Talbots was founded by husband-wife team Rudolf and Nancy Talbot in 1947 in Hingham, Massachusetts when they opened their first store.
Soon after, they began marketing by direct mail to names bought from The New Yorker Magazine.
The company was growing with five stores and a growing catalog business when it was sold to General Mills in 1973.
In 1988, after further expanding the brand, General Mills sold its retail division to JUSCO Co. Ltd.
Talbots began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993, trading under the symbol TLB.
Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, acquired Talbots in 2012 and the company became private again.
Today Talbots operates 495 stores in 45 United States and Canada. The chain specializes in private-label, classically-styled apparel, shoes, and accessories for women over 35 years old.
In October 2020, the company announed that they were expanding into home goods and decorative items.
Talbots maintains a corporate office where it was founded, in Hingham, Massachusetts.
Talbots was founded by husband-wife team Rudolf and Nancy Talbot in 1947 in Hingham, Massachusetts when they opened their first store.
Soon after, they began marketing by direct mail to names bought from The New Yorker Magazine.
History
The company was growing with five stores and a growing catalog business when it was sold to General Mills in 1973.
In 1988, after further expanding the brand, General Mills sold its retail division to JUSCO Co. Ltd.
Talbots began trading on the New York Stock Exchange in 1993, trading under the symbol TLB.
Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm, acquired Talbots in 2012 and the company became private again.
Today Talbots operates 495 stores in 45 United States and Canada. The chain specializes in private-label, classically-styled apparel, shoes, and accessories for women over 35 years old.
In October 2020, the company announed that they were expanding into home goods and decorative items.
Talbots maintains a corporate office where it was founded, in Hingham, Massachusetts.
Hi,
I have just ordered a vest for my 92 year old mom and was thrilled to use the $20 coupon you sent. However, I have ordered the wrong vest and will return it, but they said I could not use the $20 gift for a different vest since I had “used” it and was returning the vest (a more expensive one with the faux fur collar). The vest I ordered wrong isn’t even here yet but I will return it when it gets here. Is there a reason I can’t use the $20 again since I purchased the wrong thing with it? It feels like, “here’s a gift for you” “No, taking it back.”
Thanks for any input you can give me. The sales people were definitely uninterested in my concern. (Irmo, SC)
I live in Marietta Georgia summer officially started a week ago I looked in my catalog for July and get ready to order a couple pairs of your 19” Pedal Pushers and they already sold out with no back order. Why can’t you carry them at least until September for our area this is ridiculous .
Customer Service,
I have always had the best costumer service at Talbots. Audrey was the best, I know she has retired, well deserved. You carry just the right cloths I need for business.
Shopped last night, 4/8/2017, at your Buckhead store at 2139 Peachtree St, Atlanta GA. The Staff working the floor greeted my friend and me, very present, do not remember her name, she has long black hair and was wearing a stripped top. We greeted her would let her know if we needed any help. The other 2 staff said hello. I know my way around the store from shopping in the past.
We were looking for a crisp white shirt for my friend. Found something she like in women’s section, none her size. She can wear petties, so we went to that section. Still not her size. Ask the first staff that said hell to help with sizes. While she was helping my friend, I shopped for myself and found a blouse to purchase. I noticed a mannequin with a white shirt., I asked the staff behind the desk if she knew the size. She did not. Ask her to see what size it was. She started to shuffle (dragging her feet), look very annoyed to the mannequin and informed me that they were not allowed to take cloths off the mannequin. I offer to help, but customer is not allowed. I understand. I call to my friend we were leaving. And informed the other staff I would not be purchasing the blouse. She replied “I thought so”.
The staff helping my friend was so nice. I see you have a new staff. I like Talbots and will continue to shop on line. I was in retail for many years.
Ann Denton
I’m glad to see Talbot back in Jeffersonville Ohio however you need to hire some adults in this store these young kids are absolutely lazy and the assistant store manager is very wet behind the ears and the most rude person to the other employees. Very unacceptable
WHAT has happened to Talbots?? My absolutely favorite store for over 40yrs,. Loved the clothes!! First the quality & styles went down hill! Then the service followed. I’d be in the store looking and NOT one saleslady even said hello much less
“May I help you!!” When you go into a dressing room you are still on your own.NO HELP!!
