Owner of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant files for bankruptcy and will close some stores

The company behind Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant filed for bankruptcy Thursday and said it will close some stores under the umbrella of the Ascena Retail Group company. Ascena said it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, citing the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent shutdowns as having “severely disrupted” its financial foundation. The company said it will close a “select number” of Ann Taylor, LOFT, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey stores, including all…