10-Q

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 27, 2012.

OR

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

For the transition period from _______ to _______ .

Commission file number 001-14565

FRED'S, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

TENNESSEE	62-0634010
(State or Other Jurisdiction of	(I.R.S. Employer
Incorporation or Organization)	Identification Number)

4300 New Getwell Road

Memphis, Tennessee 38118

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(901) 365-8880

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes x No ¨.

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 during the preceding 12 months (or such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes x No ¨.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer”, “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer ¨	Accelerated filer x
Non-accelerated filer ¨	Smaller reporting company ¨

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

The registrant had 36,694,798 shares of Class A voting, no par value common stock outstanding as of November 30, 2012.

FRED'S, INC.

INDEX

		Page No.
Part I - Financial Information
Item 1 - Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 27, 2012 (unaudited) and January 28, 2012	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the Thirteen Weeks and Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012 (unaudited) and October 29, 2011 (unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the Thirteen Weeks and Thirty-Nine
	Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 (unaudited) and October 29, 2011 (unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012 (unaudited) and October 29, 2011 (unaudited)	5
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	6-11
Item 2 - Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		12-17
Item 3 – Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk		18
Item 4 – Controls and Procedures		18
Part II - Other Information		18-19
	Item 1. Legal Proceedings
	Item 1A. Risk Factors
	Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
	Item 6. Exhibits
Signatures		20
	Ex-31.1  Section 302 Certification of the CEO
	Ex-31.2  Section 302 Certification of the CFO
	Ex-32.    Section 906 Certification of the CEO and CFO

2

Part I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

FRED’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(in thousands, except for number of shares)

	October 27, 2012		January 28,
	(unaudited)		2012
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	16,119	$	27,130
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,947 and $1,595, respectively		30,584		31,883
Inventories		392,523		331,882
Other non-trade receivables		36,252		32,090
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		11,515		12,321
Total current assets		486,993		435,306
Property and equipment, at depreciated cost		158,070		161,112
Equipment under capital leases, less accumulated amortization of $5,068 and $5,043,  respectively		73		97
Intangibles		37,601		32,191
Other noncurrent assets, net		3,386		3,276
Total assets	$	686,123	$	631,982
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	153,526	$	106,886
Current portion of indebtedness		1,281		658
Accrued expenses and other		43,220		44,876
Deferred income taxes		24,870		23,878
Total current liabilities		222,897		176,298
Long-term portion of indebtedness		5,438		6,640
Deferred income taxes		6,541		5,633
Other noncurrent liabilities		18,074		19,799
Total liabilities		252,950		208,370
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, nonvoting, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding		-		-
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating nonvoting, no par value, 224,594 shares authorized, none outstanding		-		-
Common stock, Class A voting, no par value, 60,000,000 shares authorized,  36,693,243 and 37,203,794 shares issued and outstanding, respectively		98,555		105,384
Common stock, Class B nonvoting, no par value, 11,500,000 shares authorized,   none outstanding		-		-
Retained earnings		333,754		317,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income		864		864
Total shareholders’ equity		433,173		423,612
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	686,123	$	631,982

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

3

FRED’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(unaudited)

(in thousands, except per share amounts)

	Thirteen Weeks Ended					Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27,		October 29,			October 27,		October 29,
	2012		2011			2012		2011
Net sales	$	450,574	$	444,378		$	1,421,895	$	1,381,467
Cost of goods sold		312,441		308,412			1,004,162		980,628
Gross profit		138,133		135,966			417,733		400,839
Depreciation and amortization		9,880		8,463			28,718		24,312
Selling, general and administrative expenses		118,133		113,944			358,428		339,577
Operating income		10,120		13,559			30,587		36,950
Interest income		-		(34	)		-		(149	)
Interest expense		129		134			402		412
Income before income taxes		9,991		13,459			30,185		36,687
Provision for income taxes		3,430		4,427			7,112		13,055
Net income	$	6,561	$	9,032		$	23,073	$	23,632
Net income per share
Basic	$	0.18	$	0.24		$	0.63	$	0.61
Diluted	$	0.18	$	0.24		$	0.63	$	0.61
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic		36,443		37,618			36,626		38,617
Effect of dilutive stock options		140		51			135		87
Diluted		36,583		37,669			36,761		38,704
Dividends per common share	$	0.06	$	0.05		$	0.18	$	0.15

FRED’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27,		October 29,		October 27,		October 29,
	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net income	$	6,561	$	9,032	$	23,073	$	23,632
Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax postretirement plan adjustment		-		-		-		-
Comprehensive income	$	6,561	$	9,032	$	23,073	$	23,632

See accompanying notes to condensed consolidated financial statements.

4

FRED’S, INC.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(unaudited)

(in thousands)

	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	23,073		$	23,632
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		28,718			24,312
Net loss on asset disposition		799			319
Provision (recovery) for store closures and asset impairment		(57	)		151
Stock-based compensation		1,442			1,338
Provision for uncollectible receivables		352			92
LIFO reserve increase		2,974			1,598
Deferred income tax expense		559			2,746
Income tax benefit upon exercise of stock options		30			18
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Trade and non-trade receivables		663			(6,967	)
Insurance receivables		(492	)		26
Inventories		(63,558	)		(65,816	)
Other assets		807			(1,288	)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		44,983			68,963
Income taxes payable		(3,385	)		(690	)
Other noncurrent liabilities		(413	)		2,901
Net cash provided by operating activities		36,495			51,335
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(19,037	)		(37,471	)
Proceeds from asset dispositions		128			119
Asset acquisition, net (primarily intangibles)		(13,064	)		(8,685	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(31,973	)		(46,037	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of indebtedness and capital lease obligations		(579	)		(426	)
Excess tax charges from stock-based compensation		(30	)		(18	)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan		937			287
Repurchase of shares		(9,176	)		(28,482	)
Cash dividends paid		(6,685	)		(5,863	)
Net cash used in financing activities		(15,533	)		(34,502	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(11,011	)		(29,204	)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year		27,130			49,182
End of period	$	16,119		$	19,978
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	402		$	263
Income taxes paid	$	12,644		$	11,504
Non-cash investing and financial activities:
Assets acquired through term loan	$	-		$	3,497
Assets acquired through capital lease	$	-		$	135

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

FRED'S, INC.

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(unaudited)

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“We”, “Our”, “Us” or “Company”) operates, as of October 27, 2012, 708 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised Fred's stores, in 15 states in the southeastern United States. There are 342 full service pharmacy departments located within our discount general merchandise stores.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and notes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. The statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position in conformity with GAAP. The statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 incorporated into Our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended October 27, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

NOTE 2: INVENTORIES

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the retail first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for goods in our stores and the cost first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for goods in our distribution centers. The retail inventory method is a reverse mark-up, averaging method which has been widely used in the retail industry for many years. This method calculates a cost-to-retail ratio that is applied to the retail value of inventory to determine the cost value of inventory and the resulting cost of goods sold and gross margin. The assumption that the retail inventory method provides for valuation at lower of cost or market and the inherent uncertainties therein are discussed in the following paragraphs. In order to assure valuation at the lower of cost or market, the retail value of our inventory is adjusted on a consistent basis to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments include increases to the retail value of inventory for initial markups to set the selling price of goods or additional markups to adjust pricing for inflation and decreases to the retail value of inventory for markdowns associated with promotional, seasonal or other declines in the market value. Because these adjustments are made on a consistent basis and are based on current prevailing market conditions, they approximate the carrying value of the inventory at net realizable value (market value). Therefore, after applying the cost to retail ratio, the cost value of our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market as is prescribed by U.S. GAAP.

Because the approximation of net realizable value (market value) under the retail inventory method is based on estimates such as markups, markdowns and inventory losses (shrink), there exists an inherent uncertainty in the final determination of inventory cost and gross margin. In order to mitigate that uncertainty, the Company has a formal review by product class which considers such variables as current market trends, seasonality, weather patterns and age of merchandise to ensure that markdowns are taken currently, or a markdown reserve is established to cover future anticipated markdowns. This review also considers current pricing trends and inflation to ensure that markups are taken if necessary. The estimation of inventory losses (shrink) is a significant element in approximating the carrying value of inventory at net realizable value, and as such the following paragraph describes our estimation method as well as the steps we take to mitigate the risk of this estimate in the determination of the cost value of inventory.

