form10qoct302010.htm
 
 




 
UNITED STATES
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 October 30, 2010

Or

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ______________ to _______________


Commission File No. 000-07258

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 
PENNSYLVANIA
 
23-1721355
 
 
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 

 
3750 STATE ROAD, BENSALEM, PA 19020
 
(215) 245-9100
 
 
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
 
(Registrant’s telephone number, including Area Code)
 

NOT APPLICABLE
(Former name, former address, and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

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 o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files):
 
Yes x  No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
 
Large Accelerated Filer  x
Accelerated Filer  o
Non-accelerated Filer  o
Smaller Reporting Company  o
 

 


 
 


Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act):
 
Yes o  No x

The number of shares outstanding of the issuer’s Common Stock (par value $.10 per share) as of November 29, 2010 was 115,470,106 shares.
















































 
 


CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
TABLE OF CONTENTS

   
Page
     
PART I.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION                                                                                                                    
2
     
Item 1.
2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
 
2
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)
 
 
3
 
4
     
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)
 
 
5
     
 
6
     
Item 2.
20
     
 
20
     
 
24
     
 
24
     
 
26
     
 
27
     
 
41
     
 
42
     
 
45
     
 
46
     
Item 3.
46
     
Item 4.
46
     
PART II.
47
     
Item 1.
47
     
Item 1A.
47
     
Item 2.
48
     
Item 6.
48
     
 
50
     
 
51




 
1


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


   
October 30,
   
January 30,
 
(In thousands, except share amounts)
 
2010
   
2010
 
   
(Unaudited)
       
             
ASSETS
           
Current assets
           
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 104,157     $ 186,580  
Available-for-sale securities
    0       200  
Accounts receivable, net of allowances of $1,737 and $5,345
    5,441       33,647  
Merchandise inventories
    394,508       267,525  
Deferred taxes
    7,826       5,897  
Prepayments and other
    109,345       128,053  
Total current assets                                                                                   
    621,277       621,902  
                 
Property, equipment, and leasehold improvements – at cost
    1,029,933       1,026,815  
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization
    745,906       721,732  
Net property, equipment, and leasehold improvements
    284,027       305,083  
                 
Trademarks, tradenames, and internet domain names
    187,132       187,132  
Goodwill
    23,436       23,436  
Other assets
    18,271       24,104  
Total assets
  $ 1,134,143     $ 1,161,657  
                 
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
               
Current liabilities
               
Accounts payable
  $ 176,922     $ 126,867  
Accrued expenses
    145,840       153,175  
Current portion – long-term debt
    6,477       6,265  
Total current liabilities                                                                                   
    329,239       286,307  
                 
Deferred taxes
    54,291       52,683  
Other non-current liabilities
    173,731       186,175  
Long-term debt, net of debt discount of $26,396 and $42,105
    133,196       171,558  
                 
Stockholders’ equity
               
Common Stock $.10 par value:
               
Authorized – 300,000,000 shares
               
Issued – 154,086,753 shares and 154,234,657 shares
    15,409       15,423  
Additional paid-in capital
    507,515       505,033  
Treasury stock at cost – 38,617,180 shares and 38,571,746 shares
    (348,400 )     (348,241 )
Retained earnings
    269,162       292,719  
Total stockholders’ equity                                                                                   
    443,686       464,934  
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
  $ 1,134,143     $ 1,161,657  
   
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 




 
2



CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)


   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net sales
  $ 463,619     $ 460,237  
                 
Cost of goods sold
    221,918       223,421  
Gross profit
    241,701       236,816  
                 
Occupancy and buying expenses
    92,687       95,020  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    145,016       135,479  
Depreciation and amortization
    16,367       18,260  
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs
    0       13,379  
Restructuring and other charges
    3,234       14,746  
Total operating expenses
    257,304       276,884  
                 
Loss from operations
    (15,603 )     (40,068 )
                 
Other income
    442       198  
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
    0       1,264  
Interest expense
    (3,790 )     (4,822 )
                 
Loss before income taxes
    (18,951 )     (43,428 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision
    (141 )     4,934  
                 
Net loss
  $ (18,810 )   $ (48,362 )
                 
Basic net loss per share
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.42 )
                 
Diluted net loss per share
  $ (0.16 )   $ (0.42 )
   
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 



















 
3



CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(Unaudited)


   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Net sales
  $ 1,485,988     $ 1,525,590  
                 
Cost of goods sold
    718,575       737,340  
Gross profit
    767,413       788,250  
                 
Occupancy and buying expenses
    276,791       297,660  
Selling, general, and administrative expenses
    451,168       427,260  
Depreciation and amortization
    50,115       57,534  
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs
    0       13,379  
Restructuring and other charges
    4,742       31,219  
Total operating expenses
    782,816       827,052  
                 
Loss from operations
    (15,403 )     (38,802 )
                 
Other income
    976       679  
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
    1,907       12,828  
Interest expense
    (12,360 )     (14,327 )
                 
Loss before income taxes
    (24,880 )     (39,622 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision
    (1,323 )     10,318  
                 
Net loss
    (23,557 )     (49,940 )
                 
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax
               
Unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities
    0       (5 )
                 
Comprehensive loss
  $ (23,557 )   $ (49,945 )
                 
Basic net loss per share
  $ (0.20 )   $ (0.43 )
                 
Diluted net loss per share
  $ (0.20 )   $ (0.43 )
   
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 














 
4


CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(Unaudited)

   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
 
             
Operating activities
           
Net loss
  $ (23,557 )   $ (49,940 )
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by operating activities
               
Depreciation and amortization                                                                                                     
    51,593       58,908  
Stock-based compensation                                                                                                     
    3,666       4,301  
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs                                                                                                     
    0       13,379  
Accretion of discount on 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes                                                                                                     
    5,615       7,786  
Deferred income taxes                                                                                                     
    (321 )     2,536  
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes                                                                                                     
    (1,907 )     (12,828 )
Write-down of capital assets                                                                                                     
    0       8,935  
Net loss from disposition of capital assets                                                                                                     
    723       182  
Net gain from securitization activities                                                                                                     
    0       (2,465 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
               
Accounts receivable, net                                                                                                 
    28,206       29,200  
Merchandise inventories                                                                                                 
    (126,983 )     (66,320 )
Accounts payable                                                                                                 
    50,055       63,622  
Prepayments and other                                                                                                 
    20,064       (13,369 )
Accrued expenses and other
    (21,071 )     5,395  
Proceeds from sale of retained interests in proprietary credit card receivables
    0       85,050  
Net cash provided/(used) by operating activities
    (13,917 )     134,372  
                 
Investing activities
               
Investment in capital assets
    (29,217 )     (16,313 )
Proceeds from sale of certificates related to proprietary credit card receivables
    0       51,250  
Proceeds from sales of capital assets
    318       1,719  
Gross purchases of securities
    0       (2,448 )
Proceeds from sales of securities
    200       8,588  
Decrease in other assets
    2,900       4,357  
Net cash provided/(used) by investing activities
    (25,799 )     47,153  
                 
Financing activities
               
Repayments of long-term borrowings
    (4,674 )     (5,076 )
Repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
    (38,260 )     (39,323 )
Payments of deferred financing costs
    0       (7,308 )
Net payments for settlements of hedges on convertible notes
    0       (31 )
Net proceeds from shares issued under employee stock plans
    227       398  
Net cash used by financing activities
    (42,707 )     (51,340 )
                 
Increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (82,423 )     130,185  
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period
    186,580       93,759  
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period
  $ 104,157     $ 223,944  
                 
See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 







 
5

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(Unaudited)



Note 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

The accompanying interim unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  In our opinion, we have made all adjustments (which, except as otherwise disclosed in these notes, include only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations and comprehensive income, and cash flows.  We have condensed or omitted certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles.  These financial statements and related notes should be read in conjunction with our financial statements and related notes included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.  The results of operations for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009 are not necessarily indicative of operating results for the full fiscal year.  As used in these notes, the terms “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Charming Shoppes, Inc. and, where applicable, our consolidated subsidiaries.

Segment Reporting

We operate and report in two segments: Retail Stores and Direct-to-Consumer.  We determine our operating segments based on the way our chief operating decision-makers review our results of operations.  Additional information regarding our segment reporting is included in “Note 11. Segment Reporting” below.


Note 2. Accounts Receivable

Accounts receivable consist of trade receivables from sales through our FIGI’S® catalog and website.  Details of our accounts receivable are as follows:

   
October 30,
   
January 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2010
 
             
Due from customers
  $ 7,178     $ 38,992  
Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (1,737 )     (5,345 )
Net accounts receivable
  $ 5,441     $ 33,647  


Note 3. Long-term Debt

   
October 30,
   
January 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2010
 
             
1.125% Senior Convertible Notes, due May 2014
  $ 140,451     $ 189,636  
Capital lease obligations
    7,607       10,116  
6.07% mortgage note, due October 2014
    9,223       9,777  
6.53% mortgage note, due November 2012
    2,800       3,850  
7.77% mortgage note, due December 2011
    5,988       6,549  
Total long-term debt principal
    166,069       219,928  
Less unamortized discount on 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
    (26,396 )     (42,105 )
Long-term debt – carrying value
    139,673       177,823  
Current portion
    (6,477 )     (6,265 )
Net long-term debt
  $ 133,196     $ 171,558  

 
6

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 3. Long-term Debt (Continued)

During the Fiscal 2010 Second Quarter we repurchased $49,185,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.125% Notes with $10,094,000 of unamortized discount for a purchase price of $38,260,000 and recognized a gain of $1,907,000, net of unamortized issue costs.  During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we repurchased $17,508,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.125% Notes with $4,145,000 of unamortized discount for a purchase price of $12,706,000 and recognized a gain of $1,264,000, net of unamortized issue costs.  During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 we repurchased $69,243,000 aggregate principal amount of 1.125% Notes with $17,165,000 of unamortized discount for a purchase price of $39,323,000 and recognized a gain of $12,828,000, net of unamortized issue costs.  In conjunction with these repurchases we unwound a portion of our positions in the warrants and call options that we had sold and purchased in Fiscal 2007 to hedge the impact of the convertible debt, which had an immaterial impact on our consolidated financial statements.

We have a loan and security agreement (the “Agreement”) for a $225,000,000 senior secured revolving credit facility that provides for committed revolving credit availability through July 31, 2012.  The amount of credit available from time to time under the Agreement is determined as a percentage of the value of eligible inventory, accounts receivable, and cash, as reduced by certain reserves.  In addition, the Agreement includes an option allowing us to increase our credit facility up to $300,000,000, based on certain terms and conditions.  The credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, and provides that up to $100,000,000 of the $225,000,000 may be used for letters of credit.

The Agreement provides for borrowings under either “Base Rate” loans or “Eurodollar Rate” loans.  Borrowings under Base Rate loans will generally accrue interest at a margin ranging from 2.75% to 3.25% over the Base Rate (as defined in the Agreement) and Eurodollar Rate loans will generally accrue interest at a margin ranging from 3.75% to 4.25% over the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”).  As of October 30, 2010 the applicable rates under the facility were 6.00% (Base Rate plus 2.75%) for Base Rate Loans and 4.00% (LIBOR plus 3.75%) for 30-day Eurodollar Rate Loans.

The Agreement provides for customary representations and warranties and affirmative covenants.  The Agreement also contains customary negative covenants providing limitations, subject to negotiated exceptions, for sales of assets; encumbrances; indebtedness; loans, advances and investments; acquisitions; guarantees; new subsidiaries; dividends and redemptions; transactions with affiliates; changes in business; limitations or restrictions affecting subsidiaries; credit card agreements; proprietary credit cards; and changes in control of certain of our subsidiaries.  If at any time “Excess Availability” (as defined in the Agreement) is less than $40,000,000 then, in each month in which Excess Availability is less than $40,000,000, we will be required to maintain a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1 for the then preceding twelve-month fiscal period.  The Agreement also provides for certain rights and remedies if there is an occurrence of one or more events of default under the terms of the Agreement.  Under certain conditions the maximum amount available under the Agreement may be reduced or terminated by the lenders and the obligation to repay amounts outstanding under the Agreement may be accelerated.

In connection with the Agreement we executed an Amended and Restated Guaranty (the “Amended Guaranty”).  Pursuant to the Amended Guaranty, we and most of our subsidiaries jointly and severally guaranteed the borrowings and obligations under the Agreement, subject to standard insolvency limitations.  Under the Amended Guaranty, collateral for the borrowings under the Agreement consists of pledges by us and certain of our subsidiaries of the capital stock of each such entity’s subsidiaries.  The Agreement also provides for a security interest in substantially all of our assets excluding, among other things, equipment, real property, and stock or other equity and assets of excluded subsidiaries.  Excluded subsidiaries are not Guarantors under the Agreement and the Amended Guaranty.

 
7

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 3. Long-term Debt (Continued)

As of October 30, 2010 we had an aggregate total of $4,301,000 of unamortized deferred debt acquisition costs related to the facility that will be amortized on a straight-line basis over the life of the facility as interest expense.  There were no borrowings outstanding under the facility as of October 30, 2010.


Note 4. Stockholders’ Equity

The following table summarizes changes in total stockholders’ equity for the period indicated:

   
Thirty-nine
 
   
Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
 
(Dollars in thousands)
 
2010
 
       
Total stockholders’ equity, beginning of period
  $ 464,934  
Net loss
    (23,557 )
Issuance of common stock (370,846 shares), net of shares withheld for payroll taxes
    227  
Equity component of repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
    (1,584 )
Stock-based compensation
    3,666  
Total stockholders’ equity, end of period
  $ 443,686  


Note 5. Stock-based Compensation Plans

Through June 24, 2010 we had various stock-based compensation plans under which we were granting awards, which are more fully described in “Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 10.  Stock-Based Compensation Plans” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.  Grants of stock-based compensation consisted primarily of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) and restricted stock units (“RSUs”).

