Express (EXPRQ) 10-Q 10 Sep 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

DEI_Information_Document

DEI Information Document	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 30, 2014
Document Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EXPRESS, INC.	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001483510	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--01-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	2-Aug-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Entity Well Known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	84,279,474

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$253,327	$311,884
Receivables, net	20,129	17,384
Inventories	239,898	212,510
Prepaid minimum rent	28,511	28,554
Other	25,318	13,129
Total current assets	567,183	583,461
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT	820,187	767,661
Less: accumulated depreciation	-410,330	-391,539
Property and equipment, net	409,857	376,122
TRADENAME/DOMAIN NAME	197,822	197,812
DEFERRED TAX ASSETS	17,480	17,558
OTHER ASSETS	6,580	7,717
Total assets	1,198,922	1,182,670
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'
Accounts payable	168,818	154,736
Deferred revenue	20,609	28,436
Accrued expenses	87,904	116,035
Total current liabilities	277,331	299,207
LONG-TERM DEBT	199,345	199,170
DEFERRED LEASE CREDITS	121,861	114,509
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES	106,482	95,215
Total liabilities	705,019	708,101
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY:	'	'
Preferred stock – $0.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock – $0.01 par value; 500,000 shares authorized; 90,367 shares and 89,859 shares issued at August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively, and 84,278 shares and 83,966 shares outstanding at August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively	904	899
Additional paid-in capital	140,749	130,511
Accumulated other comprehensive gain (loss)	-244	-728
Retained earnings	460,410	448,460
Treasury stock – at average cost; 6,089 shares and 5,893 shares at August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively	-107,916	-104,573
Total stockholders’ equity	493,903	474,569
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,198,922	$1,182,670

Balance_Sheet_Parentical_Infor

Balance Sheet Parentical Information (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Parethical Information [Abstract]	'	'
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000	10,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000	500,000
Common Stock, Shares Issued	90,367	89,859
Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	84,278	83,966
Treasury Stock, Shares at Average Cost	6,089	5,893

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	$481,420	$490,075	$942,072	$999,437
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	345,395	337,528	668,674	676,113
Gross profit	136,025	152,547	273,398	323,324
OPERATING EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	121,923	119,176	244,783	231,799
Other operating income, net	-506	-44	-984	-584
Total operating expenses	121,417	119,132	243,799	231,215
OPERATING INCOME	14,608	33,415	29,599	92,109
Interest Expense	5,941	4,776	11,838	9,581
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	22	576	-3	805
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	8,645	28,063	17,764	81,723
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	1,778	11,154	5,814	32,377
NET INCOME	6,867	16,909	11,950	49,346
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME:	'	'	'	'
Foreign currency translation gain	102	146	484	216
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	$6,969	$17,055	$12,434	$49,562
EARNINGS PER SHARE:	'	'	'	'
Basic	$0.08	$0.20	$0.14	$0.58
Diluted	$0.08	$0.20	$0.14	$0.58
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES OUTSTANDING:	'	'	'	'
Basic	84,172	85,001	84,088	85,048
Diluted	84,440	85,572	84,432	85,531

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
NET INCOME	$11,950	$49,346
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	39,048	34,754
Loss on disposal of property and equipment	121	286
Impairment charge	2,800	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	-32	-64
Share-based compensation	10,267	10,837
Landlord allowance amortization	-5,842	-4,513
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'
Receivables, net	-2,721	-2,408
Inventories	-27,298	-27,103
Accounts payable, deferred revenue, and accrued expenses	-21,372	-20,533
Other assets and liabilities	-2,116	-4,069
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,805	36,533
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Capital expenditures	-59,466	-45,538
Purchase of intangible assets	-10	-69
Net cash used in investing activities	-59,476	-45,607
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	-752	-29
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	32	64
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	2,828
Repurchase of common stock	-3,343	-15,756
Net cash used in financing activities	-4,063	-12,893
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	177	-80
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-58,557	-22,047
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	311,884	256,297
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$253,327	$234,250

Description_of_Business_and_Ba

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation	'
	Description of Business and Basis of Presentation
	Business Description
	Express, Inc., together with its subsidiaries ("Express" or the "Company"), is a specialty apparel and accessories retailer of women's and men's merchandise, targeting the 20 to 30 year old customer. Express merchandise is sold through retail and factory outlet stores and the Company's website, www.express.com. As of August 2, 2014, Express operated 608 primarily mall-based retail stores in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico as well as 20 factory outlet stores. Additionally, the Company earned revenue from 26 franchise stores in the Middle East and Latin America. These franchise stores are operated by franchisees pursuant to franchise agreements. Under the franchise agreements, the franchisees operate stores that sell Express-branded apparel and accessories purchased directly from the Company.
	Fiscal Year
	The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal years are referred to by the calendar year in which the fiscal year commences. References herein to "2014" and "2013" represent the 52-week period ended January 31, 2015 and the 52-week period ended February 1, 2014, respectively. All references herein to “the second quarter of 2014” and “the second quarter of 2013” represent the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2014 and August 3, 2013, respectively.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information or footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements reflect all adjustments (which are of a normal recurring nature) necessary to state fairly the financial position, results of operations, and cash flows for the interim periods, but are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations to be anticipated for 2014. Therefore, these statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto for the year ended February 1, 2014, included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K, filed with the SEC on April 1, 2014.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The unaudited Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Express, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period, as well as the related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The Company revises its estimates and assumptions as new information becomes available.
	Reclassifications and Revisions
	Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified or revised to conform to the current period presentation. This includes a revision to reclassify sell-off revenue from "Cost of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy Costs" to "Net Sales" in the amount of$4.0 million and $4.8 million for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2013, respectively. This revision did not impact the Company's reported gross profit, net earnings, earnings per share, or cash flows for the prior periods. The Company has assessed the related error and concluded that it was was not material to the Company's previously issued interim consolidated financial statements.
	Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2014-09. ASU 2014-09 supersedes the revenue recognition requirements in “Revenue Recognition (Topic 605),” and requires entities to recognize revenue in a way that accounts for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, including interim periods within that reporting period and is to be applied retrospectively, with early application not permitted. The Company is evaluating the new standard, but does not, at this time, anticipate a material impact to the financial statements once implemented.

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting Disclosure	'
	Segment Reporting
	The Company defines an operating segment on the same basis that it uses to evaluate performance internally. The Company has determined that, together, its Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Operating Officer are the Chief Operating Decision Maker and that there is one operating segment. Therefore, the Company reports results as a single segment, which includes the operation of its Express brick-and-mortar retail and outlet stores, e-commerce operations, and franchise operations.
	The following is information regarding the Company's major product categories and sales channels:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013
		(in thousands)				(in thousands)
	Apparel	$	418,029	$	425,765	$	820,913	$	870,979
	Accessories and other	51,486		53,295		101,291		109,360
	Other revenue	11,905		11,015		19,868		19,098
	Total net sales	$	481,420	$	490,075	$	942,072	$	999,437
		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013
		(in thousands)				(in thousands)
	Stores	$	407,735	$	419,175	$	791,393	$	849,732
	E-commerce	61,780		59,885		130,811		130,607
	Other revenue	11,905		11,015		19,868		19,098
	Total net sales	$	481,420	$	490,075	$	942,072	$	999,437
	Other revenue consists primarily of sell-off revenue, shipping and handling revenue related to e-commerce activity, gift card breakage, and revenue from franchise agreements.
	Revenue and long-lived assets relating to the Company's international operations for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 and August 3, 2013, respectively, were not material for any period presented and, therefore, are not reported separately from domestic revenue or long-lived assets.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted-average shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		2-Aug-14	3-Aug-13	2-Aug-14	3-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Weighted-average shares - basic	84,172	85,001	84,088	85,048
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted stock	268	571	344	483
	Weighted-average shares - diluted	84,440	85,572	84,432	85,531
	Equity awards representing 4.3 million and 3.9 million shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, respectively, as the inclusion of these awards would have been anti-dilutive. Equity awards representing 2.1 million and 2.0 million shares of common stock were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2013, as the inclusion of these awards would have been anti-dilutive.
	Additionally, for the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, there were 0.5 million shares excluded from the computation of diluted weighted average shares because the number of shares that will ultimately be issued is contingent on the Company's performance compared to pre-established performance goals.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets

Fair Value of Financial Assets	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified using the following hierarchy, which is based upon the transparency of inputs to the valuation as of the measurement date.
	Level 1-Valuation is based upon quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets.
	Level 2-Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or other inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument.
	Level 3-Valuation is based upon other unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value measurement.
	Financial Assets
	The following table presents the Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.
		August 2, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	U.S. treasury securities money market funds	$	218,915	$	—	$	—
		February 1, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	U.S. treasury securities money market funds	$	290,361	$	—	$	—
	The carrying amounts reflected on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash, cash equivalents, receivables, prepaid expenses, and payables as of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014 approximated their fair values.
	Non-Financial Assets
	The Company's non-financial assets, which include fixtures, equipment, improvements, and intangible assets, are not required to be measured at fair value on a recurring basis. However, if certain triggering events occur indicating the carrying value of assets may not be recoverable, or annually in the case of indefinite lived intangibles, an impairment test is required. The impairment test requires the Company to estimate the fair value of the assets and compare this to the carrying value of the assets. If the fair value of the asset is less than the carrying value, then an impairment charge is recognized and the non-financial assets are recorded at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value using a discounted cash flow model. Factors used in the evaluation include, but are not limited to, management's plans for future operations, recent operating results, and projected cash flows. During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 the Company recognized impairment charges of approximately $2.0 million and $2.8 million, respectively. These charges were related to two stores for the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2014 and six stores for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, all of which were fully impaired. There were no impairment charges recognized during the thirteen or twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2013.

