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                                 UNITED STATES
                                 -------------
                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                      ----------------------------------
                            WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ----------------------

                                   FORM 10-Q
                                   ---------


  QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                   ACT OF 1934
                                   -----------


                 FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED AUGUST 2, 2003



                        Commission file number 1-10738


                         ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                         ----------------------------
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



       DELAWARE                                       13-3499319
       --------                                       ----------
(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)


     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      .
                                             ----    -----


     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an  accelerated  filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes |X| No      .
                                               ----    ----

     Indicate the number of shares  outstanding of each of the issuer's  classes
of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.


                                             Outstanding as of
        Class                                 August 29, 2003
        -----                                 ---------------
COMMON STOCK, $.0068 PAR VALUE                   45,092,384
- ------------------------------                   ----------


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================================================================================
2

                                INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
                                ------------------







                                                                        PAGE NO.
                                                                       --------
PART I.   FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- -------   ---------------------

     Item 1. Financial Statements

             Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income
               for the Quarters and Six Months Ended
               August 2, 2003 and August 3, 2002........................... 3
             Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
               August 2, 2003 and February 1, 2003......................... 4
             Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
               for the Six Months Ended August 2, 2003 and
               August 3, 2002.............................................. 5
             Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.......... 6

     Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial
               Condition and Results of Operations.........................10

     Item 4. Controls and Procedures.......................................17


PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION
- --------  -----------------

     Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K..............................18


SIGNATURES    .............................................................19
- ----------

EXHIBIT INDEX .............................................................20
- -------------


                                       -2-
================================================================================
3


                           PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                           -----------------------------


ITEM 1.    FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                            ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                            ----------------------------
                    CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
                    -------------------------------------------
      FOR THE QUARTERS AND SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 2003 AND AUGUST 3, 2002
                                    (UNAUDITED)




                                         QUARTERS ENDED       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                      --------------------  --------------------
                                      AUGUST 2,  AUGUST 3,  AUGUST 2,  AUGUST 3,
                                         2003       2002       2003       2002
                                       -------    -------    -------    -------
                                       (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

Net sales ........................... $390,207   $343,143   $742,224   $688,535
Cost of sales .......................  187,646    161,965    350,648    320,794
                                       -------    -------    -------    -------
Gross margin ........................  202,561    181,178    391.586    367,741
Selling, general and administrative
  expenses ..........................  166,660    150,425    325,278    301,506
                                       -------    -------    -------    -------

Operating income ....................   35,901     30,753     66,298     66,235
Interest income .....................      777        913      1,465      1,429
Interest expense ....................    1,674      1,826      3,368      3,525
                                       -------    -------    -------    -------
Income before income taxes ..........   35,004     29,840     64,395     64,139
Income tax provision ................   13,827     11,638     25,290     25,015
                                       -------    -------    -------    -------
    Net income ...................... $ 21,177   $ 18,202   $ 39,105   $ 39,124
                                       =======    =======    =======    =======

Basic earnings per share of
    common stock..................... $   0.48   $   0.41   $   0.89   $   0.89
                                       =======    =======    =======    =======

Diluted earnings per share of
    common stock..................... $   0.45   $   0.39   $   0.84   $   0.84
                                       =======    =======    =======    =======


       See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      -3-

================================================================================
4

                             ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                             ----------------------------
                        CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                        -------------------------------------
                         AUGUST 2, 2003 AND FEBRUARY 1, 2003
                                     (UNAUDITED)


                                                        AUGUST 2,    FEBRUARY 1,
                                                          2003          2003
                                                      ----------     ----------
                       ASSETS                               (IN THOUSANDS)
Current assets
  Cash and cash equivalents ......................    $  259,594     $  212,821
  Accounts receivable, net .......................        14,830         10,367
  Merchandise inventories ........................       168,683        185,484
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets ......        51,494         46,599
                                                      ----------     ----------
      Total current assets .......................       494,601        455,271
Property and equipment, net ......................       253,892        247,115
Goodwill, net ....................................       286,579        286,579
Deferred financing costs, net ....................         3,727          4,170
Other assets .....................................        15,492         17,691
                                                      ----------     ----------
      Total assets ...............................    $1,054,291     $1,010,826
                                                      ==========     ==========

        LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities
  Accounts payable ...............................    $   68,842     $   57,058
  Accrued expenses ...............................        88,217         94,137
                                                      ----------     ----------
      Total current liabilities ..................       157,059        151,195

Long-term debt, net ..............................       123,386        121,652
Deferred lease costs and other liabilities .......        27,066         23,561


