CHICO'S FAS, INC. - Annual Report: 2014 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2014

Commission file number: 001-16435

Chico’s FAS, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

(239) 277-6200

(Registrant’s telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act.    Yes  ¨    No  x

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K (            ).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

State the aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting common equity held by non-affiliates of the registrant:

Approximately $2,743,000,000 as of August 3, 2013 (based upon the closing sales price reported by the NYSE and published in the Wall Street Journal on August 5, 2013).

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the registrant’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:

Common Stock, par value $.01 per share – 153,099,840 shares as of March 7, 2014.

Documents incorporated by reference:

Part III Definitive Proxy Statement for the Company’s Annual Meeting of Stockholders presently scheduled for June 26, 2014.

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CHICO’S FAS, INC.

ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

FOR THE

YEAR ENDED FEBRUARY 1, 2014

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PART I

This Annual Report on Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and other factors which could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. See “Item 1A. Risk Factors.”

Overview

Chico’s FAS, Inc.¹, is a cultivator of brands serving the lifestyle needs of fashion-savvy women 35 years and older. The Company’s portfolio of brands currently consists of four brands: Chico’s, White House | Black Market (“WH|BM”), Soma Intimates (“Soma”), and Boston Proper. Our omni-channel brands are all specialty retailers of private label women’s apparel, accessories, and related products, which are available to customers in stores, through our websites and via telephone through our call centers for our catalogs. While each of our brands has a distinct customer base, the overall portfolio caters to a broad age and economic demographic, with customer ages from 35 and older and household incomes ranging from $50,000 to well over $100,000.

Since 1983, we have grown by offering high quality and unique merchandise, supported by compelling marketing and outstanding, personalized customer service. Since 2003, we have also grown by the acquisition or organic development of other specialty retail concepts and execution of our omni-channel capabilities.

As of February 1, 2014, we operated 1,472 stores across 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. We also mail catalogs and operate e-commerce websites and call centers, which sell our merchandise nationally and internationally.

Our Brands

Chico’s

The Chico’s brand, which began operations in 1983, primarily sells exclusively designed, private branded clothing focusing on women 40 and over with a moderate to high income level. The styling is chic, unique, and charismatic with on-trend, expressive, one-of-a-kind designs created to illuminate the women wearing them. Using generally easy-care fabrics and frequent deliveries of new and distinctive designs, Chico’s emphasizes a comfortable, relaxed fit in a modern style. Accessories such as handbags, belts, scarves and jewelry, including earrings, necklaces and bracelets are designed to coordinate with the clothing assortment, allowing customers to easily individualize their wardrobe selections. Chico’s controls almost all aspects of the apparel design process, including choices of pattern, prints, construction, design specifications, fabric, finishes and color through in-house designers, purchased designs, and independent suppliers.

The distinctive nature of Chico’s clothing is carried through to its sizing. Chico’s uses international sizing, comprising of sizes 000, 00 (size 0-2), 0 (size 4-6), 1 (size 8-10), 2 (size 12-14), 3 (size 16-18), and 4 (size 20-22). Chico’s will occasionally offer half-sizes (up to 4.5), one-size-fits-all, petite sizes, and small, medium and large sizing for some items. The relaxed nature of the clothing allows us to utilize this kind of sizing and thus offer a wide selection of clothing without having to invest in a large number of different sizes within a single style.

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White House | Black Market

The WH|BM brand, which began operations in 1985 and which we acquired in September 2003, primarily sells exclusively designed, private branded clothing focusing on women who are 35 years old and over with a moderate to high income level. WH|BM offers a uniquely feminine and affordable alternative to designer apparel, selling fashionable and sophisticated clothing and accessory items, from everyday basics, to wear-to-work, to elegant occasion, primarily in black and white and related shades with seasonal color splashes. The accessories at WH|BM, such as shoes, belts, scarves and jewelry, including earrings, necklaces and bracelets, are specifically designed to coordinate with the colors and patterns of the clothing, allowing customers to easily individualize their wardrobe selections. WH|BM controls almost all aspects of the apparel design process, including choices of pattern, prints, construction, design specifications, fabric, finishes and color through in-house designers, purchased designs, and independent suppliers.

WH|BM uses American sizes in the 00-14 range (with online sizes up to size 16), including petite sizing, which we believe is appropriate for the target WH|BM customer. The fit of the WH|BM clothing is tailored to complement the figure of a body-conscious woman, while still remaining comfortable.

Soma Intimates

The Soma brand, which began operations in 2004, primarily sells exclusively designed, private branded lingerie, loungewear and beauty products focusing on women who are 35 years old and over with a moderate to high income level. Soma offers trend-right, innovative and expertly fitted lingerie and loungewear, with designer quality at affordable prices. The lingerie category includes bras, panties, shapewear and sleepwear while the loungewear category includes relaxed tops, bottoms and dresses. Bras range in size from 32A-44G. The sleepwear and loungewear offerings utilize extra small to extra-extra large sizing. The beauty category consists of the Oh My Gorgeous line of fine fragrance perfumes. The Soma brand product offerings are developed by working closely with a small number of its independent suppliers to design proprietary products in-house and, in some cases, it includes designs provided by its independent suppliers under labels other than the Soma label.

Boston Proper

The Boston Proper brand, which began operations in 1992 and which we acquired in September 2011, primarily sells women’s apparel and accessories, marketed to affluent women between 35-55 years old. Boston Proper is committed to and inspired by the women that they dress – women who are fearlessly feminine, enviably chic and who possess the poise and confidence to “wear it like no one else”. The catalog and website reflect an aesthetic and feeling that is aspirational, exotic and uniquely personal.

Boston Proper uses American sizes ranging from extra-extra small to extra large for many of its offerings, sizes 0-18 and short, regular and long lengths for pants and denim jeans.

Our Business Strategy

Our overall growth strategy is focused on building and cultivating a portfolio of high-performing retail brands serving the fashion needs of women 35 years and older. In the near term, we are focused on increasing the sales volume and profitability of our existing brands. Over the long term, we may build our brand portfolio by considering the organic development or acquisition of other specialty retail concepts when our research indicates that the opportunity complements our current brands and is appropriate and in the best interest of the shareholders.

We pursue the growth of the brands in our portfolio by building our omni-channel capabilities, which includes integrating our expanding store base (where and when appropriate) with our growing online presence, executing innovative marketing plans, effectively leveraging expenses and optimizing the potential of each of our four brands. We have invested heavily in our omni-channel capabilities in order to allow customers to experience our brands, not a channel within our brands. In essence, we view our various sales channels as a single, integrated process rather than as separate sales channels operating independently. To that end, we often refer to our brands’ respective websites as “our largest store” within the brand.

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Under this integrated, omni-channel approach, we encourage our customers to take advantage of each of our sales channels in whatever way best fits their needs and we do not differentiate or promote any particular sales channel over another. Customers may shop our products through one channel and consummate the purchase through a different channel. Customers have the option to return merchandise to a store or to our Distribution Center, regardless of the channel used for purchase. We believe this omni-channel approach meets our customers’ expectations, enhances the customer experience, contributes to the overall success of our brands, reflects that our customers do not differentiate between channels, and is consistent with how we have planned and managed our business for the last several years. As a result, we maintain a shared inventory platform for our operations, allowing us to fulfill orders for all channels from our distribution center in Winder, Georgia. We also fulfill in-store orders directly from other stores or our distribution center and offer online and catalog customers the option to return items in our stores.

We seek to acquire and retain omni-channel customers through targeted and innovative marketing, including e-marketing, television, catalogs and mailers. We seek to optimize the potential of our brands with improved product offerings, which includes potential new merchandise opportunities and brand extensions that complement the current offerings, as well as our continued emphasis on our “Most Amazing Personal Service” standard.

To support this overall strategy and the associated increase in revenues and expenses, we have continued to invest in our business. This includes investments in our omni-channel capabilities and expansion of our store base domestically for all brands. We are also testing international expansion of the Chico’s and WHIBM brands. We will analyze the results of these tests over time to determine the appropriate cadence of further international expansion, if appropriate.