On April 28, 2010 our Board of Directors approved, and on June 24, 2010 our shareholders approved, our 2010 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “2010 Plan”).  The 2010 Plan replaces our 2004 Stock Award and Incentive Plan (the “2004 Plan”) and no new awards will be granted under the 2004 Plan.  Shares for equity awards to our non-employee directors under our 2003 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan (the “2003 Plan”), including grants of awards in Fiscal 2010, will also be drawn from the 2010 Plan and no further awards will be granted from remaining shares which were reserved under the 2003 Plan.  In addition, no further awards will be granted under our 1988 Key Employee Stock Option Plan (the “1988 Plan”).

The number of shares reserved for issuance under the 2010 Plan consist of 4,000,000 shares plus (i) 2,414,004 shares remaining available under the 2004 Plan, which have been transferred to the 2010 plan, and (ii) shares subject to outstanding awards under the 2004 Plan and predecessor plans (2000 Associates’ Stock Incentive Plan, 1999 Associates’ Stock Incentive Plan, and 1993 Employees’ Stock Incentive Plan) that are canceled, forfeited, or otherwise become available under the share recapture provisions of the 2010 Plan.  Unissued shares remaining available under the 2003 Plan and 1988 Plan as of June 24, 2010 will not be added to the shares authorized under the 2010 Plan.




 
8

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 5. Stock-based Compensation Plans (Continued)

The 2010 Plan provides for a broad range of awards, including stock options; SARs; RSUs; restricted stock awards (“RSAs”); deferred stock; other stock-based awards; dividend equivalents; performance shares or other stock-based performance awards; cash-based performance awards; and shares issuable in lieu of rights to cash compensation.  Stock options include both incentive stock options and non-qualified stock options.  Executive officers and other employees of Charming Shoppes, Inc. and its subsidiaries, non-employee directors, consultants, and others who provide substantial services to us are eligible for awards under the 2010 Plan.

The 2010 Plan includes a limitation on the amount of awards that may be granted to any one participant in a given fiscal year in order to qualify awards as “performance-based” compensation not subject to the limitation on deductibility under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.  The 2010 Plan does not allow the amendment or replacement of options or SARs previously granted under the 2010 Plan in a transaction that constitutes a “re-pricing” under generally accepted accounting principles without shareholder approval and does not authorize loans to participants.

Additional information related to the 2010 Plan is as follows:

   
Thirty-nine
 
   
Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
 
   
2010
 
       
RSAs/RSUs granted
    316,992  
Weighted average market price at date of grant
    $3.77  
RSAs/RSUs outstanding at end of period
    316,992  

Stock option and stock appreciation rights activity under our various stock-based compensation plans for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 was as follows:

         
Average
         
Aggregate
 
   
Option/
   
Option/
         
Intrinsic
 
   
SARs
   
SARs
   
Option/SARs
   
Value(1)
 
   
Shares
   
Price
   
Prices per Share
      (000’s )
                                       
Outstanding at January 30, 2010
    7,076,953     $ 2.92     $ 0.99         $ 13.84     $ 20,421  
Granted exercise price equal to market price
    1,011,625       5.08       3.83           6.62          
Canceled/forfeited
    (1,887,097 )     3.56       1.00           11.28          
Exercised
    (27,464 )     1.54       1.00           2.93       63 (2)
Outstanding at October 30, 2010
    6,174,017     $ 3.09     $ 0.99         $ 13.84       2,481  
Exercisable at October 30, 2010
    1,344,120     $ 3.93     $ 1.00         $ 13.84       0  
____________________
 
(1)   Aggregate market value less aggregate exercise price.
 
(2)   As of date of exercise.
 



 
9

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 5. Stock-based Compensation Plans (Continued)

Shares available for future grants under our stock-based compensation plans as of October 30, 2010 were as follows:

2010 Stock Award and Incentive Plan
    6,624,256  
1994 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
    450,242  

During the Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter and the Fiscal 2008 Second Quarter we granted cash-settled RSUs under our 2003 Non-Employee Directors Compensation Plan.  We accounted for these cash-settled RSUs as liabilities and recognized compensation expense over the vesting period of one year from the date of grant.  Total compensation expense for these cash-settled RSUs has been fully recognized as of the Fiscal 2010 Second Quarter.

Total stock-based compensation expense was as follows:

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Stock-based compensation expense, excluding cash-settled RSUs
  $ 1,656     $ 1,327     $ 3,666     $ 4,301  
Stock-based compensation expense, cash-settled RSUs
    0       199       4       761  
Total stock-based compensation expense
  $ 1,656     $ 1,526     $ 3,670     $ 5,062  

We use the Black-Scholes valuation model to estimate the fair value of stock options and stock appreciation rights.  We amortize stock-based compensation on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of an award except for awards that include a market condition, which are amortized on a graded vesting basis over their derived service period.  Estimates and assumptions we use under the Black-Scholes model are more fully described in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies; Stock-based Compensation of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

Total stock-based compensation expense not yet recognized, related to the non-vested portion of stock options, stock appreciation rights, and awards outstanding, was $7,935,000 as of October 30, 2010.  The weighted-average period over which we expect to recognize this compensation expense is approximately 3 years.


Note 6. Customer Loyalty Card Programs

We offer our customers various loyalty card programs.  Customers that join these programs are entitled to various benefits, including discounts and rebates on purchases during the membership period.  Customers join some of these programs by paying an annual membership fee.  For these programs, we recognize revenue as a component of net sales over the life of the membership period based on when the customer earns the benefits and when the fee is no longer refundable.  We recognize costs in connection with administering these programs as cost of goods sold when incurred.





 
10

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 6. Customer Loyalty Card Programs (Continued)

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Loyalty card revenues recognized
  $ 4,644     $ 4,836     $ 13,860     $ 14,810  

Accrued expenses include $2,428,000 as of October 30, 2010 and $3,161,000 as of January 30, 2010 for the estimated costs of discounts earned and coupons issued and not yet redeemed under these programs.


Note 7. Net Loss per Share

   
Thirteen Weeks Ended
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
   
October 30,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2009
   
2010
   
2009
 
                         
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
    115,794       115,816       115,832       115,536  
                                 
Net loss used to determine basic and diluted net loss per share
  $ (18,810 )   $ (48,362 )   $ (23,557 )   $ (49,940 )

Stock options, SARs, and awards are excluded from the computation of diluted net loss per share as their effect would have been anti-dilutive.  Our 1.125% Notes will not impact our diluted net income per share until the price of our common stock exceeds the conversion price of $15.379 per share because we expect to settle the principal amount of the 1.125% Notes in cash upon conversion.  Our call options are not included in the diluted net income per share calculation as their effect would be anti-dilutive.  See “Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 8. Long-term Debt” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for further information regarding our 1.125% Notes, call options, and warrants.


Note 8. Income Taxes

We calculate our interim tax provision/(benefit) in accordance with the provisions of ASC 740-270, “Income Taxes; Interim Reporting.”  Due to the variability in pre-tax income/(loss) that we have experienced and the existence of a full valuation allowance on our net deferred tax assets, we have concluded that computing our actual year-to-date effective tax rate (as opposed to estimating our annual effective tax rate) provides an appropriate basis for recording income taxes in our interim periods.  Additionally, we record an income tax expense or benefit that does not relate to ordinary income/(loss) in the current fiscal year discretely in the interim period in which it occurs.  We also recognize the effect of changes in enacted tax laws or rates in the interim periods in which the changes occur.

In computing the income tax provision/(benefit) we make certain estimates and management judgments, such as estimated annual taxable income or loss, the nature and timing of permanent and temporary differences between taxable income for financial reporting and tax reporting, and the recoverability of deferred tax assets.  Our estimates and assumptions may change as new events occur, additional information is obtained, or as the tax environment changes.



 
11

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 8. Income Taxes (Continued)

In accordance with ASC 740, “Income Taxes,” we recognize deferred tax assets for temporary differences that will result in deductible amounts in future years and for net operating loss (“NOL”) and credit carryforwards.  ASC 740 requires recognition of a valuation allowance to reduce deferred tax assets if, based on existing facts and circumstances, it is more-likely-than-not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized.  During Fiscal 2008 we evaluated our assumptions regarding the recoverability of our deferred tax assets.  Based on all available evidence we determined that the recoverability of our deferred tax assets is more-likely-than-not limited to our available tax loss carrybacks.  Accordingly, we established a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets.  During Fiscal 2009 we increased the valuation allowance and recognized an additional non-cash provision, net of a tax benefit resulting from the carryback of remaining Fiscal 2008 NOLs pursuant to H.R. 3548, the “Worker, Homeownership, and Business Assistance Act of 2009,” which was signed into law on November 6, 2009.  In future periods we will continue to recognize a valuation allowance until such time as the certainty of future tax benefits can be reasonably assured.  Pursuant to ASC 740, when our results of operations demonstrate a pattern of future profitability the valuation allowance may be adjusted, which would result in the reinstatement of all or a part of the net deferred tax assets.

Income taxes receivable, net, which primarily include available NOL carrybacks for Fiscal 2009 and Fiscal 2008 and amended return receivables and are included in “Prepayments and other” on our condensed consolidated balance sheets, were as follows:

   
October 30,
   
January 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2010
 
             
Income taxes receivable, net
  $ 8,957     $ 50,609  

The reduction in income taxes receivable during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 was principally a result of the receipt of $44,968,000 of Federal tax refunds that related primarily to our NOL carryback for Fiscal 2008 and an amended return.

As of October 30, 2010 our gross unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions were $29,704,000.  If recognized, the portion of the liabilities for gross unrecognized tax benefits that would decrease our provision for income taxes and increase our net income was $20,421,000.  The accrued interest and penalties as of October 30, 2010 were $16,045,000.

During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010 the gross unrecognized tax benefits decreased by $70,000 and the portion of the liabilities for gross unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would decrease our provision for income taxes and increase our net income increased by $271,000.  Accrued interest and penalties decreased by $2,026,000 during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.

As of October 30, 2010 it is reasonably possible that the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits will decrease within the next twelve months by as much as $4,021,000 as a result of resolutions of audits related to U.S. Federal and state tax positions.






 
12

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 8. Income Taxes (Continued)

Our U.S. Federal income tax returns for Fiscal 2004 and beyond remain subject to examination by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) due to statute of limitations and the filing of amended returns and NOL carryback claims.  We file returns in numerous state jurisdictions, with varying statutes of limitations.  Our state tax returns for Fiscal 2005 and subsequent years, depending upon the jurisdiction, generally remain subject to examination.  The statute of limitations on a limited number of returns for years prior to Fiscal 2005 has been extended by agreement between us and the particular state jurisdiction.  The earliest year still subject to examination by state tax authorities is Fiscal 1998.


Note 9. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs

During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we sold our proprietary credit card receivables programs to World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”), a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“Alliance Data”).  The transaction consisted of the sale of our proprietary credit card portfolio, along with certain other assets and liabilities that are required to support these credit card programs, including our consolidated balance sheet asset “Investment in asset-backed securities.”  We also entered into operating agreements with Alliance Data for the provision of private-label credit card programs for our customers.

We received net cash proceeds of $136,300,000 related to the transaction and recognized one-time net charges as a result of the sale of $13,379,000 for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009, primarily related to contract termination, transaction, severance, and retention costs.  The components of the investment in asset-backed securities comprising the net sales proceeds were $51,250,000 of outstanding trust certificates owned by Charming Shoppes Receivables Corp. and $85,050,000 of retained interests in our proprietary credit card receivables.  The sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs is more fully described in “Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 12. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.


Note 10. Asset Securitization

Prior to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see Note 9. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs” above), our proprietary credit card receivables were originated by Spirit of America National Bank (the “Bank”), our wholly-owned credit card bank under our asset securitization program.  The Bank transferred its interest in the receivables associated with the proprietary credit card receivables programs to the Charming Shoppes Master Trust (the “Trust”), an unconsolidated qualified special-purpose entity (“QSPE”).  The operations of our asset securitization program prior to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs are more fully described in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; “Note 17. Asset Securitization” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.  See “Note 13. Fair Value Measurements” below for further information related to our certificates and retained interests in our securitized receivables prior to the sale of the proprietary credit card receivables programs.







 
13

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 10. Asset Securitization (Continued)

The following table presents additional information relating to the receivables in our Trust through October 30, 2009 (the date of sale of the proprietary credit card receivables programs):

   
Thirteen
   
Thirty-nine
 
   
Weeks Ended
   
Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
October 31,
 
(In thousands)
 
2009
   
2009
 
             
Proceeds from sales of new receivables to QSPE
  $ 170,867     $ 530,544  
Collections reinvested in revolving-period securitizations
    203,385       667,611  
Cash flows received on retained interests
    25,295       68,326  
Servicing fees received
    2,340       7,228  
Net credit losses
    14,442       37,035  


Note 11. Segment Reporting

We operate and report in two segments: Retail Stores and Direct-to-Consumer.  We determine our operating segments based on the way our chief operating decision-makers review our results of operations.  We consider our retail stores and store-related e-commerce as operating segments that are similar in terms of economic characteristics, production processes, and operations.  Accordingly, we have aggregated our retail stores and store-related e-commerce into a single reporting segment (the “Retail Stores” segment). Our catalog and catalog-related e-commerce operations are separately reported under the Direct-to-Consumer segment.  Further information regarding our operating segments is included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 19. Segment Reporting” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we completed the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs.  As a result of the sale, we began to allocate the operating results of our credit card operations, including revenue from our customer loyalty programs, to the Retail Stores segment.  Accordingly, we have restated the results of the Retail Stores and Corporate and Other segments for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009 to reflect this change in how our chief operating decision-makers evaluate the performance of our operating segments.