The Company calculates inventory losses (shrink) based on actual inventory losses occurring as a result of physical inventory counts during each fiscal period and estimated inventory losses occurring between yearly physical inventory counts. The estimate for shrink occurring in the interim period between physical counts is calculated on a store-specific basis and is based on history, as well as performance on the most recent physical count. It is calculated by multiplying each store’s shrink rate, which is based on the previously mentioned factors, by the interim period’s sales for each store. Additionally, the overall estimate for shrink is adjusted at the corporate level to a three-year historical average to ensure that the overall shrink estimate is the most accurate approximation of shrink based on the Company’s overall history of shrink. The three-year historical estimate is calculated by dividing the “book to physical” inventory adjustments for the trailing 36 months by the related sales for the same period. In order to reduce the uncertainty inherent in the shrink calculation, the Company first performs the calculation at the lowest practical level (by store) using the most current performance indicators. This ensures a more reliable number, as opposed to using a higher level aggregation or percentage method. The second portion of the calculation ensures that the extreme negative or positive performance of any particular store or group of stores does not skew the overall estimation of shrink. This portion of the calculation removes additional uncertainty by eliminating short-term peaks and valleys that could otherwise cause the underlying carrying cost of inventory to fluctuate unnecessarily. Management believes that the Company’s retail inventory method provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost and results in carrying inventory at the lower of cost or market.

6

For pharmacy inventory, which was approximately $35.1 million and $40.4 million at October 27, 2012 and January 28, 2012, respectively, cost was determined using the retail LIFO (last-in, first-out) method in which inventory cost is maintained using the retail inventory method, then adjusted by application of the Producer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor for the cumulative annual periods. The current cost of inventories exceeded the LIFO cost by approximately $29.7 million at October 27, 2012 and $26.8 million at January 28, 2012.

The Company has historically included an estimate of inbound freight and certain general and administrative costs in merchandise inventory as prescribed by GAAP. These costs include activities surrounding the procurement and storage of merchandise inventory such as merchandise planning and buying, warehousing, accounting, information technology and human resources, as well as inbound freight. The total amount of procurement and storage costs and inbound freight included in merchandise inventory at October 27, 2012 is $24.1 million, with the corresponding amount of $20.3 million at January 28, 2012.

NOTE 3: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with FASB ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. Under FASB ASC 718, stock-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on the Company’s historical forfeiture experience and will be revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

FASB ASC 718 also requires the benefits of income tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required prior to FASB ASC 718. A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation (a component of selling and general and administrative expenses) and related income tax benefit is as follows (in thousands):

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Stock option expense	$	256	$	101	$	424	$	352
Restricted stock expense		74		297		882		856
ESPP expense		46		43		136		130
Total stock-based compensation	$	376	$	441	$	1,442	$	1,338
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$	94	$	121	$	398	$	352

7

The fair value of each option granted during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively, are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Stock Options
Expected volatility		39.7	%		40.5	%		39.7	%		41.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.5	%		1.5	%		0.5	%		1.9	%
Expected option life (in years)		4.00			5.84			4.06			4.96
Expected dividend yield		1.27	%		0.86	%		1.26	%		0.91	%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	3.86		$	4.13		$	3.90		$	4.49
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Expected volatility		33.0	%		31.5	%		33.7	%		24.8	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.1	%		0.3	%		0.1	%		0.3	%
Expected option life (in years)		0.75			0.75			0.5			0.5
Expected dividend yield		1.18	%		1.02	%		0.78	%		0.68	%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	3.76		$	3.59		$	3.50		$	3.07

The following is a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption:

Expected Volatility - This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of our stock to calculate expected price volatility because management believes that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The Company calculates weekly market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected life of the options to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

Risk-free Interest Rate - This is the yield of a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond issue effective at the grant date with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected Lives - This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of seven and one-half years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Dividend Yield – This is based on the historical yield for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate - This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. This estimate is based on historical experience. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2004 Plan”), which was approved by Fred’s stockholders, permits eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant or 85% of the fair market value at the time of exercise. There were 40,267 shares issued during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012. There are 1,410,928 shares approved to be issued under the 2004 Plan and as of October 27, 2012, there were 934,040 shares available.

8

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012:

	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Thousands)
Outstanding at January 28, 2012		795,376		$	11.52		3.0	$	2,831
Granted		415,169		$	13.67
Forfeited / Cancelled		(24,600	)	$	14.54
Exercised		(63,912	)	$	13.14
Outstanding at October 27, 2012		1,122,033		$	12.16		3.4	$	1,619
Exercisable at October 27, 2012		549,891		$	11.25		2.0	$	1,260

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between Fred’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period ended October 27, 2012 and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on that date. As of October 27, 2012, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures related to non-vested stock options was approximately $1.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.67 years. The total fair value of options vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 was $525.6 thousand.

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 28, 2012		711,600		$	12.56
Granted		123,979		$	14.47
Forfeited / Cancelled		(60,595	)	$	12.36
Vested		(114,967	)	$	12.27
Non-vested Restricted Stock at October 27, 2012		660,017		$	12.98

The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic value of restricted stock outstanding as of October 27, 2012 is $8.9 million with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.6 years. The unrecognized compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures, related to the outstanding stock is approximately $4.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 6.7 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 was $1.4 million.

NOTE 4: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and Equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Improvements to leased premises are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the initial term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement. Leasehold improvements added late in the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the lease (including the upcoming renewal option, if the renewal is reasonably assured) or the useful life of the improvement. Assets under capital leases are amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets or over the lease term (regardless of renewal options), if shorter, and the charge to earnings is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated financial statements. Gains or losses on the sale of assets are recorded as a component of operating income.

9

The following illustrates the breakdown of the major categories within Property and Equipment (in thousands):

	October 27, 2012			January 28, 2012
Property and equipment, at cost:
Buildings and building improvements	$	113,111		$	112,321
Leasehold improvements		72,851			70,509
Automobiles and vehicles		5,601			5,348
Airplane		4,697			4,697
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		261,011			250,241
		457,271			443,116
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(307,825	)		(289,884	)
		149,446			153,232
Construction in progress		20			23
Land		8,604			7,857
Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	$	158,070		$	161,112

NOTE 5: EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

Lease Termination

A lease obligation still exists for some store closures that occurred in 2008. We record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the stores were closed). The lease obligations are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by FASB ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimates of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, we incurred an additional $0.1 million in rent expense related to the revision of the estimated amount of the remaining lease liability for the fiscal 2008 store closures. We also utilized $0.2 million, leaving $0.2 million in the reserve at October 27, 2012.

The following table illustrates the exit and disposal activity related to the store closures discussed in the previous paragraph (in millions):

	Balance at January 28, 2012		Additions		Utilization			Ending Balance October 27, 2012
Lease contract termination liability	$	0.3	$	0.1	$	(0.2	)	$	0.2

NOTE 6: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that under GAAP are recorded as an element of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income includes the unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations and actuarial gains/losses associated with our postretirement benefit plan.

10

The following table illustrates the activity in accumulated other comprehensive income:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Year Ended
(in thousands)	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		January 28, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	864	$	872	$	872
Amortization of postretirement benefit		-		-		(8	)
Ending balance	$	864	$	872	$	864

NOTE 7: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Atlantic Retail Investors, LLC, which is partially owned by Michael J. Hayes, a director of the Company and Chairman of the Board, owns the land and buildings occupied by three Fred’s stores. The terms and conditions regarding the leases on these locations were consistent in all material respects with other stores' leases of the Company with unrelated landlords. The total rental payments related to related party leases were $225.7 thousand and $362.3 thousand for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively.

11

Item 2:

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial

Condition and Results of Operations

GENERAL

Executive Overview

Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“We”, “Our”, “Us” or “Company”) operates, as of October 27, 2012, 708 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised Fred's stores, in 15 states in the southeastern United States. There are currently 342 full service pharmacies in our stores.

During the third quarter of fiscal 2012, our earnings per diluted share decreased 25% to $0.18 as compared to $0.24 during the third quarter of 2011. Net income during the third quarter decreased 27% to $6.6 million as compared to $9.0 million over the same quarter of 2011. As announced in our press release filed November 20, 2012, the third quarter performance reflects the impact of the shift in layaway sales to December, unfavorable LIFO expense charges on pharmacy inventory and higher operating expenses related to our store and pharmacy growth.

During the third quarter of 2012, our comparable store sales decreased 2.5%, primarily attributed to the impact of the continuing macroeconomic pressures being experienced in the Southeast as well as the continuing shift on pharmacy sales. Additionally, we continue to experience double-digit comparable sales decreases in our tobacco category. To address these current trends, we finalized an agreement with a major supplier in the second quarter of 2012 which gives Fred’s more aggressive promotion capabilities in addition to new tobacco in-store signage which is currently rolling out to our stores. Also, we will add additional resources and capital to focus on driving more traffic into our stores during the remainder of the year.

