EXHIBIT 10.19 FOURTH AMENDMENT TO EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT DATED MARCH 25, 1993 Reference is made to the Executive Employment Agreement dated as of March 25, 1993, as amended by an Amendment dated June 6, 1994, a Second Amendment dated July 14, 1995 and a Third Amendment dated March 7, 1996 (the "Agreement") by and between J. Baker, Inc. and Jerry M. Socol. Pursuant to paragraph 19 of the Agreement and in order to amend certain provisions of the Agreement, the Agreement is hereby amended as follows: 1. Paragraph 6 of the Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the phrase "ending on April 1, 1997" in the fifth line thereof and inserting in its place the phrase "ending on April 1, 1998". 2. All other terms of the Agreement shall remain unchanged and continue in full force and effect. J. BAKER, INC. By:/s/ Sherman N. Baker April 5, 1996 Sherman N. Baker Date Chairman of the Board of Directors /s/ Jerry M. Socol April 5, 1996 Jerry M. Socol Date