-----BEGIN PRIVACY-ENHANCED MESSAGE----- Proc-Type: 2001,MIC-CLEAR Originator-Name: webmaster@www.sec.gov Originator-Key-Asymmetric: MFgwCgYEVQgBAQICAf8DSgAwRwJAW2sNKK9AVtBzYZmr6aGjlWyK3XmZv3dTINen TWSM7vrzLADbmYQaionwg5sDW3P6oaM5D3tdezXMm7z1T+B+twIDAQAB MIC-Info: RSA-MD5,RSA, LX1wfBT/zre3rkhf9E1732m4aqUPslsu1YL2O6Uyp8gZYBa8zGL3E0u/32bs/W+T Jv9WXaOhgMgwis0HC1VjkA== 0000912057-02-022261.txt : 20020529 0000912057-02-022261.hdr.sgml : 20020529 20020529165652 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000912057-02-022261 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 14 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20020302 FILED AS OF DATE: 20020529 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORP CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000883943 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES [5621] IRS NUMBER: 061195422 STATE OF INCORPORATION: DE FISCAL YEAR END: 0302 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-19972 FILM NUMBER: 02665053 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2400 XENIUM LANE NORTH CITY: PLYMOUTH STATE: MN ZIP: 55441-3626 BUSINESS PHONE: 6125515000 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 2400 XENIUM LN NORTH CITY: PLYMOUTH STATE: MN ZIP: 55441-3626 FORMER COMPANY: FORMER CONFORMED NAME: BRAUNS FASHIONS CORP DATE OF NAME CHANGE: 19930328 10-K 1 a2081075z10-k.htm FORM 10-K
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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

ý ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended March 2, 2002

or

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

For the transition period from                              to                             .

Commission File No. 0-19972


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

 

06-1195422
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)

2400 Xenium Lane North,
Plymouth, Minnesota

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

55441
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (763) 551-5000


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: None

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: Common Stock, par value $.01 per share


        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 ý NO o

        Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

        As of May 17, 2002, 25,482,409 shares of common stock were outstanding and the aggregate value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the Registrant on that date was approximately $994,406,095 based upon the last reported sale price of the common stock at that date by The Nasdaq Stock Market.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

        Portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Stockholders to be held July 31, 2002 (the "Proxy Statement") are incorporated by reference into Part III.




CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

2002 FORM 10-K ANNUAL REPORT

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
   
  Page
PART I

Item 1.

 

Business

 

1
Item 2.   Properties   5
Item 3.   Legal Proceedings   7
Item 4.   Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders   8
Item 4a.   Executive Officers of the Registrant   8

PART II

Item 5.

 

Market for the Registrant's Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters

 

10
Item 6.   Selected Consolidated Financial Data   10
Item 7.   Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations   12
Item 7a.   Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk   19
Item 8.   Consolidated Financial Statements and Supplementary Data   20
Item 9.   Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure   36

PART III

Item 10.

 

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

 

36
Item 11.   Executive Compensation   36
Item 12.   Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management   36
Item 13.   Certain Relationships and Related Transactions   36

PART IV

Item 14.

 

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K

 

37
    Signatures   40


PART I

ITEM 1.
BUSINESS

General

        Christopher & Banks Corporation is a Minneapolis-based retailer of women's specialty apparel, which operates retail stores through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Christopher & Banks, Inc., collectively referred to as "Christopher & Banks" or the "Company". As of May 17, 2002, the Company operated 380 stores in 31 states under the names Christopher & Banks, C.J. Banks and Braun's, primarily in the northern half of the United States. The Company's Christopher & Banks and Braun's stores offer coordinated assortments of exclusively designed sportswear, sweaters and dresses in sizes four to 16. The Company's C.J. Banks stores offer similar assortments of women's specialty apparel in sizes 14W and up.

        In the fiscal year ended March 2, 2002 ("fiscal 2002"), the Company opened 46 new Christopher & Banks stores and 36 new C.J. Banks stores. During fiscal 2002, the Company closed four stores. As of May 17, 2002, the Company operated 380 stores including 262 Christopher & Banks stores, 73 C.J. Banks stores and 45 Braun's stores. The Company plans to open approximately 90 new stores in fiscal 2003, consisting of 55 Christopher & Banks stores and 35 C.J. Banks stores. These new stores will be located in states where the Company currently operates and in other states including Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Tennessee. In addition, the Company plans to convert substantially all remaining Braun's stores to the Christopher & Banks name by December 2002.

Fiscal 2002 Events

        During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company completed the purchase of its existing 210,000 square foot headquarters and distribution center facility in Plymouth, Minnesota for $8.8 million in cash. In connection with the purchase, the Company assumed a lease from the prior owner. Under the assumed lease, the Company leased the facility to a third party and, in turn, leased back the entire facility. On July 10, 2001, the Company and the third party agreed to terminate the lease and related sublease. The Company received a lease termination payment during the second quarter of fiscal 2002 of approximately $1.3 million. The payment has been recorded as a deferred credit and will be amortized over the remainder of the original lease term through June 30, 2005.

        During the second quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company completed the installation of new point-of-sale hardware and software technology in all of its stores at a cost of approximately $4.7 million.

        In the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 3-for-2 stock split payable in the form of a stock dividend on the Company's outstanding common stock. The record date was November 27, 2001 and the stock dividend was distributed on December 12, 2001. Share and per share data for all periods presented have been restated to reflect the stock split. The Company previously effected 3-for-2 stock splits on December 14, 1999, July 11, 2000 and February 12, 2001.

        During the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company also announced its election to redeem all of its outstanding long-term debt together with accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption. On December 10, 2001, the Company redeemed $5.3 million current face value of its outstanding 12% Senior Notes originally due January 1, 2005. As of May 17, 2002, the Company had no long-term debt.

1



Business Strategy

        The Company's business strategy is to provide its target customer with high quality, moderately-priced, coordinated ensembles that are interchangeable between work and leisure activities; to differentiate itself from its competitors through its focused merchandising approach, including an emphasis on private brand merchandise designed and manufactured exclusively for the Company under its proprietary names, Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks; to utilize information systems to effectively manage its merchandise inventories; and to expand its store network and maintain updated, attractive store facilities.

        The key elements of the Company's strategy are as follows:

    Focus on a target customer and meet her needs

    Deliver a well defined merchandising assortment

    Use information systems to drive decision making and maintain disciplined inventory management

    Expand store base in existing and new markets

    Expand through developing new concepts

        Focus on a target customer and meet her needs.    Christopher & Banks' target customer is a 35 to 55 year old working woman with an annual family income of $50,000 and above. Management believes this target customer leads a busy life, shops in regional malls and purchases fashions which are suitable for both work and leisure activities.

        The Company utilizes point-of-sale inventory tracking to analyze the buying patterns of its customers. Christopher & Banks also uses a product testing program to identify consumer demand for clothing styles, patterns and colors. This test and reorder philosophy gives the Company the ability to offer proven best sellers throughout a selling season. The Company's objective is to be recognized by its target customer as offering quality fashion at moderate prices. Christopher & Banks differentiates itself from other fashion retailers through offering substantial amounts of clothing that is characterized by a novelty flair featuring seasonal themes.

        Deliver a well defined merchandising assortment.    In fiscal 2002, the Company's lines of merchandise included three principal categories: sportswear, sweaters and dresses. The Company discontinued the sale of most accessories in fiscal 2001. The selling space previously allocated to accessories was shifted to the higher margin merchandise categories of sweaters and sportswear. The following table sets forth the approximate percentage of net sales attributable to each merchandise group for the past three fiscal years:

 
  Percentage of Net Sales
 
Merchandise Group

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Sportswear   52.4 % 52.0 % 51.6 %
Sweaters   41.2   39.1   33.8  
Dresses   6.3   8.2   10.3  
Accessories   0.1   0.7   4.3  
   
 
 
 
  Total   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
   
 
 
 

2


        The Company has developed a variety of strategies and programs to distinguish itself from its competitors. Major elements of its merchandising strategy include:

            Strong Visual Merchandise Presentation. The Company's stores rely heavily on attracting mall traffic through stimulating visual presentation. Christopher & Banks uses carefully designed front-of-store displays to draw customers into its stores. The visual program emphasizes attractive windows focusing attention on current merchandise styles and an open store-entrance area with bright lighting. To keep its fashions fresh, Christopher & Banks utilizes six different color stories each year. Merchandise from each color story is featured in the Company's stores for approximately 12 to 16 weeks. Each color story has a two to four week build up in the back of the store. The color story is then featured in the front of the store for approximately eight weeks. Remaining merchandise from the color story is then moved to the back of the store for a two to four week liquidation phase.

            Direct Import Program. During fiscal 2002, the Company directly imported approximately 90% of its total merchandise purchases. The Company anticipates that direct imports, as a percent of total purchases, will be approximately the same in fiscal 2003. Management believes that direct imports allow Christopher & Banks to obtain high quality merchandise at a lower cost. This in turn provides the Company with the ability to sell garments, comparable in quality and design to those sold in department stores, at a lower price.

            Private Brand Clothing—Christopher & Banks, C.J. Banks.The use of private brand clothing produced exclusively for the Company creates a unique store identity and establishes a competitive "point of difference". The Company's design staff, guided by its merchants, continually develop new designs for the Company's private brand merchandise. For its private brand clothing, the Company uses its proprietary names, Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks. The Company estimates that sales of private brand clothing comprised substantially all of its sales in fiscal 2002 and 2001. The Company anticipates that private brand clothing will again account for substantially all of its sales in fiscal 2003.

            Key Vendor Relationships. The Company's ongoing relationships with key vendors have enabled it to exclusively feature its private brand offerings in order to project a merchandising point of difference. Key vendor relationships also allow the Company to execute a timely product testing and reorder program which gives Christopher & Banks the ability to feature best selling styles throughout a selling season.

            Quality Assurance. The Company uses a variety of quality control measures including color, fabric and construction analysis and sizing verification, to ensure that all merchandise meets the Company's quality standards.

        Use information systems to drive decision making and maintain disciplined inventory management.    The Company's merchandise and financial information systems are updated daily with information from the Company's point-of-sale registers. Management believes these systems provide detailed merchandise planning, sales tracking and analysis capabilities. The Company also believes the merchandise information systems provide distribution center processing and planning and allocation features which allow the Company to efficiently manage its product assortments at its stores.

        The Company also utilizes a cost-effective program to efficiently deliver merchandise on a daily basis from the Company's distribution center to all stores. Through using its systems effectively, inventories can be maintained at an efficient level throughout the year, which ensures a consistent flow of fresh merchandise to the stores. The Company had inventory turn-over of 4.6, 4.7 and 4.1 times in fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

        Expand store base in existing and new markets.    The Company plans to expand its store base by approximately 90 stores in fiscal 2003, including approximately 55 new Christopher & Banks stores and

3



35 new C.J. Banks stores. New Christopher & Banks stores will be opened primarily in regional malls in states where the Company has an existing market presence. Other states the Company plans to expand into in fiscal 2003 include Arizona, Florida, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Mexico and Tennessee. The new C.J. Banks stores will generally open in malls where the Company already operates an existing Christopher & Banks store.

        Expand through developing new concepts.    The Company intends to continue to evaluate growth vehicles and new opportunities as it deems appropriate. Accordingly, in fiscal 2001 the Company launched a new concept, opening stores under the name C.J. Banks, which serve the women's large size market. In connection with this strategy, the Company developed a new large size store prototype which is similar to its Christopher & Banks store design. The Company operated 56 C.J. Banks stores at the end of fiscal 2002 and plans to open approximately 35 C.J. Banks stores in fiscal 2003.

Properties

        The Company has developed an updated store design which has been used for new and remodeled stores since the beginning of fiscal 1998. As of May 17, 2002, 305 of the Company's 380 stores utilized this design. The Company plans to continue to use this design for its new stores and remodeled stores. This store design is open and inviting, which enables the Company to deliver a compelling merchandise presentation to its customers. With attractive decor and bright lighting, the Company's customers enjoy a fun and exciting shopping atmosphere. The Company typically effects a major or a minor remodeling of a store following renewal of the store's lease. However, during the interim, carpet replacement, painting and other minor improvements are made as needed. The Company completed 10 major store remodels in fiscal 2002 and plans to complete approximately 15 major store remodels in fiscal 2003.

Store Operations

        The Company manages its stores in a manner that encourages participation by the store manager and employees in the execution of the Company's business and operational strategies. Each store has a manager who is responsible for day-to-day operations of the store. Store managers complete a management training program and are eligible for Company incentive awards based upon store sales volume.

Purchasing/Sources of Supply

        Direct imports accounted for approximately 90% of total merchandise purchases in fiscal 2002. The Company purchased substantially all of its merchandise from approximately 85 vendors in fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2002, the Company's ten largest vendors represented approximately 73% of the Company's purchases. Further, purchases from the Company's largest overseas supplier accounted for 41% of total purchases in fiscal 2002, compared to 37% in fiscal 2001. Although the Company believes that its relationship with this particular vendor is good, there can be no assurance that this relationship can be maintained in the future or that the vendor will continue to supply merchandise to the Company. If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from this vendor, management believes that it can shift to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product. Nevertheless, there is some potential that any such disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. The Company intends to directly import approximately 90% of its purchases again in fiscal 2003.

Advertising and Promotion

        Historically, the Company has not engaged in significant television, radio or print advertising. The Company believes that most of its locations depend on mall traffic. To attract customers into its stores, the Company emphasizes attractive front-of-store displays and an open, clean, in-store visual

4



presentation which focus attention on the Company's merchandise. On a limited basis, the merchandise presentation is further enhanced by the use of photographic visual merchandise signage. Additionally, the Company maintains internet websites at www.christopherandbanks.com and www.cjbanks.com.

Seasonality

        The Company's sales show seasonal variation as sales in the third and fourth quarters, which include the fall and holiday seasons, have generally been higher than sales in the first and second quarters. Sales generated during the fall and holiday seasons have a significant impact on the Company's annual results of operations.

Competition

        The women's retail apparel business is highly competitive. The Company believes that the principal bases upon which it competes are merchandise selection, fashion, quality, store location, store environment and customer service. The Company competes with a broad range of national and regional retail chains that sell similar merchandise, including department stores and specialty stores. Many of these competitors are larger and have greater financial resources than the Company. The Company believes that its unique merchandise selection, strong visual presentation, product quality, and customer service enable the Company to compete effectively.

Employees

        As of May 17, 2002, the Company had approximately 1,000 full-time and 2,700 part-time employees. The number of part-time employees increases during peak selling periods. None of the Company's employees are represented by a labor union or are subject to a collective bargaining agreement. The Company has never experienced a work stoppage and considers its relationship with its employees to be good.

Trademarks and Service Marks

        The Company is the owner of the federally registered trademark and service mark "Christopher & Banks" which is its predominant private brand, "C.J. Banks", its large size private brand, and "Braun's" with respect to articles of apparel. Common law rights have been established by the Company in other trademarks and service marks which it considers to be of lesser importance. Christopher & Banks believes its primary marks are important to its business and are recognized in the women's retail apparel industry. Accordingly, the Company intends to maintain its marks and the related registrations. Management is not aware of any pending claims of infringement or other challenges to the Company's right to use its marks in the United States.


ITEM 2.
PROPERTIES

Store Locations

        The Company's stores are located primarily in regional shopping malls in mid-sized cities and suburban areas, which offer high-traffic by potential walk-in customers. Approximately 85% of the Company's stores are located in enclosed regional malls that typically have numerous specialty stores and two or more general merchandise chains or department stores as anchor tenants. The balance of the Company's stores are located in community and strip shopping centers. The Company attempts to locate its stores strategically within the mall or shopping center to attract walk-in customers through attractive visual displays. The average store size is approximately 3,400 square feet, of which the Company estimates an average of approximately 85% is selling space.

5



        At May 17, 2002, the Company operated 380 stores in the following states:

State

  Number of
Christopher & Banks/
Braun's Stores

  Number of
C.J. Banks
Stores

  Total
Stores

Arkansas   3     3
California   1     1
Colorado   13   4   17
Connecticut   1     1
Idaho   5   1   6
Illinois   15   5   20
Indiana   12   5   17
Iowa   24   6   30
Kansas   8     8
Kentucky   2   1   3
Maine   1     1
Maryland   2   1   3
Massachusetts   3     3
Michigan   24   7   31
Minnesota   36   7   43
Missouri   10   5   15
Montana   6   2   8
Nebraska   9   2   11
New York   14   4   18
North Dakota   7   1   8
Ohio   25   6   31
Oklahoma   3     3
Oregon   3   1   4
Pennsylvania   20   2   22
South Dakota   7   3   10
Utah   6     6
Virginia   3     3
Washington   11   2   13
West Virginia   7     7
Wisconsin   24   6   30
Wyoming   2   2   4
   
 
 
  Total   307   73   380
   
 
 

Store Leases

        All of the Company's store locations are leased. Management believes that the current commercial real estate market, combined with the Company's relationship with nationally-recognized developers and established operating history, makes the Company an attractive tenant when negotiating terms with shopping center developers, owners or management companies.

        Lease terms typically are for ten years and may contain a renewal option. Leases generally require payments of fixed minimum rent and contingent percentage rent, typically calculated at five percent of sales in excess of a specified level. The following table, which covers all of the stores operated by the Company at May 17, 2002, indicates the number of leases expiring during the fiscal year indicated and

6



the number of such leases with renewal options. The number of stores with leases expiring in fiscal 2003 includes those stores which currently have leases on month-to-month terms.

Fiscal Year

  Number of
Leases Expiring

  Number with
Renewal Options

2003   39   2
2004   31   5
2005   27   1
2006   10   3
2007   7  
2008 - 2012   226   7
2013 - 2017   40  
   
 
  Total   380   18
   
 

        The Company currently plans to negotiate new leases in most of the locations which do not have renewal options.

Headquarters and Distribution Center Facility

        Prior to fiscal 2002, the Company leased its existing 210,000 square foot headquarters and distribution center facility in Plymouth, Minnesota. During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company completed the purchase of this facility for $8.8 million in cash. In connection with the purchase, the Company assumed a lease from the prior owner. Under the assumed lease, the Company leased the facility to a third party and, in turn, leased back the entire facility. On July 10, 2001, the Company and the third party agreed to terminate the lease and related sublease. The Company received a lease termination payment of approximately $1.3 million. The payment has been recorded as a deferred credit and will be amortized over the remainder of the original lease term through June 30, 2005.

        The Company subleases 80,000 square feet of warehouse space in its distribution center to a third party. Under the agreement, the Company will receive $26,667 per month through August 31, 2003 and $30,000 per month from September 1, 2003 through May 31, 2005. The subtenant is also required to reimburse the Company for property taxes, utilities and other operating costs of the subleased portion of the facility.

        The Company previously subleased an additional 33,000 square feet of warehouse and office space to a third party under a sublease scheduled to expire May 31, 2005. During fiscal 2002, the Company exercised its right under the agreement to terminate the sublease upon six months written notice at any time on or before February 1, 2002. The Company utilized a majority of the 33,000 square feet of space to expand its distribution center facility.

        The Company believes its headquarters and merchandise distribution center facility to be adequate to accommodate the expansion plans of the Company for the foreseeable future.


ITEM 3.
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

        The Company is involved in various legal matters arising in the normal course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such proceedings will not have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

7




ITEM 4.
SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

        There were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002.


ITEM 4a.
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The following table sets forth certain information regarding the executive officers of the Company as of May 17, 2002.

Name

  Age
  Positions and Offices
William J. Prange   48   Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Joseph E. Pennington   56   President and Chief Operating Officer
Ralph C. Neal   55   Executive Vice President of Store Operations
Andrew K. Moller   43   Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Kathryn R. Gangstee   52   Senior Vice President and Division President, Christopher & Banks Division
Tammy Leomazzi Boyd   43   Senior Vice President and Division President, C.J. Banks Division
Nancy C. Scott   53   Vice President of Real Estate and Construction
Kim M. Westerham   44   Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Distribution
John F. Prange   45   Vice President of Human Resources
Thomas A. Guetter   56   Vice President of Information Technology

        William J. Prange has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since September 1999. From March 1998 through August 1999, Mr. Prange was President and Chief Executive Officer. Mr. Prange was President and Chief Merchandising Officer from July 1997 through February 1998. From April 1995 through June 1997, Mr. Prange was Senior Vice President and General Merchandising Manager. From April 1994 through March 1995, Mr. Prange was Vice President and General Merchandising Manager. From 1989 to 1994, Mr. Prange was President and General Merchandise Manager of American Specialty Stores (dba "the id"). From 1987 to 1989, Mr. Prange was Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of the id. From 1985 to 1987, Mr. Prange was Vice President and General Merchandise Manager of Prange Department Stores.