Selected financial information for our operations by reportable segment and a reconciliation of the information by segment to our consolidated totals is included in the table on the following page.











 
14

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 11. Segment Reporting (Continued)

   
Retail
   
Direct-to-
   
Corporate
       
(In thousands)
 
Stores
   
Consumer
   
and Other
   
Consolidated
 
                         
Thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010
                       
Net sales
  $ 453,901     $ 9,718     $ 0     $ 463,619  
Depreciation and amortization
    13,214       216       2,937       16,367  
Loss from operations
    15,214       (2,944 )     (27,873 )(1)     (15,603 )
Net interest expense and other income
                    (3,348 )     (3,348 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision
                    (141 )     (141 )
Net loss
    15,214       (2,944 )     (31,080 )     (18,810 )
Capital expenditures
    7,434       274       4,925       12,633  
                                 
Thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2009
                               
Net sales
  $ 450,818     $ 9,419     $ 0     $ 460,237  
Depreciation and amortization
    14,676       352       3,232       18,260  
Loss from operations
    17,633       (2,592 )     (55,109 )(2)     (40,068 )
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
                    1,264       1,264  
Net interest expense and other income
                    (4,624 )     (4,624 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision
                    4,934       4,934  
Net loss
    17,633       (2,592 )     (63,403 )     (48,362 )
Capital expenditures
    2,426       0       4,121       6,547  
                                 
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010
                               
Net sales
  $ 1,458,194     $ 27,794     $ 0     $ 1,485,988  
Depreciation and amortization
    39,970       811       9,334       50,115  
Loss from operations
    57,282       (7,853 )     (64,832 )(3)     (15,403 )
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
                    1,907       1,907  
Net interest expense and other income
                    (11,384 )     (11,384 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision
                    (1,323 )     (1,323 )
Net loss
    57,282       (7,853 )     (72,986 )     (23,557 )
Capital expenditures
    15,591       354       13,272       29,217  
                                 
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009
                               
Net sales
  $ 1,489,978     $ 35,222     $ 390 (4)   $ 1,525,590  
Depreciation and amortization
    44,517       1,021       11,996       57,534  
Loss from operations
    95,100       (12,936 )     (120,966 )(5)     (38,802 )
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
                    12,828       12,828  
Net interest expense and other income
                    (13,648 )     (13,648 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision
                    10,318       10,318  
Net loss
    95,100       (12,936 )     (132,104 )     (49,940 )
Capital expenditures
    7,574       6       8,733       16,313  
____________________
                               
(1)   Includes restructuring and other charges of $3,234 (see “Note 12. Restructuring and Other Charges” below).
 
(2)   Includes restructuring and other charges of $14,746 and one-time net charges of $13,379 as a result of the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see “Note 9. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs” above).
 
(3)   Includes restructuring and other charges of $4,742.
 
(4)   Revenues related to figure magazine, which was discontinued in the Fiscal 2009 First Quarter.
 
(5)   Includes restructuring and other charges of $31,219 and one-time net charges of $13,379 as a result of the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs.
 

 
15

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 12. Restructuring and Other Charges

The following table summarizes our restructuring and other charges:

                     
Total
 
   
Costs
   
Costs Incurred
   
Estimated
   
Estimated/
 
   
Incurred
   
for Thirty-nine
   
Remaining
   
Actual
 
   
as of
   
Weeks Ended
   
Costs
   
Costs as of
 
   
January 30,
   
October 30,
   
To be
   
October 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2010(1)
   
Incurred
   
2010
 
                         
Fiscal 2008 Announcements
                       
Lease termination and accretion charges
  $ 11,141     $ 306     $ 1,995 (2)   $ 13,442  
Severance, retention, and other costs
    4,963       154       13       5,130  
                                 
Fiscal 2009 Announcements
                               
Closing of PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores:
                               
Non-cash accelerated depreciation
    643       (31 )     0       612  
Store lease termination charges
    1,215       0       0       1,215  
Other non-cash costs
    195       0       0       195  
Closing of under-performing stores:
                               
Store lease termination charges
    749       1,383       4,000       6,132  
                                 
Fiscal 2010 Announcements
                               
Severance for departure of former CEO
    0       2,890       0       2,890  
Total
  $ 18,906     $ 4,702     $ 6,008     $ 29,616  
____________________
 
(1)   Excludes $40 of retention costs related to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs, which are included in “Restructuring and Other Charges” in the accompanying condensed consolidated statement of operations and comprehensive income for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010.
 
(2)   Accretion charges related to lease termination liability for retained non-core misses apparel assets.
 



















 
16

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 12. Restructuring and Other Charges (Continued)

The following table summarizes our accrued restructuring and other charges:

   
Accrued
   
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
   
Accrued
 
   
as of
   
October 30, 2010
   
as of
 
   
January 30,
   
Costs
   
Payments/
   
October 30,
 
(In thousands)
 
2010(1)
   
Incurred
   
Settlements
   
2010(1)
 
                         
Fiscal 2008 Announcements
                       
Severance and retention costs(2)
  $ 1,941     $ (20 )   $ (1,921 )   $ 0  
Non-core misses apparel assets:
                               
Lease termination charges
    10,285       306       (2,988 )     7,603  
Other costs
    158       0       (5 )     153  
Transformational initiatives:
                               
Severance and retention costs
    236       152       (265 )     123  
                                 
Fiscal 2009 Announcements
                               
Closing of PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores:
                               
Store lease termination charges
    1,215       0       (572 )     643  
Closing of under-performing stores:
                               
Store lease termination charges
    714       1,469       (946 )     1,237  
                                 
Fiscal 2010 Announcements
                               
Severance for departure of former CEO
    0       2,403       (60 )     2,343  
Total
  $ 14,549     $ 4,310     $ (6,757 )   $ 12,102  
____________________
 
(1)   Included in “Accrued expenses” in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
 
(2)   Primarily severance for departure of former CEO, the closing of our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog, and the elimination of other positions.
 

As a result of the resignation of our former chief executive officer during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter we recognized severance and related costs, including $487,000 related to accelerated stock compensation costs, in accordance with the severance agreement.  The liability as of October 30, 2010 represents the remaining severance obligation which is scheduled to be paid over the next two years.

During Fiscal 2010 we continued to recognize accretion charges on lease termination costs for facilities retained in connection with the sale of our Crosstown Traders apparel catalogs.  In addition, we recognized lease termination costs for the closing of under-performing stores identified during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter.  See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 14. Restructuring and Other Charges” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for further information regarding our restructuring and other charges.

The remaining estimated restructuring charges to be incurred as of the end of the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter relate primarily to store lease termination charges and accretion charges related to the lease termination liability for the retained non-core misses apparel assets.  See “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Note 14. Restructuring and Other Charges” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for additional details of the total charges related to these announcements.


 
17

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 13. Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820-10-20, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures,” defines fair value 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.”  We use various methods to determine fair value, including discounted cash flow projections based on available market interest rates and management estimates of future cash payments.

Financial assets and liabilities that are measured and reported at fair value are classified and disclosed in one of the following categories:

Level 1 – Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
   
Level 2 – Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
   
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Our financial assets and liabilities subject to ASC 820-10 were as follows:

   
As of
   
As of
 
Fair Value
   
October 30,
   
January 30,
 
Method
(In thousands)
 
2010
   
2010
 
Used
               
Assets
             
Available-for-sale securities(1)
    0 (2)   $ 200  
Level 2
____________________
(1)   Unrealized gains and losses on our available-for-sale securities are included in stockholders’ equity until realized and realized gains and losses are recognized in income when the securities are sold.
(2)   There were no available-for-sale securities as of October 30, 2010.

Prior to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs during the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter, our financial assets included certificates and retained interests in our securitized receivables and our financial liabilities included a servicing liability related to our asset securitization program.  We measured these assets and liabilities using Level 3 inputs and reported them at fair value in accordance with ASC 820-10.

We estimated the fair value of our certificates and retained interests in our securitized receivables based on the present value of future expected cash flows using assumptions for the average life of the receivables sold, anticipated credit losses, and the appropriate market discount rate commensurate with the risks involved.  This cash flow included an “interest-only” (“I/O”) strip, consisting of the present value of the finance charges and late fees in excess of the amounts paid to certificate holders, credit losses, and servicing fees.

The fair value of our servicing liability represented the present value of the excess of our cost of servicing over the servicing fees received.  We determined the fair value by calculating all costs associated with billing, collecting, maintaining, and providing customer service during the expected life of the securitized credit card receivable balances.  We discounted the amount of these costs in excess of the servicing fees over the estimated life of the receivables sold.  The discount rate and estimated life assumptions used for the present value calculation of the servicing liability were consistent with those used to value the certificates and retained interests.


 
18

CHARMING SHOPPES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Continued)
(Unaudited)



Note 13. Fair Value Measurements (Continued)

The table below presents a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of our certificates and retained interests and our servicing liability during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009:

   
Retained
   
Servicing
 
(In thousands)
 
Interests
   
Liability
 
             
Balance, January 31, 2009
  $ 94,453     $ 3,046  
Additions to I/O strip and servicing liability
    24,341       2,977  
Net additions to other retained interests
    39,964       0  
Reductions and maturities of QSPE certificates
    (150 )     0  
Amortization of the I/O strip and servicing liability
    (26,865 )     (3,149 )
Valuation adjustments to the I/O strip and servicing liability
    4,939       110  
Sale of asset securitization program assets and liabilities
    (136,682 )     (2,984 )
Balance, October 31, 2009
  $ 0     $ 0  


Note 14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments are as follows:

   
October 30, 2010
   
January 30, 2010
 
   
Carrying
   
Fair
   
Carrying
   
Fair
 
(In thousands)
 
Amount
   
Value
   
Amount
   
Value
 
                         
Assets:
                       
Cash and cash equivalents                                                                    
  $ 104,157     $ 104,157     $ 186,580     $ 186,580  
Available-for-sale securities                                                                    
    0       0       200       200  
                                 
Liabilities:
                               
1.125% Senior Convertible Notes, due May 2014
    114,055 (1)     116,574       147,531 (1)     141,279  
6.07% mortgage note, due October 2014                                                                    
    9,223       9,071       9,777       9,068  
6.53% mortgage note, due November 2012
    2,800       2,801       3,850       3,763  
7.77% mortgage note, due December 2011
    5,988       6,132       6,549       6,560  
____________________
 
(1)   Net of unamortized discount of $26,396 at October 30, 2010 and $42,105 at January 30, 2010 (see “Note 3. Long-term Debt” above).
 

The fair value of cash and cash equivalents approximates their carrying amount because of the short maturities of such instruments.  The fair values of available-for-sale securities and the 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes are based on quoted market prices for the securities.  The fair values of the mortgage notes and other long-term debt are based on estimated current interest rates that we could obtain on similar borrowings.







 
19


Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

This management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the financial statements and accompanying notes included in Item 1 of this report.  It should also be read in conjunction with the management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations, financial statements, and accompanying notes appearing in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.  As used in this management’s discussion and analysis, the terms “Charming Shoppes,” “the Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Charming Shoppes, Inc. and its consolidated subsidiaries except where the context otherwise requires or as otherwise indicated.


FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

With the exception of historical information, the matters contained in the following analysis and elsewhere in this report are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.  Such statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of revenues, income or loss, cost reductions, capital expenditures, liquidity, divestitures, financing needs or plans, store closings, merchandise strategy, and plans for future operations, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing.  The words “expect,” “could,” “should,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “intend,” “believes,” and similar expressions are also intended to identify forward-looking statements.

We operate in a rapidly changing and competitive environment.  New risk factors emerge from time to time and it is not possible for us to predict all risk factors that may affect us.  Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which we cannot predict or quantify.  Future events and actual results, performance, and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by, or underlying the forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they were made.  We assume no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect actual results or changes in, or additions to, the factors affecting such forward-looking statements.  Given those risks and uncertainties, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements as a prediction of actual results.

Factors that could cause our actual results of operations or financial condition to differ from those described in this report include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following, which are discussed in more detail in “PART I; Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010:

Our business is dependent upon our ability to accurately predict rapidly changing fashion trends, customer preferences, and other fashion-related factors.  These risks may increase as we shift a higher proportion of our product to internally-designed merchandise and to overseas sourcing with its associated increase in lead times.
   
The women’s specialty retail apparel and direct-to-consumer markets are highly competitive and we may be unable to compete successfully against existing or future competitors.
   
Our business plan is largely dependent upon continued growth in the plus-size women’s apparel market, which may not occur.
   
The inability to hire a suitable permanent Chief Executive Officer within a reasonable time period could have a material adverse impact on our business.  We depend on the efforts and abilities of our executive officers and their management teams and we may not be able to retain or replace these employees or recruit additional qualified personnel.
   
Our failure to properly execute our in-stock inventory strategy may result in higher-than-planned levels of promotional activity in order to sell-through excess levels of such inventories, which would have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.

 
20



We cannot assure the successful execution and the realization of the benefits of our key priorities, which may vary materially based on various factors, including the timing of execution of our strategic initiatives.
   
The difficult global economic environment, high levels of unemployment, an uncertain economic outlook, and fluctuating energy costs have led to, and could continue to lead to, reduced consumer demand for our products in the future.
   
Certain key raw materials in our products, such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics, are subject to availability constraints and price volatility.  An increase in the cost or decrease in the availability of such raw materials could adversely affect our operating margins and our results of operations.
   