Intangible_Assets

Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Intangible Assets	'
	Intangible Assets
	The following table provides the significant components of intangible assets:
		August 2, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated		Ending Net Balance
				Amortization
		(in thousands)
	Tradename	$	196,144	$	—	$	196,144
	Internet domain names/trademarks	1,678		—		1,678
	Net favorable lease obligations/other	20,175		19,493		682
		$	217,997	$	19,493	$	198,504
		February 1, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated		Ending Net Balance
				Amortization
		(in thousands)
	Tradename	$	196,144	$	—	$	196,144
	Internet domain names/trademarks	1,668		—		1,668
	Net favorable lease obligations/other	20,175		19,106		1,069
		$	217,987	$	19,106	$	198,881
	The Company's tradename, internet domain names, and trademarks have indefinite lives. Net favorable lease obligations and other intangibles are amortized over a period between 5 and 9 years and are included in other assets on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization expense totaled $0.2 million and $0.4 million during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, respectively; and $0.3 million and $0.7 million during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The provision for income taxes is based on a current estimate of the annual effective tax rate adjusted to reflect the impact of discrete items. The Company's effective income tax rate may fluctuate from quarter to quarter as a result of a variety of factors, including changes in the Company's assessment of certain tax contingencies, valuation allowances, changes in tax law, outcomes of administrative audits, the impact of discrete items, and the mix of earnings.
	During the second quarter of 2014, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) completed its examination of the Company’s 2012, 2011, and 2010 income tax returns. The Company released net uncertain tax positions of $1.7 million and the related accrued interest of $0.1 million as a result of the conclusion of this examination.
	The Company's effective tax rate was 20.6% and 39.7% for the thirteen weeks ended August 2, 2014 and August 3, 2013, respectively. The Company's effective tax rate was 32.7% and 39.6% for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 and August 3, 2013, respectively. The reduction of the 2014 rates were primarily related to the net $1.7 million tax benefit from the release of uncertain tax positions following the conclusion of the IRS examination discussed above. Without the benefit of the release of the uncertain tax positions in the quarter, the Company’s 2014 second quarter effective tax rate would have been 40.5%.

Lease_Financing_Obligations

Lease Financing Obligations	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Lease Financing Obligations [Abstract]	'
Lease Financing Obligations	'
	Lease Financing Obligations
	In certain lease arrangements, the Company is involved in the construction of the building. To the extent the Company is involved in the construction of structural improvements or takes construction risk prior to commencement of a lease, it is deemed the owner of the project for accounting purposes. Therefore, the Company records an asset in property and equipment on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets, including any capitalized interest costs, and related liabilities in accrued interest and lease financing obligations in other long-term liabilities on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets, for the replacement cost of the Company's portion of the pre-existing building plus the amount of construction costs incurred by the landlord as of the balance sheet date. Once construction is complete, the Company considers the requirements for sale-leaseback treatment, including the transfer of all risks of ownership back to the landlord, and whether the Company has any continuing involvement in the leased property. If the arrangement does not qualify for sale-leaseback treatment, the building assets subject to these obligations remain on the unaudited Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets at their historical cost, and such assets are depreciated over their remaining useful lives. The replacement cost of the pre-existing building, as well as the costs of construction paid by the landlord, are recorded as lease financing obligations, and a portion of the lease payments are applied as payments of principal and interest. The interest rate selected for lease financing obligations is evaluated at lease inception based on the Company's incremental borrowing rate. At the end of the initial lease term, should the Company decide not to renew the lease, the Company would reverse equal amounts of the remaining net book value of the assets and the corresponding lease financing obligations. The initial lease terms related to these lease arrangements are expected to expire in 2023 and 2030. As of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014 there was $74.9 million and $63.2 million, respectively, of net landlord funded construction, replacement cost of pre-existing property, and capitalized interest in property and equipment on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. There was also $74.1 million and $63.0 million of lease financing obligations as of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, respectively, in other long-term liabilities on the unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets. The transactions involving the initial recording of these assets and liabilities are classified as non-cash items for purposes of the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows.
	Rent expense relating to the land is recognized on a straight-line basis once construction begins. The Company does not report rent expense for the portion of the rent payment determined to be related to the lease obligations which are owned for accounting purposes. Rather, this portion of the rent payment under the lease is recognized as a reduction of the lease financing obligations and as interest expense.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	Borrowings outstanding consisted of the following:
		August 2, 2014			February 1, 2014
		(in thousands)
	8 3/4% Senior Notes	$	200,850		$	200,850
	Debt discount on Senior Notes	(1,505		)	(1,680		)
	Total long-term debt	$	199,345		$	199,170
	Revolving Credit Facility
	On July 29, 2011, Express Holding, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary ("Express Holding"), and its subsidiaries entered into an Amended and Restated $200.0 million secured Asset-Based Credit Facility ("Revolving Credit Facility"). As of August 2, 2014, there were no borrowings outstanding and approximately $197.6 million available under the Revolving Credit Facility.
	The Revolving Credit Facility requires Express Holding and its subsidiaries to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.0:1.0 if excess availability plus eligible cash collateral is less than 10% of the borrowing base for 15 consecutive days. In addition, the Revolving Credit Facility contains customary covenants and restrictions on Express Holding and its subsidiaries' activities, including, but not limited to, limitations on the incurrence of additional indebtedness; liens, negative pledges, guarantees, investments, loans, asset sales, mergers, acquisitions, and prepayment of other debt; distributions, dividends, and the repurchase of capital stock; transactions with affiliates; and the ability to change the nature of its business or its fiscal year. All obligations under the Revolving Credit Facility are guaranteed by Express Holding and its domestic subsidiaries (that are not borrowers) and secured by a lien on substantially all of the assets of Express Holding and its domestic subsidiaries.
	Senior Notes
	On March 5, 2010, Express, LLC and Express Finance Corp. ("Express Finance"), wholly-owned subsidiaries of the Company, co-issued, in a private placement, $250.0 million of 8 3/4% Senior Notes due in 2018 (the "Senior Notes") at an offering price of 98.6% of the face value.
	The Senior Notes may be redeemed in part or in full at the following percentages of the outstanding principal amount prepaid: 104.38% prior to March 1, 2015; 102.19% on or after March 1, 2015, but prior to March 1, 2016; and at the principal amount on or after March 1, 2016.
	The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains customary covenants and restrictions on the activities of Express, LLC, Express Finance, and Express, LLC's restricted subsidiaries, including, but not limited to, the incurrence of additional indebtedness; payment of dividends or distributions in respect of capital stock or certain other restricted payments or investments; entering into agreements that restrict distributions from restricted subsidiaries; the sale or disposal of assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries; transactions with affiliates; the incurrence of liens; and mergers, consolidations, or the sale of substantially all of Express, LLC's assets. Certain of these covenants will be suspended if the Senior Notes are assigned an investment grade rating by both Standard & Poor's and Moody's Investors Service and no default has occurred or is continuing. If either rating on the Senior Notes should subsequently decline to below investment grade, the suspended covenants would be reinstated.
	Fair Value of Debt
	The fair value of the Senior Notes was estimated using a number of factors, such as recent trade activity, size, timing, and yields of comparable bonds and is, therefore, within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. As of August 2, 2014, the estimated fair value of the Senior Notes was $208.4 million.
	Letters of Credit
	The Company may enter into various trade letters of credit ("trade LCs") in favor of certain vendors to secure merchandise. These trade LCs are issued for a defined period of time, for specific shipments, and generally expire 3 weeks after the merchandise shipment date. As of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, there were no outstanding trade LCs. Additionally, the Company enters into stand-by letters of credit ("stand-by LCs") on an as-needed basis to secure merchandise and fund other general and administrative costs. As of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, outstanding stand-by LCs totaled $2.4 million and $2.0 million, respectively.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	The Company records the fair value of share-based payments to employees in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as compensation expense, net of forfeitures, over the requisite service period.
	Share-Based Compensation Plans
	The following summarizes our share-based compensation expense:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended							Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		2-Aug-14				3-Aug-13			2-Aug-14			3-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Restricted stock units and restricted stock	$	2,444			$	3,531		$	5,347		$	6,309
	Stock options	1,488				2,295			4,920			4,527
	Restricted shares (equity issued pre-IPO)	—				—			—			1
	Total share-based compensation	$	3,932			$	5,826		$	10,267		$	10,837
	The stock compensation related income tax benefit recognized by the Company during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was $0.2 million and $3.4 million, respectively. The stock compensation related income tax benefit recognized by the Company during the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2013 was $0.3 million and $2.2 million, respectively.
	Stock Options
	During the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, the Company granted stock options under the Amended and Restated Express, Inc. 2010 Incentive Compensation Plan (the "2010 Plan"). The fair value of the stock options is determined using the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model as described later in this note. Stock options granted in 2014 under the 2010 Plan vest 25% per year over four years or upon reaching retirement eligibility, defined as providing 10 years of service and being at least 55 years old. These options have a 10 year contractual life. Options granted to the Chief Executive Officer in prior years vest ratably over three years. The expense for stock options is recognized using the straight-line attribution method.
	The Company's activity with respect to stock options during the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Grant Date			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Exercise Price Per Share
		(in thousands, except per share amounts and years)
	Outstanding, February 1, 2014	3,234			$	18.85
	Granted	378			$	15.86
	Exercised	—			$	—
	Forfeited or expired	(50	)		$	20.1
	Outstanding, August 2, 2014	3,562			$	18.51		7.2		$	335
	Expected to vest at August 2, 2014	1,207			$	18.43		8.5		$	243
	Exercisable at August 2, 2014	2,293			$	18.58		6.5		$	80
	The following provides additional information regarding the Company's stock options:
		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014				August 3, 2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (per share)	$	8.51			$	9.27
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	—			$	496
	As of August 2, 2014, there was approximately $8.2 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to stock options, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 1.5 years.
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to value stock options granted to employees and directors. The Company's determination of the fair value of stock options is affected by the Company's stock price as well as a number of subjective and complex assumptions. These assumptions include the risk-free interest rate, the Company's expected stock price volatility over the term of the award, expected term of the award, and dividend yield.
	The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant:
		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014			August 3, 2013
	Risk-free interest rate (1)	1.9	%		1.06	%
	Price Volatility (2)	54.7	%		56	%
	Expected term (years) (3)	6.25			6.19
	Dividend yield (4)	—			—
	-1	Represents the yield on U.S. Treasury securities with a term consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
	-2	Beginning in May 2012, the Company began using its own volatility in addition to the historical volatility of selected comparable companies to estimate expected volatility. Comparable companies were selected primarily based on industry, stage of life cycle, and size. The historical lookback period is consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
	-3	Calculated utilizing the “simplified” methodology prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 due to the lack of historical exercise data necessary to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the term.
	-4	The Company does not currently plan on paying regular dividends.
	Restricted Stock Units and Restricted Stock
	During the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, the Company granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the 2010 Plan, including 0.5 million RSUs with performance conditions. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the Company's stock price on the grant date. The expense for RSUs without performance conditions is recognized using the straight-line attribution method. The expense for RSUs with performance conditions is recognized using the graded vesting method based on the expected achievement of the performance conditions. The RSUs with performance conditions are also subject to time-based vesting. One-half of the RSUs earned based on the achievement of performance criteria vest on the second anniversary of the date of the grant and the remainder vest on the third anniversary of the date of the grant. RSUs without performance conditions vest ratably over four years.
	The Company's activity with respect to RSUs and restricted stock for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of		Grant Date
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Fair Value Per Share
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Unvested, February 1, 2014	1,487		$	19.29
	Granted*	754		$	15.72
	Vested	(537	)	$	19.32
	Forfeited	(51	)	$	17.91
	Unvested, August 2, 2014	1,653		$	17.7
	*There were approximately 0.5 million RSUs with two-year performance conditions granted in the first quarter of 2014. None of these RSUs are currently included as granted in the table above. The number of performance based RSUs that are ultimately earned may vary from 0% to 125% of target depending on the achievement of predefined financial performance targets.
	The total fair value/intrinsic value of RSUs and restricted stock that vested during the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was $10.4 million. As of August 2, 2014, there was approximately $20.0 million of total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSUs and restricted stock which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.8 years.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	During 2013 and 2014, the Company received letters from two individuals claiming that it unlawfully collected their zip codes
	in connection with a retail purchase made at a Massachusetts store and thereafter used that information to send them unwanted
	marketing materials. These letters indicate that the individuals may file suit on behalf of a class of customers whose zip codes
	were collected and recorded at Company stores in Massachusetts in connection with credit card purchases, and claims that the
	Company used the collected zip code data to obtain customers’ addresses for purposes of mailing them unwanted advertising
	material. These letters further seek monetary damages pursuant to a claim under Chapter 93A of the General Laws of Massachusetts. In the first quarter of 2014, after providing the claimants with information about the Company's collection practices, the Company received notice that one of the claimants will not pursue the claims previously alleged against the Company. The other claimant has not yet responded. The Company believes the allegations in the letters are without merit and intends to vigorously defend against any claims that are filed in court. Due to the uncertainties of litigation, it is reasonably possible that the Company may incur a loss related to these potential suits. However, the amount of such loss, if any, cannot be estimated as of the date these financial statements are issued.
	From time to time the Company is subject to various other claims and contingencies arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that the ultimate liability arising from such other claims and contingencies, if any, is not likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows.

