Chico's FAS to enter Canada

Chico's FAS is looking to establish a Canadian footprint, and plans in late August to open three boutiques in Ontario at Square One Shopping Centre in Mississauga, Upper Canada Mall in Newmarket and Mapleview Shopping Centre in Burlington.



The Chico's brand was founded in 1983 as a boutique selling Mexican folk art and cotton sweaters from a store on Florida's Sanibel Island. Today, Chico's sells exclusively designed, private branded clothing for women.



"We could not be more thrilled for the opening of the first Chico's boutique in Canada," said Cinny Murray, Chico's brand president. "I'm so excited to bring the women of Canada fabulous Chico's fashion; this is an incredible growth opportunity for our brand."



The store design of the Chico's stand-alone boutiques will be based on a new store prototype. The concept includes a mix of curated finishes and materials based in warm tones with subtle animal prints. Modern interpretations of the Chico's brand heritage are brought to life with iconic woven entry doors, luggage details on fixtures and layers of artifacts as props.



"We believe Canada is a great addition to the international footprint for Chico's, as it represents a natural extension of the brand," said president and CEO David Dyer. "From our robust customer file, we already know that there are a significant number of Chico's customers in Canada."



Square One is owned by Oxford Properties Group and Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCo). Upper Canada Mall is owned by Oxford Properties Group and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). Mapleview Shopping Centre is owned and operated by Ivanhoe Cambridge.



As of March 31, Chico's operated more than 600 boutiques and more than 100 outlets across the U.S., the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Mexico.