SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

_________________

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of report (Date of earliest event reported) February 5, 2004

THE TALBOTS, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Delaware
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation) 1-12552
(Commission File Number) 41-1111318
(I.R.S. Employer Identification Number)

One Talbots Drive, Hingham, Massachusetts
(Address of Principal Executive Offices) 02043
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (781) 749-7600

INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN THE REPORT

Item 12.  Results of Operations and Financial Condition

      Attached and being furnished as Exhibit 99.1 is a copy of a press release of The Talbots, Inc. (“Talbots”) dated February 5, 2004, reporting Talbots January 2004 sales results, and related message points to be read in a pre-recorded January 2004 sales call to be available at approximately 9 a.m. on February 5, 2004. The message points will also be available under “Financial Highlights” in the “Investor Relations” section of Talbots website, www.talbots.com.

SIGNATURE

          Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned hereunto duly authorized.

Dated:  February 5, 2004 THE TALBOTS, INC.


By:        EDWARD L. LARSEN
——————————————
Name:  Edward L. Larsen
Title:    Senior Vice President,
             Finance, Chief Financial
             Officer and Treasurer

EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No. Description

99.1 Press Release of The Talbots, Inc., dated February 5, 2004 and message points for a pre-recorded January 2004 sales call on February 5, 2004.