EX-12 2 a2184751zex-12.htm EXHIBIT 12
QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document


Exhibit 12

Fiscal year

  February 2,
2008

  February 3,
2007

  January 28,
2006

  January 29,
2005

  January 31,
2004

 
 
  (in thousands, except ratios)

 
  Interest   $ 51,293   $ 49,342   $ 49,040   $ 35,965   $ 38,255  
  Interest factor in rental expense     23,085     19,984     22,534     20,314     21,269  
  Capitalized interest         799     867     659      
   
 
 
 
 
 
(a) Fixed charges, as defined   $ 74,378   $ 70,125   $ 72,441   $ 56,938   $ 59,524  
   
 
 
 
 
 
  (Loss) Earnings from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle   $ (63,032 ) $ (13,470 ) $ (57,622 ) $ 38,307   $ (26,622 )
  Fixed charges     74,378     70,125     72,441     56,938     59,524  
  Capitalized interest         (799 )   (867 )   (659 )    
   
 
 
 
 
 
(b) Earnings, as defined   $ 11,346   $ 55,856   $ 13,952   $ 94,586   $ 32,902  
   
 
 
 
 
 
(c) Ratio of earnings to fixed charges                                
  (b÷a)                 1.7x      
   
 
 
 
 
 

        The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is completed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. "Earnings" consist of earnings before income taxes plus fixed charges (exclusive of capitalized interest costs) plus one-third of rental expense (which amount is considered representative of the interest factor in rental expense). Earnings, as defined, were not sufficient to cover fixed charges by approximately $63.0, $14.3, $58.4 and $26.6 million for fiscal years ended February 2, 2008; February 3, 2007; January 28, 2006 and January 31, 2004, respectively.




QuickLinks