Chico's to Expand in Lee County

Plans call for increasing the size of the company's national call center and MIS operations, along with locating their new Pazo division at Chico's corporate headquarters in Fort Myers. This expansion will result in 84 new full-time jobs with an annual wage of more than 200 percent of the Lee County average wage, and an economic impact of $9.8 million in wages and benefits. An additional 41 indirect jobs will be created as a result of the expansion.

"We are delighted Chico's has made the decision to expand its business operations in Lee County," says Janet Watermeier, Lee County's Economic Development Director. "Chico's decision is a testament to the very factors that make Lee County a successful site for corporate headquarter locations: a favorable business climate, qualified workforce and outstanding lifestyle."

According to Chico's president and chief operating officer Scott Edmonds, "Although Pazo is an entirely separate division with a very different customer base and independent design, product development and field management teams, there are definite economies of scale in keeping core services co-located. In addition, the business climate and available workforce in Lee County are definite advantages to expanding our call center and MIS operations here."

Pazo will target women 25 to 35-years-old and will provide a cutting-edge retail experience for the contemporary, fashion-conscious woman, with merchandise presented in a boutique atmosphere that is unique and fun. Pazo's operations in Lee County will create 48 out of the 84 jobs, with the remaining job creation split between the call center and MIS functions.