Donna O’Neil from the Newburyport Current is correct (Newburyport Current, November 30, 2007). Chico’s apparently is coming to Newburyport, MA.

From Careerbuilder.com:

“Store Manager & Store Team-Chico’s-19 Water Street, Newbur” (I’m assuming Newburyport, since it’s listed as Newburyport on other job finder websites.)

“Opening, March 2008”

Also from Careerbuilder.com

Company Overview:

“Chico’s FAS Inc., which is a group of 4 divisions, is a specialty retailer of private label, sophisticated, casual-to-dressy clothing, intimates, complementary accessories and other non-clothing gift items. The Company operates 847 women’s specialty stores, including stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico operating under the Chico’s, White House|Black Market, soma by Chico’s, and Fitigues names. From our exclusive, private-label designs to our exceptional personal service, our divisions provide a truly unique retail environment. When you walk into any of our stores, you can depend upon the sales staff to coordinate, accessorize, and help you build a wardrobe to suit your needs. All our products are designed and developed by our Product Development Team in our Headquarters in Fort Myers, Florida which enables us to provide you with new styles every week.”

From what I can make out from salemdeeds.com, 19 Water Street is owned by New England Development.

Actually, on the deed it says Newburyport Manager LLC TRS, with a contact for Bruce M. Herman. But since Newburyport Manager LLC owns property all over downtown Newburyport, and there is a Bruce M. Herman who is the Controller, Executive Vice President at New England Development, I am assuming that we would be talking about New England Development and Mr. Karp.

Mary Eaton
Newburyport