The Talbots, Inc. (NYSE: TLB) today announced that the Company’s Board of Directors has named Mr. Gary Pfeiffer Chairman of the Board. Mr. Pfeiffer, who has been Talbots independent Lead Director since July 2008 and will continue in that role, succeeds Mr. Tsutomu Kajita who will continue as a Director on the Board.

Trudy Sullivan, Talbots President and Chief Executive Officer commented, “Aeon’s longstanding involvement with Talbots as majority shareholder has recently expanded and Aeon is now also a major creditor of the Company. The Board has, in keeping with good corporate governance, named an independent director as its Chair.”

Motoya Okada, President, Aeon Co., Ltd. said, “We would like to extend our congratulations to Gary on his appointment to Chairman. During his time on the Board, Gary has demonstrated proven leadership capabilities and a disciplined approach. We remain confident in Talbots management team’s ability to drive improved operating performance and shareholder value.”

Ms. Sullivan concluded, “On behalf of Talbots and the Board of Directors, we would like to thank Tom Kajita for his dedicated service and significant contribution as Board Chair over the past year, and we are grateful that he will continue as an active member of our Board.”

Mr. Pfeiffer is also Chair of the Board’s Executive Committee and the Company’s Compensation Committee and has been an independent Director of the Company since 2004. Mr. Pfeiffer recently served as Secretary of Finance for the State of Delaware. He was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company from 1997 through 2006, when he retired.

The Talbots, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of women’s apparel, shoes and accessories. At the end of first quarter 2009, the Company operated 586 Talbots brand stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, and Canada. Talbots brand on-line shopping site is located at www.talbots.com

The Talbots, Inc.
Julie Lorigan, 781-741-7775
Senior Vice President, Investor and Media Relations
or
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