Clothing company Chico's FAS said Thursday it is eliminating 180 positions and may close up to 25 stores to cope with the economy's toll on retailers.Chico's, which operates its namesake retail stores, White HouseBlack Market and Soma Intimates brands, has suffered from weak sales as consumers cut their spending back amid the recession.
The job cuts represent roughly 11 percent of its workforce at its Fort Meyers, Fla. headquarters. The move is expected to save the company $15 million over the next year.
"Chico's FAS has tremendous potential and a bright future, but like the rest of our industry, faces the challenges of one of the toughest economic environments in recent retailing history," President and Chief Executive David Dyer said in a statement. "Accordingly, it is more critical than ever for us to operate as efficiently as possible."
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The announcements so far:
Bankruptcies and Liquidations:
- Jan. 7, Goody's liquidates, closing 287 stores
- Jan. 8, Against All Odds files for bankruptcy protection, operates 64 stores overall, plans to close West Coast stores
- Jan. 13, Shane Co. files for bankruptcy, operates 23 stores
- Jan. 14, Gottschalks files for bankruptcy, operates 58 stores
- Jan. 16, Circuit City to Liquidate, closing 567 stores
Potential Bankruptcies & Liquidation Impact: 999 stores
Announced Closings
- Jan. 8, New York & Co., 50 stores
- Jan. 8, Macy's, 11 stores
- Jan. 9, Supervalu, 50 stores
- Jan. 13, Cost Plus, 26 stores
- Jan. 20, Yankee Candle, 28 Illuminations stores
- Jan. 21, Filene's Basement, 11 stores
- Jan. 22, Phillips-Van Heusen, 175 stores
- Jan 22, Brown Shoe, up to 35 Famous Footwear stores
- Jan. 26, Home Depot, 48 stores
- Jan. 29, Starbucks, 200 U.S. Stores (plus 100 international)
- Jan. 29, Chico's, up to 25 stores
Total Closings: up to 659 U.S. stores
Potential Impact of All Announcements to Date: up to 1,658 U.S. stores