Our inability to successfully manage labor costs, occupancy costs, transportation costs, or other operating costs, or our inability to take advantage of opportunities to reduce operating costs, could adversely affect our operating margins and our results of operations.  In addition, we may be unable to obtain adequate insurance for our operations at a reasonable cost.  We cannot assure the successful implementation of our restructuring programs.
   
We depend on the availability of credit for our working capital needs, including credit we receive from our bankers, our factors, our suppliers and their agents, and on our ongoing payments from Alliance Data related to our private-label credit card sales.  The difficult global economic environment could adversely affect our ability or the ability of our vendors to secure adequate credit or other financing.  If we or our vendors are unable to obtain sufficient financing at an affordable cost, our ability to merchandise our retail stores or e-commerce businesses could be adversely affected.
   
We cannot assure that we will realize the expected benefits from the private-label credit card operating agreements with Alliance Data.  A significant portion of our sales revenues is generated through our private-label credit cards.  Therefore, changes in the private-label credit card programs that adversely impact our ability to facilitate customer credit may adversely impact our results of operations.  Alliance Data has discretion over certain policies and arrangements with the cardholders and may change these policies and arrangements in ways that could affect our relationship with the cardholders.  Any such changes could adversely affect our private-label credit card sales and our results of operations.  Our ability to continue to offer private-label credit card programs to our customers will depend on the success of our strategic alliance with Alliance Data.
 
Credit card operations are subject to numerous Federal and state laws, including, in particular, the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act signed into law on July 21, 2010, that impose disclosure and other requirements upon the origination, servicing, and enforcement of credit accounts, and limitations on the amount of finance charges and fees that may be charged by a credit card provider.  Alliance Data may be subject to regulations to which we were not subject prior to the sale of the proprietary credit card receivables programs.  To the extent that such limitations or regulations materially limit the availability of credit or increase the cost of credit to our cardholders or negatively impact provisions which affect our revenue streams associated with the private-label credit card operating agreements, our results of operations could be adversely affected.  In addition, changes in credit card use, payment patterns, or default rates could be affected by a variety of economic, legal, social, or other factors over which we have no control and cannot predict with certainty.  Such changes could also negatively impact the availability of credit or increase the cost of credit to our cardholders or negatively impact provisions that affect our revenue streams associated with the operating agreements.

 
21



Our Retail Stores and Direct-to-Consumer segments experience seasonal fluctuations in net sales and operating income.  Any decrease in sales or margins during our peak sales periods or in the availability of working capital during the months preceding such periods could have a material adverse effect on our business.  In addition, extreme or unseasonable weather conditions may have a negative impact on our sales.
   
Certain of our business processes that are dependent on technology are outsourced to third parties.  Such processes include credit card authorization and processing, our e-commerce platform, and certain other information technology functions.  Although we make a diligent effort to ensure that all providers of outsourced services observe proper internal control practices and procedures, we cannot assure that failures will not occur.  The failure of such third parties to provide adequate services could adversely affect our customers’ shopping experience, our results of operations, liquidity, or our ability to provide adequate financial and management reporting.
   
We depend on our distribution and fulfillment centers, and third-party freight consolidators and service providers, for prompt and efficient deliveries of merchandise to our stores and customers.  We could incur significantly higher costs and experience longer lead times associated with distributing our products to our stores and shipping our products to our e-commerce and catalog customers if operations at any of these locations were to be disrupted for any reason.  The failure to distribute our products promptly could adversely affect our results of operations.
   
We are subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act and various state and Federal laws and regulations governing such matters as minimum wages, exempt status classification, overtime, and employee benefits.  Changes in Federal or state laws or regulations regarding minimum wages, unionization, or other employee benefits could cause us to incur additional wage and benefit costs, which could adversely affect our results of operations.
   
Natural disasters, as well as war, acts of terrorism, or other armed conflict, or the threat of any such event may negatively impact availability of merchandise and customer traffic to our stores, or otherwise adversely affect our business.
   
Successful operation of our e-commerce websites and our catalog business is dependent on our ability to maintain efficient and uninterrupted customer service and fulfillment operations.
   
We rely significantly on foreign sources of production and face a variety of risks generally associated with doing business in foreign markets and importing merchandise from abroad.  Such risks include (but are not necessarily limited to) political instability; imposition of or changes in duties or quotas; trade restrictions; increased security requirements applicable to imports; delays in shipping; increased costs of transportation; and issues relating to compliance with domestic or international labor standards.
   
Our manufacturers may be unable to manufacture and deliver merchandise to us in a timely manner or to meet our quality standards.  In addition, if any one of our manufacturers or vendors fails to operate in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, is perceived by the public as failing to meet certain United States labor standards, or employs unfair labor practices, our business could be adversely affected.
   

 
22



We may be unable to protect our trademarks and other intellectual property rights, which are important to our success and our competitive position.
   
Our long-term growth plan depends on our ability to open and profitably operate new retail stores, to convert, where applicable, the formats of existing stores on a profitable basis, and to continue to expand our outlet distribution channel.  Our retail stores depend upon a high volume of traffic in the strip centers and malls in which our stores are located, and our future retail store growth is dependent upon the availability of suitable locations for new stores.  In addition, we will need to identify, hire, and retain a sufficient number of qualified personnel to work in our stores.  We cannot assure that desirable store locations will continue to be available, or that we will be able to hire and retain a sufficient number of suitable sales associates at our stores.
   
Consolidation in the commercial retail real estate industry could affect our ability to successfully negotiate favorable rental terms for our stores in the future.  Our ability to operate successfully as a mall-based retailer is dependent upon our ability to develop and maintain good relationships with our landlords.  Potential consolidation in the commercial retail real estate industry could limit our future ability to negotiate favorable rental terms or to close under-performing stores on favorable terms.  Should a significant consolidation occur a large proportion of our store base could be concentrated with one or a few entities that could then be in a position to dictate unfavorable terms to us due to the significant leverage they would possess.  If we are unable to negotiate favorable rental terms with these entities and are therefore unable to profitably operate our existing stores, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
   
Inadequate systems capacity, a disruption or slowdown in telecommunications services, changes in technology, changes in government regulations, systems issues, security breaches, a failure to integrate order management systems, or customer privacy issues could result in reduced sales or increases in operating expenses as a result of our efforts or our inability to remedy such issues.
   
Pursuant to Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, we are required to include our assessment of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting in our annual reports.  Our independent registered public accounting firm is also required to report on whether or not they believe that we maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting.  If we are unable to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting we could be subject to regulatory sanctions and a possible loss of public confidence in the reliability of our financial reporting.  Such a failure could result in our inability to provide timely and/or reliable financial information and could adversely affect our business.
   
The holders of our 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes due May 1, 2014 (the “1.125% Notes”) could require us to repurchase the principal amount of the notes for cash before maturity of the notes upon the occurrence of a “fundamental change” as defined in the prospectus filed in connection with the 1.125% Notes (see Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 8. Long-Term Debt” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010).  Such a repurchase would require significant amounts of cash, would be subject to important limitations on our ability to repurchase, such as the risk of our inability to obtain funds for such repurchase, and could adversely affect our financial condition.
   
Changes to existing accounting rules or the adoption of new rules could have an adverse impact on our reported financial position or results of operations.




 
23


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

We have prepared the financial statements and accompanying notes included in “Item 1. Financial Statements” of this report in conformity with United States generally accepted accounting principles.  This requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in our financial statements and accompanying notes.  These estimates and assumptions are based on historical experience, analysis of current trends, and various other factors that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances.  Actual results could differ from those estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

We periodically reevaluate our accounting policies, assumptions, and estimates and make adjustments when facts and circumstances warrant.  Our significant accounting policies are described in Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.  There were no material changes in, or additions to, our critical accounting policies or in the assumptions or estimates we used to prepare the financial information appearing in this report.


OVERVIEW

This overview of our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) presents a high-level summary of more detailed information contained elsewhere in this Report on Form 10-Q.  The intent of this overview is to put this detailed information into perspective and to introduce the discussion and analysis contained in this MD&A.  Accordingly, this overview should be read in conjunction with the remainder of this MD&A and with the financial statements and other detailed information included in this Report on Form 10-Q and should not be separately relied upon.

We continue to make progress on executing our merchandise strategies.  In Fiscal 2009 we were late in setting holiday product and deficient in many year-round categories, such as intimate apparel and Right Fit® denim.  For the second half of Fiscal 2010, one of our key initiatives was to significantly improve our in-stock inventory position in these programs.  As a result, inventories increased 17% on a comparable cost basis for the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter as compared to the end of the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter.  In addition to the re-launch of our Right Fit program, which resulted in an increase in the inventory of core pants, including three fits and three lengths in each of the styles, the success of intimate apparel across all of our brands has also led to growth of inventory in bras, panties, and basic camisoles.  These first two strategic drivers comprised approximately 75% of the overall inventory increase and relate to assortments that are less vulnerable to seasonality and, with careful size management and occasional style updates, should also be less susceptible to significant markdown risk.  Finally, we added several key merchandise classifications, including shoes, boots, juniors, and gifting categories and we placed our holiday floor set for the current year at the end of October, which was two weeks earlier than last year.

Our poor performance in the Fiscal 2010 Second Quarter was primarily attributable to higher-than-planned markdowns to liquidate high levels of seasonal non-core merchandise.  In the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter we more effectively managed the levels of seasonal non-core merchandise receipts and as a result did not have to take higher-than-planned markdowns to liquidate excess seasonal merchandise.  For the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, our Adjusted EBITDA (see “EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA” below) was $4.0 million as compared to $6.3 million for the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter.  The decrease in our Adjusted EBITDA was driven primarily by an increase in selling, general, and administrative expenses, as discussed further below.







 
24


Consolidated net sales for the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter increased 0.7% as compared to the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter primarily as a result of a 3% increase in consolidated comparable store sales and a 40% increase in e-commerce net sales, which were partially offset by 129 net store closings during the preceding 12-month period.  The improvement in comparable store sales reflects our efforts in the current year to improve our merchandise assortments and to stabilize and grow our customer base through increased merchandise promotions and investments in additional marketing.

Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 60 basis points as compared to the prior-year period.  The improvement in gross profit is related to more efficient buying associated with the shift of a higher percentage of apparel product to our direct sourcing operation.  Although our customer is responding to our seasonal and year-round merchandise offerings, this response requires compelling promotions in order to drive traffic and sales results.  We expect this challenging and competitive environment to continue into the fourth quarter and have planned aggressive marketing and merchandising programs in order to compete effectively.

Our occupancy and buying expenses decreased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of net sales for the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, primarily related to lower rent expense as a result of the operation of fewer stores and renegotiations of store lease terms.  Our selling, general, and administrative expenses increased in dollar amount and as a percent of sales for the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, primarily as a result of lower income from our private-label credit card operations, as well as incremental advertising expenses.  The lower income from our credit card operations resulted from the difference in the income from our third-party credit processor in the current year as compared to the income when we operated the credit card program in the prior-year period.  During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we sold our proprietary credit card receivables programs and recognized one-time net charges of $13.4 million as a result of the sale, primarily related to contract termination and transaction-related costs as well as severance and retention costs.

Restructuring and other charges decreased 78% from the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter.  During the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter we recognized cash severance and non-cash equity compensation costs in connection with the resignation of our Chief Executive Officer, which occurred during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, as well as lease termination costs for the closing of under-performing stores.  During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we recognized charges primarily for lease termination costs related to the retained leased facilities from the sale of the non-core misses apparel catalog business that ceased operations in the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter, non-cash accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets retained from the sale of the non-core misses apparel catalog business, and costs related to our transformational initiatives.

Financial Position

We ended the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter with $104 million of cash as compared to $187 million as of the end of Fiscal 2009.  The build-up of inventory discussed above was the primary use of cash during the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010.  During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 we received $45 million of tax refunds related primarily to a Federal income tax loss carryback and repurchased $49 million principal amount of our 1.125% Convertible Notes due May 2014 for a purchase price of $38 million.  To date, we have repurchased an aggregate principal amount of $135 million of our 1.125% Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $89 million.  We ended the quarter with no borrowings against our $225 million committed revolving credit facility and as of October 30, 2010 our available borrowing capacity under the facility was approximately $147 million.

Management Initiatives

We recognize that in order to improve our results we must consistently offer compelling product assortments that are trend-right, easy to outfit, and offer a consistent and comfortable fit, all with the proper value for our customers’ lifestyle needs.  Accordingly, we are diligently working to further improve our merchandise strategies and assortments, with renewed emphasis and focus on sound inventory management principles.


 
25


At LANE BRYANT, we are now fully in-stock with our new assortment of Right Fit denim and wear-to-work pant programs.  We also introduced our new Passport Collection by Lane BryantTM, which features ponte knit in 7 easy-interchangeable pieces.  LANE BRYANT has made good progress in our operating turnaround efforts.

While our turnaround efforts at FASHION BUG are in an early phase, we are encouraged by positive comparable store sales trends and are confident in our new leadership team.  Juniors assortments, which were re-introduced in 285 stores in order to better utilize excess square footage, will be added to an additional 200 stores during the Fiscal 2010 Fourth Quarter.  While the new leadership team has had an influence on our upcoming Spring season, we expect their full impact on product assortments to be reflected in our Fiscal 2011 Second Quarter.

We also introduced a new private-label brand, Loop18TM, a Junior Plus concept, in 50 FASHION BUG stores, 10 LANE BRYANT stores, and 30 Outlet division stores during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter.  We will now focus our efforts on the growth of this new label in only our FASHION BUG stores, where we can dedicate space and focus our energy to explore its full potential.  We plan to expand Loop18 to a total of 100 FASHION BUG stores starting in the Fiscal 2011 First Quarter.

