Chico's sales, same-store up

Lower consumer spending isn't holding back Fort Myers-based Chico's FAS Inc. from showing signs of a turnaround.

After, a long string of lower net sales and same-store comparables, the company reported both important store figures were higher in the second quarter. Net sales for the thirteen-week period ended Aug. 1 grew 3.6% ($14.7 million) to $419.9 million, compared to $405.2 million last year. Comparable store sales for second quarter increased 1.3% compared to the 15.9% decrease for the same period in 2008. Those operating results would put the company's second quarter results at nine to 10 cents a share compared to just four cents last year.

It's unclear what, if any, affect the 25 store closings the company announced in January had on the figures, but the company itself is pointing to changes in upper management as the reason for the improvements.