Our Customer Service Model

Our customers deserve outstanding and personalized customer service, and we strive to achieve this through our trademark “Most Amazing Personal Service” standard. We believe this service model is one of our competitive advantages and a key to the success of our omni-channel approach. As a result, we give sales associates specialized training to help meet their customers’ fashion and wardrobe needs, including clothing and accessory style, color selection, coordination of complete outfits, and suggestions on different ways in which to wear the clothing and accessories. Our sales associates are encouraged to develop long-term relationships with their customers, to know their customers’ preferences, and to assist those customers in selecting merchandise best suited to their tastes and wardrobe needs.

We also serve our customers’ needs and build customer loyalty through our customer rewards programs. In fiscal 2014, the Company is updating its rewards programs for all brands, including introducing a Boston Proper rewards program. Our programs are designed to reward our most loyal customers and deliver an omni-channel shopping experience by leveraging the rich data our customers share with us to deliver a relevant and engaging experience with our brands.

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Our Boutiques and Outlet Stores

Our boutiques are located in upscale outdoor destination shopping areas, indoor shopping malls, and some standalone street-front locations. Boutique locations are determined on the basis of various factors, including, but not limited to: geographic and demographic characteristics of the market, the location of the shopping venue, including the site within the shopping center, proposed lease terms, anchor or other co-tenants in a location, parking accommodations and convenience. We believe that we are innovative in the way we execute our real estate strategy, including obtaining occupancy cost reductions and negotiating better lease terms.

Our outlet stores are located in quality outlet centers. The Chico’s and WH|BM brand outlets contain a mixture of made-for-outlet and clearance merchandise. The made-for-outlet product carries a higher margin than the clearance items from our boutique stores. Soma outlets contain a mix of boutique and clearance merchandise. We also sell clearance merchandise on our websites. We regularly review the appropriate ratio of made-for-outlet and clearance merchandise for our outlets and will adjust that ratio as appropriate.

In fiscal 2014, we currently expect to open approximately 104-118 net new stores. We expect 22-26 net openings of Chico’s stores, including store openings in Canada, 26-30 net openings of WH|BM stores, including store openings in Canada, 38-42 net openings of Soma stores, and 18-20 net openings of Boston Proper stores.

As of February 1, 2014, we operated 1,472 retail stores in 48 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada. The following tables set forth information concerning our retail stores during the past five fiscal years:

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Our Websites

Each of our brands has its own dedicated website, www.chicos.com, www.whbm.com, www.soma.com, and www.bostonproper.com, which provide customers the ability to browse our offerings, locate our stores, and order merchandise online. Our websites are designed to complement the in-store experience we deliver and play a vital role in our omni-channel strategy. Some items are only available online, such as extended size offerings and some clearance items. Online merchandise is also available through our call centers. We offer domestic online customers the option to return items in our stores. For fiscal 2014, we will continue to focus on our omni-channel approach to retailing by enhancing website functionality to improve the customer’s experience.

Our Catalogs

We currently mail a Chico’s, WH|BM, Soma and Boston Proper catalog or mailer to current and prospective customers approximately every month. These catalogs are designed to educate our customers about our products, assist with new customer acquisition, drive customers to our stores and websites and promote catalog sales.

Catalog sales for each of our brands are made through our call centers or online.

Advertising and Promotion

Our marketing program currently consists of the following omni-channel components:

Over the last few years, we expanded our e-marketing efforts for our brands. We made significant investments in paid search with well-known internet search sites and appeared on banner ads on various high-traffic websites.

National print and broadcast advertising are key components of our marketing program and serve to drive traffic to our stores and websites as well as raise brand awareness for new customers.

Social marketing is another strategy by which we can actively engage with customers by offering them unique content including exclusive offers, sneak peeks into new collections, style advice, live chats and other special promotions. We believe that there is significant opportunity to innovate and grow our social marketing efforts, including the use of websites such as Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Lastly, we place great value on customer outreach programs in the communities we serve. As part of these outreach programs, we encourage our managers and sales associates to become involved in community projects. We believe that these programs, in addition to helping build and support community and charitable activities, are also effective marketing vehicles in providing introductions to new customers.

Information Technology

We are committed to having information systems that enable us to obtain, analyze and act upon information on a timely basis and to maintain effective financial and operational controls. This effort includes testing of new products and applications so that we are able to take advantage of technological developments.

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Merchandise Distribution

The distribution functions for all brands are handled from our Distribution Center (“DC”) in Winder, Georgia. New merchandise is generally received daily at the DC. Imported merchandise is shipped from the country of export by truck, rail, sea or air, as the circumstances require. Domestic merchandise is shipped by rail or truck. All merchandise arrives at the DC by truck. After arrival, merchandise is sorted and packaged for shipment to individual stores or is held for future store replenishment or direct shipment to customers. Merchandise is generally pre-ticketed with price and related informational tags at the point of manufacture.

During fiscal 2012, we modified our existing DC configuration to better support our anticipated omni-channel growth and to more efficiently manage our inventories and fulfill customer orders. We believe these modifications position our DC in Winder to accommodate the needs of our business over the next several years.

In fiscal 2013, our DC was granted Foreign Trade Zone status from the Department of Commerce and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. This legally permits us to move certain merchandise to the DC without paying U.S. Customs duty until the merchandise is shipped to domestic stores or online customers and to avoid paying U.S. Customs duty on certain merchandise we export internationally.

Product Sourcing

All of our brands purchase a significant percentage of their clothing and accessories from companies that manufacture merchandise in foreign countries. We may take ownership in the foreign country, at a designated point of entry into the United States, or at our DC depending on the specific terms of the sale. Approximately 23% of total purchases in fiscal 2013 were made from one supplier, compared to 21% with the same supplier in fiscal 2012.

Most of our sourcing activities are performed by one shared service group. We believe that this single group, working in concert with our key supply chain partners, will deliver higher quality goods at a lower cost while providing the opportunity to lessen freight costs through consolidation. We believe that the decision to centralize our sourcing operations has helped us mitigate the impact of higher sourcing costs.

For all of our brands, we regularly evaluate where to have our goods manufactured. Beginning in fiscal 2010, in response to decreased capacity and cost of labor increases in China, we began transitioning to suppliers located in other countries. For fiscal 2013, China sources accounted for approximately 55% of our merchandise cost compared to approximately 60% in the prior fiscal year.

Competition

The women’s retail apparel and intimate apparel business is highly competitive and includes local, national and international department stores, specialty stores, boutique stores, catalog companies, and online retailers. We believe that our distinctively designed merchandise offerings and emphasis on customer service distinguish us from other retailers. Many of these competitors have greater name recognition as well as certain of these competitors may have greater financial, marketing and other resources compared to us.

Trademarks and Service Marks

We are the owner of certain registered and common law trademarks and service marks (collectively referred to as “Marks”).

Marks registered in the United States include, but are not limited to: CHICO’S, PASSPORT, ZENERGY, WHITE HOUSE BLACK MARKET, WORKKIT, SOMA, SOMA INTIMATES, VANISHING BACK, VANISHING EDGE, VANISHING TUMMY, COOL NIGHTS, OH MY GORGEOUS, PERFECT FORM, BOSTON PROPER and WEAR IT LIKE NO ONE ELSE. We have registered or are seeking to register a number of these Marks in certain foreign countries as well.

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In the opinion of management, our rights in the Marks are important to our business. Accordingly, we intend to maintain our Marks and the related registrations and applications. We are not aware of any claims of infringement or other challenges to our rights to use any registered Marks in the United States or any other jurisdiction in which the Marks have been registered.

Available Information

Our investor relations website is located at www.chicosfas.com. Through this website, we make available free of charge our Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) filings, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, and amendments to those reports, as soon as reasonably practicable after those reports are electronically filed with the SEC. This website also includes recent press releases, corporate governance information, beneficial ownership reports, institutional presentations, quarterly and institutional conference calls and other quarterly financial data, including historical store square footage.