Launched in 2010, the Core 5 Program is our long-term strategy designed to highlight key categories within our stores that differentiate us from our competition. The Core 5 categories are Pet, Household Supplies, Celebration, Home and Pharmacy and are strong trip driving departments in which Fred’s has a clear and marketable advantage versus small box competitors. Through the third quarter of 2012, we have remodeled approximately 68% of our locations with the Core 5 layout. We continue to see improvement in stores that have been reformatted with the Core 5 layout, especially in the Pet, Household Supplies and Pharmacy Departments.

Our pharmacy department is one of our Core 5 categories and is a key differentiating factor from other small-box discount retailers. Accelerating pharmacy growth is a key strategy at Fred’s. We aggressively pursue opportunities to acquire independent pharmacies within our targeted markets. Our emphasis is on opening a majority of our stores with pharmacies. Through the nine months of 2012, nineteen new pharmacies were opened, and two pharmacies were closed in existing locations, totaling 342 pharmacy locations at quarter end. This emphasis in growth was a major factor in the year-to-date pharmacy department sales increase as a percentage of sales of 160 basis points to 36.6% from 35.0% in the same period last year. Comparable script growth increased 3.7% and overall scripts increased 10.3% during the quarter. During the third quarter, our pharmacy department continued to experience sales pressure from the large brand-to generic drug conversions that have occurred thus far in 2012, as well as challenges in third-party reimbursements. Although the sales impact of the brand to generic drug conversion is negative, the gross margin of generic drugs is typically higher than brand drugs. Overall, pharmacy department produced strong results in the quarter, with higher comparable prescription counts and increased gross margins.

In addition to leveraging our pharmacy advantage, other key initiatives include improving store productivity through the Core 5 Program, finding ways to help our financially challenged customer, building customer loyalty and focusing on initiatives aimed at driving operating margin improvement. During the third quarter, we initiated our new Hometown Automotive and Hardware expansion program in 80 stores. Automotive and hardware are two of higher gross margin departments and this program doubles the existing space of these departments in our stores. This new program supports our focus on improving our overall store productivity.

Our markets, primarily southeastern U.S. rural towns, have been hard hit by high unemployment, fuel price increases and inflation. To help our financially challenged customer, we have focused our merchandising and marketing teams on key initiatives such as adding new value priced items, introducing new financial services and the expansion of fred’s® brand products. The new financial services department carries prepaid and reloadable phone, gift, entertainment, debit and credit cards. We also provide Western Union services in some stores. We will continue expanding these programs over the remainder of the year.

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Our fred’s® brand initiative continues to be a key strategy for the Company in terms of building customer loyalty and increasing gross margin. As of October 27, 2012, our fred’s® brand penetration rate was 19.7% of consumable product sales, which is up 60 basis points over last year. Our commitment to quality in our fred’s® brand products is resonating with our customers, and they continue to make the switch to our fred’s® brand. We are continuing to add new products to our own brand line on an ongoing basis and have seen significant penetration in our fred’s® branded paper, pet and automotive categories. The launch of the Fred’s loyalty card, called smartcard ™, during the second quarter rewards customers for qualifying purchases, primarily purchases of fred’s® brand products. Through the third quarter, we had approximately 1.1 million activated cards with approximately 25% of those customers with enrolled accounts. The information gained from the usage of the smartcard ™ will be used to grow our loyal customer base and to direct the use of promotional funds towards those customers.

In 2012, we are continuing the focus on improving operating performance primarily through initiatives to increase gross margin. The margin drivers are expected to improve the sales mix through new product introductions in our home categories, expanding global sourcing resources to increase higher margin import purchases, the expansion of price optimization technology, managing promotional markdowns, reducing shrink and increasing volume rebates. During the third quarter, our gross margin improved 10 basis points, but our operating margin deleveraged 80 basis points. The shortfall resulted from the deleveraging of selling, general and administrative expenses, primarily attributed to higher labor, depreciation and amortization expenses and property rental related to our store and pharmacy growth.

Over the remainder of 2012, we intend to continue with capital improvements in infrastructure, including new stores and pharmacies, distribution center upgrades and further development of our information technology capabilities. In the fourth quarter, the Company expects to open 9 net new locations, bringing the total net location growth to 17 for the year. Technology upgrades will be made in the areas of corporate software and hardware, RF gun replacements and pharmacy server upgrades.

As previously published in our third quarter press release filed November 20, 2012, the Company expects total sales in the fourth quarter to increase in the range of 9% to 11%, or 2% to 4% excluding the 53^rd week. Comparable store sales are expected to increase 6% to 8%, or decrease in the range of (2%) to flat excluding the 53^rd week, compared to an increase of 0.1% in the fourth quarter last year. Over the remainder of 2012, Fred's anticipates that ongoing brand-to-generic drug conversions, as well as the high unemployment rate in the Southeast and expiration of unemployment benefits, will continue to negatively affect comparable store sales. Fourth quarter 2012 earnings per diluted share are forecasted to be in the range of $0.31 to $0.36 compared with earnings per diluted share of $0.26 in the same period last year. Based on actual results for the first half of 2012 and this outlook, the Company now expects total earnings per diluted share for 2012 to be in the range of $0.94 to $0.99.

Key factors that will be critical to the Company’s future success include the successful performance of our Core 5 program, as well as managing the strategy for opening new stores and pharmacies. The successful opening of new stores and pharmacies includes the ability to open and operate efficiently, maintaining high standards of customer service, maximizing efficiencies in the supply chain, controlling working capital needs through improved inventory turnover, controlling the effects of inflation or deflation, controlling product mix, increasing operating margin through improved gross margin and leveraging operating costs and generating adequate cash flow to fund the Company’s future needs.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The Company’s discussion and analysis of its financial condition and results of operations are based upon the Company’s condensed financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The critical accounting matters that are particularly important to the portrayal of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations, and require some of management’s most difficult, subjective and complex judgments, are described in detail in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012. The preparation of condensed financial statements requires the Company to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses, and related disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, the Company evaluates its estimates, including those related to inventories, income taxes, insurance reserves, contingencies and litigation. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. Actual results may differ from these estimates under different assumptions or conditions.

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RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Thirteen Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011

Sales

Net sales for the third quarter of 2012 were $450.6 million compared to $444.4 million in 2011, a year-over-year increase of $6.2 million or 1.4%. Deferred layaway sales during the quarter totaled $3.7 million in 2012 as compared to $1.2 million in 2011, an increase of $2.5 million. The increase in deferred layaway sales is driven by layaway program changes introduced in the third quarter of 2012. Program changes included lowering the down payment from 10% of the transaction to $1 and eliminating the restocking fee of $2. The net sales increase during the quarter was driven by higher pharmacy department sales. General merchandise (non-pharmacy) sales decreased 0.5% from 2011. In the general merchandise departments, we experienced sales decreases primarily in the tobacco and home furnishing categories which were partially offset by increases in food, paper and chemical, beverage and pet. On a comparable store basis, sales decreased 2.5% compared with an increase of 1.5% in the same period last year.

The Company’s pharmacy department sales were 38.2% of total sales ($172.3 million) in 2012 compared to 36.7% of total sales ($163.6 million) in the prior year and continue to rank as the largest department within the Company. The total sales in this department increased 5.3% over 2011 with third party prescription sales representing approximately 91% of total pharmacy sales, the same as in the prior year. Despite the continued pressure of the brand-to-generic shift on top-line sales, the Company’s pharmacy department continues to benefit from an ongoing program of purchasing prescription files from independent pharmacies as well as the addition of pharmacy departments in existing store locations.

During the quarter, there were no changes to the franchised locations leaving 21 franchised locations at October 27, 2012 as compared to 22 franchised locations as of October 29, 2011. Sales to these locations during the quarter decreased to $8.5 million (1.9% of sales) from $9.5 million (2.1% of sales) in 2011. The Company does not intend to expand its franchise network.

The following table illustrates the sales mix unadjusted for deferred layaway sales:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Pharmaceuticals		37.9	%		36.7	%
Household Goods		19.9	%		20.3	%
Food and Tobacco		17.3	%		17.8	%
Paper and Cleaning Supplies		9.4	%		9.3	%
Health and Beauty Aids		7.7	%		7.6	%
Apparel and Linens		5.9	%		6.2	%
Franchise		1.9	%		2.1	%
		100.0	%		100.0	%

For the quarter, comparable store customer traffic decreased 2.5% over last year while the average customer ticket was flat at $19.65.