In Sept. I received an invitation to “Party Time” with the offer of “special birthday treats for our loyal Cardholders”. to shop the “newest styles” and receive a pair of pearl earrings. I have to drive over 25 miles. When I got there around 2:00 What I found when the earrings were gone by 11:00, the dressing area piled high
7 WIDE with discarded tried on clothing because the store was so understaffed that the sales ladies had only time to ring up the sales, WHAT A MESS!!
I rummaged through the pile of clothing for a few minutes and left in total DISGUST!!!
It is so obvious the Profit” is the ONLY INTEREST OF the Talbot management!!
SAD, SAD, SAD!!!!!!!!!!
Perhaps the Talbots name should change to TALBUCKS !! seems better suited!!
PLEASE USE NORMAL SHOEBOXES WITH A LID!!!!! GET RID OF THE SIDE FLAPS THAT HAVE TO BE SHOVED INTO THE SIDES!!! THEY ARE A PAIN IN THE A** WHEN YOU KEEP SHOES IN THEIR BOXES!!!
I would like to express my gratitude to Talbots for closing the women’s store in Memphis,Tn. I have discovered BEAUTIFUL fashions in other LOVELY women’s departments! My wardrobe has never been better! Thank you, Talbots, for giving me this opportunity to shop and buy my clothes from other stores near my home! You have done me a FABULOUS FAVOR!
BETTER MAKE SURE THAY CREDIT THE RIGHT ACCOUNT , WHEN YOU MAKE A CREDIT CARD PAYEMENT . TEY ARE KNOW FOR IT AND WILL NOT WANT TO HELP TO CORECT THEIR MISTAKE .
Just left as a potential first time customer and will NEVER go back! 03/29/17 at 18:25hrs. West Lafayette,IN 47906 location.
I’ve never left a bad review but I couldn’t let this one go by. The “so-called” saleslady (and I use the term lady loosely ) was the rudest person I have met in a long time! I will tell all my friends to not patronize that store and I will never go into a Talbots again. If they have employees like that…then their merchandise must really suck!
I am a longtime customer of Talbots and have become friends with several of the employees at the Mandeville, Louisiana location. Last year a new manager was hired on and the store has gone down hill since. Of course these wonderful women would never say they have left due to the store but I do believe so many have left due to ther new manager. I have witnessed her physically harass the employees and yell at them in the sales floor. It seems as though the districe manager has the same attitude at the store manager, they seem to be good friends. The women who have replaced those who have left are also chummy with the manager. These women, including the manager, do not treat the customers well, ignoring customers to chat amongst each other or on the phone will not keep business. Are tennis shoes, t-shirts, and showing of tattoos part of the new dress code? There is a lot of casual dress. I have seen a decline inot customers in the past months due to this new manager. I also have stopped shopping at that location recently. I fear that this store will not last much longer under this management. It is disappointing to see such wonderfully workers being treated as such and to see customers receive no service. If this manager is not fired, this store will close.
I ordered a suit on 2/23/17 with next day express delivery. Still no suit. I called customer service twice, spoke with four different people and each time given different answers. I was finally told that the order had shipped but they could never provide a tracking number. today I used the chat and was told that the suit was not available. interesting…my card has been charged for something that was never available. When I contact my credit card company i will report it as fraud.
I have been a Talbots customer for many years. Susan, the manager at the Doylestown, Pa store is the best employee you have. She is always pleasant, no question is too difficult, persuades to buy additional matching items ? I have had negative experiences in retail stores in Mass and NJ. Susan is a keeper
I shop talbots frequently, however the Talbots’s pop adds that are plaguing my internet time is causing me to think that perhaps I need to shop else where. Talbots aggression appears to be desperate and greedy, no class. Is that the image you want to project?