Although results at CATHERINES were affected by a heavy carryover of Spring product and poor acceptance of our Fall transitional offerings during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, results improved considerably in the latter part of the quarter, and we believe that CATHERINES’ product assortment is more on target for the December holiday season.

We continue to analyze our store portfolio to identify under-performing stores for closure.  During the remainder of Fiscal 2010 we expect to achieve further occupancy cost reductions through continued negotiation of lease terms with our landlords.  To the extent that improved terms are not possible, we will close additional stores.

We remain concerned about cost increases associated with cotton-based raw materials and the continued challenge of increases in labor costs and inflation in developing countries, along with a weakening U.S. Dollar and a rising Chinese yuan.  We expect little impact on our cost structure for the Fiscal 2010 Fourth Quarter and a modest impact on our Spring 2011 season, with a slightly higher impact on our Summer season.  However, our biggest challenge will be the impact on our cost structure for the Fall 2011 and December holiday 2011 seasons, for which our merchandising plans are still under development.  We will strategically analyze opportunities to raise pricing while maintaining a keen awareness of our competition and the price sensitivity of our customers in certain categories.  We will continue our efforts to value-engineer our product to reduce costs and seek lower-cost sourcing alternatives.


RECENT DEVELOPMENTS

On October 13, 2010 we announced that James P. Fogarty stepped down as our chief executive officer and resigned from our board of directors.  Anthony M. Romano, our executive vice-president of global sourcing and business transformation since February 2009, was promoted to the position of chief operating officer.  Our brand presidents and corporate functions will report to Mr. Romano while our board of directors conducts a search for a new chief executive officer.  Prior to re-joining Charming Shoppes in 2009 Mr. Romano served in various executive positions in global logistics, corporate operations, and supply chain operations for AnnTaylor Store Corporation for 11 years, as well as serving in a variety of operational and financial roles for Charming Shoppes prior to joining AnnTaylor.

Michael Blitzer, a principal of corporate advisory firm Portsmouth Partners, LLC has joined our board of directors and will serve as a consultant as we search for and transition to a new chief executive officer.  Mr. Blitzer is functioning as a key advisor to Mr. Romano and reports to Michael Goldstein, the chairman of our board of directors.  Mr. Blitzer began his career at Macy’s, served in various executive merchandising positions at Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation for more than 20 years, and served as vice chairman of the Phillips-Van Heusen Corporation for five years.  Since 2002, Mr. Blitzer has worked with a variety of apparel and accessories companies.

 
26


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

We believe that Adjusted EBITDA, along with other measures, provides a useful pre-tax measure of our ongoing operating performance and our ability to meet debt service and capital requirements on a comparable basis excluding the impact of certain items and capital-related non-cash charges.  Although Adjusted EBITDA provides useful information on an operating cash flow basis, it is a limited measure in that it excludes the impact of cash requirements for interest expense, income taxes, capital expenditures, and certain other items requiring cash outlays.  Therefore, Adjusted EBITDA should be used as a supplement to results of operations and cash flows as reported under GAAP and should not be used as a singular measure of operating performance or as a substitute for GAAP results.

Further information regarding our definition of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and how our management uses these measures is included in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Results of Operations; EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

The tables on the following pages show details of our consolidated net sales and a reconciliation of our income/(loss) from continuing operations to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods indicated.

































 
27


Net Sales and Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA


                     
Total
 
   
LANE
   
FASHION
         
Retail
 
(In millions)
 
BRYANT(1)
   
BUG
   
CATHERINES
   
Stores
 
                         
Thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010
                       
Net sales                                                     
  $ 227.5     $ 156.4     $ 70.0     $ 453.9  
                                 
Net loss                                                     
    19.9       (1.8 )     (2.9 )     15.2  
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                     
                       
Net interest expense/(other income)
                       
Depreciation and amortization                                                     
    8.4       2.9       1.9       13.2  
EBITDA                                                     
    28.3       1.1       (1.0 )     28.4  
                                 
Restructuring and other charges                                                     
                       
Adjusted EBITDA                                                     
  $ 28.3     $ 1.1     $ (1.0 )   $ 28.4  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    12.4 %     0.7 %     (1.4 )%     6.3 %
____________________
                               
(1)   Includes LANE BRYANT OUTLET stores, with net sales of $28.3 and Adjusted EBITDA of $3.7.
 


   
Direct-to-
   
Corporate
       
(In millions)
 
Consumer(2)
   
And Other
   
Consolidated
 
                   
Thirteen weeks ended October 30, 2010
                 
Net sales                                                     
  $ 9.7     $ 0.0     $ 463.6  
                         
Net loss                                                     
    (2.9 )     (31.1 )     (18.8 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                     
          (0.1 )     (0.1 )
Net interest expense/(other income)
          3.3       3.3  
Depreciation and amortization                                                     
    0.2       3.0       16.4  
EBITDA                                                     
    (2.7 )     (24.9 )     0.8  
                         
Restructuring and other charges                                                     
          3.2       3.2  
Adjusted EBITDA                                                     
  $ (2.7 )   $ (21.7 )   $ 4.0  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    (27.8 )%      – (3)     0.9 %
____________________
                       
(2)   Primarily FIGI’S catalog business. A substantial portion of FIGI’s sales occur during the December holiday season.
 
(3)   Not meaningful.
 













 
28


Net Sales and Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(Continued)


                     
Other
   
Total
 
   
LANE
   
FASHION
         
Retail
   
Retail
 
(In millions)
 
BRYANT(1)
   
BUG
   
CATHERINES
   
Stores(2)
   
Stores
 
                               
Thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2009
                             
Net sales                                                   
  $ 218.0     $ 157.5     $ 71.3     $ 4.0     $ 450.8  
                                         
Net loss                                                   
    20.1       (4.2 )     1.8       (0.1 )     17.6  
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                   
                             
Net interest expense/(other income)
                             
Depreciation and amortization                                                   
    8.9       3.9       1.9       0.0       14.7  
EBITDA                                                   
    29.0       (0.3 )     3.7       (0.1 )     32.3  
                                         
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
                             
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs
                             
Restructuring and other charges                                                   
                             
Adjusted EBITDA                                                   
  $ 29.0     $ (0.3 )   $ 3.7     $ (0.1 )   $ 32.3  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    13.3 %     (0.2 )%     5.2 %     (2.5 )%     7.2 %
____________________
                                       
(1)   Includes LANE BRYANT OUTLET stores, with net sales of $28.7 Adjusted EBITDA of $5.2.
 
(2)   Includes PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores, which began operations in September 2006 and were closed during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter.
 


   
Direct-to-
   
Corporate
       
(In millions)
 
Consumer(3)
   
And Other
   
Consolidated
 
                   
Thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2009
                 
Net sales                                                   
  $ 9.4     $ 0.0     $ 460.2  
                         
Net loss                                                   
    (2.6 )     (63.4 )     (48.4 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                   
          4.9       4.9  
Net interest expense/(other income)
          4.6       4.6  
Depreciation and amortization                                                   
    0.4       3.2       18.3  
EBITDA                                                   
    (2.2 )     (50.7 )     (20.6 )
                         
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
          (1.2 )     (1.2 )
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs
          13.4       13.4  
Restructuring and other charges                                                   
          14.7       14.7  
Adjusted EBITDA                                                   
  $ (2.2 )   $ (23.8 )   $ 6.3  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    (23.4 )%      – (4)     1.4 %
____________________
                       
(3)  Includes FIGI’S, with net sales of $8.5 and Adjusted EBITDA of $(2.5). A substantial portion of FIGI’s sales occur during the December holiday season. Also includes net sales of $0.9 and Adjusted EBITDA of $0.3 related primarily to our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog business that we shut down in the Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter.
 
(4)  Not meaningful.
 

 
29


Net Sales and Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(Continued)


                     
Total
 
   
LANE
   
FASHION
         
Retail
 
(In millions)
 
BRYANT(1)
   
BUG
   
CATHERINES
   
Stores
 
                         
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010
                       
Net sales                                                       
  $ 722.8     $ 505.1     $ 230.3     $ 1,458.2  
                                 
Net loss                                                       
    49.3       3.7       4.3       57.3  
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                       
                       
Net interest expense/(other income)
                       
Depreciation and amortization                                                       
    25.8       8.3       5.9       40.0  
EBITDA                                                       
    75.1       12.0       10.2       97.3  
                                 
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
                       
Restructuring and other charges                                                       
                       
Adjusted EBITDA                                                       
  $ 75.1     $ 12.0     $ 10.2     $ 97.3  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    10.4 %     2.4 %     4.4 %     6.7 %
____________________
                               
(1)  Includes LANE BRYANT OUTLET stores, with net sales of $87.0 and Adjusted EBITDA of $13.4.
 


   
Direct-to-
   
Corporate
       
(In millions)
 
Consumer(2)
   
And Other
   
Consolidated
 
                   
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 30, 2010
                 
Net sales                                                       
  $ 27.8     $ 0.0     $ 1,486.0  
                         
Net loss                                                       
    (7.8 )     (73.0 )     (23.5 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                       
          (1.3 )     (1.3 )
Net interest expense/(other income)
          11.4       11.4  
Depreciation and amortization                                                       
    0.8       9.3       50.1  
EBITDA                                                       
    (7.0 )     (53.6 )     36.7  
                         
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
          (1.9 )     (1.9 )
Restructuring and other charges                                                       
          4.7       4.7  
Adjusted EBITDA                                                       
  $ (7.0 )   $ (50.8 )   $ 39.5  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    (25.2 )%      – (3)     2.7 %
____________________
                       
(2)   Primarily FIGI’S catalog business. A substantial portion of FIGI’s sales occur during the December holiday season.
 
(3)   Not meaningful.
 









 
30


Net Sales and Reconciliation of Net Loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA
(Continued)


                     
Other
   
Total
 
   
LANE
   
FASHION
         
Retail
   
Retail
 
(In millions)
 
BRYANT(1)
   
BUG
   
CATHERINES
   
Stores(2)
   
Stores
 
                               
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009
                             
Net sales                                                       
  $ 718.8     $ 530.9     $ 227.2     $ 13.1     $ 1,490.0  
                                         
Net loss                                                       
    64.3       13.9       16.9       0.0       95.1  
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                       
                             
Net interest expense/(other income)
                             
Depreciation and amortization                                                       
    26.9       11.7       5.9       0.0       44.5  
EBITDA                                                       
    91.2       25.6       22.8       0.0       139.6  
                                         
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
                             
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs
                             
Restructuring and other charges                                                       
                             
Adjusted EBITDA                                                       
  $ 91.2     $ 25.6     $ 22.8     $ 0.0     $ 139.6  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    12.7 %     4.8 %     10.0 %     0.0 %     9.4 %
____________________
                                       
(1)  Includes LANE BRYANT OUTLET stores, with net sales of $89.5 and Adjusted EBITDA of $16.4.
 
(2)  Includes PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores, which began operations in September 2006 and were closed during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter.
 


   
Direct-to-
   
Corporate
       
(In millions)
 
Consumer(3)
   
And Other
   
Consolidated
 
                   
Thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009
                 
Net sales                                                       
  $ 35.2     $ 0.4 (4)   $ 1,525.6  
                         
Net loss                                                       
    (12.9 )     (132.1 )     (49.9 )
Income tax (benefit)/provision                                                       
          10.3       10.3  
Net interest expense/(other income)
          13.6       13.6  
Depreciation and amortization                                                       
    1.0       12.0       57.5  
EBITDA                                                       
    (11.9 )     (96.2 )     31.5  
                         
Gain on repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes
          (12.8 )     (12.8 )
Sale of proprietary credit card receivables programs
          13.4       13.4  
Restructuring and other charges                                                       
          31.2       31.2  
Adjusted EBITDA                                                       
  $ (11.9 )   $ (64.4 )   $ 63.3  
Adjusted EBITDA as a % of net sales
    (33.8 )%     (5)     4.1 %
____________________
                       
(3)   Includes FIGI’S, with net sales of $23.9 and Adjusted EBITDA of $(7.1). A substantial portion of FIGI’s sales occur during the December holiday season. Also includes net sales of $11.3 and Adjusted EBITDA of $(4.8) related primarily to our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog business that we shut down in the Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter.
 
(4)   Revenues related to figure magazine, which was discontinued in the Fiscal 2009 First Quarter.
 
(5)   Not meaningful.
 

