Talbots sees loss in 2008

NEW YORK (Reuters) - Apparel retailer Talbots Inc (TLB.N: Quote, Profile, Research, Stock Buzz) said on Tuesday it expects to post a loss in the range of 7 to 17 cents per share in fiscal 2008, hurt by a loss from discontinued operations.

The operator of the Talbots and J. Jill chains also said it is planning for revenue to grow 3 percent, with slightly lower same-store sales.

The company said it expects sales at stores open at least a year to fall 1 percent at Talbots and rise 1 percent at J. Jill.

Direct marketing sales are expected to rise in the mid-single-digit range.

(Reporting by Martinne Geller, editing by Gerald E. McCormick)