WHEN EVER YOU GO ON LINE AND VIEW A STORE WEBSITE . THE WHEN YOU LOG IN YOU SEE THE THEIR ADVERTISEMENT . THEY ALL DO IT .
i work for Talbots Store , In 2005 to about 2008. I left , after giving 2 week notice. I never took my 401 (K) I have my pay checks about three or four of them. I would like get some Information, on my account with you. I will call you Monday 20, 2017 my phone is 484-686-XXXXX
6/10/16
There have been 19 email communications since January of this year between myself & Talbots, still with absolutely no resolution. I returned an item, asking for credit. The exact same problem occurred in 2015 as well. Please respond.
Margaret Cassiy
I have been shopping at Talbots since I was a teenager. Talbots Woman is pretty much the only place I shop for my clothes now. I am becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of pockets in your pants and shorts. I have always appreciated Talbots classic look that lasts for more than one season. That means I am practical. Practical means I need pockets. At least one big enough for a reasonably sized cell phone. I am not so fanatical about my silhouette that I care if my cell phone shows. Please will you start putting pockets back?? If you don’t, I will be forced to shop elsewhere. It is ridiculous.
I shop at two different stores – one in Pineville, NC and one in Rock Hill, SC – since I live on the border of SC/NC. After reading the reports below I felt like I had to tell you that the sales people I have encountered are very pleasant and helpful. I was invited to a 50’s party and the associate in Rock Hill helped dress me and I ordered saddle oxfords from another store. Even took my picture in to the store so they could see how well they “put me together”. It was a fun experience. Also walked into the SC store with the catalog in hand and the clerk said you look like you are on a mission and found what I wanted. I have always been greeted the minute I go into the stores.
I had to leave the Talbot’s store in Beaumont, Texas ,on Dowlen Rd., because the BET music was so loud I couldn’t concentrate on putting an outfit together.
I won’t be going back.
I just became a new card holder of Talbots since moving to Boston,MA. My regular store did not have a coat that I wanted so I decided to go to the HINGHAM location where the shirt I wanted was there. I walked in and was ignored I could understand that it was Friday and it was not busy pretty quiet but I did not a big deal of the lack of acknowledgement when it became a problem is when I walked up to pay and the cashier just walked away and the other associates in the store pretended to be busy fixing clothes I have never felt so ashamed and clearly ignored I will be closing my account clearly they don’t want women of color business here
I AM WOMAN OF COLOR . IF YOU HAD A PROBLEM YOU SHOULD HAVE THE CORPORATE OFFICE AND IR YUR COMPLAINT . THEY WILL NOT KNOW WHAT GOING ON UNTIL YOU LET THEM KNOW . I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM IN SC I CALLED COROPORATE AND THE PROBLEM WAS GONE . THEN I MOVED TO NC A PROBLEM AGAIN I ALL THE CORPORATE OFFICE , AND YEARS LATER WHEN MANAGEMENT CHANGED HERE IS THE PROBLEM AGAIN I CALLE TH CORPORATE OFFICE AGAIN . PROBLEM SOLVED . WHEN YOU SPEAK IT CLEAR THE WAY FOR OTHER WOMAN OF COLOR . IF DR MARTIN LUTHER KING DID NOT SPEAK FOR RACIAL EQUITY THEN WHERE WOULD WE BE . I LOVE TALBOTS CLOTHES AND NOBODY GOING TOLOOK DOWNON ME . SPEAK UP
Jesus Christ. Stop whining about white people and discrimination. It gets on everyone’s nerves. You have no idea.
I have been a Talbots card holder since 2002. As of 12/31/15 I had 201 points. Today ZERO! I am appalled just because I don’t spend as much as the rich XXXXXXes my points get taken away. Totally unfair. Since my money isn’t good there I am cutting up my Talbots card. Money should be money on any level.
I AM DEAF AND CALLED TO SEE IF TALBOT WOULD HELP ME TO GET THE AFTER CHRISTMAS DISCOUNT SINCE BACKGROUND NOISE AND HEADSETS BOTHER ME AND PUTS ME IN PAIN. I EVEN ASKED FOR A SUPERVISOR AND EVEN THEY TOLD ME NO EXCEPIONS WILL BE MADE FOR THE DEAF. AFTER 2 HOURS OF BEING UPSET THEY LISTENED BUT BY THEN I EAS VERY TURNED OFF AND QUITE UPSET. THE PHONES IN THE STORES ARE NOT HANDICAP OR DEAF ACCESSIBLE EITHER.