Guarantor_Subsidiaries

Guarantor Subsidiaries	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries	'
	Guarantor Subsidiaries
	On March 5, 2010, Express, LLC and Express Finance (the “Subsidiary Issuers”), both 100% owned indirect subsidiaries of Express, Inc., issued the Senior Notes. Express, Inc. (“Guarantor”) and certain of its indirect 100% owned subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”) have guaranteed, on a joint and several basis, the obligations under the Senior Notes. The guarantees are not full and unconditional because Guarantor Subsidiaries can be released and relieved of their obligations under certain customary circumstances contained in the indenture governing the Senior Notes. These circumstances include the following, so long as other applicable provisions of the indenture are adhered to: any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any Guarantor Subsidiary, any sale or other disposition of capital stock of any Guarantor Subsidiary, or the designation of any restricted subsidiary that is a Guarantor Subsidiary as an unrestricted subsidiary.
	The following consolidating schedules present the condensed financial information on a combined basis.
	EXPRESS, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	(Amounts in thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		August 2, 2014
		Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
						Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,915			$	214,796			$	25,839		$	10,777			$	—		$	253,327
	Receivables, net	—				11,097				7,965			1,067				—			20,129
	Inventories	—				16,001				219,739			4,158				—			239,898
	Prepaid minimum rent	—				341				26,936			1,234				—			28,511
	Intercompany receivable	—				—				83,248			5,784				(89,032		)	—
	Intercompany loan receivable	—				5,557				—			—				(5,557		)	—
	Other	481				55,277				5,315			183				(35,938		)	25,318
	Total current assets	2,396				303,069				369,042			23,203				(130,527		)	567,183
	Property and equipment, net	—				62,093				328,846			18,918				—			409,857
	Tradename/domain name	—				197,822				—			—				—			197,822
	Investment in subsidiary	490,846				438,153				—			485,062				(1,414,061		)	—
	Deferred tax assets	661				6,637				10,182			—				—			17,480
	Other assets	—				5,560				1,012			8				—			6,580
	Total assets	$	493,903			$	1,013,334			$	709,082		$	527,191			$	(1,544,588	)	$	1,198,922
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	—			$	165,314			$	2,729		$	775			$	—		$	168,818
	Deferred revenue	—				893				19,556			160				—			20,609
	Accrued expenses	—				42,704				80,365			773				(35,938		)	87,904
	Intercompany payable	—				89,032				—			—				(89,032		)	—
	Intercompany loan payable	—				—				—			5,557				(5,557		)	—
	Total current liabilities	—				297,943				102,650			7,265				(130,527		)	277,331
	Long-term debt	—				199,345				—			—				—			199,345
	Deferred lease credits	—				4,457				109,997			7,407				—			121,861
	Other long-term liabilities	—				26,527				79,949			6				—			106,482
	Total liabilities	—				528,272				292,596			14,678				(130,527		)	705,019
	Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
	Total stockholders’ equity	493,903				485,062				416,486			512,513				(1,414,061		)	493,903
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	493,903			$	1,013,334			$	709,082		$	527,191			$	(1,544,588	)	$	1,198,922
	EXPRESS, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	(Amounts in thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		February 1, 2014
		Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
						Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,984			$	283,707			$	19,631		$	6,562			$	—		$	311,884
	Receivables, net	—				10,410				5,880			1,094				—			17,384
	Inventories	—				15,928				192,762			3,820				—			212,510
	Prepaid minimum rent	—				689				26,658			1,207				—			28,554
	Intercompany receivable	—				—				114,258			5,784				(120,042		)	—
	Intercompany loan receivable	—				28,080				—			—				(28,080		)	—
	Other	237				8,523				4,552			54				(237		)	13,129
	Total current assets	2,221				347,337				363,741			18,521				(148,359		)	583,461
	Property and equipment, net	—				56,922				301,684			17,516				—			376,122
	Tradename/domain name	—				197,812				—			—				—			197,812
	Investment in subsidiary	471,687				393,156				—			465,902				(1,330,745		)	—
	Deferred tax assets	661				6,637				10,182			78				—			17,558
	Other assets	—				6,295				1,416			6				—			7,717
Total assets	$	474,569			$	1,008,159			$	677,023		$	502,023			$	(1,479,104	)	$	1,182,670
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
Current liabilities
Accounts payable	$	—			$	150,420			$	2,873		$	1,443			$	—		$	154,736
Deferred revenue	—				1,004				27,264			168				—			28,436
Accrued expenses	—				40,087				75,159			1,026				(237		)	116,035
Intercompany payable	—				120,042				—			—				(120,042		)	—
Intercompany loan payable	—				—				—			28,080				(28,080		)	—
Total current liabilities	—				311,553				105,296			30,717				(148,359		)	299,207
Long-term debt	—				199,170				—			—				—			199,170
Deferred lease credits	—				4,963				103,129			6,417				—			114,509
Other long-term liabilities	—				26,571				68,644			—				—			95,215
Total liabilities	—				542,257				277,069			37,134				(148,359		)	708,101
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
Total stockholders’ equity	474,569				465,902				399,954			464,889				(1,330,745		)	474,569
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	474,569			$	1,008,159			$	677,023		$	502,023			$	(1,479,104	)	$	1,182,670
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Thirteen Weeks Ended August 2, 2014
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Net sales	$	—			$	232,545			$	461,901		$	9,592			$	(222,618	)	$	481,420
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—				186,362				375,000			6,651				(222,618		)	345,395
Gross profit	—				46,183				86,901			2,941				—			136,025
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	438				43,706				74,899			2,880				—			121,923
Other operating income, net	—				(5		)		(501		)	—				—			(506		)
Operating (loss) income	(438		)		2,482				12,503			61				—			14,608
Interest expense, net	—				5,323				618			—				—			5,941
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(7,132		)		(7,096		)		—			(7,132		)		21,360			—
Other income, net	—				4				—			18				—			22
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,694				4,251				11,885			7,175				(21,360		)	8,645
Income tax (benefit) expense	(173		)		(2,881		)		4,843			(11		)		—			1,778
Net income (loss)	$	6,867			$	7,132			$	7,042		$	7,186			$	(21,360	)	$	6,867
Foreign currency translation	102				102				—			204				(306		)	102
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	6,969			$	7,234			$	7,042		$	7,390			$	(21,666	)	$	6,969
	Thirteen Weeks Ended August 3, 2013
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Net sales	$	—			$	232,014			$	475,758		$	8,546			$	(226,243	)	$	490,075
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—				176,962				381,305			5,508				(226,247		)	337,528
Gross profit	—				55,052				94,453			3,038				4			152,547
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	119				41,467				75,033			2,557				—			119,176
Other operating (income) expense, net	—				—				(62		)	14				4			(44		)
Operating (loss) income	(119		)		13,585				19,482			467				—			33,415
Interest expense (income), net	—				5,285				(520		)	11				—			4,776
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(16,982		)		(12,238		)		—			(16,982		)		46,202			—
Other expense, net	—				—				—			576				—			576
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,863				20,538				20,002			16,862				(46,202		)	28,063
Income tax (benefit) expense	(46		)		3,556				7,644			—				—			11,154
Net income (loss)	$	16,909			$	16,982			$	12,358		$	16,862			$	(46,202	)	$	16,909
Foreign currency translation	146				146				—			292				(438		)	146
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	17,055			$	17,128			$	12,358		$	17,154			$	(46,640	)	$	17,055
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 2014
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Net sales	$	—			$	450,095			$	914,176		$	17,104			$	(439,303	)	$	942,072
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—				358,131				738,264			11,582				(439,303		)	668,674
Gross profit	—				91,964				175,912			5,522				—			273,398
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	509				89,226				149,753			5,295				—			244,783
Other operating expense (income), net	—				15				(999		)	—				—			(984		)
Operating (loss) income	(509		)		2,723				27,158			227				—			29,599
Interest expense, net	—				10,665				1,173			—				—			11,838
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(12,258		)		(15,610		)		—			(12,258		)		40,126			—
Other income, net	—				4				—			(7		)		—			(3		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,749				7,664				25,985			12,492				(40,126		)	17,764
Income tax (benefit) expense	(201		)		(4,594		)		10,544			65				—			5,814
Net income (loss)	$	11,950			$	12,258			$	15,441		$	12,427			$	(40,126	)	$	11,950
Foreign currency translation	484				484				—			968				(1,452		)	484
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	12,434			$	12,742			$	15,441		$	13,395			$	(41,578	)	$	12,434
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 3, 2013
	Express, Inc.			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Other		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
				Issuers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries					Total
Net sales	—			460,007			973,497			15,408		(449,475	)		999,437
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—			328,534			787,258			9,823		(449,502	)		676,113
Gross profit	—			131,473			186,239			5,585		27			323,324
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	231			79,761			146,837			4,969		1			231,799
Other operating (income) expense, net	—			—			(624	)		14		26			(584	)
Operating (loss) income	(231	)		51,712			40,026			602		—			92,109
Interest expense (income), net	—			10,547			(989	)		23		—			9,581
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(49,487	)		(24,852	)		—			(49,487	)	123,826			—
Other expense, net	—			—			—			805		—			805
Income (loss) before income taxes	49,256			66,017			41,015			49,261		(123,826	)		81,723
Income tax (benefit) expense	(90	)		16,530			15,937			—		—			32,377
Net income (loss)	49,346			49,487			25,078			49,261		(123,826	)		49,346
Foreign currency translation	216			216			—			432		(648	)		216
Comprehensive income (loss)	49,562			49,703			25,078			49,693		(124,474	)		49,562
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 2014
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Operating Activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(429	)		$	(43,434	)		$	47,617		$	1,051			$	—		$	4,805
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	—				(15,746		)		(41,414		)	(2,306		)		—			(59,466		)
Distributions received	3,703				—				—			3,703				(7,406		)	—
Purchase of intangible assets	—				(10		)		—			—				—			(10		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,703				(15,756		)		(41,414		)	1,397				(7,406		)	(59,476		)
Financing Activities
Payments on lease financing obligations	—				(752		)		—			—				—			(752		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	—				27				5			—				—			32
Repurchase of common stock	(3,343		)		—				—			—				—			(3,343		)
Borrowings under intercompany loan	—				(5,293		)		—			5,293				—			—
Distributions paid	—				(3,703		)		—			(3,703		)		7,406			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(3,343		)		(9,721		)		5			1,590				7,406			(4,063		)
Effect of exchange rate on cash	—				—				—			177				—			177
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(69		)		(68,911		)		6,208			4,215				—			(58,557		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,984				283,707				19,631			6,562				—			311,884
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,915			$	214,796			$	25,839		$	10,777			$	—		$	253,327
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 3, 2013
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(827	)		$	5,135			$	30,253		$	1,972			$	—		$	36,533
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	—				(11,496		)		(30,801		)	(3,241		)		—			(45,538		)
Distributions received	14,682				—				—			14,682				(29,364		)	—
Purchase of intangible assets	—				(69		)		—			—				—			(69		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,682				(11,565		)		(30,801		)	11,441				(29,364		)	(45,607		)
Financing Activities
Payments on leased financing obligations	—				(29		)		—			—				—			(29		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	—				64				—			—				—			64
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,828				—				—			—				—			2,828
Repayment of intercompany loan	—				3,875				—			(3,875		)		—			—
Borrowings under intercompany loan	—				(5,114		)		—			5,114				—			—
Repurchase of common stock	(15,756		)		—				—			—				—			(15,756		)
Distributions paid	—				(14,682		)		—			(14,682		)		29,364			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(12,928		)		(15,886		)		—			(13,443		)		29,364			(12,893		)
Effect of exchange rate on cash	—				—				—			(80		)		—			(80		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	927				(22,316		)		(548		)	(110		)		—			(22,047		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	938				230,174				22,924			2,261				—			256,297
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,865			$	207,858			$	22,376		$	2,151			$	—		$	234,250

