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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
 12 Months Ended
Jan. 31, 2019
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]  
Fiscal Year-End

Fiscal Year-End

The Company operates on a fiscal year ending January 31 of each year. All references to fiscal years of the Company refer to the fiscal years ended on January 31 in those years. For example, the Company’s fiscal 2019 ended on January 31, 2019.
Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”), requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents are defined as cash and short-term highly liquid investments with maturities of less than three months at the time of purchase. These short-term highly liquid investments are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash and so near their maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. As of January 31, 2019 and 2018, cash and cash equivalents included cash on hand, cash in banks, money market accounts and marketable securities with maturities of less than three months at the time of purchase.
Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities

All of the Company’s marketable securities as of January 31, 2019 and January 31, 2018 are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, which approximates amortized cost. Interest on these securities, as well as the amortization of discounts and premiums, is included in “Interest income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company records unrealized gains and losses on these securities (other than mutual funds held in the rabbi trust for the Urban Outfitters, Inc. Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan (See Note 4, “Marketable Securities”)) as a component of “Other comprehensive income (loss)” in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” within “Shareholders’ equity” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets until realized, except when the Company considers declines in value to be other than temporary. Other than temporary impairment losses related to credit losses are considered to be realized losses. Mutual funds held in the rabbi trust have been accounted for under the fair value option, which results in all unrealized gains and losses being recorded in “Interest income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income. When available-for-sale securities are sold, the cost of the securities is specifically identified and is used to determine the realized gain or loss. Securities classified as current assets have maturity dates of less than or equal to one year from the balance sheet date. Securities classified as non-current assets have maturity dates greater than one year from the balance sheet date.
Accounts Receivable

Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable primarily consists of amounts due from the Company’s wholesale customers as well as credit card receivables outstanding with third-party credit card vendors. The activity of the allowance for doubtful accounts for the years ended January 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017 was as follows:

 

 

 

Balance at

beginning of

year

 

 

Additions

 

 

Deductions

 

 

Balance at

end of

year

 

Year ended January 31, 2019

 

$

1,326

 

 

 

3,919

 

 

 

(3,746

)

 

$

1,499

 

Year ended January 31, 2018

 

$

588

 

 

 

4,435

 

 

 

(3,697

)

 

$

1,326

 

Year ended January 31, 2017

 

$

664

 

 

 

4,892

 

 

 

(4,968

)

 

$

588

 
Inventory

Inventory

Inventory, which consists primarily of general consumer merchandise held for sale, is valued at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Cost is determined on the first-in, first-out method and includes the cost of merchandise and import-related costs, including freight, import duties and taxes and agent commissions. A periodic review of inventory is performed in order to determine if inventory is properly stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. Factors the Company considers in its review, such as future expected consumer demand and fashion trends, current aging, current and anticipated retail markdowns or wholesale discounts and class or type of inventory, are analyzed to determine estimated net realizable value. Criteria that the Company considers in its review of aging trends include average selling cycle and seasonality of merchandise, the historical rate at which merchandise has sold below cost during the prior 12 months and the value and nature of merchandise currently held in inventory and priced below original cost. A provision is recorded to reduce the cost of inventory to its estimated net realizable value, if appropriate. The majority of inventory at January 31, 2019 and 2018 consisted of finished goods. Raw materials and work-in-process were not material to the overall inventory value.
Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost and primarily consist of store leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, buildings and other operating equipment. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the lesser of the lease term or useful life for leasehold improvements, five years for furniture and fixtures, 39 years for buildings and three to ten years for other operating equipment. Major renovations or improvements that extend the service lives of our assets are capitalized over the lesser of the extension period, life of the improvement, or the remaining term of the lease.
Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Impairment of Long-lived Assets, Goodwill and Intangible Assets

The Company reviews the carrying values of its long-lived assets annually and periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Events that result in an impairment review include plans to close a retail location, distribution or fulfillment center or a significant decrease in the operating results of a long-lived asset. The Company’s retail locations are reviewed for impairment at the retail location level, which is the lowest level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When events indicate that an asset may be impaired and the estimated undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying amount of the asset, the impaired asset is adjusted to its estimated fair value and an impairment loss is recorded. Goodwill has been assigned to reporting units for purposes of impairment testing. The Company evaluates goodwill to determine if the carrying value exceeds the fair value of the reporting unit. During fiscal 2019, we recorded impairment charges for four retail locations, totaling $3,544. During fiscal 2018, the Company recorded impairment charges for ten retail locations, totaling $11,410. During fiscal 2017, the Company recorded impairment charges for three retail locations, totaling $4,341. During the Company’s assessment of current and future performance, it was determined that these retail locations would not be able to generate sufficient cash flow over the expected remaining lease term to recover the remaining carrying value of the respective retail location assets. Impairment charges are included in “Cost of sales” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Deferred Rent