Stockholders' equity
  Common stock, $.0068 par value;
     120,000,000 shares authorized;
     49,106,344 and 48,932,860 shares
     issued, respectively ........................           334            332
  Additional paid-in capital .....................       503,683        500,061
  Retained earnings ..............................       334,013        296,113
  Deferred compensation on restricted stock ......        (4,834)        (3,968)
                                                      ----------     ----------
                                                         833,196        792,538
      Treasury stock, at cost
       4,568,506 and 4,050,972
         shares, respectively ....................       (86,416)       (78,120)
                                                      ----------     ----------
      Total stockholders' equity .................       746,780        714,418
                                                      ----------     ----------
      Total liabilities and stockholders' equity..    $1,054,291     $1,010,826
                                                      ==========     ==========


       See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      -4-
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5


                           ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                           ----------------------------
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                 -----------------------------------------------
            FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 2003 AND AUGUST 3, 2002
                                   (UNAUDITED)


                                                            SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                                         -----------------------
                                                          AUGUST 2,    AUGUST 3,
                                                            2003         2002
                                                         ---------    ---------
                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
Operating activities:
  Net income .........................................   $  39,105    $  39,124
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash provided by operating activities:
    Amortization of deferred compensation ............       1,540        2,167
    Deferred income taxes ............................        (471)       1,340
    Depreciation and amortization ....................      25,640       23,736
    Gain on sale of proprietary credit
      card accounts receivable .......................        --         (2,095)
    Loss on disposal of property and equipment .......         725          347
    Non-cash interest ................................       2,177        2,117
    Tax benefit from exercise of stock options .......         666        3,524
    Changes in assets and liabilities:
      Receivables ....................................      (4,463)      (1,809)
      Merchandise inventories ........................      16,801       10,662
      Prepaid expenses and other current assets ......      (3,791)         115
      Accounts payable and accrued expenses ..........       5,864       18,155
      Other non-current assets and
        liabilities, net .............................       5,070        1,629
                                                         ---------    ---------
  Net cash provided by operating activities ..........      88,863       99,012
                                                         ---------    ---------
Investing activities:
  Purchases of property and equipment ................     (33,141)     (17,572)
  Net proceeds from sale of proprietary
    credit card accounts receivable ..................        --         57,800
                                                         ---------    ---------
  Net cash provided (used) by investing activities ...     (33,141)      40,228
                                                         ---------    ---------
Financing activities:
  Payments on mortgage ...............................        --         (1,250)
  Payment of financing costs .........................        --            (14)
  Common stock activity related to stock
     based compensation programs, net ................       3,832       12,439
  Repurchase of common stock .........................     (12,781)        --
                                                         ---------    ---------
  Net cash provided (used) by financing activities ...      (8,949)      11,175
                                                         ---------    ---------
Net increase in cash .................................      46,773      150,415
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period .......     212,821       30,037
                                                         ---------    ---------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period .............   $ 259,594    $ 180,452
                                                         =========    =========

Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information:
  Cash paid during the period for interest ...........   $   1,133    $   1,260
                                                         =========    =========
  Cash paid during the period for income taxes .......   $  19,239    $   8,234
                                                         =========    =========


  See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

                                      -5-

================================================================================
6

                         ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                         ----------------------------
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             ----------------------------------------------------
                                  (UNAUDITED)

1.  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
- --  ---------------------

    The condensed  consolidated  financial statements are unaudited but, in the
opinion  of  management,  contain  all  adjustments  (which  are  of  a  normal
recurring nature) necessary to present fairly the financial  position,  results
of  operations  and cash  flows  for the  periods  presented.  All  significant
intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

    The results of  operations  for the fiscal 2003  interim  periods  shown in
this report are not  necessarily  indicative  of results to be expected for the
fiscal year.

    The February 1, 2003  condensed  consolidated  balance  sheet  amounts have
been  derived  from  the  previously  audited  consolidated  balance  sheet  of
AnnTaylor Stores Corporation (the "Company").

    Detailed  footnote  information  is not  included  for the  quarters  ended
August  2,  2003 and  August  3,  2002.  The  financial  information  set forth
herein  should  be  read  in  conjunction  with  the  Notes  to  the  Company's
Consolidated   Financial   Statements   contained  in  the   AnnTaylor   Stores
Corporation 2002 Annual Report to Stockholders.


2.  EARNINGS PER SHARE
- --  ------------------

    Basic  earnings  per share is  calculated  by  dividing  net  income by the
weighted  average  number of  common  shares  outstanding  during  the  period.
Diluted  earnings  per share  assumes  the  issuance  of  additional  shares of
common stock by the Company upon  exercise of all  outstanding  stock  options,
conversion of all  outstanding  convertible  securities and vesting of unvested
restricted stock, if the effect is dilutive.

