Talbots downgraded by S&P as pandemic weighs on sales, cash flow (2024)

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Dive Brief: Dive Insight: FAQs

Dive Brief:

  • S&P Global downgraded Talbots deep into junk territory on Thursday as loan deadlines loom and its business faces persistent stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing troubles in the apparel sector.
  • The ratings agency downgraded Talbots to CCC-, indicating a high risk of default. S&P analysts said that the retailer's "operating performance remains weak and we believe there is an increased risk of a liquidity shortfall or debt restructuring in the next six months." Talbots did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
  • The analysts noted that Talbots has a $185 million asset-based loan and a $350 million term loan both maturing in fall 2022. The chances that Talbots can refinance those loans at their original value "appear increasingly dim given its current depressed sales performance amid the extended COVID-19 pandemic," the analysts said in an emailed press release.

Dive Insight:

Analysts have been worried about Talbots for years now as its debt load weighs on a company in a troubled sector.

The women's apparel seller was swept up in a buying spree by private equity in the retail industry during the early 2010s that, after years of distress and bankruptcies, has since slowed.

Sycamore Partners acquired the retailer in 2012, adding it to a stable of retail and apparel brands that today include Belk, Hot Topic and Staples. (It almost included Victoria's Secret as well, but Sycamore's deal with L Brands for a majority stake in the lingerie seller fell apart as the pandemic took hold of the industry.)

The mix of high debt loads — very often a feature of private equity buyouts — and apparel's ongoing retrenchment was a major source of financial distress in the industry well before the pandemic reached the U.S. Traffic at malls has declined for years due to a host of reasons including demographics, shifts to e-commerce, a declining middle class, and a shift to buying off-price, among other factors. Moreover, casualization, spending shifts and other trends have weighed on apparel specifically.

COVID-19 has exacerbated all of those problems. Consumers have avoided indoor malls out of safety concerns. Moreover, with much of the workforce working from home and consumers avoiding social outings, demand for apparel has been hit squarely by the pandemic.

That makes life difficult for any retailer. With its sales affected, Talbots has been facing a cash crunch. "The company has taken aggressive action to preserve cash since the beginning of the pandemic, including delaying payables, withholding rent, and slashing its payroll and other expenses," S&P analysts said. "Despite these steps, we expect its cash balance to dwindle in the near term."

Its cash problems make refinancing its loans all the more difficult, which in turn could heighten any liquidity issues.

Talbots'fate could hinge on how the pandemic and vaccine rollout play out over the coming months.S&P analysts noted that the retailer's core customers are women 55 and older, a demographic "generally more susceptible to COVID-19 related hospitalizations and serious long-term effects." That has created a "disproportionate decline in its sales," with revenue down 40% over the first three quarters of 2020, analysts said.

Talbots downgraded by S&P as pandemic weighs on sales, cash flow (2024)

FAQs

What is happening with Talbots? ›

S&P Global downgraded Talbots deep into junk territory on Thursday as loan deadlines loom and its business faces persistent stress from the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing troubles in the apparel sector. The ratings agency downgraded Talbots to CCC-, indicating a high risk of default.

How is Talbots doing? ›

Talbots revenue is $1.3B annually. After extensive research and analysis, Zippia's data science team found the following key financial metrics. Talbots has 8,737 employees, and the revenue per employee ratio is $152,340. Talbots peak revenue was $1.3B in 2021.

Is Talbots profitable? ›

Talbots reported net income of $4.1 million, or 7 cents per share, for its fourth quarter ended January 30, compared with a loss of $361.5 million, or $6.75 per share, a year earlier. Excluding items, Talbots earned 13 cents per share.

Has Talbots been sold? ›

In 2012, Sycamore Partners revealed that an affiliate TLB Merger Sub Inc. had completed its acquisition of Talbots and Kindler was brought in as CEO.