Deferred Rent

Rent expense from leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease period. The net excess of rent expense over the actual cash paid is recorded as deferred rent. In addition, certain store leases provide for contingent rentals when sales exceed specified breakpoint levels that are weighted based upon historical cyclicality. For leases where achievement of these levels is considered probable based on cumulative lease year revenue versus the established breakpoint at any given point in time, the Company accrues a contingent rent liability and a corresponding rent expense.
Operating Leases

Operating Leases

The Company leases its retail stores under operating leases. Many of the lease agreements contain rent holidays, rent escalation clauses and contingent rent provisions or some combination of these items.

The Company recognizes rent expense on a straight-line basis over the lease period commencing on the date that the premises are available from the landlord. The lease period includes the construction period required to make the leased space suitable for operating during which time the Company is not permitted to occupy the space. For purposes of calculating straight-line rent expense, the commencement date of the lease term reflects the date the Company takes possession of the building for initial construction and setup. The Company receives certain lease incentives and tenant improvement allowances in conjunction with entering into operating leases. Tenant improvement allowances are recorded as deferred rent on the Consolidated Balance Sheets and are amortized on a straight-line basis as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the related lease on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Merchandise: Merchandise is sold through retail stores, catalogs and the digital sales channel, as well as to wholesale customers and franchise partners. Revenue is recognized when control of the promised goods is transferred to the customer. The Company has elected to treat shipping and handling as fulfillment activities and not a separate performance obligation. Accordingly, the Company will recognize revenue for its single performance obligation at the point of sale or at the time of shipment, which is when transfer of control to the customer occurs. Revenue does not include taxes assessed by governmental authorities, including value-added and other sales-related taxes, that are imposed on and concurrent with revenue-producing activities. Revenue is recognized net of estimated customer returns. Retail segment return policies vary by brand, but generally provide for no time limit on returns and the refund to be issued in either the form of original payment or as a gift card. Payment for merchandise is tendered primarily by cash, check, credit card, debit card or gift card. Uncollectible accounts receivable primarily results from unauthorized credit card transactions. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts for its Wholesale segment accounts receivable, which management reviews on a regular basis and believes is sufficient to cover potential credit losses and billing adjustments. Payment terms in the Wholesale segment vary by customer with the most common being a net 30-day policy.

Food and Beverage: Revenue from restaurant sales and events is recognized upon completion of the service, when the Company satisfies its single performance obligation. Customer deposits may be received in advance for events and that represent a contract liability until the Company satisfies its performance obligation.

Franchise Fees: Revenue from franchise operations primarily relates to merchandise sales to franchisees and royalty fees. Merchandise sales to franchisees are discussed above under Merchandise. Royalty fees are based upon a percentage of franchisee net sales to third party customers and are recognized when such sales occur.

Gift Cards: The Company accounts for a gift card transaction by recording a liability at the time the gift card is issued to the customer in exchange for consideration from the customer. At the time of issuance, the Company has an open performance obligation for the future delivery of promised goods or services. The liability remains outstanding until the card is redeemed by the customer, at which time the Company recognizes revenue. Over time, a portion of the outstanding gift cards will not be redeemed by the customer which we refer to as “breakage”. Revenue is recognized from breakage over time in proportion to gift card redemptions. Judgment is used in determining the amount of breakage revenue to be recognized and is based on historical gift card redemption patterns. Gift card breakage revenue is included in net sales and is not material. The Company’s gift cards do not expire.