    In April 2002,  the Company's  Board of Directors  approved a 3-for-2 split
of  the  Company's  common  stock,  in  the  form  of  a  stock  dividend.  One
additional  share of common  stock for every two shares  owned was  distributed
on May 20,  2002 to  stockholders  of record at the close of business on May 2,
2002.


                             [Tables on next page]

                                      -6-

================================================================================
7


                          ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                          ----------------------------
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             ----------------------------------------------------
                                  (UNAUDITED)


2.  EARNINGS PER SHARE (CONTINUED)
- --  ------------------------------


                                                QUARTERS  ENDED
                              -------------------------------------------------
                                  AUGUST 2, 2003            AUGUST 3, 2002
                              ----------------------    -----------------------
                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

                                               PER                        PER
                                              SHARE                      SHARE
                              INCOME  SHARES  AMOUNT    INCOME   SHARES  AMOUNT
                              ------  ------  ------    ------   ------  ------
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
- ------------------------
Income available to common
  stockholders               $21,177  44,024  $0.48     $18,202   44,311  $0.41
                                               ====                        ====

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
- -----------------------------
Stock options and restricted
   stock                         ---     665                ---      583
Convertible Debentures           722   3,606                709    3,606
                              ------  ------             ------   ------

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
- --------------------------
Income available to common
  stockholders               $21,899  48,295  $0.45     $18,911   48,500  $0.39
                              ======  ======   ====      ======   ======   ====




                                               SIX MONTHS ENDED
                              -------------------------------------------------
                                  AUGUST 2, 2003            AUGUST 3, 2002
                              ----------------------    -----------------------
                                     (IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)

                                               PER                        PER
                                              SHARE                      SHARE
                              INCOME  SHARES  AMOUNT    INCOME   SHARES  AMOUNT
                              ------  ------  ------    ------   ------  ------
BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE
- ------------------------
Income available to common
  stockholders               $39,105  44,034  $0.89     $39,124   44,145  $0.89
                                               ====                        ====

EFFECT OF DILUTIVE SECURITIES
- -----------------------------
Stock options and restricted
   stock                         ---     439                ---      634
Convertible Debentures         1,446   3,606              1,444    3,606
                              ------  ------             ------   ------

DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE
- --------------------------
Income available to common
  stockholders               $40,551  48,079  $0.84     $40,568   48,385  $0.84
                              ======  ======   ====      ======   ======   ====



    Options to purchase  980,999 and  2,538,801  shares of common  stock during
the  quarter and six months  ended  August 2, 2003,  respectively,  and 989,749
and 975,749  shares of common  stock  during the  quarter and six months  ended
August 3, 2002,  respectively,  were  excluded from the above  computations  of
weighted   average  shares  for  diluted   earnings  per  share,   due  to  the
antidilutive  effect  of  the  options'  exercise  prices  as  compared  to the
average market price of the common shares during those periods.


                                      -7-

================================================================================
8

                          ANNTAYLOR STORES CORPORATION
                          ----------------------------
             NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
             ----------------------------------------------------
                                  (UNAUDITED)



3.  STOCK-BASED AWARDS
- --  ------------------

      The Company  accounts  for  stock-based  awards and  employees'  purchase
rights under the  Associate  Discount  Stock  Purchase Plan using the intrinsic
value-based  method of  accounting  in accordance  with  Accounting  Principles
Board  Opinion  No. 25,  under which no  compensation  cost is  recognized  for
stock  option  awards  granted at fair  market  value and  employees'  purchase
rights  under the  Associate  Discount  Stock  Purchase  Plan.  The Company has
considered  the  optional  fair value  accounting  allowed  under  Statement of
Financial  Accounting  Standard  ("SFAS") No. 148,  "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation   -  Transition   and   Disclosure,   an  amendment  of  Financial
Accounting  Standards  Board  ("FASB")  Statement No. 123",  and has elected to
continue using the intrinsic  value method.  Had  compensation  costs of option
awards  and  employees'  purchase  rights  been  determined  under a fair value
alternative  method as stated in SFAS No.  148,  the  Company  would  have been
required  to  prepare  a fair  value  model  for such  options  and  employees'
purchase  rights,  and  record  such  amount  in  the  consolidated   financial
statements  as  compensation  expense.  Restricted  stock awards  result in the
recognition  of  deferred  compensation.  Deferred  compensation  is shown as a
reduction of  stockholders'  equity and is amortized to operating  expense over
the  vesting  period  of the  stock  award.  Pro  forma  stock  based  employee
compensation  costs,  net income  and  earnings  per share,  as they would have
been  recognized  if the fair value method had been applied to all awards,  are
presented in the table below:

