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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | 12 Months Ended
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Feb. 02, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies | Note A: Summary of Significant Accounting Policies We are a specialty retailer of high-quality products for the home. These products, representing distinct merchandise strategies – Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, PBteen, West Elm, Williams-Sonoma Home, Rejuvenation, and Mark and Graham – are marketed through e-commerce websites, direct mail catalogs and 585 stores. We operate in the U.S., Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and ship our products to customers worldwide. In addition, one of our unaffiliated franchisees operates stores in the Middle East. Intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated. Fiscal Year Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to January 31, based on a 52 or 53-week year. Fiscal 2013, a 52-week year, ended on February 2, 2014; fiscal 2012, a 53-week year, ended on February 3, 2013; and fiscal 2011, a 52-week year, ended on January 29, 2012. Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and related disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an ongoing basis and are based on historical experience and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash Equivalents Cash equivalents include highly liquid investments with an original maturity of three months or less. As of February 2, 2014, we were invested primarily in money market funds, interest-bearing demand deposit accounts and time deposits. Book cash overdrafts issued, but not yet presented to the bank for payment, are reclassified to accounts payable. Restricted Cash Restricted cash represents deposits held in trusts to secure our liabilities associated with our workers’ compensation and other insurance programs. Accounts Receivable and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Accounts receivable are stated at their carrying values, net of an allowance for doubtful accounts. Accounts receivable consist primarily of credit card, franchisee and landlord receivables for which collectability is reasonably assured. Other miscellaneous receivables are evaluated for collectability on a regular basis and an allowance for doubtful accounts is recorded, if necessary. Our allowance for doubtful accounts was not material to our financial statements as of February 2, 2014 and February 3, 2013. Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories, net of an allowance for excess quantities and obsolescence, are stated at the lower of cost (weighted average method) or market. To determine if the value of our inventory should be marked down below cost, we consider current and anticipated demand, customer preferences and age of the merchandise. The significant estimates used in inventory valuation are obsolescence (including excess and slow-moving inventory and lower of cost or market reserves) and estimates of inventory shrinkage. We reserve for obsolescence based on historical trends, aging reports, specific identification and our estimates of future sales and selling prices. Reserves for shrinkage are estimated and recorded throughout the year, at the concept and channel level, as a percentage of net sales based on historical shrinkage results, expectations of future shrinkage and current inventory levels. Actual shrinkage is recorded at year-end based on the results of our physical inventory count and can vary from our estimates due to such factors as changes in operations within our distribution centers, the mix of our inventory (which ranges from large furniture to small tabletop items) and execution against loss prevention initiatives in our stores, distribution centers, off-site storage locations, and with our third party transportation providers. Accordingly, there is no shrinkage reserve at year-end. Due to these factors, our obsolescence and shrinkage reserves contain uncertainties. Both estimates include calculations that require management to make assumptions and to apply judgment regarding a number of factors, including market conditions, the selling environment, historical results and current inventory trends. If actual obsolescence or shrinkage estimates change from our original estimate, we will adjust our reserves accordingly throughout the year. Management does not believe that changes in the assumptions used in these estimates would have a significant effect on our inventory balances. We have made no material changes to our assumptions included in the calculations of the obsolescence and shrinkage reserves throughout the year. In addition, we do not believe a 10% change in our inventory reserves would have a material effect on net earnings. As of February 2, 2014 and February 3, 2013, our inventory obsolescence reserves were $10,406,000 and $12,273,000, respectively. Advertising and Prepaid Catalog Expenses Advertising expenses consist of media and production costs related to catalog mailings, e-commerce advertising and other direct marketing activities. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred, or upon the release of the initial advertisement, with the exception of prepaid catalog expenses. Prepaid catalog expenses consist primarily of third party incremental direct costs, including creative design, paper, printing, postage and mailing costs for all of our direct response catalogs. Such costs are capitalized as prepaid catalog expenses and are amortized over their expected period of future benefit. Such amortization is based upon the ratio of estimated direct-to-customer revenues for the period to the total estimated direct-to-customer revenues over the life of the catalog on an individual catalog basis. Estimated direct-to-customer revenues over the life of the catalog are based upon various factors such as the total number of catalogs and pages circulated, the probability and magnitude of consumer response and the assortment of merchandise offered. Each catalog is generally fully amortized over a six to nine month period, with the majority of the amortization occurring within the first four to five months. Prepaid catalog expenses are evaluated for realizability on a monthly basis by comparing the carrying amount associated with each catalog to the estimated future profitability (net revenues less merchandise cost of goods sold, selling expenses and catalog-related costs) of that catalog. If the estimated future profitability of the catalog is below its carrying amount, the catalog is impaired accordingly. Total advertising expenses (including catalog advertising, e-commerce advertising and all other advertising costs) were approximately $325,708,000, $318,338,000 and $301,316,000 in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, respectively. Property and Equipment Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets below.
