SmallBizGenius Analysis
Talbots receives mixed reviews, with many customers expressing disappointment in declining quality and poor customer service. While some long-time shoppers praise helpful in-store staff, online experiences and product quality are frequent sources of complaints.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 272 recent reviews
Product Quality
3.0/10Many reviewers express disappointment with the declining quality of Talbots clothing, noting cheaper fabrics, poor construction, and items falling apart quickly. For example, several customers mention that sweaters pill excessively after only one wear, and pants lose their shape.
42 reviews mention thisCustomer Service
2.5/10A significant number of reviewers report negative experiences with Talbots customer service, citing long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty resolving issues. Some customers mention being disconnected while on hold for extended periods or struggling to understand customer service representatives with heavy accents. One reviewer stated, "The absolute worst customer service. They do not answer the phone and if you are prompted to have them call you back they dont."
38 reviews mention thisOnline Ordering Issues
2.0/10Numerous reviewers report problems with Talbots' online ordering system, including incorrect sizes being shipped, delayed deliveries, and difficulty processing returns. Some customers also mention issues with the website malfunctioning during sales or promotions. One reviewer shares, "I ordered online , after a week, send me a wrong size! I asked for 10 Petiet, send me 12!"
25 reviews mention thisShipping and Delivery
2.8/10Several reviewers complain about slow or delayed shipping, even when paying for expedited delivery. Some customers also report issues with items being out of stock despite being listed as available online. One reviewer notes, "Also paid for expedited 2-3 day shipping. That was seven days ago and still nothing."
18 reviews mention thisTalbots Credit Card Issues
1.5/10A number of reviewers report problems with their Talbots credit cards, including accounts being closed without notification, difficulties activating new cards, and issues with merchandise credits. Some customers also mention challenges contacting Comenity Bank, the issuer of the Talbots credit card. One reviewer stated, "My Comenity Talbots card expired in Dec 2025, but a new card was never sent. Comenity closed my account, unbeknownst to me."
12 reviews mention thisIn-Store Experience
4.0/10A few reviewers praise the helpfulness and friendliness of staff at specific Talbots store locations. These customers appreciate the personalized service and positive shopping experience. One reviewer stated, "Talbots in UTC Mall in Sarasota has the utmost best customer service!"
10 reviews mention thisRewards Program
1.8/10Some reviewers express frustration with changes to the Talbots rewards program, finding it difficult to redeem rewards or feeling that the value of the rewards has decreased. One reviewer complains about a "Classic reward scam" where the system wouldn't allow them to use rewards with upcoming expiration dates.
7 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Talbots in UTC Mall in Sarasota has the utmost best customer service!"
"CLASSY PROFESSIONAL CLOTHES WHICH ARE WELL ABOVE OTHER STORES,SALES PERSONNEL ARE SO CARING AND HELPFUL."
"My recent acquisition of black Petite Med Travel Capsule is a HUGE SUCCESS"
"Have always found the sales staff in Glendale Az at 59th Ave extremely helpful, as well as online experiences."
"This past year, I changed back to Talbots as the styles and quality have been elevated."
Common Complaints
"The clothing that I have been receiving is of the poorest quality clothing you can imagine."
"The absolute worst customer service. They do not answer the phone and if you are prompted to have them call you back they dont."
"Fit is off, quality is not there, and prices are high."
"I ordered online , after a week, send me a wrong size! I asked for 10 Petiet, send me 12!"
"I’m getting run around on a refund. The pants I bought literally shredded the first time I wore them."
Common Questions About Talbots
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Talbots legit and trustworthy?
Talbots is a long-standing retailer, but based on recent reviews, customers should be aware of potential issues with product quality and customer service. While the company is a legitimate business, many reviewers report receiving poor quality items, experiencing difficulties with online orders, and struggling to get assistance from customer service. Some customers have had positive experiences, particularly in-store, but the prevalence of negative feedback suggests caution. Potential customers should carefully consider these factors before making a purchase.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Talbots have good customer service?
Based on the analyzed reviews, Talbots' customer service receives overwhelmingly negative feedback. Many customers report long wait times, unhelpful representatives, and difficulty resolving issues. Some reviewers mention being disconnected while on hold or struggling to understand customer service representatives. While a few reviewers praise specific in-store experiences, the online and phone customer service appears to be a significant pain point for many customers. Therefore, it's difficult to recommend Talbots based on its customer service reputation.
Based on 38 reviewsIs Talbots worth it for small business?
Talbots primarily caters to individual consumers, so it's not directly relevant for most small businesses. However, small businesses in the retail or fashion space can learn from Talbots' challenges. The reviews highlight the importance of maintaining product quality, providing excellent customer service, and ensuring a smooth online ordering experience. These are crucial factors for any small business looking to build a strong reputation and retain customers.
Based on 5 reviewsWhat is Talbots' return policy like?
The reviews suggest that Talbots' return policy can be problematic. Several customers report difficulties with returns, including issues with receiving refunds and being treated poorly when attempting to return items in-store. Some reviewers also mention challenges with returning online orders, particularly from Canada. While Talbots likely has a formal return policy, the actual customer experience appears to be inconsistent and often frustrating.
Based on 10 reviewsWhy has the quality of Talbots clothing declined?
Several reviewers who have been long-time Talbots customers speculate that the company has cut costs by using cheaper fabrics and less skilled manufacturing processes. They observe that the quality of the clothing is no longer consistent with the brand's historical reputation. Some reviewers also suggest that Talbots may be prioritizing profits over customer satisfaction, leading to a decline in overall quality and service.
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