David Dyer

Central to its long-term growth strategy is Chico's omnichannel initiatives. The retailer invests in technology that allows its customers to shop how, when and where she chooses to shop. To fully integrate community, content and commerce on all customers’ devices and in the boutique she favors, Chico's is focused on a cloud-based digital retail theater. It's become increasingly important to blend the online and in-store experience. For several years now, Chico's has taken advantage of its e-commerce assortment in the distribution center, enabling it to fulfill orders from other stores.

Chico’s FAS is considering international expansion in addition to plans to open about 120 net new stores in 2012, executives said Tuesday as they outlined growth plans for investment and security analysts. The Fort Myers-based women’s clothing company previewed growth plans for about 50 analysts at the national store support center on Metro Parkway. The company operates 1,256 stores under the brands Chico’s, White House/Black Market and Soma Intimates, plus Boston Proper, an online and catalog retailer. The company operates White House/Black Market and Chico’s stores in Puerto Rico and White House/Black Market store in the Virgin Islands, but

Chico's will invest $93 million to upgrade its technology, distribution and supply chain systems. The company is also planning for 135 new brick-and-mortar stores in 2012. More details on these initiatives will be released in March.