                                            QUARTERS ENDED   SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                         ------------------- ------------------
                                         AUGUST 2, AUGUST 3, AUGUST 2, AUGUST 3,
                                           2003      2002      2003      2002
                                          -------  -------   -------  -------

                                           (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER
                                                        SHARE DATA)

Net income:
  As reported ........................    $21,177  $18,202   $39,105  $39,124
  Deduct: Total stock-based employee
    compensation expense determined
    under fair value based method for all
    awards, net of related tax effects       (955)  (1,031)   (1,928)  (1,929)
                                          -------  -------   -------  -------
  Pro forma ...........................   $20,222  $17,171   $37,177  $37,195
                                          =======  =======   =======  =======

Basic earnings per share:
  As reported .........................   $  0.48  $  0.41   $  0.89  $  0.89
                                          =======  =======   =======  =======
  Pro forma ...........................   $  0.45  $  0.39   $  0.84  $  0.84
                                          =======  =======   =======  =======
Diluted earnings per share:
  As reported .........................   $  0.45  $  0.39   $  0.84  $  0.84
                                          =======  =======   =======  =======
  Pro forma ...........................   $  0.43  $  0.37   $  0.80  $  0.80
                                          =======  =======   =======  =======



                                      -8-


================================================================================
9


4.  LONG-TERM DEBT
- --  --------------


    Long-term  debt  outstanding  at  August 2,  2003 was  $123,386,000,  which
represents  the net carrying value of the Company's  convertible  debentures on
that date.


5.  RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
- --  --------------------------------

      On May 15, 2003 the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board (the "FASB")
issued  SFAS No.  150,  "Accounting  for  Certain  Financial  Instruments  with
Characteristics  of both  Liabilities  and Equity".  SFAS No. 150 requires that
an  issuer  classify  financial  instruments  that are  within  its  scope as a
liability.   Many  of  those   instruments  were  classified  as  equity  under
previous  guidance.  Most of the guidance in SFAS No. 150 is effective  for all
financial  instruments  entered  into  or  modified  after  May 31,  2003,  and
otherwise  effective at the  beginning of the first  interim  period  beginning
after  June 15,  2003.  The  adoption  of SFAS No. 150 has had no impact on the
Company's  consolidated  financial  statements for the periods  presented.  The
Company will record  financial  instruments  entered into or modified in future
periods in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 150.

      On April 30, 2003 the FASB issued SFAS No. 149,  "Amendment  of Statement
133 on  Derivative  Instruments  and Hedging  Activities".  SFAS No. 149 amends
and  clarifies  accounting  for  derivative   instruments,   including  certain
derivative   instruments   embedded  in  other   contracts,   and  for  hedging
activities  under SFAS No. 133. SFAS No 149 is effective for contracts  entered
into  or  modified   after  June  30,  2003.   Management   has  evaluated  the
provisions  of SFAS No. 149,  and  determined  that it has had no impact on the
Company's  consolidated  financial  statements for the periods  presented.  The
Company will  evaluate  contracts  entered  into or modified in future  periods
and record them in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 149.


                                      -9-
================================================================================
10


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
        RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

                                         QUARTERS ENDED       SIX MONTHS ENDED
                                        -------------------  -------------------
                                        AUGUST 2, AUGUST 3,  AUGUST 2, AUGUST 3,
                                           2003     2002        2003     2002
                                           ----     ----        ----     ----

Number of Stores:
   Open at beginning of period............  602     551         584      538
   Opened during period...................    3       4          21       17
   Expanded or remodeled during period*...    3     ---           4      ---
   Closed during period...................    2     ---           2      ---
   Open at end of period..................  603     555         603      555
Type of Stores Open at End of Period:
   Ann Taylor stores......................                      350      344
   Ann Taylor Loft stores.................                      226      183
   Ann Taylor Factory Stores..............                       27       28

- ------------------------
* Expanded stores are excluded from  comparable  store sales for the first year
  following expansion.