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Share Repurchase Plan
	On May 28, 2014, the Company's Board of Directors (the "Board") authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of common stock (the "2014 Repurchase Program"). The 2014 Repurchase Program will be funded using available cash and is expected to be executed during the 18 month period following the authorization. For the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 there were no purchases made under the 2014 Repurchase Program.
	On May 24, 2012, the Board authorized the repurchase of up to $100.0 million of common stock (the "2012 Repurchase Program"). During the thirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 3, 2013, the Company repurchased 0.6 million shares of its common stock under the 2012 Repurchase Program for a total of $13.9 million, including commissions.
	Stockholder Rights Plan
	On June 12, 2014, the Board adopted a Stockholder Rights Plan (the “Rights Plan”). Under the Rights Plan, one right was distributed for each share of common stock outstanding at the close of business on June 23, 2014 and one right will be issued for each new share of common stock issued thereafter. If any person or group acquires 10% or more of the Company’s outstanding common stock without the approval of the Board, there would be a triggering event entitling a registered holder to purchase from the Company one one-hundredth of a share of Participating Preferred Stock, par value $0.01 per share, for $70.00 subject to adjustment. Existing 10% or greater stockholders are grandfathered to the extent of their June 12, 2014 ownership levels. The Rights Plan will continue in effect until June 12, 2015, unless ratified by a majority vote of the Company’s stockholders (in which case the Rights Plan will expire on June 12, 2017) or unless earlier redeemed or terminated by the Company, as provided in the Rights Plan. The rights have no voting or dividend privileges, and, unless and until they become exercisable, have no dilutive effect on the earnings of the Company.

Segment_Reporting_Summary_of_S

Segment Reporting Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting, Policy	'
	Segment Reporting
	The Company defines an operating segment on the same basis that it uses to evaluate performance internally. The Company has determined that, together, its Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chief Operating Officer are the Chief Operating Decision Maker and that there is one operating segment. Therefore, the Company reports results as a single segment, which includes the operation of its Express brick-and-mortar retail and outlet stores, e-commerce operations, and franchise operations.

Sharebased_Compensation_Polici

Share-based Compensation (Policies)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	'
	The Company uses the Black-Scholes-Merton option-pricing model to value stock options granted to employees and directors. The Company's determination of the fair value of stock options is affected by the Company's stock price as well as a number of subjective and complex assumptions. These assumptions include the risk-free interest rate, the Company's expected stock price volatility over the term of the award, expected term of the award, and dividend yield.
	During the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014, the Company granted restricted stock units (“RSUs”) under the 2010 Plan, including 0.5 million RSUs with performance conditions. The fair value of RSUs is determined based on the Company's stock price on the grant date. The expense for RSUs without performance conditions is recognized using the straight-line attribution method. The expense for RSUs with performance conditions is recognized using the graded vesting method
	The Company records the fair value of share-based payments to employees in the unaudited Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income as compensation expense, net of forfeitures, over the requisite service period.

