Sales up at Talbots

Apparel retailer The Talbots Inc. today affirmed first-quarter earnings guidance, as quarterly sales grew, helped by an acquisition.

The company reported total sales for the three months ending May 5 grew 27 percent to $573.6 million from $453 million a year ago, helped by the acquisition of J. Jill.

The company sees first-quarter net income between 7 cents and 11 cents per share, including Talbots brand earnings of between 30 cents and 32 cents per share, a loss for the J. Jill brand between 10 cents and 8 cents per share, and a 13-cent per share charge from acquisition and financing costs.

Analysts expect net income of 9 cents per share. (AP)