Gross Profit

Gross profit for the quarter was $138.1 million in 2012 compared to $136.0 million in 2011, a year-over-year increase of $2.1 million or 1.6%. Gross margin, measured as a percentage of sales was 30.7% in 2012, compared with 30.6% in the same quarter last year. The 10 basis point improvement was driven by an increase in generic sales which typically have a higher pharmacy department gross margin, as well as an increase in pharmacy rebates. This improvement was offset by an increase in LIFO charges, which is due to higher pharmacy product inflation than in prior years, and the deleveraging of general merchandise gross margin.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization, were $128.0 million in 2012 (28.5% of sales) compared to $122.4 million in 2011 (27.6% of sales), an increase of $5.6 million. Selling, general and administrative expenses deleveraged 90 basis points as a percent of sales due to an increase in labor expense of $2.6 million (38 basis points), $1.4 million in higher depreciation and amortization (29 basis points) and $0.7 million of additional property rental (11 basis points), which are associated with new store and pharmacy growth, as well as an increase in professional fees of $0.7 million (15 basis points). The deleveraging was partially offset by a reduction in insurance expense of $0.6 million (17 basis points).

Operating Income

Operating income was $10.1 million in 2012 (2.2% of sales) compared to $13.6 million in 2011 (3.0% of sales). The year-over-year unfavorable variance is attributable to the $5.6 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as detailed in the Selling, General and Administrative Expenses section above, which was partially offset by the $2.1 million increase in gross profit that was driven by the higher pharmacy department margins.

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Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense for the third quarter of 2012 totaled $.1 million or less than .1% of sales compared to $.1 million in the same period last year, which was also less than .1% of sales in 2011.

Income Taxes 

The effective income tax rate was 34.3% in 2012 compared to 32.9% in 2011. The increase in the effective income tax rate is due to the expiration of the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) at the end of 2011. These credits are expected to be reinstated later in the fiscal year.

Net Income

Net income decreased to $6.6 million ($0.18 per diluted share) in 2012 compared to $9.0 million ($0.24 per diluted share) in 2011, a decrease of $2.4 million. The decrease in net income is due to the $5.6 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as detailed in the Selling, General and Administrative Expenses section above, which was partially offset by the $2.1 million increase in gross profit as described in the Gross Profit section above and the $1.0 million reduction in income tax expense primarily as a result of $3.5 million in reduced taxable income.

Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011

Sales

Net sales for the first nine months of 2012 increased to $1.422 billion from $1.381 billion in 2011, a year-over-year increase of $40.4 million or 2.9%. Deferred layaway sales during the quarter totaled $4.4 million in 2012 as compared to $1.8 million in 2011, an increase of $2.6 million driven by the layaway program changes introduced in the third quarter of 2012. The net sales increase during the quarter was driven by both higher general merchandise and pharmacy department sales. General merchandise (non-pharmacy) sales increased 0.7% over 2011. In the general merchandise departments, we experienced sales increases primarily in the food, paper and chemical, pet, beverage and auto and hardware categories, which were partially offset by sales decreases in tobacco and home furnishings. On a comparable store basis, sales decreased 0.8% compared with a 0.7% increase in the same period last year.

The Company’s pharmacy department sales were 36.6% of total sales ($519.9 million) in 2012 compared to 35.0% of total sales ($484.0 million) in the prior year and continue to rank as the largest department within the Company. The total sales in this department increased 7.4% over 2011 with third party prescription sales representing approximately 91% of total pharmacy sales, the same as in the prior year. Despite the continued pressure of the brand to generic shift on top-line sales, the Company’s pharmacy department continues to benefit from an ongoing program of purchasing prescription files from independent pharmacies as well as the addition of pharmacy departments in existing store locations.

During the first nine months of 2012, there were no changes to the franchised locations leaving 21 franchised locations at October 27, 2012 as compared to 22 franchised locations as of October 29, 2011. Sales to these locations decreased to $25.9 million (1.8% of sales) from $27.5 million (2.0% of sales) in 2011. The Company does not intend to expand its franchise network.

The following table illustrates the sales mix unadjusted for deferred layaway sales:

	Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Pharmaceuticals		36.4	%		35.0	%
Household Goods		22.3	%		22.8	%
Food and Tobacco		16.7	%		17.0	%
Paper and Cleaning Supplies		9.0	%		8.9	%
Health and Beauty Aids		7.5	%		7.5	%
Apparel and Linens		6.3	%		6.8	%
Franchise		1.8	%		2.0	%
		100.0	%		100.0	%

For the first nine months, comparable store customer traffic decreased 1.6% over last year while the average customer ticket increased 0.8% to $20.26.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit for the first nine months of 2012 was $417.7 million in 2012 compared to $400.8 million in 2011, a year-over-year increase of $16.9 million or 4.2%. Gross margin, measured as a percentage of sales was 29.4% in 2012, compared with 29.0% in the same period last year. The 40 basis point improvement was driven by an increase in generic sales which typically have a higher pharmacy department gross margin, as well and higher pharmacy rebates. This improvement was offset by an increase in LIFO charges, which is due to higher pharmacy product inflation than in prior years, as well as the deleveraging of general merchandise gross margin.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses

Selling, general and administrative expenses, including depreciation and amortization were $387.1 million in 2012 (27.2% of sales) compared to $363.9 million in 2011 (26.3% of sales), an increase of $23.2 million. The 90 basis points deleveraging as a percent of sales during the year resulted from an increase in labor expense of $9.2 million (27 basis points), $4.4 million in higher depreciation and amortization (26 basis points) and $3.2 million of additional property rental (14 basis points), which are associated with new store and pharmacy growth, as well as an increase in advertising spending of $1.7 million (10 basis points).

Operating Income

Operating income was $30.6 million in 2012 (2.2% of sales) compared to $37.0 million in 2011 (2.7% of sales), a decrease of $6.4 million. The year-over-year variance of $6.4 million is attributable to the $23.2 million increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as detailed in the Selling, General and Administrative Expenses section above, which was partially offset by the $16.9 million increase in gross profit that was driven by higher pharmacy department margins as described in the Gross Profit section above.

Interest Expense, Net

Net interest expense for 2012 totaled $0.4 million or less than .1% of sales compared to $.3 million, which was also less than .1% of sales in 2011.

Income Taxes 

The effective income tax rate was 23.6% in 2012 compared to 35.6% in 2011.  Income tax expense was favorably impacted by $4.2 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, of tax credits primarily related to a second quarter state income tax settlement of $3.6 million and $0.6 million of other tax-related assumptions and estimates. Excluding the impact of these favorable tax credits, the effective income tax rate for the first nine months of the year was 37.5% in 2012 compared to 35.6% in 2011. The increase in the effective income tax rate is due to the federal Work Opportunity Tax Credits (WOTC) that expired at the end of 2011. These credits are expected to be reinstated later in the fiscal year.

Net Income

Net income was $23.1 million ($.63 per diluted share) in 2012 compared to $23.6 million ($.61 per diluted share) in 2011, a year-over-year decrease of $0.5 million. The decrease in net income is primarily attributable to a $23.2 million increase in selling, general and administration expenses as detailed in the Selling, General and Administrative Expenses section above and was partially offset by a $16.9 million increase in gross profit driven by higher pharmacy department margins as described in the Gross Profit section above as well as a reduction in income tax expense of $5.9 million primarily attributable to the $4.2 million in favorable tax credits and a $6.5 million reduction in taxable income.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Due to the seasonality of our business, inventories are generally lower at year-end than at each quarter-end of the following year.

Cash provided by operating activities totaled $36.5 million during the thirty-nine week period ended October 27, 2012 compared to $51.3 million in the same period of the prior year. We generated operating cash flow primarily through $23.1 million in year-to-date net income, an increase in operating liabilities of $45.0 million due to a higher accounts payable balance related to the increased inventory balance and our seasonality, $28.7 million in depreciation and amortization and an increase in the LIFO reserve of $3.0 million. Operating cash flows were partially offset by an inventory increase of $63.6 million which is due to new store and pharmacy growth, inflation and seasonality.