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue from External Customers by Channel	'
	The following is information regarding the Company's major product categories and sales channels:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013
		(in thousands)				(in thousands)
	Apparel	$	418,029	$	425,765	$	820,913	$	870,979
	Accessories and other	51,486		53,295		101,291		109,360
	Other revenue	11,905		11,015		19,868		19,098
	Total net sales	$	481,420	$	490,075	$	942,072	$	999,437
		Thirteen Weeks Ended				Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013		August 2, 2014		August 3, 2013
		(in thousands)				(in thousands)
	Stores	$	407,735	$	419,175	$	791,393	$	849,732
	E-commerce	61,780		59,885		130,811		130,607
	Other revenue	11,905		11,015		19,868		19,098
	Total net sales	$	481,420	$	490,075	$	942,072	$	999,437

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'
	The following table provides a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted-average shares used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		2-Aug-14	3-Aug-13	2-Aug-14	3-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Weighted-average shares - basic	84,172	85,001	84,088	85,048
	Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted stock	268	571	344	483
	Weighted-average shares - diluted	84,440	85,572	84,432	85,531

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets1

Fair Value of Financial Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Fair Value of Financial Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	The following table presents the Company's financial assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of August 2, 2014 and February 1, 2014, aggregated by the level in the fair value hierarchy within which those measurements fall.
		August 2, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	U.S. treasury securities money market funds	$	218,915	$	—	$	—
		February 1, 2014
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	U.S. treasury securities money market funds	$	290,361	$	—	$	—

Intangible_Assets_Tables

Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Intangible Assets [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Intangible Assets	'
	The following table provides the significant components of intangible assets:
		August 2, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated		Ending Net Balance
				Amortization
		(in thousands)
	Tradename	$	196,144	$	—	$	196,144
	Internet domain names/trademarks	1,678		—		1,678
	Net favorable lease obligations/other	20,175		19,493		682
		$	217,997	$	19,493	$	198,504
		February 1, 2014
		Cost		Accumulated		Ending Net Balance
				Amortization
		(in thousands)
	Tradename	$	196,144	$	—	$	196,144
	Internet domain names/trademarks	1,668		—		1,668
	Net favorable lease obligations/other	20,175		19,106		1,069
		$	217,987	$	19,106	$	198,881

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Debt	'
	Borrowings outstanding consisted of the following:
		August 2, 2014			February 1, 2014
		(in thousands)
	8 3/4% Senior Notes	$	200,850		$	200,850
	Debt discount on Senior Notes	(1,505		)	(1,680		)
	Total long-term debt	$	199,345		$	199,170

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Shared-based Compensation Expense	'
	The following summarizes our share-based compensation expense:
		Thirteen Weeks Ended							Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		2-Aug-14				3-Aug-13			2-Aug-14			3-Aug-13
		(in thousands)
	Restricted stock units and restricted stock	$	2,444			$	3,531		$	5,347		$	6,309
	Stock options	1,488				2,295			4,920			4,527
	Restricted shares (equity issued pre-IPO)	—				—			—			1
	Total share-based compensation	$	3,932			$	5,826		$	10,267		$	10,837
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity	'
	The Company's activity with respect to stock options during the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of			Grant Date			Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
		Shares			Weighted Average
					Exercise Price Per Share
		(in thousands, except per share amounts and years)
	Outstanding, February 1, 2014	3,234			$	18.85
	Granted	378			$	15.86
	Exercised	—			$	—
	Forfeited or expired	(50	)		$	20.1
	Outstanding, August 2, 2014	3,562			$	18.51		7.2		$	335
	Expected to vest at August 2, 2014	1,207			$	18.43		8.5		$	243
	Exercisable at August 2, 2014	2,293			$	18.58		6.5		$	80
Supplemental Options Data	'
	The following provides additional information regarding the Company's stock options:
		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014				August 3, 2013
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted (per share)	$	8.51			$	9.27
	Total intrinsic value of options exercised	$	—			$	496
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	'
	The following assumptions were used in estimating the fair value of the stock options on the date of the grant:
		Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
		August 2, 2014			August 3, 2013
	Risk-free interest rate (1)	1.9	%		1.06	%
	Price Volatility (2)	54.7	%		56	%
	Expected term (years) (3)	6.25			6.19
	Dividend yield (4)	—			—
	-1	Represents the yield on U.S. Treasury securities with a term consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
	-2	Beginning in May 2012, the Company began using its own volatility in addition to the historical volatility of selected comparable companies to estimate expected volatility. Comparable companies were selected primarily based on industry, stage of life cycle, and size. The historical lookback period is consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
	-3	Calculated utilizing the “simplified” methodology prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 due to the lack of historical exercise data necessary to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the term.
	-4	The Company does not currently plan on paying regular dividends.
Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity	'
	The Company's activity with respect to RSUs and restricted stock for the twenty-six weeks ended August 2, 2014 was as follows:
		Number of		Grant Date
		Shares		Weighted Average
				Fair Value Per Share
		(in thousands, except per share amounts)
	Unvested, February 1, 2014	1,487		$	19.29
	Granted*	754		$	15.72
	Vested	(537	)	$	19.32
	Forfeited	(51	)	$	17.91
	Unvested, August 2, 2014	1,653		$	17.7
	*There were approximately 0.5 million RSUs with two-year performance conditions granted in the first quarter of 2014. None of these RSUs are currently included as granted in the table above. The number of performance based RSUs that are ultimately earned may vary from 0% to 125% of target depending on the achievement of predefined financial performance targets.

