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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Jan. 31, 2021

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Williams-Sonoma, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances 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 2020, a

52-week

year, ended on January 31, 2021; Fiscal 2019, a

52-week

year, ended on February 2, 2020; and Fiscal 2018, a

53-week

year, ended on February 3, 2019.

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 January 31, 2021, we were invested primarily in interest-bearing demand deposit accounts and money market funds. Book cash overdrafts issued, but not yet presented to the bank for payment, are reclassified to accounts payable.

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. 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 January 31, 2021 and February 2, 2020.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories, net of an allowance for shrinkage and obsolescence, are stated at the lower of cost (weighted average method) or market. To determine if the value of our inventory should be reduced 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 of inventory sold below cost and specific identification.

Reserves for shrinkage are estimated and recorded throughout the year based on historical shrinkage results, cycle count results within our distribution centers, expectations of future shrinkage and current inventory levels. Actual shrinkage is recorded at

year-end

based on the results of our cycle counts and physical inventory counts and can vary from our estimates due to such factors as changes in operations, the mix of our inventory (which ranges from large furniture to small tabletop items) and execution against loss prevention initiatives in our stores, distribution facilities,

off-site

storage locations, and with our third-party warehouse and transportation providers. Accordingly, there is no shrinkage reserve at

year-end.

Historically, actual shrinkage has not differed materially from our estimates.

Our obsolescence and shrinkage reserve calculations contain estimates 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. We made no material changes to our assumptions included in the calculations of the obsolescence and shrinkage reserves throughout fiscal year 2020. As of January 31, 2021, and February 2, 2020, our inventory obsolescence reserves were

9,827,000

and $

13,424,000

, respectively.

Property and Equipment

Long-lived Assets

Property and equipment is stated at cost. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives of the assets:


Leasehold improvements		Shorter of estimated useful life or lease term (generally 5 – 22 years)
Fixtures and equipment		2 – 20 years
Buildings and building improvements		10 – 40 years
Capitalized software		2 – 10 years

We review the carrying value of all long-lived assets for impairment, primarily at an individual store level, whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable. Our impairment analyses determine whether projected cash flows from operations are sufficient to recover the carrying value of these assets. The asset group is comprised of both property and equipment and operating lease

right-of-use

assets. Impairment may result when the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the estimated undiscounted future cash flows over its remaining useful life. For store asset impairment, our estimate of undiscounted future cash flows over the store lease term is based upon our experience, the historical operations of the stores and estimates of future store profitability and economic conditions. The estimates of future store profitability and economic conditions require estimating such factors as sales growth, gross margin, employment costs, lease escalations, inflation and the overall economics of the retail industry, and are therefore subject to variability and difficult to predict. For

right-of-use

assets, we determine the fair value of the assets by using estimated market rental rates. These estimates can be affected by factors such as future store results, real estate supply and demand, store closure plans, and economic conditions that can be 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 excess of the asset or asset group’s net carrying value over its estimated fair value. We measure property and equipment at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 3 inputs as defined in the fair value hierarchy (see Note M to our Consolidated Financial Statements). We measure

right-of-use

assets at fair value on a nonrecurring basis using Level 2 inputs, primarily market rental rates, that are corroborated by market data. Where Level 2 inputs are not readily available, we use Level 3 inputs. Fair value of these long-lived assets is based on the present value of estimated future cash flows using a discount rate commensurate with the risk.

Given the material reductions in our retail store revenues and operating income during fiscal 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, we evaluated our estimates and assumptions related to our stores’ future sales and cash flows, and performed a comprehensive review of our stores’ long-lived assets for impairment, including both property and equipment and operating lease

right-of-use

assets, at an individual store level. Our assumptions

account for the estimated impact on future cash flows from the recent temporary store closures and capacity restrictions, including reduced store traffic and longer recovery times in those stores we have

re-opened,

as well as the reinstatement of closures or restrictions on retail capacity in certain areas.

These events and changes in circumstances, including a more prolonged and/or severe

COVID-19

pandemic and the reinstatement of closures or restrictions on retail capacity, may lead to increased impairment risk in the future; therefore, we will continue to monitor events and changes in circumstances that may indicate the need to test our long-lived assets, including goodwill, for potential impairment.

