Talbots makes executive changes to "realign"

Talbots Inc., a Hingham-based retailer best known for women's clothing, announced more changes today as it looks to re-energize its brand.

Talbots today announced that it has named two senior executives with extensive merchandising and design expertise who will work closely together to "realign Talbots product and elevate its brand image," the company said

Talbots said it has appointed Michael Smaldone as chief creative officer of the Talbots brand and Basha Cohen as executive vice president and chief merchandising executive of the Talbots brand.

Both will report directly to Trudy F. Sullivan, Talbots president and chief executive, who joined the company earlier this year.

The company currently operates 1,428 stores under the brand names of Talbots and J. Jill.

Talbots forte is classically styled clothing for women 35 and older, but as casual clothing becomes increasingly permissible in the work place, many women are opting to dress down or go for edgier fashions than Talbots is known for.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)