HR is not on your side. That's true of most companies. Chico's FAS is not an exception. If you are not a VP or above, you are disposable and should be grateful for the opportunity. Well-intentioned people are pushed out by office politics, which are rampant in a corporation riddled with layoffs and the highest pay in the industry for executives (this is public information).
Most benefits have loopholes, layoffs are both constant and imminent (everyone is scared of losing jobs), and don't expect to work normal hours unless you want to be accused of not caring for your job.
I didn't work at the store level, but store associates are treated horribly. Policies at the store level: horrible. Pay at the store level: horrible.