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Cash used in investing activities totaled $32.0 million during the thirty-nine week period ended October 27, 2012 and consisted primarily of capital expenditures of $19.1 million related to existing store and pharmacy expenditures ($9.4 million), new store and pharmacy expenditures ($4.7 million) and technology and other corporate expenditures ($5.0 million). In addition, the Company planned expenditures of approximately $16.4 million in 2012 for the acquisition of prescription lists and other pharmacy related items of which $13.1 million has been spent to date. During the first three quarters of 2012, we opened 27 new locations, comprising 14 new stores and 13 new Xpress pharmacies. Fred's also closed 13 stores during the year and converted six Xpress pharmacies to full size stores. In 2012, the Company is planning capital expenditures excluding the acquisition of prescription lists of approximately $30.1 million. Expenditures are planned totaling $23.8 million for new and existing stores and pharmacies. Planned expenditures also include approximately $3.6 million for technology upgrades and approximately $2.6 million for distribution center equipment and other capital maintenance. Technology upgrades in 2012 will be made in the areas of IT software and hardware, RF gun replacements and pharmacy server upgrades. To date, the Company has spent $4.0 million towards these transactions.

Cash used by financing activities totaled $15.5 million during the thirty-nine week period ended October 27, 2012 and included $9.2 million for the repurchase of shares, $6.7 million for the payment of cash dividends and $0.6 million for the repayment of debt offset by $0.9 million for the exercise of stock options. There were $6.7 million in borrowings outstanding at October 27, 2012 related to real estate mortgages compared to $7.3 million at January 28, 2012. The decrease is attributable to $0.6 million of payments on mortgage debt.

We believe that sufficient capital resources are available in both the short-term and long-term through currently available cash and cash generated from future operations and, if necessary, we have the ability to obtain additional financing.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Other than statements based on historical facts, many of the matters discussed in this Form 10-Q relate to events which we expect or anticipate may occur in the future. Such statements are defined as “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (the “Reform Act”), 15 U.S.C. Sections 77z-2 and 78u-5. The Reform Act created a safe harbor to protect companies from securities law liability in connection with forward-looking statements. We intend to qualify both our written and oral forward-looking statements for protection under the Reform Act and any other similar safe harbor provisions.

The words “believe”, “anticipate”, “project”, “plan”, “expect”, “estimate”, “objective”, “forecast”, “goal”, “intend”, “will likely result”, or “will continue” and similar expressions generally identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and concern matters that involve risks and other factors that may cause the actual performance of the Company to differ materially from the performance expressed or implied by these statements. Therefore, forward-looking statements should be evaluated in the context of these uncertainties and risks, including but not limited to:

· Economic and weather conditions which affect buying patterns of our customers and supply chain efficiency.

· Changes in consumer spending and our ability to anticipate buying patterns and implement appropriate inventory strategies.

· Continued availability of capital and financing.

· Competitive factors.

· Unemployment.

· Changes in reimbursement practices for pharmaceuticals.

· Governmental regulation.

· Increases in fuel and utility rates.

· Potential adverse results in the litigation described under Legal Proceedings on page 18.

· Other factors affecting business beyond our control, including (but not limited to) those discussed under Part 1, ITEM 1A “Risk Factors” of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012.

Consequently, all forward-looking statements are qualified by this cautionary statement. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made.

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Item 3.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

We have no holdings of derivative financial or commodity instruments as of October 27, 2012. We are exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest rates. We had no borrowings under our Revolving Credit Agreement, which bears interest at LIBOR plus 100 basis points. An increase in interest rates of 100 basis points would not significantly affect our income. All of our business is transacted in U.S. dollars and, accordingly, foreign exchange rate fluctuations have not had a significant impact on us, and they are not expected to in the foreseeable future.

Item 4.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. As of the end of the period covered by this report, the Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)). Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported, within the time periods specified in the Commission’s rules and forms. Additionally, they concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company is required to file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

(b) Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There have been no changes during the quarter ended October 27, 2012 in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f)) that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

In November, 2010, a lawsuit entitled Hensley, et al v. Fred’s Stores of Tennessee, Inc., et al, was filed in the General Court of Justice of the Superior Court Division in Forsyth County, North Carolina, in which the plaintiffs allege past, future and other damages as a result of a 2007 vehicle accident involving a Fred’s vehicle. The Company denied liability. However, to eliminate certain risks, on or about August 27, 2012, the Company settled the claim with plaintiffs for approximately $1.1 million. This case is covered by the Company’s vehicular insurance, which has a $150,000 deductible.

In July 2008, a lawsuit styled Jessica Chapman, on behalf of herself and others similarly situated, v. Fred’s Stores of Tennessee, Inc. was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, Southern Division, in which the plaintiff alleges that she and other female assistant store managers are paid less than comparable males and seeks compensable damages, liquidated damages, attorney fees and court costs.  The plaintiff filed a motion seeking collective action.  Briefs have been filed, but discovery has not yet begun.  The Company believes that all assistant managers have been properly paid and that the matter is not appropriate for collective action treatment.  The Company is and will continue to vigorously defend this matter.  In accordance with FASB ASC 450, “Contingencies”, the Company does not feel that a loss in this matter is probable or can be reasonably estimated.  Therefore, we have not recorded a liability for this case.

In addition to the matters disclosed above, the Company is party to several pending legal proceedings and claims arising in the normal course of business.  Although the outcome of the proceedings and claims cannot be determined with certainty, management of the Company is of the opinion that it is unlikely that these proceedings and claims will have a material adverse effect on the financial statements as a whole.  However, litigation involves an element of uncertainty.  There can be no assurance that pending lawsuits will not consume the time and energy of our management or that future developments will not cause these actions or claims, individually or in aggregate, to have a material adverse effect on the financial statements as a whole.  We intend to vigorously defend or prosecute each pending lawsuit.

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Item 1A. Risk Factors

The risk factors listed in Part I, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012, should be considered with the information provided elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, which could materially adversely affect the business, financial condition or results of operations.  There have been no material changes to the risk factors as previously disclosed in such Annual Report on Form 10-K.

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

On August 27, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a plan that authorized stock repurchases of up to 4.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock. Under the plan, the Company may repurchase its common stock in the open market or through privately negotiated transactions at such times and at such prices as determined to be in the Company’s best interest. On February 16, 2012, Fred's Board authorized the expansion of the Company's existing stock repurchase program by increasing the authorization to repurchase an additional 3.6 million shares or approximately 10% of the current outstanding shares. These repurchases may be commenced or suspended without prior notice depending on then-existing business or market conditions and other factors. The following table sets forth the amounts of our common stock purchased by the Company through October 27, 2012 (amounts in thousands, except price data). The repurchased shares have been cancelled and returned to authorized but unissued shares.

	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid Per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Program		Authorized Share Expansion		Maximum Number of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Program
Balance at January 28, 2012									90.0
February 16, 2012								3,600.0	3,690.0
January 29 - February 25, 2012		-	$	-		-			3,690.0
February 26 - March 31, 2012		72.7	$	13.72		72.7			3,617.3
April 1, - April 28, 2012		425.2	$	14.23		425.2			3,192.1
April 29, - May 26, 2012		151.3	$	14.01		151.3			3,040.8
May 27, - June 30, 2012		-	$	-		-			3,040.8
July 1, - July 28, 2012		-	$	-		-			3,040.8
July 29, 2012 - August 25, 2012		-	$	-		-			3,040.8
August 26, 2012 - September 29, 2012		-	$	-		-			3,040.8
September 30, 2012 - October 27, 2012		-	$	-		-			3,040.8

Item 6. Exhibits

Exhibits

31.1 Certification of Chief Executive Officer.

31.2 Certification of Chief Financial Officer.

32 Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to rule 13a–14(b) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350.

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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.

	FRED'S, INC.
Date: December 6, 2012	/s/ Bruce A. Efird
	Bruce A. Efird
	Chief Executive Officer and President
Date: December 6, 2012	/s/ Jerry A. Shore
	Jerry A. Shore
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer

I, Bruce A. Efird, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fred's, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 6, 2012	/s/ Bruce A. Efird
	Bruce A. Efird
	Chief Executive Officer and President

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer

I, Jerry A. Shore, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Fred's, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any changes in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors:

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: December 6, 2012	/s/ Jerry A. Shore
	Jerry A. Shore
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

Exhibit 32

Certification of Chief Executive Officer AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
Pursuant to Rule 13(a) or 15(d) under the securities exchange act Of 1934 and 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Each of the undersigned hereby certifies that the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended October 27, 2012 of Fred’s, Inc (the “Company”) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and that the information contained in such report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

Date: December 6, 2012	/s/ Bruce A. Efird
	Bruce A. Efird
	Chief Executive Officer and President
	/s/ Jerry A. Shore
	Jerry A Shore
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

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EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012
Lease contract termination liability, Balance at January 28, 2012	$ 0.3
Lease contract termination liability, Additions	0.1
Lease contract termination liability, Utilization	(0.2)
Lease contract termination liability, Ending Balance October 27, 2012	$ 0.2

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs, Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Text Block]

NOTE 3: STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company accounts for its stock-based compensation plans in accordance with FASB ASC 718 “Compensation – Stock Compensation”. Under FASB ASC 718, stock-based compensation expense is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, and therefore has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant based on the Company’s historical forfeiture experience and will be revised in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates.