Our Code of Ethics, which is applicable to all of our associates, including the principal executive officer, the principal financial officer and the Board of Directors, is posted on our investor relations website. Any amendments to or waivers from our Code of Ethics will also be available on this website. Copies of the charters of each of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Benefits Committee and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee as well as the Corporate Governance Guidelines, Insider Trading Policy, Terms of Commitment to Ethical Sourcing, and Stock Ownership Guidelines are available on this website or in print upon written request by any shareholder.

Employees

As of February 1, 2014, we employed approximately 23,700 people, approximately 30% of whom were full-time associates and the balance of whom were part-time associates. The number of part-time associates fluctuates during peak selling periods. As of the above date, approximately 90% of our associates worked in our boutique and outlet stores. We have no collective bargaining agreements covering any of our associates, have never experienced any material labor disruption and are unaware of any efforts or plans to organize our associates. We currently contribute a significant portion of the cost of medical, dental and vision coverage for eligible associates and also maintain a 401(k) accompanied by an employer matching contribution percentage, stock incentive and stock purchase plans. All associates are also eligible to receive substantial discounts on our merchandise. We consider employee relations with our associates to be good.

An investment in our common stock involves certain risks. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only risks that may have a material adverse effect on the Company and the risks described herein are not listed in order of the likelihood that the risk might occur or the severity of the impact if the risk should occur. There can be no assurance that we have identified, assessed and appropriately addressed all risks affecting our business operations. Additional risks and uncertainties also could adversely affect our business and our results. If any of the following risks actually occur, our business, consolidated financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected, and the market price for our shares could decline. Further, to the extent that any of the information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K constitutes forward-looking statements, the risk factors set forth below also are cautionary statements, identifying important factors that could cause the Company’s actual results to differ materially from those expressed in any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of the Company. There can also be no assurance that the actual future results, performance, benefits, or achievements that we expect from our strategies, systems, initiatives, or products will occur.

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Risks Associated With Our Growth Strategy.

As noted on page 3, our overall growth strategy is focused on building and cultivating a portfolio of high performing retail brands serving women 35 years and older. If we cannot successfully execute our growth strategy, our consolidated financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted. There are numerous risks associated with this strategy including, but not limited to, the following:

Our ability to effectively implement and manage our growth strategy.

Our omni-channel growth strategy is dependent upon a number of factors, including: testing of new retail concepts and products, locating new boutique sites at suitable locations with the proper customer demographics, negotiating favorable lease terms, having the infrastructure necessary to support growth, sourcing sufficient levels of inventory, hiring and training qualified associates, generating sufficient operating cash flows to fund expansion plans, and maintaining brand specific websites that offer the system functionality and security customers expect.

Our ability to identify and develop new concepts, brand extensions and new markets.

One aspect of our growth strategy involves the strategic acquisition or organic development and growth of new concepts, brand extensions and new markets. Each of these involves risks such as the failure to achieve the results that we expect, significant capital expenditures, diversion of management’s attention from operational matters, difficulties integrating operations and personnel, difficulties associated with the retention of key personnel, customer acceptance, competition, product differentiation, and challenges to economies of scale in merchandise sourcing.

Our ability to effectively manage the productivity of our stores, websites and catalogs.

There is no guarantee that any new store we open will have similar operating results to those of our existing stores. Depending on the brand, new stores may take three to four years to reach planned operating levels due to inefficiencies typically associated with new stores, including demands on operational, managerial and administrative resources, and some new stores may never reach planned operating levels. The failure of existing or new stores to perform as predicted could result in impairment of long-lived assets.

In addition, we maintain inventory levels for our stores, websites and catalogs that we anticipate will be in line with projected demand. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or the sale of excess inventory at discounted or closeout prices. Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for our merchandise, particularly higher volume styles, or if our suppliers fail to supply quality products in a timely manner, we may experience inventory shortages, which might result in missed sales, negatively impact customer relationships, diminish brand loyalty and result in lost revenues.

Our ability to effectively locate new and existing stores.

We cannot control the availability or cost of appropriate locations within existing or new shopping centers or the success of individual shopping centers. Furthermore, factors beyond our control impact shopping centers, such as general economic conditions, weather conditions, consumer acceptance of new or existing shopping centers, regional demographic shifts, and consumer spending levels. Our store sales are dependent on a certain level of shopping center traffic and any large scale decline in shopping center traffic, whether because of a slowdown in the economy, a falloff in the popularity of shopping centers among our target customers, or otherwise, could have a material adverse effect on our business.

Our ability to anticipate and remain current with fashion trends and successfully introduce new products.

Our success is principally dependent upon our ability to gauge the fashion tastes of our customers and to provide merchandise that is on-trend and satisfies customer demand in a timely manner. The failure to anticipate, identify or react appropriately and in a timely manner to changes in fashion trends or demands, could lead to lower sales, missed opportunities, excess inventories and more frequent markdowns or inventory write-downs, as well as have a negative impact on our image and result in reduced brand loyalty.

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Our ability to successfully expand internationally.

We opened 3 WH|BM stores in Canada in fiscal 2013 and plan to open Chico’s stores and additional WH|BM stores in Canada and Chico’s franchises in Mexico in fiscal 2014. We have limited prior international store or franchise experience, where we face numerous operational obstacles, including already established competitors and new and different employment and labor, trade, product safety, transportation and logistics, health care, tax, privacy, and environmental issues, among other things. Furthermore, consumer demand, behavior, tastes, and purchasing trends may differ from our domestic operations and, as a result, sale of our merchandise may not be successful, or the margins on those sales may not be in line with those we currently anticipate. Our consolidated results of operations and financial condition may also be adversely affected by fluctuations in currency exchange rate. Any difficulties that we encounter as we expand our geographical coverage may divert financial, operational and managerial resources from our existing operations.

Risks Associated with General Economic Conditions.

Numerous economic, all of which are outside of our control, conditions could negatively affect the level of consumer spending on the merchandise that we offer. If these economic conditions persist for a sustained period, our consolidated financial condition and results of operations could be materially adversely impacted. These economic conditions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Conditions that lead to declines in consumer spending.

The following economic conditions are among the many that can lead to declines in consumer spending on our merchandise: threatened or actual government shut downs, higher unemployment levels, low levels of consumer credit, inflation, interest rates, recessionary pressures, increasing gas and other energy costs, taxation, decreasing housing prices, higher durable and other consumer spending, volatility in the financial markets, and low consumer confidence in future economic conditions.

Fluctuations in costs of goods, energy and/or commodity costs.

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of fabrics and other raw materials used to manufacture our products, as well as the price for labor and transportation have contributed to, and may continue to contribute to, ongoing pricing pressures throughout our supply chain. The price and availability of such inputs to the manufacturing process may fluctuate significantly, depending on several factors, including commodity costs, such as higher cotton prices, energy costs, such as fuel, shipping costs, inflationary pressures from emerging markets, increased labor costs, weather conditions and currency fluctuations.

Impairment charges.

Periodically, we review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever economic events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. We also review our goodwill and intangible assets for indicators of impairment. Significant negative industry or general economic trends, changes in customer demand for our product, disruptions to our business and unexpected significant changes or planned changes in our operating results or use of long-lived assets (such as boutique relocations or discontinuing use of certain boutique fixtures) may result in impairments to goodwill, intangible assets and other long-lived assets.

Fluctuating comparable sales and overall operating results.

Our comparable sales and overall operating results have fluctuated in the past and are expected to continue to fluctuate in the future. A variety of factors affect comparable sales and operating results, including

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changes in fashion trends, changes in our merchandise mix, customer acceptance of merchandise offerings, timing of marketing activities, calendar shifts of holiday periods, the periodic impact of a fifty-three week fiscal year, actions by competitors, new boutique openings, new competitor activity, weather conditions, and general economic conditions. Past comparable sales or operating results are not an indicator of future results.

Risks Associated With Our Online and Catalog Operations.

Our online and catalog operations are subject to numerous risks that could materially adversely impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Our websites rely on technology.