I am extremely disappointed in Talbots. I went to a local store for a sweater you advertised in the catalog. The local store did not have my size so they called the Williamsport PA. store who had the sweater and agreed to ship the item on Monday morning 12/7/15. My credit card was charged. I still have not received the sweater over 10 days after purchasing it. I called the store and was told it is in Lewisburg PA. It has been there the past 3 times I called for the location status. I called Customer Service they basically did nothing and said they were not allowed to call the store. Why do you have customer service that can not help or call a store? I requested a refund and was told they could not do that. I paid for a sweater I did not receive. Talbots is loosing a customer. Too bad I thought better of you being a high end retailer.
I live in the San Diego area and have been a long time customer of Talbots wearing the Women’s Petite Sizes. Recently I have found that fewer and fewer of your stores are carrying the Women’s Petite sizes. Stores that I used to depend on no longer have these sizes. One store even told me you were no longer carrying these sizes except in the catalogue. What’s the deal??? This, plus the definite decline in the quality of your clothing, will definitely be sending me to shop at other stores. Please bring back the Women’s Petite sizes. Not everyone in SoCal is size 0!
I have been a loyal customer since 2002. I’m very disappointed with the extremely small Petites selection in your St Johns Town Center Store. I went in looking for pants. There was only a fourth of the store dedicated to the petite shopper. When your this size, you’re limited to where you can shop. That’s why I always go to your store. Dillard’s, Belk’s, Macy’s and Nordstrom’s Petites are geared towards the elderly population and I’m 40. The shopping experience was disappointing and discouraging. Please beef up the selection and dedicated space for Petites in this store. Coldwater Creek cut Petites out of their stores and their company doesn’t exist anymore. Don’t let this happen to your company. The petite woman may be small but we’re not invisible!!!!! I’d like a reply. Thank you- Mary Mock.
Recently I was visiting my daughter in Louisiana and I went shopping at Talbots in Gonzales, LA. I was shocked when the clerk insisted that I provide my Social Security # or she would cancel the sale. I have never had that happen before. My credit card went through without a problem. Now I wonder if what that clerk will do with my SS #. I regret giving it to her. Was she following store policy???
I have been a Talbot’s customer for over 10 years. You always have petite styles appropriate for professional women. While now retired, I want to continue to shop Talbots. When I went to your Montgomery Mall store in Bethesda today I was informed that they no longer carry women’s petite sizes. Bad move. While I can go to Chevy Chase it is not very convenient. How does one of your outlets get away with this?
I have been shopping Talbots for years and lately I have noticed a change in the quality
of the clothing. Has Talbots changed buyers? I noticed that the clothes are imported.
I feel this has changed the quality of your clothing. The clothing used to be finely tailored
and very classy; but over the last few years it has been less than finely tailored and a little
cheap looking. I am disappointed to see this. I find myself not shopping in the stores or
catalog as often as is used to. Can you please bring back the fine tailored look please.
I have been a fan of Talbots products but unfortunately had a humiliating experience today, never felt blatantly discriminated in my whole life as immigrant in the US. I went toTalbots store in Lake Forest, IL, this early afternoon to adjust the price billed on a pair of earrings we had purchased the week before. I walked to the check out register directly and Stood in llne. My turn came and walked up to the cashier. As I started to open my
Mouth the Cashier said that she will take the customer behind me first because she had assisted her. I was so stunned and couldn’t react in disbelief this was actually happening! I was bypassed and knew in my heart and mind that it was not right that the other lady customer was given preferential treatments because ?????. So I stepped back and waited patiently because I didn’t want to make a scene and cause a delay to others. The manager probably noticed my distraught and asked if they cut me off and didn’t answer because I knew she knew what was going to on. When my turn came the manager assisted me and i thought I couldn’t let this one pass because I want them to realize the mistake. She acknowledged that what her staff did was wrong and will handle it. But did not apologize and I didn’t feel that she tried to empathize or pacify. I decided to walk just out as I knew so much anger was bubbling up and decided to stop before I utter offensive words and make the experience even worse. i cannot still get over the awful feeling until now. I work in Lake forest and everyone knows that Lake Forest is an affluent area. I Live in Gurnee and a minority, go figure!