FASB ASC 718 also requires the benefits of income tax deductions in excess of recognized compensation cost to be reported as a financing cash flow, rather than as an operating cash flow as required prior to FASB ASC 718. A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation (a component of selling and general and administrative expenses) and related income tax benefit is as follows (in thousands):

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Stock option expense	$	256	$	101	$	424	$	352
Restricted stock expense		74		297		882		856
ESPP expense		46		43		136		130
Total stock-based compensation	$	376	$	441	$	1,442	$	1,338
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$	94	$	121	$	398	$	352

The fair value of each option granted during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively, are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Stock Options
Expected volatility		39.7	%		40.5	%		39.7	%		41.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.5	%		1.5	%		0.5	%		1.9	%
Expected option life (in years)		4.00			5.84			4.06			4.96
Expected dividend yield		1.27	%		0.86	%		1.26	%		0.91	%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	3.86		$	4.13		$	3.90		$	4.49
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Expected volatility		33.0	%		31.5	%		33.7	%		24.8	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.1	%		0.3	%		0.1	%		0.3	%
Expected option life (in years)		0.75			0.75			0.5			0.5
Expected dividend yield		1.18	%		1.02	%		0.78	%		0.68	%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	3.76		$	3.59		$	3.50		$	3.07

The following is a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption:

Expected Volatility - This is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of our stock to calculate expected price volatility because management believes that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The Company calculates weekly market value changes from the date of grant over a past period representative of the expected life of the options to determine volatility. An increase in the expected volatility will increase compensation expense.

Risk-free Interest Rate - This is the yield of a U.S. Treasury zero-coupon bond issue effective at the grant date with a remaining term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected Lives - This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience. Options granted have a maximum term of seven and one-half years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Dividend Yield – This is based on the historical yield for a period equivalent to the expected life of the option. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate - This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or cancelled before becoming fully vested. This estimate is based on historical experience. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “2004 Plan”), which was approved by Fred’s stockholders, permits eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant or 85% of the fair market value at the time of exercise. There were 40,267 shares issued during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012. There are 1,410,928 shares approved to be issued under the 2004 Plan and as of October 27, 2012, there were 934,040 shares available.

Stock Options

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012:

	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Thousands)
Outstanding at January 28, 2012		795,376		$	11.52		3.0	$	2,831
Granted		415,169		$	13.67
Forfeited / Cancelled		(24,600	)	$	14.54
Exercised		(63,912	)	$	13.14
Outstanding at October 27, 2012		1,122,033		$	12.16		3.4	$	1,619
Exercisable at October 27, 2012		549,891		$	11.25		2.0	$	1,260

The aggregate intrinsic value in the table above represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between Fred’s closing stock price on the last trading day of the period ended October 27, 2012 and the exercise price of the option multiplied by the number of in-the-money options) that would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options on that date. As of October 27, 2012, total unrecognized stock-based compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures related to non-vested stock options was approximately $1.6 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3.67 years. The total fair value of options vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 was $525.6 thousand.

Restricted Stock

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 28, 2012		711,600		$	12.56
Granted		123,979		$	14.47
Forfeited / Cancelled		(60,595	)	$	12.36
Vested		(114,967	)	$	12.27
Non-vested Restricted Stock at October 27, 2012		660,017		$	12.98

The aggregate pre-tax intrinsic value of restricted stock outstanding as of October 27, 2012 is $8.9 million with a weighted average remaining contractual life of 5.6 years. The unrecognized compensation expense net of estimated forfeitures, related to the outstanding stock is approximately $4.4 million, which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 6.7 years. The total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 was $1.4 million.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details Textual) (Atlantic Retail Investors [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Atlantic Retail Investors [Member]
Payments for Leasing Costs	$ 225,700	$ 362,300

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INVENTORIES

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Inventory Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 2: INVENTORIES

Merchandise inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market using the retail first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for goods in our stores and the cost first-in, first-out (FIFO) method for goods in our distribution centers. The retail inventory method is a reverse mark-up, averaging method which has been widely used in the retail industry for many years. This method calculates a cost-to-retail ratio that is applied to the retail value of inventory to determine the cost value of inventory and the resulting cost of goods sold and gross margin. The assumption that the retail inventory method provides for valuation at lower of cost or market and the inherent uncertainties therein are discussed in the following paragraphs. In order to assure valuation at the lower of cost or market, the retail value of our inventory is adjusted on a consistent basis to reflect current market conditions. These adjustments include increases to the retail value of inventory for initial markups to set the selling price of goods or additional markups to adjust pricing for inflation and decreases to the retail value of inventory for markdowns associated with promotional, seasonal or other declines in the market value. Because these adjustments are made on a consistent basis and are based on current prevailing market conditions, they approximate the carrying value of the inventory at net realizable value (market value). Therefore, after applying the cost to retail ratio, the cost value of our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market as is prescribed by U.S. GAAP.

Because the approximation of net realizable value (market value) under the retail inventory method is based on estimates such as markups, markdowns and inventory losses (shrink), there exists an inherent uncertainty in the final determination of inventory cost and gross margin. In order to mitigate that uncertainty, the Company has a formal review by product class which considers such variables as current market trends, seasonality, weather patterns and age of merchandise to ensure that markdowns are taken currently, or a markdown reserve is established to cover future anticipated markdowns. This review also considers current pricing trends and inflation to ensure that markups are taken if necessary. The estimation of inventory losses (shrink) is a significant element in approximating the carrying value of inventory at net realizable value, and as such the following paragraph describes our estimation method as well as the steps we take to mitigate the risk of this estimate in the determination of the cost value of inventory.

The Company calculates inventory losses (shrink) based on actual inventory losses occurring as a result of physical inventory counts during each fiscal period and estimated inventory losses occurring between yearly physical inventory counts. The estimate for shrink occurring in the interim period between physical counts is calculated on a store-specific basis and is based on history, as well as performance on the most recent physical count. It is calculated by multiplying each store’s shrink rate, which is based on the previously mentioned factors, by the interim period’s sales for each store. Additionally, the overall estimate for shrink is adjusted at the corporate level to a three-year historical average to ensure that the overall shrink estimate is the most accurate approximation of shrink based on the Company’s overall history of shrink. The three-year historical estimate is calculated by dividing the “book to physical” inventory adjustments for the trailing 36 months by the related sales for the same period. In order to reduce the uncertainty inherent in the shrink calculation, the Company first performs the calculation at the lowest practical level (by store) using the most current performance indicators. This ensures a more reliable number, as opposed to using a higher level aggregation or percentage method. The second portion of the calculation ensures that the extreme negative or positive performance of any particular store or group of stores does not skew the overall estimation of shrink. This portion of the calculation removes additional uncertainty by eliminating short-term peaks and valleys that could otherwise cause the underlying carrying cost of inventory to fluctuate unnecessarily. Management believes that the Company’s retail inventory method provides an inventory valuation which reasonably approximates cost and results in carrying inventory at the lower of cost or market.

For pharmacy inventory, which was approximately $35.1 million and $40.4 million at October 27, 2012 and January 28, 2012, respectively, cost was determined using the retail LIFO (last-in, first-out) method in which inventory cost is maintained using the retail inventory method, then adjusted by application of the Producer Price Index published by the U.S. Department of Labor for the cumulative annual periods. The current cost of inventories exceeded the LIFO cost by approximately $29.7 million at October 27, 2012 and $26.8 million at January 28, 2012.