Leasehold improvements |  | Shorter of estimated useful life or lease term (generally 2 – 22 years)
Fixtures and equipment |  | 2 – 20 years
Buildings and building improvements |  | 5 – 40 years
Capitalized software |  | 2 – 10 years
We review the carrying value of all long-lived assets for impairment, primarily at a store level, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable. Our impairment analyses determine whether projected cash flows from operations are sufficient to recover the carrying value of these assets. Impairment may result when the carrying value of the asset exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows over its remaining useful life. For store impairment, our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the store lease term is based upon our experience, historical operations of the stores and estimates of future store profitability and economic conditions. The future estimates of store profitability and economic conditions require estimating such factors as sales growth, gross margin, employment rates, lease escalations, inflation and the overall economics of the retail industry, and are therefore subject to variability and difficult to predict. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. If a long-lived asset is found to be impaired, the amount recognized for impairment is equal to the difference between the asset’s net carrying value and its fair value. Long-lived assets are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value is estimated based upon the present value of estimated future cash flows (discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk and that approximates our weighted average cost of capital). For any store or facility closure where a lease obligation still exists, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date. During fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012 we recorded expense of approximately $561,000 and $6,071,000 associated with asset impairment charges primarily related to retail stores, all of which is recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. During fiscal 2011, we recorded expense of approximately $3,194,000 associated with asset impairment and early lease termination charges for underperforming retail stores, substantially all of which is recorded within selling, general and administrative expenses. Goodwill Goodwill is not amortized, but rather is subject to impairment testing annually (on the first day of the fourth quarter), or between annual tests whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the fair value of a reporting unit may be below its carrying amount. The first step of the impairment test requires determining the fair value of the reporting unit. We use the income approach, whereby we estimate the fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant estimates and assumptions such as sales growth, gross margins, employment rates, inflation and future economic and market conditions. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. If the carrying value of the reporting unit’s assets and liabilities, including goodwill, is in excess of its fair value, goodwill may be impaired, and we must perform a second step of comparing the implied fair value of the goodwill to its carrying value to determine the impairment charge, if any. At February 2, 2014 and February 3, 2013, we had goodwill of $18,946,000 and $18,951,000, respectively, included in other assets, primarily related to our fiscal 2011 acquisition of Rejuvenation Inc. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment in fiscal 2013, fiscal 2012 or fiscal 2011. Self-Insured Liabilities We are primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation, employee health benefits and product and general liability claims. We record self-insurance liabilities based on claims filed, including the development of those claims, and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. Factors affecting this estimate include future inflation rates, changes in severity, benefit level changes, medical costs and claim settlement patterns. Should a different amount of claims occur compared to what was estimated, or costs of the claims increase or decrease beyond what was anticipated, reserves may need to be adjusted accordingly. We determine our workers’ compensation liability and product and general liability claims reserves based on an actuarial analysis of historical claims data. Self-insurance reserves for employee health benefits, workers’ compensation and product and general liability claims were $21,755,000 and $20,275,000 as of February 2, 2014 and February 3, 2013, respectively, and are recorded within accrued salaries, benefits and other. Customer Deposits Customer deposits are primarily comprised of unredeemed gift cards and merchandise credits and deferred revenue related to undelivered merchandise. We maintain a liability for unredeemed gift cards and merchandise credits until the earlier of redemption, escheatment or four years as we have concluded that the likelihood of our gift cards being redeemed beyond four years from the date of issuance is remote. Deferred Rent and Lease Incentives For leases that contain fixed escalations of the minimum annual lease payment during the original term of the lease, we recognize rental expense on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the construction period, and record the difference between rent expense and the amount currently payable as deferred rent. We record rental expense during the construction period. Deferred lease incentives include construction allowances received from landlords, which are amortized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, including the construction period. Fair Value of Financial Instruments The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt approximate their estimated fair values. We use derivative instruments to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate movements. The assets or liabilities associated with our derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in either other current assets or other current liabilities, respectively. The fair value of our derivative instruments is measured using the income approach whereby we use observable market data at the measurement date and standard valuation techniques to convert future amounts to a single present value amount. These observable inputs include spot rates, forward rates, interest rates and credit derivative market rates (refer to Note M for additional information). Revenue Recognition We recognize revenues and the related cost of goods sold (including shipping costs) at the time the products are delivered to our customers. Revenue is recognized for retail sales (excluding home-delivered merchandise) at the point of sale in the store and for home-delivered merchandise and direct-to-customer sales when the merchandise is delivered to the customer. Discounts provided to customers are accounted for as a reduction of sales. We record a reserve for estimated product returns in each reporting period. Shipping and handling fees charged to the customer are recognized as revenue at the time the products are delivered to the customer. Revenues are presented net of any taxes collected from customers and remitted to governmental authorities. Sales Returns Reserve Our customers may return purchased items for an exchange or refund. We record a reserve for estimated product returns, net of cost of goods sold, based on historical return trends together with current product sales performance. A summary of activity in our sales returns reserve is as follows:
