Area company reaches deal to sell wares on Amazon

FORT MYERS — Women’s retailer Chico’s FAS announced a sales partnership with the giant of web retail: Amazon.

The Fort Myers-based company, with $2.3 billion in sales in 2017, says in an April 30 statement that “Chico’s brand apparel and accessories will soon be available to purchase on Amazon.com.” Chico’s FAS will maintain control of marketing, pricing and promotions for its products on Amazon. Chico’s items purchased on Amazon will be eligible for Amazon Prime, free shipping, free returns and other benefits, the release adds.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with Amazon on this new initiative,” Chico’s CEO and President Shelley Broader says in the release. “Chico’s FAS will be one of the few vertically-integrated specialty retailers with Prime eligibility on Amazon.com, which is a testament to the strength of our iconic brands and their growth potential.”

The Amazon sales will begin in mid-May, with a select assortment of Chico’s brand merchandise, including the brand’s core collections: Travelers; Zenergy athleisure no-iron shirts; So Slimming pants; and Chico’s jewelry. Additional Chico’s merchandise will likely be made available on Amazon, including products from White House | Black Market and Soma products, when the new business channel gains traction, say company officials.  

Chico’s operates 1,460 stores in the U.S. and Canada, and sells merchandise through 94 franchise locations in Mexico.