Though it is only the second week of January, three catalogs have already felt the tough economic environment.
Talbots confirmed that as part of announced plans to discontinue its men’s and kids concepts, the company will no longer mail separate catalogs for these categories. This follows recent news that Lillian Vernon will reduce the circulation of its catalog as part of a cost-saving strategy.
Talbots had mailed four separate kids catalog per year and two separate men’s catalogs. A company spokeswoman did not know at press time when the last catalogs for these categories would be mailed.
In addition, Talbots will no longer offer these categories on its e-commerce Web site.
“This is a very important strategic move that will greatly contribute to our ability to focus and reinvigorate our core brands and provide sustainable long-term shareholder value,” said Trudy F. Sullivan, president/CEO of Talbots, in a statement. “By exiting these concepts, we can focus exclusively on our company’s core strength — the age 35-plus female market, where we believe there is significant opportunity for profitable growth in both our Talbots and J. Jill brands.”
The company will close approximately 78 stores throughout the US as a result of this decision, including 66 Talbots Kids and 12 Talbots Mens stores.
