The Talbots Inc announced that Harold B. Bosworth, Jr, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer Talbots Brand, will retire after approximately 10 years with the Company effective July 27, 2007.

"Since joining the Company, Hal has been instrumental in successfully growing Talbots portfolio of brands, while maintaining our core classic offering,” said Arnold B. Zetcher, Talbots Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer.

“We are extremely grateful for his significant contributions to the Company as well as to the Talbots customer, and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Mr. Zetcher continued, “We are gearing up for the fall season with a strong, classic product assortment ready to launch, and a solid merchandising team in place."

"I am confident that under the new leadership of recently appointed President and CEO Trudy Sullivan, a highly respected merchandising talent, Talbots is well-positioned to develop and execute the right merchandising strategies to best grow our portfolio of brands and continue to represent the retail destination for the 35+ customer.”

Mr. Bosworth, 57, joined Talbots in 1997 and most recently served as Executive Vice President, Chief Merchandising Officer Talbots Brand, responsible for merchandising for Talbots women’s businesses in stores, catalog and web, including Talbots Misses, Talbots Petites, Talbots Accessories & Shoes, Talbots Woman and Woman Petites, and Talbots Collection.

The Talbots Inc