The regular Talbots I typically shop at, did not have the shirts in my size, and suggested I call the 800 number and I decided to call the Los Gatos store instead. The Valley Fair store gave me the item number and color code. I did not have the name of the garment and thought the item number was sufficient and most accurate. The sales associate was annoyed that I did not have the name of the item and asked me to describe the item. When it came to the color, I provided both color numbers, because the shirt comes in 10+ colors, and various shades of the same basic color. She rudely reminded me that the letter/number combo (R23) I provided was not accurate and it turned out it was correct once the letter was removed. Diane made a point of making it a most unpleasant experience and punishing me for giving the item number vs describing the item. My call into the Los Gatos store was clearly an inconvenience to the store. Very disappointing.
I wish to acknowledge one of your employees, Rosemary Weistart, from the Springfield, IL store. I went into the store to return some catalog items and was met with a breath of fresh air in friendliness and professionalism. At the time she had no idea I was going to also shop. Because of her attitude and cheerfulness she made my shopping experience both productive and a lot of fun. I believe I left with more than I returned ! Thank you Talbots for having such a wonderful “asset” to your company !
Sincerely, Joanne K.
I have shopped at the Talbots in Bellevue, Washington. The minute I enter I am constantly being asked if I need help from various salesgirls. The credit card is also constantly being pushed. Never again, I’d prefer to shop on-line.
I have been a loyal Talbot’s customer for over 20 years…over 75% of my wardrobe is from Talbot’s. Lately I have been very disappointed with the quality of the products and especially your customer service.
Most recently I was informed that my Talbot’s appreciation points expired at the end of the year – VERY frustrating since those points were earned in the last quarter of the year. I feel like it was a gimmick!
I will be taking my business to Ann Taylor in the future. I have had it with your change in policies that show a total lack of appreciation or respect for your customers.
I purchased a coat online and gave it to my wife for Christmas, she went to exchange it at your Scarsdale, NY store for a different size (gift receipt in hand) and she was told that since they did not have the item in the store she could only get credit back to the card that it was purchased with (again, she just wanted to exchange it for another size). The sales associate was totally rude, told my wife that she should order it online and to “hurry, there are only 6 available.” My wife left with nothing in her hand and will probably never shop there again, total disappointment, your company should be totally ashamed.
On a recent planned visit to the Talbots outlet store in Charlotte, NC to use our Black Friday “60% off everything in the store” postcard, we were told by the sales staff that the 60% off did not apply to everything in the store, only certain items. This was very frustrating & disappointing. There were many other shoppers who felt the same way. As I stated this was a planned trip to purchase lots of Christmas gifts. I’m sorry to say that we left with only one (1) item purchased. Don’t know if I’ll make any more trips out to Talbots, used to be one of my favorites places to shop.
I just heard that Talbots at Bayshore Mall is closing in January! That will be a huge loss for me as Talbots is one of the few remaining places I can find decent petite size clothes. I have shopped at a Talbots on the north shore for many years. I agree with other comments that your remaing Milwaukee area stores are not a convenient option. The freeway near Mayfair is under construction for the next few years and travel in that area is a hassle. Mayfair Mall itself is also under construction. I really do not like this decision.
I totally agree with Stacey’s comments on the closing of the Talbot’s Store at Bayshore Town Center in Glendale, WI. By closing this store, Talbot’s is abandoning all of the loyal shoppers who live in the north shore area of Milwaukee. Talbot’s has been a fixture here for more than 25 years–first in Whitefish Bay and then in nearby Glendale. The other Milwaukee locations are not at all convenient and in fact Mayfair Mall has become an overgrown, unfriendly shopping environment. If a store needs to be closed, that is the one that should close.
