Sanibel Island’s fashion heart, Chico’s, has returned to its roots! The beloved boutique, founded in 1983 with treasures gleaned from exotic travels, has reopened its doors at Periwinkle Place, ready to weave its island magic once again.
Having been an integral part of Southwest Florida for four decades, the reopening of Chico’s original store carries a profound significance. It stands as a symbol of the community’s resilience in the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, one of the worst storms in U.S. history. The ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Jan. 11 marked a momentous occasion, complete with the unveiling of a new black and bronze plaque paying tribute to the store’s rich history.
Reflecting on the recovery efforts post-Hurricane Ian, Marketing Senior Vice President Leana Less shared, “As Chico’s reflects on the recovery efforts since Hurricane Ian struck in September of 2022, we recall the devastation, hurt, and hopelessness that washed over the Southwest Florida community within the blink of an eye.”
Chico’s corporate headquarters in Fort Myers played a pivotal role in the recovery, transforming into a hub for over 1,000 essential workers within 24 hours of the storm. This included teams from the American Red Cross Disaster Relief and Power and Light, who utilized the space for two months to restore power and infrastructure.
In response to the impact on its associates, Chico’s swiftly organized recovery services, including an Employee Disaster Relief Fund and mental health prioritization through group wellness sessions. Leana Less emphasized, “As devastating as the storm was, it gave us an opportunity to show up for each other in a meaningful way.”
The brand also launched a program allowing customers to contribute their loyalty points to the Red Cross, with over 4,500 customers generously donating nearly 5 million points.
Celebrating the triumph over adversity, Less expressed pride in the resiliency of customers, employees, and brands. Following the reopening of three top stores in Naples last June, the reopening of the original Sanibel store is a significant milestone.
The renovated store boasts a modern coastal aesthetic, featuring an open floor plan, clear sight-lines, and spacious merchandise displays for a welcoming and user-friendly shopping experience. The grand staircase, adorned with painted millwork, leads to an intimate Soma shop-in-shop with a dedicated fitting area, completing the transformation of this cherished space.
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