Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Notes)	9 Months Ended
Jan. 27, 2018
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation Our condensed consolidated financial statements reflect our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods reported. These condensed consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP. The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 27, 2018 and include the financial results of MBS (which was acquired on February 27, 2017) and Student Brands (which was acquired on August 3, 2017). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2017 exclude the financial results of MBS and Student Brands. Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. Our retail business (BNC and MBS Direct) sales are generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Sales attributable to the MBS wholesale business are generally highest in our first, second and third quarter as it sells textbooks for retail distribution, which somewhat offsets the decreased first quarter sales attributable to our retail business. MBS has significantly lower operating profit or operating loss realized during the fourth quarter. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 27, 2018 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2018 (Fiscal 2018). Use of Estimates In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Merchandise Inventories Merchandise inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market value of our inventory, which is all purchased finished goods, is determined based on its estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price less normally predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on our history of liquidating non-returnable inventory. Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method for our BNC segment and last-in first out, or “LIFO”, method for our MBS segment. Our textbook inventories, for BNC and MBS, and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method and the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of our inventories. For our BNC segment, we also estimate and accrue shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends. Textbook Rental Inventories Physical textbooks out on rent are categorized as textbook rental inventories. At the time a rental transaction is consummated, the book is removed from merchandise inventories and moved to textbook rental inventories at cost. The cost of the book is amortized down to its estimated residual value over the rental period. The related amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. At the end of the rental period, upon return, the book is removed from textbook rental inventories and recorded in merchandise inventories at its amortized cost. Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue Revenue from sales of our products at physical locations is recognized at the time of sale. Revenue from sales of products ordered through our websites is recognized upon receipt of our products by our customers. Revenue from the sale of physical textbooks from our wholesale and virtual bookstores is recognized at the time of shipment. Additional revenue is recognized for shipping charges billed to customers. We rent both physical and digital textbooks. Revenue from the rental of physical textbooks is deferred and recognized over the rental period commencing at point of sale. We offer a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented physical textbook at the end of the rental period. We record the buyout purchase when the customer exercises and pays the buyout option price. In these instances, we would accelerate any remaining deferred rental revenue at the point of sale. Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at the time of sale. A software feature is embedded within the content of our digital textbooks, such that upon expiration of the rental term the customer is no longer able to access the content. While the digital rental allows the customer to access digital content for a fixed period of time, once the digital content is delivered to the customer, our performance obligation is complete. We primarily record digital textbook rental sales on a net basis in accordance with ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent. We provide direct-to-student subscription-based writing services. Subscription revenue is deferred and recognized over the service period. The majority of subscriptions sold are one month in duration. Sales taxes collected from our customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of our sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. We do not treat any promotional offers as expenses. Cost of Sales Our cost of sales primarily include costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization, warehouse costs related to inventory management and order fulfillment, certain payroll costs, and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and other facility related expenses. Selling and Administrative Expenses Our selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of store payroll and store operating expenses. Selling and administrative expenses also include stock-based compensation and general office expenses, such as executive oversight, merchandising, field support, finance, human resources, benefits, training, legal, and information technology, as well as our investments in our digital platform and subscription-based services. Goodwill In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. The revised guidance eliminated the former Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test which required an entity to compute the implied fair value of its goodwill at the testing date in order to measure the amount of the impairment charge when the fair value of the reporting unit failed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. Under the revised guidance, an entity would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis. We have early adopted this standard in the second quarter of Fiscal 2018. We completed our annual goodwill impairment test with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm, as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2018. We completed the impairment evaluation process to compare the fair value of our reporting units to their respective carrying values. In performing the valuation, we used cash flows that reflected management’s forecasts and discount rates that included risk adjustments consistent with the current market conditions. We estimated the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Inherent in our preparation of cash flow projections are assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our operating results, business plans, expected growth rates, cost of capital and tax rates. We also make certain forecasts about future economic conditions, interest rates, market data, and other observable trends, such as comparable store sales trends, recent changes in publisher relationships, and development of innovative digital products and services in the rapidly changing education landscape. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of cash flows and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit and considering a reasonable control premium. The decline of our stock price and the corresponding reduction in our market capitalization had a significant affect on the implied control premium. As a corroborative source of information, we reconcile the estimated aggregate fair values of its reporting units to within a reasonable range of its market capitalization, which includes an assumed control premium (an adjustment reflecting an estimated fair value on a control basis), to verify the reasonableness of the fair value of its reporting units obtained through the aforementioned methods. The fair value of the MBS reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, no goodwill impairment was recognized for the MBS segment. The carrying value of the BNC reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,130. As of January 27, 2018, we had $49,282 and $0 of goodwill remaining related to our MBS and BNC reporting units, respectively. Evaluation of Other Long-Lived Assets Impairment Our other long-lived assets include property and equipment and amortizable intangibles. As of January 27, 2018, we had $110,987 and $224,314 of property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, net of depreciation and amortization, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet. We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. During the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, in conjunction with the goodwill impairment test noted above, we evaluated certain of our long-lived assets for impairment. We evaluated long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest asset group level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compared the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss calculation is prepared. Based on the results of the tests, an impairment loss calculation was not required as the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group exceeded the carrying amount of the asset group. We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to losses that could be material. Income Taxes As of January 27, 2018, other long-term liabilities includes $54,370 related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve. The LIFO reserve is impacted by changes in the consumer price index ("CPI") and is dependent on the inventory levels at the end of our tax year (on or about January 31st) which is in the middle of our second largest selling cycle. At the end of the most recent tax year, inventory levels within our BNC segment declined as compared to the prior year resulting in approximately$13,754 of the LIFO reserve becoming currently payable. Given recent trends relating to the pricing and rental of textbooks, management believes that an additional portion of the remaining long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve could be payable within the next twelve months. We are unable to predict future trends for CPI and inventory levels, therefore it is difficult to project with reasonable certainty how much of this liability will become payable within the next twelve months.