Dollars in thousands |  | Fiscal 2013 1 (52 Weeks) |  |  | Fiscal 2012 1 (53 Weeks) |  |  | Fiscal 2011 1 (52 Weeks) |
Balance at beginning of year |  | $ | 14,397 |  |  | $ | 14,151 |  |  | $ | 12,502 |
Provision for sales returns |  |  | 293,929 |  |  |  | 270,156 |  |  |  | 245,815 |
Actual sales returns |  |  | (292,372 | ) |  |  | (269,910 | ) |  |  | (244,166 | )
Balance at end of year |  | $ | 15,954 |  |  | $ | 14,397 |  |  | $ | 14,151 |
1 | Amounts are shown net of cost of goods sold.
Vendor Allowances We receive allowances or credits from certain vendors for volume rebates. We treat such volume rebates as an offset to the cost of the product or services provided at the time the expense is recorded. These allowances and credits received are recorded in both cost of goods sold and in selling, general and administrative expenses. Cost of Goods Sold Cost of goods sold includes cost of goods, occupancy expenses and shipping costs. Cost of goods consists of cost of merchandise, inbound freight expenses, freight-to-store expenses and other inventory related costs such as shrinkage, damages and replacements. Occupancy expenses consist of rent, depreciation and other occupancy costs, including common area maintenance, property taxes and utilities. Shipping costs consist of third party delivery services and shipping materials. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of non-occupancy related costs associated with our retail stores, distribution warehouses, customer care centers, supply chain operations (buying, receiving and inspection) and corporate administrative functions. These costs include employment, advertising, third party credit card processing and other general expenses. Stock-Based Compensation We account for stock-based compensation arrangements by measuring and recognizing compensation expense in our consolidated financial statements for all stock-based awards using a fair value based-method. For stock options and stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“option awards”), fair value is determined using the Black-Scholes valuation model, while restricted stock units are valued using the closing price of our stock on the date prior to the date of grant. Significant factors affecting the fair value of option awards include the estimated future volatility of our stock price and the estimated expected term until the option award is exercised, converted or cancelled. The fair value of each stock-based award is amortized over the requisite service period. Foreign Currency Translation As of February 2, 2014, our retail stores in Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom, and our operations throughout Asia and Europe expose us to market risk associated with foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Additionally, some of our foreign operations have a functional currency different than the U.S. dollar, such as those in Canada (Canadian dollar), Europe (euro or British pound) and Australia (Australian dollar). Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates during the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as other comprehensive income within stockholders’ equity. Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions have not been significant and are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share is computed as net earnings divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding for the period plus common stock equivalents. Common stock equivalents consist of shares subject to stock-based awards with exercise prices less than or equal to the average market price of our common stock for the period, to the extent their inclusion would be dilutive. Income Taxes Income taxes are accounted for using the asset and liability method. Under this method, deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and their reported amounts in the Consolidated Financial Statements. We record reserves for our estimates of the additional income tax liability that is more likely than not to result from the ultimate resolution of foreign and domestic tax audits. At any one time, many tax years are subject to audit by various taxing jurisdictions. The results of these audits and negotiations with taxing authorities may affect the ultimate settlement of these issues. We review and update the estimates used in the accrual for uncertain tax positions as more definitive information becomes available from taxing authorities, upon completion of tax audits, upon expiration of statutes of limitation, or upon occurrence of other events. On an interim basis, we estimate what our effective tax rate will be for the full fiscal year and adjust these estimates throughout the year as necessary. Adjustments to our income tax provision due to changes in our estimated effective tax rate are recorded in the interim period in which the change occurs. Our effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be materially impacted by changes in the mix and level of our earnings in various taxing jurisdictions.

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- Definition The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18780-107790 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 1 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18726-107790 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 6 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18861-107790 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18743-107790 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 235 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 5 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6367646&loc=d3e18854-107790 + Details
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