• October 10, 2007

The Talbots Inc. says it is working with a consultant to assist management in a strategic review of the company focusing on brand positioning.

Hingham, Mass.-based Talbots says the consulting firm will evaluate positioning and expansion opportunities of the Talbots and J.Jill brands over the next six months. The company also plans to address other operating matters, store growth, productivity, non-core concepts, and distribution channels.

In September, Talbots also announced plans to conduct a competitive review of agencies for its Talbots brand advertising account. Talbots' current ad agency, Arnold Worldwide, is defending the account.

--Tanya Irwin