Talbots Releases Financial Results

Hingham, Mass., The Talbots, Inc., announced Wednesday its results for the 14-week and 53-week periods ended Feb. 3, 2007, compared to the 13-week and 52-week periods ended Jan. 28, 2006.

J. Jill posted a 4Q loss and the Talbots brand posted a 4Q profit. Total consolidated company sales in the fourth quarter were $638 million, with retail store sales increasing from $414 million to $433 million for Talbots. J. Jill posted fourth-quarter sales of $91 million.

Total comp-store sales declined 1.6% for the 13-week period ended Jan. 27, 2007, compared to the 13-week period ended Jan. 28, 2006. By brand, comp-store sales for Talbots decreased 2.1%. For the J. Jill brand, comp-store sales increased 1.5% for the period.

For the full year ending Feb. 3, 2007, total consolidated company sales were $2,231 million; by brand, retail store sales increased to $1,604 million for Talbots compared to $1,544 million last year, and were $242 million for J. Jill from the date of acquisition. Total comp-store sales rose 1.7% compared to the 52-week period ended Jan. 28, 2006. By brand, comp-store sales for Talbots increased 1.3%. For J. Jill, comp-store sales decreased 4.4% since the date of acquisition.