13 KC-area stores slated to close as parent of Ann Taylor, Lane Bryant files for bankruptcy

Ascena Retail Group Inc., the parent company of women's apparel brands including Ann Taylor and Lane Bryant, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday while announcing a debt restructuring agreement with 68% of its lenders. Ascena also announced it will close all Catherines stores, a "significant number" of Justice stores and a select number of Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey stores, including all stores across brands in Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico. Both Catherines stores…