        Joseph E. Pennington has served as President and Chief Operating Officer since September 1999. From March 1998 through August 1999, Mr. Pennington was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. Mr. Pennington was a Senior Vice President of the Company from July 1997 through February 1998. From February 1997 through June 1997, Mr. Pennington was Vice President of Merchandise Planning. From April 1996 through January 1997, Mr. Pennington was self-employed, providing consulting services to retail companies including Christopher & Banks. Mr. Pennington was President and Chief Executive Officer of the id from June 1994 through March 1996. From October 1993 through May 1994, Mr. Pennington was Senior Vice President of Merchandise and Operations for the id, and from January 1990 through October 1993, Mr. Pennington was Vice President of Operations. From 1976 through 1989, Mr. Pennington held various positions with Foxmoor Stores, including Executive Vice President.

        Ralph C. Neal has served as Executive Vice President of Store Operations since March 1998. Mr. Neal was Senior Vice President of Store Operations from July 1997 through February 1998. From September 1996 through June 1997, Mr. Neal was Vice President of Store Operations. From 1989 to 1996, Mr. Neal was Vice President of Store Operations for the id. From 1986 to 1989, Mr. Neal was a Senior Vice President of Brooks Fashions. From 1982 to 1986, Mr. Neal was Vice President of

8



Operations for the id. Prior to 1982 Mr. Neal served in various managerial capacities for other women's apparel retailers.

        Andrew K. Moller has served as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 1999. From March 1998 through February 1999, Mr. Moller was Vice President Finance and Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Moller was Controller from January 1995 through February 1998. From September 1992 through December 1994, Mr. Moller was Assistant Controller. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Moller held managerial accounting positions with Ladbroke Racing Canterbury, Inc., a subsidiary of Ladbroke Group, and with B Dalton Bookstores. Mr. Moller also has previous experience with Arthur Andersen LLP and is a Certified Public Accountant.

        Kathryn R. Gangstee has served as Senior Vice President and Division President, Christopher & Banks Division, since March 2002. Ms. Gangstee was Senior Vice President and General Merchandise Manager from March 1998 through February 2002. From September 1997 through February 1998, Ms. Gangstee was Vice President and Divisional Merchandise Manager. Ms. Gangstee was a Divisional Merchandise Manager from March 1986 through August 1997. From January 1984 through February 1986, Ms. Gangstee held various other positions with the Company.

        Tammy Leomazzi Boyd has served as Senior Vice President and Division President, C.J. Banks Division, since March 2002. Ms. Boyd was President, CJ. Banks Division, from January 2000 through February 2002. From 1991 through 1999, Ms. Boyd was Divisional Merchandise Manager, Special Size Sportswear and Outerwear with Sears Roebuck & Company. Previous to 1991, Ms. Boyd held various buying and merchandising positions with Carson Pirie Scott and PA Bergner & Company.

        Nancy C. Scott has served as Vice President of Real Estate and Construction since March 1998. From May 1997 through February 1998, Ms. Scott was Regional Director of Leasing for Pacific Sunwear of California. Ms. Scott was employed by Frederick's of Hollywood Stores, Inc. from March 1987 through April 1997, including the position of Vice President Real Estate/Leasing from February 1989 to April 1997. From 1979 through 1986, Ms. Scott held leasing positions with various other companies.

        Kim M. Westerham has served as Vice President of Merchandise Planning and Distribution since March 1999. Ms. Westerham was Director of Merchandise Planning and Distribution from September 1993 through February 1999. From March 1984 through August 1993, Ms. Westerham was a Buyer with the Company.

        John F. Prange has served as Vice President of Human Resources since October 2000. From January 1998 to October 2000, Mr. Prange was Vice President of Human Resources for Miles Kimball. Mr. Prange was Director of Human Resources for Miles Kimball from November 1994 to January 1998. From April 1993 to November 1994, Mr. Prange served as Regional Manager of Human Resources for Hillhaven Corporation. From May 1989 to September 1992, Mr. Prange was a Vice President of Prange's Department Stores and from February 1987 to May 1989 served as Director of Human Resources. From July 1981 to February 1987, Mr. Prange served in a variety of store management and human resource positions with the H.C. Prange Company. Mr. Prange is the brother of William J. Prange.

        Thomas A. Guetter has served as Vice President of Information Technology since March 2002. From April 1996 through February 2002, Mr. Guetter was Director of Management Information Systems. Mr. Guetter was Director of Systems and Programming from September 1993 through March 1996. From November 1987 through August 1993, Mr. Guetter was Manager of Programming. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Guetter held various Information Technology positions including Manager of Systems and Programming with Donaldson's Department Stores.

9




PART II

ITEM 5.
MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

        Effective July 27, 2000, in connection with the Company's name change to Christopher & Banks Corporation from Brauns Fashions Corporation, the Company's common stock began trading under the symbol "CHBS" on The Nasdaq Stock Market. From March 31, 1992 to July 26, 2000, the Company's common stock was traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "BFCI". The quarterly high and low stock sales price information for the Company's common stock for fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2001 are presented in Note 10 of the Consolidated Financial Statements and are included herein.

        The number of holders of record of the Company's common stock as of May 17, 2002 was 91. Based upon information received from the record holders, the Company believes there are more than 9,000 beneficial owners. The last reported sales price of the Company's common stock on May 17, 2002 was $41.04.

        The Company has never paid a dividend on its common stock. The Company presently intends to retain all future earnings, if any, for the operation of its business and does not expect to pay cash dividends on its common stock in the foreseeable future. Currently, dividends are restricted by the terms of the Company's revolving credit facility. (See Item 7 of this Form 10-K.) Any future determination as to the payment of dividends on common stock will depend upon future earnings, results of operations, capital requirements, compliance with financial covenants, the financial condition of the Company and any other factors the Board of Directors may consider.

        During the last three fiscal years, the Company did not sell any equity securities in a transaction that was exempt from the registration provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

        In fiscal 1999, the Company purchased 1,863,000 shares, on a split adjusted basis, of its common stock at a total cost, including commissions, of $3,000,000. The common stock purchased is currently held in treasury.

        The Company's Board of Directors approved 3-for-2 stock splits in the form of stock dividends on the Company's outstanding common stock in November 1999, May 2000, January 2001 and November 2001. The stock dividends were distributed on December 14, 1999, July 11, 2000, February 12, 2001 and December 12, 2001. Share and per share data contained within this Form 10-K have been restated to reflect the effect of the stock splits.


ITEM 6.
SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA

        The following selected financial data has been derived from the audited consolidated financial statements of the Company and should be read in conjunction with "Management's Discussion and

10



Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and the Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes appearing in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
  Mar. 2,
2002

  Mar. 3,
2001(1)

  Feb. 26,
2000

  Feb. 27,
1999

  Feb. 28,
1998

 
  (In thousands, except per share amounts and selected operating data)

Income Statement Data:                              
  Net sales   $ 275,853   $ 209,156   $ 143,402   $ 110,142   $ 99,536
  Cost of sales(2)     153,661     116,466     87,865     71,488     65,111
   
 
 
 
 
  Gross profit     122,192     92,690     55,537     38,654     34,425
  Selling, general and administrative expenses     61,330     46,776     33,306     25,621     23,390
  Depreciation and amortization     7,092     4,675     3,387     2,679     2,534
  Nonrecurring expense(3)                     775
   
 
 
 
 
  Operating income     53,770     41,239     18,844     10,354     7,726
  Interest (income) expense, net     (337 )   (852 )   47     282     691
   
 
 
 
 
  Income before income taxes     54,107     42,091     18,797     10,072     7,035
  Income tax provision     21,251     16,565     7,262     3,880     2,750
   
 
 
 
 
  Income before extraordinary gain     32,856     25,526     11,535     6,192     4,285
  Extraordinary gain(4)                 35     116
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 32,856   $ 25,526   $ 11,535   $ 6,227   $ 4,401
   
 
 
 
 
Basic earnings per common share:(5)                              
  Income before extraordinary gain   $ 1.33   $ 1.09   $ 0.52   $ 0.27   $ 0.18
  Extraordinary gain(4)                 0.00     0.01
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 1.33   $ 1.09   $ 0.52   $ 0.27   $ 0.19
   
 
 
 
 
  Basic shares outstanding     24,692     23,369     22,302     22,991     22,691
   
 
 
 
 
Diluted earnings per common share:(5)                              
  Income before extraordinary gain   $ 1.26   $ 1.00   $ 0.49   $ 0.26   $ 0.17
  Extraordinary gain(4)                 0.00     0.01
   
 
 
 
 
  Net income   $ 1.26   $ 1.00   $ 0.49   $ 0.26   $ 0.18
   
 
 
 
 
  Diluted shares outstanding     26,147     25,503     23,734     24,168     24,362
   
 
 
 
 

(1)
Fiscal 2001 represents a 53 week year.

(2)
Cost of sales includes cost of merchandise, buying expenses and occupancy costs, but excludes depreciation and amortization.

(3)
In fiscal 1998, the Company recorded a one time pre-tax charge of $775,000, or $0.03 per diluted share, related to the implementation of its management succession plan. The majority of this expense was non-cash, related to accelerated vesting of previously issued options.

(4)
In fiscal 1999 and 1998, the Company recorded extraordinary gains of $35,000 and $116,000 on the purchase at a discount from par of $4,676,000 and $1,033,000 principal face amount of its 12% Senior Notes due 2005, respectively.

11


(5)
All earnings per share amounts reported above reflect the effect of four 3-for-2 stocks splits, effective December 14, 1999, July 11, 2000, February 12, 2001 and December 12, 2001.

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
 
  Mar. 2,
2002

  Mar. 3,
2001(1)

  Feb. 26,
2000

  Feb. 27,
1999

  Feb. 28,
1998

 
Selected Operating Data:                                
  Same store sales increase     6 %   18 %   17 %   3 %   10 %
  Stores at end of period     351     273     223     195     179  
  Net sales per gross square foot(2)   $ 256   $ 247   $ 201   $ 172   $ 166  

Balance Sheet Data (at end of period in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Cash   $ 40,875   $ 34,798   $ 22,686   $ 12,588   $ 15,848  
  Merchandise inventory   $ 18,999   $ 15,831   $ 11,421   $ 10,799   $ 10,736  
  Total assets   $ 128,618   $ 93,695   $ 58,719   $ 40,060   $ 40,590  
  Long-term debt   $   $ 5,207   $ 5,053   $ 5,074   $ 9,616  
  Stockholders' equity   $ 111,976   $ 68,827   $ 37,385   $ 24,730   $ 20,959  

(1)
Fiscal 2001 represents a 53 week year.

(2)
Includes only stores open for the entire fiscal year.


ITEM 7.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes of the Company included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations contains certain "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. The Company's actual results could materially differ from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including those set forth under the heading "Forward Looking Information and Risk" found later in this section.

General

        Christopher & Banks Corporation, formerly Braun's Fashions Corporation, was incorporated in Delaware in 1986 to acquire Braun's Fashions, Inc., which had operated as a family-owned business since 1956. On July 26, 2000, the Company's shareholders approved a change in the Company name from Braun's Fashions Corporation to Christopher & Banks Corporation. As of May 17, 2002, the Company operated a chain of 380 stores in 31 states including 262 Christopher & Banks stores, 73 C.J. Banks stores and 45 Braun's stores, located primarily in the northern half of the United States.

        The Company's Christopher & Banks and Braun's stores offer coordinated assortments of exclusively designed women's apparel in sizes four to 16. The Company's C.J. Banks stores offer similar assortments of women's specialty apparel in sizes 14W and up. The Company opened 82 new stores in fiscal 2002, including 46 Christopher & Banks stores and 36 C.J. Banks stores. In fiscal 2003, the Company plans to open approximately 55 Christopher & Banks stores and 35 C.J. Banks stores. Additionally, the Company plans to convert substantially all remaining Braun's stores to the Christopher & Banks name by December 2002.

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Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are based upon the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during a reporting period. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. As a result, actual results could differ because of the use of these estimates and assumptions.

        The Company's significant accounting policies can be found in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. The Company believes the following accounting policies are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating the Company's reported financial condition and results of operations.

Revenue Recognition

        Sales are recognized by the Company at the point of purchase when the customer takes possession of the merchandise and pays for the purchase, generally with cash or credit card. Sales from purchases made with gift certificates are also recorded when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Gift certificates issued by the Company are recorded as a liability until they are redeemed. The Company has established an allowance for sales returns by customers. This allowance has been calculated using estimates based on historical experience that management believes to be reasonable.

Inventory Valuation

        Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out retail inventory method. Permanent markdowns of inventory are recorded monthly based on an evaluation by merchandising management, which includes analyzing inventory levels, age and rate of sale. The Company further reduces the value of inventory by recording a markdown reserve based on inventory levels from the season preceding the current season as of the reporting date. Markdowns on this merchandise reflect the future anticipated selling price of the inventory. To the extent that management's estimates differ from actual results, additional markdowns may have to be recorded, which could reduce the Company's gross margins and adversely affect its financial position and results of operations.

Property, Equipment and Improvements

        Property, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Property and equipment is depreciated over its estimated useful life, ranging from three to 25 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized over the term of the related leases, which is typically ten years. Repairs and maintenance, which do not extend an asset's useful life, are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for that period. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of". The Company records or adjusts reserves for the impairment of long-lived assets whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that full recoverability of such assets is questionable.

13



Income Taxes

        Income taxes are recorded following the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes". Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Realization of deferred tax assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income. Inherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgements and interpretations of tax laws and published guidance with respect to the Company's operations. No valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets because management believes the full amount of net deferred tax assets will be realized. The effective tax rate utilized by the Company reflects management's estimation of the expected tax liabilities within various taxing jurisdictions.

Results of Operations

        The following table sets forth operating statement data expressed as a percentage of net sales for the last three fiscal years and should be read in conjunction with "Selected Consolidated Financial Data."

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
 
  March 2,
2002

  March 3,
2001

  February 26,
2000

 
Net sales   100.0 % 100.0 % 100.0 %
Cost of sales   55.7   55.7   61.3  
   
 
 
 
Gross profit   44.3   44.3   38.7  
Selling, general and administrative expenses   22.2   22.4   23.2  
Depreciation and amortization   2.6   2.2   2.4  
   
 
 
 
Operating income   19.5   19.7   13.1  
Interest (income) expense, net   (0.1 ) (0.4 ) 0.0  
   
 
 
 
Income before income taxes   19.6   20.1   13.1  
Income tax provision   7.7   7.9   5.1  
   
 
 
 
Net income   11.9 % 12.2 % 8.0 %
   
 
 
 

Fiscal 2002 Compared to Fiscal 2001

        Net Sales.    Net sales for the 52 weeks ended March 2, 2002 were $275.9 million, an increase of $66.7 million or 32%, from net sales of $209.2 million for the 53 weeks ended March 3, 2001. The increase in net sales was a result of a 6% increase in same-store sales combined with an increase in the number of stores operated by the Company. Same-store sales increased 6% in a very challenging retail environment following an exceptionally strong 18% increase in same-store sales in fiscal 2001. The fiscal 2002 increase in same-store sales was primarily driven by strong performance at the Company's newer stores opened in fiscal 1999, 2000 and 2001. The Company operated 351 stores at March 2, 2002 compared to 273 at March 3, 2001.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit (which is net sales less the cost of merchandise, buying expenses and occupancy costs) was $122.2 million, or 44.3% of net sales, in fiscal 2002, compared to $92.7 million, or 44.3% of net sales, in fiscal 2001. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2002 was unchanged over fiscal 2001. A greater number of new stores opened in fiscal 2002 resulted in 80 basis points of negative leveraging of occupancy costs, which was offset by an improvement in merchandise, buying and distribution costs.

14



        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $61.3 million, or 22.2% of net sales, in fiscal 2002 compared to $46.8 million, or 22.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2001. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percent of net sales decreased due to leveraging associated with increased sales combined with the Company's efforts to maintain tight expense controls.

        Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization was $7.1 million, or 2.6% of net sales, in fiscal 2002 compared to $4.7 million, or 2.2% of net sales, in fiscal 2001. The increase was primarily a result of greater capital expenditures in fiscal 2002. The Company opened 82 new stores in fiscal 2002 compared to 53 new stores in fiscal 2001. In addition, during fiscal 2002 the Company purchased it headquarters and distribution center facility and installed new point-of-sale hardware and software in all stores.

        Operating Income.    As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income was $53.8 million, or 19.5% of net sales, in fiscal 2002 compared to operating income of $41.2 million, or 19.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2001.

        Interest (Income) Expense, Net.    Net interest income in fiscal 2002 decreased to $337,355 from $851,842 in fiscal 2001. The decrease resulted from substantially lower interest rates on short-term investments in fiscal 2002.

        Income Taxes.    The provision for income taxes was $21.3 million in fiscal 2002, with an effective tax rate of 39.3%, compared to $16.6 million, with an effective tax rate of 39.4%, in fiscal 2001.

        Net Income.    As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for fiscal 2002 was $32.9 million, or 11.9% of net sales and $1.26 per diluted share, compared to net income of $25.5 million, or 12.2% of net sales and $1.00 per diluted share in fiscal 2001.

Fiscal 2001 Compared to Fiscal 2000

        Net Sales.    Net sales for the 53 weeks ended March 3, 2001 were $209.2 million, an increase of $65.8 million or 46%, from net sales of $143.4 million for the 52 weeks ended February 26, 2000. The increase in net sales was attributable to an 18% increase in same-store sales combined with an increase in the number of stores operated by the Company. The 18% increase in same-store sales followed a 17% increase in same-store sales for fiscal 2000 and was primarily driven by strong performance at the Company's newer stores opened in fiscal 1999 and 2000. The Company operated 273 stores at March 3, 2001 compared to 223 at February 26, 2000.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit was $92.7 million, or 44.3% of net sales in fiscal 2001, compared to $55.5 million, or 38.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2000. The percentage increase in gross profit was primarily due to improved merchandise margins resulting from increased sales of merchandise at regular price.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $46.8 million, or 22.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2001 compared to $33.3 million, or 23.2% of net sales, in fiscal 2000. The decrease as a percent of net sales was primarily the result of leveraging of salary expenses associated with increased sales, offset by an increase in start-up costs associated with new store openings.

        Depreciation and Amortization.    Depreciation and amortization was $4.7 million, or 2.2% of net sales, in fiscal 2001 compared to $3.4 million, or 2.4% of net sales, in fiscal 2000. The increase in expense was primarily a result of greater capital expenditures in fiscal 2001. The Company opened 53 new stores in fiscal 2001 compared to 33 new stores in fiscal 2000.

15



        Operating Income.    As a result of the foregoing factors, operating income was $41.2 million, or 19.7% of net sales, in fiscal 2001, compared to operating income of $18.8 million, or 13.1% of net sales, in fiscal 2000.

        Interest (Income) Expense, Net.    For the year ended March 3, 2001 net interest income was $851,842, compared to net interest expense of $47,324 for the year ended February 26, 2000. The difference was primarily due to increased interest income resulting from a higher cash balance maintained during the year and higher interest rates earned on short term investments during the first three quarters of fiscal 2001.

        Income Taxes.    Income tax expense in fiscal 2001 was $16.6 million, with an effective tax rate of 39.4%, compared to $7.3 million, with an effective tax rate of 38.6%, in fiscal 2000. The increase in effective tax rate was due to a decrease in favorable permanent differences.

        Net Income.    As a result of the foregoing factors, net income for fiscal 2001 was $25.5 million, or 12.2% of net sales and $1.00 per diluted share, compared to net income of $11.5 million, or 8.0% of net sales and $0.49 per diluted share in fiscal 2000.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The Company's principal on-going cash requirements are to finance the construction of new stores and the remodeling of certain existing stores, to purchase merchandise inventory and to fund other working capital requirements. Merchandise purchases vary on a seasonal basis, peaking in the fall. The Company's cash requirements historically reach their peak in October and November. Conversely, cash balances peak in January, after the holiday season is completed.