The Company has historically included an estimate of inbound freight and certain general and administrative costs in merchandise inventory as prescribed by GAAP. These costs include activities surrounding the procurement and storage of merchandise inventory such as merchandise planning and buying, warehousing, accounting, information technology and human resources, as well as inbound freight. The total amount of procurement and storage costs and inbound freight included in merchandise inventory at October 27, 2012 is $24.1 million, with the corresponding amount of $20.3 million at January 28, 2012.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 16,119	$ 27,130
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of $1,947 and $1,595, respectively	30,584	31,883
Inventories	392,523	331,882
Other non-trade receivables	36,252	32,090
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	11,515	12,321
Total current assets	486,993	435,306
Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	158,070	161,112
Equipment under capital leases, less accumulated amortization of $5,068 and $5,043, respectively	73	97
Intangibles	37,601	32,191
Other noncurrent assets, net	3,386	3,276
Total assets	686,123	631,982
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable	153,526	106,886
Current portion of indebtedness	1,281	658
Accrued expenses and other	43,220	44,876
Deferred income taxes	24,870	23,878
Total current liabilities	222,897	176,298
Long-term portion of indebtedness	5,438	6,640
Deferred income taxes	6,541	5,633
Other noncurrent liabilities	18,074	19,799
Total liabilities	252,950	208,370
Commitments and Contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Retained earnings	333,754	317,364
Accumulated other comprehensive income	864	864
Total shareholders' equity	433,173	423,612
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	686,123	631,982
Preferred stock, nonvoting
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating nonvoting
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, Class A voting
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	98,555	105,384
Common stock, Class B nonvoting
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 0	$ 0

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 23,073	$ 23,632
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	28,718	24,312
Net loss on asset disposition	799	319
Provision (recovery) for store closures and asset impairment	(57)	151
Stock-based compensation	1,442	1,338
Provision for uncollectible receivables	352	92
LIFO reserve increase	2,974	1,598
Deferred income tax expense	559	2,746
Income tax benefit upon exercise of stock options	30	18
(Increase) decrease in operating assets:
Trade and non-trade receivables	663	(6,967)
Insurance receivables	(492)	26
Inventories	(63,558)	(65,816)
Other assets	807	(1,288)
Increase (decrease) in operating liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	44,983	68,963
Income taxes payable	(3,385)	(690)
Other noncurrent liabilities	(413)	2,901
Net cash provided by operating activities	36,495	51,335
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(19,037)	(37,471)
Proceeds from asset dispositions	128	119
Asset acquisition, net (primarily intangibles)	(13,064)	(8,685)
Net cash used in investing activities	(31,973)	(46,037)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of indebtedness and capital lease obligations	(579)	(426)
Excess tax charges from stock-based compensation	(30)	(18)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options and employee stock purchase plan	937	287
Repurchase of shares	(9,176)	(28,482)
Cash dividends paid	(6,685)	(5,863)
Net cash used in financing activities	(15,533)	(34,502)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(11,011)	(29,204)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of year	27,130	49,182
End of period	16,119	19,978
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Interest paid	402	263
Income taxes paid	12,644	11,504
Non-cash investing and financial activities:
Assets acquired through term loan	0	3,497
Assets acquired through capital lease	$ 0	$ 135

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 3) (Restricted Stock [Member], USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012
Restricted Stock [Member]
Number of Shares, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in shares) at January 28, 2012	711,600
Number of Shares, Granted (in shares)	123,979
Number of Shares, Forfeited / Cancelled (in shares)	(60,595)
Number of Shares, Vested (in shares)	(114,967)
Number of Shares, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in shares) at October 27, 2012	660,017
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in dollars per share) at January 28, 2012	$ 12.56
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 14.47
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited / Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$ 12.36
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 12.27
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value, Non-vested Restricted Stock (in dollars per share) at October 27, 2012	$ 12.98

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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Property and equipment, at cost:
Buildings and building improvements	$ 113,111	$ 112,321
Leasehold improvements	72,851	70,509
Automobiles and vehicles	5,601	5,348
Airplane	4,697	4,697
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	261,011	250,241
Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross	457,271	443,116
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(307,825)	(289,884)
Property and Equipment Less Accumulated Depreciation	149,446	153,232
Construction in progress	20	23
Land	8,604	7,857
Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	$ 158,070	$ 161,112

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BASIS OF PRESENTATION

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 1: BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Fred's, Inc. and its subsidiaries (“We”, “Our”, “Us” or “Company”) operates, as of October 27, 2012, 708 discount general merchandise stores, including 21 franchised Fred's stores, in 15 states in the southeastern United States. There are 342 full service pharmacy departments located within our discount general merchandise stores.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and are presented in accordance with the requirements of Form 10-Q and therefore do not include all information and notes necessary for a fair presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. The statements reflect all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation of financial position in conformity with GAAP. The statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012 incorporated into Our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the thirteen week and thirty-nine week periods ended October 27, 2012 are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Receivables, allowance for doubtful accounts (in dollars)	$ 1,947	$ 1,595
Equipment under capital leases, accumulated amortization (in dollars)	$ 5,068	$ 5,043
Preferred stock, nonvoting
Preferred stock, no par value	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Preferred stock, Series A junior participating nonvoting
Preferred stock, no par value	$ 0	$ 0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	224,594	224,594
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, Class A voting
Common stock, no par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	60,000,000	60,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	36,693,243	37,203,794
Common stock, shares outstanding	36,693,243	37,203,794
Common stock, Class B nonvoting
Common stock, no par value	$ 0	$ 0
Common stock, shares authorized	11,500,000	11,500,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	0	0

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Table Text Block]

The following table illustrates the activity in accumulated other comprehensive income:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Year Ended
(in thousands)	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		January 28, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	864	$	872	$	872
Amortization of postretirement benefit		-		-		(8	)
Ending balance	$	864	$	872	$	864

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DOCUMENT AND ENITY INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Nov. 30, 2012
Entity Registrant Name	FREDS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000724571
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--02-02
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Trading Symbol	FRED
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding		36,694,798
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Oct. 27, 2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012

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INVENTORIES (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
LIFO Inventory Amount	$ 35.1	$ 40.4
Excess of Replacement or Current Costs over Stated LIFO Value	29.7	26.8
Retail Related Inventory, Merchandise	$ 24.1	$ 20.3

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Net sales	$ 450,574	$ 444,378	$ 1,421,895	$ 1,381,467
Cost of goods sold	312,441	308,412	1,004,162	980,628
Gross profit	138,133	135,966	417,733	400,839
Depreciation and amortization	9,880	8,463	28,718	24,312
Selling, general and administrative expenses	118,133	113,944	358,428	339,577
Operating income	10,120	13,559	30,587	36,950
Interest income	0	(34)	0	(149)
Interest expense	129	134	402	412
Income before income taxes	9,991	13,459	30,185	36,687
Provision for income taxes	3,430	4,427	7,112	13,055
Net income	$ 6,561	$ 9,032	$ 23,073	$ 23,632
Net income per share
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.24	$ 0.63	$ 0.61
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.18	$ 0.24	$ 0.63	$ 0.61
Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic (in shares)	36,443	37,618	36,626	38,617
Effect of dilutive stock options	140	51	135	87
Diluted (in shares)	36,583	37,669	36,761	38,704
Dividends per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.06	$ 0.05	$ 0.18	$ 0.15

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract]

Comprehensive Income (Loss) Note [Text Block]

NOTE 6: ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

Comprehensive income consists of two components, net income and other comprehensive income (loss). Other comprehensive income (loss) refers to gains and losses that under GAAP are recorded as an element of shareholders’ equity but are excluded from net income. The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income includes the unrecognized prior service costs, transition obligations and actuarial gains/losses associated with our postretirement benefit plan.

The following table illustrates the activity in accumulated other comprehensive income:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Year Ended
(in thousands)	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		January 28, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$	864	$	872	$	872
Amortization of postretirement benefit		-		-		(8	)
Ending balance	$	864	$	872	$	864

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EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Disposal Groups Including Discontinued Operations Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 5: EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES

Lease Termination

A lease obligation still exists for some store closures that occurred in 2008. We record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the stores were closed). The lease obligations are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by FASB ASC 420, “Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations”. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimates of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.

During the first three quarters of fiscal 2012, we incurred an additional $0.1 million in rent expense related to the revision of the estimated amount of the remaining lease liability for the fiscal 2008 store closures. We also utilized $0.2 million, leaving $0.2 million in the reserve at October 27, 2012.

