Chico's Sees FY2012 Sales of $2.5-2.6B vs $2.53B Est

For fiscal 2012, including Boston Proper, Chico's FAS, Inc.

planning assumptions are as follows: Net sales increase at a mid to high teens percentage rate to approximately $2.5 to 2.6 billion, which includes comparable sales growth at a mid single digit rate, approximately 9% growth in store square footage and approximately $30 million in sales from the 53rd week; Gross margin rate down approximately 50 basis points; SG&A expense, as a percentage of net sales, down approximately 50 basis points; Effective tax rate approximately 38%; Inventories in-line with sales growth; and Capital expenditures approximately $150 million, which include 120 to 130 gross new stores.