QUARTER ENDED AUGUST 2, 2003 COMPARED TO THE QUARTER ENDED AUGUST 3, 2002

    The Company's net sales in the second  quarter of fiscal 2003  increased to
$390,207,000  from  $343,143,000  in the  second  quarter  of fiscal  2002,  an
increase  of  $47,064,000  or 13.7  percent.  By  division,  net  sales for the
second  quarter  of  fiscal  2003,  were   $216,038,000   for  Ann  Taylor  and
$140,008,000  for Ann  Taylor  Loft.  Comparable  store  sales  for the  second
quarter  of fiscal  2003  increased  5.3  percent,  compared  to a 0.2  percent
decrease  in the  second  quarter of fiscal  2002.  Comparable  store  sales by
division  were up 4.9  percent for Ann Taylor and up 5.7 percent for Ann Taylor
Loft.  The increase in sales was primarily  attributable  to the opening of new
stores and the  increase in  comparable  store sales.  Management  believes the
comparable  store sales increase was due to  strategically  managed  promotions
that helped  optimize  selling of product that continued to border on being too
safe,  lacking color and  sophistication  at AnnTaylor  and  continued  product
successes at Ann Taylor Loft.

    Gross margin as a percentage of net sales  decreased to 51.9 percent in the
second  quarter  of fiscal  2003 from 52.8  percent  in the  second  quarter of
fiscal  2002.  The decrease is  primarily  due to the combined  effect of lower
full price  sales at Ann Taylor and lower  margin  rates  achieved  on non-full
price sales at both divisions.


                                      -10-
================================================================================
11


    Selling,  general and  administrative  expenses were  $166,660,000  or 42.7
percent  of net sales,  in the  second  quarter  of fiscal  2003,  compared  to
$150,425,000,  or 43.8  percent of net sales,  in the second  quarter of fiscal
2002.  The  decrease  in  selling,  general  and  administrative  expenses as a
percentage  of net sales  was  primarily  due to  increased  leverage  on fixed
expenses resulting from higher comparable store sales.

    As a  result  of  the  foregoing,  the  Company  had  operating  income  of
$35,901,000,  or 9.2  percent  of net sales,  in the  second  quarter of fiscal
2003,  compared  to  $30,753,000,  or 9.0  percent of net sales,  in the second
quarter of fiscal 2002.

    Interest  income  was  $777,000  in the  second  quarter  of  fiscal  2003,
compared to  $913,000 in the second  quarter of fiscal  2002.  The  decrease is
due to lower interest rates partially offset by a higher cash on hand balance.

    Interest  expense  was  $1,674,000  in the second  quarter of fiscal  2003,
compared to  $1,826,000 in the second  quarter of fiscal 2002.  The decrease is
due  to  lower  rates  on  commitment  fees  related  to the  Company's  credit
facility.

    The income tax provision was $13,827,000,  or 39.5 percent of income before
taxes,  in the second  quarter of fiscal  2003,  compared  to  $11,638,000,  or
39.0  percent of income  before  taxes,  in the second  quarter of fiscal 2002.
During the second quarter of fiscal 2003,  the Company  increased its effective
income tax rate from 39 percent to 40 percent to reflect higher state taxes.

    As a result  of the  foregoing  factors,  the  Company  had net  income  of
$21,177,000,  or 5.4  percent  of net sales,  for the second  quarter of fiscal
2003,  compared to  $18,202,000,  or 5.3  percent of net sales,  for the second
quarter of fiscal 2002.

    AnnTaylor   Stores   Corporation   conducts  no  business  other  than  the
management of Ann Taylor.


SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 2, 2003 COMPARED TO THE SIX MONTHS ENDED AUGUST 3, 2002

    The  Company's  net sales in the first six months of fiscal 2003  increased
to $742,224,000  from  $688,535,000  for the same period last year, an increase
of  $53,689,000  or 7.8  percent.  By  division,  net  sales  for the first six
months of fiscal 2003 were  $417,364,000  for Ann Taylor and  $259,931,000  for
Ann  Taylor  Loft.  Comparable  store  sales for the first six months of fiscal
2003  decreased  0.5 percent  compared to a decrease of 0.1 percent  during the
same period in fiscal 2002.  Comparable  store sales by division  were down 1.8
percent  for Ann Taylor and up 1.7  percent  for Ann Taylor  Loft.  The overall
sales  increase  was  primarily  the  result of an  increase  in the  number of
stores open as compared to last year.


                                      -11-
================================================================================
12


    Gross  margin as a  percentage  of net sales  decreased to 52.8 percent for
the first six months of fiscal  2003 from 53.4  percent  during the same period
last  year.  The  decrease  in gross  margin  as a  percentage  of net sales is
primarily  due to lower full price  sales and lower  margin on  non-full  price
sales at Ann Taylor.

    Selling,  general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales for
the first  six  months of fiscal  2003 were flat  compared  to the same  period
last year, at 43.8 percent of net sales.