We sell merchandise over the Internet through each of our brands’ websites. Our websites are heavily dependent on technology, which creates numerous risks including unanticipated operating problems, system failures, rapid technological change, failure of the systems that operate the websites, reliance on third party computer hardware and software providers, computer viruses, telecommunication failures, liability for online content, systems and data breaches, denial of service attacks, spamming, phishing attacks, computer hackers and other similar disruptions. Our success is dependent on our ability to implement and maintain brand specific websites that offer the system functionality and security customers expect.

Our online and catalog operations rely on the U.S. Postal Service and other shipping vendors.

We use the U.S. Postal Service to mail millions of catalogs each year to educate our customers about our products, acquire new customers, drive customers to our boutiques and website and promote catalog sales. As a result, postal rate increases and paper and printing costs will affect the cost of our order fulfillment and catalog and promotional mailings. We rely on discounts from the basic postal rate structure, such as discounts for bulk mailings and sorting. The operational and financial difficulties of the U.S. Postal Service are well documented. Any significant and unanticipated increase in postage, reduction in postal service, or slow-down in postal delivery, or increases in paper and printing costs could impair our ability to deliver catalogs in a timely or economically efficient manner and also could adversely impact our earnings if we are unable to pass such increases directly on to our customers or if we are unable to implement more efficient printing, mailing, delivery and order fulfillment systems.

We also utilize additional shipping vendors, including Federal Express, to support our online operations. Any significant and unanticipated increase in shipping costs, reduction in service, or slow-down in delivery could impair our ability to deliver merchandise in a timely or economically efficient manner and also could adversely impact our earnings if we are unable to pass such increases directly on to our customers or if we are unable to implement more efficient delivery and order fulfillment systems.

Risks Associated with Our Information Technology Systems.

We rely on various information technology systems to manage our operations. Information technology systems are subject to numerous risks including unanticipated operating problems, system failures, rapid technological change, failure of the systems that operate as anticipated, reliance on third party computer hardware and software providers, computer viruses, telecommunication failures, data breaches, denial of service attacks, spamming, phishing attacks, computer hackers and other similar disruptions, any of which could materially adversely impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. Additional risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

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Disruptions in current systems or difficulties in integrating new systems.

We regularly maintain, upgrade, enhance or replace our information technology systems to support our business strategies and provide business continuity. Replacing legacy systems with successor systems, making changes to existing systems or acquiring new systems with new functionality have inherent risks including disruptions, delays, or difficulties that may impair the effectiveness of our information technology systems.

Cybersecurity.

Cybersecurity refers to the combination of technologies, processes, and procedures established to protect information technology systems and data from unauthorized access, attack, or damage. We are subject to cybersecurity risks. Our business involves the storage and transmission of customers’ personal information, shopping preferences and credit card information. While we have implemented measures to prevent security breaches and cyber incidents, our measures may not be effective and any security breaches and cyber incidents could have a material adverse effect on our business. Furthermore, the storage and transmission of such data is regulated at the international, federal, state and local levels. Privacy and information security laws and regulation changes, and compliance with those changes, may result in cost increases due to system changes and the development of new administrative processes. If we or our associates fail to comply with these laws and regulations or experience a data security breach, our reputation could be damaged, possibly resulting in lost future business, and we could be subjected to fines, penalties, administrative orders and other legal risks as a result of a breach or non-compliance.

Risks Associated With Our Sourcing and Distribution Strategies.

Our sourcing and distribution strategies are subject to numerous risks that could materially adversely impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Our significant reliance on foreign sources of production.

The majority of our clothing and accessories are produced outside the United States. As a result, our business remains subject to the various risks of doing business in foreign markets and importing merchandise from abroad, such as: geo-political instability, the requirements of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, imposition of new legislation relating to import quotas that may limit the quantity of goods that may be imported into the United States from countries in which we do business, imposition of new or increased duties, taxes, and other charges on imports, foreign exchange rate challenges and pressures presented by implementation of U.S. monetary policy, local business practice and political issues, including issues relating to compliance with our Terms of Commitment to Ethical Sourcing and domestic or international labor standards, transportation disruptions, including port strikes, natural disasters, delays in the delivery of cargo due to port security considerations or government funding, and seizure or detention of goods by U.S. Customs authorities. In particular, we continue to source a substantial portion of our merchandise from China. A change in the Chinese exchange rate, other policies affecting labor laws or the costs of goods in China could negatively impact our merchandise costs.

We cannot predict whether or not any of the foreign countries in which our clothing and accessories are currently, or in the future may be produced, will be subject to import restrictions by the United States government, including the likelihood, type or effect of any trade retaliation. Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs, or more restrictive quotas, including safeguard quotas, or anything similar, applicable to apparel items could affect the importation of apparel generally and, in that event, could increase the cost, or reduce the supply, of apparel available to us.

In addition, the laws and customs protecting intellectual property rights in many foreign countries can be substantially different and potentially less protective of intellectual property than those in the United States. We have taken numerous steps to protect our intellectual property overseas, but cannot guarantee that such rights are

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not infringed. The intentional or unintentional infringement on our intellectual property rights by one of our suppliers or any other person or entity, could diminish the uniqueness of our products, tarnish our trademarks, or damage our reputation.

Our suppliers’ ability to provide quality goods in a timely manner.

We do not own or operate any manufacturing facilities and depend on independent third parties to manufacture our merchandise. We are subject to the risk that a key supplier may become unable to address our merchandising needs due to payment terms, cost of manufacturing, adequacy of manufacturing capacity, quality control, or timeliness of delivery. If we were unexpectedly required to change suppliers or if a key supplier was unable to supply acceptable merchandise in sufficient quantities on acceptable terms, we could experience a significant disruption in the supply of merchandise. We could also experience operational difficulties with our suppliers, such as reductions in the availability of production capacity, supply chain disruptions, errors in complying with merchandise specifications, insufficient quality control, shortages of fabrics or other raw materials, failures to meet production deadlines or increases in manufacturing costs.

Furthermore, many of our suppliers rely on working capital financing to support their operations. Although the credit market has improved, lenders have still maintained tightened credit standards and terms. To the extent any of our suppliers are unable to obtain adequate credit or their borrowing costs increase, we may experience delays in obtaining merchandise, our suppliers increasing their prices or our suppliers modifying payment terms in a manner that is unfavorable to us.

Our significant reliance upon one supplier.

We have no material long-term or exclusive contract with any apparel or accessory manufacturer or supplier. Our business depends on our network of suppliers and our continued good relations with them. Approximately 23% of total purchases in fiscal 2013 and 21% of total purchases in 2012 were made from one supplier. We cannot guarantee that this relationship will be maintained in the future or that the supplier will continue to be available to supply merchandise.

Our suppliers’ ability to implement acceptable labor practices.

Although we have adopted our Terms of Commitment to Ethical Sourcing and use the services of third party audit firms to be diligent in our monitoring of compliance with these terms, we do not have absolute control over the ultimate actions or labor practices of our independent suppliers. As a result, we may do business with suppliers that are not as familiar with our supplier guidelines which may result in temporary noncompliance.

The violation of labor or other laws by any of our key independent suppliers or the divergence of an independent supplier’s labor practices from those generally accepted by us as ethical could interrupt or otherwise disrupt the shipment of finished merchandise or damage our reputation.

Our reliance on one location to distribute goods for our brands.

The distribution functions for all of our brands are handled from our DC in Winder, Georgia. Any significant interruption in the operation of the facilities at our Winder DC due to natural disasters, severe weather, accidents, system failures or other unforeseen causes could delay or impair our ability to distribute merchandise to our stores and/or fulfill online or catalog orders, which could cause sales to decline.

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Other Risks Affecting Our Business

Our business is subject to numerous other risks that could materially adversely impact our consolidated financial condition and results of operations. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:

Competition.

We compete with local, national and international department stores, specialty and discount boutique chains, independent retail boutiques, and catalog and online businesses that market and sell similar lines of merchandise. Many competitors are significantly larger and have greater financial, marketing and other resources and enjoy greater local, national and international name recognition. In addition to competing for sales, we compete for favorable store locations, lease terms and qualified associates. Increased competition could result in price reductions, increased marketing expenditures and loss of market share. Over the last several years, our competitors have lowered prices, engaged in more promotional activity and enhanced their online presence, which has resulted in heightened competition.

Compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

Our policies, procedures and internal controls are designed to help us comply with all applicable foreign and domestic laws, accounting and reporting requirements, regulations and tax requirements, including those imposed by the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, the Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”), as well as applicable employment laws. Any changes in regulations, the imposition of additional regulations or the enactment of any new legislation that affects employment and labor, trade, product safety, transportation and logistics, health care, tax, privacy, operations or environmental issues, among other things, may increase the complexity of the regulatory environment in which we operate and the related cost of compliance. Failure to comply with the various laws and regulations as well as changes in laws and regulations could have an adverse impact on our reputation, consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Adverse outcomes of litigation matters.

We are involved from time to time in litigation and other claims against our business. These matters arise primarily in the ordinary course of business but could raise complex, factual and legal issues, which are subject to multiple risks and uncertainties and could require significant management time. We believe that our current litigation matters will not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated results of operations or financial condition. However, our assessment of current litigation could change in light of the discovery of facts with respect to legal actions pending against us, not presently known to us, or determinations by judges, juries or other finders of fact which do not accord with our evaluation of the possible liability or outcome of such litigation as well as additional litigation that is not currently pending.

Our ability to retain or recruit key personnel.

Our success and ability to properly manage our growth depends to a significant extent upon our ability to attract, develop and retain a sufficient number of qualified employees, including executive and senior management, and talented merchants. Competition for talented employees within our industry is intense. Recruiting and retaining such personnel and appropriate succession planning are important to our continued and sustained success.

War, terrorism or other catastrophes.

In the event of war, acts of terrorism or the threat of terrorist attacks, public health crises, or weather catastrophes, consumer spending could significantly decrease for a sustained period. In addition, local authorities or shopping center management could close in response to any immediate security concern, public health concern or weather catastrophe such as hurricanes, earthquakes, or tornadoes. Similarly, war, acts of terrorism, threats of terrorist attacks, or a weather catastrophe could severely and adversely affect our National Store Support Center (“NSSC”) campus, our Distribution Center, or our entire supply chain.

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Our ability to protect our brands’ reputation and intellectual property.

Our ability to protect our brands’ reputation is an integral part of our general success strategy and is critical to the overall value of the brands. If we fail to maintain high standards for merchandise quality and integrity, such failures could jeopardize our brands’ reputation. Damage to our reputation as a whole could also cause a loss of consumer and investor confidence.

In addition, our trademarks, copyrights, business intelligence, and other intellectual and proprietary rights are important to our success. Others may attempt to imitate our products or obtain or infringe upon our intellectual property rights. Other parties may also claim that some of our products infringe on their trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights.

Stock price volatility.

The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially in the past and may continue to do so in the future. Future announcements or management discussions concerning us or our competitors, sales and profitability results, quarterly variations in operating results or comparable sales, or changes in earnings estimates by analysts, among other factors, could cause the market price of the common stock to fluctuate substantially. In addition, stock markets, in general, have experienced extreme price and volume volatility in recent years. This volatility has had a substantial effect on the market prices of securities of many public companies for reasons frequently unrelated to the operating performance of the specific companies.

None.

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Stores

As a matter of policy, all of our stores are currently leased. At fiscal year-end for 2013, 2012 and 2011 our total consolidated selling square feet was 3.547 million, 3.271 million and 3.026 million, respectively. As of February 1, 2014, our 1,472 stores were located in 48 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and Canada, as follows:

NSSC and Distribution Centers

Our NSSC is located on approximately 65 acres in Fort Myers, Florida and consists of approximately 504,000 square feet of office space. Our distribution center is located on approximately 110 acres in Winder, Georgia and consists of approximately 583,000 square feet of distribution, fulfillment, call center and office space. Additionally, we lease approximately 83,000 square feet of office and distribution space in Boca Raton, Florida. The lease on this property expires in 2016. We have leased new space in Boca Raton, Florida where the Boston Proper offices will relocate in fiscal 2014, which consists of approximately 43,000 square feet of office space. The lease on this property expires in 2025.

We are not currently a party to any legal proceedings, other than various claims and lawsuits arising in the normal course of business, none of which we believe should have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

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Not applicable.

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PART II

Our Common Stock trades on the NYSE under the symbol “CHS”. On March 7, 2014, the last reported sale price of the Common Stock on the NYSE was $16.53 per share. The number of holders of record of common stock on March 7, 2014 was 1,517.

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the range of high and low sale prices for the Common Stock, as reported on the NYSE:

In fiscal 2013, we declared four quarterly dividends: three cash dividends of $0.055 per share and one of $0.075 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend of $0.24 per share. There were four quarterly cash dividends of $0.0525 per share declared in fiscal 2012, resulting in an annualized dividend of $0.21 per share.

On February 27, 2014, we announced that our Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.075 per share on our common stock. The dividend will be payable on March 31, 2014 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 17, 2014.

During fiscal 2013, we repurchased 13.8 million shares, at a total cost of approximately $245 million. On December 19, 2013, we announced that our Board of Directors approved a new $300 million share repurchase program of our outstanding common stock, and cancelled in its entirety the prior share repurchase program, which had $55 million remaining. The entire $300 million under the new program remained available at the end of fiscal 2013.

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In fiscal 2013, we repurchased 405,391 restricted shares in connection with employee tax withholding obligations under employee compensation plans, of which 25,400 were repurchased in the fourth quarter and are included in the following chart:

Five Year Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the companies in the Standard & Poor’s (“S&P”) 500 Index and the Standard & Poor’s 500 Apparel Retail Index. Cumulative total return for each of the periods shown in the Performance Graph is measured assuming an initial investment of $100 on January 31, 2009 and the reinvestment of dividends.

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Selected Financial Data at the dates and for the periods indicated should be read in conjunction with, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto referenced in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Amounts in the following tables are in thousands, except per share data, and number of stores data.

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The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto.

EXECUTIVE OVERVIEW

We are a leading omni-channel specialty retailer of women’s private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing items operating under the Chico’s, White House | Black Market (“WH|BM”), Soma Intimates and Boston Proper brand names. We earn revenues and generate cash through the sale of merchandise in our retail stores, on our various websites and through our call center, which takes orders for all of our brands.

We utilize an integrated, omni-channel approach to managing our business. We want our customers to experience our brands, not a channel within our brands, and view our various sales channels as a single, integrated process rather than as separate sales channels operating independently. This approach allows our customers to browse, purchase, return, or exchange our merchandise through whatever sales channel and at whatever time is most convenient for her. As a result, we track total sales and comparable sales on a combined basis.

Net sales for the fifty-two weeks ended February 1, 2014 were $2.586 billion, the highest in our history, an increase of 0.2% compared to $2.581 billion for the fifty-three week year ended February 2, 2013. The increase reflected 115 net new stores for an 8.4% square footage increase, substantially offset by a decrease in comparable sales and approximately $38 million in net sales attributable to the fifty-third week of fiscal 2012. Comparable sales for fiscal 2013 decreased 1.8% following a 7.2% increase in fiscal 2012.

In fiscal 2013, we recorded $72.5 million in pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges related to our Boston Proper reporting unit. The $72.5 million Boston Proper impairment charges included $67.3 million related to goodwill impairment and $5.2 million related to the trade name. The fiscal 2013 after-tax impact of the goodwill and trade name impairment charges totaled $70.5 million, or $0.44 per diluted share.

In fiscal 2013, income from operations was $141.2 million compared to $287.5 million in fiscal 2012, and operating margin decreased to 5.5% compared to 11.1% in fiscal 2012. Income from operations for fiscal 2013 included the pre-tax impact of Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges of $72.5 million.

Net income for fiscal 2013 was $65.9 million, a decrease of 63.4% compared to net income of $180.2 million in fiscal 2012. Earnings per diluted share for fiscal 2013 were $0.41, a decrease of 62.0% compared to $1.08 in fiscal 2012. Net income for fiscal 2013 included the impact of Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges of $70.5 million after-tax, or $0.44 per diluted share.

