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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-Q
[X] QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED November 1, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROM ___________ TO ___________
COMMISSION FILE NUMBER 0-27920
Garden Botanika, Inc.
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(EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
Washington 91-1464962
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(STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF (IRS EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
INCORPORATION OR ORGANIZATION)
8624 154th Avenue NE
Redmond, Washington 98052
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(ADDRESS OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
(425) 881-9603
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(REGISTRANT'S TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE)
INDICATE BY CHECK MARK WHETHER THE REGISTRANT (1) HAS FILED ALL REPORTS REQUIRED
TO BE FILED BY SECTION 13 OR 15(D) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 DURING
THE PRECEDING 12 MONTHS (OR FOR SUCH SHORTER PERIOD THAT THE REGISTRANT WAS
REQUIRED TO FILE SUCH REPORTS), AND (2) HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO SUCH FILING
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE PAST 90 DAYS. YES [X] NO [ ]
THE REGISTRANT HAD 7,069,098 SHARES OF COMMON STOCK, $0.01 PAR VALUE,
OUTSTANDING AT November 1, 1997.
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GARDEN BOTANIKA, INC.
INDEX TO FORM 10-Q
PAGE
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION __________________________________________________ 3
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS___________________________________________ 3
Balance Sheets_________________________________________________ 10
Statements of Operations_______________________________________ 11
Statements of Cash Flows_______________________________________ 12
Notes to Financial Statements__________________________________ 13
ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF
OPERATIONS ____________________________________________________ 3
ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT
MARKET RISK ___________________________________________________ 7
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION_________________________________________________ 8
ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS _____________________________________________ 8
ITEM 2 - CHANGES IN SECURITIES _________________________________________ 8
ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES________________________________ 8
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY-HOLDERS- __________ 8
ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION______________________________________________ 8
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K ______________________________ 8
Exhibit 11 - Calculation of Earnings Per Common and
Common Equivalent Share________________________________________ 14
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION:
ITEM 1 - FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -
- ---------------------------------
The unaudited balance sheet as of November 1, 1997, audited balance
sheet as of February 1, 1997 and unaudited statements of operations and cash
flows of Garden Botanika, Inc. (the "Company") for the quarterly and nine-month
periods ended November 1, 1997 and November 2, 1996 are attached. Notes to the
unaudited financial statements are also attached.
ITEM 2 - MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS -
This discussion should be read in conjunction with the "Management's
Discussion and Analysis" section included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K
dated April 18, 1997, which has previously been filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission.
Certain statements in this discussion constitute "forward-looking
statements" and involve risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause
the Company's actual performance to be materially different from the performance
expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include, among others: (a)
the performance of its newer stores, including its larger Color Studio stores
and those stores in less developed markets; (b) fluctuations in comparable store
sales; (c) competition; (d) the Company's ability to identify and respond to
emerging industry trends, including the ability to successfully develop and
introduce new products and to maintain inventory levels appropriate for demand;
(e) the Company's ability to obtain targeted sales volumes through competitive
pricing at acceptable gross margins and to bring its mail order operations to
profitability; and (f) other factors set forth in the Company's Annual Report on
Form 10-K dated April 18, 1997 and other filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release
the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements that may be made
to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the
occurrence of unanticipated events.
The results of operations for the quarterly period ended November 1,
1997 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full
fiscal year. In each of the past three fiscal years, 45% to 49% of the Company's
annual net sales and all of its profits, if any, have been realized during its
fourth fiscal quarter, particularly during the November and December holiday
selling period. Although sales in the 1997 holiday selling period were
disappointing in November, and weak sales in December could have an adverse
effect on the Company's operations, the Company expects the general historical
pattern of fourth quarter sales to continue during the current fiscal year. The
Company's quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a
result of a variety of other factors, including, among others, the timing of new
store openings, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in
comparable store sales, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of
holidays, shifts in the timing and/or size of promotions and catalog mailings
and changes in the Company's product mix.
Primarily as a result of the large number of newer stores in less
developed markets and the effects of pricing changes and other costs associated
with the Company's 1997 re-merchandising program, including the set-up costs for
additional fixturing in most of its stores, the Company incurred larger net
losses during the first three quarters of fiscal 1997 than those incurred during
the comparable period of fiscal 1996. The Company's 1997 re-merchandising
program was undertaken primarily in the second quarter in order to strengthen
the visual appeal of the Company's stores and to improve in-stock levels and
store productivity. As part of that effort, the Company doubled the color range
of the cosmetics assortments in its traditional stores, introduced new floor
cosmetics tester fixtures in many stores, added additional floor fixtures in
virtually all stores, adjusted prices on many toiletries products and eliminated
a large number of items from its basic assortment.
