Chico's FAS, Inc. to Create 189 Jobs in Barrow County, Georgia

June 3, 2009 -- ATLANTA -- Georgia Governor Sonny Perdue announced today that women’s fashion retailer Chico’s FAS, Inc. (NYSE:CHS) plans to expand its distribution center facilities in Barrow County with an initial investment of $15 million, which is expected to create 189 full-time jobs over the next three years.

“Georgia’s strong business assets continue to make it a compelling location for distribution centers,” said Governor Perdue. “Our state’s unmatched transportation network, business-friendly environment and ready pool of qualified workers translate to success.”

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In order to expand its facilities in Winder, Chico’s purchased the former Hagemeyer Building on Barrow Industrial Parkway. The 300,000-square-foot building, which is close to the current Chico’s distribution center, will house an additional distribution facility. When the expansion is completed by year-end, there will be more than 450 full-time Chico’s employees in Barrow County. Employment opportunities at Chico’s Winder Distribution Center will be posted on their website, www.chicos.com .

Chico’s located a distribution center in Barrow County in 2002 and expanded that facility in 2004 and 2006. In 2006 the company also opened an adjacent call center to service its direct-to-consumer business for its Chico’s, White House | Black Market and Soma Intimates brands.

“We are fortunate in having the opportunity to purchase this nearby facility that will enable us to expand our current distribution operations, providing sufficient capacity to serve our needs through 2016,” said Jeffrey A. Jones, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Chico’s FAS.

“We welcome Chico’s third major expansion of its facilities in Barrow County since 2002,” said Linda Moore, VP of the Barrow Economic Development Council. “Chico’s is an excellent corporate citizen and I know our residents are grateful in these economic times for the increase in jobs and investment.”

Susie Haggard, project manager with the Georgia Department of Economic Development, assisted the company in its location.

Source: Georgia Governor