• Total inventory increased 25.8% to $163.9 million, compared to $130.3 million in the same period last year, due mainly to lower than anticipated sales volume and the earlier timing of fall receipts compared to a year ago. • Total outstanding debt was $83.9 million, an increase of $46.5 million compared to $37.4 million in the same period last year. • In the second quarter, the Company opened 7 Talbots upscale outlets, closed 9 Talbots stores and ended the period with 566 stores, including 39 Talbots upscale outlet stores.