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The Company had 278 stores in operation at November 1, 1997 compared to
230 stores at November 2, 1996 and 253 stores at February 1, 1997. The average
age of the Company's stores at November 1, 1997 was 27 months.
The Company reports on a 52/53-week year, consisting of four 13-week
quarters. The fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest the end of January.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS -
(a) COMPARISON OF THE QUARTERLY PERIODS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 1997 AND
NOVEMBER 2, 1996.
Net Sales. Net sales for the third quarter of fiscal 1997 were $21.28
million, compared to net sales of $17.68 million for the comparable prior
period, an increase of 20%. Store net sales increased $4.13 million, or 25%,
during the quarter, primarily due to the increase in the number of stores,
combined with a 2% increase in comparable store sales (sales for stores open at
least one complete fiscal year). The 2% increase in comparable store sales for
the quarter was driven by increases of 6% in August and 1% in October.
Comparable store sales were flat in September due, at least in part, to the
movement of a significant promotion from September in the prior year to October
in the current year. In the third quarter of fiscal 1996, comparable store sales
increased 4% in August and October and declined 2% in September.
Mail order net sales declined $532,000, or 46%, in the third quarter of
fiscal 1997 versus the comparable prior period. This decline was primarily
attributable to a planned reduction in mail order catalog circulation as the
Company significantly reduced the level of prospecting for new customers and
focused its primary mailing efforts on its more productive and cost-effective
list of customers who have previously purchased from its mail order catalogs.
Gross Margin. The dollar amount of gross margin decreased $938,000, or
14%, from the third quarter of fiscal 1996. As a percentage of net sales, gross
margin, which is net of buying and occupancy costs, was 26.8% in the third
quarter of fiscal 1997 versus 37.5% in the comparable prior period. Over half of
this decline was attributable to the effect of relatively fixed store occupancy
costs in the Company's newer classes of stores, which generally have lower sales
volumes. An additional one-third of this decline was attributable to reduced
product margin, reflecting both the Company's new toiletries pricing strategy
and its program to clear discontinued items from stock in connection with its
1997 re-merchandising program. In future periods, the new toiletries strategy
will continue to reduce gross margin relative to past levels. While the
clearance program was suspended in mid-September, the Company expects that
further clearance programs will be necessary from time to time for discontinued
items, to reduce inventory and to generate cash for the Company's operations.
Operating Expenses.
Stores and Catalog. The dollar amount of store and catalog expenses
increased by $545,000, or 7%, from the comparable prior period, primarily as a
result of the increase in the number of stores. As a percentage of net sales,
store and catalog expenses declined to 40.8% from 46.0% in the third quarter of
fiscal 1996. The decline in store expenses as a percentage of sales was
primarily attributable to a significant reduction in direct mail and mail order
expenses reflecting the planned reduction in prospecting and mail order
circulation. This reduction was partially offset by decreased leverage on store
expenses in the newer classes of stores which generally have lower sales
volumes.
General and Administrative. The dollar amount of general and
administrative expenses increased by $492,000, or 22%, from the comparable prior
period, primarily reflecting the effect of corporate and field level
infrastructure added since the end of third quarter 1996 to support the
Company's continued growth. As a percentage of net sales, general and
administrative expenses increased to 12.8% from 12.6% in the third quarter of
fiscal 1996.
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Preopening and Facility Relocation Expense. Preopening and facility
relocation expense ("Preopening Expense") was $179,000, or 0.8% of net sales, in
the third quarter of fiscal 1997, during which the Company opened nine stores
and wrote off the unamortized balance of leasehold improvements at one remodeled
store. In the third quarter of fiscal 1996, when the Company opened 44 stores
and wrote off the unamortized balance of leasehold improvements at two existing
stores which subsequently reopened in new and/or expanded locations, Preopening
Expense was $538,000, or 3.0% of net sales.
Operating Loss. For the reasons explained above, the Company's operating
loss increased 38%, from $4.27 million, or 24.1% of net sales, to $5.88 million,
or 27.6% of net sales in the respective quarters.
Interest (Expense) Income, net. Net interest expense during the third
quarter of fiscal 1997 was $35,000, or 0.2% of net sales, compared to net
interest income of $487,000, or 3.0% of net sales, during the comparable prior
period. This change reflects the effect of the Company's net use of cash in its
expansion program and its 1997 re-merchandising program, as well as in its
routine operations, since the prior third quarter.