During fiscal 2020, we recognized asset impairment charges of approximately $19,204,000 related to property and equipment and $7,865,000 related to

right-of

use assets for our retail stores, which is recognized within selling, general and administrative expenses. During fiscal 2019, we recognized an approximate $3,303,000, net of tax, reduction to the opening balance of retained earnings resulting from the impairment of certain long-lived assets upon adoption of Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”)

2016-02,

Leases

. During fiscal 2018, we recognized asset impairment charges of approximately $9,639,000 related to property and equipment for our retail stores, which is recognized within selling, general and administrative expenses.

Leases

We lease store locations, distribution and manufacturing facilities, corporate facilities, customer care centers and certain equipment for our U.S. and foreign operations with initial terms generally ranging from 2 to 22 years. We determine whether an arrangement is or contains a lease at inception by evaluating potential lease agreements including services and operating agreements to determine whether an identified asset exists that we control over the term of the arrangement. Lease commencement is determined to be when the lessor provides us access to, and the right to control, the identified asset.

The rental payments for our leases are typically structured as either fixed or variable payments. Our fixed rent payments include: stated minimum rent and stated minimum rent with stated increases. We consider lease payments that cannot be predicted with reasonable certainty upon lease commencement to be variable lease payments, which are recorded as incurred each period and are excluded from our calculation of lease liabilities. Our variable rent payments include: rent increases based on a future index; rent based on a percentage of store sales; payments made for pass-through costs for property taxes, insurance, utilities and common area maintenance; and rent based on a percentage of store sales if a specified store sales threshold or contractual obligation of the landlord has not been met.

Upon lease commencement, we recognize a

right-of

use asset and a corresponding lease liability measured at the present value of the fixed future minimum lease payments. We have elected the practical expedient to not separate lease and

non-lease

components. Therefore, lease payments included in the measurement of the lease liability include all fixed payments in the lease arrangement. We record a

right-of-use

asset for an amount equal to the lease liability, increased for any prepaid lease costs and initial direct costs and reduced by any lease incentives. We remeasure the lease liability and

right-of-use

asset when a remeasurement event occurs.

Many of our leases contain renewal and early termination options. The option periods are generally not included in the lease term used to measure our lease liabilities and

right-of-use

assets upon commencement, as we do not believe the exercise of these options to be reasonably certain. We remeasure the lease liability and

right-of-use

asset once we are reasonably certain to exercise a renewal or an early termination option.

Throughout fiscal 2020, we finalized rent concession negotiations with the majority of our store landlords due to the impact of temporary store closures from

COVID-19. We

considered the Financial Accounting Standards Board’s (“FASB”) guidance regarding lease modifications as a result of the effects of

COVID-19

and elected to apply the temporary practical expedient to account for lease changes as variable rent unless an amendment resulted in a substantial change in our lease obligations, in which case the amendment was accounted for as a remeasurement event, and we remeasured the lease liability and

right-of-use

asset.

Our leases generally do not provide information about the rate implicit in the lease. Therefore, we utilize an incremental borrowing rate to calculate the present value of our future lease obligations. The incremental

borrowing rate represents the rate of interest we would have to pay on a collateralized borrowing, for an amount equal to the lease payments, over a similar term and in a similar economic environment. We use judgment in determining our incremental borrowing rate, which is applied to each lease based on the lease term. An increase or decrease in the incremental borrowing rate applied would impact the value of our

right-of-use

assets and lease liabilities.

We use judgment in determining lease classification, including our determination of the economic life and the fair market value of the identified asset. The fair market value of the identified asset is generally estimated based on comparable market data provided by third-party sources. All of our leases are currently classified as operating leases.

Goodwill

Goodwill is initially recorded as of the acquisition date and is measured as any excess of the purchase price over the estimated fair value of the identifiable net assets acquired. 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. We first perform a qualitative assessment to evaluate goodwill for potential impairment. If based on that assessment it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is below its carrying value, a quantitative impairment test is necessary. The quantitative impairment test requires determining the fair value of the reporting unit. We use the income approach, whereby we calculate the fair value based on the present value of estimated future cash flows, using a discount rate that approximates our weighted average cost of capital. The process of evaluating the potential impairment of goodwill is subjective and requires significant estimates and assumptions about the future such as sales growth, gross margins, employment costs, capital expenditures, 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, exceeds its fair value, impairment is recorded for the excess, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit.

As of January 31, 2021 and February 2, 2020, we had goodwill of $85,446,000 and $85,343,000,

respectively, primarily related to our fiscal 2017 acquisition of Outward and to our fiscal 2011 acquisition of Rejuvenation, Inc. In fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, we performed our annual assessment of goodwill impairment and concluded that the fair value of each of our reporting units exceeded its carrying value. We currently do not expect the impact of COVID-19 to significantly affect the long-term estimates or assumptions of revenue and operating income growth, nor the long-term strategies of our brands considered in our goodwill assessment. Accordingly,

no further impairment testing of goodwill was performed. We did not recognize any goodwill impairment in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 or fiscal 2018.

