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Note 11 - Commitments and Contingencies
 12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block]
(11)
Commitments and Contingencies

 
(a)
Operating Leases

The Company leases its retail stores and corporate offices under agreements which expire at various dates through 2030.  The majority of leases contain provisions for base rent plus contingent payments based on defined sales as well as scheduled escalations.  Total office and retail store base rent expense was $48.2 million, $47.7 million and $45.9 million, and contingent rents were $1.2 million, $1.0 million and $0.9 million for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2011, were as follows (in thousands):

2012
  $ 45,755  
2013
    39,051  
2014
    34,159  
2015
    28,900  
2016
    21,253  
Subsequent to 2016
    36,231  
    $ 205,349  

 
(b)
Litigation

In the normal course of business, the Company is subject to certain claims or lawsuits.  Management is not aware of any claims or lawsuits that will have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position or results of operations of the Company.