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Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)
12 Months Ended
Jul. 28, 2012
Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

 

Revenue is recognized across all segments of the business when there is persuasive evidence of an arrangement, delivery has occurred, price has been fixed or is determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.

 

Retail store revenue is recognized net of estimated returns at the time of sale to consumers. E-commerce revenue from sales of products ordered through the Company’s retail internet sites and revenue from direct-mail orders through Justice’s catazine are recognized upon delivery and receipt of the shipment by our customers. Such revenue also is reduced by an estimate of returns.

 

Reserves for estimated product returns are recorded based on historical return trends and are adjusted for known events, as applicable. The changes in the sales return reserve for each period are summarized below:

 

    Fiscal Years Ended  
    July 28,
2012
    July 30,
2011
    July 31,
2010
 
    (millions)  
Balance at beginning of period   $ 4.6     $ 4.8     $ 1.9  
Additions from acquisitions     2.0             9.0  
Additions – charged to income     12.0       12.5       11.2  
Adjustments and/or deductions     (11.1 )     (12.7 )     (17.3 )
Balance at end of period   $ 7.5     $ 4.6     $ 4.8  

 

Gift cards, gift certificates and merchandise credits (collectively, “gift cards”) issued by the Company are recorded as a deferred income liability until they are redeemed, at which point revenue is recognized. Gift cards do not have expiration dates. The Company recognizes income for unredeemed gift cards when the likelihood of a gift card being redeemed by a customer is remote and the Company determines that it does not have a legal obligation to remit the value of the unredeemed gift card to the relevant jurisdiction as unclaimed or abandoned property. Gift card breakage is included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations, and historically has not been material.

 

In addition to retail-store and e-commerce sales, the Justice segment recognizes revenue from licensing arrangements with franchised stores, advertising and other “tween-right” marketing arrangements with partner companies, as well as merchandise shipments to other third-party retailers. Revenue associated with merchandise shipments is recognized at the time title passes and risk of loss is transferred to customers, which generally occurs at the date of shipment. Royalty payments received under license agreements for the use of the Justice trade name and amounts received in connection with advertising and marketing arrangements with partner companies are recognized when earned in accordance with the terms of the underlying agreements.

 

The Company accounts for sales and other related taxes on a net basis, thereby excluding such taxes from revenue.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of Goods Sold

 

Cost of goods sold (“COGS”) consists of all costs of merchandise (net of purchase discounts and vendor allowances), merchandise acquisition costs (primarily commissions and import fees), in-bound freight to our distribution centers, and changes in reserve levels for inventory realizability and shrinkage.

 

Our cost of goods sold may not be comparable to those of other entities. Some entities, like us, exclude costs related to their distribution network buying function and store occupancy costs from cost of goods sold and include them in other costs and expenses, whereas other entities include costs related to their distribution network, buying function and all store occupancy costs in their cost of goods sold.

Occupancy, Distribution, and Buying Costs

Occupancy, Distribution, and Buying Costs

 

Occupancy, distribution and buying costs consist of store occupancy and utility costs (excluding depreciation), out-bound freight (including costs to ship merchandise between our distribution centers and our retail stores), and all costs associated with the buying and distribution functions.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

 

Selling, general and administrative expenses (“SG&A expenses”) consist of compensation and benefit-related costs for sales and store operations personnel, administrative personnel and other employees not associated with the functions described above under COGS. SG&A expenses also include advertising and marketing costs, information technology and communication costs, supplies for our stores and administrative facilities, insurance costs, legal costs and costs related to other administrative services.

Shipping and Handling

Shipping and Handling

 

Shipping and handling fees billed to customers are recorded as revenue. The direct costs associated with shipping goods to customers are recorded as a component of occupancy, distribution, and buying costs. Shipping and handling costs were approximately $17.9 million in Fiscal 2012, $12.1 million in Fiscal 2011 and $4.4 million in Fiscal 2010.