Is Talbots in trouble financially? ›

Talbots. Women's clothing store Talbots is among apparel retailers at risk. The company is facing sector challenges, as many consumers have turned away from malls amid the pandemic. Talbots doesn't have much cash on hand, and it's debt is coming due soon, analysts said.

Why are Talbots stores closing? ›

Effective today, we've decided to temporarily close all of our stores in order to help protect our communities and contain the spread of the coronavirus. As always, connect with us here and we look forward to welcoming you back into our stores soon. Richard Moore and 1,604 others like this.

Does Talbots own Haven Well Within? ›

We try to lead her through experiences with products that are curated to help her create a routine for them. Talbots-owned e-tailer Haven Well Within curates products suiting different everyday experiences that it calls Awaken, Nourish, Energize, Unwind and Rejuvenate.

How long is Talbots coming back? ›

Return Policy. If for any reason you are not happy with your Talbots or Haven Well Within purchase, we will accept returns and exchanges of ticketed, unworn, unwashed, or defective merchandise, and unopened, unused products such as fragrance, candles, etc. with a valid receipt within 60 days of purchase.

What discount do Talbots employees get? ›

Employee Comments

40% discount on Talbots clothing.

What is the most profitable clothing company? ›

This is reevaluated annually based on the previous year.
...
Most valuable fashion brands.
Brand2020 Brand Value $
1Nike$36.8 b
2Louis Vuitton$32.3 b
3Hermes$18.3 b
4Gucci$18.2 b
96 more rows

Is J Jill owned by Talbots? ›

In 2006, J. Jill was acquired by rival retailer The Talbots, Inc., ceasing to be a publicly traded company; Talbots topped Liz Claiborne in a "bidding war" for ownership of J. Jill, paying US$517 million for the brand.

What is the most profitable store to open? ›

Top 30 Profitable Retail Business Ideas with Low Investment
  • 1) Grocery store. it is one of the most profitable retail business in today's environment. ...
  • 2) Stationery and bookstore. ...
  • 3) Customized gift shops. ...
  • 4) Cosmetic store. ...
  • 5) Perfume stores. ...
  • 6) Mobile store. ...
  • 7) Kids store. ...
  • 8) Sports shop.
1 Oct 2022

Who are Talbots competitors? ›

Talbots competitors include Ann Taylor, Chico's, Gap Inc. and ANN INC.. Talbots ranks 1st in Customer Net Promoter Score on Comparably vs its competitors.

What age group wears Talbots? ›

Around 2010, he said, Talbots tried to attract a younger woman, who could not look past its reputation as her “mom's” brand. Meanwhile, Talbots' core demographic, women ages 55 and older, felt the brand had become too “young.”

Is Ann Taylor and Talbots the same company? ›

Ann Taylor's brand is ranked #- in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of Ann Taylor. Talbots's brand is ranked #- in the list of Global Top 1000 Brands, as rated by customers of Talbots.
...
Ann Taylor vs Talbots.
45%Promoters
43%Detractors
1 more row

Are Talbots and Ann Taylor owned by the same company? ›

Ascena Retail Group, Inc., is an American retailer of women's clothing. Ascena also owns Lane Bryant clothing store brand, and is the parent company of Ann Inc., operator of Ann Taylor and Loft stores. Ascena Retail Group, Inc.
...
Ascena Retail Group.
TypePrivate
Websitewww.ascena.com
18 more rows

Is Talbot a luxury brand? ›

The reality of the fashion market is that very respectable, though not true 'luxury' brands like Talbots, Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor are delivering an investment in fashion that is most highly regarded by affluent customers loyal to these brands.”

Does General Mills own Talbots? ›

General Mills Inc. said yesterday that it had agreed to sell its Talbots women's apparel chain to the Jusco Company, a large Japanese chain-store retailer, for $325 million in cash. It will be the first major purchase by a Japanese company of an American retailer.

