The Talbots, Inc. ("Talbots") today announced that Michael Weiss, the longtime CEO of Express and a highly respected figure in the retail industry for many years, has joined the Talbots Board of Directors, effective September 1, 2016.

"Michael has long been viewed as one of the retail industry's most visionary, charismatic and inspiring leaders, and we are thrilled that he has agreed to join the Talbots' Board," said Lizanne Kindler, Chief Executive Officer of Talbots. "I am confident that my colleagues and I will benefit greatly from Michael's unique insights as we work to achieve our long-term goals."

"I am honored to join the Talbots Board," said Mr. Weiss. "The retail industry is very much about brands and Talbots is one of America's most iconic retail fashion brands with a long history of delivering on its stated mission to provide women with modern classic apparel. I look forward to working closely with the Board, the management team and Talbots' talented associates as the company continues to execute its business strategy and serve its loyal customers for years to come."

Stefan Kaluzny, Managing Director of Sycamore Partners, said, "I have known Michael as a friend and colleague for many years. He deservedly has earned an outstanding reputation in the retail industry and I have no doubt that by sharing his wisdom, expertise and warmth with his new colleagues and fellow board members, Michael will make a meaningful contribution to Talbots' ongoing growth and success."

About Michael Weiss

Michael Weiss served in various leadership roles at Express, one of the largest specialty retail apparel brands in the United States, for much of his professional career. Most recently, from 2007 to 2015, he served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer, steering the Express brand through a period of unprecedented growth, culminating in the company's IPO on the New York Stock Exchange in 2010.

Mr. Weiss joined Limited Brands in 1981 as the merchandise manager for an eight-store experimental division, which became Express. He served as President of Express from 1982 to 1993 and took the division from virtually zero to $1 billion in annual sales in less than ten years. He then left to become Vice Chairman of Limited Brands in 1993 only to return to Express in 1997 as President and Chief Executive Officer. He temporarily retired from the division in 2004 and returned in 2007 following the sale of Express to a private equity firm.

Before joining Limited Brands, Mr. Weiss worked with Apparel Industries, Casual Corner and Abraham and Strauss. He has served on the board of Collective Brands, Pac Sun, Chico's, Borders, Retail Management at Brigham Young University, the American Red Cross of Columbus, the Greater Columbus Arts Council, United Way of Franklin County and the Columbus Jewish Foundation. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mr. Weiss holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Syracuse University, where he majored in English.

About Talbots

The Talbots, Inc. is a leading specialty retailer and direct marketer of women's apparel, shoes and accessories. Established in 1947, Talbots is known for its modern classic apparel. The company operates over 500 Talbots stores in 46 states and Canada. Talbots' on-line shopping site is located at www.talbots.com.

About Sycamore Partners

Sycamore Partners is a private equity firm based in New York specializing in consumer and retail investments. The firm has more than $3.5 billion in capital under management. The firm's strategy is to partner with management teams to improve the operating profitability and strategic value of their businesses. The firm's investment portfolio currently includes Belk, Coldwater Creek, Dollar Express, EMP Merchandising, Hot Topic, the Kasper Group, MGF Sourcing, Nine West Holdings, Talbots and Torrid.