Income Tax Provision. The Company did not record an income tax provision
for the third quarter of either fiscal 1997 or fiscal 1996 due to its pre-tax
losses.
Net Loss and Per Share Data. For the reasons explained above, the
Company's net loss increased 57%, from $3.78 million, or $0.53 per share, during
the third quarter of fiscal 1996 to $5.92 million, or $0.84 per share, during
the third quarter of fiscal 1997. There were approximately 7.07 million common
and common equivalent shares outstanding for both periods.
(b) COMPARISON OF THE NINE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 1997 AND
NOVEMBER 2, 1996.
Net Sales. Net sales for the first nine months of fiscal 1997 were
$70.08 million, compared to net sales of $51.24 million for the comparable prior
period, an increase of 37%. Store net sales increased $20.26 million, or 44%,
during the period, primarily due to the increase in the number of stores
combined with a 5% increase in comparable store sales. In the first nine months
of fiscal 1996, comparable store sales also increased 5%.
Mail order net sales declined $1.47 million, or 30%, in the first nine
months of fiscal 1997 versus the comparable prior period. This decline was
primarily attributable to a planned reduction in mail order catalog circulation
as the Company significantly reduced the level of prospecting for new customers
and focused its primary efforts on its more productive and cost effective list
of customers who have previously purchased from its mail order catalogs.
Gross Margin. The dollar amount of gross margin increased $2.03 million,
or 10%, from the first nine months of fiscal 1996, reflecting the effect of the
37% increase in net sales. As a percentage of net sales, gross margin was 32.1%
versus 39.9% in the comparable prior period. The decline in gross margin as a
percentage of net sales reflected primarily the effect of relatively fixed store
occupancy costs in the Company's newer classes of stores, as well as the
Company's change in toiletries pricing and its program to clear discontinued
items from stock in connection with its 1997 re-merchandising program.
Operating Expenses.
Stores and Catalog. The dollar amount of store and catalog expenses
increased by $5.86 million, or 27%, from the comparable prior period, primarily
as a result of the increase in the number of stores. As a percentage of net
sales, store and catalog expenses declined to 39.8% from 43.0% in the first nine
months of fiscal 1996. This decline was attributable to the reduction in mail
order expenses resulting from the planned reduction in mail order circulation,
partially offset by leverage on expenses in the Company's newer classes of
stores and by expenses associated with its 1997 re-merchandising program.
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General and Administrative. The dollar amount of general and
administrative expenses increased by $1.61 million, or 25%, from the comparable
prior period, primarily reflecting the effect of infrastructure added since the
end of third quarter 1996 to support the Company's continued growth. As a
percentage of net sales, general and administrative expenses declined from 12.4%
to 11.4%, with the change reflecting improved expense leverage associated with
sales growth.
Preopening and Facility Relocation Expense. Preopening Expense was
$283,000, or 0.4% of net sales, in the first nine months of fiscal 1997, during
which the Company opened 25 stores, completed the relocation and expansion of
two of its existing stores and finalized preopening costs associated with the 23
stores opened in the fourth quarter of fiscal 1996. In the comparable prior
period, when the Company opened 78 stores and relocated and expanded its primary
warehouse/distribution facility and three existing stores, Preopening Expense
was $1.14 million, or 2.2% of net sales.
Operating Loss. For the reasons explained above, the Company's operating
loss increased 50%, from $9.07 million to $13.64 million, in the respective
nine-month periods. Expressed as a percentage of net sales, the operating loss
increased to 19.5% from 17.7% in the comparable prior period.
Interest (Expense) Income, Net. Net interest income during the first
nine months of fiscal 1997 was $340,000, or 0.5% of net sales, compared to net
interest income of $617,000, or 1.2% of net sales, during the comparable prior
period. The decrease reflected the effect of the Company's net use of cash in
its 1997 expansion and Re-merchandising programs, as well as in its routine
operations during the first nine months of the year.
Income Tax Provision. The Company did not record an income tax provision
for the first nine months of either fiscal 1997 or fiscal 1996 due to its
pre-tax losses.