Cash flows from operations for fiscal 2013 were $236.7 million compared to $368.3 million in fiscal 2012 with cash and marketable securities at the end of fiscal 2013 totaling $152.4 million compared to $329.4 million at the end of fiscal 2012, primarily reflecting $245.0 million of shares repurchased during fiscal 2013.

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Future Outlook

The Company’s goal remains to establish financial targets that are both sustainable and reflect strong growth metrics. The Company believes that by delivering on its long-term objectives to increase sales by a low double-digit percentage and diluted earnings per share by a mid-teen percentage over a meaningful period of time, the Company will provide its shareholders with substantial value.

Consistent with these objectives, the Company announced several strategic investments in 2013 to fuel future growth, including enhancing omni-channel capabilities, expanding into Canada, and opening its first Boston Proper stores.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net Sales

The following table depicts net sales by Chico’s/Soma Intimates, WH|BM and Boston Proper in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012, and fiscal 2011:

Net sales increased 0.2% in fiscal 2013 to $2.586 billion from $2.581 billion in fiscal 2012, primarily reflecting 115 net new stores for an 8.4% square footage increase, substantially offset by a 1.8% decline in comparable sales and approximately $38 million in net sales attributable to the fifty-third week of fiscal 2012. Comparable sales is defined as sales from stores open for at least twelve full months, including stores that have been expanded or relocated within the same general market and includes online and catalog sales. Boston Proper’s sales and sales attributable to the fifty-third week in fiscal 2012 are excluded from comparable sales calculations. The comparable sales decrease reflected lower average dollar sale, partially offset by higher transaction count, primarily as a result of the cycling of strong comparable sales last year and the impact of increased promotional activity in response to lower traffic. Boston Proper net sales decreased $26.9 million, primarily reflecting decreased customer demand and the adverse impact of post-acquisition information systems conversions in early 2013.

The Chico’s/Soma Intimates brands’ comparable sales decreased 2.7% following a 7.5% increase in fiscal 2012. The Chico’s brand experienced a mid-single digit comparable sales decrease compared to a mid-single digit increase last year, and the Soma Intimates brand experienced a mid-single digit comparable sales increase compared to a double-digit increase last year. The WH|BM brand’s comparable sales were flat following a 6.5% increase in fiscal 2012.

Net sales increased 17.5% in fiscal 2012 to $2.581 billion from $2.196 billion in fiscal 2011, primarily reflecting 7.2% comparable sales growth, 101 net new stores for an 8.1% square footage increase, $84.3 million incremental Boston Proper sales and approximately $38 million net sales attributable to the fifty-third week. The comparable sales increase reflected increases in both average dollar sale and transaction count.

The Chico’s/Soma Intimates brands’ comparable sales increased 7.5% on top of a 6.4% increase in fiscal 2011. For fiscal 2012, the Chico’s brand experienced a mid-single digit comparable sales increase and the Soma Intimates brand experienced a double-digit comparable sales increase. The WH|BM brand’s comparable sales increased 6.5%, which followed a 12.2% increase for fiscal 2011.

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Cost of Goods Sold/Gross Margin

The following table depicts cost of goods sold and gross margin in dollars and gross margin as a percentage of total net sales for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:

For fiscal 2013, gross margin was $1.417 billion compared to $1.452 billion in fiscal 2012. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin was 54.8%, a 140 basis point decrease from fiscal 2012, primarily reflecting increased promotional activity in response to lower traffic and investment in new distribution automation, partially offset by lower incentive compensation as a percent of net sales.

For fiscal 2012, gross margin was $1.452 billion compared to $1.226 billion in fiscal 2011. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin was 56.2%, a 40 basis point improvement from fiscal 2011, primarily reflecting a higher level of full-price selling and effective inventory management, partially offset by incentive compensation and the inclusion of Boston Proper.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

The following table depicts SG&A, which includes store and direct operating expenses, marketing expenses and NSSC expenses, in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:

For fiscal 2013, SG&A was $1.202 billion compared to $1.161 billion in fiscal 2012. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 46.5%, a 150 basis point increase from fiscal 2012 primarily reflecting deleverage of store and marketing expenses and the impact of investment spending on strategic initiatives, partially offset by lower incentive compensation as a percent of net sales.

For fiscal 2012, SG&A was $1.161 billion compared to $998.9 million in fiscal 2011. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A was 45.0%, a 50 basis point improvement from fiscal 2011 primarily reflecting the sales leverage impact on store expenses and the inclusion of Boston Proper, partially offset by incentive compensation.

Goodwill and Trade Name Impairment Charges

In fiscal 2013, we recorded $72.5 million in pre-tax, non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges, or 2.8% of net sales. These impairment charges were the result of sales declines in the Boston Proper online and catalog business due to the increasingly competitive direct-to-consumer environment and the impact of integration efforts and new initiatives. The $72.5 million Boston Proper impairment charges included $67.3 million related to goodwill impairment and $5.2 million related to the trade name. The fiscal 2013 after-tax impact of the goodwill and trade name impairment charges totaled $70.5 million, or $0.44 per diluted share.

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Acquisition and Integration Costs

The following table depicts acquisition and integration costs related to Boston Proper in dollars and as a percentage of total net sales for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011:

For fiscal 2013, acquisition and integration costs were $0.9 million and primarily consisted of systems and distribution center integration costs. For fiscal 2012, acquisition and integration costs were $3.2 million and primarily consisted of systems and distribution center integration costs and employee-related benefit costs. For fiscal 2011, acquisition and integration costs were $5.1 million and primarily consisted of professional service fees and employee-related benefit costs.

Provision for Income Taxes

Our effective tax rate was 53.5%, 37.5% and 37.1%, for fiscal 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The fiscal 2013 effective tax rate reflected the impact of the Boston Proper goodwill impairment charge on the annual effective tax rate. Excluding the tax impact of the Boston Proper goodwill impairment charge, the fiscal 2013 effective tax rate would have been 36.3% compared to an effective tax rate of 37.5% for fiscal 2012, primarily reflecting favorable tax settlements and credits in the current year.

Net Income and Earnings Per Diluted Share

Net income for fiscal 2013 was $65.9 million compared to $180.2 million in fiscal 2012. Earnings per diluted share for fiscal 2013 were $0.41 compared to $1.08 per diluted share in fiscal 2012. Fiscal 2013 results included the impact of Boston Proper non-cash goodwill and trade name impairment charges of $70.5 million after-tax, or $0.44 per diluted share. The percentage decrease in earnings per diluted share was lower than the percentage decrease in net income, primarily reflecting the impact of approximately 13.8 million shares repurchased for an aggregate of $245.0 million since the end of fiscal 2012.

Net income for fiscal 2012 was $180.2 million, an increase of 27.9%, compared to $140.9 million in fiscal 2011. Earnings per diluted share for fiscal 2012 were $1.08, an increase of 31.7%, compared to $0.82 per diluted share in fiscal 2011. The percentage increase in earnings per diluted share was higher than the percentage increase in net income, primarily reflecting 6.3 million shares repurchased for an aggregate of $107.5 million from the end of fiscal 2011 through the end of fiscal 2012.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Overview

We believe that our existing cash and marketable securities balances and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to fund capital expenditures, working capital needs, dividend payments, potential share repurchases, commitments, and other liquidity requirements associated with our operations through at least the next 12 months. Furthermore, while it is our intention to repurchase our stock and pay a quarterly cash dividend in the future, any determination to repurchase additional shares of our stock or pay future dividends will be made by the Board of Directors and will depend on our stock price, future earnings, financial condition, and other factors established by the Board.

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Our ongoing capital requirements will continue to be primarily for enhancing and expanding our omni-channel capabilities, including: new, expanded, relocated and remodeled stores; information technology; and other central support facilities.

Operating Activities

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2013 was $236.7 million, a decrease of approximately $131.6 million from fiscal 2012. This decrease primarily reflected lower net income in fiscal 2013, adjusted for the non-cash impact of goodwill and trade name impairment charges and the impact of changes in working capital. The changes in working capital primarily reflected increased inventory, lower incentive compensation, and the impact of the calendar shift as a result of last fiscal year’s 53rd week.