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Tables

Guarantor Subsidiaries (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Guarantor Financial Information	'
		August 2, 2014
		Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
						Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,915			$	214,796			$	25,839		$	10,777			$	—		$	253,327
	Receivables, net	—				11,097				7,965			1,067				—			20,129
	Inventories	—				16,001				219,739			4,158				—			239,898
	Prepaid minimum rent	—				341				26,936			1,234				—			28,511
	Intercompany receivable	—				—				83,248			5,784				(89,032		)	—
	Intercompany loan receivable	—				5,557				—			—				(5,557		)	—
	Other	481				55,277				5,315			183				(35,938		)	25,318
	Total current assets	2,396				303,069				369,042			23,203				(130,527		)	567,183
	Property and equipment, net	—				62,093				328,846			18,918				—			409,857
	Tradename/domain name	—				197,822				—			—				—			197,822
	Investment in subsidiary	490,846				438,153				—			485,062				(1,414,061		)	—
	Deferred tax assets	661				6,637				10,182			—				—			17,480
	Other assets	—				5,560				1,012			8				—			6,580
	Total assets	$	493,903			$	1,013,334			$	709,082		$	527,191			$	(1,544,588	)	$	1,198,922
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	—			$	165,314			$	2,729		$	775			$	—		$	168,818
	Deferred revenue	—				893				19,556			160				—			20,609
	Accrued expenses	—				42,704				80,365			773				(35,938		)	87,904
	Intercompany payable	—				89,032				—			—				(89,032		)	—
	Intercompany loan payable	—				—				—			5,557				(5,557		)	—
	Total current liabilities	—				297,943				102,650			7,265				(130,527		)	277,331
	Long-term debt	—				199,345				—			—				—			199,345
	Deferred lease credits	—				4,457				109,997			7,407				—			121,861
	Other long-term liabilities	—				26,527				79,949			6				—			106,482
	Total liabilities	—				528,272				292,596			14,678				(130,527		)	705,019
	Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
	Total stockholders’ equity	493,903				485,062				416,486			512,513				(1,414,061		)	493,903
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	493,903			$	1,013,334			$	709,082		$	527,191			$	(1,544,588	)	$	1,198,922
	EXPRESS, INC.
	CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING BALANCE SHEET
	(Amounts in thousands)
	(Unaudited)
		February 1, 2014
		Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
						Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
	Assets
	Current assets
	Cash and cash equivalents	$	1,984			$	283,707			$	19,631		$	6,562			$	—		$	311,884
	Receivables, net	—				10,410				5,880			1,094				—			17,384
	Inventories	—				15,928				192,762			3,820				—			212,510
	Prepaid minimum rent	—				689				26,658			1,207				—			28,554
	Intercompany receivable	—				—				114,258			5,784				(120,042		)	—
	Intercompany loan receivable	—				28,080				—			—				(28,080		)	—
	Other	237				8,523				4,552			54				(237		)	13,129
	Total current assets	2,221				347,337				363,741			18,521				(148,359		)	583,461
	Property and equipment, net	—				56,922				301,684			17,516				—			376,122
	Tradename/domain name	—				197,812				—			—				—			197,812
	Investment in subsidiary	471,687				393,156				—			465,902				(1,330,745		)	—
	Deferred tax assets	661				6,637				10,182			78				—			17,558
	Other assets	—				6,295				1,416			6				—			7,717
	Total assets	$	474,569			$	1,008,159			$	677,023		$	502,023			$	(1,479,104	)	$	1,182,670
	Liabilities and stockholders’ equity
	Current liabilities
	Accounts payable	$	—			$	150,420			$	2,873		$	1,443			$	—		$	154,736
	Deferred revenue	—				1,004				27,264			168				—			28,436
	Accrued expenses	—				40,087				75,159			1,026				(237		)	116,035
	Intercompany payable	—				120,042				—			—				(120,042		)	—
Intercompany loan payable	—				—				—			28,080				(28,080		)	—
Total current liabilities	—				311,553				105,296			30,717				(148,359		)	299,207
Long-term debt	—				199,170				—			—				—			199,170
Deferred lease credits	—				4,963				103,129			6,417				—			114,509
Other long-term liabilities	—				26,571				68,644			—				—			95,215
Total liabilities	—				542,257				277,069			37,134				(148,359		)	708,101
Commitments and Contingencies (Note 10)
Total stockholders’ equity	474,569				465,902				399,954			464,889				(1,330,745		)	474,569
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	474,569			$	1,008,159			$	677,023		$	502,023			$	(1,479,104	)	$	1,182,670
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Thirteen Weeks Ended August 2, 2014
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Net sales	$	—			$	232,545			$	461,901		$	9,592			$	(222,618	)	$	481,420
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—				186,362				375,000			6,651				(222,618		)	345,395
Gross profit	—				46,183				86,901			2,941				—			136,025
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	438				43,706				74,899			2,880				—			121,923
Other operating income, net	—				(5		)		(501		)	—				—			(506		)
Operating (loss) income	(438		)		2,482				12,503			61				—			14,608
Interest expense, net	—				5,323				618			—				—			5,941
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(7,132		)		(7,096		)		—			(7,132		)		21,360			—
Other income, net	—				4				—			18				—			22
Income (loss) before income taxes	6,694				4,251				11,885			7,175				(21,360		)	8,645
Income tax (benefit) expense	(173		)		(2,881		)		4,843			(11		)		—			1,778
Net income (loss)	$	6,867			$	7,132			$	7,042		$	7,186			$	(21,360	)	$	6,867
Foreign currency translation	102				102				—			204				(306		)	102
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	6,969			$	7,234			$	7,042		$	7,390			$	(21,666	)	$	6,969
	Thirteen Weeks Ended August 3, 2013
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Net sales	$	—			$	232,014			$	475,758		$	8,546			$	(226,243	)	$	490,075
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—				176,962				381,305			5,508				(226,247		)	337,528
Gross profit	—				55,052				94,453			3,038				4			152,547
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	119				41,467				75,033			2,557				—			119,176
Other operating (income) expense, net	—				—				(62		)	14				4			(44		)
Operating (loss) income	(119		)		13,585				19,482			467				—			33,415
Interest expense (income), net	—				5,285				(520		)	11				—			4,776
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(16,982		)		(12,238		)		—			(16,982		)		46,202			—
Other expense, net	—				—				—			576				—			576
Income (loss) before income taxes	16,863				20,538				20,002			16,862				(46,202		)	28,063
Income tax (benefit) expense	(46		)		3,556				7,644			—				—			11,154
Net income (loss)	$	16,909			$	16,982			$	12,358		$	16,862			$	(46,202	)	$	16,909
Foreign currency translation	146				146				—			292				(438		)	146
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	17,055			$	17,128			$	12,358		$	17,154			$	(46,640	)	$	17,055
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF INCOME AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 2014
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Net sales	$	—			$	450,095			$	914,176		$	17,104			$	(439,303	)	$	942,072
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—				358,131				738,264			11,582				(439,303		)	668,674
Gross profit	—				91,964				175,912			5,522				—			273,398
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	509				89,226				149,753			5,295				—			244,783
Other operating expense (income), net	—				15				(999		)	—				—			(984		)
Operating (loss) income	(509		)		2,723				27,158			227				—			29,599
Interest expense, net	—				10,665				1,173			—				—			11,838
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(12,258		)		(15,610		)		—			(12,258		)		40,126			—
Other income, net	—				4				—			(7		)		—			(3		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	11,749				7,664				25,985			12,492				(40,126		)	17,764
Income tax (benefit) expense	(201		)		(4,594		)		10,544			65				—			5,814
Net income (loss)	$	11,950			$	12,258			$	15,441		$	12,427			$	(40,126	)	$	11,950
Foreign currency translation	484				484				—			968				(1,452		)	484
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	12,434			$	12,742			$	15,441		$	13,395			$	(41,578	)	$	12,434
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 3, 2013
	Express, Inc.			Subsidiary			Guarantor			Other		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
				Issuers			Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries					Total
Net sales	—			460,007			973,497			15,408		(449,475	)		999,437
Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs	—			328,534			787,258			9,823		(449,502	)		676,113
Gross profit	—			131,473			186,239			5,585		27			323,324
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	231			79,761			146,837			4,969		1			231,799
Other operating (income) expense, net	—			—			(624	)		14		26			(584	)
Operating (loss) income	(231	)		51,712			40,026			602		—			92,109
Interest expense (income), net	—			10,547			(989	)		23		—			9,581
(Income) loss in subsidiary	(49,487	)		(24,852	)		—			(49,487	)	123,826			—
Other expense, net	—			—			—			805		—			805
Income (loss) before income taxes	49,256			66,017			41,015			49,261		(123,826	)		81,723
Income tax (benefit) expense	(90	)		16,530			15,937			—		—			32,377
Net income (loss)	49,346			49,487			25,078			49,261		(123,826	)		49,346
Foreign currency translation	216			216			—			432		(648	)		216
Comprehensive income (loss)	49,562			49,703			25,078			49,693		(124,474	)		49,562
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 2, 2014
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Operating Activities
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	$	(429	)		$	(43,434	)		$	47,617		$	1,051			$	—		$	4,805
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	—				(15,746		)		(41,414		)	(2,306		)		—			(59,466		)
Distributions received	3,703				—				—			3,703				(7,406		)	—
Purchase of intangible assets	—				(10		)		—			—				—			(10		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	3,703				(15,756		)		(41,414		)	1,397				(7,406		)	(59,476		)
Financing Activities
Payments on lease financing obligations	—				(752		)		—			—				—			(752		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	—				27				5			—				—			32
Repurchase of common stock	(3,343		)		—				—			—				—			(3,343		)
Borrowings under intercompany loan	—				(5,293		)		—			5,293				—			—
Distributions paid	—				(3,703		)		—			(3,703		)		7,406			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(3,343		)		(9,721		)		5			1,590				7,406			(4,063		)
Effect of exchange rate on cash	—				—				—			177				—			177
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(69		)		(68,911		)		6,208			4,215				—			(58,557		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	1,984				283,707				19,631			6,562				—			311,884
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,915			$	214,796			$	25,839		$	10,777			$	—		$	253,327
EXPRESS, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(Amounts in thousands)
(Unaudited)
	Twenty-Six Weeks Ended August 3, 2013
	Express, Inc.				Subsidiary				Guarantor			Other				Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
					Issuers				Subsidiaries			Subsidiaries							Total
Operating Activities
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$	(827	)		$	5,135			$	30,253		$	1,972			$	—		$	36,533
Investing Activities
Capital expenditures	—				(11,496		)		(30,801		)	(3,241		)		—			(45,538		)
Distributions received	14,682				—				—			14,682				(29,364		)	—
Purchase of intangible assets	—				(69		)		—			—				—			(69		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	14,682				(11,565		)		(30,801		)	11,441				(29,364		)	(45,607		)
Financing Activities
Payments on leased financing obligations	—				(29		)		—			—				—			(29		)
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	—				64				—			—				—			64
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	2,828				—				—			—				—			2,828
Repayment of intercompany loan	—				3,875				—			(3,875		)		—			—
Borrowings under intercompany loan	—				(5,114		)		—			5,114				—			—
Repurchase of common stock	(15,756		)		—				—			—				—			(15,756		)
Distributions paid	—				(14,682		)		—			(14,682		)		29,364			—
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(12,928		)		(15,886		)		—			(13,443		)		29,364			(12,893		)
Effect of exchange rate on cash	—				—				—			(80		)		—			(80		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	927				(22,316		)		(548		)	(110		)		—			(22,047		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	938				230,174				22,924			2,261				—			256,297
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	1,865			$	207,858			$	22,376		$	2,151			$	—		$	234,250

Description_of_Business_and_Ba1

Description of Business and Basis of Presentation (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014
			stores	Retail [Member]	Outlet [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
				stores	stores
Description of Business and Basis of Presentation [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Age of Target Customer	'	'	'	'	'	'20 years	'30 years
Number of Stores	'	'	'	608	20	'	'
Stores Under Franchise Agreements	'	'	26	'	'	'	'
Prior Period Reclassification Adjustment	$4	$4.80	'	'	'	'	'

Segment_Reporting_Segment_Repo

Segment Reporting Segment Reporting (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	$481,420	$490,075	$942,072	$999,437
Other Revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	11,905	11,015	19,868	19,098
Sales Revenue, Apparel [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	418,029	425,765	820,913	870,979
Sales Revenue, Accessories [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	51,486	53,295	101,291	109,360
Sales Revenue, Stores [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	407,735	419,175	791,393	849,732
Sales Revenue, E-commerce [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customers [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	$61,780	$59,885	$130,811	$130,607

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares - basic	84,172,000	85,001,000	84,088,000	85,048,000
Dilutive effect of stock options, restricted stock units, and restricted stock	268,000	571,000	344,000	483,000
Weighted average shares - diluted	84,440,000	85,572,000	84,432,000	85,531,000
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	4,300,000	2,100,000	3,900,000	2,000,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Potentially dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share	500,000	'	500,000	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Assets2

Fair Value of Financial Assets Fair Value of Financial Assets (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
	stores	stores		Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]
				Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Impairment charge	$2,000	$2,800	$0	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Fair Value Disclosure	'	'	'	$218,915	$290,361	$0	$0	$0	$0
Number of stores impaired during the period	2	6	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Intangible_Assets_Table_Detail

Intangible Assets Table (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Feb. 01, 2014
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets Gross	$217,997,000	'	$217,997,000	'	$217,987,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	19,493,000	'	19,493,000	'	19,106,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	198,504,000	'	198,504,000	'	198,881,000
Amortization of Intangible Assets	200,000	300,000	400,000	700,000	'
Trade Names [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	196,144,000	'	196,144,000	'	196,144,000
Internet Domain Names [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	1,678,000	'	1,678,000	'	1,668,000
Leases, Acquired-in-Place, Market Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Gross	20,175,000	'	20,175,000	'	20,175,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Accumulated Amortization	19,493,000	'	19,493,000	'	19,106,000
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill)	$682,000	'	$682,000	'	$1,069,000
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'	'5 years	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible Assets by Major Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	'	'	'9 years	'	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate	20.60%	39.70%	32.70%	39.60%
Tax benefit related to release of net uncertain tax positions	$1.70	'	'	'
Effective tax rate before release of uncertain tax positions	'	'	40.50%	'
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)	'	'	'	'
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Release of net uncertain tax positions	1.7	'	'	'
Accrued interest released	$0.10	'	'	'

Lease_Financing_Obligations_De

Lease Financing Obligations (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Lease Financing Obligations [Abstract]	'	'
Capital Leased Assets, Gross	$74.90	$63.20
Capital Lease Obligations	$74.10	$63

Debt_by_Instrument_Table_Detai

Debt by Instrument Table (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Total Debt	$199,345	$199,170
Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Senior Notes	200,850	200,850
Debt discount on Senior Notes	($1,505)	($1,680)

Debt_Topco_Revolving_Credit_Fa

Debt Topco Revolving Credit Facility (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Amount Outstanding	$0
Line of Credit [Member]	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	200,000,000
Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity	$197,600,000
Fixed Charge Ratio	1
Fixed Charge Ratio, Demonimator	1
Percent of Borrowing Base in Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Restriction	10.00%
Number of Days in Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio Restriction	'15 days

