Chico's Marks

Chico's FAS Inc. (Fort Myers, Fla.) has announced that Barry Shapiro — who developed the Ann Taylor Loft division and operated Saks Fifth Avenue's Off 5th outlets — has been named senior vp of Pazo, a new concept targeting women ages 25 to 35 and selling American and European fashions.

Shapiro's promotion is one of three the fast-growing women's apparel retailer announced. Also, James Frain has been named senior vp of marketing and Linda Costello vp, product development.

Shapiro joined Chico's in February 2001 as vp, outlet strategies, and is said to have been responsible for developing a new approach to outlets and clearance of excess apparel and accessories. In addition to Ann Taylor and Saks (where he was senior vp, store and operations of Off 5th Saks Fifth Avenue outlets), he has held various senior operations positions with Abraham & Straus department stores, Lord & Taylor department stores and Macy's Kings Plaza store in Brooklyn, N.Y.

Frain joined Chico's in June 1999 as director of marketing and has been responsible for the overall marketing of the Chico's brand and the management of the direct sales. Prior to joining Chico's, he held various senior marketing positions with Alfred Dunhill, Gucci, Laura Ashley, Easyriders, NBO, Conran's and Paragon Sporting Goods.

Costello joined Chico's in May 2000 as director of product development, and has been responsible for creative product development and various merchandising strategies. Prior to joining Chico's, she was director of product development at the Lane Bryant division of Limited Inc.; product development manager at Sears Roebuck & Co. and held various other product positions at Montgomery Ward, Leggoons and Samuel Miller and Co.

Once a Mexican folk art shop, Chico's now operates a chain of 373 stores in 41 states and D.C. (361 owned, 12 franchised). The boutiques target middle- to high-income women ages 35 to 65 with clothes made primarily from natural fabrics (cotton, linen, silk). Its casual wear includes tops, pants, shorts, skirts, dresses and jewelry. Chico's is introducing handbags, belts, watches and shoes, as well as larger stores to hold it all.