The following table illustrates the exit and disposal activity related to the store closures discussed in the previous paragraph (in millions):

	Balance at January 28, 2012		Additions		Utilization			Ending Balance October 27, 2012
Lease contract termination liability	$	0.3	$	0.1	$	(0.2	)	$	0.2

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details Textual) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) [Member]
Employee Stock Purchase Plan Eligible Employees To Purchase Shares, Description	The 2004 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "2004 Plan"), which was approved by Fred''s stockholders, permits eligible employees to purchase shares of our common stock through payroll deductions at the lower of 85% of the fair market value of the stock at the time of grant or 85% of the fair market value at the time of exercise.
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Shares Issued In Period	40,267
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Authorized	1,410,928
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Number Of Shares Available For Grant	934,040
Stock Option [Member]
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized, Stock Options	1,600,000
Employee Service Share-Based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Total Compensation Cost Not Yet Recognized, Period For Recognition	3 years 8 months 1 day
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Options, Vested In Period, Fair Value	525,600
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Other Than Options Outstanding Pre Tax Intrinsic Value	8,900,000
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Terms	5 years 7 months 6 days
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeitures, Intrinsic Fair Value	4,400,000
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Forfeited Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	6 years 8 months 12 days
Share-Based Compensation Arrangement By Share-Based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other Than Options, Vested In Period, Total Fair Value	1,400,000

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Stock-based compensation	$ 376	$ 441	$ 1,442	$ 1,338
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	94	121	398	352
Stock Option Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation	256	101	424	352
Restricted Stock Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation	74	297	882	856
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) Expense [Member]
Stock-based compensation	$ 46	$ 43	$ 136	$ 130

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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, Plant and Equipment [Table Text Block]

The following illustrates the breakdown of the major categories within Property and Equipment (in thousands):

	October 27, 2012			January 28, 2012
Property and equipment, at cost:
Buildings and building improvements	$	113,111		$	112,321
Leasehold improvements		72,851			70,509
Automobiles and vehicles		5,601			5,348
Airplane		4,697			4,697
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		261,011			250,241
		457,271			443,116
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(307,825	)		(289,884	)
		149,446			153,232
Construction in progress		20			23
Land		8,604			7,857
Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	$	158,070		$	161,112

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 7: RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Atlantic Retail Investors, LLC, which is partially owned by Michael J. Hayes, a director of the Company and Chairman of the Board, owns the land and buildings occupied by three Fred’s stores. The terms and conditions regarding the leases on these locations were consistent in all material respects with other stores' leases of the Company with unrelated landlords. The total rental payments related to related party leases were $225.7 thousand and $362.3 thousand for the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs, Share-Based Payments [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Activity [Table Text Block]

A summary of the Company’s stock-based compensation (a component of selling and general and administrative expenses) and related income tax benefit is as follows (in thousands):

	Thirteen Weeks Ended				Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011		October 27, 2012		October 29, 2011
Stock option expense	$	256	$	101	$	424	$	352
Restricted stock expense		74		297		882		856
ESPP expense		46		43		136		130
Total stock-based compensation	$	376	$	441	$	1,442	$	1,338
Income tax benefit on stock-based compensation	$	94	$	121	$	398	$	352

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

The fair value of each option granted during the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ended October 27, 2012 and October 29, 2011, respectively, are estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions:

	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011			October 27, 2012			October 29, 2011
Stock Options
Expected volatility		39.7	%		40.5	%		39.7	%		41.4	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.5	%		1.5	%		0.5	%		1.9	%
Expected option life (in years)		4.00			5.84			4.06			4.96
Expected dividend yield		1.27	%		0.86	%		1.26	%		0.91	%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	3.86		$	4.13		$	3.90		$	4.49
Employee Stock Purchase Plan
Expected volatility		33.0	%		31.5	%		33.7	%		24.8	%
Risk-free interest rate		0.1	%		0.3	%		0.1	%		0.3	%
Expected option life (in years)		0.75			0.75			0.5			0.5
Expected dividend yield		1.18	%		1.02	%		0.78	%		0.68	%
Weighted average fair value at grant date	$	3.76		$	3.59		$	3.50		$	3.07

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes stock option activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012:

	Options			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value (Thousands)
Outstanding at January 28, 2012		795,376		$	11.52		3.0	$	2,831
Granted		415,169		$	13.67
Forfeited / Cancelled		(24,600	)	$	14.54
Exercised		(63,912	)	$	13.14
Outstanding at October 27, 2012		1,122,033		$	12.16		3.4	$	1,619
Exercisable at October 27, 2012		549,891		$	11.25		2.0	$	1,260

Schedule of Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Restricted Stock Units, Vested and Expected to Vest [Table Text Block]

The following table summarizes restricted stock activity during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 27, 2012:

	Number of Shares			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested Restricted Stock at January 28, 2012		711,600		$	12.56
Granted		123,979		$	14.47
Forfeited / Cancelled		(60,595	)	$	12.36
Vested		(114,967	)	$	12.27
Non-vested Restricted Stock at October 27, 2012		660,017		$	12.98

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EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]

Schedule of Disposal Groups, Including Discontinued Operations, Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Additional Disclosures [Table Text Block]

The following table illustrates the exit and disposal activity related to the store closures discussed in the previous paragraph (in millions):

	Balance at January 28, 2012		Additions		Utilization			Ending Balance October 27, 2012
Lease contract termination liability	$	0.3	$	0.1	$	(0.2	)	$	0.2

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Options, Outstanding (in shares) at January 28, 2012	795,376
Options, Granted (in shares)	415,169
Options, Forfeited / Cancelled (in shares)	(24,600)
Options, Exercised (in shares)	(63,912)
Options, Outstanding (in shares) at October 27, 2012	1,122,033	795,376
Options, Exercisable (in shares) at October 27, 2012	549,891
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share) at January 28, 2012	$ 11.52
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 13.67
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Forfeited / Cancelled (in dollars per share)	$ 14.54
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercised (in dollars per share)	$ 13.14
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding (in dollars per share) at October 27, 2012	$ 12.16	$ 11.52
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable (in dollars per share) at October 27, 2012	$ 11.25
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Outstanding	3 years 4 months 24 days	3 years
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (Years), Exercisable at October 27, 2012	2 years
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in dollars) at January 28, 2012	$ 2,831
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding (in dollars) at October 27, 2012	1,619	2,831
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable (in dollars) at October 27, 2012	$ 1,260

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EXIT AND DISPOSAL ACTIVITIES (Details Textual) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Jan. 28, 2012
Operating Leases, Rent Expense, Description	an additional $0.1 million
Lease and Rental Expense, Utilized	$ 0.2
Restructuring Reserve	$ 0.2	$ 0.3

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CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Net income	$ 6,561	$ 9,032	$ 23,073	$ 23,632
Other comprehensive income (expense), net of tax postretirement plan adjustment	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive income	$ 6,561	$ 9,032	$ 23,073	$ 23,632

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PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

9 Months Ended

Oct. 27, 2012

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property Plant And Equipment Disclosure [Text Block]

NOTE 4: PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Property and Equipment are carried at cost. Depreciation is recorded using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Improvements to leased premises are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of the initial term of the lease or the useful life of the improvement. Leasehold improvements added late in the lease term are amortized over the shorter of the remaining term of the lease (including the upcoming renewal option, if the renewal is reasonably assured) or the useful life of the improvement. Assets under capital leases are amortized in accordance with the Company’s normal depreciation policy for owned assets or over the lease term (regardless of renewal options), if shorter, and the charge to earnings is included in depreciation expense in the consolidated financial statements. Gains or losses on the sale of assets are recorded as a component of operating income.

The following illustrates the breakdown of the major categories within Property and Equipment (in thousands):

	October 27, 2012			January 28, 2012
Property and equipment, at cost:
Buildings and building improvements	$	113,111		$	112,321
Leasehold improvements		72,851			70,509
Automobiles and vehicles		5,601			5,348
Airplane		4,697			4,697
Furniture, fixtures and equipment		261,011			250,241
		457,271			443,116
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization		(307,825	)		(289,884	)
		149,446			153,232
Construction in progress		20			23
Land		8,604			7,857
Total Property and equipment, at depreciated cost	$	158,070		$	161,112

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Jan. 28, 2012
Accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 864	$ 872	$ 864	$ 872	$ 872
Amortization of postretirement benefit	0	0	0	0	(8)
Ending balance	$ 864	$ 872	$ 864	$ 872	$ 864

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011	Oct. 27, 2012	Oct. 29, 2011
Stock Option [Member]
Expected volatility	39.70%	40.50%	39.70%	41.40%
Risk-free interest rate	0.50%	1.50%	0.50%	1.90%
Expected option life (in years)	4 years	5 years 10 months 2 days	4 years 22 days	4 years 11 months 16 days
Expected dividend yield	1.27%	0.86%	1.26%	0.91%
Weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share)	$ 3.86	$ 4.13	$ 3.90	$ 4.49
Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) [Member]
Expected volatility	33.00%	31.50%	33.70%	24.80%
Risk-free interest rate	0.10%	0.30%	0.10%	0.30%
Expected option life (in years)	9 months	9 months	6 months	6 months
Expected dividend yield	1.18%	1.02%	0.78%	0.68%
Weighted average fair value at grant date (in dollars per share)	$ 3.76	$ 3.59	$ 3.50	$ 3.07