Chico’s

Chico’s FAS Inc. (Fort Myers, Fla.) has announced a 40.9 percent increase in net income for its fiscal year 2004, ended Jan. 29, 2005. Net sales increased 38.8 percent, to a record $1.1 billion, and same-store sales for company-owned stores increased 12.9 percent.

For the 13-week fourth quarter ended January 29, net income rose 28.6 percent, net sales climbed 32.5 percent and same-store sales for the company-owned stores increased 12.9 percent.

“Fiscal year 2004 was an exciting year for Chico’s and we are extremely proud of our performance,” said president and ceo Scott Edmonds. “First and foremost, we are delighted to deliver our first year of sales in excess of $1 billion and our eighth consecutive year of double-digit comparable store sales. We also added 100 net stores; completed the White House | Black Market integration; completed the launch of our new intimate apparel line, Soma by Chico’s;, and added what we believe to be, exceptional additional executive talent to our management teams.”

For the month of February, the retailer saw a 24.2 percent increase in sales and a 9.2 percent increase in same-store sales.