Chico's FAS, Inc. Announces March Sales Results.

Business Editors

FORT MYERS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 5, 2000

Chico's FAS, Inc. (Nasdaq: CHCS) today announced March sales results for the five week period ended April 1, 2000.

Total sales for the five week period ended April 1, 2000 increased 65.8 percent to $24.0 million from $14.5 million reported for the five week period ended April 3, 1999. Comparable store sales for the Company-owned stores increased 39.7 percent for the five-week period ended April 1, 2000.

For the nine weeks ended April 1, 2000, total sales increased 56.8 percent to $37.6 million from $24.0 million for the same period in 1999. Comparable store sales for the Company-owned stores increased 31.4 percent for the nine week period.

Marvin Gralnick, Chico's CEO commented, "Our national advertising campaign and our store catalog successfully combined to dramatically increase sales. During March, our comparable stores sold almost 40 percent more spring product than last March, while still maintaining gross margins comparable to last year."

Chico's sells exclusively designed, private-label women's casual clothing and related accessories. The Company operates a chain of 204 stores in 37 states and the District of Columbia. The Company owns 194 stores, franchisees own 10.

Certain statements contained herein, including without limitation, statements addressing the beliefs, plans, objectives, estimates or expectations of the Company or future results or events constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended. Such forward-looking statements involve known or unknown risks, including, but not limited to, general economic and business conditions, and conditions in the specialty retail industry. There can be no assurance that the actual future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements will occur. Users of forward-looking statements are encouraged to review the Company's latest annual report on Form 10-K, its filings on Form 10-Q, management's discussion and analysis in the Company's latest annual report to stockholders, the Company's filings on Form 8-K, and other federal securities law filings for a description of other important factors that may affect the Company's business, results of operations and financial condition.

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