Chico’s Posts Strong Quarter

Fort Myers, Fla., Chico’s FAS posted a record second quarter net income of $49 million, an increase of 38.4%. Comparable-store sales for the company-owned stores increased 15.7% for the 13-week period ended July 30, compared to the same 13-week period last year. Net sales for the second quarter rose 34.6% to a record $343 million, up from $255 million.

The company also announced that it plans to open 20 new Soma by Chico’s stores during fiscal 2006 over and above the combined 20% net square footage growth rate planned for the Chico’s and White House | Black Market brands. Scott A. Edmonds, president and CEO, commented, “The second quarter came in with very strong results as we generated an operating margin in excess of 22%, a sales increase of 35% and a net income increase of over 38%.”