1983:
Chico’s Folk Art Specialties (FAS) is born: Marvin and Helene Gralnick sign
their first lease at The Periwinkle Place in Sanibel, FL. Helene names the
boutiques after her friend’s parrot, Chico.
1984: Marvin's pocket was the first cash register. "We wouldn't close the shop until we got a certain amount in sales. Our accountant came by one night and bought something so we could go home." - Karin Greenman, Chico's (Folk Art Specialties) FAS first associate.
1987:
The first franchise store opens in Edina, Minnesota.
1989:
Chico’s Folk Art Specialties earns a place on Inc. Magazine’s list of the
500 fastest-growing privately held companies in America.
1990:
The company name is shortened to Chico’s FAS. Chico’s launches Passport
Loyalty Rewards program.
1993:
Chico’s FAS goes public and begins trading on NASDAQ under the title CHCS.
Chico’s FAS places 13 on the BusinessWeek’s list of the 100 Best Small
Corporations.
1994: Chico's FAS moves into an award-winning office and distribution center in Fort Myers, FL.
1998:
Chico’s FAS premieres Most Amazing Personal Service (MAPS) customer service
initiative, which becomes part of the company's DNA.
1999:
Chico’s launches online sales at Chicos.com.
2000:
Chico’s mails its first catalog and opens a call center to take orders.
2001:
Chico’s FAS debuts on the New York Stock Exchange as CHS. Chico’s FAS earns
a place on Fortune’s 100 fastest Growing Companies, BusinessWeek’s 100 Best
Small Companies, and the number one spot on Forbes’ 200 Best Small
Companies.
2002:
Chico’s FAS distribution center opens in Winder, GA.
2003:
Chico’s FAS acquires White House Black Market.
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.
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. White House Black Market introduces Loyalty Program.
2013:
Love Soma Rewards loyalty program announced. White House Black Market
expands to Canada. Chico’s celebrates its 30th Anniversary. Chico’s FAS
headquarters in Fort Myers, FL is designated a Florida Green Commercial
Building by the Florida Green Building Coalition (FGBC).
2014:
Chico’s FAS announces international expansion into Mexico as a franchise
business. Chicos.com launches petite sizes.
2017:
ChicosOffTheRack.com online outlet launches.
Chico’s FAS reaches rare status among public companies that currently
have a female majority on the Board of Directors (55%) and Executive
Management team (65%*)
. The company is recognized by LedBetter, 2020 Women on Boards and National
Association of Female Executives (NAFE) for empowering women in leadership.
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.
2019: The Company welcomes Bonnie Brooks as Chico's FAS CEO & President and Molly Langenstein as President, Apparel Group to lead the Chico's and White House Black Market brands. Chico's FAS launches TellTale, a digital-first intimate apparel brand.
2020: Chico’s FAS is recognized as one of the Best Employers for Diversity by Forbes Magazine. Molly Langenstein is promoted to CEO and President of Chico’s FAS, as Bonnie Brooks transitions to Chair of the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors.
2021: Chico’s FAS grows customer count double digits and attracts younger customers, underscoring the effectiveness of its customer-led, product-obsessed, digital-first and operationally excellent strategic pillars.
2022: Chico’s FAS launches new point-based loyalty programs and mobile apps for each brand, advancing its connected commerce strategy. Chico’s FAS publishes its first comprehensive ESG Impact Report on its new Responsibility website (esg.chicosfas.com).
2023: Chico’s FAS enters into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Sycamore Partners for $1 billion.
2024: Sycamore Partners completes the acquisition of Chico’s FAS.
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