Nature of Business and Basis of Presentation (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Feb. 01, 2014

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Fiscal Year

Fiscal Year—We use a fiscal calendar widely used by the retail industry that results in a fiscal year consisting of a 52- or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. Each fiscal year consists of four 13-week quarters, with an extra week added to the fourth quarter every five or six years. The fiscal years ended February 1, 2014 and January 28, 2012 were 52-week periods. The fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 was a 53-week period.

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation—The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Zumiez Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries. All significant intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates can also affect supplemental information disclosed by us, including information about contingencies, risk and financial condition. Actual results could differ from these estimates and assumptions.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments—We disclose the estimated fair value of our financial instruments. Financial instruments are generally defined as cash, evidence of ownership interest in an entity or a contractual obligation that both conveys to one entity a right to receive cash or other financial instruments from another entity and imposes on the other entity the obligation to deliver cash or other financial instruments to the first entity. Our financial instruments, other than those presented in Note 11, “Fair Value Measurements,” include cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other liabilities. The carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, receivables, payables and other liabilities approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these instruments.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents—We consider all highly liquid investments with original maturity of three months or less when purchased to be cash equivalents.

Concentration of Risk

Concentration of Risk—We maintain our cash and cash equivalents in accounts with major financial institutions in the form of demand deposits, money market accounts and state and local municipal securities. Deposits in these financial institutions may exceed the amount of federal deposit insurance provided on such deposits. We have not experienced any losses on our deposits of cash and cash equivalents.

Marketable Securities

Marketable Securities—Our marketable securities primarily consist of state and local municipal securities and variable-rate demand notes. Variable-rate demand notes are considered highly liquid. Although the variable-rate demand notes have long-term nominal maturity dates, the interest rates generally reset weekly. Despite the long-term nature of the underlying securities of the variable-rate demand notes, we have the ability to quickly liquidate these securities, which have an embedded put option that allows the bondholder to sell the security at par plus accrued interest.

Investments are considered to be impaired when a decline in fair value is determined to be other-than-temporary. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, we evaluate information about the underlying investment that is publicly available such as analyst reports, applicable industry data and other pertinent information and assess our intent and ability to hold the security. For fixed-income securities, we also evaluate whether we have plans to sell the security or it is more likely than not we will be required to sell the security before recovery. The investment would be written down to its fair value at the time the impairment is deemed to have occurred and a new cost basis is established. Future adverse changes in market conditions, continued poor operating results of underlying investments or other factors could result in further losses that may not be reflected in an investment’s current carrying value, possibly requiring an additional impairment charge in the future.

Inventories

Inventories—Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or fair market value. The cost of merchandise inventories are based upon an average cost methodology. Merchandise inventories may include items that have been written down to our best estimate of their net realizable value. Our decisions to write-down our merchandise inventories are based on their current rate of sale, the age of the inventory, the profitability of the inventory and other factors. We have reserved for inventory at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 in the amounts of $2.9 million and $3.3 million. The inventory reserve includes inventory whose estimated market value is below cost and an estimate for inventory shrinkage. We estimate an inventory shrinkage reserve for anticipated losses for the period. Shrinkage refers to a reduction in inventory due to shoplifting, employee theft and other matters. The inventory related to these reserves is not marked up in subsequent periods.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets—Fixed assets primarily consist of leasehold improvements, fixtures, land, buildings, computer equipment, software and store equipment. Fixed assets are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation utilizing the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives. The useful lives of our major classes of fixed assets are as follows:

Leasehold improvements	Lesser of 10 years or the term of the lease
Fixtures	3 to 7 years
Computer equipment, software, store equipment & other	3 to 5 years
Buildings and building and land improvements	15 to 39 years

The cost and related accumulated depreciation of assets sold or otherwise disposed of is removed from the accounts and the related gain or loss is recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets—We review the carrying value of long-lived assets for impairment when factors and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is determined by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered impaired, the impairment recognized is measured by comparing projected discounted cash flow of the asset to the asset carrying values. The estimation of future cash flows from operating activities requires significant judgments of factors that include future sales, gross profit and operating expenses. Impairment charges are included in selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statements of income.