Self-Insured Liabilities

We are primarily self-insured for workers’ compensation, employee health benefits, product and other general liability claims. We record self-insurance liability reserves based on claims filed, including the development of those claims, and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported, based on an actuarial analysis of historical claims data. Factors affecting these estimates include future inflation rates, changes in severity, benefit level changes, medical costs and claim settlement patterns. Should a different number 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. Self-insurance reserves for workers’ compensation, employee health benefits, product and other general liability claims were $24,336,000 and $27,000,000 as of January 31, 2021 and February 2, 2020, respectively.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, accounts payable and debt approximate their estimated fair values. We use derivative financial instruments to hedge against foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. The assets or liabilities associated with our derivative financial instruments are recorded at fair value in either other current or long-term assets or other current or long-term liabilities. The fair value of our foreign currency 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 (see Notes L and M for additional information).

Revenue from Merchandise Sales

Revenues from the sale of our merchandise through our

e-commerce

channel, at our retail stores, as well as to our franchisees and wholesale customers are, in each case, recognized at a point in time when control of merchandise is transferred to the customer. Merchandise can either be picked up in our stores, or delivered to the customer. For merchandise picked up in the store, control is transferred at the time of the sale to the customer. For merchandise delivered to the customer, control is transferred either when delivery has been completed, or when we have a present right to payment which, for certain merchandise, occurs upon conveyance of the merchandise to the carrier for delivery. We exclude from revenue any taxes assessed by governmental authorities, including value-added and other sales-related taxes, that are imposed on and are concurrent with revenue-generating activities. Our payment terms are primarily at the point of sale for merchandise sales and for most services. We have elected to account for shipping and handling as fulfillment activities, and not as a separate performance obligation.

Revenue from the sale of merchandise is reported net of sales returns. We estimate future returns based on historical return trends together with current product sales performance. As of January 31, 2021 and February 2, 2020, we recorded a liability for expected sales returns of approximately $36,115,000 and $25,456,000 within other current liabilities and a corresponding asset for the expected net realizable value of the merchandise inventory to be returned of approximately $11,995,000 and $9,941,000 within other current assets in our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

Gift Card and Other Deferred Revenue

We defer revenue when cash payments are received in advance of satisfying performance obligations, primarily associated with our stored-value cards, merchandise sales, customer loyalty programs, and incentives received from credit card issuers.

We issue stored-value cards that may be redeemed on future merchandise purchases at our stores or through our

e-commerce

channel. Our stored-value cards have no expiration dates. Revenue from stored-value cards is recognized at a point in time upon redemption of the card and as control of the merchandise is transferred to the customer. Revenue from estimated unredeemed stored-value

cards (“breakage”) is

recognized in a manner consistent with our historical redemption patterns over the estimated period of redemption of our cards of approximately four years, the majority of which is recognized within one year of the cards issuance. Breakage revenue is not material to our Consolidated Financial Statements.

For merchandise sales, we record a liability at each period end where we have not fulfilled our obligation to transfer goods or services to the customer, but for which we have already received consideration or have a right to consideration.

We have customer loyalty programs, which allow members to earn points for each qualifying purchase. Points earned enable members to receive certificates that may be redeemed on future merchandise purchases at our stores or through our

e-commerce

channel. This customer option is a material right and, accordingly, represents a separate performance obligation to the customer. The allocated consideration for the points earned by our loyalty program members is deferred based on the standalone selling price of the points and recorded within gift card and other deferred revenue within our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The measurement of standalone selling prices takes into consideration the discount the customer would receive in a separate transaction for the delivered item, as well as our estimate of certificates expected to be redeemed, based on historical redemption patterns. This measurement is applied to our portfolio of performance obligations for points earned, as all obligations have similar economic characteristics. We believe the impact to our Consolidated Financial Statements would not be materially different if this measurement was applied to each individual performance obligation. Revenue is recognized for these performance obligations at a point in time when certificates are redeemed by the customer. These obligations relate to contracts with terms less than one year, as our certificates generally expire within 6

months from issuance. We enter into agreements with credit card issuers in connection with our private label and co-branded credit cards, whereby we receive cash incentives in exchange for promised services, such as licensing our brand names and marketing the credit card program to customers. Services promised under these agreements are interrelated and are thus considered a single performance obligation. Revenue is recognized over time as we transfer promised services throughout the contract term.