 
31


The following table shows information related to the change in our Retail Stores segment net sales:

 
Thirteen Weeks Ended
 
Thirty-nine Weeks Ended
 
October 30,
 
October 31,
 
October 30,
 
October 31,
 
2010
 
2009
 
2010
 
2009
               
Increase/(decrease) in comparable store sales(1) :
             
Consolidated retail stores
   3%
 
    (13)%
 
   1%
  
   (14)%
LANE BRYANT(2) 
4
 
(14)
 
0
 
(14)
FASHION BUG
7
 
(14)
 
2
 
(15)
CATHERINES
(6)
 
  (5)
 
(3)
 
  (7)
               
Sales from new stores as a percentage of prior-period consolidated net sales(3):
             
LANE BRYANT(2) 
2
 
  1
 
2
 
  2
FASHION BUG
0
 
  0
 
0
 
  0
CATHERINES(4) 
1
 
  0
 
1
 
  0
Other retail stores(5) 
0
 
  0
 
0
 
  0
               
Prior-period sales from closed stores as a percentage of prior-period consolidated net sales:
             
LANE BRYANT(2) 
(1)
 
  (2)
 
(1)
 
  (2)
FASHION BUG
(2)
 
  (2)
 
(3)
 
  (2)
CATHERINES
0
  
  0
 
0
 
  0
Other retail stores(5) 
(1)
 
  0
 
(1)
 
  0
               
Increase/(decrease) in Retail Stores segment net sales
1
 
(15)
 
(2)
 
(16)
____________________
(1)   “Comparable store sales” is not a measure that has been defined under generally accepted accounting principles.  The method of calculating comparable store sales varies across the retail industry and, therefore, our calculation of comparable store sales is not necessarily comparable to similarly-titled measures reported by other companies.  We define comparable store sales as sales from stores operating in both the current and prior-year periods.  New stores are added to the comparable store sales base 13 months after their open date.  Sales from stores that are relocated within the same mall or strip-center, remodeled, or have a legal square footage change of less than 20% are included in the calculation of comparable store sales.  Sales from stores that are relocated outside the existing mall or strip-center, or have a legal square footage change of 20% or more, are excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales until 13 months after the relocated store is opened.  Stores that are temporarily closed for a period of 4 weeks or more are excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales for the applicable periods in the year of closure and the subsequent year.  Non-store sales, such as catalog and internet sales, are excluded from the calculation of comparable store sales.
(2)   Includes LANE BRYANT OUTLET stores.
(3)   Includes incremental Retail Stores segment e-commerce sales.
(4)   Includes CATHERINES stores in outlet locations, which were converted from PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2010 First Quarter.
(5)   Includes PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores, which were closed or converted to CATHERINES stores in outlet locations during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2010 First Quarter.












 
32


Retail Store Activity for Fiscal 2010

   
LANE
   
FASHION
             
   
BRYANT
   
BUG
   
CATHERINES
   
Total
 
                         
Fiscal 2010 Year-to-Date:
                       
Stores at January 30, 2010
    860       801       460       2,121  
                                 
Stores opened
    6       0       1       7  
Stores converted(1)
    4       (6 )     28       26  
Stores closed(2)
    (14 )     (35 )     (10 )     (59 )
Net change in stores
    (4 )     (41 )     19       (26 )
                                 
Stores at October 30, 2010
    856       760       479       2,095  
                                 
Stores relocated during period
    6       0       0       6  
                                 
Fiscal 2010 Plan:
                               
Store openings
    6-8       0       1       7-9  
Store conversions(3)
    6       (6 )     28       28  
Store closings
    30-40       55-60       15-20       100-120  
Store relocations
    9-11       0       0       9-11  
____________________
 
(1)   During Fiscal 2009 we decided to close our PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores and convert 33 of the locations to CATHERINES stores in outlet locations. We converted 5 stores during Fiscal 2009 and converted the remaining 28 stores during the Fiscal 2010 First Quarter.
 
(2)   Includes 35 FASHION BUG, 11 LANE BRYANT, and 10 CATHERINES stores closed as part of the store closing initiatives announced in February 2008, November 2008, and March 2010.
 
(3)   Includes 28 PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET STORES converted to CATHERINES stores in outlet locations in February 2010 (see Footnote (1) above).
 

















 
33


Comparison of Thirteen Weeks Ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009

Net Sales

   
Thirteen
         
Thirteen
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change From
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Prior Period
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Dollars
   
Percent
 
                                     
LANE BRYANT
  $ 227.5       49.1     $ 218.0       47.4     $ 9.5       4.4  
FASHION BUG
    156.4       33.7       157.5       34.2       (1.1 )     (0.7 )
CATHERINES
    70.0       15.1       71.3       15.5       (1.3 )     (1.8 )
Other Retail Stores(1) 
    0.0       0.0       4.0       0.9       (4.0 )     (100.0 )
Total Retail Stores
    453.9       97.9     $ 450.8       98.0       3.1       0.7  
Direct-to-Consumer
    9.7       2.1       9.4       2.0       0.3       3.2  
Consolidated net sales
  $ 463.6       100.0     $ 460.2       100.0     $ 3.4       0.7  
____________________
 
(1)   Includes PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores, which were closed during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter.
 

Consolidated net sales for the quarter increased as compared to the prior-year period primarily as a result of an increase in consolidated comparable store sales and store-related e-commerce net sales at our Retail Stores segment, partially offset by the impact of 129 net store closings during the preceding twelve-month period.  Our efforts during the current year to improve our merchandise assortments have resulted in improvements in our consolidated total and comparable store sales.  Additionally, we stabilized and began to grow our customer base in the current year through increased merchandise promotions and investments in additional marketing.

For LANE BRYANT, the increase in net sales, which was partially offset by the impact of store closings, was attributable to increases in comparable store sales and e-commerce net sales as a result of improvements in merchandise assortments, the introduction of footwear, and improvements in the in-stock levels of Right Fit® bottoms merchandise.  Increases in traffic levels, units per transaction, and conversion rate were partially offset by a decrease in average dollar sale.

For FASHION BUG, improvements in comparable store sales and e-commerce net sales were more than offset by the impact of the closing of under-performing stores.  The re-introduction of our Juniors program, improvements in merchandise assortments, and higher promotional sales to sell-through seasonal merchandise contributed to the increase in comparable store sales.  Improvements in average dollar sale, units per transaction, and conversion rate more than offset decreases in traffic levels as compared to the prior-year period.

Net sales decreased at CATHERINES primarily as a result of a decrease in comparable store sales, which more than offset sales from the CATHERINES stores in outlet locations opened during the current-year first quarter and an increase in e-commerce net sales.  Although results at CATHERINES were negatively affected by a heavy carryover of Spring product and poor acceptance of our Fall transitional offerings during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, results improved considerably in the latter part of the quarter, and we believe that CATHERINES’ product assortment is more on target for the December holiday selling season.  Decreases in average dollar sale and traffic levels more than offset an improvement in conversion rate as compared to the prior-year period.

Retail Stores segment e-commerce net sales for the quarter increased 40% from the prior-year period and represented 7% of Retail Stores segment net sales for the current-year period as compared to 5% for the prior-year period.  The improvement in e-commerce net sales reflects our efforts to enhance our customers’ on-line shopping experience, which began in Fiscal 2009 with the redesign of our websites and conversion to a new technology platform and continued with the introduction in Fiscal 2010 of a universal shopping cart with customer-friendly shipping options.  We also added new search and navigation technology, making it easier for our customers to find the product they are looking for.

 
34



We offer our customers loyalty card programs and during the quarter we recognized revenues of $4.6 million in connection with our loyalty card programs as compared to revenues of $4.8 million during the prior-year quarter.

For our Direct-to-Consumer segment, the increase in net sales was attributable to a planned increase in the circulation of our FIGI’S catalog.

Gross Profit

   
Thirteen
         
Thirteen
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Consolidated gross profit
  $ 241.7       52.1     $ 236.8       51.5       0.6  %
 
Although consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased as compared to the prior-year period, we continue to operate in a promotional environment, which resulted in additional markdowns to drive traffic and sales.  The improvement in consolidated gross profit is related to more efficient buying associated with the shift of a higher percentage of apparel product to our direct sourcing operation, which is a component of our “Corporate and other” segment.  For our Retail Stores segment, gross profit as a percentage of Retail Stores net sales decreased 80 basis points.  Although impacted by higher markdowns, FASHION BUG gross profit improved as compared to the prior year period, while improvements in LANE BRYANT and CATHERINES merchandise margins were more than offset by increased markdowns.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales increased 60 basis points for FASHION BUG, decreased 170 basis points for LANE BRYANT, and decreased 150 basis points for CATHERINES.

Gross profit for the Direct-to-Consumer segment as a percentage of Direct-to-Consumer net sales decreased 780 basis points as compared to the prior-year period primarily due to higher catalog advertising costs as a result of the planned increase in circulations for our FIGI’S catalogs.

Occupancy and Buying
 
   
Thirteen
         
Thirteen
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Consolidated occupancy and buying
  $ 92.7       20.0     $ 95.0       20.6       (0.6) %

     Consolidated occupancy and buying expenses decreased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of net sales primarily as a result of 129 net store closings during the preceding twelve-month period as well as from rent reductions secured from landlords.  Occupancy and buying expenses for our Retail Stores segment as a percentage of Retail Stores net sales decreased 70 basis points.  Occupancy and buying expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 130 basis points for LANE BRYANT and 90 basis points for FASHION BUG.  Occupancy and buying expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 150 basis points for CATHERINES primarily as a result of the conversion of 28 PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores to CATHERINES stores in outlet locations opened in the current year and the lack of leverage from the decrease in comparable store sales.

Occupancy and buying expenses for our Direct-to-Consumer segment as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily as a result of the shutdown during the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter of the retained leased facilities from the sale of our non-core misses apparel catalog business.



 
35


Selling, General, and Administrative

 
   
Thirteen
         
Thirteen
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Consolidated selling, general, and administrative
  $ 145.0       31.3     $ 135.5       29.4       1.9 %
 
Consolidated selling, general, and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of net sales as compared to the prior year period primarily as a result of lower income from our private-label credit card operations, as well as incremental advertising expenses.  The lower income from our credit card operations resulted from the difference in the income from our third-party credit processor in the current year as compared to the income when we operated the credit card program in the prior-year period.  Retail Stores segment selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 80 basis points as a percentage of Retail Stores net sales as compared to the prior-year period, primarily due to the lower private-label credit card income.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales were flat for LANE BRYANT, increased 60 basis points for FASHION BUG, and increased 360 basis points for CATHERINES.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for our Direct-to-Consumer segment as a percentage of net sales increased as compared to the prior-year period primarily as a result of payments received from the transitional service agreements related to the non-core misses apparel catalog business that terminated during the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter.

Depreciation and Amortization

 
   
Thirteen
         
Thirteen
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 16.4       3.5     $ 18.3       4.0       (0.5) %
 
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased primarily as a result of our operation of fewer stores in the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period and the write-down of store assets during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter.

Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs

During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we sold our proprietary credit card receivables programs and recognized one-time net charges of $13.4 million as a result of the sale, primarily related to contract termination and transaction-related costs as well as severance and retention costs.  See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited); Note 9. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs above and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 12. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for further information.







 
36


Restructuring and Other Charges

During the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter we recognized cash severance and non-cash equity compensation costs related to the resignation of our Chief Executive Officer, which occurred during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, as well as lease termination costs for the closing of under-performing stores.  During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we recognized charges primarily for lease termination costs related to the retained leased facilities from the sale of the non-core misses apparel catalog business that ceased operations in the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter, non-cash accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets retained from the sale of the non-core misses apparel catalog business, and costs related to our transformational initiatives.

Gain on Repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes

During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we repurchased 1.125% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $17.5 million and recognized a gain on the repurchases of $1.3 million, net of unamortized issue costs.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax benefit for the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter was primarily a result of (1) a reduction in our valuation allowance due to our ability to carry back certain tax credits in connection with our Fiscal 2009 net operating loss carryback and utilization of certain tax credits in an amended income tax return, and (2) a net decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest, and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions.  These items were offset by certain state and foreign income taxes payable as well as required deferred taxes.  The Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter income tax provision was primarily a result of state and foreign income taxes payable as well as required deferred taxes, and a net increase in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions.


Comparison of Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 30, 2010 and October 31, 2009

Net Sales

   
Thirty-nine
         
Thirty-nine
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change From
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Prior Period
 
   
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Dollars
   
Percent
 
                                     
LANE BRYANT
  $ 722.8       48.6     $ 718.8       47.1     $ 4.0       0.6  
FASHION BUG
    505.1       34.0       530.9       34.8       (25.8 )     (4.9 )
CATHERINES
    230.3       15.5       227.2       14.9       3.1       1.4  
Other Retail Stores
    0.0       0.0       13.1       0.9       (13.1 )     (100.0 )
Total Retail Stores
    1,458.2       98.1     $ 1,490.0       97.7       (31.8 )     (2.1 )
Direct-to-Consumer
    27.8       1.9       35.2       2.3       (7.4 )     (21.0 )
Corporate and Other
    0.0       0.0       0.4       0.0       (0.4 )     (100.0 )
Consolidated net sales
  $ 1,486.0       100.0     $ 1,525.6       100.0     $ (39.6 )     (2.6 )

Retail Stores segment net sales for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 decreased as compared to the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 primarily as a result of 129 net store closings during the preceding twelve-month period, partially offset by a slight increase in consolidated comparable store sales and increases in store-related e-commerce net sales across all of our brands.  As discussed in the quarterly comparison above, our efforts during the current year to improve our merchandise assortments have resulted in improvements in our comparable store sales as compared to the prior year.  Additionally, we stabilized and began to grow our customer base in the current year through increased merchandise promotions and investments in additional marketing.


 
37


LANE BRYANT sales increased as compared to the prior-year period primarily as a result of an increase in store-related e-commerce net sales, partially offset by 26 net store closings during the preceding twelve-month period.  Comparable store sales for the nine-month period were flat, but were positive in the second and third quarters of the current fiscal year as compared to double-digit decreases in the comparable prior-year periods as a result of our efforts to improve merchandise assortments in the current year.  Increases in traffic levels and conversion rate at LANE BRYANT were offset by a decrease in average dollar sale as compared to the prior-year period.

FASHION BUG sales decreased primarily as a result of 82 net store closings, partially offset by a 2% increase in comparable store sales and an increase in store-related e-commerce net sales.  The increase in comparable store sales was a result of improvements in merchandise assortments and increased promotional sales to sell-through seasonal merchandise.  An Increase in conversion rate was offset by decreases in traffic and average dollar sale as compared to the prior-year period.