Marketing and Advertising Costs

Marketing and Advertising Costs

 

Marketing and advertising costs are included in SG&A expenses. Except for direct-response advertising costs related to the newly acquired Figi’s business that are classified as part of discontinued operations, marketing and advertising costs are expensed when the advertisement is first exhibited. Marketing and advertising expenses from continuing operations were $81.5 million for Fiscal 2012, $69.6 million for Fiscal 2011, and $50.3 million for Fiscal 2010. Deferred marketing and advertising costs from continuing operations, which principally relate to advertisements that have not yet been exhibited or services that have not yet been received, were not material at the end of either Fiscal 2012 or Fiscal 2011.

 

With regards to direct-response advertising costs related to the newly acquired Figi’s business, all direct costs incurred in the development, production and circulation of the direct-mail catalogs are deferred until the related catalog is mailed. Those capitalized costs are then recognized as an expense over the expected sales realization cycle of the related catalog, which is generally within one to six months. Such deferred, direct-response advertising costs were not material at the end of Fiscal 2012.

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions

 

The financial position and operating results of foreign operations are primarily consolidated using the local currency as the functional currency. Local currency assets and liabilities are translated at the rates of exchange on the balance sheet date, and local currency revenues and expenses are translated at average rates of exchange during the period. The resulting translation gains or losses are included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, and in the consolidated statements of equity, as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (“AOCI”), and are not material for any period presented.

 

The Company also recognizes gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the respective entity's functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses have historically been immaterial. However, such amounts are recognized in earnings and are included as part of either SG&A or COGS in the consolidated statements of operations.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

 

Comprehensive income (loss), which is reported separately in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income, consists of net income (loss) and other gains and losses affecting equity that, under US GAAP, are excluded from net income (loss). The components of other comprehensive income for the Company primarily consist of unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments and foreign currency translation gains and losses.

Net Income Per Common Share

Net Income Per Common Share

 

Basic net income per common share is computed by dividing the net income applicable to common shares after preferred dividend requirements, if any, by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. Diluted net income per common share adjusts basic net income per common share for the effects of outstanding stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units, convertible debt securities and any other potentially dilutive financial instruments, only in the periods in which such effect is dilutive under the treasury stock method.

 

The weighted-average number of common shares outstanding used to calculate basic net income per common share is reconciled to those shares used in calculating diluted net income per common share as follows:

 

    Fiscal Years Ended  
    July 28,     July 30,     July 31,  
    2012     2011     2010  
    (millions)  
Basic     153.5       156.1       144.4  
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and convertible debt securities     5.9       5.7       9.6  
Diluted shares     159.4       161.8       154.0  

 

During the second quarter of Fiscal 2010, the Company redeemed all of its convertible notes and, as a result, the 12.4 million shares issued upon the debt extinguishment are now included in the outstanding shares from January 27, 2010. See Note 14 for further details.

 

Options to purchase shares of common stock at an exercise price greater than the average market price of the common stock during the reporting period are anti-dilutive, and therefore not included in the computation of diluted net income per common share. In addition, the Company has outstanding restricted stock units that are issuable only upon the achievement of certain service and/or performance or market-based goals. Such performance or market-based restricted stock units are included in the computation of diluted shares only to the extent the underlying performance or market conditions (a) are satisfied prior to the end of the reporting period or (b) would be satisfied if the end of the reporting period were the end of the related contingency period and the result would be dilutive under the treasury stock method. As of the end of Fiscal 2012, Fiscal 2011 and Fiscal 2010 there was an aggregate of approximately 1.3 million, 3.6 million and 3.6 million respectively, of additional shares issuable upon the exercise of anti-dilutive options and/or the contingent vesting of performance-based and market-based restricted stock units that were excluded from the diluted share calculations.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

 

The Company expenses all share-based payments to employees and non-employee directors based on the grant date fair value of the awards over the requisite service period, adjusted for estimated forfeitures. The Company primarily uses the Black-Scholes valuation method to determine the grant date fair value of its stock-based compensation.

 

See Note 19 for further discussion of the Company's stock-based compensation plans.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

 

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less, including investments in debt securities. Investments in debt securities are diversified among high-credit quality securities in accordance with the Company’s risk management policies, and primarily include commercial paper and money market funds. These amounts are stated at cost, which approximates market value.

 

The Company also considers receivables from financial institutions related to credit card purchases to be cash equivalents due to the high credit quality and short timeframe for settlement of the outstanding amounts.