As of January 31, 2021 and February 2, 2020, we had recorded $376,456,000 and $292,550,000 for gift card and other deferred revenue in our Consolidated Balance Sheet, substantially all of which will be recognized into revenue within the next 12 months.

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 replacements, damages, obsolescence and shrinkage. 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 facilities, 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 for all stock-based awards using a fair value-based method. Restricted stock units are valued using the closing price of our stock on the date prior to the date of grant. The fair value of each stock-based award is amortized over the requisite service period.

Advertising Expenses

Advertising expenses consist of media and production costs related to digital advertising, catalog mailings and other direct marketing activities. All advertising costs are expensed as incurred, or upon the release of the initial advertisement.

Total advertising expenses (including digital advertising, catalog advertising and other advertising costs) were approximately $325,994,000, $388,194,000, and $390,115,000 in fiscal 2020, fiscal 2019 and fiscal 2018, respectively.

Foreign Currency Translation

Some of our foreign operations have a functional currency other than the U.S. 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. Foreign currency exchange gains and losses are recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses, except for those discussed in Note L.

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 plus common stock equivalents for the period. 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 our 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 examinations. At any one time, many tax years are subject to examination 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 examination, upon expiration of statutes of limitation, or upon occurrence of other events.

In order to compute income tax 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. The tax expense (or benefit) related to items other than ordinary income is individually computed and recognized when the items occur. 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 or changes in tax law.

New Accounting Pronouncements

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02,

Leases,

which requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and an operating lease liability for virtually all leases. We adopted the ASU, as amended, as of February 4, 2019, the first day of fiscal year 2019. We elected to apply the provisions of this ASU at the adoption date, instead of to the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements. We elected the package of practical expedients upon adoption, which permitted us not to reassess whether existing contracts are or contain leases, the lease classification of existing leases, or initial direct costs for existing leases. We elected not to separate lease and non-lease components for all of our leases and not to recognize a right-of-use asset and a lease liability for all short-term leases. The adoption of this ASU resulted in an increase in total long-term assets and total liabilities of approximately

$1.2 billion, which includes an increase in liabilities for lease obligations of approximately $1.4 billion, a decrease in deferred rent and deferred lease incentives of approximately $0.2 billion, and an increase in

right-of-use

assets of approximately $1.2 billion on the first day of fiscal 2019. We also recorded an approximate $3,300,000 reduction, net of tax, to the opening balance of retained earnings resulting from the impairment of certain long-lived assets upon adoption of this ASU. The adoption of this ASU did not materially impact our Consolidated Statement of Earnings.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU

2016-13,

Financial Instruments—Credit Losses

(Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. This standard is intended to introduce a revised approach to the recognition and measurement of credit losses, emphasizing an updated model based on expected losses rather than incurred losses. This ASU was effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU

2018-15,

Intangibles—Goodwill and

Other—Internal-Use

Software

(Subtopic

350-40):

Customer’s Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract. This ASU aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain

internal-use

software. Accordingly, the amendments require an entity in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract to follow the guidance in Subtopic

350-40

to determine which implementation costs to capitalize as an asset related to the service contract and which costs to expense. This ASU was effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2020. The adoption of this ASU did not have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU

2019-12,

Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes

(Topic 740). This standard simplifies the accounting for income taxes by eliminating certain exceptions to the guidance in Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740 related to the approach for intraperiod tax allocation, the methodology for calculating income taxes in an interim period and the recognition of deferred tax liabilities for outside basis differences. The standard also simplifies aspects of the accounting for franchise taxes and enacted changes in tax laws or rates and clarifies the accounting for transactions that result in a

step-up

in the tax basis of goodwill. The standard will be effective for us in the first quarter of fiscal 2021. We do not expect the adoption of this ASU to have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU

2020-04,

Reference Rate Reform

(Topic 848). The ASU is intended to ease the potential accounting and financial reporting burden of reference rate reform, including the expected market transition from the London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and other interbank offered rates to alternative reference rates. The guidance provides optional expedients and scope exceptions for transactions if certain criteria are met. These transactions include contract modifications, hedge accounting, and the sale or transfer of debt securities classified as

held-to-maturity.

We may elect to apply the provisions of the new standard prospectively through December 31, 2022. Unlike other topics, the provisions of this update are only available until December 31, 2022, by which time the reference rate replacement activity is expected to be completed. We have yet to elect an adoption date, but do not believe any adoption would have a material impact on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.