Merchandise Inventories

6 Months Ended

Feb. 13, 2016

Inventory Disclosure [Abstract]

Merchandise Inventories

Note F – Merchandise Inventories

Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Merchandise inventories include related purchasing, storage, and handling costs. Inventory cost has been determined using the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) method for domestic inventories and the first-in, first-out (“FIFO”) method for Mexico and Brazil inventories. Due to price deflation on the Company’s merchandise purchases, the Company has exhausted its LIFO reserve balance. The Company’s policy is not to write up inventory in excess of replacement cost, which is based on average cost. The difference between LIFO cost and replacement cost, which will be reduced upon experiencing price inflation on the Company’s merchandise purchases, was $345.6 million at February 13, 2016 and $332.6 million at August 29, 2015.