Customer Loyalty Programs: The Company maintains a customer loyalty program under the Urban Outfitters brand. Under this program, customers can earn and accumulate points that convert to a reward coupon upon reaching the specified point threshold. Reward coupons expire 60 days after issuance. Outstanding reward coupons and points earned through sale activity represent a performance obligation. Revenue is deferred in an amount equal to the standalone selling price, taking into account expected future redemptions, and recognized at the earlier of redemption or expiration. Judgment is used in determining the expected future redemption rates. The redemption and expiration of reward coupons are included in net sales. There are no material accounting policies related to the AnthroPerks customer loyalty program outside of the Company’s general revenue recognition practices.
Sales Return Reserve

Sales Return Reserve

The Company records a reserve for estimated product returns where the sale has occurred during the period reported, but the return is likely to occur subsequent to the period reported. The reserve for estimated product returns is based on the Company’s most recent historical return trends. If the actual return rate is materially different than the Company’s estimate, sales returns would be adjusted in the future. Beginning February 1, 2018, with the adoption of the accounting standards update for revenue from contracts with customers, costs of returns are recorded as a current asset rather than net with the sales return reserve liability. As of January 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the sales return reserve was $51,990, $28,902 and $24,882, respectively.

 
Cost of Sales

Cost of Sales

Cost of sales includes the following: the cost of merchandise; merchandise markdowns; obsolescence and shrink provisions; store occupancy costs, including rent and depreciation; delivery expense; inbound and outbound freight; customs related taxes and duties; inventory acquisition and purchasing costs; design costs; warehousing and handling costs; and other inventory acquisition related costs.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses includes expenses such as direct selling and selling supervisory expenses; marketing expenses; various corporate expenses such as information systems, finance, loss prevention, talent acquisition, home office and executive management expenses; share-based compensation expense; and other associated general expenses.
Shipping and Handling Revenues and Costs

Shipping and Handling Revenues and Costs

The Company includes shipping and handling revenues in net sales and shipping and handling costs in cost of sales. The Company’s shipping and handling revenues consist of amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling merchandise. Shipping and handling costs include shipping supplies, related labor costs and third-party shipping costs.
Advertising

Advertising

The Company expenses the costs of advertising when the advertising occurs, except for certain digital channel advertising, which is capitalized and expensed when the catalog is mailed or the content is published on the Company’s websites and mobile applications. Advertising costs primarily relate to Retail segment marketing expenses which are comprised of web marketing, catalog printing, paper, postage and other costs related to production of photographic images used in the Company’s catalogs, websites, mobile applications and social media campaigns. If there is no expected future benefit, the cost of advertising is expensed when incurred. Advertising costs reported as prepaid expenses were $2,466 and $2,491 as of January 31, 2019, and 2018, respectively, and are included in “Prepaid expenses and other current assets” in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Advertising expenses were $143,332, $134,632 and $127,159 for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. In addition, the Company incurred web creative expenses of $41,334, $37,099 and $31,237 for fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Advertising expenses and web creative expenses are both included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Store Opening Costs

Store Opening Costs

The Company expenses all store opening and organization costs as incurred, including travel, training, recruiting, salaries and other operating costs, and all such costs are included in “Selling, general and administrative expenses” in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Website Development Costs

Website Development Costs

The Company capitalizes applicable costs incurred during the application and infrastructure development stage and expenses costs incurred during the planning and operating stage. During fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, capitalized costs related to internally generated internal-use software were not material.
Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company utilizes a balance sheet approach to provide for income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of net operating loss carryforwards and temporary differences between the carrying amounts and the tax bases of assets and liabilities. Investment tax credits or grants are accounted for in the period earned. The Company files a consolidated United States federal income tax return (see Note 9, “Income Taxes,” for a further discussion of income taxes). The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 
Net Income Per Common Share

Net Income Per Common Share

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted net income per common share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding. Common share equivalents include the effect of stock options, stock appreciation rights (“SAR’s”), restricted stock units (“RSU’s”) and performance stock units (“PSU’s”).
Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

Comprehensive income is comprised of two subsets—net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive loss relate to foreign currency translation adjustments and unrealized gains or losses on marketable securities. The foreign currency translation adjustments are not adjusted for income taxes because these adjustments relate to non-U.S. subsidiaries for which foreign earnings have been designated as permanently reinvested. Accumulated other comprehensive loss consisted of foreign currency translation losses of $26,925 and $10,340 as of January 31, 2019 and January 31, 2018, respectively, and unrealized losses, net of tax, on marketable securities of $178 and $311 as of January 31, 2019 and January 31, 2018, respectively. The tax effect of the unrealized gains (losses) on marketable securities recorded in comprehensive loss was $105, ($137) and ($28) during fiscal 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. Gross realized gains and losses are included in “Other income” in the Consolidated Statements of Income and were not material to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements for all three years presented.
Foreign Currency