Investments

Investments

 

Short-term investments consist of investments which the Company expects to convert into cash within one year. Non-current investments consist of those investments which the Company does not expect to convert into cash within one year.

Equity-method Investments

Equity-method Investments

 

Investments in companies in which the Company has significant influence, but less than a controlling financial interest, are accounted for using the equity method. This is generally presumed to exist when the Company owns between 20% and 50% of the investee. However, if the Company had a greater than 50% ownership interest in an investee and the non-controlling shareholders held certain rights that allowed them to participate in the day-to-day operations of the business, the Company would also generally use the equity method of accounting.

 

Under the equity method, only the Company's investment in and amounts due to and from the equity investee are included in the consolidated balance sheets; only the Company's share of the investee's earnings (losses) is included in the consolidated results of operations; and only the dividends, cash distributions, loans or other cash received from the investee and additional cash investments, loan repayments or other cash paid to the investee are included in the consolidated statements of cash flows. Currently, the Company does not hold any investments that are accounted for using the equity method.

Available-for-Sale, Held-to-Maturity and Trading Investments

Available-for-Sale, Held-to-Maturity and Trading Investments

 

Investments in companies in which the Company does not have a controlling interest, or is unable to exert significant influence, are accounted for as either held-to-maturity, available-for-sale investments or trading investments.

 

The Company classifies its investments in securities at the time of purchase into one of three categories: held-to-maturity, available-for-sale or trading. The Company re-evaluates such classifications on a quarterly basis. Held-to-maturity investments would normally consist of debt securities that the Company has the intent and ability to retain until maturity. These securities are recorded at cost, as adjusted for the amortization of premiums and discounts. Available-for-sale investments have historically consisted primarily of municipal bonds and auction rate securities (“ARS”), which are recorded at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale investments are classified as a component of AOCI in the consolidated balance sheets, and realized gains or losses are recognized by the specific identification method and are classified as a component of interest and other income, net, in the consolidated statement of operations. Trading securities would normally consist of securities that are acquired by the Company with the intent of selling in the near term. Trading securities are carried at fair value, with changes in unrealized holding gains and losses included in income and classified within interest and other income, net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. The Company normally does not hold any trading securities.

 

Cash inflows and outflows related to the sales and purchases of investments are classified as investing activities in the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows.

Impairment Assessment

Impairment Assessment

 

The Company evaluates investments held in unrealized loss positions for other-than-temporary impairment on a quarterly basis. Such evaluation involves a variety of considerations, including assessments of risks and uncertainties associated with general economic conditions and distinct conditions affecting specific issuers. Factors considered by the Company include (i) the length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been below cost, (ii) the financial condition, credit worthiness and near-term prospects of the issuer, (iii) the length of time to maturity, (iv) future economic conditions and market forecasts, (v) the Company's intent and ability to retain its investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for recovery of market value, and (vi) an assessment of whether it is more-likely-than-not that the Company will be required to sell its investment before recovery of market value.

 

See Note 7 for further information relating to the Company's investments.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk

 

The Company maintains cash deposits and cash equivalents with well-known and stable financial institutions; however, there were significant amounts of cash and cash equivalents at these financial institutions in excess of federally insured limits at July 28, 2012. This represents a concentration of credit risk. With the current financial environment and the instability of some financial institutions, the Company cannot be assured it will not experience losses on its deposits in the future. However, there have been no losses recorded on deposits of cash and cash equivalents to date.

Inventories

Inventories

 

Inventory is valued using the retail method of accounting and is stated at the lower of cost, on a First In, First Out (“FIFO”) basis, or market. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventory at cost and resulting gross margin are calculated by applying a calculated cost to retail ratio to the retail value of inventory. The retail inventory method is an averaging method that has been widely used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Inherent in the retail method are certain significant management judgments and estimates including, among others, initial merchandise markup, markdowns and shrinkage, which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation at cost as well as the resulting gross margins.

