to-work styles, a broader assortment of shoes and petites, and online exclusives.

“The key fashion message is complemented by shop-in-shop destinations, including the Career Chic shop, a petites shop and an accessories shop,” Taylor says. “Dedicated stylists are also on staff and available for both walk-ins and appointments to help clients put together perfect individualized looks for any occasion.”