American apparel brands Ann Taylor, Loft, and Talbots have merged into a new group, Knitwell. Combined, these companies generate more than US$3 billion in annual sales. 

Steering this new venture, Lizanne Kindler, Talbots’s current CEO has been appointed executive chair and CEO of KnitWell Group. She will be supported by a team of executives within the office of the executive chair. 

Each brand will also be supported by a team of senior leaders, all dedicated to meeting the unique demands of its customer base.

“KnitWell is a collection of powerful brands that, in the aggregate, have been providing customers with the fashions they want for nearly 300 years,” said Kindler. 

“Our operational structure is rooted in this connection. By uniting brands and people, we enhance our resource pool, achieve economies of scale, and deliver enhanced value.”

Stefan Kaluzny, MD of Sycamore Partners, the private equity owner of the businesses, underlined the success achieved by Kindler and her team in revitalising the brands. 

“Over the last decade, Lizanne and her team have impressively revived and expanded these renowned American brands,” remarked Kaluzny.  

“The consistent and focused approach they’ve employed, built upon a replicable playbook, is laying the groundwork for the current KnitWell portfolio and potential future additions.”

The new company said it will continue to extend its shared services to Lane Bryant, a plus–size women’s apparel brand.