Net cash provided by operating activities in fiscal 2012 was $368.3 million, an increase of approximately $113.1 million from fiscal 2011. This increase reflected higher net income compared to fiscal 2011 and increased accounts payable and accrued and other liabilities, partially offset by a deferred tax asset.

Investing Activities

Net cash provided by investing activities in fiscal 2013 was $17.9 million, an increase of approximately $266.3 million from fiscal 2012. This increase primarily reflected the use of marketable securities to facilitate share repurchase activities, partially offset by net purchases of property, plant and equipment.

Net cash used in investing activities in fiscal 2012 was $248.4 million, an increase of approximately $248.1 million from fiscal 2011. This increase primarily reflected the use of marketable securities during fiscal 2011 to consummate the Boston Proper acquisition.

Financing Activities

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2013 was $275.0 million compared to $122.0 million in fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, we paid three cash dividends at $0.055 per share and one at $0.075 per share on our common stock, totaling $38.3 million. We repurchased $245.0 million of our common stock through our publicly announced share repurchase programs and we received $12.4 million in proceeds from issuing approximately 3.6 million shares related to employee stock ownership plans and stock option exercises.

Net cash used in financing activities for fiscal 2012 was $122.0 million compared to $210.7 million in fiscal 2011. In fiscal 2012, we paid $0.0525 per share quarterly cash dividends on our common stock, totaling $34.9 million. We repurchased $107.5 million of our common stock through our publicly announced share repurchase programs and we received $16.5 million in proceeds from issuing approximately 3.6 million shares related to employee stock ownership plans and stock option exercises.

New Store Openings

We expect our new stores in fiscal 2014 to increase approximately 7%, reflecting approximately 22-26 net openings of Chico’s stores, 26-30 net openings of WH|BM stores, 38-42 net openings of Soma stores and 18-20 openings of Boston Proper stores. We also expect to complete approximately 26-30 relocations or remodels. We continuously evaluate the appropriate new store growth rate in light of economic conditions and may adjust the growth rate as conditions require or as opportunities arise.

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Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations at February 1, 2014:

As of February 1, 2014, our contractual obligations consisted of: 1) amounts outstanding under operating leases, 2) open purchase orders for inventory and other operating expenses, in the normal course of business, which are cancellable with no, or limited, recourse available to the vendor and 3) contractual commitments for fiscal 2014 capital expenditures.

Until formal resolutions are reached between us and the relevant taxing authorities, we are unable to estimate a final determination related to our uncertain tax positions and therefore, we have excluded the uncertain tax positions, totaling $4.0 million at February 1, 2014 from the above table.

Credit Facility

On July 27, 2011, we entered into a $70 million senior five-year unsecured revolving credit facility (the “Credit Facility”) with a syndicate led by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as administrative agent and HSBC Bank USA, National Association, as syndication agent.

The Credit Facility provides a $70 million revolving credit facility that matures on July 27, 2016. The Credit Facility provides for swing advances of up to $5 million and issuance of letters of credit up to $40 million. The Credit Facility also contains a feature that provides us the ability, subject to satisfaction of certain conditions, to expand the commitments available under the Credit Facility from $70 million up to $125 million. As of February 1, 2014, no borrowings are outstanding under the Credit Facility.

The Credit Facility contains customary financial covenants for unsecured credit facilities, consisting of a maximum total debt leverage ratio that cannot be greater than 3.25 to 1.00 and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio that cannot be less than 1.20 to 1.00.

The Credit Facility contains customary events of default. If a default occurs and is not cured within any applicable cure period or is not waived, the Company’s obligations under the Credit Facility may be accelerated or the Credit Facility may be terminated. The Company was in compliance with the applicable ratio requirements and other covenants at February 1, 2014.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

At February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, we did not have any relationship with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or for other contractually narrow or limited purposes.

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Critical Accounting Policies

The discussion and analysis of our consolidated financial condition and results of operations are based upon the consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The preparation of consolidated financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions. Management has discussed the development and selection of these critical accounting policies and estimates with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and believes the following assumptions and estimates are significant to reporting our consolidated results of operations and financial position.

Inventory Valuation and Shrinkage

We identify potentially excess and slow-moving inventories by evaluating inventory aging, turn rates and inventory levels in conjunction with our overall sales trend. Excess quantities of inventory are identified through evaluation of inventory aging, review of inventory turns and historical sales experience, as well as specific identification based on fashion trends. Further, exposure is identified through analysis of gross margins and markdowns in combination with changes in current business trends. We provide lower of cost or market adjustments for such identified excess and slow-moving inventories. Historically, the variation of those estimates to actual results is immaterial and material variation is not expected in the future.

We estimate our expected shrinkage of inventories between our physical inventory counts by using average store shrinkage experience rates, which are updated on a regular basis. Historically, the variation of those estimates to actual results is immaterial and material variation is not expected in the future.

Revenue Recognition

Retail sales at our stores are recorded at the point of sale and are net of estimated customer returns, sales discounts under rewards programs and company issued coupons, promotional discounts and associate discounts. We record sales from our websites and catalogs based on the estimated receipt date of the product by our customers, which is typically within a few days of shipment date.

Under our current program, gift cards do not have expiration dates. We account for gift cards by recognizing a liability at the time the gift card is sold. The liability is relieved and revenue is recognized for gift cards upon redemption. In addition, we recognize revenue on unredeemed gift cards based on determining that the likelihood of the gift card being redeemed is remote and that there is no legal obligation to remit the unredeemed gift cards to relevant jurisdictions (commonly referred to as gift card breakage). We recognize gift card breakage under the redemption recognition method. This method records gift card breakage as revenue on a proportional basis over the redemption period based on our historical gift card breakage rate. We determine the gift card breakage rate based on our historical redemption patterns.

As part of the normal sales cycle, we receive customer merchandise returns related to store, website and catalog sales. To account for the financial impact of potential customer merchandise returns, we estimate future returns on previously sold merchandise. Reductions in sales and gross margin are recorded for estimated merchandise returns based on return history, current sales levels and projected future return levels.

Evaluation of Long-Lived Assets, Goodwill and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets

Long-lived assets are reviewed periodically for impairment if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If future undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the asset are less than its carrying amount, an asset is determined to be impaired, and a loss is recorded for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset exceeds its fair value. The fair value of an asset is estimated using estimated future cash flows of the asset discounted by a rate commensurate with the risk involved with such

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asset while incorporating marketplace assumptions. The estimate of future cash flows requires management to make certain assumptions and to apply judgment, including forecasting future sales and the useful lives of the assets. We exercise our best judgment based on the most current facts and circumstances surrounding our business when applying these impairment rules. We establish our assumptions and arrive at the estimates used in these calculations based upon our historical experience, knowledge of the retail industry and by incorporating third-party data, which we believe results in a reasonably accurate approximation of fair value. Nevertheless, changes in the assumptions used could have an impact on our assessment of recoverability.

We review our goodwill for impairment at the reporting unit level on an annual basis, or when circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. We evaluate the appropriateness of performing a qualitative assessment, on a reporting unit level, based on current circumstances. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, the two-step impairment test will be performed. If we conclude that this is not the case, then the two-step impairment test will not be required. We may elect to skip the qualitative assessment and perform the two-step impairment test. The first step of the impairment test compares the fair value of our reporting units with their carrying amounts, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of any impairment loss. Fair value is determined based on both an income approach and market approach. The income approach is based on estimated future cash flows, discounted at a rate that approximates the cost of capital of a market participant, while the market approach is based on sales and EBITDA multiples of similar companies and transactions.

We review our other indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, or when circumstances indicate its carrying value may not be recoverable. We evaluate the appropriateness of performing a qualitative assessment based on current circumstances. If the results of the qualitative assessment indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount, we calculate the value of the indefinite-lived intangible assets using a discounted cash flow method, based on the relief from royalty concept.

