AnnTaylor Stores surprised investors yesterday forecasting abetter-than-expected first quarter, with management saying thatearnings per share could come in between 45 cents and 47 cents, upfrom a previously predicted 35 cents to 40 cents. The outlookroseshares 10%.Granted, Q1 same-store sales were down 4.3%,plunging 11.5% at Ann Taylor units and inching up 0.7% at Loft, butthis is favorable news during a time when we aren't hearing toomany good things about the apparel sector.We know thatAnn Taylor is a big topic in the industry right now. Why? Becausewe get tons of hits on our blog from people searching about AnnTaylor store closings on Google. In fact, this post is our most popular since the blog began at thebeginning of the year.Management at Ann Taylor has not pulled backplans to close 117 stores, and the new chain it is launching forthe "modern boomer" is still delayed. But are we seeing thebeginnings of a turnaround at the company that could signify achange for all of apparel?