CATHERINES sales increased slightly as compared to the prior year primarily as a result of 16 net store openings driven by the conversion of 28 PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores to CATHERINES stores in outlet locations during the Fiscal 2010 First Quarter, as well as an increase in store-related e-commerce net sales, which more than offset a decrease in comparable store sales.  Comparable store sales decreased 3% as compared to the prior-year period as a result of a lack of seasonal merchandise offerings, particularly in the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter, which we have addressed for the Fiscal 2010 Fourth Quarter.  An increase in conversion rate was offset by decreases in traffic levels and average dollar sale as compared to the prior-year period.

Retail Stores segment e-commerce net sales for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 increased 37% from the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 and represented 6% of Retail Stores segment net sales for the current-year period as compared to 5% of Retail Stores segment net sales for the prior-year period.  The improvement in e-commerce net sales reflects our efforts to enhance our customers’ on-line shopping experience, which began in Fiscal 2009 with the redesign of our websites and conversion to a new technology platform and continued with the introduction in Fiscal 2010 of a universal shopping cart with customer-friendly shipping options.  We also added new search and navigation technology, making it easier for our customers to find the product they are looking for.

During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 we recognized revenues of $13.9 million in connection with our loyalty card programs as compared to revenues of $14.8 million during the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009.

Net sales from our Direct-to-Consumer segment decreased primarily as a result of the closing of our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog business, which we completed during the Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter.

Gross Profit

 
   
Thirty-nine
         
Thirty-nine
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Consolidated gross profit
  $ 767.4       51.6     $ 788.3       51.7       (0.1) %
 
Consolidated gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily as a result of increased promotional activity to sell-through seasonal merchandise in the first half of Fiscal 2010 and to drive traffic and sales, partially offset by more efficient buying associated with the shift of a higher percentage of apparel product to our direct sourcing operation, which is a component of our “Corporate and other” segment.  For our Retail Stores segment, gross profit as a percentage of Retail Stores net sales decreased 170 basis points as compared to the prior-year period.  Gross profit as a percentage of net sales decreased 170 basis points for LANE BRYANT, 170 basis points for FASHION BUG, and 240 basis points for CATHERINES.


 
38


Gross profit for the Direct-to-Consumer segment as a percentage of net sales increased as compared to the prior-year period primarily as a result of costs incurred in the prior-year period related to the shutdown of our LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog business, which we completed during the Fiscal 2009 Second Quarter.

Occupancy and Buying
 
 
   
Thirty-nine
         
Thirty-nine
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Consolidated occupancy and buying
  $ 276.8       18.6     $ 297.7       19.5       (0.9) %
 
Consolidated occupancy and buying expenses decreased both in dollar amount and as a percentage of net sales primarily as a result of 129 net store closings during the preceding twelve-month period as well as from rent reductions secured from landlords.  Occupancy and buying expenses for our Retail Stores segment as a percentage of Retail Stores net sales decreased 70 basis points.  Occupancy and buying expenses as a percentage of net sales decreased 100 basis points for LANE BRYANT and 80 basis points for FASHION BUG.  Occupancy and buying expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 60 basis points for CATHERINES primarily as a result of the conversion of 28 PETITE SOPHISTICATE OUTLET stores to CATHERINES stores in outlet locations opened in the current year and the lack of leverage from the decrease in comparable store sales.

Occupancy and buying expenses for our Direct-to-Consumer segment as a percentage of net sales decreased primarily as a result of the shutdown during the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter of the retained leased facilities from the sale of our non-core misses apparel catalog business.

Selling, General, and Administrative

 
   
Thirty-nine
         
Thirty-nine
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Consolidated selling, general, and administrative
  $ 451.2       30.4     $ 427.3       28.0       2.4 %
 
Consolidated selling, general, and administrative expenses increased as a percentage of net sales primarily as a result of a lack of leverage from the decrease in net sales and increased in dollar amount primarily as a result of additional advertising expenses, including our Spring 2010 national television campaign.  Additionally, income from our private-label credit card operations was lower than the prior-year period as a result of the difference in the income from our third-party credit processor in the current year as compared to the income when we operated the credit card program in the prior-year period.  Retail Stores segment selling, general, and administrative expenses increased 170 basis points as a percentage of Retail Stores net sales as compared to the prior-year period.  Selling, general, and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales increased 140 basis points for LANE BRYANT, 150 basis points for FASHION BUG, and 270 basis points for CATHERINES.

Selling, general, and administrative expenses for our Direct-to-Consumer segment increased as compared to the prior-year period primarily as a result of payments received from the transitional service agreements related to the non-core misses apparel catalog business that terminated during the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter.





 
39


Depreciation and Amortization

 
   
Thirty-nine
         
Thirty-nine
             
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Weeks Ended
   
% of
   
Change as a
 
   
October 30,
   
Net
   
October 31,
   
Net
   
Percentage of
 
  (Dollars in millions)  
2010
   
Sales
   
2009
   
Sales
   
Net Sales
 
                               
Depreciation and amortization
  $ 50.1       3.4     $ 57.5       3.8       (0.4) %
 
Depreciation and amortization expense decreased primarily as a result of our operation of fewer stores in the current-year period as compared to the prior-year period and the write-down of store assets during the Fiscal 2009 Fourth Quarter.

Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs

During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we sold our proprietary credit card receivables programs and recognized one-time net charges of $13.4 million as a result of the sale, primarily related to contract termination and transaction-related costs and severance and retention costs.  See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited); Note 9. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs above and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 12. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for further information.

Restructuring and Other Charges

During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 we recognized charges primarily for cash severance and non-cash equity compensation costs related to the resignation of our Chief Executive Officer during the Fiscal 2010 Third Quarter and lease termination costs in connection with our program, announced in March 2010, to close approximately 100-120 under-performing stores during Fiscal 2010.  During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 we recognized charges primarily for (1) lease termination costs related to the retained leased facilities from the sale of the non-core misses apparel catalog business; (2) costs related to our transformational initiatives; (3) non-cash accelerated depreciation related to fixed assets retained from the sale of the non-core misses apparel catalog business; (4) retention costs and non-cash accelerated depreciation for the planned closing of the LANE BRYANT WOMAN catalog operations; and (5) costs for lease terminations and non-cash accelerated depreciation related to the closure of under-performing stores.

Gain on Repurchases of 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes

During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 we repurchased 1.125% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $49.2 million and recognized a gain on the repurchases of $1.9 million, net of unamortized issue costs.  During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 we repurchased 1.125% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $69.2 million and recognized a gain on the repurchases of $12.8 million, net of unamortized issue costs.

Income Tax Provision

The income tax benefit for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 resulted primarily from (1) a reduction in our valuation allowance associated with our net operating loss carrybacks and the utilization of certain income tax credits in an amended income tax return, and (2) a net decrease in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest, and penalties associated with uncertain tax positions.  These items were offset by certain state and foreign income taxes payable as well as required deferred taxes.  The income tax provision for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 was primarily a result of a net increase in our liability for unrecognized tax benefits, interest, and penalties; state and foreign income taxes payable; and required deferred taxes.

 
40


LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our primary sources of funding for our working capital requirements are our available cash balances, cash flow from operations (including our private-label credit card programs), and revolving credit facility.  The following table highlights certain information related to our liquidity and capital resources:

   
October 30,
   
January 30,
 
(Dollars in millions)
 
2010
   
2010
 
             
Cash, cash equivalents, and available-for-sale securities
  $ 104.2     $ 186.8  
Available borrowing capacity under revolving credit facility
  $ 146.6     $ 141.4  
Working capital
  $ 292.0     $ 335.6  
Current ratio
    1.9       2.2  
Long-term debt to equity ratio
    37.4 %     47.3 %

The following discussion of cash flows is based on our consolidated statements of cash flows included in “Item 1. Financial Statements” above.

Cash Provided/(Used) by Operating Activities

Our net cash used by operating activities was $13.9 million for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 as compared to cash provided by operating activities of $134.4 million for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009.  The decrease in cash provided by operating activities as compared to the prior-year period is primarily the result of a $76.9 million investment in inventories (net of accounts payable) during the current-year period (discussed further in “OVERVIEW” above) and the receipt of $85.1 million of net proceeds from the sale of our retained interests in our proprietary credit card receivables programs during the prior-year period (see also “Cash Provided/(Used) by Investing Activities” below).  Cash used by operating activities for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 also included the receipt of $45.0 million of Federal income tax refunds, while cash provided by operating activities for the prior-year period included a Federal income tax refund of $27.7 million.

Cash Provided/(Used) by Investing Activities

Capital expenditures net of construction allowances received from landlords were $26.5 million during the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 as compared to $12.1 million for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009.  Gross capital expenditures, excluding construction allowances received from landlords, were $29.2 million during the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 as compared to $16.3 million for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009.

We anticipate that our Fiscal 2010 capital expenditures, net of construction allowances received from landlords, will be approximately $42-$47 million as compared to net capital expenditures of $18.4 million for Fiscal 2009.  We anticipate that our projected gross capital expenditures for Fiscal 2010 will be approximately $45-$50 million before construction allowances received from landlords as compared to gross capital expenditures of $22.7 million for Fiscal 2009.  We expect to use these expenditures according to disciplined return on investment criteria for 7-9 new store openings, remodels and refurbishments, to fund fixturing for new merchandise assortments, to test brand combinations and conversions, and the implementation of information technology tools to assist in improving our business results.  We expect to finance these capital expenditures primarily through internally-generated funds.

Cash provided by investing activities for the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 included $51.3 million from the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs (see also “Cash Provided/(Used) by Operating Activities” above), $6.1 million from net sales of available-for-sale securities, and $1.7 million of proceeds from sales of capital assets.


 
41


Cash Used by Financing Activities

During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 we repurchased 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes due May 2014 (the “1.125% Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $49.2 million for an aggregate purchase price of $38.3 million.  In addition, we used $4.7 million for scheduled repayments of long-term borrowings.  During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 we repurchased 1.125% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $69.2 million for an aggregate purchase price of $39.3 million.  In addition, we used $5.1 million for scheduled repayments of other long-term borrowings and $7.3 million for deferred financing costs related to our amended revolving credit facility.

Repurchases of Common Stock

In November 2007 our Board of Directors authorized a $200 million share repurchase program to make share purchases from time to time in the open market or through privately-negotiated transactions.  The timing of such repurchases and the number of shares repurchased will depend on market conditions and we intend to hold shares repurchased as treasury shares.  We have not repurchased any shares of common stock subsequent to the Fiscal 2008 First Quarter.  Our amended revolving credit facility allows the repurchase of our common stock subject to maintaining a minimum level of “Excess Availability” (as defined in the facility agreement) for 30 days before such repurchase, immediately after such repurchase, and on a projected pro-forma basis for the 12 consecutive fiscal months thereafter.  See “PART II, Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds below for additional information regarding the share-repurchase program announced in November 2007.

Dividends

We have not paid any dividends since 1995, and we do not expect to declare or pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future.  The payment of future dividends is within the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend upon our future earnings, if any; our capital requirements; our financial condition; and other relevant factors.  Our revolving credit facility allows the payment of dividends on our common stock not to exceed $15 million in any fiscal year.  Such payments are subject to maintaining a minimum level of “Excess Availability” (as defined in the facility agreement) for 30 days before the payment of such dividends, immediately after the payment of such dividends, and on a projected pro-forma basis for the 12 consecutive fiscal months thereafter.


FINANCING

Off-Balance-Sheet Financing

Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs

During the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter we sold our proprietary credit card receivables programs to World Financial Network National Bank (“WFNNB”), a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation (“Alliance Data”).  We also entered into operating agreements with WFNNB for the provision of private-label credit card programs for our customers.  See “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Financial Condition; Financing; Off-Balance-Sheet Financing and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 12. Sale of Proprietary Credit Card Receivables Programs” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for further details regarding the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs.







 
42


Asset Securitization Program

Prior to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs during the Fiscal 2009 Third Quarter, our asset securitization program primarily involved the sale of proprietary credit card receivables to a special-purpose entity, which in turn transferred the receivables to a separate qualified special-purpose entity (“QSPE”).  The QSPE’s assets and liabilities were not consolidated in our balance sheet and the receivables transferred to the QSPEs were isolated for purposes of the securitization program.  We used our asset securitization facilities to fund the credit card receivables generated by our FASHION BUG, LANE BRYANT, CATHERINES, and PETITE SOPHISTICATE proprietary credit card programs.  Additional information regarding our asset securitization facilities is included in “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements; “Note 10. Asset Securitization” above and in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Financial Condition; Financing; Off-Balance-Sheet Financing and “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; NOTE 17. Asset Securitization” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

Our Proprietary Credit Card Programs

Prior to the sale of our proprietary credit card receivables programs we managed the programs to enhance customer loyalty and to allow us to integrate our direct-mail marketing strategy when communicating with our core customers.  We also earned revenue from operating the programs.  As discussed above, we utilized asset securitization as the primary funding source for our proprietary credit card receivables programs.  As a result, our primary source of benefits was derived from the net excess spread revenues we received from monthly securitization distributions associated with the collections on managed outstanding receivables.

In addition to the actual net excess spread revenues we recognized a beneficial interest in the QSPE (an “I/O strip”), which represented the estimated present value of cash flows we expected to receive over the estimated period the receivables were outstanding.  We also recognized a servicing liability, which represented the present value of the excess of the costs of servicing over the servicing fees we expected to receive and was recorded at estimated fair value.  We amortized the I/O strip and the servicing liability on a straight-line basis over the expected life of the proprietary credit card receivables.

The proprietary credit card programs also generated other net revenues, which included revenue from additional products and services that customers purchased with their credit cards and interest income earned on funds invested in the credit entities.  The credit contribution was net of expenses associated with operating the program.  Except for net fees associated with the fee-based loyalty programs that we included in net sales, we included the net credit contribution as a reduction of selling, general, and administrative expenses in our consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income.