 

The Company continuously reviews its inventory levels to identify slow-moving merchandise and necessary markdowns to clear slow-moving merchandise, which reduces the cost of inventories to its estimated net realizable value. Consideration is given to a number of quantitative and qualitative factors, including current pricing levels and the anticipated need for subsequent markdowns, aging of inventories, historical sales trends, and the impact of market trends and economic conditions. Estimates of markdown requirements may differ from actual results due to changes in quantity, quality and mix of products in inventory, as well as changes in consumer preferences, market and economic conditions. The Company’s historical estimates of these costs and its markdown provisions have not differed materially from actual results.

 

Reserves for inventory shrinkage, representing the risk or physical loss of inventory, are estimated based on historical experience and are adjusted based upon physical inventory counts.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net

 

Property and equipment, net, is stated at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:

 

Buildings and improvements   10-40 years
Distribution center equipment and machinery   3-20 years
Leasehold improvements   Shorter of the useful life or expected term of the lease
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment   2-10 years
Informational technology   3-10 years

 

Certain costs associated with computer software developed or obtained for internal use are capitalized, including internal costs. The Company capitalizes certain costs for employees that are directly associated with internal use computer software projects once specific criteria are met. Costs are expensed for preliminary stage activities, training, maintenance and all other post-implementation stage activities as they are incurred.

 

Property and equipment, along with other long-lived assets, are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, including finite-lived intangibles as described below, the Company uses its best estimate of future cash flows expected to result from the use of the asset and its eventual disposition. To the extent that estimated future undiscounted net cash flows attributable to the asset are less than the carrying amount, an impairment loss is recognized equal to the difference between the carrying value of such asset and its fair value, considering external market participant assumptions. Assets to be disposed of and for which there is a committed plan of disposal are reported at the lower of carrying value or fair value less costs to sell.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Net

 

At acquisition, the Company estimates and records the fair value of purchased intangible assets, which primarily consist of proprietary software, franchise rights, and certain trade names. The fair value of these intangible assets is estimated based on management's assessment, considering independent third party appraisals, when necessary. The excess of the purchase consideration over the fair value of net assets acquired is recorded as goodwill. Goodwill and certain other intangible assets deemed to have indefinite useful lives are not amortized, including trade names and certain franchise rights. Rather, goodwill and such indefinite-lived intangible assets are assessed for impairment at least annually based on comparisons of their respective fair values to their carrying values. Finite-lived intangible assets are amortized over their respective estimated useful lives and, along with other long-lived assets as noted above, are evaluated for impairment periodically whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that their related carrying amounts may not be recoverable. See discussion of the Company's accounting policy for long-lived asset impairment as described earlier under the caption "Property and Equipment, Net."

 

The Company performs its annual impairment assessment of goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets during the fourth quarter of each fiscal year. Based on the results of the impairment assessment for Fiscal 2012, the Company confirmed the fair value of its reporting units (excluding the newly acquired reporting units of Charming Shoppes) substantially exceeded their respective carrying values and were not at risk of impairment. There has been no goodwill impairment losses recorded for any of the periods presented.

 

See Note 10 for additional discussion of the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets.

Insurance Reserves

Insurance Reserves

 

The Company uses a combination of insurance and self-insurance mechanisms to provide for the potential liabilities for workers’ compensation and employee healthcare benefits. Liabilities associated with the risks that are retained by the Company are estimated, in part, by considering historical claims experience, demographic factors, severity factors and other actuarial assumptions. Such liabilities are capped through the use of stop loss contracts with insurance companies. The estimated accruals for these liabilities could be significantly affected if future occurrences and claims differ from these assumptions and historical trends. As of July 28, 2012 and July 30, 2011, these reserves were $19.3 million and $14.8 million, respectively. The Company is subject to various claims and contingencies related to insurance and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. The Company is self-insured for expenses related to its employee medical and dental plans, and its workers’ compensation plan, up to certain thresholds. Claims filed, as well as claims incurred but not reported, are accrued based on management’s estimates, using information received from plan administrators, historical analysis and other relevant data. The Company’s stop-loss insurance coverage for individual claims ranges between $200,000 and $500,000, depending on which of the Company’s multiple insurance carriers the associate is insured under. The Company believes its accruals for claims and contingencies are adequate based on information currently available. However, it is possible that actual results could differ significantly from the recorded accruals for claims and contingencies.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

 

Income taxes are provided using the asset and liability method. Under this method, income taxes (i.e., deferred tax assets and liabilities, current taxes payable/refunds receivable and tax expense) are recorded based on amounts refundable or payable in the current year, and include the results of any differences between US GAAP and tax reporting. Deferred income taxes reflect the tax effect of certain net operating loss, capital loss and general business credit carry forwards and the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial statement and income tax purposes, as determined under enacted tax laws and rates. The Company accounts for the financial effect of changes in tax laws or rates in the period of enactment.