        Net cash provided by operating activities totaled $36.3 million in fiscal 2002. Investing activities, primarily the purchase of property, equipment and improvements, used net cash of $30.0 million. During fiscal 2002, the Company purchased its existing headquarters and distribution center facility in Plymouth, Minnesota, opened 82 new stores, completed ten major store remodels and completed the purchase and installation of new point-of-sale hardware and software in all stores. Net cash of $266,158 was used in financing activities. Financing activities during fiscal 2002 included the Company's officers, directors and key employees exercising an aggregate of 1,188,410 stock options at prices ranging from $0.59 to $17.33 per share, on a split adjusted basis, providing the Company approximately $4.8 million in cash. In addition, the Company used approximately $5.3 million to redeem all of its outstanding long-term debt in December. As a result of the foregoing, cash increased by $6.1 million in fiscal 2002.

        The Company plans to spend approximately $23 million on capital expenditures in fiscal 2003 to open approximately 55 new Christopher & Banks stores and 35 new C.J. Banks stores, to complete 15 major store remodels and to make various capital improvements at its headquarters and distribution center facility. The Company expects its cash on hand, combined with cash flow from operations, to be sufficient to meet its capital expenditure, working capital and other requirements for liquidity during fiscal 2003.

        The Company maintains an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "Wells Fargo Revolver"). In February 2002, the Wells Fargo Revolver was amended to provide the Company with an increase in revolving credit loans and letters of credit from $18 million to $25 million, subject to a borrowing base formula based on inventory levels. In addition, the maturity date of the Wells Fargo Revolver was extended from June 30, 2002 to June 30, 2004.

        Loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at Wells Fargo's base rate, 4.75% as of May 17, 2002, plus 0.25%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears. The Wells Fargo Revolver carries a facility fee of 0.25% based on the unused portion as defined in the agreement. This facility is

16



collateralized by the Company's equipment, general intangibles, inventory, and letters of credit and letter of credit rights. The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolver in fiscal 2002. Historically, the Wells Fargo Revolver has been utilized by the Company only to open letters of credit to facilitate the import of merchandise. The borrowing base at May 17, 2002 was $18.4 million. As of May 17, 2002, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $11.2 million. Accordingly, the availability of revolving credit loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver was $7.2 million at that date.

        The Wells Fargo Revolver contains certain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, limitations on certain types of investments and prohibitions on paying dividends, as well as requiring the maintenance of certain financial ratios. As of March 2, 2002, the most recent measurement date, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Wells Fargo Revolver.

        In January 1997, the Company issued $10,300,200 of debt in the form of 12% Senior Notes (the "Senior Notes") due January 2005. In fiscal 1999 and fiscal 1998, the Company repurchased $4,676,000 and $1,033,000, respectively, of principal face amount of its Senior Notes at a discount from par. In November 2001, the Company announced its election to redeem the balance of its outstanding 12% Senior Notes together with accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption. On December 12, 2001, the Company redeemed the remaining $5.3 million current face value of outstanding its 12% Senior Notes.

        The Company does not have relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, such as entities often referred to as structured finance or special purposes entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet financial arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. As such, the Company is not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if the Company had engaged in such relationships.

        The Company leases all of its retail store locations and vehicles under operating leases. Also, the Company is contingently liable for open letters of credit with foreign suppliers of merchandise. See Note 3 and Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial Statements contained in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further details regarding the Company's financial commitments under these arrangements.

        The Company's related party transactions are limited to employment agreements with certain officers. In addition, the Company does not maintain any long-term or exclusive commitments or arrangements to purchase merchandise from any of its suppliers.

Merchandise Sourcing

        The Company directly imports approximately 90% of its total merchandise purchases. This reliance on sourcing from foreign countries may cause the Company to be exposed to certain business and political risks. Import restrictions, including tariffs and quotas, and changes in such restrictions, could affect the import of apparel and might result in increased costs, delays in merchandise receipts or reduced supplies of apparel available to the Company and could possibly have an adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and/or results of operations. The Company's merchandise flow could also be adversely affected by political instability in any of the countries where its merchandise is manufactured or changes in the United States' governmental policies toward such foreign countries. In addition, merchandise receipts could be delayed due to interruptions in air, ocean or ground shipments.

        Substantially all of the Company's directly imported merchandise is manufactured in Southeast Asia. The majority of these goods are produced in Hong Kong, China, Indonesia and Singapore. The Company does not currently import merchandise produced in the Middle East.

17



        The Company purchased substantially all of its merchandise from approximately 85 vendors in fiscal 2002. In fiscal 2002, the Company's ten largest vendors represented approximately 73% of the Company's purchases. Further, purchases from the Company's largest overseas supplier accounted for 41% of total purchases in fiscal 2002, compared to 37% in fiscal 2001. Although the Company believes that its relationship with this particular vendor is good, there can be no assurance that this relationship can be maintained in the future or that the vendor will continue to supply merchandise to the Company. If there should be any significant disruption in the supply of merchandise from this vendor, management believes that it can shift to other suppliers so as to continue to secure the required volume of product. Nevertheless, there is some potential that any such disruption in supply could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations. The Company intends to directly import approximately 90% of its purchases again in fiscal 2003.

Quarterly Results and Seasonality

        The Company's sales show seasonal variation as sales in the third and fourth quarters, which include the fall and holiday seasons, generally have been higher than sales in the first and second quarters. Sales generated during the fall and holiday seasons have a significant impact on the Company's annual results of operations. Quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors including store openings, adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of certain holidays and customer response to the Company's seasonal merchandise mix.

        The Company's unaudited quarterly operating results for each quarter of fiscal 2002 and 2001 are presented in Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Inflation

        Although the operations of the Company are influenced by general economic conditions, the Company does not believe that inflation had a material effect on the results of operations during fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141") and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). SFAS No. 141, which requires the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations completed after June 30, 2001, clarifies the criteria for recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill and requires unallocated negative goodwill to be written off immediately as an extraordinary gain. SFAS No. 142, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, requires that ratable amortization of goodwill be replaced with periodic tests of goodwill impairment and that intangible assets, other than goodwill, which have determinable useful lives be amortized over their useful lives. The Company adopted SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142 effective March 3, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142 had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In July 2001, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" ("SFAS No. 143") which provides accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 143 effective March 2, 2003. Management believes the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No. 144"). SFAS No. 144, effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, addresses issues relating to the implementation of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting

18



for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS No. 121") and develops a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, whether previously held and used or newly acquired. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 effective March 3, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

Forward Looking Information and Risk

        Information contained in this Form 10-K contains certain "forward-looking statements" which reflect the current view of the Company with respect to future events and financial performance. Wherever used, terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "estimate" or "continue" or the negative thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology reflect such forward-looking statements.

        There are certain important factors that could cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by some of these forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty. The factors, among others, that could cause actual results to differ materially include: changes in general economic conditions including recessionary effects which may affect consumers' spending and debt levels; the Company's ability to execute its business plan including the successful expansion of its Christopher & Banks and C.J. Banks concepts; the Company's ability to open new stores on favorable terms and the timing of such store openings; the acceptance of the Company's merchandising strategies by its target customers; the ability of the Company to anticipate marketing trends and consumer preferences; the loss of one or more of the Company's key executives; continuity of a relationship with or purchases from major vendors, particularly those from whom the Company imports merchandise; timeliness of vendor production and deliveries; competitive pressures on sales and pricing; increases in other costs which cannot be recovered through improved pricing of merchandise; and the adverse effect of weather conditions from time to time on consumers' ability or desire to purchase new clothing. Since the Company relies heavily on sourcing from foreign vendors, there are risks and uncertainties including transportation delays related to ocean, air or ground shipments, political instability, work stoppages and changes in import and export controls. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise its forward looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that may arise after the date of this Form 10-K.


ITEM 7a.
QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK

        The Company is potentially exposed to market risk from changes in interest rates related to its Revolving Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank. Loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at Wells Fargo's fluctuating base rate (4.75% as of May 17, 2002) plus 0.25%. However, the Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolver during fiscal 2002, and given its existing liquidity position, does not expect to utilize the Wells Fargo Revolver in fiscal 2003 except for its continuing use of the import letter of credit facility.

19




ITEM 8.
CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

 
  Page
Index to Financial Statements   20

Financial Statements:

 

 
 
Report of Independent Accountants

 

21
 
Consolidated Balance Sheet at March 2, 2002 and March 3, 2001

 

22
 
Consolidated Statement of Income for the three years ended March 2, 2002

 

23
 
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity for the three years ended March 2, 2002

 

24
 
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows for the three years ended March 2, 2002

 

25
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 

26

20


REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of Christopher & Banks Corporation:

        In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of income, of stockholders' equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Christopher & Banks Corporation and its subsidiary at March 2, 2002 and March 3, 2001, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended March 2, 2002, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, which require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
March 27, 2002

21



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET

 
  March 2,
2002

  March 3,
2001

 
ASSETS              
Current assets:              
  Cash and cash equivalents   $ 40,874,724   $ 34,797,713  
  Accounts receivable     1,594,784     1,986,956  
  Merchandise inventory     18,999,118     15,830,801  
  Prepaid expenses     4,755,567     4,594,758  
  Prepaid income taxes     1,769,233      
  Current deferred tax asset     963,910     869,722  
   
 
 
    Total current assets     68,957,336     58,079,950  
   
 
 

Property, equipment and improvements:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Land and building     9,933,377      
  Leasehold improvements     28,651,411     20,976,985  
  Furniture and fixtures     28,592,301     19,544,269  
  Other equipment     8,139,534     3,555,463  
  Construction in progress     4,501,216     6,436,130  
   
 
 
      79,817,839     50,512,847  
  Less accumulated depreciation and amortization     22,093,637     16,689,521  
   
 
 
    Net property, equipment and improvements     57,724,202     33,823,326  
   
 
 

Other assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Long-term deferred tax asset     1,895,710     1,758,088  
  Other     40,579     34,134  
   
 
 
    Total other assets     1,936,289     1,792,222  
   
 
 
    Total assets   $ 128,617,827   $ 93,695,498  
   
 
 

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
Current liabilities:              
  Accounts payable   $ 2,487,171   $ 4,578,978  
  Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses     7,476,746     7,788,590  
  Other accrued liabilities     4,153,994     6,096,277  
   
 
 
    Total current liabilities     14,117,911     18,463,845  
   
 
 

Long-term obligations:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Long-term debt         5,207,062  
  Deferred credit     1,062,500      
  Accrued rent obligation     1,460,984     1,197,139  
   
 
 
    Total long-term obligations     2,523,484     6,404,201  
   
 
 
  Stockholders' equity:              
    Preferred stock—$0.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none outstanding          
    Common stock—$0.01 par value, 74,000,000 shares authorized, 25,193,806 and 24,005,396 shares issued and outstanding in 2002 and 2001, respectively     270,567     258,687  
  Additional paid-in capital     46,235,880     36,184,702  
  Retained earnings     68,469,946     35,614,022  
   
 
 
      114,976,393     72,057,411  
  Common stock held in treasury, 1,863,000 shares at cost     (2,999,961 )   (2,999,961 )
  Common stock subscriptions receivable         (229,998 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholders' equity     111,976,432     68,827,452  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and stockholders' equity   $ 128,617,827   $ 93,695,498  
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

22



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
  March 2,
2002

  March 3,
2001

  February 26,
2000

Net sales   $ 275,852,534   $ 209,155,984   $ 143,401,667
Cost of sales:                  
  Merchandise, buying and occupancy     153,660,642     116,465,949     87,864,540
   
 
 
  Gross profit     122,191,892     92,690,035     55,537,127
Selling, general and administrative     61,330,171     46,775,977     33,305,746
Depreciation and amortization     7,092,010     4,674,862     3,387,070
   
 
 
  Operating income     53,769,711     41,239,196     18,844,311
Interest (income) expense, net     (337,355 )   (851,842 )   47,324
   
 
 
  Income before income taxes     54,107,066     42,091,038     18,796,987
Income tax provision     21,251,142     16,565,064     7,261,840
   
 
 
  Net income   $ 32,855,924   $ 25,525,974   $ 11,535,147
   
 
 

Basic earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net income   $ 1.33   $ 1.09   $ 0.52
   
 
 
  Basic shares outstanding     24,691,800     23,368,860     22,302,000
   
 
 

Diluted earnings per common share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Net income   $ 1.26   $ 1.00   $ 0.49
   
 
 
  Diluted shares outstanding     26,147,491     25,502,823     23,734,229
   
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

23



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

 
  Common Stock
   
  Retained
Earnings
(Accumulated
Deficit)

   
  Common
Stock
Subscriptions
Receivable

   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital

  Common
Stock Held
In Treasury

   
 
 
  Shares
  Amount
  Total
 
February 27, 1999   4,349,761   $ 47,178   $ 29,304,648   $ (1,447,099 ) $ (2,999,961 ) $ (175,000 ) $ 24,729,766  
Stock split   2,174,881     23,589     (23,589 )                
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 27, 1999, split adjusted   6,524,642     70,767     29,281,059     (1,447,099 )   (2,999,961 )   (175,000 )   24,729,766  
Stock issued on exercise of options   223,994     2,240     942,258                 944,498  
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options           344,902                 344,902  
Common stock subscriptions receivable                       (169,482 )   (169,482 )
Net income               11,535,147             11,535,147  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 26, 2000   6,748,636     73,007     30,568,219     10,088,048     (2,999,961 )   (344,482 )   37,384,831  
Stock splits   8,435,901     91,260     (91,260 )                
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
February 26, 2000, split adjusted   15,184,537     164,267     30,476,959     10,088,048     (2,999,961 )   (344,482 )   37,384,831  
Stock issued on exercise of options   819,060     8,191     1,729,969                 1,738,160  
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options           4,064,003                 4,064,003  
Common stock subscriptions receivable                       114,484     114,484  
Net income               25,525,974             25,525,974  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 3, 2001   16,003,597     172,458     36,270,931     35,614,022     (2,999,961 )   (229,998 )   68,827,452  
Stock split   8,001,799     86,229     (86,229 )                
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 3, 2001, split adjusted   24,005,396     258,687     36,184,702     35,614,022     (2,999,961 )   (229,998 )   68,827,452  
Stock issued on exercise of options   1,188,410     11,880     4,835,115                 4,846,995  
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options           5,216,063                 5,216,063  
Common stock subscriptions receivable                       229,998     229,998  
Net income               32,855,924             32,855,924  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
March 2, 2002   25,193,806   $ 270,567   $ 46,235,880   $ 68,469,946   $ (2,999,961 ) $   $ 111,976,432  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

24


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
 
  March 2,
2002

  March 3,
2001

  February 26,
2000

 
Cash flows from operating activities:                    
  Net income   $ 32,855,924   $ 25,525,974   $ 11,535,147  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:                    
    Depreciation and amortization     7,092,010     4,674,862     3,387,070  
    Income tax benefit on exercise of stock options     5,216,063     4,064,003     344,902  
    Deferred income taxes     (231,810 )   (300,090 )   (584,126 )
    Loss on disposal of furniture, fixtures and equipment     69,252     129,029     91,373  
    Increase in accrued rent obligation     263,845     107,240     17,309  
    Interest on Senior Notes added to principal     136,089     153,703     149,165  
  Changes in operating assets and liabilities:                    
    Increase in accounts receivable, merchandise inventory, prepaid expenses and other assets     (4,712,632 )   (8,522,276 )   (1,151,034 )
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities     (4,362,915 )   1,590,998     5,297,179  
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by operating activities     36,325,826     27,423,443     19,086,985  

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Purchase of property, equipment and improvements     (31,045,157 )   (17,005,270 )   (9,571,052 )
  Proceeds from sale of furniture, fixtures and equipment         10,430     78,800  
  Increase in deferred credit     1,062,500          
   
 
 
 
    Net cash used in investing activities     (29,982,657 )   (16,994,840 )   (9,492,252 )

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Principal payments on long-term debt     (5,343,151 )   (169,410 )   (271,592 )
  Net proceeds from issuance of common stock     4,846,995     1,738,160     944,498  
  Common stock subscriptions receivable     229,998     114,484     (169,482 )
   
 
 
 
    Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities     (266,158 )   1,683,234     503,424  

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

 

 

6,077,011

 

 

12,111,837

 

 

10,098,157

 
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year     34,797,713     22,685,876     12,587,719  
   
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year   $ 40,874,724   $ 34,797,713   $ 22,685,876  
   
 
 
 

Supplemental cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Interest paid   $ 377,287   $ 473,054   $ 482,188  
  Income taxes paid   $ 18,984,308   $ 14,033,769   $ 5,842,468  
  Purchases of equipment and improvements, accrued not paid   $ 16,981   $ 1,851,702   $ 811,902  

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

25



CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1—NATURE OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

        Christopher & Banks Corporation, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Christopher & Banks, Inc. (collectively referred to as "Christopher & Banks" or the "Company"), operates retail specialty stores selling women's apparel, primarily in the northern half of the United States. The Company operated 351, 273 and 223 stores at the end of fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

    Company name change

        On July 26, 2000, the Company's shareholders approved an amendment to the Company's Certificate of Incorporation to change the Company name from Braun's Fashions Corporation to Christopher & Banks Corporation. The name change became effective immediately upon shareholder approval.

    Fiscal year and basis of presentation

        The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest February 28. The fiscal years ended March 2, 2002 and February 26, 2000 each consisted of 52 weeks. The fiscal year ended March 3, 2001 consisted of 53 weeks. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Christopher & Banks Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Christopher & Banks, Inc. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

    Cash and cash equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and on deposit, and investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less.

    Inventory Valuation

        Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out retail inventory method. Permanent markdowns of inventory are recorded monthly based on an evaluation by merchandising management, which includes analyzing inventory levels, age and rate of sale. The Company further reduces the value of inventory by recording a markdown reserve based on inventory levels from the season preceding the current season as of the reporting date. Markdowns on this merchandise reflect the future anticipated selling price of the inventory. To the extent that management's estimates differ from actual results, additional markdowns may have to be recorded, which could reduce the Company's gross margins and adversely affect its financial position and results of operations.

    Property, equipment and improvements

        Property, equipment and improvements are stated at cost. Property and equipment is depreciated over its estimated useful life, ranging from three to 25 years. Improvements are amortized over the term of the related leases, which is typically ten years. Repairs and maintenance which do not extend an asset's useful life are expensed as incurred. When assets are retired or otherwise disposed of, the cost and related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the accounts, and any resulting gain or loss is reflected in income for that period. The Company evaluates its long-lived assets in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121 ("SFAS No. 121"), "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of." This statement requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for

26


impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. As of March 2, 2002, the Company has determined that no adjustment to the financial statements is necessary under SFAS No. 121.

    Revenue recognition

        Sales are recognized by the Company at the point of purchase when the customer takes possession of the merchandise and pays for the purchase, generally with cash or credit card. Sales from purchases made with gift certificates are also recorded when the customer takes possession of the merchandise. Gift certificates issued by the Company are recorded as a liability until they are redeemed. The Company has established an allowance for sales returns by customers. This allowance has been calculated using estimates based on historical experience that management believes to be reasonable.

    Shipping and handling costs

        All shipping and handling costs are reported in cost of sales.

    Rent expense

        Many of the Company's lease agreements for retail space include escalation clauses in minimum base rent. For leases that contain predetermined fixed escalations of minimum rent, the Company recognizes the related rent expense on a straight-line basis and records the difference between the recognized rent expense and amounts payable under the lease as deferred rent credits.

    Advertising

        The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising costs for the fiscal years ended 2002, 2001 and 2000 were $859,748, $552,164 and $392,000, respectively.

    Fair value of financial instruments

        The Company's financial instruments consist of cash, receivables and payables for which current carrying amounts approximate fair market value.

    Stock based employee compensation

        The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for its stock based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". Generally, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options with exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying shares of stock at the date of grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation".

    Income taxes

        Income taxes are provided following the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 ("SFAS No. 109"), "Accounting for Income Taxes." Under the provisions of SFAS No. 109, deferred tax assets and liabilities result from the expected future tax consequences of differences between the carrying value and the tax basis of assets and liabilities.

    Net income per common share

        Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding during the applicable periods while diluted EPS is computed based on the

27


weighted average number of shares of common and common equivalent shares (dilutive stock options) outstanding.

        The following is a reconciliation of the number of shares and per share amounts used in the basic and diluted EPS computations:

 
  Basic
EPS

  Effect of
Dilutive Stock
Options

  Diluted
EPS

Fiscal 2002                  
  Shares     24,691,800     1,455,691     26,147,491
  Per share amount   $ 1.33   $ (0.07 ) $ 1.26

Fiscal 2001

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Shares     23,368,860     2,133,963     25,502,823
  Per share amount   $ 1.09   $ (0.09 ) $ 1.00

Fiscal 2000

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Shares     22,302,000     1,432,229     23,734,229
  Per share amount   $ 0.52   $ (0.03 ) $ 0.49

        Stock options of 883,800 were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for fiscal 2002 as they were anti-dilutive. All stock options for 2001 and 2000 were included in the diluted earnings per share computation.