Operating Leases

Rent expense under store operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases. Landlord incentives, “rent-free” periods, rent escalation clauses and other rental expenses are also amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the leases, including the construction period. This is generally 60–90 days prior to the store opening date, when we generally begin improvements in preparation for our intended use. Tenant improvement allowances are recorded as a deferred lease credit within deferred liabilities and amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease.

Income Taxes

Income taxes are accounted for in accordance with authoritative guidance, which requires the use of the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Inherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of existing tax law and published guidance as applicable to our operations. Deferred tax assets are reduced, if necessary, by a valuation allowance to the extent future realization of those tax benefits are uncertain. Our effective tax rate considers management’s judgment of expected tax liabilities within the various taxing jurisdictions in which we are subject to tax.

We record amounts for uncertain tax positions that management believes are supportable, but are potentially subject to successful challenge by the applicable taxing authority. Consequently, changes in our assumptions and judgments could materially affect amounts recognized related to income tax uncertainties and may affect our consolidated results of operations or financial position. We believe our assumptions for estimates continue to be reasonable, although actual results may have a positive or negative material impact on the balances of such tax positions. Historically, the variation of estimates to actual results is immaterial and material variation is not expected in the future.

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Stock-Based Compensation Expense

Stock-based compensation expense for all awards is based on the grant date fair value of the award, net of estimated forfeitures, and is recognized over the requisite service period of the awards. Compensation expense for restricted stock awards and stock options with a service condition is recognized on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period. Compensation expense for performance-based awards with a service condition is recognized ratably for each vesting tranche based on our estimate of the level and likelihood of meeting certain Company-specific performance goals. The calculation of stock-based compensation expense involves estimates that require management’s judgment. We are required to estimate the expected forfeiture rate for all stock-based awards, and only recognize expense for those shares expected to vest. In determining the portion of the stock-based payment award that is ultimately expected to be earned, we derive forfeiture rates based on historical data. In accordance with the authoritative guidance, we revise our forfeiture rates, when necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those originally estimated. As a result, in the event that a grant’s actual forfeiture rate is materially different from its estimate at the completion of the vesting period, the stock-based compensation expense could be significantly different from what we recorded in current and prior periods.

For stock option awards, estimates include the expected volatility and expected term, which are utilized in calculating the fair value of the awards using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. We estimate expected volatility based on the historical volatility of our stock over a term equal to the expected term of the option granted. The expected term of stock option awards granted is derived from historical exercise experience under our stock option plans and represents the period of time that stock option awards granted are expected to be outstanding. No stock option awards have been granted since 2011. For performance-based awards, estimates include the probable number of shares that will ultimately be issued based on the likelihood of meeting the respective performance condition. We estimate the probable vesting based on current financial performance forecasts for the relevant performance metrics. The assumptions used in calculating the fair value of stock-based payment awards represent management’s best estimates, but these estimates involve inherent uncertainties and the application of management’s judgment.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued new disclosure guidance related to the reporting of amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”). This guidance requires an entity to disclose significant items reclassified out of AOCI to net income and the effect of these reclassifications on the respective line items in net income. This guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this guidance effective February 3, 2013 and its adoption did not have an impact on our consolidated results of operations, financial position or cash flows.

Forward-Looking Statements

This Form 10-K may contain certain “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which reflect our current views with respect to certain events that could have an effect on our future financial performance, including but without limitation, statements regarding our plans, objectives, and future growth rates of our store concepts. These statements may address items such as future sales, gross margin expectations, SG&A expectations, operating margin expectations, earnings per share expectations, planned store openings, closings and expansions, future comparable sales, future product sourcing plans, inventory levels, planned marketing expenditures, planned capital expenditures and future cash needs. In addition, from time to time, we may issue press releases and other written communications, and our representatives may make oral statements, which contain forward-looking information.

These statements, including those in this Form 10-K and those in press releases or made orally, relate to expectations concerning matters that are not historical fact and may include the words or phrases such as

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“expects,” “believes,” “anticipates,” “plans,” “estimates,” “approximately,” “our planning assumptions,” “future outlook,” and similar expressions. Except for historical information, matters discussed in such oral and written statements, including this Form 10-K, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based largely on information currently available to our management and on our current expectations, assumptions, plans, estimates, judgments and projections about our business and our industry, and are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those currently anticipated. Although we believe our expectations are based on reasonable estimates and assumptions, they are not guarantees of performance and there are a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors (many of which are outside our control) that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, there is no assurance that our expectations will, in fact, occur or that our estimates or assumptions will be correct, and we caution investors and all others not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described in Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of this Form 10-K.

These potential risks and uncertainties include: the financial strength of retailing in particular and the economy in general; the extent of financial difficulties that may be experienced by customers; our ability to secure and maintain customer acceptance of styles and store concepts; the ability to maintain an appropriate level of inventory; the extent and nature of competition in the markets in which we operate; the extent of the market demand and overall level of spending for women’s private branded clothing and related accessories; the effectiveness of our brand awareness and marketing programs; the adequacy and perception of customer service; the ability to coordinate product development with buying and planning; the quality of merchandise received from suppliers; the ability to efficiently, timely and successfully execute significant shifts in the countries from which merchandise is supplied; the ability of our suppliers to timely produce and deliver clothing and accessories; the changes in the costs of manufacturing, labor and advertising; the availability of quality store sites; our ability to grow through new store openings; the buying public’s acceptance of any of our new store concepts; the ability to successfully execute our growth strategies; the continuing performance, implementation and integration of management information systems; the impact of any systems failures, cyber security or security breaches, including any security breaches that result in theft, transfer, or unauthorized disclosure of customer, employee, or company information or our compliance with information security and privacy laws and regulations in the event of such an incident; the ability to hire, train, energize and retain qualified sales associates, managerial employees and other employees; the ability to expand our distribution center and other support facilities in an efficient and effective manner; the ability to effectively and efficiently establish our websites; the ability to secure and protect trademarks and other intellectual property rights and to protect our reputation and brand images; the ability to effectively and efficiently operate our brands; risks associated with terrorist activities; risks associated with natural disasters such as hurricanes and other risks. In addition, there are potential risks and uncertainties that are related to our reliance on sourcing from foreign suppliers, including the impact of work stoppages; transportation delays and other interruptions; political or civil instability; imposition of and changes in tariffs and import and export controls such as import quotas; changes in governmental policies in or towards foreign countries; currency exchange rates and other similar factors.

All written or oral forward-looking statements that are made or attributable to us are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary notice. The forward-looking statements included herein are only made as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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The market risk of our financial instruments as of February 1, 2014 has not significantly changed since February 2, 2013. We are exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates on any future indebtedness and our marketable securities and from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Our exposure to interest rate risk relates in part to our revolving line of credit with our bank. However, as of February 1, 2014, we did not have any outstanding borrowings on our line of credit.

Our investment portfolio is maintained in accordance with our investment policy which identifies allowable investments, specifies credit quality standards and limits the credit exposure of any single issuer. Our investment portfolio consists of cash equivalents and marketable securities including municipal bonds, corporate bonds, and U.S. government and agency securities. The marketable securities portfolio as of February 1, 2014, consisted of $65.9 million of securities with maturity dates within one year or less and $50.1 million with maturity dates over one year and less than or equal to two years. We consider all securities available-for-sale, including those with maturity dates beyond 12 months, and therefore classify these securities as short-term investments within current assets on the consolidated balance sheets as they are available to support current operational liquidity needs. As of February 1, 2014, an increase of 100 basis points in interest rates would reduce the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio by approximately $0.9 million. Conversely, a reduction of 100 basis points in interest rates would increase the fair value of our marketable securities portfolio by approximately $0.2 million.

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Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Chico’s FAS, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Chico’s FAS, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity and cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2014. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Chico’s FAS, Inc. and subsidiaries at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013, and the consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2014, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), Chico’s FAS, Inc. and subsidiaries’ internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2014, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (1992 framework) and our report dated March 14, 2014 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Tampa, Florida

March 14, 2014

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated statements.

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CHICO’S FAS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)