Talbots Reports Net Sales Increase

AEON Talbots reports a 26.6 percent increase in net sales to $573.6 million for the first quarter, up from $453 million in the first quarter of 2006. By brand, retail store sales were $387.4 million for Talbots, up from $384.9 million, at this time last year, and $80.6 million for J. Jill. Net income fell from $27.4 million to $5.2 million. Talbots attributes both the increase in net sales and the decrease in net income to the acquisition of 249 J. Jill stores.