Ann Inc., parent of Ann Taylor and Loft, said that its fourth-quarter profit rose to a better-than-expected $2.37 million from $2.18 million a year earlier.

By Michael Dart, Todd Hooper and Jay Agarwal

Ann Taylor announced it opened its first international store on Oct. 4, in the Toronto Eaton Centre, Toronto.

Ann Taylor on Oct. 5 will open its first store outside of the United States, in the Toronto Eaton Centre.

Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group said that Ann Taylor Loft will open a store this fall at outlet and value shopping destination Colorado Mills, located in the Denver suburb of Lakewood.

New York & Co. has named former Ann Taylor executive Laura Weil as its new COO.

Ann Inc. announced that it will open two stores in Toronto, in fall 2012, marking the apparel retailer’s first foray outside the United States.

Specialty retailer Charming Charlie announced the appointment of four retail executives as part of the ongoing development of the company’s internal structure and another step in its ongoing national expansion, including the opening of 60 retail locations in 2012.

Ann Inc., formerly known as Ann Taylor, reported a 33.4% rise in quarterly net income to $32.3 million, beating analysts’ estimates.

Fashion Place, in Murray, Utah, celebrates a grand re-opening on Nov. 11 with the opening of first-to-market stores Crate and Barrel and H&M, as well as openings of The North Face, Bastille, Ann Taylor and Loft.

Ann Inc., parent to Ann Taylor and Loft brands, announced Wednesday it will launch a four-year investment in young women’s leadership.

Simon Property Group announced Tuesday that its Premium Outlets division will expand four of its most productive Premium Outlet properties located in California, Florida, Illinois and Washington.