TORONTO - U.S. womenswear retailer Chico's is coming to Canada.
CEO David Dyer informed investors of the company's plans to expand north of the border during a conference call discussing financial results for the fiscal year-end and fourth quarter.
Dyer said the company is kicking off its international efforts in Canada with plans to open three of its White House|Black Market stores later this year.
The company will then open Canadian Chico's stores in 2014.
"We believe Canada is a great first foray into the international arena for Chico's FAS, as it represents a natural extension of our brands," said Dyer.
"In fact, from our robust customer information, we already know that there is significant number of Chico's FAS customers in Canada. We expect those customers to welcome our White House|Black Market and Chico's stores into their neighbourhoods."
Canadians can already shop online at Chico's, which offers shipping north of the border.
White House|Black Market is among the roster of brands operated under the umbrella of Chico's FAS, Inc., which bills itself as serving the lifestyle needs of "fashion-savvy women" aged 30 and older.
Acquired in 2003, White House|Black Market mainly sells exclusively designed, private branded clothing for women primarily in black and white and related shades.
Founded in 1983 as a boutique selling Mexican folk art and sweaters, Chico's has since expanded to nearly 700 locations across the U.S., D.C. and Puerto Rico.
The retailer offers a vast, colourful range of apparel and accessories. Blouses, shirts, T-shirts, tanks, pants, denim, dresses and jewelry are among the items on offer, described as a combination of "great style with on-trend, expressive and one-of-a-kind designs."
