Talbots

Talbots is an American retailer and direct marketer of women’s classic clothing, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, the company sells items such as the blazer, trench, white shirt, ballet flats, and pearls.

In June 2009, the company announced the sale of the J. Jill brand business to Golden Gate Capital, which it had acquired in 2006. In August 2009, the company announced it had entered an agreement with Li & Fung to become the exclusive global sourcing agent for Talbots brand apparel. In August 2012, Talbots was acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm specializing in consumer and retail investments.

At the end of fiscal 2011, the company operated 517 Talbots brand stores throughout the U.S. (in 46 states) and Canada. The company's retail operation comprises approximately 80 percent of its overall business, with catalog and Internet sharing the balance. Online sales represent more than 70 percent of the direct business.

Talbots employs approximately 8,500 associates throughout the U.S. and Canada.