Chico's FAS, the troubled clothing chain aimed at women of a certain age, has tapped Rochelle Udell as SVP, creative director. Udell, currently the chief talent officer at the Arnell Group, has been
EVP/chief creative officer for Revlon, and held key positions within Conde Nast, as well as at its Fairchild unit.
While many apparel companies have been struggling with slowdowns
in consumer spending, Chico's and its competitors, including Talbots and Coldwater Creek, have been particularly hard-hit. Last month, it announced its fourth-quarter sales fell to $373.4 million,
and posted a $40.5 million loss. Amid reductions in its marketing spending, same-store sales tumbled 13% for the quarter. --Sarah Mahoney