Debt_Senior_Notes_Details

Debt Senior Notes (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Mar. 05, 2010	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
		Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]	Senior Notes [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]	Letter of Credit [Member]
				Prior to March 1, 2015	After March 1, 2015, but prior to March 1, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	'	'	8.75%	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument, Face Amount	'	'	$250,000,000	'	'	'	'
Senior Notes Original Offering Price	'	'	98.60%	'	'	'	'
Redemption Price, Senior Debt	'	'	'	104.38%	102.19%	'	'
Long-term Debt, Fair Value	'	208,400,000	'	'	'	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$0	'	'	'	'	$2,400,000	$2,000,000

Debt_Letters_of_Credit_Details

Debt Letters of Credit (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$0	'
Letter of Credit [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount	$2,400,000	$2,000,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Cost_b

Share-Based Compensation Cost by Award Type (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$3,932,000	$5,826,000	$10,267,000	$10,837,000
Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Expense	200,000	300,000	3,400,000	2,200,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	2,444,000	3,531,000	5,347,000	6,309,000
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	1,488,000	2,295,000	4,920,000	4,527,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$0	$0	$0	$1,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Other_

Share-Based Compensation Other Stock Options (Details) (Stock Options [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014
Vesting Details [Line Items]	'
Annual Award Vesting Percentage	25.00%
Award contractual life	'10 years
Award vesting period	'4 years
Requisite service period for retirement eligibility	'10 years
Minimum age of individual for retirement eligibility	'55 years
Chief Executive Officer [Member]	'
Vesting Details [Line Items]	'
Award vesting period	'3 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation Schedule of Stock Options Activity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
Share data in Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$3,932,000	$5,826,000	$10,267,000	$10,837,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Stock Options Outstanding at beginning of period	'	'	3,234	'
Stock Options Granted	'	'	378	'
Stock Options Exercised	'	'	0	'
Stock Options Forfeited	'	'	-50	'
Stock Options Outstanding at end of period	3,562	'	3,562	'
Stock Options Expected to Vest at end of period	1,207	'	1,207	'
Stock Options Exercisable at end of period	2,293	'	2,293	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding at beginning of period (usd per share)	'	'	$18.85	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Granted (usd per share)	'	'	$15.86	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercised (usd per share)	'	'	$0	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Forfeited (usd per share)	'	'	$20.10	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Outstanding at end of period (usd per share)	$18.51	'	$18.51	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Expected to Vest at end of period (usd per share)	$18.43	'	$18.43	'
Grant Date Weighted Average Exercise Price of Options Exercisable at end of period (usd per share)	$18.58	'	$18.58	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Outstanding (in years)	'	'	'7 years 2 months 1 day	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Expected to Vest at end of period (in years)	'	'	'8 years 6 months 1 day	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life of Options Exercisable at end of period (in years)	'	'	'6 years 6 months 1 day	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Outstanding at end of period	335,000	'	335,000	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Expected to Vest at end of period	243,000	'	243,000	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Exercisable at end of period	80,000	'	80,000	'
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Aggregate Disclosures [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation Expense	200,000	300,000	3,400,000	2,200,000
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Options Granted	'	'	$8.51	$9.27
Total Intrinsic Value of Options Exercised	'	'	0	496,000
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	1,488,000	2,295,000	4,920,000	4,527,000
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	2,444,000	3,531,000	5,347,000	6,309,000
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Stock Option Activity [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Share-based compensation	$0	$0	$0	$1,000

ShareBased_Compensation_Unreco

Share-Based Compensation Unrecognized Compensation Expense and Period for Recognition (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014
Stock Options [Member]	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense and Period for Recognition [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized Share-based Compensation Expense	$8.20
Unrecognized Share-based Compensation Expense, Period for Recognition	'1 year 6 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Unrecognized Compensation Expense and Period for Recognition [Line Items]	'
Unrecognized Share-based Compensation Expense	$20
Unrecognized Share-based Compensation Expense, Period for Recognition	'1 year 9 months

ShareBased_Compensation_Valuat

Share-Based Compensation Valuation Assumptions (Details) (Stock Option [Member])	6 Months Ended
	Aug. 02, 2014		Aug. 03, 2013
Stock Option [Member]	'		'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'		'
Risk-free interest rate	1.90%	[1]	1.06%	[1]
Price volatility	54.70%	[2]	56.00%	[2]
Expected Term	'6 years 3 months 1 day	[3]	'6 years 2 months 7 days	[3]
Equity dividend yield	0.00%	[4]	0.00%	[4]
[1]	Represents the yield on U.S. Treasury securities with a term consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
[2]	Beginning in May 2012, the Company began using its own volatility in addition to the historical volatility of selected comparable companies to estimate expected volatility. Comparable companies were selected primarily based on industry, stage of life cycle, and size. The historical lookback period is consistent with the expected term of the stock options.
[3]	Calculated utilizing the “simplified” methodology prescribed by Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 due to the lack of historical exercise data necessary to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate the term.
[4]	The Company does not currently plan on paying regular dividends.

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu1

Share-Based Compensation Schedule of Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data in Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period, Fair Value	$10.40
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Awards Unvested at beginning of period	1,487
Awards Granted	754	[1]
Awards Vested	-537
Awards Forfeited	-51
Awards Unvested at end of period	1,653
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Awards, grant date weighted average fair value at beginning of period (usd per share)	$19.29
Awards, grant date weighted average fair value, shares granted (usd per share)	$15.72	[1]
Awards, grant date weighted average fair value, shares vested (usd per share)	$19.32
Awards, grant date weighted average fair value, shares forfeited (usd per share)	$17.91
Awards, grant date weighted average fair value at end of period (usd per share)	$17.70
Performance-based Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]	'
Awards Granted	500
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Unrecognized Share-based Compensation Expense	$20
Unrecognized Share-based Compensation Expense, Period for Recognition	'1 year 9 months
Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Target Percentage of Equity Awards Earned	0.00%
Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]	'
Target Percentage of Equity Awards Earned	125.00%
[1]	There were approximately 0.5 million RSUs with two-year performance conditions granted in the first quarter of 2014. None of these RSUs are currently included as granted in the table above. The number of performance based RSUs that are ultimately earned may vary from 0% to 125% of target depending on the achievement of predefined financial performance targets.

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Guarant

Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Aug. 02, 2014	Feb. 01, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Feb. 02, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$253,327	$311,884	$234,250	$256,297
Receivables, net	20,129	17,384	'	'
Inventories	239,898	212,510	'	'
Prepaid minimum rent	28,511	28,554	'	'
Intercompany receivable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	0	'	'
Other	25,318	13,129	'	'
Total current assets	567,183	583,461	'	'
Property and equipment, net	409,857	376,122	'	'
Tradename/domain name	197,822	197,812	'	'
Investment in subsidiary	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax assets	17,480	17,558	'	'
Other assets	6,580	7,717	'	'
Total assets	1,198,922	1,182,670	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	168,818	154,736	'	'
Deferred revenue	20,609	28,436	'	'
Accrued expenses	87,904	116,035	'	'
Intercompany payable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan payable	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	277,331	299,207	'	'
Long-term debt	199,345	199,170	'	'
Deferred Lease Credits	121,861	114,509	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	106,482	95,215	'	'
Total liabilities	705,019	708,101	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	493,903	474,569	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,198,922	1,182,670	'	'
Express, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	1,915	1,984	'	'
Receivables, net	0	0	'	'
Inventories	0	0	'	'
Prepaid minimum rent	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	0	'	'
Other	481	237	'	'
Total current assets	2,396	2,221	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Tradename/domain name	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiary	490,846	471,687	'	'
Deferred tax assets	661	661	'	'
Other assets	0	0	'	'
Total assets	493,903	474,569	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Deferred revenue	0	0	'	'
Accrued expenses	0	0	'	'
Intercompany payable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan payable	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	0	0	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Deferred Lease Credits	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	0	0	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	493,903	474,569	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	493,903	474,569	'	'
Subsidiary Issuers [Member]	'	'	'	'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	214,796	283,707	'	'
Receivables, net	11,097	10,410	'	'
Inventories	16,001	15,928	'	'
Prepaid minimum rent	341	689	'	'
Intercompany receivable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan receivable	5,557	28,080	'	'
Other	55,277	8,523	'	'
Total current assets	303,069	347,337	'	'
Property and equipment, net	62,093	56,922	'	'
Tradename/domain name	197,822	197,812	'	'
Investment in subsidiary	438,153	393,156	'	'
Deferred tax assets	6,637	6,637	'	'
Other assets	5,560	6,295	'	'
Total assets	1,013,334	1,008,159	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	165,314	150,420	'	'
Deferred revenue	893	1,004	'	'
Accrued expenses	42,704	40,087	'	'
Intercompany payable	89,032	120,042	'	'
Intercompany loan payable	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	297,943	311,553	'	'
Long-term debt	199,345	199,170	'	'
Deferred Lease Credits	4,457	4,963	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	26,527	26,571	'	'
Total liabilities	528,272	542,257	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	485,062	465,902	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,013,334	1,008,159	'	'
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	25,839	19,631	'	'
Receivables, net	7,965	5,880	'	'
Inventories	219,739	192,762	'	'
Prepaid minimum rent	26,936	26,658	'	'
Intercompany receivable	83,248	114,258	'	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	0	'	'
Other	5,315	4,552	'	'
Total current assets	369,042	363,741	'	'
Property and equipment, net	328,846	301,684	'	'
Tradename/domain name	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiary	0	0	'	'
Deferred tax assets	10,182	10,182	'	'
Other assets	1,012	1,416	'	'
Total assets	709,082	677,023	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	2,729	2,873	'	'
Deferred revenue	19,556	27,264	'	'
Accrued expenses	80,365	75,159	'	'
Intercompany payable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan payable	0	0	'	'
Total current liabilities	102,650	105,296	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Deferred Lease Credits	109,997	103,129	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	79,949	68,644	'	'
Total liabilities	292,596	277,069	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	416,486	399,954	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	709,082	677,023	'	'
Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	10,777	6,562	'	'
Receivables, net	1,067	1,094	'	'
Inventories	4,158	3,820	'	'
Prepaid minimum rent	1,234	1,207	'	'
Intercompany receivable	5,784	5,784	'	'
Intercompany loan receivable	0	0	'	'
Other	183	54	'	'
Total current assets	23,203	18,521	'	'
Property and equipment, net	18,918	17,516	'	'
Tradename/domain name	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiary	485,062	465,902	'	'
Deferred tax assets	0	78	'	'
Other assets	8	6	'	'
Total assets	527,191	502,023	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	775	1,443	'	'
Deferred revenue	160	168	'	'
Accrued expenses	773	1,026	'	'
Intercompany payable	0	0	'	'
Intercompany loan payable	5,557	28,080	'	'
Total current liabilities	7,265	30,717	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Deferred Lease Credits	7,407	6,417	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	6	0	'	'
Total liabilities	14,678	37,134	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	512,513	464,889	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	527,191	502,023	'	'
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
CURRENT ASSETS:	'	'	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	'	'
Receivables, net	0	0	'	'
Inventories	0	0	'	'
Prepaid minimum rent	0	0	'	'
Intercompany receivable	-89,032	-120,042	'	'
Intercompany loan receivable	-5,557	-28,080	'	'
Other	-35,938	-237	'	'
Total current assets	-130,527	-148,359	'	'
Property and equipment, net	0	0	'	'
Tradename/domain name	0	0	'	'
Investment in subsidiary	-1,414,061	-1,330,745	'	'
Deferred tax assets	0	0	'	'
Other assets	0	0	'	'
Total assets	-1,544,588	-1,479,104	'	'
CURRENT LIABILITIES:	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable	0	0	'	'
Deferred revenue	0	0	'	'
Accrued expenses	-35,938	-237	'	'
Intercompany payable	-89,032	-120,042	'	'
Intercompany loan payable	-5,557	-28,080	'	'
Total current liabilities	-130,527	-148,359	'	'
Long-term debt	0	0	'	'
Deferred Lease Credits	0	0	'	'
Other long-term liabilities	0	0	'	'
Total liabilities	-130,527	-148,359	'	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 10)	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	-1,414,061	-1,330,745	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	($1,544,588)	($1,479,104)	'	'

