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Advertising Costs
12 Months Ended
Feb. 01, 2014
Advertising Costs  
Advertising Costs
Advertising Costs

Advertising costs, which primarily consist of newspaper circulars, internet advertisements and media broadcast, are expensed at first showing or distribution of the advertisement, and are recorded net of related vendor income.

Advertising Costs
(millions)
2013

2012

2011

Gross advertising costs
$
1,744

$
1,653

$
1,589

Vendor income (a)
76

231

229

Net advertising costs
$
1,668

$
1,422

$
1,360


(a)    A 2013 change to certain merchandise vendor contracts resulted in more vendor funding being recognized as a reduction of our cost of sales rather than offsetting certain advertising expenses.