Jacob (clothing retailer) attributed its woes were pinned on entries by international retailers into the Canadian market, including H&M and Zara, it was also negatively impacted by "surgical shopping", a gap in the retail market increased during the recession, pushing purchasers to high end or value products, as opposed to middle market. Gap and Sears Canada were cited as casualties. The general manager of Yorkdale Shopping Centre forced the company to close its location in the mall, apparently struggling, in order to allow an outlet of American retailer J. Crew to open. On May 6, 2014 the retailer declared bankruptcy; the company would
Chico's (clothing retailer) Chico's (clothing retailer) Chico's is a retail women's clothing chain founded in 1983 by a three-person operation on Sanibel Island, Florida. Chico's FAS, Inc. is an American women’s clothing and accessories retailer. The company was founded by Marvin and Helene Gralnick and is headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida. Chico's FAS operates three brands: its namesake Chico's, White House Black Market and Soma. As of November 1, 2014, Chico's FAS operated 1,557 women's clothing stores in the US and Canada and sold merchandise through franchise locations in Mexico. Founders Marvin and Helene Gralnick met in 1972 while living in Guadalajara, Mexico.