Goodwill

Goodwill—Goodwill represents the excess of purchase price over the fair value of acquired tangible and identifiable intangible net assets. We test goodwill for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We perform our annual impairment measurement test on the first day of the fourth quarter. Events that may trigger an early impairment review include significant changes in the current business climate, future expectations of economic conditions, declines in our operating results of our reporting units, or an expectation that the carrying amount may not be recoverable.

We have an option to test goodwill for impairment by first performing a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount. If it is more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount or if we choose not to perform the qualitative assessment, we perform a quantitative two-step impairment test. The first step compares the fair value of the reporting unit with its carrying amount of net assets, including goodwill. If the carrying amount exceeds fair value, then the second step of the impairment test is performed to measure the amount of impairment loss, if any. The second step includes estimating the fair value of the reporting unit by taking all of the tangible and intangible assets of the reporting unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. Then, the implied fair value of the reporting unit’s goodwill is compared to the carrying amount of that goodwill. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill exceeds the implied fair value of the goodwill, we recognize an impairment loss in an amount equal to the excess, not to exceed the carrying amount.

We generally determine the fair value of each of our reporting units based on a blended analysis of the present value of future discounted cash flows and market valuation approach using a multiple of an average annual earnings. Key assumptions used in this calculation include revenue growth, operating expenses, long-term rate of growth and the probability of the reporting unit, working capital impacts and a discount rate that we believe a buyer would assume when determining a purchase price for the reporting unit. Estimates of revenue growth and operating expenses are based on internal projections considering a reporting unit’s past performance and forecasted growth, local market economics and the local business environment impacting the reporting unit’s performance. These estimates are highly subjective judgments and can be significantly impacted by changes in the business or economic conditions.

Intangible Assets

Intangible Assets—Our intangible assets consist of trade names and trademarks with indefinite lives and certain definite-lived intangible assets. We test our indefinite-lived intangible assets for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if indicators of impairment are present. We test our indefinite-lived assets by estimating the fair value of the asset and comparing that to the carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded for the amount that carrying value exceeds the estimated fair value. The fair value of the trade names and trademarks is determined using the relief from royalty method. This method assumes that the trade name and trademarks have value to the extent that their owner is relieved of the obligation to pay royalties for the benefits received from them. The assumptions used in this method requires management judgment and estimates in forecasting future sales, expenses, discount rates, and royalty rates. Definite-lived intangible assets, which consist of developed technology and customer relationships, are amortized using the straight-line method over their estimated useful lives. Additionally, we test the definite-lived intangible assets when facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying values may not be recoverable. We first assess the recoverability of our definite-lived intangible assets by comparing the undiscounted cash flows of the definite-lived asset less its carrying value. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the carrying value, we then determine the estimated fair value of our definite-lived asset by taking the estimated future operating cash flows derived from the operation to which the asset relates over its remaining useful life, using a discounted cash flow analysis and comparing it to the carrying value. Any impairment would be measured as the difference between the carrying amount and the estimated fair value. Changes in any of these estimates, projections and assumptions could have a material effect of the fair value of these assets in future measurement periods and result in an impairment which could materially affect our results of operations.

Deferred Rent, Rent Expense and Tenant Allowances

Deferred Rent, Rent Expense and Tenant Allowances—We lease our stores and certain corporate and other operating facilities under operating leases. A majority of our leases provide for ongoing co-tenancy requirements or early cancellation clauses that would further lower rental rates, or permit lease terminations, or both, in the event that co-tenants cease to operate for specific periods or if certain sales levels are not met in specific periods. Most of the store leases require payment of a specified minimum rent and a contingent rent based on a percentage of the store’s net sales in excess of a specified threshold, as well as real estate taxes, insurance, common area maintenance charges and other executory costs. Most of the lease agreements have defined escalating rent provisions, which are straight-lined over the term of the related lease. We recognize rent expense over the term of the lease, plus the construction period prior to occupancy of the retail location. For certain locations, we receive tenant allowances and report these amounts as a liability, which is amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the term of the lease.

Claims and Contingencies

Claims and Contingencies—We are subject to various claims and contingencies related to lawsuits, insurance, regulatory and other matters arising out of the normal course of business. We accrue a liability if the likelihood of an adverse outcome is probable and the amount is estimable. If the likelihood of an adverse outcome is only reasonably possible (as opposed to probable), or if an estimate is not determinable, we provide disclosure of a material claim or contingency in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition—Sales are recognized upon purchase at our retail store locations. For our ecommerce sales, revenue is recognized upon estimated delivery to the customer. Taxes collected from our customers are recorded on a net basis. We record the sale of gift cards as a current liability and recognize revenue when a customer redeems a gift card. Additionally, an estimate of the portion of gift cards that is not expected to be redeemed (“gift card breakage”) is recognized in net sales after 24 months, at which time the likelihood of redemption is considered remote based on our historical redemption patterns. For the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012, we recorded net sales related to gift card breakage income of $0.8 million, $0.7 million and $0.6 million. Revenue is recorded net of estimated and actual sales returns and deductions for promotions. We accrue for estimated sales returns by customers based on historical sales return results. The allowance for sales returns at February 1, 2014 and February 2, 2013 was $1.6 million and $1.2 million.

We have a customer loyalty program, the Zumiez Stash, which allows members to earn points for purchases or performance of certain activities. The points can be redeemed for a broad range of rewards, including product and experiential rewards. Points earned for purchases are recorded as a reduction of net sales based on the fair value of the points at the time the points are earned and the revenue is recognized upon redemption of points for rewards. Points earned for the performance of activities are recorded as marketing expense based on the estimated cost of the points.

Cost of Goods Sold

Cost of Goods Sold—Cost of goods sold consists of branded merchandise costs and our private label merchandise costs including design, sourcing, importing and inbound freight costs. Our cost of goods sold also includes shrinkage, buying, occupancy, ecommerce fulfillment, distribution and warehousing costs (including associated depreciation) and freight costs for store merchandise transfers. Cash consideration received from vendors is reported as a reduction of cost of goods sold if the inventory has sold, a reduction of the carrying value of the inventory if the inventory is still on hand, or a reduction of selling, general and administrative expense if the amounts are reimbursements of specific, incremental and identifiable costs of selling the vendors’ products.

Shipping Revenue and Costs

Shipping Revenue and Costs—We include shipping revenue related to ecommerce sales in net sales and the related freight cost is charged to cost of goods sold.

Selling, General and Administrative Expense

Selling, General and Administrative Expense—Selling, general and administrative expenses consist primarily of store personnel wages and benefits, administrative staff and infrastructure expenses, freight costs for merchandise shipments from the distribution centers to the stores, store supplies, depreciation on fixed assets at the home office and stores, facility expenses, training expenses and advertising and marketing costs. Credit card fees, insurance, public company expenses, legal expenses, amortization of intangibles assets and other miscellaneous operating costs are also included in selling, general and administrative expenses.

Advertising

Advertising—We expense advertising costs as incurred, except for catalog costs, which are expensed once the catalog is mailed. Advertising expenses are net of sponsorships and vendor reimbursements. Advertising expense was $8.7 million, $6.0 million and $2.5 million for the fiscal years ended February 1, 2014, February 2, 2013 and January 28, 2012.

Future Incentive Payments

Future Incentive Payments—In conjunction with our acquisition of Blue Tomato during the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013, there is the possibility of future incentive payments to the sellers and certain employees of Blue Tomato in an aggregate amount of up to 22.1 million Euros ($29.9 million, using the exchange rate as of February 1, 2014) to the extent that certain financial metrics are met and the sellers and certain employees remain employed with Blue Tomato through April 2015. We estimate future incentive payments based on internal projections of future Blue Tomato financial performance.

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation—We account for stock-based compensation by recording the estimated fair value of stock-based awards granted as compensation expense over the vesting period, net of estimated forfeitures. Stock-based compensation expense is attributed to earnings using an accelerated method for stock options and a straight-line method for restricted stock. We estimate forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.

The fair value of restricted stock awards is measured based on the closing price of our common stock on the date of grant. The fair value of stock option grants is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model based on the following assumptions:

Volatility—This is a measure of the amount by which a stock price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. We use actual daily historical changes in the market value of our stock equal to the expected term of the option.

Risk-free interest rate—This is the U.S. Treasury rate as of the grant date having a term equal to the expected term of the option.

Expected term—The expected term was calculated using the simplified method. Under this method, the expected term is equal to the sum of the weighted average vesting term plus the original contractual term divided by two. We have elected this method as we have concluded that we do not have sufficient historical exercise data to provide a reasonable basis upon which to estimate expected term due to the limited period of time our equity shares have been publicly traded.

Dividend yield—We do not have plans to pay dividends in the foreseeable future.

The following weighted-average assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of stock options granted:

	Fiscal Year Ended
	February 1, 2014			February 2, 2013			January 28, 2012
Dividend yield		0.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
Volatility rate		66.4	%		66.7	%		65.0	%
Weighted-average expected life (in years)		6.25			6.25			6.25
Weighted-average risk-free interest rate		1.1	%		1.1	%		1.1	%
Weighted-average fair value per share of stock options granted	$	15.07		$	19.40		$	13.35

Common Stock Share Repurchases

Common Stock Share Repurchases—We may repurchase shares of our common stock under authorizations made from time to time by our Board of Directors. Under applicable Washington State law, shares repurchased are retired and not displayed separately as treasury stock on the consolidated financial statements. Instead, the value of repurchased shares is deducted from retained earnings.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes—We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Using this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recorded based on the differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities. The deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated using the enacted tax rates and laws that are expected to be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. We routinely evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit of our deferred tax assets and may record a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is determined that it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax benefit will not to be realized.

We regularly evaluate the likelihood of realizing the benefit for income tax positions that we have taken in various federal, state and foreign filings by considering all relevant facts, circumstances and information available. If we believe it is more likely than not that our position will be sustained, we recognize a benefit at the largest amount that we believe is cumulatively greater than 50% likely to be realized. Interest and penalties related to income tax matters are classified as a component of income tax expense. Unrecognized tax benefits are recorded in other liabilities and long-term debt and other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets.

Our tax provision for interim periods is determined using an estimate of our annual effective rate, adjusted for discrete items, if any, that are taken into account in the relevant period. As the fiscal year progresses, we periodically refine our estimate based on actual events and earnings by jurisdiction. This ongoing estimation process can result in changes to our expected effective tax rate for the full fiscal year. When this occurs, we adjust the income tax provision during the quarter in which the change in estimate occurs so that our year-to-date provision equals our expected annual rate.

Earnings per Share

Earnings per Share—Basic earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of stock options and restricted stock is applicable only in periods of net income. Diluted earnings per share is based on the weighted average number of common shares and common share equivalents outstanding during the period. Common share equivalents included in the computation represent shares issuable upon assumed exercise of outstanding stock options, employee stock purchase plan funds held to acquire stock and non-vested restricted stock. Potentially anti-dilutive securities not included in the calculation of diluted earnings per share are options to purchase common stock where the option exercise price is greater than the average market price of our common stock during the period reported.

Foreign Currency Translation

Foreign Currency Translation—Assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars, the reporting currency, at the exchange rate prevailing at the balance sheet date. Revenue and expenses denominated in foreign currencies were translated into U.S. dollars at the monthly average exchange rate for the period and the translation adjustments are reported as an element of accumulated other comprehensive income on the consolidated balance sheets.

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting—We identify our operating segments according to how our business activities are managed and evaluated. Our operating segments have been aggregated and are reported as one reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, production, merchandising and distribution processes involved, target customers and economic characteristics.

Recent Accounting Standards

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards—In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that requires an entity to present information about reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income in their financial statements or footnotes. This guidance is effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2012. We adopted this guidance for the fiscal quarter ended May 4, 2013. The adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In July 2012, the FASB issued guidance that will allow an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. If entities determine, based on qualitative factors, the fair value of the asset is more likely than not less than the carrying value, the two-step impairment test would be required. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after September 15, 2012, with early adoption permitted. We adopted this guidance for the fiscal year ending February 1, 2014 and the adoption did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.