What Chico's Is and How to Shop There

Chico's is a clothing retailer that sells women's apparel, accessories, and footwear, with both physical stores and an online shopping site. You can browse and purchase items in person at a Chico's location or order from their website and have items shipped to your home or picked up at a store. The store focuses on casual and professional clothing for adult women, with an emphasis on comfortable fits and natural fabrics.

If you shop in a physical store, you can try items on before buying. Store associates are available to help you find sizes and styles. If you shop online at chicos.com, you can view product photos, read descriptions, check sizing charts, and add items to a digital cart before checking out. Online orders typically ship within a few business days, though timing varies by location and shipping method you choose.

Chico's also operates outlet stores where prices are lower than regular locations. These carry current and previous-season inventory. You can find outlet locations through the Chico's website or by calling customer service.

Key Takeaways

  • Chico's sells women's clothing, accessories, and shoes both in physical stores and online at chicos.com.
  • Chico's uses its own sizing system (0, 2, 4, etc.) rather than standard small, medium, large sizes, so checking their sizing chart before ordering online is important.
  • You can pay with credit cards, debit cards, or a Chico's credit card, and you can return items within a set timeframe with your receipt or order number.
  • Chico's runs sales and promotions throughout the year, and members of their rewards program earn points on purchases.

Understanding Chico's Sizing System

Chico's does not use standard clothing sizes like small, medium, or large. Instead, they use their own numbering system: 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16. These numbers do not correspond directly to typical dress sizes, so a Chico's size 2 is not the same as a size 2 from another retailer. Each size is designed to fit a specific range of body measurements.

Before you order online, check the sizing chart on the product page. The chart shows measurements for bust, waist, and hip for each size, usually in both inches and centimeters. If you have shopped at Chico's before and know your size, you can use that as a starting point. If you are new to Chico's, measuring yourself and comparing to the chart takes a few minutes and reduces the chance you will need to return an item.

In a physical store, an associate can help you find your size by taking measurements or by having you try items on. This is especially useful if you are unsure which size will fit you best.

How to Pay and What Payment Methods Work

Chico's accepts most major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover) and debit cards at both stores and online. You can also pay with a Chico's credit card, which is a store-branded card issued by a bank. If you open a Chico's credit card account, you can use it at Chico's locations and online, and you earn rewards points on your purchases.

When you check out online, you enter your payment information on a find page. The site will ask for your billing address and shipping address (which can be different). If you are picking up an order at a store instead of having it shipped, you still pay online or in the store when you pick it up, depending on how you placed the order.

In a physical store, you pay at the register after selecting your items. You can use any of the payment methods above. If you have a Chico's credit card, you can ask the cashier about current promotions — the store often offers discounts to cardholders or for first-time card applications.

Returns, Exchanges, and Refunds

Chico's allows you to return or exchange items within a certain number of days of purchase. The exact timeframe depends on whether you bought the item in a store or online, and whether you have a receipt. In general, returns are accepted within 60 days with a receipt or order number. Items must be unworn, unwashed, and in original condition with tags attached.

To return an item bought in a store, bring it back to any Chico's location with your receipt. To return an online order, you can print a prepaid shipping label from your account on chicos.com, pack the item, and drop it off at a shipping location. Once Chico's receives and inspects the returned item, they will refund your money to your original payment method or issue store credit, depending on your preference.

Exchanges work the same way: you can exchange an item for a different size or style at a store, or you can return an online item and place a new order. Some items marked as final sale cannot be returned or exchanged, so check the product description before you buy.

Chico's Rewards Program and Sales

Chico's runs a rewards program called Chico's Rewards that is free to join. When you sign up, you earn points on every purchase you make in stores or online. You can sign up in a store, on the website, or through the Chico's mobile app. You will need to provide your email address and create an account.

Points accumulate as you shop and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The program also gives members early access to sales, birthday discounts, and special promotions. You do not have to use a Chico's credit card to earn rewards — any payment method works — but cardholders sometimes earn bonus points or get additional perks.

Chico's runs seasonal sales throughout the year, with larger promotions during holiday periods and at the end of seasons. You can check the website or sign up for their email list to learn about upcoming sales. Outlet stores also have their own pricing and promotions.

Shopping Online vs. In a Physical Store

Shopping online at chicos.com lets you browse from home, compare items side by side, and read customer reviews. You can filter by size, color, price, and style. Online orders ship to your home or can be picked up at a store if that option is available in your area. Shipping costs vary based on your order total and the shipping method you choose — standard shipping is slower and cheaper, while expedited shipping costs more but arrives faster.

Shopping in a physical store lets you see and touch items before buying, try clothes on, and get when ready help from an associate. You can take items home the same day. Some people prefer stores for fit-sensitive items like pants or dresses, while others prefer online for convenience. Many shoppers use both — they might try an item in a store to confirm their size, then order online for future purchases.

If you order online and are unsure about fit, you can use the return process to send items back at no cost (within the return window), so ordering and trying at home is a low-risk way to shop if you are new to Chico's sizing.

Finding a Store Location and Customer Service

You can find a Chico's store near you by using the store locator on chicos.com. Enter your city or zip code, and the site will show nearby locations with their hours and contact information. Most Chico's locations are in shopping centers or malls. Some stores are full-price locations, while others are outlet stores with lower prices.

If you have questions about a product, your order, or your account, you can contact Chico's customer service by phone or through the website. Phone numbers and chat options are listed on chicos.com. You can also reach out through the Chico's mobile app if you have downloaded it. Customer service can help with sizing questions, order status, returns, and account issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Chico's regular stores and outlet stores?

Outlet stores carry current and previous-season items at lower prices than regular Chico's locations. Both sell the same brand and sizing system, but outlet inventory changes more frequently and selection may be smaller. Prices are the main difference — outlet items are discounted compared to full-price stores.

Can I return an online order to a physical store?

Policies vary by location. Some Chico's stores accept returns of online orders, while others require you to ship items back using the prepaid label. Check your order confirmation email or contact customer service to confirm the return method for your order.

How long does shipping take for online orders?

Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 10 business days, though this varies by location and current order volume. Expedited options are faster but cost more. You can choose your shipping speed when you check out, and your order confirmation will show the expected delivery date.

Do I need a Chico's credit card to shop there?

No. You can shop and pay with any major credit card or debit card. A Chico's credit card is optional and offers rewards and promotions, but it is not required to make a purchase.

How do I know what size to order if I have never shopped at Chico's before?

Check the sizing chart on the product page and measure yourself, or visit a physical store and try items on to learn your size. Once you know your Chico's size, you can order online with confidence. The return process is straightforward if something does not fit, so ordering and trying at home is also an option.