Note 2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

Our condensed consolidated financial statements reflect our condensed consolidated financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). In the opinion of the Company’s management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly its consolidated financial position and the results of its operations and cash flows for the periods reported. These condensed consolidated financial statements are condensed and therefore do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP.

The condensed consolidated financial statements are presented on a consolidated basis for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 27, 2018 and include the financial results of MBS (which was acquired on February 27, 2017) and Student Brands (which was acquired on August 3, 2017). All material intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The condensed consolidated financial statements for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 28, 2017 exclude the financial results of MBS and Student Brands.

Our fiscal year is comprised of 52 or 53 weeks, ending on the Saturday closest to the last day of April. Our retail business (BNC and MBS Direct) sales are generally highest in the second and third fiscal quarters, when college students generally purchase textbooks for the upcoming semesters, and lowest in the first and fourth fiscal quarters. Sales attributable to the MBS wholesale business are generally highest in our first, second and third quarter as it sells textbooks for retail distribution, which somewhat offsets the decreased first quarter sales attributable to our retail business. MBS has significantly lower operating profit or operating loss realized during the fourth quarter. Due to the seasonal nature of the business, the results of operations for the 13 and 39 weeks ended January 27, 2018 are not indicative of the results expected for the 52 weeks ending April 28, 2018 (Fiscal 2018).

Use of Estimates

In preparing financial statements in conformity with GAAP, we are required to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts in the condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories, which consist of finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost or market. Market value of our inventory, which is all purchased finished goods, is determined based on its estimated net realizable value, which is generally the selling price less normally predictable costs of disposal and transportation. Reserves for non-returnable inventory are based on our history of liquidating non-returnable inventory.

Cost is determined primarily by the retail inventory method for our BNC segment and last-in first out, or “LIFO”, method for our MBS segment. Our textbook inventories, for BNC and MBS, and trade book inventories are valued using the LIFO method and the related reserve was not material to the recorded amount of our inventories.

For our BNC segment, we also estimate and accrue shortage for the period between the last physical count of inventory and the balance sheet date. Shortage rates are estimated and accrued based on historical rates and can be affected by changes in merchandise mix and changes in actual shortage trends.

Textbook Rental Inventories

Physical textbooks out on rent are categorized as textbook rental inventories. At the time a rental transaction is consummated, the book is removed from merchandise inventories and moved to textbook rental inventories at cost. The cost of the book is amortized down to its estimated residual value over the rental period. The related amortization expense is included in cost of goods sold. At the end of the rental period, upon return, the book is removed from textbook rental inventories and recorded in merchandise inventories at its amortized cost.

Revenue Recognition and Deferred Revenue

Revenue from sales of our products at physical locations is recognized at the time of sale. Revenue from sales of products ordered through our websites is recognized upon receipt of our products by our customers. Revenue from the sale of physical textbooks from our wholesale and virtual bookstores is recognized at the time of shipment. Additional revenue is recognized for shipping charges billed to customers.

We rent both physical and digital textbooks. Revenue from the rental of physical textbooks is deferred and recognized over the rental period commencing at point of sale. We offer a buyout option to allow the purchase of a rented physical textbook at the end of the rental period. We record the buyout purchase when the customer exercises and pays the buyout option price. In these instances, we would accelerate any remaining deferred rental revenue at the point of sale.

Revenue from the rental of digital textbooks is recognized at the time of sale. A software feature is embedded within the content of our digital textbooks, such that upon expiration of the rental term the customer is no longer able to access the content. While the digital rental allows the customer to access digital content for a fixed period of time, once the digital content is delivered to the customer, our performance obligation is complete. We primarily record digital textbook rental sales on a net basis in accordance with ASC 605-45-45, Reporting Revenue Gross as a Principal versus Net as an Agent.

We provide direct-to-student subscription-based writing services. Subscription revenue is deferred and recognized over the service period. The majority of subscriptions sold are one month in duration.

Sales taxes collected from our customers are excluded from reported revenues. All of our sales are recognized as revenue on a “net” basis, including sales in connection with any periodic promotions offered to customers. We do not treat any promotional offers as expenses.

Cost of Sales

Our cost of sales primarily include costs such as merchandise costs, textbook rental amortization, warehouse costs related to inventory management and order fulfillment, certain payroll costs, and management service agreement costs, including rent expense, related to our college and university contracts and other facility related expenses.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Our selling and administrative expenses consist primarily of store payroll and store operating expenses. Selling and administrative expenses also include stock-based compensation and general office expenses, such as executive oversight, merchandising, field support, finance, human resources, benefits, training, legal, and information technology, as well as our investments in our digital platform and subscription-based services.

Goodwill

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standard Update (“ASU”) No. 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) to simplify the test for goodwill impairment. The revised guidance eliminated the former Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test which required an entity to compute the implied fair value of its goodwill at the testing date in order to measure the amount of the impairment charge when the fair value of the reporting unit failed Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test. Under the revised guidance, an entity would recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount of the reporting unit exceeds its fair value; however, the loss recognized would not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. The guidance will be applied on a prospective basis. We have early adopted this standard in the second quarter of Fiscal 2018.

We completed our annual goodwill impairment test with the assistance of a third-party valuation firm, as of the first day of the third quarter of Fiscal 2018. We completed the impairment evaluation process to compare the fair value of our reporting units to their respective carrying values. In performing the valuation, we used cash flows that reflected management’s forecasts and discount rates that included risk adjustments consistent with the current market conditions. We estimated the fair value of our reporting units using a weighting of fair values derived from the income approach and the market approach. Under the income approach, we calculate the fair value of the reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows. Inherent in our preparation of cash flow projections are assumptions and estimates derived from a review of our operating results, business plans, expected growth rates, cost of capital and tax rates. We also make certain forecasts about future economic conditions, interest rates, market data, and other observable trends, such as comparable store sales trends, recent changes in publisher relationships, and development of innovative digital products and services in the rapidly changing education landscape. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the business’s ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate the fair value based on market multiples of cash flows and earnings derived from comparable publicly-traded companies with similar operating and investment characteristics as the reporting unit and considering a reasonable control premium. The decline of our stock price and the corresponding reduction in our market capitalization had a significant affect on the implied control premium. As a corroborative source of information, we reconcile the estimated aggregate fair values of its reporting units to within a reasonable range of its market capitalization, which includes an assumed control premium (an adjustment reflecting an estimated fair value on a control basis), to verify the reasonableness of the fair value of its reporting units obtained through the aforementioned methods.

The fair value of the MBS reporting unit exceeded its carrying value; therefore, no goodwill impairment was recognized for the MBS segment. The carrying value of the BNC reporting unit exceeded its fair value and we recorded a goodwill impairment (non-cash impairment loss) of $313,130. As of January 27, 2018, we had $49,282 and $0 of goodwill remaining related to our MBS and BNC reporting units, respectively.

Evaluation of Other Long-Lived Assets Impairment

Our other long-lived assets include property and equipment and amortizable intangibles. As of January 27, 2018, we had $110,987 and $224,314 of property and equipment and amortizable intangible assets, net of depreciation and amortization, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet.

We review our long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable in accordance with ASC 360-10, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets. During the third quarter of Fiscal 2018, in conjunction with the goodwill impairment test noted above, we evaluated certain of our long-lived assets for impairment.

We evaluated long-lived assets for impairment at the lowest asset group level at which individual cash flows can be identified. When evaluating long-lived assets for potential impairment, we first compared the carrying amount of the asset group to the estimated future undiscounted cash flows. If the estimated future cash flows were less than the carrying amount of the asset group, an impairment loss calculation is prepared. Based on the results of the tests, an impairment loss calculation was not required as the estimated future undiscounted cash flows of the asset group exceeded the carrying amount of the asset group.

We do not believe there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the estimates or assumptions used to calculate long-lived asset impairment losses. However, if actual results are not consistent with estimates and assumptions used in estimating future cash flows and asset fair values, we may be exposed to losses that could be material.

Income Taxes

As of January 27, 2018, other long-term liabilities includes $54,370 related to the long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve. The LIFO reserve is impacted by changes in the consumer price index ("CPI") and is dependent on the inventory levels at the end of our tax year (on or about January 31st) which is in the middle of our second largest selling cycle. At the end of the most recent tax year, inventory levels within our BNC segment declined as compared to the prior year resulting in approximately$13,754 of the LIFO reserve becoming currently payable. Given recent trends relating to the pricing and rental of textbooks, management believes that an additional portion of the remaining long-term tax payable associated with the LIFO reserve could be payable within the next twelve months. We are unable to predict future trends for CPI and inventory levels, therefore it is difficult to project with reasonable certainty how much of this liability will become payable within the next twelve months.