Foreign Currency

The financial statements of the Company’s foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars. Assets and liabilities are translated at current exchange rates as of the balance sheet date, equity accounts at historical exchange rates, while income statement accounts are translated at the average rates in effect during the year. Translation adjustments are not included in determining net income, but are included in “Accumulated other comprehensive loss” within “Shareholders’ equity.” Remeasurement gains and losses included in operating results for fiscal years 2019, 2018 and 2017 were not material.
Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist principally of cash, cash equivalents, marketable securities and accounts receivable. The Company manages the credit risk associated with cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities by investing in high-quality securities held with reputable trustees and, by policy, limiting the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer or issue, as well as providing limitations on investment maturities. The Company’s investment policy requires that its cash, cash equivalents and marketable securities are invested in corporate and municipal bonds rated “BBB” or better, commercial paper and federally insured or guaranteed investment vehicles such as certificates of deposit, United States treasury bills and federal government agencies. Receivables from third-party credit cards are processed by financial institutions, which are monitored for financial stability. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its Wholesale segment customers. The Company’s allowance for doubtful accounts reflects current market conditions and management’s assessment regarding the collectability of its accounts receivable. The Company maintains cash accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses from maintaining cash accounts in excess of such limits. Management believes that it is not exposed to any significant risks related to its cash accounts.
Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

From time to time, the Company is named as a defendant in legal actions arising from normal business activities. The Company records a reserve for estimated losses when information available prior to issuance of the financial statements indicates that it is probable that a liability has been incurred at the date of the financial statements and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recently Adopted

In October 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) issued an accounting standards update that amends the existing guidance on the income tax effects of intra-entity asset transfers with the exception of transfers of inventory. The update requires the recognition of tax expense when an intra-entity asset transfer occurs as opposed to being deferred under the existing guidance. The Company adopted the new guidance on February 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach. The net cumulative effect of this change was $4,496 and was recognized as a decrease to retained earnings as of February 1, 2018.

In May 2014, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue from contracts with customers. The update outlines a single comprehensive model for entities to use in accounting for revenue arising from contracts with customers and supersedes the most current revenue recognition guidance, including industry-specific guidance. The update states that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in the amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods and services. Entities are required to apply the following steps when recognizing revenue under the update: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligation in the contract(s); (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract(s); and (5) recognize revenue when (or as) the entity satisfies a performance obligation. The Company adopted this update on February 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective approach and applied the new guidance to all contracts that were not completed as of the adoption date. Adoption resulted in a change in the timing of recognizing breakage income related to its gift cards and in recognizing estimated sales returns on a gross basis on its balance sheet. The net cumulative effect of this change was $11,060, after tax, and was recognized as an increase to retained earnings as of February 1, 2018. The difference in financial statement line item amounts in the current period under the new accounting guidance as compared to what the balances would be as reported under the previous accounting guidance is immaterial.

Recently Issued

In June 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that introduces a new model for recognizing credit losses on financial instruments based on an estimate of current expected credit losses. This includes loan commitments, accounts receivable, trade receivables and certain off-balance sheet credit exposures. The guidance also modifies the impairment model for available-for-sale debt securities. The update will be effective for the Company on February 1, 2020, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential effects this update may have on its consolidated financial statements and related disclosures.

In February 2016, the FASB issued an accounting standards update that amends the existing accounting standards for lease accounting. This update requires lessees to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability for all leases with terms of more than 12 months. Lessees are permitted to make an accounting policy election to not recognize the asset and liability for leases with a term of 12 months or less. The update became effective for the Company on February 1, 2019. The update allows for a modified retrospective transition approach applied either as of the earliest period presented in the financial statements or as of the beginning of the period of adoption. The Company decided to adopt this update using a modified retrospective approach at the beginning of the period of adoption. The update includes a number of practical expedients, of which the Company decided to elect the “package of three” and will not reassess expired or existing leases as of the effective date. The Company also decided to elect the practical expedient to not separate non-lease components from lease components. Adoption on February 1, 2019 will result in the recognition of approximately $1.3 billion of lease liabilities based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments using discount rates as of the effective date. Corresponding right-of-use assets of approximately $1.2 billion will be recognized, with the offsetting balance representing a reduction in the previously recognized deferred rent balance. Adoption will not result in a material impact on the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income or Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.