How do you get Talbots back? ›

The return portal can be used to ship your return using USPS or prepare your return for drop off at an approved location or a Talbots store. The return portal can be used for online purchases, phone orders (with a valid email address) and orders placed through Concierge in store.

What do Talbots employees wear? ›

You have to have the Talbots look, which is either preppy or business casual. You can wear jeans (some stores are more relaxed... Are you allowed to have colored hair? Not unnatural colors but it depends on the store manager.

Are Loft and Talbots the same? ›

Talbots' parent company Sycamore Partners recently purchased the Ascena Retail Group Inc., which owns Ann Taylor, Loft, Lane Bryant and Lou & Grey, for $540 million.

Can I return Haven well within to Talbots? ›

Merchandise purchased online or by phone can be returned to any Talbots store.

Who designs clothes for Talbots? ›

Patrick Pardo - Vice President of Design, Footwear & Accessories - Talbots | LinkedIn.

What is Talbots birthday bonus? ›

Birthday Bonuses.

The birthday discount (10% off for Classic Awards Loyalty members and 15% off for Talbots Credit Cardholders, subject to the limitations described below) can be used on any Talbots purchase, excluding Gift Cards and e-gift certificates.

Who is Talbots Catalogue model? ›

Niki Taylor
Children4
Modeling information
Height5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
Hair colorBlonde
7 more rows

Is Talbots an American brand? ›

Talbots began from an inspired commitment to provide women with timely and timeless style, extraordinary quality and memorable service. We are the original New England lifestyle brand for women who love looking well put together, with sizes for every body.

Do Talbots sales associates make commission? ›

No commission, but yes on incentives.

Who is Talbots target customer? ›

Talbots is making great strides to become a cult brand for women between the ages of 45 to 65 years old and right now it is focusing on reclaiming its brand DNA and sense of style.

What is Tiffany's employee discount? ›

The discount is 50% off, which is barely anything when the items are so overpriced to start. The management really does not care about you unless you have been there for years. They see you as disposable unless you are one of their favorites or unless you are higher up in the company. The work-life balance is so bad.

Which is the No 1 brand in clothes in the world? ›

According to the ranking of the most valuable clothing and apparel brands in the world, Nike ranked first in both 2021 and 2022. In 2022, the American company's brand value amounted to approximately ten billion U.S. dollars more than second placed Luis Vuitton.
...
Characteristic20212022
Uniqlo (Japan)13,0719,640
9 more rows
15 Aug 2022

What is the fastest growing fashion brand? ›

Louis Vuitton retained its number 1 spot and was the fastest riser in the luxury category, growing 46% year on year.
...
Kantar BrandZ™ Top 10 Most Valuable Apparel Brands 2021.
BrandNike
Country of OriginUS
Brand value 2021 ($MN)83,709
Brand value 2020 ($MN)49,962
Brand Value Increase68%
9 more columns
28 Jun 2021

Who sells the most clothes in America? ›

Largest Clothing Companies Research Summary

The largest clothing company in the U.S. is TJX Companies, with an annual sales of $48.55 billion.

Is J Jill an ethical company? ›

J. Jill's business is conducted in accordance with the highest ethical standards and laws of the United States and the countries where our merchandise is made. The integrity of the production process is just as important as the quality of the products we sell.

What is going on with Jjill? ›

Jill is closing approximately 20 stores in 2021, seeking to rebound with a smaller footprint and a focus on full-price sales. The retailer saw first-quarter sales jump 41.9 percent to $129.1 million, but sales remain 26.9 percent behind the $176.5 million it generated in the period two years ago.

How is Jjill doing financially? ›

Jill Third Quarter 2023 Earnings: EPS: US$0.64 (vs US$0.81 in 3Q 2022) J. Jill ( NYSE:JILL ) Third Quarter 2023 Results Key Financial Results Revenue: US$150.2m (down 1.0% from 3Q 2022).

