Gift Cards

The Company sells gift cards, which can be used in its stores, on www.barnesandnoble.com, on NOOK^® devices and at Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (B&N Education) stores. The Company does not charge administrative or dormancy fees on gift cards and gift cards have no expiration dates. Upon the purchase of a gift card, a liability is established for its cash value. Revenue associated with gift cards is deferred until redemption of the gift card. Gift cards redeemed at B&N Education are funded by the gift card liability at the Company. Over time, a portion of the gift cards issued is typically not redeemed. The Company estimates the portion of the gift card liability for which the likelihood of redemption is remote based upon the Company’s historical redemption patterns. The Company records this amount in revenue on a straight-line basis over a 12-month period beginning in the13^th month after the month the gift card was originally sold. Additional breakage may be required if gift card redemptions continue to run lower than historical patterns.

The Company recognized gift card breakage of $4,870 and $4,921 during the 13 weeks ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. The Company had gift card liabilities of $337,965 and $360,679 as of July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively.