UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 8-K

CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported): March 23, 2016

FRED'S, INC.
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)

Commission File Number 001-14565

Tennessee

62-0634010

(State or Other Jurisdiction

of Incorporation)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

4300 New Getwell Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118

(Address of principal executive offices)

(901) 365-8880
Registrant’s telephone number, including area code

Not Applicable
(Former Name or former address, if changed since last report)

Check the appropriate box below if the Form 8-K filing is intended to simultaneously satisfy the filing obligation of the registrant under any of the following provisions:

⃞ Written communications pursuant to Rule 425 under the Securities Act (17 CFR 230.425)

⃞ Soliciting material pursuant to Rule 14a-12 under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14a-12)

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 14d-2(b) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.14d-2(b))

⃞ Pre-commencement communications pursuant to Rule 13e-4(c) under the Exchange Act (17 CFR 240.13e-4(c))

ITEM 5.02.

DEPARTURE OF DIRECTORS OR CERTAIN OFFICERS; ELECTION OF DIRECTORS; APPOINTMENT OF CERTAIN OFFICERS; COMPENSATORY ARRANGEMENTS OF CERTAIN OFFICERS.

On March 23, 2016, Fred's, Inc. issued a press release announcing that Michael J. Hayes (age 74) will step down as Chairman of the Board of Directors on April 15, 2016. Fred's Board of Directors has appointed Thomas H. Tashjian (age 61), a director of the Company since 2001, as the new Chairman of the Board. With this succession, Hayes becomes Chairman Emeritus and will remain on the Board of Directors.

A copy of the press release announcing these events is furnished as Exhibit 99.1 to this report and is incorporated herein by reference. The information in this report, including the exhibit attached hereto, is furnished pursuant to Item 2.02 and shall not be deemed "filed" for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to the liabilities of that section.

ITEM 9.01.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.

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 hereunto duly authorized.

		FRED'S, INC.
		(Registrant)


Date:	March 23, 2016	By:	/s/	Jerry A. Shore
				Jerry A. Shore
				Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit
Number		Description of Exhibit(s)

99.1		Copy of press release issued by Fred's, Inc. on March 23, 2016.