<P> In 1985, Chico's Folk Art Specialties opened a second boutique on Captiva Island, Florida . All early boutiques were infused with Mexican folk art combined with antiques and fixtures manufactured in Marvin's in - house woodshop . </P> <P> In the beginning, Marvin and Helene would not close the store until they reached a certain amount of sales each day . They also could not afford to have bags printed, so the name was handwritten on each bag . </P> <P> The first franchise store opened in Edina, Minnesota in 1987 . In 1989, the company shortened its name to Chico's FAS (an abbreviation for Folk Art Specialties) and launched the Passport Loyalty Rewards program . </P> <P> In 1991, Chico's FAS expanded into cities ranging from Santa Fe, New Mexico to Newport, Rhode Island . By 1992, the company operated 60 boutiques and began designing its own prints and patterns . </P>

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