Talbots Promotes Julie Lorigan to Vice President, Investor Relations

Business Wire, March 7, 2001

Business Editors

HINGHAM, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 7, 2001

The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE: TLB) has promoted Julie Lorigan to the new position of Vice President, Investor Relations, announced Arnold B. Zetcher, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

Ms. Lorigan joined Talbots in April 1999 as Director, Investor Relations. She is responsible for Talbots investor relations strategy and programs, including developing and managing relations and communications with the financial community and the general investing public. In addition, she oversees the Company's securities disclosure compliance policies, including compliance with the SEC's "fair disclosure" requirements, as well as its efforts to continue to enhance shareholder value. Ms. Lorigan reports to Edward L. Larsen, the Company's Senior Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer. In her new position, Ms. Lorigan becomes an officer of the Company.

Commented Mr. Zetcher, "As a publicly traded company with annual revenues of more than $1.5 billion, Talbots must have strong representation within the investment community in order to effectively convey our financial performance, key competitive strengths and our plans and potential for continued future growth. Julie's proven ability to guide our investor relations strategy will help us to further inform the investment community about Talbots and to ensure that our Company is valued appropriately within the marketplace."

Talbots is a leading national specialty retailer and cataloger of women's classic apparel, shoes and accessories. The Company currently operates 726 stores - 422 Talbots Misses stores, including 19 Talbots Misses stores in Canada and five Talbots Misses stores in the United Kingdom; 177 Talbots Petites stores, including one Talbots Petites store in Canada; 35 Talbots Accessories & Shoes stores; 57 Talbots Kids stores; 14 Talbots Woman stores; and 21 Talbots Outlet stores, including one outlet store in the United Kingdom. Its catalog operation circulated approximately 58 million catalogs worldwide in fiscal 2000. Talbots on-line shopping site is located at www.talbots.com.