Today, we announced our plans to reorganize the company’s businesses under a new holding company with a new corporate name: Ascena Retail Group, Inc. (“Ascena”). Assuming we receive shareholder approval in December and certain other conditions are satisfied, the reorganization is expected to be finalized on or about January 1, 2011. At that time, shares of Ascena common stock are expected to trade on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “ASNA.”

This change will provide a new image for our company — one that is more closely aligned with our current vision and strategies.

The Ascena name was selected for several reasons. First, there’s certainly no doubt we have ascended to new heights over the past several years. Today, we are three brands strong, with 2,480 stores and 30,000 associates. Each brand is differentiated by its distinct niche, yet we are unified in our quest to continue growing and achieving.

Secondly, the Ascena name reflects the very foundation for which our brands have become known: empowering women and girls to feel good about themselves. Since my parents opened our first store in 1962, dressbarn has continued to realize opportunities and find success. I am so proud to look back over the last 50 years and marvel at how the company has and continues to evolve.

In 2005, our acquisition of maurices aligned with our strategic vision. This was a proven business with a small market focus poised for expansion. Since our merger, maurices has more than doubled its number of stores and sales.

We continued to add to our portfolio last year when we acquired Justice, nationally recognized for their focus on the tween girl. Justice’s results have proven that their market position and business model are a powerful addition to our portfolio.

These are accomplishments we share. And, although our strategy has been to operate each model independently, we share a common bond: we are all leading the retail field when it comes to providing our customers with the most current fashions at great values and with outstanding service. As an enterprise with three very distinct retail niches, we serve young girls and women from seven to seventy years of age.

What does the future hold? We envision continuing to grow our family of brands. We don’t have any particular plans or proposals regarding the nature of what any new additions to the Ascena family might be; however, we would likely look at companies where we could add value as well as serve a specific customer segment. As we grow as an enterprise, each brand will continue to focus intently on its customers; however, each of us will benefit from the shared resources and expertise that we all contribute to one another. We expect to be able to use the holding company structure (Ascena) to leverage our infrastructure.

The introduction of Ascena will be yet one more milestone to celebrate in our journey. It is with sincere appreciation that I express my gratitude to you: without your hard work and dedication, none of this would be possible.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on our progress.

Dress Barn, its directors, executive officers, certain other members of management and employees may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the shareholders of Dress Barn in favor of the proposed holding company reorganization. Additional information regarding the interests of potential participants in the proxy solicitation is included in the preliminary proxy statement/prospectus and will be