Chico’s

Chico's FAS, Inc. is a well-established American retailer specializing in women's apparel and accessories, operating through its three distinct brands: Chico's, White House Black Market, and Soma. The company was founded in 1983 by Marvin and Helene Gralnick, who started with a small boutique on Sanibel Island, Florida. Initially offering Mexican folk art and cotton sweaters, Chico's quickly evolved into a national retail presence.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Chico's FAS expanded significantly, acquiring White House Black Market in 2003 and launching Soma in 2004. This expansion allowed the company to broaden its reach into both the women's fashion and intimate apparel markets. As of November 2025, Chico's FAS operates over 1,200 boutiques and outlets across the United States, maintaining a strong presence in both mall and lifestyle center locations. The company also boasts a robust e-commerce platform, catering to a wide range of customer preferences.

Headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, Chico's FAS employs approximately 14,000 people nationwide. In January 2024, the company was acquired by Sycamore Partners, a private equity firm known for its focus on retail and consumer investments. This acquisition marked the beginning of a new chapter for Chico's FAS, emphasizing operational efficiency and strategic growth.

In recent years, Chico's FAS has been actively optimizing its store portfolio, selectively opening new locations in high-traffic urban and suburban markets such as Texas, Florida, California, the Mid-Atlantic, and the Southeast. The company is also investing in omnichannel growth, enhancing the customer experience both in-store and online. Each brand within Chico's FAS offers a unique store concept: Chico's provides casual and sophisticated women's apparel, White House Black Market specializes in monochromatic and occasion wear, and Soma focuses on intimate apparel and loungewear.

With a reputation for personalized service and a loyal customer base, Chico's FAS stands out in the specialty retail sector. Its scale, credibility, and diverse retail formats make it an attractive partner for commercial landlords and developers looking to enhance their retail offerings.