Source says Chico’s laid off 180 workers in Fort Myers

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FORT MYERS, Fla. – Major changes took place on Wednesday at one of Lee County’s biggest employers. According to a source at the security company, hired to escort laid off workers off the Chico’s campus, says 180 people were laid off.

In 2013, Lee County Economic Development stated Chico’s had 1,700 employees. The layoff of 180 workers means over 10 percent have been let go.

On Tuesday, Sycamore Partners abandoned it’s attempt to buy Chico’s, a deal that could have put the company’s value at $3 billion.

Both Chico’s and Sycamore Partners declined to comment, but an employee who was let go today said he was laid off because of downsizing.

Another worker said, following the massive layoff, the president of Chico’s read a prepared statement to the rest of the employees, letting them know what happened.

Chico’s also has other brands including White House Black Market, Soma and Boston Proper. Hundreds of workers leaving the gates at Chico’s campus today declined to comment. A media representative with the company said they will not comment before they release their fourth-quarter earnings, which is expected tomorrow, February 26th.

 

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