    As a  result  of  the  foregoing,  the  Company  had  operating  income  of
$66,298,000,  or 8.9  percent of net  sales,  in the first six months of fiscal
2003,  compared to  $66,235,000,  or 9.6 percent of net sales, in the first six
months of fiscal 2002.

    Interest  income was  $1,465,000  in the first six  months of fiscal  2003,
compared to $1,429,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2002.

    Interest  expense was  $3,368,000  in the first six months of fiscal  2003,
compared to $3,525,000 in the first six months of fiscal 2002.

    The income tax provision was $25,290,000,  or 39.3 percent of income before
taxes,  in the first six months of fiscal  2003,  compared to  $25,015,000,  or
39.0  percent of income  before  taxes,  for the same period last year.  During
the second quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company  increased its effective  income
tax rate from 39 percent to 40 percent to reflect higher state taxes.

    As a result  of the  foregoing  factors,  the  Company  had net  income  of
$39,105,000,  or 5.3  percent of net sales,  for the first six months of fiscal
2003,  compared to net income of $39,124,000,  or 5.7 percent of net sales, for
the first six months of fiscal 2002.


FINANCIAL CONDITION

    For the first six months of fiscal  2003,  net cash  provided by  operating
activities  totaled  $88,863,000,  primarily as a result of earnings,  adjusted
for  non-cash  items and a decrease in  merchandise  inventories.  Cash used by
investing  activities  during the first six months of fiscal  2003  amounted to
$33,141,000,  for  the  purchase  of  property  and  equipment.  Cash  used  by
financing  activities  during the first six months of fiscal  2003  amounted to
$8,949,000,   due  primarily  to  the  Company's  repurchase  of  common  stock
partially offset by cash received from the exercise of stock options.

    Merchandise  inventories were  $168,683,000 at August 2, 2003,  compared to
$185,484,000  at February 1, 2003. On a per square foot basis,  inventories  at
August 2, 2003 were down  approximately  12 percent compared to the inventories

                                      -12-

================================================================================
13


at the end of fiscal 2002.  The decrease is primarily  due to lower  in-transit
inventory levels and the timing of merchandise reciepts.

    Total fiscal 2003 capital  expenditures,  which are primarily  attributable
to the Company's store expansion,  renovation and refurbishment  programs,  and
the  investment  in  information  systems,  are  expected  to be  approximately
$80,000,000.  For the six months  ended  August 2, 2003,  capital  expenditures
totaled  $33,141,000  net  of  landlord  construction  allowances.  During  the
first six months of fiscal 2003,  the Company  opened one new Ann Taylor store,
19 new Ann Taylor Loft stores and one Ann Taylor  Factory  store and closed one
Ann  Taylor  store and one Ann  Taylor  Factory  store.  For the  remainder  of
fiscal 2003,  the Company  expects to open 8 additional  Ann Taylor  stores and
44 additional Ann Taylor Loft stores.

    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 its  credit  facility.  The  Company  believes  that cash flow from
operations  and funds  available  under the credit  facility are  sufficient to
enable it to meet its  on-going  cash  needs  for its  business,  as  presently
conducted, for the foreseeable future.

    In April 2002,  the Company's  Board of Directors  approved a 3-for-2 stock
split  of the  Company's  common  stock in the  form of a stock  dividend.  One
additional  share of common  stock for every two shares  owned was  distributed
on May 20,  2002 to  stockholders  of record at the close of business on May 2,
2002.

    In August 2002, the Company's  Board of Directors  authorized a $50 million
securities   repurchase   program.   The  repurchase   program  is  subject  to
compliance  with the  Company's  credit  facility.  Pursuant  to this  program,
purchases  of shares of the  Company's  common  stock  and/or  its  convertible
debentures  due  2019  may be  made  from  time  to  time,  subject  to  market
conditions and at prevailing  market prices,  through open market  purchases or
in  privately  negotiated  transactions.  Repurchased  shares of  common  stock
will become  treasury  shares and may be used for general  corporate  and other
purposes.  Repurchased  convertible  debentures will be cancelled.  The Company
repurchased  680,000  shares of its common stock during the first six months of
2003 in connection with this  securities  repurchase  program,  at a total cost
of  approximately  $12,800,000.  A  portion  of  the  shares  repurchased  have
subsequently  been  reissued  under  the  Company's  stock  based  compensation
programs.