I just heard that you will be closing the Talbot’s store at Bayshore Mall in Glendale, WI. As one of Talbot’s best customers I want to let you know that I and many other faithful Talbot’s customers are very unhappy about this decision. This store, which has been in this community for over 25 years, is an important shopping destination for me and a large number of women in the North Shore Suburbs of Milwaukee, as well as women from as far south as Racine Wisconsin and as far north as Sheboygan Wisconsin. The nearest store for us is over 14 miles west in Wauwatosa Wisconsin, which in this community is over a 30 minute drive on city streets. It is NOT a convenient option for us. I understand that this is NOT an under-performing store, so your decision is even more baffling. I will be awaiting your response.
Ever since I ordered two sweaters from Talbots online I have been getting constant Talbots ads on multiple websites and they are not just there but they bounce around and get in the way. If you think this encourages me to buy something else from you, you are wrong. They just make me angry. The sweaters were fine but the ads are definitely not.
Just wanted to compliment your store manager @ Jersey Shore Premium Outlets, Tinton Falls, NJ. Her name is Cari Bianchini, she is professional, pleasant, knows the merchandise so well, makes great recommendations & goes above & beyond great customer service.
She has been wonderful when I shop there & I referred a friend who also raved about her.
Thanks to her, I have become a regular Talbot’s customer.
Sincerely,
Anna Schneider
Hi Talbots
Have been a shopper in Ct all my life at Talbots and been almost always happy with everything There have been a few ups and downs but you always seem to see the mistakes and take care of them
Am having an issue with Hanes support hose Have worn Hanes brand ,as did my Family forever It is now made in some country that cannot seem to get them right . I find it awful Some short and shorter ,non wearable. Local stores do not carry B which is my size So now for Talbots Just discovered u carry support hose Yea ,but they are light support And they are made well But they are just to light a fabric for me Any chance you can carry a bit heavier product My friends are having the same thing with Hanes hose They are Talbot shoppers and I was going to share your hose story with them but we need a little heavier support Any chance Love your stores I use them up and down the east coast Thanks Susanne
Today I tried to order a.jacket online basically online indicated order could not be placed – an error. Tried yo placr online a second time .Online indicated again order old not be placed. Ordered on phone with customer service. I was given promotional discount etc. A few hours later I get 2 emails I have 2 identical jacket orders placed for $200 each on my VISA. Received no email on the phone order that was about $100 for the same jacket with discounts from customer service. I called customer service. I was told that the 2 orders for $200 probably could not be taken off my Visa. Too late. A few hours later.I will have to ger 3 identical jackets for different prices then figure out which are the two $200 jackets & which is the same jacket for $100. Then I have to ship the two jackets -$400 on my Visa – hope they don’t get lost, hope the $400 comes off my Visa. This jacket was for my 85 year old mother .Wonderful experience- bizarre. Poor business practices no respect for customers.
I have been a loyal customer of Talbots for over 28 years, I travel a lot and was wondering how come I don’t see your store outside of the United states, I would live to have couple of your stores overseas, can this be done? Please contact me or point me at the right direction.
Thanks,
Gloria
Talbot’s outlet has a 30 day return policy. Maybe you are shopping at a Talbot’s clearance store
For the past thirty years, I have enjoyed shopping at Talbots of Ridgewood New Jersey. Today while shopping, I needed to use the restroom. The manager, Debbie Galle-Molle, said that customers were no longer permitted because use of the restroom had become a liability for the store. She suggested I use the restroom at Country Curtains next door. Clearly the use of Country Curtains’ restroom by Talbot’s customers poses an unjust liability on that store.
It is vital to the existence of our towns to patronize local stores. But the business practices I encountered at Talbots today is unlike any I have experienced in local shops and certainly not worthy of Talbots reputation for professionalism.
Had the same problem And called corporate office today they will look into the problem
Regarding your policy at your Tablots Outlet store, Items are final sale; that is too restrictive and there should be some flexibility.
Your store #74/Park Ridge, IL. On 5/27/2014 my grandmother who is 89 bought 4 items (similar sizes) and one of those items is a top that cost her $10.00. In error, she purchased the wrong size. It would be wonderful to get that exchange. This is when an exception should be made and provide a great customer experience. There are many other discount and outlet stores that provide more options. A policy that only works for you and not your customers will not keep you in the market place. It is a negative experience for Talbot, regardless if it is your outlet store or retail boutique.
Sincerely
Imelda Anderson