Woodland Hills-based Talon International Inc. reported narrowed losses in the first quarter despite a drop in sales. The company, which supplies zippers, apparel fasteners and trim products, reported sales of $8.7 million, a 5.2 percent decrease from the prior-year period. Company officials said the decrease was a result of a decline in sales to “price sensitive mass merchandisers and licensing customers.” Despite lower sales, Talon was able to reduce losses in the quarter by cutting costs. The company said its general and administrative expenses decreased 6 percent to $2.1 million—a reduction of $135,000 over the same period in 2011. The company cited lower non-cash compensation expenses as a reason for the decline. Talon was able to narrow its net loss to $206,000, or $0.01 per share, compared to a net loss of $401,000, or $0.02 per share for the prior-year period. Talon supplies trim items to national brands and retailers including Wal-Mart, Kohl’s and Abercrombie & Fitch. Over the past year, the company has implemented a restructuring plan which included an expansion of its product line and the addition of specialty retailers to its client list. Recently, the company added high-end designers Ben Sherman and Tommy Hilfiger Europe as customers. “Our sales results for the first quarter of 2012 were slightly lower than the prior year, as improvements within, and additions to, our specialty brands reflected strong growth, but were overshadowed by the soft demand from the mass merchandiser market segment of our business,” CEO Lonnie Schnell said in a prepared statement. Angela Melero
