I agree they have good sales and customer loyalty, so why is their stock off more than $12 in just a couple days?

Tuesday Morgan Stanley downgraded them from Outperform to Neutral which coincided with the biggest part of the drop.

Thursday Buckingham Research upgraded them from Accumulate to Strong Buy.

I guess more people listen to Morgan Stanley than Buckingham Research. I listen to my own opinion on this one and let the sheep wander where they will.

I strolled into the Talbots near work the other week to see what they had this season. If I weren't pregnant, I'd have spent a lot of money - I fell in love with several items. I wish I wish there was a Talbots Maternity!

The day I walk in to the store and don't want at least half the clothes in the shop is the day I sell this stock. They've been making very good money with clothes that fit my tastes and I'll worry when they wander afield. There are plenty of women who like the types of clothes I like and very very few stores selling them, and with the quality of materials and construction that Talbots invariably carries. I know, I've looked. I'll pay Talbots prices for their quality of fabric and construction, I will *not* pay them for shoddily made goods just because some dippy designer put a label on it.

Weaving and sewing are among my hobbies, so my tolerance for cheap fabric and poor technique is extremely low :) Talbots clothes have strong smooth seams, perfect edges, linings that never show, and details like lingerie guards to keep your bra straps from showing on sleeveless dresses. Extra buttons are standard, and knits tend to come with a length of yarn for repairs.

The stores are also pleasant to shop in - even in the Christmas rush, there is enough sales help, they know their stock and are never rude.

Have I babbled enough? I have no association with Talbots except as satisfied customer, and now shareholder.

-Liz