    Use of estimates

        The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that may affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during a reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ because of the use of these estimates and assumptions.

NOTE 2—PURCHASE OF HEADQUARTERS AND DISTRIBUTION CENTER FACILITY

        During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company completed the purchase of its existing 210,000 square foot headquarters and distribution center facility in Plymouth, Minnesota for $8.8 million in cash. In connection with the purchase, the Company assumed a lease from the prior owner. Under the assumed lease, the Company leased the facility to a third party and, in turn, leased back the entire facility.

        On July 10, 2001, the Company and the third party agreed to terminate the lease and related sublease. The Company received a lease termination payment of approximately $1.3 million. The payment has been recorded as a deferred credit and will be amortized over the remainder of the original lease term through June 30, 2005.

NOTE 3—LONG-TERM DEBT

        In November 2001, the Company announced its election to redeem all of its outstanding long-term debt together with accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption. On December 10, 2001, the Company redeemed $5.3 million current face value of its outstanding 12% Senior Notes originally due January 1, 2005.

        In March 1999, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (the "Wells Fargo Revolver"). In

28



February 2002, the Wells Fargo Revolver was amended to provide the Company with an increase in revolving credit loans and letters of credit from $18 million to $25 million, subject to a borrowing base formula based on inventory levels. In addition, the maturity date of the Wells Fargo Revolver was extended from June 30, 2002 to June 30, 2004.

        Loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver bear interest at Wells Fargo's base rate, 4.75% as of March 2, 2002, plus 0.25%. Interest is payable monthly in arrears. The Wells Fargo Revolver carries a facility fee of 0.25% based on the unused portion as defined in the agreement. This facility is collateralized by the Company's equipment, general intangibles, inventory and inventory letters of credit and letter of credit rights. The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Wells Fargo Revolver in fiscal 2002. Historically, the Wells Fargo Revolver has only been utilized by the Company to open letters of credit to facilitate the import of merchandise. The borrowing base at March 2, 2002, was $16.8 million. As of March 2, 2002, the Company had outstanding letters of credit of $10.3 million. Accordingly, the availability of revolving credit loans under the Wells Fargo Revolver was $6.5 million at that date.

        The Wells Fargo Revolver contains certain restrictive covenants, including restrictions on incurring additional indebtedness, limitations on certain types of investments and prohibitions on paying dividends. The Wells Fargo Revolver also requires the Company to maintain certain financial ratios. As of March 2, 2002, the most recent measurement date, the Company was in compliance with all covenants of the Wells Fargo Revolver.

NOTE 4—STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

        In November 2001, the Company's Board of Directors approved a 3-for-2 stock split payable in the form of a stock dividend on the Company's outstanding common stock. The record date was November 27, 2001 and the stock dividend was distributed on December 12, 2001. Share and per share data for all periods presented have been restated to reflect the stock split. The Company previously effected 3-for-2 stock splits on December 14, 1999, July 11, 2000 and February 12, 2001.

NOTE 5—STOCK OPTION PLANS

        Under various plans, the Company may grant options to purchase common stock to employees and non-employee members of its Board of Directors at a price not less than 100% of the fair market value of the Company's common stock on the option grant date. In general, options granted to employees vest over three to five years and are exercisable up to ten years from the date of grant. Options granted to Directors vest immediately upon grant and are exercisable up to five years from the date grant.

        The Company has elected to recognize compensation cost for its stock based compensation plans in accordance with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees". Generally, no compensation expense is recognized for stock options with exercise prices equal to the market value of the underlying shares of stock as of the date of grant. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 ("SFAS No. 123"), "Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation." If compensation cost for these plans had been determined based on the fair value methodology prescribed by SFAS No. 123, the Company's net

29



earnings and earnings per share in fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000 would have been reduced to the pro forma amounts indicated below.

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Net income—as reported   $ 32,855,924   $ 25,525,974   $ 11,535,147
Net income—pro forma   $ 29,401,517   $ 24,179,657   $ 10,972,648
Net income per diluted share—as reported   $ 1.26   $ 1.00   $ 0.49
Net income per diluted share—pro forma   $ 1.12   $ 0.95   $ 0.46

        The fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Option valuation models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock options have characteristics significantly different from those of traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion, the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.

        The following weighted-average assumptions were used for grants in fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
Divdend yield   0.00%   0.00%   0.00%
Expected volatility   53.32%   53.84%   53.28%
Risk-free interest rate   2.72 - 4.67%   6.49 - 6.59%   4.71 - 5.41%

        The following summarizes stock option transactions:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
  March 2, 2002
  March 3, 2001
  February 26, 2000
 
  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

Outstanding, beginning of period   3,021,654   $ 5.57   3,310,194   $ 2.09   3,377,675   $ 1.59
Granted   1,098,865     29.48   987,300     11.90   688,500     3.64
Exercised   (1,188,410 )   4.08   (1,228,590 )   1.41   (755,981 )   1.25
Cancelled   (15,563 )   8.75   (47,250 )   2.53      
   
 
 
 
 
 
Outstanding, end of period   2,916,546   $ 15.16   3,021,654   $ 5.57   3,310,194   $ 2.09
   
 
 
 
 
 
Exercisable, end of period   559,686   $ 8.20   841,289   $ 4.05   1,140,912   $ 1.47
   
 
 
 
 
 
Available for grant, end of period   212,773         771,075         1,711,125      
   
       
       
     

30


        The following summarizes stock options outstanding and options exercisable at March 2, 2002:

 
  Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
Range of
Exercise Prices

  Number Outstanding
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

  Number
Exercisable

  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price

$ 0.59 - 2.11   711,078   5.98   $ 2.04   209,894   $ 2.05
$ 2.69 - 5.11   332,691   7.57     3.88   67,751     3.12
$ 11.67 - 16.00   799,225   8.42     11.92   180,789     12.15
$ 16.75 - 23.75   189,752   9.40     18.44   101,252     17.33
$ 32.20   883,800   9.86     32.20      
     
 
 
 
 
      2,916,546   8.23   $ 15.16   559,686   $ 8.20
     
 
 
 
 

NOTE 6—INCOME TAXES

        The provision for income taxes for the fiscal years ended March 2, 2002, March 3, 2001 and February 26, 2000, consisted of:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Current                    
  Federal   $ 17,910,112   $ 13,865,154   $ 6,520,966  
  State     3,572,840     3,000,000     1,325,000  
   
 
 
 
Current tax expense     21,482,952     16,865,154     7,845,966  
Deferred     (231,810 )   (300,090 )   (584,126 )
   
 
 
 
Income tax provision   $ 21,251,142   $ 16,565,064   $ 7,261,840  
   
 
 
 

        The Company's effective income tax rate for the fiscal years ended March 2, 2002, March 3, 2001 and February 26, 2000, differs from the federal income tax rate as follows:

 
  2002
  2001
  2000
 
Federal income tax at statutory rate   35.0 % 35.0 % 35.0 %
State income tax (net of federal benefit)   4.3   4.6   4.6  
Other     (0.2 ) (1.0 )
   
 
 
 
    39.3 % 39.4 % 38.6 %
   
 
 
 

31


        The net deferred tax assets included in the consolidated balance sheet as of March 2, 2002 and March 3, 2001 are as follows:

 
  March 2,
2002

  March 3,
2001

Accrued liabilities   $ 471,340   $ 432,427
Inventory and other     492,570     437,295
   
 
  Current deferred tax assets     963,910     869,722
   
 

Depreciation and amortization

 

 

898,733

 

 

997,325
Accured rent obligation     558,826     418,998
Interest on Senior Notes added to principal         215,632
Deferred credit     406,406    
Other     31,745     126,133
   
 
  Long-term deferred tax assets     1,895,710     1,758,088
   
 
    Total deferred tax assets   $ 2,859,620   $ 2,627,810
   
 

        Deferred income tax assets represent potential future income tax benefits. Realization of these assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income. No valuation allowance has been provided for deferred tax assets because management believes the full amount of net deferred tax assets will be realized.

NOTE 7—EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS AND EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTS

        The Company has established a defined contribution plan qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of all employees who meet certain eligibility requirements, primarily age and length of service. The plan allows eligible employees to invest from 1% to 16% of their compensation. In fiscal 2000, the Company amended the plan to allow for fixed quarterly Company matching contributions of 50% of the first 3% of the participants' pre-tax contributions and 25% of the next 3% of the participants' pre-tax contributions. Company contributions for the fiscal years ended March 2, 2002, March 3, 2001 and February 26, 2000 were $292,217, $217,043 and $134,708, respectively.

        The Company does not offer any other post-retirement, post-employment or pension benefits to directors or employees.

        The Company has entered into employment agreements with certain executives of the Company. These agreements provide for a specified base salary and that each executive is entitled to certain severance benefits in the event that their employment is terminated by the Company "without cause" or by such executive following a "change of control" (both as defined in the employment agreements). The employment agreements also provide for the immediate vesting of unvested stock options in the event of a change of control.

NOTE 8—LEASE COMMITMENTS

        The Company leases each of its store locations and vehicles. All of these leases are accounted for as operating leases. The store lease terms, including rental period, renewal options, escalation clauses and rent as a percentage of sales, vary among the leases. Most store leases require the Company to pay real estate taxes and common area maintenance charges.

        Prior to fiscal 2002, the Company leased its existing 210,000 square foot headquarters and distribution center facility in Plymouth, Minnesota. During the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company completed the purchase of this facility for $8.8 million in cash. In connection with the purchase, the

32



Company assumed a lease from the prior owner. Under the assumed lease, the Company leased the facility to a third party and, in turn, leased back the entire facility. On July 10, 2001, the Company and the third party agreed to terminate the lease and related sublease. The Company received a lease termination payment of approximately $1.3 million. The payment has been recorded as a deferred credit and will be amortized over the remainder of the original lease term through June 30, 2005.

        The Company subleases 80,000 square feet of warehouse space in its distribution center to a third party. Under the agreement, the Company will receive $26,667 per month through August 31, 2003 and $30,000 per month from September 1, 2003 through May 31, 2005. The subtenant is also required to reimburse the Company for property taxes, utilities and other operating costs of the subleased portion of the facility.

        The Company previously subleased an additional 33,000 square feet of warehouse and office space to a third party under a sublease originally scheduled to expire May 31, 2005. During fiscal 2002, the Company exercised its right under the agreement to terminate the sublease upon six months written notice at any time on or before February 1, 2002. The Company utilized a majority of the 33,000 square feet of space to expand its distribution center facility.

        Total rental expense for all leases was as follows:

 
  Fiscal Year Ended
 
  March 2,
2002

  March 3,
2001

  February 26,
2000

Minimum rent   $ 15,718,156   $ 10,883,330   $ 7,686,749
Contingent rent—based on a percentage of sales     2,197,282     2,156,900     1,625,059
Maintenance, taxes and other     9,312,634     6,250,124     4,444,393
   
 
 
    $ 27,228,072   $ 19,290,354   $ 13,756,201
   
 
 

        Future minimum rental commitments for all leases are as follows:

 
  Operating Leases
Fiscal Year

  Retail Store
Facilities

  Office/
Warehouse
Facilities

  Vehicles/
Other

  Total
2003   $ 17,063,408   $ (292,004 ) $ 249,445   $ 17,020,849
2004     16,499,256     (340,002 )   114,729     16,273,983
2005     15,753,177     (360,000 )       15,393,177
2006     15,271,155     (90,000 )       15,181,155
2007     15,126,325             15,126,325
Thereafter     53,645,904             53,645,904
   
 
 
 
Total minimum lease payments   $ 133,359,225   $ (1,082,006 ) $ 364,174   $ 132,641,393
   
 
 
 

NOTE 9—SOURCES OF SUPPLY

        The Company's ten largest vendors represented approximately 73%, 68% and 58% of the Company's merchandise purchases in fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively. Purchases from the Company's largest overseas supplier accounted for 41%, 37% and 26% of total purchases in fiscal 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

33



NOTE 10—QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED):

        (In thousands, except per share data)

 
  Fiscal 2002 Quarters
 
  First
  Second
  Third
  Fourth
Net sales(1)   $ 57,552   $ 57,805   $ 77,725   $ 82,771
Gross profit   $ 25,239   $ 24,148   $ 35,522   $ 37,283
Operating income   $ 10,634   $ 8,799   $ 17,670   $ 16,667
Net income   $ 6,556   $ 5,329   $ 10,669   $ 10,302
Basic per share data:(2)                        
Net income   $ 0.27   $ 0.22   $ 0.43   $ 0.41
   
 
 
 
Diluted per share data:(2)                        
Net income   $ 0.25   $ 0.20   $ 0.41   $ 0.39
   
 
 
 
Market price—high(3)   $ 31.67   $ 26.55   $ 26.67   $ 35.76
                      —low(3)   $ 15.83   $ 14.95   $ 14.81   $ 24.51
 
  Fiscal 2001 Quarters
 
  First
  Second
  Third
  Fourth
Net sales(1)   $ 42,336   $ 41,548   $ 57,262   $ 68,010
Gross profit   $ 18,420   $ 17,731   $ 26,131   $ 30,408
Operating income   $ 7,872   $ 6,685   $ 12,900   $ 13,782
Net income   $ 4,897   $ 4,194   $ 7,937   $ 8,498
Basic per share data:(2)                        
Net income   $ 0.21   $ 0.18   $ 0.34   $ 0.36
   
 
 
 
Diluted per share data:(2)                        
Net income   $ 0.19   $ 0.17   $ 0.31   $ 0.33
   
 
 
 
Market price—high(3)   $ 8.30   $ 15.56   $ 18.61   $ 22.67
                      —low(3)   $ 4.00   $ 6.52   $ 12.33   $ 10.17

(1)
The Company's quarterly net sales show seasonal variation, as sales in the third and fourth quarters, which include the fall and holiday seasons, generally have been higher than sales in the first and second quarters.
(2)
The summation of quarterly per share data may not equate to the calculation for the full fiscal year as quarterly calculations are performed on a discrete basis.
(3)
The market prices presented above represent the quarterly high and low sales prices of the Company's common stock, as adjusted for stock splits.

NOTE 11—RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

        In July 2001, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Statements of Financial Accounting Standards No. 141, "Business Combinations" ("SFAS No. 141") and No. 142, "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS No. 142"). SFAS No. 141, which requires the purchase method of accounting be used for all business combinations completed after June 30, 2001, clarifies the criteria for recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill and requires unallocated negative goodwill to be written off immediately as an extraordinary gain. SFAS No. 142, effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, requires that ratable amortization of goodwill be replaced with periodic tests of goodwill impairment and that intangible assets, other than goodwill, which have determinable useful

34



lives be amortized over their useful lives. The Company adopted SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142 effective March 3, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 141 and SFAS No. 142 had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In July 2001, the FASB also issued SFAS No. 143, "Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations" ("SFAS No. 143") which provides accounting requirements for retirement obligations associated with tangible long-lived assets. SFAS No. 143 is effective for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. The Company will adopt SFAS No. 143 effective March 2, 2003. Management believes the adoption of SFAS No. 143 will not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, "Accounting for Impairment of Long-Lived Assets" ("SFAS No. 144"). SFAS No. 144, effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2001, addresses issues relating to the implementation of SFAS No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of" ("SFAS No. 121") and develops a single accounting model for long-lived assets to be disposed of by sale, whether previously held and used or newly acquired. The Company adopted SFAS No. 144 effective March 3, 2002. The adoption of SFAS No. 144 had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

35



ITEM 9.
CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS
ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

        There are no matters which are required to be reported under Item 9.


PART III

ITEM 10.
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

        The information regarding the Company's directors required by Item 10 is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled, "Item 1—Election of Directors," in the Company's proxy statement for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the Company's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002. Information regarding the Company's executive officers required by Item 10 is included in Part I of this Annual Report on Form 10-K as permitted by General Instruction G(3) to Form 10-K. Information required by this Item concerning compliance with Section 16(a) of the Securities Act of 1934 is included in the proxy statement under the section entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management," and such information is incorporated herein by reference.


ITEM 11.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

        The information required by Item 11 is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors" in the Company's proxy statement for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the Company's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002.


ITEM 12.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

        The information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management" in the Company's proxy statement for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulations 14A within 120 days of the Company's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002.


ITEM 13.
CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

        The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the section entitled "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions" in the Company's proxy statement for its 2002 Annual Meeting of Shareholders which will be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A within 120 days of the Company's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002.

36



PART IV

ITEM 14.
EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a)
The following documents are filed as a part of this Report:

(1)
Financial Statements:

 
  Page
Report of Independent Accountants   21
Consolidated Balance Sheet   22
Consolidated Statement of Income   23
Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity   24
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows   25
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements   26
    (2)
    Financial Statement Schedules:

      All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.

    (3)
    Exhibits

Exhibits
   
  Sequential
Page No.

†3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company    
†3.2   By-Laws of the Company, as amended    
†3.3   Articles of Incorporation of Christopher & Banks, Inc.    
†3.4   By-laws of Christopher & Banks, Inc.    
†3.5   Articles of Amendment to the Articles of Incorporation of Christopher & Banks, Inc.    
†3.6   Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Christopher & Banks Corporation    
*3.7   Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Christopher & Banks Corporation dated as of August 1, 2001    
†10.1   1987 Stock Incentive Plan    
†10.2   Amendment No. 1 to 1987 Stock Incentive Plan    
†10.3   Amendment No. 2 to 1987 Stock Incentive Plan    
†10.4   1992 Director Stock Option Plan    
†10.5   Christopher & Banks, Inc. Retirement Savings Plan    
†10.9   Sublease Agreement by and between Westburne Supply, Inc., United Westburne, Inc. and Braun's Fashions, Inc., dated February 16, 1994    
†10.10   Side Agreement between Braun's Fashions, Inc., Westburne Supply, Inc. and United Westburne, Inc. regarding moving expenses dated February 16, 1994    
†10.11   Tax Sharing Agreement between Braun's Fashions Corporation and Braun's Fashions, Inc.    
†10.12   Registrant's press release dated July 2, 1996 relating to the filing of the Registrant's plan of reorganization    
†10.13   Second Amended Plan of Reorganization dated October 22, 1996 (the "Plan of Reorganization")    
†10.14   Motion to Approve Technical Amendment to the Plan of Reorganization dated November 19, 1996    

37


†10.15   Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 15, 1999 between Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association and Braun's Fashions, Inc. and Braun's Fashions Corporation    
†10.16   Indenture dated as of December 2, 1996 by and among Braun's Fashions Corporation, Braun's Fashions, Inc. and Schroder Bank & Trust Company    
†10.17   1997 Stock Incentive Plan    
†10.18   Management Succession and Separation Agreement by and between Braun's Fashions Corporation and Nicholas H. Cook dated as of February 26, 1998    
†10.19   Management Succession and Separation Agreement by and between Braun's Fashions Corporation and Herbert D. Froemming dated as of February 26, 1998    
†10.23   First Supplemental Indenture dated as of November 9, 1998    
†10.24   Amendment No. 1 to 1997 Stock Incentive Plan    
†10.25   1998 Director Stock Option Plan    
†10.26   Certificate of Amendment of the Company's restated Certificate of Incorporation dated as of August 16, 1999    
†10.27   First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 17, 1999    
†10.28   Second Amendment to the Company's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan dated as of July 28, 1999    
†10.29   Braun's Fashions Corporation 1999 Execution Loan Program dated as of July 28, 1999    
†10.30   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2000, between Braun's Fashions Corporation and William J. Prange    
†10.31   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2000, between Braun's Fashions Corporation and Joseph E. Pennington    
†10.32   Executive Employment Agreement, dated January 1, 2000, between Braun's Fashions Corporation and Tammy Leomazzi Boyd    
†10.35   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2000, between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Ralph C. Neal    
†10.36   Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2001, between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Andrew K. Moller    
†10.37   Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2001    
*10.38   Fourth Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 28, 2002    
*10.39   Third Amendment to the Company's 1987 Stock Incentive Plan dated as of December 11, 1996    
*10.40   Third Amendment to the Company's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan dated as of July 26, 2000    
*10.41   Fourth Amendment to the Company's 1997 Stock Incentive Plan dated as of August 1, 2001    
*10.42   First Amendment to the Company's 1998 Director Stock Option Plan dated as of July 26, 2000    
*10.43   Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2002, between Christopher & Banks Corporation and William J. Prange    
*10.44   Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2002, between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Joseph E. Pennington    
*10.45   Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2002, between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Ralph C. Neal    

38


*10.46   Amended and Restated Executive Employment Agreement, dated March 1, 2002, between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Tammy Leomazzi Boyd    
*10.47   Christopher & Banks Corporation 2002 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan    
*22.1   Subsidiaries of Company    
*23.1   Consent of Independent Accountants    

Previously filed

*
Filed with this report

(b)
Reports on Form 8-K

    The Company did not file any reports on Form 8-K during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended March 2, 2002.