                                      -13-
================================================================================
14


RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

      On May 15, 2003 the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board (the "FASB")
issued  SFAS No.  150,  "Accounting  for  Certain  Financial  Instruments  with
Characteristics  of both  Liabilities  and Equity".  SFAS No. 150 requires that
an  issuer  classify  financial  instruments  that are  within  its  scope as a
liability.   Many  of  those   instruments  were  classified  as  equity  under
previous  guidance.  Most of the guidance in SFAS No. 150 is effective  for all
financial  instruments  entered  into  or  modified  after  May 31,  2003,  and
otherwise  effective at the  beginning of the first  interim  period  beginning
after  June 15,  2003.  The  adoption  of SFAS No. 150 has had no impact on the
Company's  consolidated  financial  statements for the periods  presented.  The
Company will record  financial  instruments  entered into or modified in future
periods in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 150.

      On April 30, 2003 the FASB issued SFAS No. 149,  "Amendment  of Statement
133 on  Derivative  Instruments  and Hedging  Activities".  SFAS No. 149 amends
and  clarifies  accounting  for  derivative   instruments,   including  certain
derivative   instruments   embedded  in  other   contracts,   and  for  hedging
activities  under SFAS No. 133. SFAS No 149 is effective for contracts  entered
into  or  modified   after  June  30,  2003.   Management   has  evaluated  the
provisions  of SFAS No. 149,  and  determined  that it has had no impact on the
Company's  consolidated  financial  statements for the periods  presented.  The
Company will  evaluate  contracts  entered  into or modified in future  periods
and record them in accordance with the provisions of SFAS No. 149.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

      Management  has determined  that the Company's  most critical  accounting
policies   include  those   related  to   merchandise   inventory   valuations,
intangible asset impairment, income taxes and pension accounting.

      Inventory  is valued  at the  lower of  average  cost or  market,  at the
individual  item  level.  Market  is  determined  based  on the  estimated  net
realizable   value,   which  is  generally  the   merchandise   selling  price.
Inventory levels are monitored to identify  slow-moving  merchandise and broken
assortments  (items  no  longer in stock in a  sufficient  range of sizes)  and
markdowns  are used to  clear  such  merchandise.  Inventory  value is  reduced
immediately  when the selling  price is marked below cost.  Physical  inventory
counts  are  performed  annually  each  January,  and  estimates  are  made for
shortage  during the period between the last physical  inventory  count and the
balance sheet date.

      The  Company  follows  SFAS  No.  142,  "Goodwill  and  Other  Intangible
Assets".  This accounting  standard  requires that goodwill and indefinite life
intangible   assets  are  no  longer   amortized  but  are  subject  to  annual
impairment  tests.  Other intangible  assets with finite lives will continue to
be  amortized  over  their  useful  lives.  The  Company  performs   impairment

                                      -14-

================================================================================
15


testing  annually using net discounted  future cash flows to determine  whether
an impairment  charge related to the carrying  value of the Company's  recorded
goodwill is necessary.  The most recent  impairment  tests did not result in an
impairment  charge.  In  the  case  of  long-lived   tangible  assets,  if  the
undiscounted  future cash flows related to the long-lived  assets are less than
the assets'  carrying value, a similar  impairment  charge would be considered.
Management's  estimate of future cash flows is based on historical  experience,
knowledge,  and market data.  These  estimates  can be affected by factors such
as those outlined in the Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Disclosures.

      The Company  follows SFAS No. 109  "Accounting  for Income  Taxes," which
requires   the  use  of  the   liability   method.   Deferred  tax  assets  and
liabilities  are  recognized  based on the  differences  between the  financial
statement   carrying  value  of  existing  assets  and  liabilities  and  their
respective tax bases.  Inherent in the  measurement of these deferred  balances
are  certain  judgments  and  interpretations  of  existing  tax law and  other
published  guidance  as  applied  to the  Company's  operations.  No  valuation
allowance  has  been  provided  for  deferred  tax  assets,   since  management
anticipates  that the full  amount of these  assets  should be  realized in the
future.  The Company's  effective tax rate considers  management's  judgment of
expected tax  liabilities in the various taxing  jurisdictions  within which it
is subject to tax.  The Company is involved in both  foreign and  domestic  tax
audits.  At any given  time,  many tax years are  subject  to audit by  various
taxing authorities.

      All  full-time  employees  of the Company  who have been  employed by the
Company  for at least  one year are  covered  under a  noncontributory  defined
benefit  pension plan. The Company's  funding  obligations  and liability under
the  terms of the plan are  determined  using  certain  actuarial  assumptions,
including  a discount  rate and an  expected  long-term  rate of return on plan
assets.  The  assumptions  used are  based on  current  market  conditions  and
historical  analysis,  and can be affected by a variety of factors.  Management
believes  that it has  taken  reasonable  steps  to  ensure  that  the  plan is
adequately  funded and the Company is  adequately  accrued for costs related to
the pension plan.

