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Chico's FAS history
Chico's FAS company history timeline
In 1983, they opened a tiny Mexican folk art gift shop in Periwinkle Place on Sanibel Island, Florida.
In 1985, Chico's Folk Art Specialties opened a second boutique on Captiva Island, Florida.
The first franchise store opened in Edina, Minnesota, in 1987.
1989: Chico’s Folk Art Specialties earns a place on Inc.
In 1990, the company shortened its name to Chico's FAS, Inc.
By 1992, the chain had expanded to 60 stores, with a mix of franchised shops and company-owned units.
By 1992, the company operated 60 boutiques and began designing its own prints and patterns.
Chico's went public on Nasdaq in 1993.
1994: Gralnicks come out of retirement to direct company.
1994: Chico's FAS moves into an award-winning office and distribution center in Fort Myers, FL.
Payner resigned in February 1997, and Marvin Gralnick became both CEO and president.
Chico's had posted double-digit sales gains every month since June 1997, and the chain showed no signs of slowing.
1998: Chico’s FAS premieres Most Amazing Personal Service (MAPS) customer service initiative, which becomes part of the company's DNA.
2000: Chico’s mails its first catalog and opens a call center to take orders.
In 2001, it moved to the New York Stock Exchange.
2002: Chico’s FAS distribution center opens in Winder, GA.
2003: Chico’s FAS acquires White House Black Market.
Average new store sales reached $1.45 million per year in 2003.
2004: Chico’s FAS launches Soma, an intimate apparel boutique.
2006: Chico’s FAS adds 24 acres to Fort Myers campus.
2010: Chico’s FAS expands into Outlet format through Chico’s and White House Black Market brands.
In 2011, Chico's FAS acquired Boston Proper, which is a brand available online or by catalog.
2012: New merchandise categories debut; Chico's So Slimming Pants Collection, White House Black Market's Work Kit and Perfect Form Fabric and Soma's Embraceable Bra Collection.
2013: Love Soma Rewards loyalty program announced.
In 2013, Chico's FAS expanded internationally by opening White House Black Market stores in Canada.
Further international expansion has occurred with its namesake Chico's into Mexico in 2014.
In 2016, Chico's FAS sold Boston Proper to Brentwood Associates, an investment firm in Los Angeles.
In 2017, the company launched its first online outlet store, Chico’s Off The Rack.
2018: Chico’s FAS forms partnerships with new sales channels, including ShopRunner, Amazon and QVC. Chico’s FAS sponsors their 43rd Habitat for Humanity home in Southwest Florida.
In an earnings call Tuesday, the company's leadership attributed the improved financial performance primarily to a turnaround strategy, launched back in 2019 — before COVID reared its ugly head and became a global pandemic.
In 2019, Chico’s announced it was opening airport stores in partnership with airport retailer operator Stellar Partnerships.
2020: Chico’s FAS is recognized as one of the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes Magazine.
March 2021:Chico's net sales drop 27% in fourth quarter; Soma brand digital sales rise 72%
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Chico's FAS competitors
| Company name | Founded date | Revenue | Employee size | Job openings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White House Black Market | 1985 | $570.0M | 3,098 | - |
| American Eagle Outfitters | 1977 | $5.3B | 37,000 | 1,190 |
| Anthropologie | 1992 | $5.6B | 5,012 | 2 |
| Jimmy Jazz | 1985 | $167.0M | 1,142 | - |
| Forever 21 | 1984 | $4.0B | 30,000 | 17 |
| Stein Mart | 1908 | $1.2B | 11,000 | - |
| Saxon Shoes | 1953 | $24.0M | 100 | - |
| Jill Acquisition LLC | 2009 | $616.0M | 3,200 | 16 |
| GUESS | 1981 | $3.0B | 14,701 | 308 |
| Aldo | - | $1.7B | 25 | 1 |
Chico's FAS history FAQs
Zippia gives an in-depth look into the details of Chico's FAS, including salaries, political affiliations, employee data, and more, in order to inform job seekers about Chico's FAS. The employee data is based on information from people who have self-reported their past or current employments at Chico's FAS. The data on this page is also based on data sources collected from public and open data sources on the Internet and other locations, as well as proprietary data we licensed from other companies. Sources of data may include, but are not limited to, the BLS, company filings, estimates based on those filings, H1B filings, and other public and private datasets. While we have made attempts to ensure that the information displayed are correct, Zippia is not responsible for any errors or omissions or for the results obtained from the use of this information. None of the information on this page has been provided or approved by Chico's FAS. The data presented on this page does not represent the view of Chico's FAS and its employees or that of Zippia.
Chico's FAS may also be known as or be related to CHICO S FAS INC., Chico's FAS, Chico's FAS Inc, Chico's FAS, Inc., Chico's Fas and Chico's Fas, Inc.