39



SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) 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 on May 24, 2002.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

 

 

 
    By:   /S/ WILLIAM J. PRANGE
William J. Prange
Chairman and
Chief Executive Officer

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this Report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature
  Title
  Date

/S/ WILLIAM J. PRANGE

William J. Prange

 

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ JOSEPH E. PENNINGTON

Joseph E. Pennington

 

President and Chief Operating
Officer and Director

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ ANDREW K. MOLLER

Andrew K. Moller

 

Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer (Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer)

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ JAMES J. FULD, JR.

James J. Fuld, Jr.

 

Director

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ DONALD D. BEELER

Donald D. Beeler

 

Director

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ LARRY C. BARENBAUM

Larry C. Barenbaum

 

Director

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ ANNE L. JONES

Anne L. Jones

 

Director

 

May 24, 2002

/S/ ROBERT EZRILOV

Robert Ezrilov

 

Director

 

May 24, 2002

40




QuickLinks

PART I
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
ITEM 4a. EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
ITEM 6. SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 7a. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 8. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURES
EX-3.7 3 a2081075zex-3_7.htm EXHIBIT 3.7
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Exhibit 3.7


CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF
RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

        The undersigned, being the Chief Executive Officer of Christopher & Banks Corporation, a Delaware corporation (the "Corporation"), certifies that the following resolution was duly adopted by the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of the voting power of the shares present and entitled to vote at the August 1, 2001 Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of the Corporation, pursuant to Section 242 of the Delaware Business Corporation Law.

        RESOLVED:

            Article Four of the Corporation's Restated Certificate of Incorporation is amended to read as follows:

"FOURTH: The total number of shares of all classes of capital stock that the Corporation shall have authority to issue is seventy-five million (75,000,000) shares, of which (a) one million (1,000,000) shares shall be undesignated preferred stock having a par value of $0.01 per share (the "Preferred Stock"), and (b) seventy-four million (74,000,000) shares shall be common stock with the par value of $0.01 per share (the "Common Stock")."

    RESOLVED FURTHER:

            The officers of the Corporation be and they hereby are authorized and directed to do such acts and things as they may deem necessary or desirable to give effect to this amendment and to carry out the intent and purpose of this resolution.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned have executed this Certificate of Amendment this 1st day of August, 2001.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

 

/s/  
WILLIAM J. PRANGE      
William J. Prange
Chief Executive Officer
Attest:      

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
Andrew K. Moller
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

 

 

 



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CERTIFICATE OF AMENDMENT OF RESTATED CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATION OF CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
EX-10.38 4 a2081075zex-10_38.htm EXHIBIT 10.38
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Exhibit 10.38


FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED
REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT

        This Amendment, dated as of February 28, 2002, is made by and between CHRISTOPHER & BANKS, INC., a Minnesota corporation, formerly known as Braun's Fashions, Inc. ("CBI"), CHRISTOPHER & BANKS COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation ("CBCO" and together with CBI, the "Borrower"), WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association, formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association (the "Lender"), and CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION, a Delaware corporation, formerly known as Braun's Fashions Corporation (the "Guarantor").


Recitals

        CBI and the Lender are parties to that certain Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of March 15, 1999, as amended by that certain First Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated September 17, 1999, that certain Second Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement dated as of September 19, 2000, that certain Third Amendment to Amended and Restated Revolving Credit and Security Agreement, dated as of February 23, 2001 (the "Credit Agreement"). Capitalized terms used in these recitals have the meanings given to them in the Credit Agreement unless otherwise specified.

        The Borrower has requested that Lender (i) increase the amount available under the Credit Facility from Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) to Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), (ii) extend the Maturity Date to June 30, 2004 and (iii) make certain other amendments to the Credit Agreement, which the Lender is willing to make pursuant to the terms and conditions set forth herein.

        NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of the mutual covenants and agreements herein contained, it is agreed as follows:

        1.    Defined Terms.    The following capitalized terms have the meanings defined below. All other capitalized terms used herein and not otherwise defined herein shall have the meaning set forth in the Credit Agreement.

            "Borrower" shall jointly and severally mean Christopher & Banks, Inc. a Minnesota corporation ("CBI"), formerly known as Braun's Fashions, Inc. and Christopher & Banks Company, a Minnesota corporation ("CBCO").

            "Collateral" means all of the Borrower's Equipment, General Intangibles, Inventory, letter-of-credit rights and letters of credit together with (i) all substitutions and replacements for and products of any of the foregoing; (ii) in the case of all goods, all accessions; (iii) all accessories, attachments, parts, equipment and repairs now or hereafter attached or affixed to or used in connection with any goods; (iv) all warehouse receipts, bills of lading and other documents of title now or hereafter covering such goods; (v) all collateral subject to the Lien of any Security Document; (vi) all sums on deposit in the Special Account; and (vii) proceeds of any and all of the foregoing."

            "Maximum Line" means $25,000,000, unless said amount is reduced pursuant to Section 2.10, in which event it means the amount to which said amount is reduced."

            "Maturity Date" means June 30, 2004."

1



        2.    Rules of Interpretation.    Section 1.2 of the Credit Agreement is amended to read as follows:

            "Section 1.2    Other Definitional Terms: Rules of Interpretation.    The words "hereof", "herein" and "hereunder" and words of similar import when used in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and not to any particular provision of this Agreement. All accounting terms not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in accordance with GAAP. All terms defined in the UCC and not otherwise defined herein have the meanings assigned to them in the UCC. References to Articles, Sections, subsections, Exhibits, Schedules and the like, are to Articles, Sections and subsections of, or Exhibits or Schedules attached to, this Agreement unless otherwise expressly provided. The words "include", "includes" and "including" shall be deemed to be followed by the phrase "without limitation". Unless the context in which used herein otherwise clearly requires, "or" has the inclusive meaning represented by the phrase "and/or". Defined terms include in the singular number the plural and in the plural number the singular. Reference to any agreement (including the Loan Documents), document or instrument means such agreement, document or instrument as amended or modified and in effect from time to time in accordance with the terms thereof (and, if applicable, in accordance with the terms hereof and the other Loan Documents), except where otherwise explicitly provided, and reference to any promissory note includes any promissory note which is an extension or renewal thereof or a substitute or replacement therefor. Reference to any law, rule, regulation, order, decree, requirement, policy, guideline, directive or interpretation means as amended, modified, codified, replaced or reenacted, in whole or in part, and in effect on the determination date, including rules and regulations promulgated thereunder."

        3.    Facility Fees.    Section 2.7(b) of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and the following new Section 2.7(b) is inserted in lieu thereof:

            "2.7(b) Borrower shall pay to Lender a fee (the "Facility Fees") in an amount equal to one-quarter of one percent (0.25%) per annum of an amount equal to the average daily difference between the Aggregate Outstanding and Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) but is less than Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Seven Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($7,500,000) but is less than Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Ten Million Dollars ($10,000,000) but is less than Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Twelve Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($12,500,000) but is less than Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Fifteen Million Dollars ($15,000,000) but is less than Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Eighteen Million Dollars ($18,000,000) but is less than Twenty-One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($21,500,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and Twenty-One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($21,500,000). To the extent the Aggregate Outstanding exceeds Twenty-One Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($21,500,000) but is less than Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), the Facility Fees shall be determined on the average daily difference between such Aggregate Outstanding and

2


    Twenty-Five Million ($25,000,000). Such fee shall be calculated monthly and paid in arrears commencing on the first Banking Day of the month immediately following execution of this Agreement and continuing on the first Banking Day of each month thereafter until Lender's commitment to extend the Credit has terminated pursuant to Section 2.10 or Section 8.2(a). Borrower hereby authorizes Lender to make an Advance, subject to Availability, in an amount equal to the Facility Fees then due and payable and apply the same to the Facility Fees due."

        4.    Financing Statement.    Section 3.7 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by inserting the following information for CBCO:

        "Name and address of Debtor:
        Christopher & Banks Company
        2400 Xenium Lane
        Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
        Federal Tax Identification No. 41-2022506"

        5.    Subsidiaries.    Section 5.4 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and the following new Section 5.4 is inserted in lieu thereof:

      "5.4 Subsidiaries. CBI has one Subsidiary, CBCO. CBCO has no Subsidiaries."

        6.    Reporting Requirements.    Section 6.1(j) of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and the following new Section 6.1(j) is inserted in lieu thereof:

      "(j) promptly upon knowledge thereof, notice of the termination of employment of William Prange, Chief Executive Officer of CBI, Joseph Pennington, President of CBI, or Andrew Moller, Chief Financial Officer of CBI."

        7.    Minimum Cash Flow; Minimum Cash on Hand.    Section 6.11 of the Credit Agreement is hereby amended by deleting the table appearing therein and inserting the following table in lieu thereof:

"Period

  Minimum Cash and Cash Equivalents
 
February 28, 2002 through June 30, 2004   $ 5,000,000 "

        8.    Inventory Appraisals.    At any time during the continuance of a Default or Event of Default, Lender may obtain an inventory appraisal at Borrower's expense.

        9.    Permitted Investments.    Section 7.4(a)(i) of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety and replaced with the following:

      "(i) investments in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof whose obligations constitute full faith and credit obligations of the United States of America having a maturity of three years or less, commercial paper issued by U.S. corporations rated "A-1" or "A-2" by Standard & Poors Corporation or "P-1" or "P-2" by Moody's Investors Service, tax advantaged securities having a maturity of three (3) years or less issued by a municipality rated "A" by at least two rating agencies, corporate debt having a maturity of two (2) years or less rated "A" by at least two rating agencies, money market funds, repurchase agreements with a maturity of seven (7) days or less or certificate of deposit or bankers' acceptance having a maturity of one (1) year or less issued by members of the Federal Reserve System having deposits in excess of $100,000,000 (which certificates of deposit or bankers' acceptances are fully insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation);"

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        10.    Restrictions on Nature of Business.    Section 7.9 of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and the following Section 7.9 is inserted in lieu thereof:

      "Section 7.9 Restrictions on Nature of Business.

            Without the advance written consent of the Lender, which consent shall not be unreasonably withheld, the Borrower will not engage in any line of business except for retail apparel sales and will not purchase, lease or otherwise acquire assets not related to its business."

        11.    Events of Default.    Section 8.1(g) of the Credit Agreement is hereby deleted and the following Section 8.1(g) is inserted in lieu thereof:

      "(g) The rendering against the Borrower of a final judgment, decree or order for the payment of money in excess of $1,000,000 and the continuance of such judgment, decree or order unsatisfied and in effect for any period of 30 consecutive days without a stay of execution;"

        12.    Reporting; Financial Covenants.    All financial statements required to be submitted by the CBI shall be submitted by CBI and CBCO on an unconsolidated basis as well as a consolidated basis including the Guarantor, CBI and CBCO. The financial covenants set forth in Sections 6.11 and 6.12 shall be calculated on a consolidated basis including the Guarantor, CBI and CBCO.

        13.    Transfer of Assets.    Notwithstanding Section 7.6 of the Credit Agreement, Inc. may transfer assets to Company as approved by CBI's Board of Directors on January 4, 2002.

        14.    Formation of Subsidiary.    Lender hereby acknowledges notice of and hereby consents to the formation of CBCO.

        15.    Replacement Note.    Contemporaneously with the execution of this Amendment, CBI and CBCO shall execute and deliver an Amended Revolving Note in replacement of the existing Amended Revolving Note dated October February 23, 2002 (the "Replacement Note").

        16.    No Other Changes.    Except as explicitly amended by this Amendment, all of the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect and shall apply to any advance or letter of credit thereunder.

        17.    Conditions Precedent.    This shall be effective when the Lender shall have received an executed original hereof, together with each of the following, each in substance and form acceptable to the Lender in its sole discretion:

            (a)  The Replacement Note.

            (b)  The Acknowledgment and Agreement of set forth at the end of this Amendment, duly executed by the Guarantor.

            (c)  A Certificate of the Secretary of CBI certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the board of directors of CBI approving the execution and delivery of this Amendment, (ii) the fact that the articles of incorporation and bylaws of Inc., which were certified and delivered to the Lender pursuant to the Certificate of Authority of CBI's secretary or assistant secretary dated as of September 17, 1999 continue in full force and effect and have not been amended or otherwise modified except as set forth in the Certificate to be delivered, and (iii) certifying that the officers and agents of CBI who have been certified to the Lender, pursuant to the Certificate of Authority of CBI's secretary or assistant secretary dated as of September 17, 1999, as being authorized to sign and to act on behalf of Inc. continue to be so authorized or setting forth the sample signatures of each of the officers and agents of CBI authorized to execute and deliver this Amendment and all other documents, agreements and certificates on behalf of CBI.

            (d)  A Certificate of the Secretary of CBCO certifying as to (i) the resolutions of the board of directors of CBCO approving the execution and delivery of this Amendment, (ii) certifying the

4



    attached articles of incorporation and bylaws of CBCO, and (iii) setting forth the sample signatures of each of the officers and agents of CBCO authorized to execute and deliver this Amendment and all other documents, agreements and certificates on behalf of CBCO.

            (e)  Such other matters as the Lender may require.

        18.    Representations and Warranties.    Each Borrower hereby represents and warrants to the Lender as follows:

            (a)  Each Borrower has all requisite power and authority to execute this Amendment and to perform all of its obligations hereunder, and this Amendment has been duly executed and delivered by each Borrower and constitutes the legal, valid and binding obligation of each Borrower, enforceable in accordance with its terms.

            (b)  The execution, delivery and performance by each Borrower of this Amendment has been duly authorized by all necessary corporate action and do not (i) require any authorization, consent or approval by any governmental department, commission, board, bureau, agency or instrumentality, domestic or foreign, (ii) violate any provision of any law, rule or regulation or of any order, writ, injunction or decree presently in effect, having applicability to such Borrower, or the articles of incorporation or by-laws of such Borrower, or (iii) result in a breach of or constitute a default under any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement, lease or instrument to which either Borrower is a party or by which it or its properties may be bound or affected.

            (c)  All of the representations and warranties contained in Article V of the Credit Agreement are correct on and as of the date hereof as though made on and as of such date, except to the extent that such representations and warranties relate solely to an earlier date.

        19.    References.    All references in the Credit Agreement to "this Agreement" shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby; and any and all references in the Security Documents to the Credit Agreement shall be deemed to refer to the Credit Agreement as amended hereby.

        20.    No Waiver.    The execution of this Amendment and acceptance of any documents related hereto shall not be deemed to be a waiver of any Default or Event of Default under the Credit Agreement or breach, default or event of default under any Security Document or other document held by the Lender, whether or not known to the Lender and whether or not existing on the date of this Amendment.

        21.    Release.    Each Borrower and the Guarantor by signing the Acknowledgment and Agreement of Guarantor set forth below, each hereby absolutely and unconditionally releases and forever discharges the Lender, and any and all participants, parent corporations, subsidiary corporations, affiliated corporations, insurers, indemnitors, successors and assigns thereof, together with all of the present and former directors, officers, agents and employees of any of the foregoing, from any and all claims, demands or causes of action of any kind, nature or description, whether arising in law or equity or upon contract or tort or under any state or federal law or otherwise, which the Borrower or such Guarantor has had, now has or has made claim to have against any such person for or by reason of any act, omission, matter, cause or thing whatsoever arising from the beginning of time to and including the date of this Amendment, whether such claims, demands and causes of action are matured or unmatured or known or unknown.

        22.    Costs and Expenses.    Each Borrower hereby reaffirms its agreement under the Credit Agreement to pay or reimburse the Lender on demand for all costs and expenses incurred by the Lender in connection with the Loan Documents, including without limitation all reasonable fees and disbursements of legal counsel. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, each Borrower

5



specifically agrees to pay all fees and disbursements of counsel to the Lender for the services performed by such counsel in connection with the preparation of this Amendment and the documents and instruments incidental hereto. Each Borrower hereby agrees that the Lender may, at any time or from time to time in its sole discretion and without further authorization by the Borrower, make a loan to the Borrower under the Credit Agreement, or apply the proceeds of any loan, for the purpose of paying any such fees, disbursements, costs and expenses.

        23.    Miscellaneous.    This Amendment and the Acknowledgment and Agreement of Guarantor may be executed in any number of counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be deemed an original and all of which counterparts, taken together, shall constitute one and the same instrument.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this Amendment to be duly executed as of the date first written above.


WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA,
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, a national banking association

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS, INC.,
a Minnesota corporation

By

 

/s/  
ELIZABETH S. COLLINS      

 

By

 

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
    Elizabeth S. Collins   Name   Andrew K. Moller
    Its Vice President   Title   Sr. VP & CFO

 

 

 

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS COMPANY,
a Minnesota corporation

 

 

 

 

By

 

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
        Name   Andrew K. Moller
        Title   Sr. VP & CFO

6



ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT OF GUARANTOR

        The undersigned, a guarantor of the indebtedness of CHRISTOPHER & BANKS, INC., a Minnesota corporation, formerly known as BRAUN'S FASHIONS, INC. to WELLS FARGO BANK MINNESOTA, N.A., national banking association, formerly known as NORWEST BANK MINNESOTA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, national banking association, (the "Lender") pursuant to a Guaranty dated as of December 2, 1996, (the"Guaranty"), hereby (i) acknowledges receipt of the foregoing Amendment; (ii) acknowledges and agrees that pursuant to the Guaranty, it is also a guarantor of the indebtedness of CHRISTOPHER & BANKS COMPANY, a Minnesota corporation (together with Christopher & Banks, Inc., jointly and severally the "Borrower"); (iii) consents to the terms (including without limitation the release set forth in paragraph 21 of the Amendment) and execution thereof; (iv) reaffirms its obligations to the Lender pursuant to the terms of its Guaranty; (v) acknowledges that the Lender may amend, restate, extend, renew or otherwise modify the Credit Agreement and any indebtedness or agreement of the Borrower, or enter into any agreement or extend additional or other credit accommodations, without notifying or obtaining the consent of the undersigned and without impairing the liability of the undersigned under its Guaranty for all of the Borrower's present and future indebtedness to the Lender.


 

 

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

By

 

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
    Name   Andrew K. Moller
    Title   Sr. VP & CFO

7




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FOURTH AMENDMENT TO AMENDED AND RESTATED REVOLVING CREDIT AND SECURITY AGREEMENT
Recitals
ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND AGREEMENT OF GUARANTOR
EX-10.39 5 a2081075zex-10_39.htm EXHIBIT 10.39
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Exhibit 10.39


AMENDMENT NO. 3
TO THE
1987 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

        This Amendment to the Braun's Fashions Corporation 1987 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") is adopted pursuant to resolutions of the Board of Directors of Braun's Fashions Corporation (the "Company") and pursuant to the approval of the majority of the Company's shareholders on December 11, 1996.

        1.    Section 4 of the Plan is hereby amended to read as follows:

      4.    STOCK SUBJECT TO THE PLAN    The aggregate number of shares subject to the Plan shall be 710,000 shares of the Common Stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share. Such shares may be authorized and unissued shares or may be treasury shares. Any shares subject to an option or award which for any reason expires or is terminated unexercised as to such shares may again be subject to an option or award under the Plan.

        2.    This Amendment is effective on December 11, 1996, the date of the approval of the increase in the number of shares by the Company's shareholders.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of December 11, 1996.

    BRAUN'S FASHIONS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
HERBERT D. FROEMMING      
Herbert D. Froemming
President



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AMENDMENT NO. 3 TO THE 1987 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
EX-10.40 6 a2081075zex-10_40.htm EXHIBIT 10.40
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Exhibit 10.40


THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE
BRAUN'S FASHIONS CORPORATION
1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

         July 26, 2000

RECITALS:

A.
The Braun's Fashions Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors of Braun's Fashions Corporation (the "Company") and was approved by the shareholders of the Company on July 17, 1997 and amended on July 22, 1998 and July 28, 1999. The Plan is now in full force and effect.

