<p>A women's specialty-clothing company based in Fort Myers, Florida, is expanding its Winder distribution center and opening a call center -- moves that will create 182 jobs.</p><p>Gov. Perdue said in a news release yesterday that Chico's plans represent a ten (m) million dollar investment.</p><p>The president of the Barrow County Chamber of Commerce -- Carolyn Delamont -- says officials are pleased with Chico's decision to expand in the county.</p><p>In March 2002, Chico's purchased the former Duck Head plant in Barrow County along Georgia 316 to use the building for its distribution center. At that time, company officials said Chico's ultimately would employ 300 people at the Barrow County operation.</p><p>In 2004, the company expanded the plant to 235 square feet and 211 full-time workers.</p><p>Chico's has purchased 19 acres of improved property, including a 50,000-square-foot building, adjacent to the current distribution center.</p><p>Chico's is a specialty retailer of private label clothing, intimates, complementary accessories and other non-clothing gift items. Chico's has grown over the last few years and last year, the company opened 120 new retail stores.</p><p>The company operates 745 women's specialty stores, including stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.</p>
