Summary: Retailer Chico's jumped over 14% in early trading on a report that the company could be considering going private. The mature women's clothing chain has struggled along with its competitors in this crowded field. However, its earnings seemed to be better than the industry average in its group. The lack of mall traffic has hurt Chico's and the long, harsh winter didn't help. Competitors haven't had it any easier. Coldwater Creek went bankrupt and only just recently found a buyer, while J. Jill has changed ownership many times. Francesca's has never done as well as the day it went public.