B.
The Company desires to amend the Plan to change the name of the Plan in accordance with the Company's annual meeting of shareholders held on July 26, 2000.

AMENDMENT:

        THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

1.
The name of the Plan is hereby amended by deleting "Braun's Fashions Corporation" and inserting "Christopher & Banks Corporation."

2.
The foregoing amendment shall be effective as of July 26, 2000.

3.
Except as modified hereby, the Plan shall continue in full force and effect.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of July 26, 2000.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
Andrew K. Moller
Chief Financial Officer



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THIRD AMENDMENT TO THE BRAUN'S FASHIONS CORPORATION 1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
EX-10.41 7 a2081075zex-10_41.htm EXHIBIT 10.41
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Exhibit 10.41


FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

         August 1, 2001

RECITALS:

A.
The Christopher & Banks Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan (the "Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors of Christopher & Banks Corporation (the "Company") and was approved by the shareholders of the Company on July 17, 1997 and amended on July 22, 1998, July 28, 1999 and July 26, 2000. The Plan is now in full force and effect.

B.
The Company desires to amend the Plan to increase the number of shares of common stock available for issuance under the Plan in accordance with the Company's annual meeting of shareholders held on August 1, 2001.

AMENDMENT:

        THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

1.
The first sentence of paragraph 4 of the Plan is hereby amended to read as follows:

        "4. Stock Subject to the Plan. The aggregate number of shares subject to the Plan shall be Two million Six Hundred Twenty-eight Thousand One hundred Twenty-Five (2,628,125) shares of the Common Stock of the Company, $.01 par value per share."
2.
The foregoing amendment shall be effective as of August 1, 2001, the date the shareholders approved this Amendment.

3.
Except as modified hereby, the Plan shall continue in full force and effect.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of August 1, 2001.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
Andrew K. Moller
Chief Financial Officer



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FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION 1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN
EX-10.42 8 a2081075zex-10_42.htm EXHIBIT 10.42
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Exhibit 10.42


FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE
BRAUN'S FASHIONS CORPORATION
1998 DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN


July 26, 2000

RECITALS:

A.
The Braun's Fashions Corporation 1998 Director Stock Option Plan (the "Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors of Braun's Fashions Corporation (the "Company") and was approved by the shareholders of the Company on July 22, 1998. The Plan is now in full force and effect.

B.
The Company desires to amend the Plan to change the name of the Plan in accordance with the Company's annual meeting of shareholders held on July 26, 2000.

AMENDMENT:

        THEREFORE, the Plan is hereby amended as follows:

1.
The name of the Plan is hereby amended by deleting "Braun's Fashions Corporation" and inserting "Christopher & Banks Corporation."

2.
The foregoing amendment shall be effective as of July 26, 2000.

3.
Except as modified hereby, the Plan shall continue in full force and effect.

        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Amendment to be executed by its duly authorized officer as of July 26, 2000.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION

 

 

By:

 

/s/  
ANDREW K. MOLLER      
Andrew K. Moller
Chief Financial Officer



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FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE BRAUN'S FASHIONS CORPORATION 1998 DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN
July 26, 2000
EX-10.43 9 a2081075zex-10_43.htm EXHIBIT 10.43
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Exhibit 10.43


AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
AND
WILLIAM J. PRANGE

        THIS AGREEMENT is effective as of March 1, 2002, by and between Christopher & Banks Corporation (formerly known as Brauns Fashions Corporation), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation") and William J. Prange ("Executive").

BACKGROUND

        The Executive presently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement dated as of March 1, 2000 (the "Prior Agreement"). The Executive and the Corporation desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in full with this Agreement.

ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT

        1.1  The Corporation hereby employs Executive, and Executive agrees to work for the Corporation as Chief Executive Officer, and to perform such related duties as are assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

ARTICLE 2
TERM

        2.1  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of five (5) years commencing on the date of this Agreement, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. The Agreement shall thereafter continue in effect from year to year unless either party provides ninety (90) days written notice of termination.

ARTICLE 3
DUTIES

        3.1  Executive agrees, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, to devote his full time and effort to the best of his abilities to his duties for the profit, benefit and advantage of the business of the Corporation. Executive shall report directly to the Board of Directors.

ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

        4.1  The Corporation agrees to pay Executive an annual base salary as follows:

Year ending February 28,

  Base Salary
2003   $ 700,000
2004   $ 800,000
2005   $ 900,000
2006   $ 1,000,000

1


        For the year ending February 28, 2007 and for fiscal years thereafter, the annual base salary shall be reviewed and increases, if any, shall be awarded to Executive by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, but such base compensation shall not be reduced from that of the prior year. The annual base salary shall be payable at those intervals as the Corporation shall pay other executives.

        The increase in the base salary for any given year is contingent upon the Corporation achieving a "Pre-Tax Profit" for the preceding year greater than the Pre-Tax Profit for the Corporation's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002 (the "Baseline"). In the event such condition is not met, the Executive's base salary shall remain unchanged until the Corporation attains a Pre-Tax Profit greater than the Baseline. At such time the Executive's base salary shall increase in increments of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000), subject in each case, to the conditions set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "Pre-Tax Profit" shall be calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        4.2  Subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and programs, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the various employee benefit plans and programs applicable to senior executives of the Corporation, including but not limited to medical, life and other benefits as well as vacations, which shall be at such times as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

        4.3  The Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus in accordance with the Corporation's bonus plans as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.4  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Corporation's stock option plan(s) as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.5  The Corporation shall pay to the Executive a car allowance of $1,000.00 per month.

ARTICLE 5
INSURANCE

        5.1  The Corporation, at its own expense, shall provide life insurance coverage under two separate policies on the Executive's life. The death benefit on the first policy shall be in the amount of $2,000,000, which will consist of one-half split life insurance and one-half term insurance. The death benefit shall be payable to the Executive's designated beneficiary. The Executive shall have full discretion to name the beneficiary under this policy. The Corporation shall also at its own expense purchase "key person" life insurance coverage on the Executive's life in the amount of $4,000,000. The death benefit under this "key person" policy shall be payable to the Corporation. The Executive shall cooperate by providing necessary information, submitting to required medical examinations, and otherwise complying with the insurance carrier's requirements. On the later of (i) the termination of this Agreement or (ii) the date Executive is no longer employed by the Corporation, the Corporation shall assign both the $2,000,000 and $4,000,000 life insurance policies at no cost to the Executive. Any cash surrender value which accrues under these life insurance policies shall be for the benefit of the Executive.

        5.2  The Executive shall be entitled to disability insurance in line with the present policy of the Corporation, to be provided at the expense of the Corporation.

ARTICLE 6
DEFINITIONS

        6.1  "Cause" shall mean (i) any fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive in connection with the business of the Corporation, (ii) any conviction of a felony or a gross misdemeanor by Executive that has or can reasonably be expected to have a detrimental effect on the Corporation, (iii) any gross neglect or persistent neglect by Executive to perform the duties assigned to him

2


hereunder or any other act that can be reasonably expected to cause substantial economic or reputational injury to the Corporation or (iv) any material breach of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, provided that the existence of such neglect or material breach shall be determined by the written agreement of the majority of the directors. If Executive is a member of the Board of Directors, he shall not vote on any such determination of "Cause," nor shall he be counted for purposes of determining a majority of the directors. Provided further that in connection with an event described in Section 6.1(iii) above, Executive shall first have received a written notice from the Corporation which sets forth in reasonable detail the manner in which Executive has grossly or persistently neglected his duties and Executive shall have a period of ten (10) days to cure the same, but the Corporation shall not be required to give written notice of, nor shall Executive have a period to cure, the same or any similar gross or persistent neglect or material breach which the Corporation has previously given written notice to Executive hereunder and Executive has cured such neglect or breach.

        6.2  A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) there shall be consummated (A) any consolidation or merger in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of the Corporation's common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a consolidation or a merger having the same proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the consolidation or merger or (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions other than in the ordinary course of business of the Corporation) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Corporation to any corporation, person or other entity which is not a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) any person, group, corporation or other entity (collectively, "Persons") shall acquire beneficial ownership (as determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder) of 50% or more of the Corporation's outstanding common stock.

        6.3  "Confidential Information" means any information that is not generally known, including trade secrets, outside the Corporation and that is proprietary to the Corporation, relating to any phase of the Corporation's existing or reasonably foreseeable business which is disclosed to Executive during Executive's employment by the Corporation including information conceived, discovered or developed by Executive. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, business plans; financial statements and projections; operating forms (including contracts) and procedures; payroll and personnel records; marketing materials and plans; proposals; supplier information; customer information; software codes and computer programs; customer lists; project lists; project files; training manuals; policies and procedures manuals; health and safety manuals; target lists for new stores and information relating to potential new store locations; price information and cost information; administrative techniques or documents or information that is designated by the Corporation as "Confidential" or similarly designated.

        6.4  A "Competitor" means any person or organization which is a women's specialty apparel retailer whose operations compete with more than twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation's regular store locations or twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation's "Large Size" store locations as existing on the date of termination of Executive. Irrespective of the foregoing sentence, companies which are deemed Competitors shall include Kohls Department Stores, Maurices, The Cato Corporation, The Talbots, Inc., Chico's FAS, Inc., J. Jill Group, Inc., Coldwater Creek, Inc., The Limited, Inc. (including divisions and subsidiaries), Dress Barn, Inc., United Retail Group, Inc. and Charming Shoppes, Inc. (and all divisions and subsidiaries including Catherine's, Fashion Buy and Lane Bryant).

3



ARTICLE 7
NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION

        7.1  During Executive's employment, Executive will not plan, organize or engage in any business competitive with any product or service marketed or planned for marketing by the Corporation or conspire with others to do so.

        7.2  For a period of one year after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not, without the written permission of the Corporation, (i) directly or indirectly engage in activities with a Competitor or (ii) own (whether as a shareholder, partner or otherwise, other than as a 5% or less shareholder of a publicly held company), or (iii) be connected as an officer, director, advisor, consultant or employee of or participate in the management of any Competitor.

        7.3  For a period of two years after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not solicit, entice, or induce (or attempt to do so, directly or indirectly), any employee of the Corporation to be employed by any other party.

ARTICLE 8
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TRADE DOCUMENTS

        8.1  Unless authorized in writing by the Corporation, Executive will not directly or indirectly divulge, either during or after the term of his employment, or until such information becomes generally known, to any person not authorized by the Corporation to receive or use it any Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever.

        8.2  All documents or other tangible property relating in any way to the business of the Corporation which are conceived by Executive or come into his possession during his employment shall be and remain the exclusive property of the Corporation and Executive agrees to return all such documents and tangible property to the Corporation upon termination of his employment, or at such earlier time as the Corporation may request of Executive.

ARTICLE 9
JUDICIAL CONSTRUCTION

        9.1  Executive believes and acknowledges that the provisions contained in this Agreement, including the covenants contained in Articles 7 and 8 of this Agreement, are fair and reasonable. Nonetheless, it is agreed that if a court finds any of these provisions to be invalid in whole or in part under the laws of any state, such finding shall not invalidate the covenants, nor the Agreement in its entirety, but rather the covenants shall be construed and/or bluelined, reformed or rewritten by the court as if the most restrictive covenants permissible under applicable law were contained herein.

ARTICLE 10
RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

        10.1 Executive acknowledges that a breach by the Executive of any of the terms of Articles 7 and 8 of this Agreement will render irreparable harm to the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation shall therefore be entitled to any and all equitable relief, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, and to any other remedy that may be available under any applicable law or agreement between the parties, and to recover from the Executive all costs of litigation including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and court costs.

4


ARTICLE 11
CHANGE OF CONTROL

        11.1 If a Change of Control shall occur during the term of this Agreement, all unvested rights to purchase stock under outstanding stock options held by Executive shall vest immediately for the benefit of the Executive and the Board of Directors will use its reasonable efforts to register such shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if necessary.

        11.2 If a Change of Control shall occur, the Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation or its successor the full base salary of Executive under this Agreement for one (1) year in one cash installment. This payment shall be made by the Corporation within ten (10) business days of consummating the terms and conditions of the transaction which give rise to the Change of Control.

ARTICLE 12
TERMINATION (OTHER THAN FROM A CHANGE IN CONTROL)

        12.1 The Corporation may terminate the employment of the Executive at any time without cause by written notice of termination of employment to Executive. In the event that the Corporation terminates the employment of the Executive by delivering notice in accordance with the preceding sentence, the Executive shall receive as severance his base salary and benefits pursuant to Section 4 (except bonus) from the date of termination until the later to occur of (i) March 1, 2007 or (ii) twelve (12) months from the date of the notice of termination; provided, however, if the Executive shall secure other employment or a consulting position, the preceding severance amounts payable to the Executive by the Corporation shall be offset and reduced by such other cash compensation the Executive earns through such other employment or consulting arrangements through March 1, 2007. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination, Executive shall no longer be eligible under any of the Corporation's bonus plans.

        12.2 The Corporation may terminate the Executive's employment at any time for Cause and at such time all compensation and benefits provided to Executive under this Agreement shall immediately cease, subject to applicable employment laws and regulations.

        12.3 This Agreement will terminate upon Executive's death or upon Executive's disability that prevents him from performing his duties under this Agreement for a continuous period of six months or for periods aggregating nine months in any eighteen (18) month period.

ARTICLE 13
ASSIGNMENT

        13.1 The Corporation shall not have the right to assign this Agreement to its successors or assigns without the written consent of the Executive; provided, however, the Corporation shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any subsidiary, and all covenants or agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by or against its successors or assigns.

        13.2 The terms "successors" and "assigns" shall include any corporation which buys all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, or a controlling portion of its stock, or with which it merges or consolidates.

ARTICLE 14
FAILURE TO DEMAND PERFORMANCE AND WAIVER

        14.1 The Corporation's failure to demand strict performance and compliance with any part of this Agreement during the Executive's employment shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the Corporation's rights under this Agreement or by this operation of law. Any waiver by either party of a breach of can

5


any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

ARTICLE 15
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

        15.1 The Corporation and Executive acknowledge that this Agreement contains the full and complete agreement between and among the parties, that there are no oral or implied agreements or other modifications not specifically set forth herein, and that this Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, if any, between the Corporation and Executive, whether written or oral. In particular, this Agreement supercedes and replaces in full the Prior Agreement. The parties further agree that no modifications of this Agreement may be made except by means of a written agreement or memorandum signed by the parties.

ARTICLE 16
GOVERNING LAW

        16.1 The parties acknowledge that the Corporation's principal place of business is located in the State of Minnesota. The parties hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to the conflict of laws thereof.

* * * * * *

6


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has hereunto signed its name and the Executive hereunder has signed his name, all as of the day and year first above written.

    CHRISTOPER & BANKS CORPORATION

/s/  
ANDREW MOLLER      

 

By:

 

/s/  
JOSEPH PENNINGTON      
Witness       Its: President/COO

 

 

EXECUTIVE

/s/  
ANDREW MOLLER      

 

/s/  
WILLIAM J. PRANGE      
Witness   William J. Prange

7




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AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND WILLIAM J. PRANGE
EX-10.44 10 a2081075zex-10_44.htm EXHIBIT 10.44
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Exhibit 10.44


AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
AND
JOSEPH E. PENNINGTON

        THIS AGREEMENT is effective as of March 1, 2002, by and between Christopher & Banks Corporation (formerly known as Brauns Fashions Corporation), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation") and Joseph E. Pennington ("Executive").

BACKGROUND

        The Executive presently serves as President and Chief Operating Officer of the Corporation pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement dated as of March 1, 2000 (the "Prior Agreement"). The Executive and the Corporation desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in full with this Agreement.

ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT

        1.1  The Corporation hereby employs Executive, and Executive agrees to work for the Corporation as President and Chief Operating Officer, and to perform such related duties as are assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

ARTICLE 2
TERM

        2.1  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of four (4) years commencing on the date of this Agreement, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. The Agreement shall thereafter continue in effect from year to year unless either party provides ninety (90) days written notice of termination.

ARTICLE 3
DUTIES

        3.1  Executive agrees, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, to devote his full time and effort to the best of his abilities to his duties for the profit, benefit and advantage of the business of the Corporation. Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

1


ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

        4.1  The Corporation agrees to pay Executive an annual base salary as follows:

Year ending February 28,

  Base Salary
2003   $ 390,000
2004   $ 455,000
2005   $ 520,000
2006   $ 585,000

        After February 28, 2006, the annual base salary shall be reviewed annually and increases, if any, shall be awarded to Executive by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, but such base compensation shall not be reduced from that of the prior year. The annual base salary shall be payable at those intervals as the Corporation shall pay other executives.

        The increase in the base salary for any given year is contingent upon the Corporation achieving a "Pre-Tax Profit" for the preceding year greater than the Pre-Tax Profit for the Corporation's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002 (the "Baseline"). In the event such condition is not met, the Executive's base salary shall remain unchanged until the Corporation attains a Pre-Tax Profit greater than the Baseline. At such time, Executive's base salary shall increase in increments of Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000), subject in each case, to the condition set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "Pre-Tax Profit" shall be calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        4.2  Subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and programs, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the various employee benefit plans and programs applicable to senior executives of the Corporation, including but not limited to medical, life and other benefits as well as vacations, which shall be at such times as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

        4.3  The Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus in accordance with the Corporation's bonus plans as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.4  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Corporation's stock option plan(s) as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.5  The Corporation shall pay to the Executive a car allowance of $1,000.00 per month.

ARTICLE 5
INSURANCE

        5.1  The Corporation, at its own expense, shall provide life insurance coverage on the Executive's life. The death benefit shall be in the amount of $600,000, in the form of term insurance. The death benefit shall be payable to the Executive's designated beneficiary. The Executive shall have full discretion to name the beneficiary of the portion of the insurance provided for benefit of the Executive. The Corporation shall have the right at its own expense and for its own benefit to purchase additional insurance on the Executive's life, and the Executive shall cooperate by providing necessary information, submitting to required medical examinations, and otherwise complying with the insurance carrier's requirements.

        5.2  The Executive shall be entitled to disability insurance in line with the present policy of the Corporation, to be provided at the expense of the Corporation.

        5.3  The Executive, together with Executive's spouse, shall be entitled to "long term care insurance," which shall be provided at the expense of the Corporation.

2



        5.4  In the event of the death of the Executive, the Executive's spouse shall be entitled to be covered by the Corporation's group health insurance plan, the cost of which shall be paid by the Corporation, which coverage shall be for the twelve month period following the death of the Executive.

ARTICLE 6
DEFINITIONS

        6.1  "Cause" shall mean (i) any fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive in connection with the business of the Corporation, (ii) any conviction of a felony or a gross misdemeanor by Executive that has or can reasonably be expected to have a detrimental effect on the Corporation, (iii) any gross neglect or persistent neglect by Executive to perform the duties assigned to him hereunder or any other act that can be reasonably expected to cause substantial economic or reputational injury to the Corporation or (iv) any material breach of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, provided that the existence of such neglect or material breach shall be determined by the written agreement of the majority of the directors. If Executive is a member of the Board of Directors, he shall not vote on any such determination of "Cause," nor shall he be counted for purposes of determining a majority of the directors. Provided further that in connection with an event described in Section 6.1(iii) above, Executive shall first have received a written notice from the Corporation which sets forth in reasonable detail the manner in which Executive has grossly or persistently neglected his duties and Executive shall have a period of ten (10) days to cure the same, but the Corporation shall not be required to give written notice of, nor shall Executive have a period to cure, the same or any similar gross or persistent neglect or material breach which the Corporation has previously given written notice to Executive hereunder and Executive has cured such neglect or breach.

        6.2  A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) there shall be consummated (A) any consolidation or merger in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of the Corporation's common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a consolidation or a merger having the same proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the consolidation or merger or (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions other than in the ordinary course of business of the Corporation) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Corporation to any corporation, person or other entity which is not a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) any person, group, corporation or other entity (collectively, "Persons") shall acquire beneficial ownership (as determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder) of 50% or more of the Corporation's outstanding common stock.

        6.3  "Confidential Information" means any information that is not generally known, including trade secrets, outside the Corporation and that is proprietary to the Corporation, relating to any phase of the Corporation's existing or reasonably foreseeable business which is disclosed to Executive during Executive's employment by the Corporation including information conceived, discovered or developed by Executive. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, business plans; financial statements and projections; operating forms (including contracts) and procedures; payroll and personnel records; marketing materials and plans; proposals; supplier information; customer information; software codes and computer programs; customer lists; project lists; project files; training manuals; policies and procedures manuals; health and safety manuals; target lists for new stores and information relating to potential new store locations; price information and cost information; administrative techniques or documents or information that is designated by the Corporation as "Confidential" or similarly designated.

