TLB Talbots (The)

The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE: TLB) today announced the appointment of Jeannie Barsam, 47, as Senior Vice President, Merchandising Planning and Analysis for the Talbots brand. In this role, Ms. Barsam will be responsible for all merchandise planning, control and store distribution functions for the Talbots Misses, Petites, Woman, Collection and Accessories & Shoes businesses. Ms. Barsam joins Talbots with more than 25 years of merchandising and planning expertise in the specialty retail sector, which includes most recently serving as Vice President of Inventory Management at Old Navy, a division of Gap, Inc. Previously, Ms. Barsam worked for Mervyn�s Department Stores, Lane Bryant and Gottchalk�s Department Stores. In her new role, Ms. Barsam will report to Ed Larsen, Talbots Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Larsen commented, �As a strong and proven leader in merchandise planning and allocation, we believe Jeannie will be a true asset in helping us maximize the effectiveness of our supply chain management system in a way that will benefit both our customers and our bottom line. Her prior experience will also be instrumental as we move forward with our objective to implement a new markdown optimization initiative. We are delighted to welcome Jeannie on board.� Ms. Barsam holds a Bachelor�s Degree in Science and Business Administration, with an emphasis in Marketing from California State University Fresno. She currently resides in Dublin, CA and will relocate to the Hingham area to serve in her new position. The Talbots, Inc. is a leading international specialty retailer and cataloger of women�s, children�s and men�s apparel, shoes and accessories. The Company currently operates a total of 1,428 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Canada and the U.K., with 1,157 stores under the Talbots brand name and 271 stores under the J. Jill brand name. Both brands target the age 35 plus customer population. 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.