      Management  believes these  critical  accounting  policies  represent the
more  significant  judgments  and  estimates  used  in the  preparation  of the
Company's consolidated financial statements.

                                      -15-
================================================================================
16


STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING DISCLOSURES

      Sections of this Quarterly  Report on Form 10-Q,  including the preceding
Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis of Financial  Condition  and Results of
Operations,  contain various forward-looking  statements,  made pursuant to the
safe harbor  provisions  of the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform Act of
1995.   The   forward-looking   statements   may   use  the   words   "expect",
"anticipate",  "plan", "intend", "project",  "believe" and similar expressions.
These  forward-looking  statements  reflect the Company's current  expectations
concerning  future  events,  and  actual  results  may differ  materially  from
current   expectations  or  historical   results.   Any  such   forward-looking
statements are subject to various risks and  uncertainties,  including  failure
by the Company to predict  accurately  client fashion  preferences;  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;  general  economic
conditions 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  the  Company's   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;  the  potential  impact of health
concerns  relating  to  severe  acute  respiratory  syndrome,  particularly  on
manufacturing  operations of the Company's vendors in Asia and elsewhere;  acts
of  war or  terrorism  in the  United  States  or  worldwide;  work  stoppages,
slowdowns  or strikes;  and other  factors set forth in the  Company's  filings
with the SEC.  The Company does not assume any  obligation  to update or revise
any forward-looking statements at any time for any reason.


                                      -16-
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17

ITEM 4.  CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
- -------  -----------------------

      Under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of the  Company's
management,   including  the  Chief  Executive   Officer  and  Chief  Financial
Officer,  the Company has conducted an evaluation of the  effectiveness  of the
design and operation of its  disclosure  controls and  procedures (as such term
is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)  under the Securities  Exchange Act
of 1934, as amended (the  "Exchange  Act")) as of the end of the period covered
by this report (the  "Evaluation  Date").  There are  inherent  limitations  to
the  effectiveness  of  any  system  of  disclosure  controls  and  procedures,
including the  possibility of human error and the  circumvention  or overriding
of  the  controls  and  procedures.   Accordingly,  even  effective  disclosure
controls  and  procedures  can only provide  reasonable  assurance of achieving
their  control  objectives.  Based  on such  evaluation,  the  Chief  Executive
Officer and Chief  Financial  Officer have concluded that, as of the Evaluation
Date,  the  Company's  disclosure  controls  and  procedures  are  effective in
alerting  them on a  timely  basis  to  material  information  relating  to the
Company  (including its consolidated  subsidiaries)  required to be included in
the Company's reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

      There was no change in the  Company's  internal  control  over  financial
reporting  during  the  quarterly  period  covered  by  this  report  that  has
materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially  affect,  the
Company's internal control over financial reporting.




                                      -17-

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18




                          PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
                          --------------------------


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

    (a)   Exhibits:

           Exhibit
           Number    Description
           ------    -----------


           31.1      Certification of chief executive officer pursuant to
                     Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

           31.2      Certification of chief financial officer pursuant to
                     Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

           32.1      Certification of chief executive officer and chief
                     financial officer pursuant to Section 906 of the
                     Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

    (b)   Reports on Form 8-K:



          The following reports on Form 8-K were filed during the quarter
       covered by this report:

                 DATE OF REPORT     ITEM(S) REPORTED
                 --------------     ----------------

                    5/8/03           Item 7 and Item 12
                    5/14/03          Item 7 and Item 12
                    6/5/03           Item 7 and Item 9
                    7/10/03          Item 7 and Item 9

           The report on Form 8-K dated May 14, 2003 included the Company's
      Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the quarters ended
      May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002 and Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at
      May 3, 2003 and February 1, 2003.



                                      -18-
================================================================================
19

                                SIGNATURES
                                ----------



      Pursuant to the requirements 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 STORES CORPORATION



Date: September 12, 2003            By: /s/J. Patrick Spainhour
                                        ---------------------------
                                           J. Patrick Spainhour
                                           Chairman, Chief Executive
                                           Officer




Date: September 12, 2003            By: /s/James M. Smith
                                        ---------------------------
                                           James M. Smith
                                           Senior Vice President,
                                           Chief Financial Officer and
                                           Treasurer



                                      -19-

================================================================================
20


Exhibit Index
- -------------


Exhibit
Number     Description
- ------     -----------


31.1       Certification of chief executive officer pursuant to Section 302 of
           the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2       Certification of chief financial officer pursuant to Section 302 of
           the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1       Certification of chief executive officer and chief financial
           officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


                                      -20-