Subsequent to the sale of the program, under the operating agreements WFNNB offers private-label credit cards bearing our retail brand names.  We receive ongoing payments from WFNNB related to private-label credit card sales, reimbursement of some private-label credit card program marketing costs, and net revenue sharing associated with marketing of certain enhancement services to cardholders.  The level of ongoing payments we receive may increase or decrease as a result of changes in the performance of the private-label credit card programs or changes in the legal and regulatory requirements affecting WFNNB in its conduct of the program.

Payments from WFNNB under the operating agreements are recognized as a reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses, similar to revenues associated with our proprietary credit card receivables program prior to the sale.  With the sale of the proprietary credit card receivables programs to WFNNB, the majority of the expenses associated with the proprietary credit card receivables programs were eliminated.




 
43


Further details regarding our net credit contribution for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
Thirteen
   
Thirty-nine
 
   
Weeks Ended
   
Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
October 31,
 
(In millions)
 
2009(1)
   
2009(1)
 
             
Net securitization excess spread revenues
  $ 23.7     $ 63.7  
Net changes to the I/O strip and servicing liability
    2.7       2.5  
Other credit card revenues, net(2) 
    2.7       8.8  
Total proprietary credit card revenues
    29.1       75.0  
Less total credit card program expenses
    13.4       42.3  
Total credit contribution
  $ 15.7     $ 32.7  
____________________
 
(1)   Through October 30, 2009 (the date of sale of the proprietary credit card receivables programs).
 
(2)   Excludes inter-company merchant fees between our credit entities and our retail entities.
 

Further details regarding our outstanding receivables for the thirteen weeks and thirty-nine weeks ended October 31, 2009 are as follows:

   
Thirteen
   
Thirty-nine
 
   
Weeks Ended
   
Weeks Ended
 
   
October 31,
   
October 31,
 
(In millions)
 
2009(1)
   
2009(1)
 
             
Average managed receivables outstanding
  $ 484.9     $ 496.9  
____________________
 
(1)   Through October 30, 2009 (the date of sale of the proprietary credit card receivables programs).
 

Operating Leases

We lease substantially all of our operating stores and certain administrative facilities under non-cancelable operating lease agreements.  Additional details on these leases, including minimum lease commitments, are included in “Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 18. Leases” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

Revolving Credit Facility

We have a loan and security agreement (the “agreement”) that provides for a $225 million senior secured revolving credit facility (the “credit facility”), which includes an option allowing us to increase our credit facility up to $300 million, based on certain terms and conditions.  The credit facility may be used for general corporate purposes, and provides that up to $100 million of the $225 million may be used for letters of credit.  The credit facility provides for committed revolving credit availability through July 31, 2012.  See “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited); Note 3. Long-term Debt” above for further details regarding the credit facility.  There were no borrowings outstanding under the credit facility as of October 30, 2010.






 
44


The agreement provides for customary representations and warranties and affirmative covenants, and contains customary negative covenants.  The agreement also provides for certain rights and remedies if there is an occurrence of one or more events of default under the terms of the agreement.  Under certain conditions the maximum amount available under the agreement may be reduced or terminated by the lenders and the obligation to repay amounts outstanding under the agreement may be accelerated.  In each month in which Excess Availability (as defined in the agreement) is less than $40 million, we will be required to maintain a fixed charge coverage ratio of at least 1.1 to 1 for the then preceding twelve-month fiscal period.  As of October 30, 2010 the Excess Availability under the amended facility was $196.6 million and we were in compliance with all of the covenants included in the facility.

Long-term Debt

During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2010 we repurchased 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes (the “1.125% Notes”) with an aggregate principal amount of $49.2 million (see “Item 1. Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited); Note 3. Long-term Debt” above).  During the first three quarters of Fiscal 2009 we repurchased 1.125% Notes with an aggregate principal amount of $69.2 million.  We may elect to repurchase additional notes in privately negotiated transactions or in the open market under circumstances that we believe to be favorable to us.

See “FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” above and “PART I; Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010 for a discussion of the potential impact to our liquidity as a result of the occurrence of a “fundamental change” as defined in the prospectus filed in connection with the 1.125% Notes.

Additional information regarding our long-term borrowings is included in “Part II, Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; Financing; Long-term Debt and “Part II, Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data; Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements; Note 8. Long-term Debt” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010.

In Fiscal 2010 we plan to continue to utilize our combined financial resources to fund our inventory and inventory-related purchases, advertising and marketing initiatives, and our store development and infrastructure strategies.  We believe our cash and available-for-sale securities, our operating agreements with Alliance Data related to our proprietary credit cards, and our borrowing facilities will provide adequate liquidity for our business operations and growth opportunities during Fiscal 2010.  However, our liquidity is affected by many factors, including some that are based on normal operations and some that are related to our industry and the economy.

We may seek, as we believe appropriate, additional debt or equity financing to provide capital for corporate purposes or to fund strategic business opportunities.  We may also elect to redeem debt financing prior to maturity or to purchase additional 1.125% Senior Convertible Notes under circumstances that we believe to be favorable to us.  At this time we cannot determine the timing or amount of such potential capital requirements, which will depend on a number of factors, including demand for our merchandise, industry conditions, competitive factors, the market value of our outstanding debt, the condition of financial markets, and the nature and size of strategic business opportunities that we may elect to pursue.


MARKET RISK

As of October 30, 2010 there were no borrowings outstanding under our revolving credit facility.  Future borrowings made under the facility, if any, could be exposed to variable interest rates.

We are not subject to material foreign exchange risk, as our foreign transactions are primarily U.S. Dollar-denominated and our foreign operations do not constitute a material part of our business.


 
45


IMPACT OF RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Not applicable.


Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

See “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; MARKET RISK,” above.


Item 4. Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports we file under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”), our Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) while performing the function of CEO, and Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”), as appropriate and in such a manner as to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.  Our Disclosure Committee, which is made up of several key management employees and reports directly to the CEO (or COO while performing the function of CEO) and CFO, assists our management, including our CEO (or COO while performing the function of CEO) and CFO, in fulfilling their responsibilities for establishing and maintaining such controls and procedures and providing accurate, timely, and complete disclosure.

As of the end of the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q (the “Evaluation Date”), our Disclosure Committee, under the supervision and with the participation of management, including our COO (while performing the function of CEO) and CFO, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures.  Based on this evaluation, our management, including our COO and CFO, has concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.  Furthermore, there has been no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the period covered by this report on Form 10-Q that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.





















 
46


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION


Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In August 2009, Sharon Bates and Tamara Baggett, former Store Sales Managers (“SSMs”) of stores under the trade name “Catherines,” filed a Complaint with the United States District Court, District of Connecticut, against Catherines, Inc. (“Catherines”).  The complaint, as amended, alleges that the plaintiffs were unlawfully denied overtime compensation.  Ms. Bates' individual overtime claim was brought under the Connecticut Minimum Wage Act (“CMWA”) and Ms. Baggett's individual overtime claim was brought under the New York Minimum Wage Act (“NYMWA”).  In addition, both Plaintiffs asserted claims on behalf of themselves and other purportedly similarly-situated current and former SSMs under the Fair Labor Standards Act (“FLSA”).  The Plaintiffs seek unpaid overtime wages, liquidated damages, interest and costs, attorneys’ fees, an order enjoining Catherines from continuing its alleged illegal practices in violation of the FLSA, NYMWA and CMWA as to current and future SSMs and such other relief as the Court deems equitable.  Catherines has filed its Answer to the Amended Complaint denying Plaintiffs’ allegations.

On or about May 27, 2010 Plaintiffs filed a Motion to Proceed as a Collective Action.  In that motion, Plaintiffs seek approval from the Court to send notice of the lawsuit to purportedly similarly-situated current and former SSMs working with Catherines after August 18, 2006, who may, after receiving the notice, elect to participate in the lawsuit as plaintiffs.  Catherines is opposing this motion, and oral argument was heard on the motion on August 20, 2010.  If the motion is granted, the scope of the litigation may expand significantly.

In addition, Catherines has filed a Summary Judgment Motion to dismiss the claims of Plaintiff Bates.  Plaintiffs' opposition to the motion was filed and the Court heard oral argument on the motion.  To date, the court has not ruled on the two motions before it and the parties are engaged in settlement negotiations through the use of an independent mediator.

Other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business, there are no other pending material legal proceedings that we or any of our subsidiaries are a party to, or of which any of their property is the subject.


Item 1A. Risk Factors

Except for the following risk factors, which have been included in “Part I; Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations; FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS” above, we have not become aware of any material changes in the risk factors previously disclosed in “Part I; Item 1A. Risk Factors” of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010:

Consolidation in the commercial retail real estate industry could affect our ability to successfully negotiate favorable rental terms for our stores in the future.  Our ability to operate successfully as a mall-based retailer is dependent upon our ability to develop and maintain good relationships with our landlords.  Potential consolidation in the commercial retail real estate industry could limit our future ability to negotiate favorable rental terms or to close under-performing stores on favorable terms.  Should a significant consolidation occur a large proportion of our store base could be concentrated with one or a few entities that could then be in a position to dictate unfavorable terms to us due to the significant leverage they would possess.  If we are unable to negotiate favorable rental terms with these entities and are therefore unable to profitably operate our existing stores, our business, financial condition, and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Certain key raw materials in our products, such as cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics, are subject to availability constraints and price volatility.  An increase in the cost or decrease in the availability of such raw materials could adversely affect our operating margins and our results of operations.

 
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The inability to hire a suitable permanent Chief Executive Officer within a reasonable time period could have a material adverse impact on our business.  We depend on the efforts and abilities of our executive officers and their management teams and we may not be able to retain or replace these employees or recruit additional qualified personnel.

Our failure to properly execute our in-stock inventory strategy may result in higher-than-planned levels of promotional activity in order to sell-through excess levels of such inventories, which would have a negative impact on our financial condition and results of operations.



Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

               
Total
   
Maximum
 
               
Number
   
Number of
 
               
of Shares
   
Shares that
 
               
Purchased as
   
May Yet be
 
   
Total
         
Part of Publicly
   
Purchased
 
   
Number
   
Average
   
Announced
   
Under the
 
   
of Shares
   
Price Paid
   
Plans or
   
Plans or
 
Period
 
Purchased
   
per Share
   
Programs(2)
   
Programs(2)
 
                         
August 1, 2010 through                        
August 28, 2010
    3,468 (1)   $ 3.42              
August 29, 2010 through
                             
October 2, 2010
    442 (1)     3.59              
October 3, 2010 through
                             
October 30, 2010
    0       0.00              
Total
    3,910     $ 3.44               (2)
____________________
 
(1)   Shares withheld for the payment of payroll taxes on employee stock awards that vested during the period.
 
(2)   On November 8, 2007 we publicly announced that our Board of Directors granted authority to repurchase shares of our common stock up to an aggregate value of $200,000,000. Shares may be purchased in the open market or through privately-negotiated transactions, as market conditions allow. During Fiscal 2008 we repurchased a total of 505,406 shares of stock ($5.21 average price paid per share) in the open market under this program. No shares have been purchased under this plan subsequent to Fiscal 2008. As of October 30, 2010, $197,365,000 was available for future repurchases under this program. This repurchase program has no expiration date.
 


Item 6. Exhibits

The following is a list of Exhibits filed as part of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.  Where so indicated, Exhibits that were previously filed are incorporated by reference.  For Exhibits incorporated by reference, the location of the Exhibit in the previous filing is indicated in parentheses.

2.1
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 12, 2009 among SOANB and CSRC, as sellers, SOAI, and WFNNB, as purchaser, incorporated by reference to Form 8-K of the Registrant dated August 12, 2009, filed on August 14, 2009 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 10.1).
   

 
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3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 3.1).
   
3.2
Bylaws, as Amended and Restated, incorporated by reference to Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 3.2).
   
10.1
Form of Annual Incentive Plan for Executive Officers, incorporated by reference to Form 8-K of the Registrant dated March 29, 2010, filed on April 2, 2010 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 10.1).
   
10.2
   
10.3
   
10.4
   
10.5
   
31.1
   
31.2
   
32
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.

















 
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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.


 
CHARMING SHOPPES, INC.
 
(Registrant)
   
   
   
Date: December 1, 2010
/S/ ANTHONY M. ROMANO
 
Anthony M. Romano
 
Executive Vice President
 
Chief Operating Officer
 
(Performs the Function of Chief Executive Officer)
   
   
Date: December 1, 2010
/S/ ERIC M. SPECTER
 
Eric M. Specter
 
Executive Vice President
 
Chief Financial Officer




























 
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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.
Item
   
2.1
Purchase Agreement dated as of August 12, 2009 among SOANB and CSRC, as sellers, SOAI, and WFNNB, as purchaser, incorporated by reference to Form 8-K of the Registrant dated August 12, 2009, filed on August 14, 2009 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 10.1).
   
3.1
Restated Articles of Incorporation, incorporated by reference to Form 10-Q of the Registrant for the quarter ended August 2, 2008 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 3.1).
   
3.2
Bylaws, as Amended and Restated, incorporated by reference to Form 10-K of the Registrant for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 3.2).
   
10.1
Form of Annual Incentive Plan for Executive Officers, incorporated by reference to Form 8-K of the Registrant dated March 29, 2010, filed on April 2, 2010 (File No. 000-07258, Exhibit 10.1).
   
10.2
   
10.3
   
10.4
   
10.5
   
31.1
   
31.2
   
32
   
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document.
   
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema.
   
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase.
   
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase.
   
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase.









 
51