What is the easiest most profitable business? ›

Most Profitable Business Ideas
  • Business Consulting. If you're an expert in your industry and have been working at it for years, you should consider consulting. ...
  • IT Support, Technology Consulting, and Repair. ...
  • Cleaning Services. ...
  • Accounting and Tax Preparation. ...
  • Auto Repair. ...
  • Real Estate. ...
  • Online courses. ...
  • Marketing and PR Services.

What is the most profitable franchise in the world? ›

McDonald's

The company's number of locations and annual revenue are also good indicators that it is the most profitable franchise to own.

What is the most profitable business in the world? ›

This can lower or even outweigh potential returns.
  • #1 Apple Inc. (AAPL)
  • #2 Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
  • #3 Industrial And Commercial Bank Of China Ltd. (IDCBY)
  • #4 China Construction Bank Corp. (CICHY)
  • #5 Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL)
  • #6 Agricultural Bank of China Ltd. (ACGBY)
  • #7 JPMorgan Chase & Co. ...
  • #8 Alibaba Group Holding Ltd.

Who is Marks and Spencer biggest competitors? ›

Marks & Spencer's competitors and similar companies include Lawson, Debenhams, Macy's, John Lewis Partnership, Aldi UK, Asda, Tesco, Next and Waitrose & Partners.

Who is Chico's competitor? ›

Chico's competitors include Talbots, ANN INC., Macy's and White House Black Market. Chico's ranks 1st in Product Quality Score on Comparably vs its competitors.

Who is Zara's biggest competitors? ›

H&M, Zara, and Uniqlo are three international clothing retailers with over 2,000 stores each worldwide. The competitive companies target similar markets but employ different strategies in their business models to manage the distribution of product lines.

What is the meaning of Talbot? ›

(ˈtɔːlbət ) noun. (formerly) an ancient breed of large hound, usually white or light-coloured, having pendulous ears and strong powers of scent. Collins English Dictionary.

What clothes should a 60 year old wear? ›

5 Tips For Dressing in Your 60s
  • Big patterns, bold colors. By the time you've reached your 60s, your outlook is refreshing—you've learned not to take yourself or life too seriously. ...
  • Breathable Fabrics Reign Supreme. ...
  • Embrace the unexpected. ...
  • Balance timeless with trends. ...
  • Mix textures and metals.

What to wear when you are 55 years old? ›

You can wear these basics to work, out to dinner and anywhere else:
  • Dark denim, mid-rise, boot-cut jeans. ...
  • Dark denim, mid-rise, straight-leg jeans. ...
  • White jeans (boot-cut or straight-leg) ...
  • Great-fitting pants. ...
  • Black blazer. ...
  • Black pencil skirt. ...
  • Sweaters. ...
  • Tank tops.
28 Nov 2022

Who bought Talbots? ›

Sycamore Partners

Is Talbots a luxury brand? ›

The reality of the fashion market is that very respectable, though not true 'luxury' brands like Talbots, Liz Claiborne and Ann Taylor are delivering an investment in fashion that is most highly regarded by affluent customers loyal to these brands.”

Who owns Talbots 2022? ›

Acquired about 25 years later by General Mills, Talbots became a public company in 1993 and is now owned by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm. Among its intended demographic, Talbots has many followers -- but some detractors, too.

What age group is J Jill for? ›

J. Jill's target audience is also a bit older than that of comparable brands, centered on 45- to 60-year-olds.

Who owns Chico's? ›

Chico's saw double-digit growth in the late 1990s, even at a time when the retail environment as a whole was flat or shrinking. Founders Helene and Marvin Gralnick continue to run the chain.

Are Hot Topic and torrid owned by the same company? ›

Torrid Holdings Inc. is an American women's retail chain formerly owned by Hot Topic. While it is still owned by Sycamore Partners, owners of Hot Topic, in 2015, the company branched off to become Torrid, LLC. The store offers plus-size clothing and accessories for women size 10-30.

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