Net Loss and Per Share Data. For the reasons explained above, the
Company's net loss increased 57% from $8.45 million, or $1.45 per share, during
the first nine months of fiscal 1996 to $13.31 million, or $1.88 per share,
during the comparable 1997 period. There were approximately 7.07 million
weighted average common and common equivalent shares for the first nine months
of fiscal 1997, compared to approximately 5.84 million shares for the comparable
1996 period, an increase of 21% attributable to the Company's May 1996 initial
public offering.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES -
The Company began fiscal 1997 with cash and cash equivalents of $7.21
million and short-term investments of $20.43 million. During the first nine
months of the year, all short-term investments were liquidated to fund: (a) the
Company's net loss ($7.62 million net of depreciation and amortization); (b) a
$13.23 million increase in inventory primarily to support a commitment to higher
in-stock and customer service levels and the Company's 1997 re-merchandising
program; and (c) $12.43 million of fixed asset additions, related primarily to
store openings and the 1997 re-merchandising program.
Following the liquidation of short-term investments and uses of cash
described above, the Company ended the third quarter with cash and cash
equivalents of $1.37 million and checks drawn in excess of bank balances under
its integrated cash management program of $6.29 million.
During the third quarter, the Company renewed its working capital credit
facility with U.S. Bank (the "Bank"). The new facility, which expires on May 31,
1998, provides for a credit line of $10.00 million through January 31, 1998 and
$5.00 million thereafter. Borrowings under the new line bear interest at prime
plus 0.5%, are limited to 40% of eligible inventory and are secured by the
assets of the Company. Under the terms of the facility, the Company has agreed
to limit store openings during fiscal 1997 and the first four months of fiscal
1998 to no more than 30, is prohibited from paying dividends or incurring
additional indebtedness without the Bank's prior written consent and is, among
other requirements, obligated to maintain certain financial covenants. As of
November 1, 1997, the Company was in compliance with each of these requirements.
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The Company expects to continue to utilize the new credit facility
during the fourth quarter as it completes its 1997 store expansion program and
builds inventory in preparation for the holiday season. The Company believes
that anticipated cash flow from operations and borrowings under its credit
facility will be sufficient to satisfy its currently anticipated working capital
and capital expenditure requirements through fiscal 1998. The Company's capital
requirements may vary significantly from those anticipated, however, depending
particularly upon such factors as operating results; the number, type and timing
of new store openings; store development costs in the markets the Company
enters; and the extent of lessor construction allowances received. Depending on
these and other factors, the Company could be required to seek additional
sources of funds to support its ongoing operations in fiscal 1998 or
thereafter. There can be no assurance that such funds, if required, will be
available on satisfactory terms. Failure to obtain such financing could impair
its future business, financial condition and operating results. Following the
1997 holiday season, the Company intends to review the performance of all of
its stores and anticipates that, based on that review, a small number of its
poorly performing stores may be candidates for closure in fiscal 1998.
ITEM 3 - QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK -
The Company does not have investments in derivatives or financial
instruments at this time.
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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION:
ITEM 1 - LEGAL PROCEEDINGS -
See Item 3 of the Company's Form 10-K dated April 18, 1997, which is
incorporated by this reference herein.
ITEM 2 - CHANGES IN SECURITIES -
None.
ITEM 3 - DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES -
None
ITEM 4 - SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
ITEM 5 - OTHER INFORMATION -
None
ITEM 6 - EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K -
(a) Exhibits:
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION
11 Calculation of Earnings Per Common and Common Equivalent Share
(b) Reports on Form 8-K:
No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the third quarter of fiscal
1997.
27 Financial Data Schedule
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SIGNATURES:
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.
GARDEN BOTANIKA, INC.
Registrant
December 15, 1997 /s/ Michael W. Luce
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Date Michael W. Luce
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
December 15, 1997 /s/ George W. Newman
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Date George W. Newman
Corporate Controller
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)
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GARDEN BOTANIKA, INC.
BALANCE SHEETS
(UNAUDITED)
NOVEMBER 1, FEBRUARY 1,
1997 1997
--------- ---------
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 1,367 $ 7,205
Short-term investments 20,426
Inventories 32,168 18,940
Prepaid expenses:
Rent 1,503 1,238
Other 2,205 1,793
Receivable from lessors 883 2,633
Other 119 727
--------- ---------
Total current assets 38,245 52,962
Property and equipment:
Leasehold improvements 57,384 51,431
Furniture and equipment 15,493 9,016
Equipment under capital lease 261 261
--------- ---------
73,138 60,708
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (15,850) (10,168)
--------- ---------
Net property and equipment 57,288 50,540
Other assets 18 21
========= =========
Total assets $ 95,551 $ 103,523
========= =========
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Checks drawn in excess of bank balances $ 6,295 $ 6,600
Note payable to bank 3,400
Accounts payable 8,858 7,438
Accrued salaries, wages and benefits 1,807 1,366
Accrued sales tax 413 442
Other 741 801
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Total current liabilities 21,514 16,647
Deferred rent and other 2,841 2,420
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Total liabilities 24,355 19,067
Commitments
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value;
10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued and outstanding -- --
Common Stock, $.01 par value;
36,092,374 shares authorized; 7,069,098 issued and outstanding 98,558 98,513
Accumulated deficit (27,362) (14,057)
--------- ---------
Total shareholders' equity 71,196 84,456
Total liabilities & shareholders' equity $ 95,551 $ 103,523
========= =========
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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GARDEN BOTANIKA, INC.
STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(AMOUNTS IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
(UNAUDITED)
------------------------------------------------------------------
QUARTER ENDED NINE MONTHS ENDED
------------------------------ -----------------------------
NOVEMBER 1, NOVEMBER 2, NOVEMBER 1, NOVEMBER 2,
1997 1996 1997 1996
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
Net sales $ 21,284 $ 17,682 $ 70,075 $ 51,245
Cost of sales (including buying and occupancy costs 15,589 11,049 47,569 30,773
-------- -------- -------- --------
Gross margin 5,695 6,633 22,506 20,472
Operating expenses:
Stores and catalog 8,680 8,135 27,899 22,037
General and administrative 2,719 2,227 7,969 6,360
Preopening and facility relocation expenses 179 538 283 1,144
-------- -------- -------- --------
Operating loss (5,883) (4,267) (13,645) (9,069)
Interest (expense) income, net (35) 487 340 617
-------- -------- -------- --------
Net loss $ (5,918) $ (3,780) $(13,305) $ (8,452)
======== ======== ======== ========
Net loss per share $ (0.84) $ (0.53) $ (1.88) $ (1.45)
Weighted average common and common
equivalent shares 7,069 7,067 7,069 5,839
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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GARDEN BOTANIKA, INC.
STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(amounts in thousands)
(UNAUDITED)
NINE MONTHS ENDED
--------------------------
NOVEMBER 1, NOVEMBER 2,
1997 1996
----------- -----------
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $(13,305) $ (8,452)
----------- -----------
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 5,682 3,493
Loss on retirement of property and equipment -- 236
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventories (13,228) (9,723)
Prepaid rent and other assets 1,684 (3,332)
Accounts payable and checks drawn in excess of bank balances 1,115 7,505
Accrued expenses 352 1,353
Deferred rent and other 421 541
----------- -----------
Total adjustments (3,974) 73
----------- -----------
Net cash used by operating activities (17,279) (8,379)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Redemption (purchase) of short-term investments 20,426 (19,506)
Additions to property and equipment (12,430) (17,753)
----------- -----------
Net cash provided (used by) investing activities 7,996 (37,259)
----------- -----------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Sale of stock -- 56,191
Advances (payments) on note payable to bank 3,400 (2,540)
Other, net 45 56
----------- -----------
Net cash provided by financing activities 3,445 53,707
----------- -----------
(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents (5,838) 8,069
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period 7,205 1,308
----------- -----------
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 1,367 $ 9,377
=========== ===========
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid for interest $ 5 $ 302
Cash paid for income taxes $ -- $ --
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
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GARDEN BOTANIKA, INC.
NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOVEMBER 1, 1997 (UNAUDITED)
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1. The accompanying unaudited financial statements include the accounts of
Garden Botanika, Inc. (the "Company"), a Washington corporation. These financial
statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles for interim financial reporting and pursuant to the rules and
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission. While these statements
reflect all normal recurring adjustments which are, in the opinion of
management, necessary for fair presentation of the results of the interim
period, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by
generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. For
further information, refer to the financial statements and footnotes thereto
included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K dated April 18, 1997, which
has previously been filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
2. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and
assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the
disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial
statements, as well as the amounts of revenues and expenses reported during the
period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
3. The results of operations for the quarterly period ended November 1, 1997
are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal
year. In each of the past three fiscal years, 45% to 49% of the Company's annual
net sales and all of its profits, if any, have been realized during its fourth
fiscal quarter, particularly during the November and December holiday selling
period. Although sales in the 1997 holiday selling period were disappointing in
November, and weak sales in December could have an adverse effect on the
Company's operations, the Company expects the general historical pattern of
fourth quarter sales to continue during the current fiscal year. The Company's
quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of
a variety of other factors, including, among others, the timing of new store
openings, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in
comparable store sales, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of
holidays, shifts in the timing of promotions and catalog mailings and changes in
the Company's product mix.
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