<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary of financial information extracted from the
condensed consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated
balance sheets and is qualified in its entirety by reference to such financial
statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000874214
<NAME> ANN TAYLOR STORES CORP.
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   12-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-01-1997
<PERIOD-END>                               FEB-01-1997
<CASH>                                           7,025
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                   64,416
<ALLOWANCES>                                       811
<INVENTORY>                                    100,237
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                               196,520
<PP&E>                                         209,081
<DEPRECIATION>                                  65,648
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 688,139
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           77,670
<BONDS>                                        100,000
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                           174
<OTHER-SE>                                     370,408
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   688,139
<SALES>                                        798,117
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                               798,117
<CGS>                                          443,443
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                  443,443
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                               308,616
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              24,416
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 21,642
<INCOME-TAX>                                    12,975
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                     8,667
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                      .36
<EPS-DILUTED>                                      .36