• Gross margin rate down approximately 50 basis points; • SG&A expense, as a percentage of net sales, down approximately 50 basis points; • Effective tax rate approximately 38%; • Inventories in-line with sales growth; and • Capital expenditures approximately $150 million, which include 120 to 130 gross new stores.
The Company, through its brands Chico's, White House | Black Market, Soma Intimates, and Boston Proper, is a women's specialty retailer of private branded, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories, and other non-clothing items.