Operating Leases (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Leases of Lessee Disclosure [Text Block]

Operating Leases

The Company leases office, showroom, warehouse and retail facilities under noncancelable operating leases with terms expiring at various times through 2026. Future minimum annual lease payments under noncancelable operating leases consist of the following at December 31:



2017	$	41,281
2018	37,798
2019	35,236
2020	33,703
2021	29,209
Thereafter	71,031
Total	$	248,258

A majority of the retail store leases provide for contingent rental payments if gross sales exceed certain targets. In addition, many of the leases contain rent escalation clauses to compensate for increases in operating costs and real estate taxes. Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015 and 2014 was approximately $52,294, $47,710 and $43,608, respectively. Included in such amounts are contingent rents of $238, $157 and $84 in 2016, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Rent expense is calculated by amortizing total base rental payments (net of any rental abatements, construction allowances and other rental concessions), on a straight-line basis, over the lease term. Accordingly, rent expense charged to operations differs from rent paid resulting in the Company recording deferred rent.