        6.4  A "Competitor" means any person or organization which is a women's specialty apparel retailer whose operations compete with more than twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation's regular store locations or twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation's "Large Size" store locations as existing on

3



the date of termination of Executive. Irrespective of the foregoing sentence, companies which are deemed Competitors shall include Kohls Department Stores, Maurices, The Cato Corporation, The Talbots, Inc., Chico's FAS, Inc., J. Jill Group, Inc., Coldwater Creek, Inc., The Limited, Inc. (including divisions and subsidiaries), Dress Barn, Inc., United Retail Group, Inc. and Charming Shoppes, Inc. (and all divisions and subsidiaries including Catherine's, Fashion Buy and Lane Bryant).

ARTICLE 7
NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION

        7.1  During Executive's employment, Executive will not plan, organize or engage in any business competitive with any product or service marketed or planned for marketing by the Corporation or conspire with others to do so.

        7.2  For a period of one year after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not, without the written permission of the Corporation, (i) directly or indirectly engage in activities with a Competitor or (ii) own (whether as a shareholder, partner or otherwise, other than as a 5% or less shareholder of a publicly held company), or (iii) be connected as an officer, director, advisor, consultant or employee of or participate in the management of any Competitor.

        7.3  For a period of two years after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not solicit, entice, or induce (or attempt to do so, directly or indirectly), any employee of the Corporation to be employed by any other party.

ARTICLE 8
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TRADE DOCUMENTS

        8.1  Unless authorized in writing by the Corporation, Executive will not directly or indirectly divulge, either during or after the term of his employment, or until such information becomes generally known, to any person not authorized by the Corporation to receive or use it any Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever.

        8.2  All documents or other tangible property relating in any way to the business of the Corporation which are conceived by Executive or come into his possession during his employment shall be and remain the exclusive property of the Corporation and Executive agrees to return all such documents and tangible property to the Corporation upon termination of his employment, or at such earlier time as the Corporation may request of Executive.

ARTICLE 9
JUDICIAL CONSTRUCTION

        9.1  Executive believes and acknowledges that the provisions contained in this Agreement, including the covenants contained in Articles 7 and 8 of this Agreement, are fair and reasonable. Nonetheless, it is agreed that if a court finds any of these provisions to be invalid in whole or in part under the laws of any state, such finding shall not invalidate the covenants, nor the Agreement in its entirety, but rather the covenants shall be construed and/or bluelined, reformed or rewritten by the court as if the most restrictive covenants permissible under applicable law were contained herein.

ARTICLE 10
RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

        10.1 Executive acknowledges that a breach by the Executive of any of the terms of Articles 7 and 8 of this Agreement will render irreparable harm to the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation shall therefore be entitled to any and all equitable relief, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, and to any other remedy that may be available under any applicable law or agreement between the parties,

4


and to recover from the Executive all costs of litigation including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and court costs.

ARTICLE 11
CHANGE OF CONTROL

        11.1 If a Change of Control shall occur during the term of this Agreement, all unvested rights to purchase stock under outstanding stock options held by Executive shall vest immediately for the benefit of the Executive and the Board of Directors will use its reasonable efforts to register such shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if necessary.

        11.2 If a Change of Control shall occur, the Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation or its successor the full base salary of Executive under this Agreement for one (1) year in one cash installment. This payment shall be made by the Corporation within ten (10) business days of consummating the terms and conditions of the transaction which give rise to the Change of Control.

ARTICLE 12
TERMINATION (OTHER THAN FROM A CHANGE IN CONTROL)

        12.1 The Corporation may terminate the employment of the Executive at any time without cause by written notice of termination of employment to Executive. In the event that the Corporation terminates the employment of the Executive by delivering notice in accordance with the preceding sentence, the Executive shall receive as severance his base salary and benefits pursuant to Section 4 (except bonus) from the date of termination until the later to occur of (i) March 1, 2006 or (ii) twelve (12) months from the date of the notice of termination; provided, however, if the Executive shall secure other employment or a consulting position, the preceding severance amounts payable to the Executive by the Corporation shall be offset and reduced by such other cash compensation the Executive earns through such other employment or consulting arrangements through March 1, 2006. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination, Executive shall no longer be eligible under any of the Corporation's bonus plans.

        12.2 The Corporation may terminate the Executive's employment at any time for Cause and at such time all compensation and benefits provided to Executive under this Agreement shall immediately cease, subject to applicable employment laws and regulations.

        12.3 This Agreement will terminate upon Executive's death or upon Executive's disability that prevents him from performing his duties under this Agreement for a continuous period of six months or for periods aggregating nine months in any eighteen (18) month period.

ARTICLE 13
ASSIGNMENT

        13.1 The Corporation shall not have the right to assign this Agreement to its successors or assigns without the written consent of the Executive; provided, however, the Corporation shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any subsidiary, and all covenants or agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by or against its successors or assigns.

        13.2 The terms "successors" and "assigns" shall include any corporation which buys all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, or a controlling portion of its stock, or with which it merges or consolidates.

5



ARTICLE 14
FAILURE TO DEMAND PERFORMANCE AND WAIVER

        14.1 The Corporation's failure to demand strict performance and compliance with any part of this Agreement during the Executive's employment shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the Corporation's rights under this Agreement or by this operation of law. Any waiver by either party of a breach of can any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

ARTICLE 15
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

        15.1 The Corporation and Executive acknowledge that this Agreement contains the full and complete agreement between and among the parties, that there are no oral or implied agreements or other modifications not specifically set forth herein, and that this Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, if any, between the Corporation and Executive, whether written or oral. In particular, this Agreement supercedes and replaces in full the Prior Agreement. The parties further agree that no modifications of this Agreement may be made except by means of a written agreement or memorandum signed by the parties.

ARTICLE 16
GOVERNING LAW

        16.1 The parties acknowledge that the Corporation's principal place of business is located in the State of Minnesota. The parties hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to the conflict of laws thereof.

* * * * * * * * * *

6


        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has hereunto signed its name and the Executive hereunder has signed his name, all as of the day and year first above written.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
         
         

/s/ ANDREW MOLLER


 

By:

/s/ WILLIAM J. PRANGE

Witness     Its: CEO/Chairman
         

 

 

EXECUTIVE
         
         

/s/ ANDREW MOLLER


 

/s/ JOSEPH E. PENNINGTON

Witness   Joseph E. Pennington

7




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AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND JOSEPH E. PENNINGTON
EX-10.45 11 a2081075zex-10_45.htm EXHIBIT 10.45
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Exhibit 10.45


AMENDED AND RESTATED
EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
AND
RALPH C. NEAL

        THIS AGREEMENT is effective as of March 1, 2002, by and between Christopher & Banks Corporation (formerly known as Brauns Fashions Corporation), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation") and Ralph Neal ("Executive").

BACKGROUND

        The Executive presently serves as Executive Vice President—Store Operations of the Corporation pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement dated as of March 1, 2000 (the "Prior Agreement"). The Executive and the Corporation desire to amend and restate the Prior Agreement in full with this Agreement.

ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT

        1.1  The Corporation hereby employs Executive, and Executive agrees to work for the Corporation as Executive Vice President—Store Operations, and to perform such related duties as are assigned to him from time to time by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

ARTICLE 2
TERM

        2.1  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of four (4) years commencing on the date of this Agreement, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. The Agreement shall thereafter continue in effect from year to year unless either party provides ninety (90) days written notice of termination.

ARTICLE 3
DUTIES

        3.1  Executive agrees, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Board of Directors of the Corporation, to devote his full time and effort to the best of his abilities to his duties for the profit, benefit and advantage of the business of the Corporation. Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer.

ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

        4.1  The Corporation agrees to pay Executive an annual base salary as follows:

Year ending February 28,

  Base Salary
2003   $ 355,000
2004   $ 420,000
2005   $ 485,000
2006   $ 550,000

1


        After February 28, 2006, the annual base salary shall be reviewed annually and increases, if any, shall be awarded to Executive by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, but such base compensation shall not be reduced from that of the prior year. The annual base salary shall be payable at those intervals as the Corporation shall pay other executives.

        The increase in the base salary for any given year is contingent upon the Corporation achieving a "Pre-Tax Profit" for the preceding year greater than the Pre-Tax Profit for the Corporation's fiscal year ended March 2, 2002 (the "Baseline"). In the event such condition is not met, the Executive's base salary shall remain unchanged until the Corporation attains a Pre-Tax Profit greater than the Baseline. At such time, Executive's base salary shall increase in increments of Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($65,000), subject in each case, to the condition set forth in the first sentence of this paragraph. For purposes of this paragraph, "Pre-Tax Profit" shall be calculated in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

        4.2  Subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and programs, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the various employee benefit plans and programs applicable to senior executives of the Corporation, including but not limited to medical, life and other benefits as well as vacations, which shall be at such times as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of the Corporation.

        4.3  The Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus in accordance with the Corporation's bonus plans as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.4  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Corporation's stock option plan(s) as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.5  The Corporation shall pay to the Executive a car allowance of $1,000.00 per month.

ARTICLE 5
INSURANCE

        5.1  The Corporation, at its own expense, shall provide life insurance coverage on the Executive's life. The death benefit shall be in the amount of $600,000, in the form of term insurance. The death benefit shall be payable to the Executive's designated beneficiary. The Executive shall have full discretion to name the beneficiary of the portion of the insurance provided for benefit of the Executive. The Corporation shall have the right at its own expense and for its own benefit to purchase additional insurance on the Executive's life, and the Executive shall cooperate by providing necessary information, submitting to required medical examinations, and otherwise complying with the insurance carrier's requirements.

        5.2  The Executive shall be entitled to disability insurance in line with the present policy of the Corporation, to be provided at the expense of the Corporation.

        5.3  The Executive, together with Executive's spouse, shall be entitled to "long term care insurance," which shall be provided at the expense of the Corporation.

        5.4  In the event of the death of the Executive, the Executive's spouse shall be entitled to be covered by the Corporation's group health insurance plan, the cost of which shall be paid by the Corporation, which coverage shall be for the twelve month period following the death of the Executive.

ARTICLE 6
DEFINITIONS

        6.1  "Cause" shall mean (i) any fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive in connection with the business of the Corporation, (ii) any conviction of a felony or a gross misdemeanor by Executive that has or can reasonably be expected to have a detrimental effect on the Corporation,

2


(iii) any gross neglect or persistent neglect by Executive to perform the duties assigned to him hereunder or any other act that can be reasonably expected to cause substantial economic or reputational injury to the Corporation or (iv) any material breach of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, provided that the existence of such neglect or material breach shall be determined by the written agreement of the majority of the directors. If Executive is a member of the Board of Directors, he shall not vote on any such determination of "Cause," nor shall he be counted for purposes of determining a majority of the directors. Provided further that in connection with an event described in Section 6.1(iii) above, Executive shall first have received a written notice from the Corporation which sets forth in reasonable detail the manner in which Executive has grossly or persistently neglected his duties and Executive shall have a period of ten (10) days to cure the same, but the Corporation shall not be required to give written notice of, nor shall Executive have a period to cure, the same or any similar gross or persistent neglect or material breach which the Corporation has previously given written notice to Executive hereunder and Executive has cured such neglect or breach.

        6.2  A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) there shall be consummated (A) any consolidation or merger in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of the Corporation's common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a consolidation or a merger having the same proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the consolidation or merger or (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions other than in the ordinary course of business of the Corporation) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Corporation to any corporation, person or other entity which is not a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) any person, group, corporation or other entity (collectively, "Persons") shall acquire beneficial ownership (as determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder) of 50% or more of the Corporation's outstanding common stock.

        6.3  "Confidential Information" means any information that is not generally known, including trade secrets, outside the Corporation and that is proprietary to the Corporation, relating to any phase of the Corporation's existing or reasonably foreseeable business which is disclosed to Executive during Executive's employment by the Corporation including information conceived, discovered or developed by Executive. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, business plans; financial statements and projections; operating forms (including contracts) and procedures; payroll and personnel records; marketing materials and plans; proposals; supplier information; customer information; software codes and computer programs; customer lists; project lists; project files; training manuals; policies and procedures manuals; health and safety manuals; target lists for new stores and information relating to potential new store locations; price information and cost information; administrative techniques or documents or information that is designated by the Corporation as "Confidential" or similarly designated.

        6.4  A "Competitor" means any person or organization which is a women's specialty apparel retailer whose operations compete with more than twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation's regular store locations or twenty percent (20%) of the Corporation's "Large Size" store locations as existing on the date of termination of Executive. Irrespective of the foregoing sentence, companies which are deemed Competitors shall include Kohls Department Stores, Maurices, The Cato Corporation, The Talbots, Inc., Chico's FAS, Inc., J. Jill Group, Inc., Coldwater Creek, Inc., The Limited, Inc. (including divisions and subsidiaries), Dress Barn, Inc., United Retail Group, Inc. and Charming Shoppes, Inc. (and all divisions and subsidiaries including Catherine's, Fashion Buy and Lane Bryant).

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ARTICLE 7
NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION

        7.1  During Executive's employment, Executive will not plan, organize or engage in any business competitive with any product or service marketed or planned for marketing by the Corporation or conspire with others to do so.

        7.2  For a period of one year after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not, without the written permission of the Corporation, (i) directly or indirectly engage in activities with a Competitor or (ii) own (whether as a shareholder, partner or otherwise, other than as a 5% or less shareholder of a publicly held company), or (iii) be connected as an officer, director, advisor, consultant or employee of or participate in the management of any Competitor.

        7.3  For a period of two years after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not solicit, entice, or induce (or attempt to do so, directly or indirectly), any employee of the Corporation to be employed by any other party.

ARTICLE 8
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TRADE DOCUMENTS

        8.1  Unless authorized in writing by the Corporation, Executive will not directly or indirectly divulge, either during or after the term of his employment, or until such information becomes generally known, to any person not authorized by the Corporation to receive or use it any Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever.

        8.2  All documents or other tangible property relating in any way to the business of the Corporation which are conceived by Executive or come into his possession during his employment shall be and remain the exclusive property of the Corporation and Executive agrees to return all such documents and tangible property to the Corporation upon termination of his employment, or at such earlier time as the Corporation may request of Executive.

ARTICLE 9
JUDICIAL CONSTRUCTION

        9.1  Executive believes and acknowledges that the provisions contained in this Agreement, including the covenants contained in Articles 7 and 8 of this Agreement, are fair and reasonable. Nonetheless, it is agreed that if a court finds any of these provisions to be invalid in whole or in part under the laws of any state, such finding shall not invalidate the covenants, nor the Agreement in its entirety, but rather the covenants shall be construed and/or bluelined, reformed or rewritten by the court as if the most restrictive covenants permissible under applicable law were contained herein.

ARTICLE 10
RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

        10.1 Executive acknowledges that a breach by the Executive of any of the terms of Articles 7 and 8 of this Agreement will render irreparable harm to the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation shall therefore be entitled to any and all equitable relief, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, and to any other remedy that may be available under any applicable law or agreement between the parties, and to recover from the Executive all costs of litigation including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and court costs.

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ARTICLE 11
CHANGE OF CONTROL

        11.1 If a Change of Control shall occur during the term of this Agreement, all unvested rights to purchase stock under outstanding stock options held by Executive shall vest immediately for the benefit of the Executive and the Board of Directors will use its reasonable efforts to register such shares under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, if necessary.

        11.2 If a Change of Control shall occur, the Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation or its successor the full base salary of Executive under this Agreement for one (1) year in one cash installment. This payment shall be made by the Corporation within ten (10) business days of consummating the terms and conditions of the transaction which give rise to the Change of Control.

ARTICLE 12
TERMINATION (OTHER THAN FROM A CHANGE IN CONTROL)

        12.1 The Corporation may terminate the employment of the Executive at any time without cause by written notice of termination of employment to Executive. In the event that the Corporation terminates the employment of the Executive by delivering notice in accordance with the preceding sentence, the Executive shall receive as severance his base salary and benefits pursuant to Section 4 (except bonus) from the date of termination until the later to occur of (i) March 1, 2006 or (ii) twelve (12) months from the date of the notice of termination; provided, however, if the Executive shall secure other employment or a consulting position, the preceding severance amounts payable to the Executive by the Corporation shall be offset and reduced by such other cash compensation the Executive earns through such other employment or consulting arrangements through March 1, 2006. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination, Executive shall no longer be eligible under any of the Corporation's bonus plans.

        12.2 The Corporation may terminate the Executive's employment at any time for Cause and at such time all compensation and benefits provided to Executive under this Agreement shall immediately cease, subject to applicable employment laws and regulations.

        12.3 This Agreement will terminate upon Executive's death or upon Executive's disability that prevents him from performing his duties under this Agreement for a continuous period of six months or for periods aggregating nine months in any eighteen (18) month period.

ARTICLE 13
ASSIGNMENT

        13.1 The Corporation shall not have the right to assign this Agreement to its successors or assigns without the written consent of the Executive; provided, however, the Corporation shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any subsidiary, and all covenants or agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by or against its successors or assigns.

        13.2 The terms "successors" and "assigns" shall include any corporation which buys all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, or a controlling portion of its stock, or with which it merges or consolidates.

ARTICLE 14
FAILURE TO DEMAND PERFORMANCE AND WAIVER

        14.1 The Corporation's failure to demand strict performance and compliance with any part of this Agreement during the Executive's employment shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the Corporation's rights under this Agreement or by this operation of law. Any waiver by either party of a breach of can

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any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.

ARTICLE 15
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

        15.1 The Corporation and Executive acknowledge that this Agreement contains the full and complete agreement between and among the parties, that there are no oral or implied agreements or other modifications not specifically set forth herein, and that this Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, if any, between the Corporation and Executive, whether written or oral. In particular, this Agreement supercedes and replaces in full the Prior Agreement. The parties further agree that no modifications of this Agreement may be made except by means of a written agreement or memorandum signed by the parties.

ARTICLE 16
GOVERNING LAW

        16.1 The parties acknowledge that the Corporation's principal place of business is located in the State of Minnesota. The parties hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to the conflict of laws thereof.

* * * * * * * * * *

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has hereunto signed its name and the Executive hereunder has signed his name, all as of the day and year first above written.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
         
/s/ ANDREW MOLLER
  By: /s/ JOSEPH PENNINGTON
Witness     Its: President/COO
         
         
    EXECUTIVE
         
/s/ ANDREW MOLLER
  /s/ RALPH C. NEAL
Witness   Ralph C. Neal

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AMENDED AND RESTATED EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND RALPH C. NEAL
EX-10.46 12 a2081075zex-10_46.htm EXHIBIT 10.46
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Exhibit 10.46


EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
BETWEEN
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
AND
TAMMY LEOMAZZI BOYD

        THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into as of March 1, 2002, by and between Christopher & Banks Corporation (formerly known as Brauns Fashions Corporation), a corporation duly organized and existing under the laws of the State of Delaware (the "Corporation") and Tammy Leomazzi Boyd ("Executive").


BACKGROUND

        The Executive presently serves in an executive capacity with the Corporation pursuant to an Executive Employment Agreement dated as of December 31, 1999 (the "Prior Agreement"). The Executive and the Corporation desire to terminate and replace the Prior Agreement in full with this Agreement.


ARTICLE 1
EMPLOYMENT

        1.1  The Corporation hereby employs Executive, and Executive agrees to work as Senior Vice President of the Corporation and President—CJ Banks Division, and to perform such related duties as are assigned to her from time to time by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation. The Corporation shall not assign duties to Executive inconsistent with the foregoing position.


ARTICLE 2
TERM

        2.1  The term of this Agreement shall be for a period of two (2) years commencing on the date of this Agreement, unless sooner terminated as hereinafter provided. The Agreement shall thereafter continue in effect from year to year unless either party provides ninety (90) days written notice of termination prior to the anniversary date.


ARTICLE 3
DUTIES

        3.1  Executive agrees, unless otherwise specifically authorized by the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation, to devote her full time and effort to the best of her abilities to her duties for the profit, benefit and advantage of the business of the Corporation. Executive shall report directly to the Chief Executive Officer of the Corporation.

        3.2  Executive shall, in her position as President—CJ Banks Division, be responsible for management of, and have authority for, all day-to-day operations of the division.


ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

        4.1  The Corporation agrees to pay Executive an annual base salary of Two Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($225,000) payable at those intervals as the Corporation shall pay other executives. The base salary shall be reviewed annually and appropriate increases, if any, shall be awarded to

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Executive by the Board of Directors in its sole discretion, but such base compensation shall not be reduced from that of the prior year.

        4.2  Subject to the terms and conditions of such plans and programs, the Executive shall be entitled to participate in the various employee benefit plans and programs applicable to senior executives of the Corporation, including but not limited to medical, life and other benefits, which shall be at such times as reasonably determined by the Board of Directors of the Company.

        4.3  The Executive shall be entitled during each full calendar year in which this Agreement remains in effect to four (4) weeks of paid vacation time, and a pro rata portion thereof for any partial calendar year. Any vacation time not used during any such calendar year may not be carried forward to any succeeding calendar year and shall be forfeited. Executive shall not be entitled to receive any payment in cash for vacation time remaining unused at the end of any year.

        4.4  The Executive shall be eligible to receive a bonus in accordance with the Corporation's bonus plans as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.5  The Executive shall be eligible to participate in the Corporation's stock option plan(s) as in effect and approved by the Board of Directors from time to time.

        4.6  The Corporation shall pay to the Executive a car allowance of $500.00 per month.


ARTICLE 5
DEFINITIONS

        5.1  "Cause" shall mean (i) any fraud, misappropriation or embezzlement by Executive in connection with the business of the Corporation, (ii) any conviction of a felony or a gross misdemeanor by Executive that has or can reasonably be expected to have a detrimental effect on the Corporation, (iii) any gross neglect or persistent neglect by Executive to perform the duties assigned to her hereunder (consistent with Section 1.1) or any other act that can be reasonably expected to cause substantial economic or reputational injury to the Company or (iv) any material breach of Sections 7 or 8 of this Agreement, provided that the existence of such neglect or material breach shall be determined by the written agreement of the majority of the directors. Provided further that in connection with an event described in Section 5.1(iii) above, Executive shall first have received a written notice from the Corporation which sets forth in reasonable detail the manner in which Executive has grossly or persistently neglected her duties and Executive shall have a period of ten (10) days to cure the same, but the Corporation shall not be required to give written notice of, nor shall Executive have a period to cure, the same or any similar gross or persistent neglect or material breach which the Corporation has previously given written notice to Executive hereunder and Executive has cured such neglect or breach.

        5.2  A "Change of Control" shall be deemed to have occurred if (i) there shall be consummated (A) any consolidation or merger in which the Corporation is not the continuing or surviving corporation or pursuant to which shares of the Corporation's common stock would be converted into cash, securities or other property, other than a consolidation or a merger having the same proportionate ownership of common stock of the surviving corporation immediately after the consolidation or merger or (B) any sale, lease, exchange or other transfer (in one transaction or a series of related transactions other than in the ordinary course of business of the Corporation) of all, or substantially all, of the assets of the Corporation to any corporation, person or other entity which is not a direct or indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of the Corporation, or (ii) any person, group, corporation or other entity (collectively, "Persons") shall acquire beneficial ownership (as determined pursuant to Section 13(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and rules and regulations promulgated hereunder) of 50% or more of the Corporation's outstanding common stock.

        5.3  "Confidential Information" means any information that is not generally known, including trade secrets, outside the Corporation and that is proprietary to the Corporation, relating to any phase

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of the Corporation's existing or reasonably foreseeable business which is disclosed to Executive during Executive's employment by the Corporation including information conceived, discovered or developed by Executive. Confidential Information includes, but is not limited to, business plans; financial statements and projections; operating forms (including contracts) and procedures; payroll and personnel records; marketing materials and plans; proposals; supplier information; customer information; software codes and computer programs; customer lists; project lists; project files; training manuals; policies and procedures manuals; health and safety manuals; target lists for new stores and information relating to potential new store locations; price information and cost information; administrative techniques or documents or information that is designated by the Corporation as "Confidential" or similarly designated.

        5.4  A "Competitor" means any person or organization which is, or can be reasonably expected to become, a women's "plus size" specialty apparel retailer (which would not include department stores). Irrespective of the foregoing sentence, companies which are deemed Competitors shall include, but are not limited to, Charming Shoppes, Inc. (and all divisions and subsidiaries including Catherine's, Fashion Bug and Lane Bryant), Kohls Department Stores, The Limited, Inc., United Retail Group, Inc. (including all divisions and subsidiaries), The Cato Corporation, The Talbots, Inc., Chico's FAS, Inc., J. Jill Group, Inc., Coldwater Creek, Inc., The Casual Corner Group, Inc., Junonia, Inc. and Dress Barn, Inc.


ARTICLE 6
NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION

        6.1  During Executive's employment, Executive will not plan, organize or engage in any business competitive with any product or service marketed or planned for marketing by the Corporation or conspire with others to do so.

        6.2  For a period of one year after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not, without the written permission of the Corporation, (i) directly or indirectly engage in activities with a Competitor or (ii) own (whether as a shareholder, partner or otherwise, other than as a 5% or less shareholder) of a publicly held company which is a Competitor, or (iii) be connected as an officer, director, advisor, consultant or employee of or participate in the management of any Competitor.

        6.3  For a period of two years after termination of Executive's employment with the Corporation, Executive will not solicit, entice, or induce (or attempt to do so, directly or indirectly), any employee of the Corporation to terminate their employment with the Corporation.


ARTICLE 7
CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TRADE DOCUMENTS

        7.1  Unless authorized in writing by the Corporation, Executive will not directly or indirectly divulge, either during or after the term of her employment, or until such information becomes generally known, to any person not authorized by the Corporation to receive or use it any Confidential Information for any purpose whatsoever.

        7.2  All documents or other tangible property relating in any way to the business of the Corporation which are conceived by Executive or come into her possession during her employment shall be and remain the exclusive property of the Corporation and Executive agrees to return all such documents and tangible property to the Corporation upon termination of her employment, or at such earlier time as the Corporation may request of Executive.

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ARTICLE 8
JUDICIAL CONSTRUCTION

        8.1  Executive believes and acknowledges that the provisions contained in this Agreement, including the covenants contained in Articles 6 and 7 of this Agreement, are fair and reasonable. Nonetheless, it is agreed that if a court finds any of these provisions to be invalid in whole or in part under the laws of any state, such finding shall not invalidate the covenants, nor the Agreement in its entirety, but rather the covenants shall be construed and/or bluelined, reformed or rewritten by the court as if the most restrictive covenants permissible under applicable law were contained herein. Furthermore, the parties specifically acknowledge that the covenant not to compete and covenant not to disclose confidential information, as set forth in Sections 6 and 7, are separate and independent agreements.


ARTICLE 9
RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF

        9.1  Executive acknowledges that a breach by the Executive of any of the terms of Articles 6 and 7 of this Agreement will render irreparable harm to the Corporation. Accordingly, the Corporation shall therefore be entitled to any and all equitable relief, including, but not limited to, injunctive relief, and to any other remedy that may be available under any applicable law or agreement between the parties. The prevailing party in any such action pursuant to this Section shall be entitled to all costs of litigation including, but not limited to, attorneys' fees and court costs.


ARTICLE 10
CHANGE OF CONTROL

        10.1 If a Change of Control shall occur, the Executive shall be entitled to receive from the Corporation or its successor the full base salary of Executive under this Agreement for one (1) year in one cash installment. This payment shall be made by the Corporation within ten (10) business days of consummating the terms and conditions of the transaction which give rise to the Change of Control in which such employment was terminated.

        10.2 If a Change of Control shall occur during the term of this Agreement, all unvested rights to purchase stock under outstanding stock options held by Executive shall vest immediately for the benefit of the Executive and the Board of Directors shall take such actions as may be necessary or desirable to effect such vesting.


ARTICLE 11
TERMINATION (OTHER THAN FROM A CHANGE IN CONTROL)

        11.1 The Corporation may terminate the Executive's employment at any time for Cause and at such time all compensation and benefits provided to Executive under this Agreement shall immediately cease, subject to applicable employment laws and regulations.

        11.2 In the event that the Corporation terminates the employment of the Executive by delivering notice in accordance with Section 11.1, the Executive shall receive as severance her salary pursuant to Section 4 from the date of termination until the earlier to occur of (i) twelve (12) months and (ii) the securing by the Executive of other employment paying an annual salary comparable to that set forth in Section 4 of this Agreement, including without limitation, the engagement of the Executive by any person(s) or individual or group of entities as a substantially full-time consultant; provided, however, that in the event that Executive shall secure other employment or a substantially full time consulting position paying salary less than that provided for in Section 4 of this Agreement, the Corporation shall during such twelve (12) month period referred to above pay Executive the difference between her salary payable under this Agreement, and the salary paid by her new employer (the "Salary

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Continuation"). Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination, Executive shall no longer be eligible under any of the Corporation's bonus plans.

        11.3 In the event the Corporation terminates the employment of the Executive without Cause on or after the term of this Agreement, the Executive shall be entitled to the Salary Continuation. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon termination, Executive shall no longer be eligible under any of the Corporation's bonus or stock option plans.

        11.4 This Agreement will terminate upon Executive's death or upon Executive's disability that prevents her from performing her duties under this Agreement for a continuous period of three months or for periods aggregating six months in any eighteen (18) month period.


ARTICLE 12
ASSIGNMENT

        12.1 The Corporation shall not have the right to assign this Agreement to its successors or assigns without the written consent of the Executive; provided, however, the Corporation shall have the right to assign this Agreement to any subsidiary, and all covenants or agreements hereunder shall inure to the benefit of and be enforceable by or against its successors or assigns.

        12.2 The terms "successors" and "assigns" shall include any corporation which buys all or substantially all of the Corporation's assets, or a controlling portion of its stock, or with which it merges or consolidates.


ARTICLE 13
FAILURE TO DEMAND PERFORMANCE AND WAIVER

        13.1 The Corporation's failure to demand strict performance and compliance with any part of this Agreement during the Executive's employment shall not be deemed to be a waiver of the Corporation's rights under this Agreement or by this operation of law. Any waiver by either party of a breach of can any provision of this Agreement shall not operate as or be construed as a waiver of any subsequent breach thereof.


ARTICLE 14
ENTIRE AGREEMENT

        14.1 The Corporation and Executive acknowledge that this Agreement contains the full and complete agreement between and among the parties, that there are no oral or implied agreements or other modifications not specifically set forth herein, and that this Agreement supersedes any prior agreements or understandings, if any, between the Corporation and Executive, whether written or oral. The parties further agree that no modifications of this Agreement may be made except by means of a written agreement or memorandum signed by the parties.


ARTICLE 15
GOVERNING LAW

        15.1 The parties acknowledge that the Corporation's principal place of business is located in the State of Minnesota. The parties hereby agree that this Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of Minnesota without regard to the conflict of laws thereof.

* * * * * * * * * *

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        IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Corporation has hereunto signed its name and the Executive hereunder has signed her name, all as of the day and year first above written.

    CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
         
         
/s/ ANDREW MOLLER
  By: /s/ JOSEPH PENNINGTON
Witness     Its: President
         
    EXECUTIVE
         
         
/s/ ANDREW MOLLER
  /s/ TAMMY LEOMAZZI BOYD
Witness   Tammy Leomazzi Boyd

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EXECUTIVE EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND TAMMY LEOMAZZI BOYD
BACKGROUND
ARTICLE 1 EMPLOYMENT
ARTICLE 2 TERM
ARTICLE 3 DUTIES
ARTICLE 4 COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
ARTICLE 5 DEFINITIONS
ARTICLE 6 NONCOMPETITION AND NONSOLICITATION
ARTICLE 7 CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION AND TRADE DOCUMENTS
ARTICLE 8 JUDICIAL CONSTRUCTION
ARTICLE 9 RIGHT TO INJUNCTIVE RELIEF
ARTICLE 10 CHANGE OF CONTROL
ARTICLE 11 TERMINATION (OTHER THAN FROM A CHANGE IN CONTROL)
ARTICLE 12 ASSIGNMENT
ARTICLE 13 FAILURE TO DEMAND PERFORMANCE AND WAIVER
ARTICLE 14 ENTIRE AGREEMENT
ARTICLE 15 GOVERNING LAW
EX-10.47 13 a2081075zex-10_47.htm EXHIBIT 10.47
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Exhibit 10.47


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
2002 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN

        The purpose of the Christopher & Banks Corporation 2002 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (the "Option Plan") is to attract and retain persons of outstanding competence to serve on the Board of Directors of Christopher & Banks Corporation (the "Company").

        1.    Administration.    The Option Plan will be administered by the Board of Directors of the Company. Grants of stock options under the Option Plan ("Options") and the amount and nature of the Options so granted will be automatic, as described below.

        2.    Stock Subject to the Option Plan.    An aggregate of 210,000 shares of Common Stock, par value $.01 per share ("Common Stock"), of the Company are reserved for issuance under the Option Plan. The number of shares authorized for issuance under the Option Plan may be increased from time to time by approval of the Board of Directors and, if required pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the applicable rules of any securities exchange or the NASD, the shareholders of the Company. In the event of any reorganization, merger, recapitalization, stock dividend, stock split, or similar change in the corporate structure or shares of the Company, appropriate adjustments will be made to the number and kind of shares reserved for issuance under the Option Plan and pursuant to outstanding Options and to the exercise price of outstanding Options.

        3.    Eligibility.    The individuals eligible to receive automatic option grants pursuant to the provisions of this Plan shall be limited to (i) those individuals serving as non-employee directors on the Effective Date (as defined in Section 14) and (ii) those individuals who are first elected or appointed as non-employee Board members after the Effective Date, whether through appointment by the Board or election by the Company's shareholders.

        4.    Automatic Option Grants.    Under the Option Plan, each non-employee director will automatically be granted Options to purchase shares of Common Stock as follows:

            (a)  Each non-employee director shall be granted an Option for 12,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided below, upon his or her initial appointment to the Board.

            (b)  On the date of the 2003 annual meeting of shareholders, each non-employee director will automatically be granted an Option to purchase 12,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided below.

            (c)  Thereafter, on the date of each subsequent annual meeting of shareholders at which the non-employee director is reelected, or otherwise continues to serve as a director pursuant to the current three year terms, to the Board of Directors, the non-employee director shall automatically be granted an additional Option to purchase 12,000 shares of Common Stock, subject to adjustment as provided below.

        Should any change be made to the Common Stock issuable under the Plan by reason of any stock split, stock dividend or recapitalization, then appropriate adjustments shall be made to the number of and/or class of securities for which automatic Option grants are to be subsequently made to each newly-elected or continuing non-employee director as well as to the purchase price per share relating thereto; provided, however, in no event shall an annual grant of an Option exceed 22,000 shares of Common Stock.

        5.    Vesting, Exercisability and Expiration.    All Options granted under the Option Plan shall be fully vested when granted, but may not be exercised until six months following the date of grant. All Options granted under the Option Plan shall expire five years after the date of grant.

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        6.    Non-Transferability.    During the lifetime of the holder of an Option, each automatic Option grant shall be exercisable only by the optionee and shall not be assignable or transferable.

        7.    Effect of Termination of Board Service.    

            (a)  Should the director cease to serve as a Board member for any reason (other than death) while holding one or more automatic Option grants under the Plan, then such individual shall have a twelve (12)-month period following the date of such cessation of Board service in which to exercise each such Option for any or all of the Option shares.

            (b)  Should the director die while serving as a Board member or within twelve (12) months after cessation of Board service, then any automatic Option grant held by the individual at the time of death may subsequently be exercised, for all of the Option shares (less any Option shares purchased by the individual prior to death), by the personal representative of the estate or by the person or persons to whom the Option is transferred pursuant to the individual's will or in accordance with the laws of descent and distribution. The right to exercise each such Option shall lapse upon the expiration of the twelve (12)-month period measured from the date of the individual's cessation of service.

            (c)  In no event shall any automatic grant under this Plan remain exercisable after the expiration date of the maximum five (5) year Option term. Upon the expiration of the applicable post-service exercise period under subparagraphs (a) and (b) above or (if earlier) upon the expiration of the maximum five (5) year Option term, the automatic grant shall terminate and cease to be outstanding for any Option shares for which the Option was not exercised.

        8.    Shareholder Rights.    The holder of an automatic Option grant shall have none of the rights of a shareholder with respect to any shares subject to such Option until such individual shall have exercised the Option and paid the exercise price for the purchased shares.

        9.    Exercise Price.    The exercise price of Options granted under the Option Plan shall be equal to the fair market value of one share of Common Stock on the date of grant. For purposes of the Option Plan, "fair market value" is the closing sales price of the Common Stock, as reported by the NASDAQ National Market System or any other nationally recognized stock exchange on the date of grant.

        10.    Payment.    The exercise price shall become immediately due upon exercise of the Option. Payment for the exercise of Options may be made in cash, by personal check payable to the Company, by delivery of shares of Common Stock having an aggregate fair market value on the date of exercise which is not less than the option price, or by a combination thereof. For purposes of this Section, the exercise date shall be the date on which written notice of the Option exercise is delivered to the Company.

        11.    Plan Amendment and Termination.    The Board of Directors may suspend or terminate the Option Plan or any portion thereof at any time, and may amend the Option Plan from time to time in any respect, provided that no such amendment will be effective without approval of the shareholders, if shareholder approval is required pursuant to Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 or the applicable rules of any securities exchange or the NASD. To the extent prohibited under Rule 16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Option Plan may not be amended more than once every six months. No termination, suspension or amendment of the Option Plan will alter an outstanding Option without the consent of the holder of such Option. Unless earlier terminated by action of the Board, the Option Plan will terminate on July 30, 2012, and no Option shall be granted after any such termination. Options outstanding upon termination of the Option Plan may continue to be exercised in accordance with their terms.

        12.    Compliance with SEC Regulations.    It is the Company's intent that the Option Plan comply in all respects with Rule 16b-3 of the Act and any regulations promulgated thereunder. If any provision

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of this plan is later found not to be in compliance with the Rule, the provision shall be deemed null and void. All grants and exercises of Options under the Option Plan shall be executed in accordance with the requirements of Section 16 of the Act, as amended, and any regulations promulgated thereunder.

        13.    Shareholder Approval.    The Option Plan shall be subject to approval by the shareholders holding at least a majority of the voting stock of the Company represented in person or by proxy at a duty held shareholders' meeting, and any Option granted under the Option Plan prior to the date of such approval shall be contingent upon such approval.

        14.    Effective Date.    This Option Plan shall be effective as of April 11, 2002, subject to shareholder approval of the Option Plan as described above on or before April 10, 2003.

        15.    Use of Proceeds.    Any cash proceeds received by the Company from the sale of shares pursuant to Option grants under the Plan shall be used for general corporate purposes.

        16.    Regulatory Approvals.    

            (a)  The implementation of the Plan, the granting of any Option under the Plan and the issuance of Common Stock upon the exercise of the Option grants made hereunder shall be subject to the Company's procurement of all approvals and permits required by regulatory authorities having jurisdiction over the Plan, the Options granted under it, and the Common Stock issued pursuant to it.

            (b)  No shares of Common Stock or other assets shall be issued or delivered under this Plan unless and until there shall have been compliance with all applicable requirements of Federal and state securities laws, including the filing and effectiveness of the Form S-8 registration statement for the shares of Common Stock issuable under the Plan, and all applicable listing requirements of the Nasdaq National Market or any stock exchange on which the Common Stock is then listed for trading.

        17.    Miscellaneous.    Except as otherwise provided herein, no non-employee director shall have any claim or right to be granted an Option under the Option Plan. Neither the Option Plan nor any action hereunder shall be construed as giving any director any right to be retained in the service of the Company.

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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION 2002 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR STOCK OPTION PLAN
EX-21 14 a2081075zex-21.htm EXHIBIT 21
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Exhibit 21


SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

Subsidiaries

  Jurisdiction
of Incorporation

Christopher & Banks, Inc.(a)   Minnesota
Christopher & Banks Company(b)   Minnesota

(a)
Wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

(b)
Wholly-owned subsidiary of Christopher & Banks, Inc.



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SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT
EX-23.1 15 a2081075zex-23_1.htm EXHIBIT 23.1
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Exhibit 23.1


CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

        We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (File Nos. 333-33446, 333-30554, 333-95109, 333-64085, 333-64087 and 333-95553) of Christopher & Banks Corporation of our report dated March 27, 2002 relating to the financial statements, which appears in this Form 10-K.

PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
Minneapolis, Minnesota
May 24, 2002






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CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
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