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Guarant1

Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Income Statement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
NET SALES	$481,420	$490,075	$942,072	$999,437
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	345,395	337,528	668,674	676,113
Gross profit	136,025	152,547	273,398	323,324
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	121,923	119,176	244,783	231,799
Other operating income, net	-506	-44	-984	-584
OPERATING INCOME	14,608	33,415	29,599	92,109
Interest Expense	5,941	4,776	11,838	9,581
Income (loss) in subsidiary	0	0	0	0
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	22	576	-3	805
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	8,645	28,063	17,764	81,723
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	1,778	11,154	5,814	32,377
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	6,867	16,909	11,950	49,346
Foreign currency translation gain	102	146	484	216
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	6,969	17,055	12,434	49,562
Express, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	0	0	0	0
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	0	0	0	0
Gross profit	0	0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	438	119	509	231
Other operating income, net	0	0	0	0
OPERATING INCOME	-438	-119	-509	-231
Interest Expense	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) in subsidiary	-7,132	-16,982	-12,258	-49,487
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	0	0	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	6,694	16,863	11,749	49,256
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	-173	-46	-201	-90
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	6,867	16,909	11,950	49,346
Foreign currency translation gain	102	146	484	216
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	6,969	17,055	12,434	49,562
Subsidiary Issuers [Member]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	232,545	232,014	450,095	460,007
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	186,362	176,962	358,131	328,534
Gross profit	46,183	55,052	91,964	131,473
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	43,706	41,467	89,226	79,761
Other operating income, net	-5	0	15	0
OPERATING INCOME	2,482	13,585	2,723	51,712
Interest Expense	5,323	5,285	10,665	10,547
Income (loss) in subsidiary	-7,096	-12,238	-15,610	-24,852
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	4	0	4	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	4,251	20,538	7,664	66,017
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	-2,881	3,556	-4,594	16,530
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	7,132	16,982	12,258	49,487
Foreign currency translation gain	102	146	484	216
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	7,234	17,128	12,742	49,703
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	461,901	475,758	914,176	973,497
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	375,000	381,305	738,264	787,258
Gross profit	86,901	94,453	175,912	186,239
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	74,899	75,033	149,753	146,837
Other operating income, net	-501	-62	-999	-624
OPERATING INCOME	12,503	19,482	27,158	40,026
Interest Expense	618	-520	1,173	-989
Income (loss) in subsidiary	0	0	0	0
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	0	0	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	11,885	20,002	25,985	41,015
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	4,843	7,644	10,544	15,937
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	7,042	12,358	15,441	25,078
Foreign currency translation gain	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	7,042	12,358	15,441	25,078
Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	9,592	8,546	17,104	15,408
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	6,651	5,508	11,582	9,823
Gross profit	2,941	3,038	5,522	5,585
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	2,880	2,557	5,295	4,969
Other operating income, net	0	14	0	14
OPERATING INCOME	61	467	227	602
Interest Expense	0	11	0	23
Income (loss) in subsidiary	-7,132	-16,982	-12,258	-49,487
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	18	576	-7	805
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	7,175	16,862	12,492	49,261
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	-11	0	65	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	7,186	16,862	12,427	49,261
Foreign currency translation gain	204	292	968	432
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	7,390	17,154	13,395	49,693
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'	'	'
NET SALES	-222,618	-226,243	-439,303	-449,475
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS	-222,618	-226,247	-439,303	-449,502
Gross profit	0	4	0	27
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	0	0	0	1
Other operating income, net	0	4	0	26
OPERATING INCOME	0	0	0	0
Interest Expense	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) in subsidiary	21,360	46,202	40,126	123,826
OTHER EXPENSE (INCOME), NET	0	0	0	0
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES	-21,360	-46,202	-40,126	-123,826
INCOME TAX EXPENSE	0	0	0	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent	-21,360	-46,202	-40,126	-123,826
Foreign currency translation gain	-306	-438	-1,452	-648
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent	($21,666)	($46,640)	($41,578)	($124,474)

Guarantor_Subsidiaries_Guarant2

Guarantor Subsidiaries Guarantor Cash Flow Statement (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 02, 2014	Aug. 03, 2013
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	$4,805	$36,533
Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	-59,466	-45,538
Distributions received	0	0
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	-10	-69
Net cash used in investing activities	-59,476	-45,607
Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	-752	-29
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	32	64
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	0	2,828
Repayments of intercompany loan	'	0
Borrowings under intercompany loan	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	-3,343	-15,756
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-4,063	-12,893
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	177	-80
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-58,557	-22,047
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	311,884	256,297
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	253,327	234,250
Express, Inc. [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-429	-827
Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Distributions received	3,703	14,682
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	3,703	14,682
Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	2,828
Repayments of intercompany loan	'	0
Borrowings under intercompany loan	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	-3,343	-15,756
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	-3,343	-12,928
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	0	0
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-69	927
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	1,984	938
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	1,915	1,865
Subsidiary Issuers [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	-43,434	5,135
Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	-15,746	-11,496
Distributions received	0	0
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	-10	-69
Net cash used in investing activities	-15,756	-11,565
Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	-752	-29
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	27	64
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	0
Repayments of intercompany loan	'	3,875
Borrowings under intercompany loan	-5,293	-5,114
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates	-3,703	-14,682
Net cash used in financing activities	-9,721	-15,886
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	0	0
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	-68,911	-22,316
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	283,707	230,174
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	214,796	207,858
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	47,617	30,253
Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	-41,414	-30,801
Distributions received	0	0
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-41,414	-30,801
Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	5	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	0
Repayments of intercompany loan	'	0
Borrowings under intercompany loan	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	5	0
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	0	0
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	6,208	-548
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	19,631	22,924
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	25,839	22,376
Other Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	1,051	1,972
Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	-2,306	-3,241
Distributions received	3,703	14,682
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	1,397	11,441
Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	0
Repayments of intercompany loan	'	-3,875
Borrowings under intercompany loan	5,293	5,114
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates	-3,703	-14,682
Net cash used in financing activities	1,590	-13,443
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	177	-80
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	4,215	-110
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	6,562	2,261
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	10,777	2,151
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]	'	'
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	0	0
Investing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Capital expenditures	0	0
Distributions received	-7,406	-29,364
Payments to Acquire Intangible Assets	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	-7,406	-29,364
Financing Activities [Abstract]	'	'
Payments on lease financing obligations	0	0
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	0	0
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	'	0
Repayments of intercompany loan	'	0
Borrowings under intercompany loan	0	0
Repurchase of common stock	0	0
Payments of Distributions to Affiliates	7,406	29,364
Net cash used in financing activities	7,406	29,364
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE ON CASH	0	0
NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, Beginning of period	0	0
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, End of period	$0	$0

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 03, 2013	Aug. 02, 2014	28-May-14	Feb. 01, 2014	24-May-12	Jun. 12, 2014
						Stockholder Rights Plan [Member]
Class of Warrant or Right [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock Repurchase Program, Number of Shares Authorized to be Repurchased	'	'	100,000,000	'	100,000,000	'
Treasury Stock, Shares, Acquired	600,000	'	'	'	'	'
Treasury Stock, Value, Acquired, Cost Method	$13.90	'	'	'	'	'
Number of securities called by each warrant	'	'	'	'	'	0.01
Preferred stock, par value	'	$0.01	'	$0.01	'	'
Exercise price	'	'	'	'	'	70