Talbots Appoints John Fiske Chief Stores Officer

HINGHAM, Mass.--(Business Wire)--
The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE: TLB) today announced that it has appointed John Fiske,
III, Executive Vice President, Chief Stores Officer, effective immediately. Mr.
Fiske had previously served as Talbots Executive Vice President of Human
Resources and Administration. In his new role, Mr. Fiske, 44, is responsible for
overseeing all Talbots retail operations in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, he
will set the strategic direction for all aspects of Talbots new upscale outlet
business that will launch this May. Mr. Fiske will continue to report directly
to Trudy F. Sullivan, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Talbots, Inc.

Ms. Sullivan commented, "Since joining Talbots, John has demonstrated tremendous
leadership skills and a keen understanding of the Talbots brand, having played
an important role in the development of our strategic plan. He has a broad-based
background in a number of areas that are critical to the growth and future
success of the Company, including operations and business development. John has
assembled an impressive team of strong HR professionals and has been
instrumental in helping to build a cohesive and motivated group of store
associates alongside Michele Mandell, whose leadership and skill have been a
tremendous asset to the Company."

"We wish Michele well in her retirement and thank her for her many years of
dedicated service. I am confident that John will make a seamless transition to
this role, and under his leadership, we will continue to deliver exceptional
customer service, while focusing on our greatest priority - increased store
performance and productivity."

Mr. Fiske has more than 20 years of retail industry expertise and has led
Talbots Human Resources since April 2007. He was promoted in June 2008 to
Executive Vice President of Human Resources and Administration, responsible for
Business Development, Corporate Services and Loss Prevention, in addition to
overseeing the Company`s HR function. Mr. Fiske previously served as the Senior
Vice President of Human Resources for J. Jill Group, prior to its acquisition by
Talbots in May 2006. Before joining J. Jill, Mr. Fiske was the Vice President of
Human Resources at Abercrombie & Fitch, where he oversaw all human resource
functions for more than 40,000 employees across four operating divisions/brands.
He also held leadership roles at Kenneth Cole Productions and The Timberland
Company. In his new position, Mr. Fiske replaces Michele Mandell, who announced
on March 10th her retirement following 26 years with the Company.

Mr. Fiske commented, "I am excited to be taking on this new role in the
organization. Michele has left behind a tremendous legacy that I hope to
continue to build on as we examine new and innovative ways to further strengthen
our stores organization."

A successor to Mr. Fiske to oversee Talbots Human Resources function will be
named in the coming weeks. Talbots COO and CFO Michael Scarpa will assume all
non-HR related responsibilities, including Business Development, Corporate
Services and Loss Prevention.

The Talbots, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of women`s
apparel, shoes and accessories. The Company currently operates stores in 869
locations in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada, with 586 locations
under the Talbots brand name and 283 locations under the J. Jill brand name.
Talbots brand on-line shopping site is located at www.talbots.com and the J.
Jill brand on-line shopping site is located at www.jjill.com.

The Talbots, Inc.
Julie Lorigan
Senior Vice President, Investor and Media Relations
781-741-7775
or
Berns Communications Group
Melissa Jaffin/Jessica Liddell - Investor/Media Relations
212-994-4660

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