 

In addition, valuation allowances are established when management determines that it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. Tax valuation allowances are analyzed periodically and adjusted as events occur, or circumstances change, that warrant adjustments to those balances.

 

In determining the income tax provision for financial reporting purposes, the Company establishes a reserve for uncertain tax positions. If the Company considers that a tax position is “more-likely-than-not” of being sustained upon audit, based solely on the technical merits of the position, it recognizes the tax benefit. The Company measures the tax benefit by determining the largest amount that is greater than 50% likely of being realized upon settlement, presuming that the tax position is examined by the appropriate taxing authority that has full knowledge of all relevant information. These assessments can be complex and the Company often obtains assistance from external advisors. To the extent that the Company’s estimates change or the final tax outcome of these matters is different than the amounts recorded, such differences will impact the income tax provision in the period in which such determinations are made. If the initial assessment fails to result in the recognition of a tax benefit, the Company regularly monitors its position and subsequently recognizes the tax benefit if (i) there are changes in tax law or analogous case law that sufficiently raise the likelihood of prevailing on the technical merits of the position to “more-likely-than-not,” (ii) the statute of limitation expires, or (iii) there is a completion of an audit resulting in a settlement of that tax year with the appropriate agency. Uncertain tax positions are classified as current only when the Company expects to pay cash within the next twelve months. Interest and penalties, if any, are recorded within the provision for income taxes in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations and are classified on the consolidated balance sheets with the related liability for unrecognized tax benefits.

 

See Note 15 for additional discussion of the Company’s income taxes.

Leases

Leases

 

The Company leases certain facilities and equipment, including its retail stores. Most of the Company's leases contain renewal options, rent escalation clauses and/or landlord incentives. Rent expense for non-cancelable operating leases with scheduled rent increases and/or landlord incentives is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term, beginning with the effective lease commencement date. The excess of straight-line rent expense over scheduled payment amounts and landlord incentives is recorded as a deferred rent liability and is classified on the consolidated balance sheets with the lease-related liabilities.

 

Certain leases provide for contingent rents, which are determined as a percentage of gross sales in excess of specified levels. A contingent rent liability is recognized together with the corresponding rent expense when specified levels have been achieved or when management determines that achieving the specified levels during the fiscal year is probable.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

 

The carrying value of the Company's financial instruments approximates fair value, except for certain differences relating to ARS and certain other financial instruments. However, other than differences in the ARS as disclosed in Note 7, these differences were not significant as of July 28, 2012 or July 30, 2011. The fair value of financial instruments generally is determined by reference to fair market values resulting from the trading of the instruments on a national securities exchange or an over-the-counter market. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair value is based on estimates derived through the use of present value or other valuation techniques.

 

See Notes 7 and 8 for further discussion of the Company's financial instruments.

Non-controlling Interests

Non-controlling Interests

 

Effective July 26, 2009, the Company adopted the new guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the “FASB”) relating generally to accounting and reporting standards for non-controlling interests in a subsidiary. The new guidance clarified that a non-controlling interest in a subsidiary, which is sometimes referred to as minority interest, is an ownership interest in the consolidated entity that should be reported as equity. At that time, the Company had a non-controlling interest relating to a 65%-owned investment. Accordingly, a non-controlling interest in the amount of $0.7 million, previously recorded as an asset, was reclassified to the Company’s equity section in its consolidated balance sheet as of the beginning of Fiscal 2010.

 

Losses allocated to the non-controlling interest amounted to $0.2 million in Fiscal 2011. Such amounts are not presented separately in the consolidated statements of operation due to immateriality. Rather, such amounts are classified within interest and other income (loss), net, in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations.

 

In June 2011, the Company sold the investment. See Note 5 for further discussion.