Talbots brand hires new merchant

Talbots Inc. said today it has named Lizanne Kindler to the post of senior vice president of merchandising and general merchandise manager of the Talbots brand.

The Hingham-based retailer primarily known for selling apparel to women 35 and older is looking to reinvigorate its brand; earlier this month, it unvelied plans to exit its Talbots Kids and Talbots Mens businesses as well as plans to down-size its work force by about 5 percent.

  Kindler, 38, was most recently senior vice president and general merchandising manager of Ann Taylor Loft, a unit of Ann Taylor Stores Corp., said Talbots, which also markets the J. Jill clothing brand.
(By Chris Reidy, Globe staff)