Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

May 04, 2013

Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Note 3 - Fair Value Measurements

The accounting standards related to fair value measurements define fair value and provide a consistent framework for measuring fair value under the authoritative literature. Valuation techniques are based on observable and unobservable inputs. Observable inputs reflect readily obtainable data from independent sources, while unobservable inputs reflect market assumptions. This guidance only applies when other standards require or permit the fair value measurement of assets and liabilities. The guidance does not expand the use of fair value measurements. A fair value hierarchy was established, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value into three broad levels.

· Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;

· Level 2 - Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data;

· Level 3 - Significant unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data. Generally, these fair value measures are model-based valuation techniques such as discounted cash flows, and are based on the best information available, including our own data. Fair values of our long-lived assets are estimated using an income-based approach and are classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy.

The following table presents assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis at May 4, 2013, February 2, 2013 and April 28, 2012. We have no material liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring or non-recurring basis.

	Fair Value Measurements
(In thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
As of May 4, 2013:
Cash equivalents - money market account	$	5,261	$	0	$	0	$	5,261
As of February 2, 2013:
Cash equivalents- money market account	$	5,259	$	0	$	0	$	5,259
As of April 28, 2012:
Cash equivalents - money market account	$	20,243	$	0	$	0	$	20,243

The fair values of cash, receivables, accounts payable, accrued expenses and other current liabilities approximate their carrying values because of their short-term nature.  From time to time, we measure certain assets at fair value on a non-recurring basis, specifically long-lived assets evaluated for impairment.  These are typically store specific assets, which are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that recoverability of their carrying value is questionable.  If the expected future cash flows related to a store's assets are less than their carrying value, an impairment loss would be recognized for the difference between estimated fair value and carrying value and recorded in selling, general and administrative expenses. We estimate the fair value of store assets using an income-based approach considering the cash flows expected over the remaining lease term for each location. These projections are primarily based on management's estimates of store-level sales, gross margins, direct expenses, exercise of future lease renewal options and resulting cash flows and, by their nature, include judgments about how current initiatives will impact future performance. External factors, such as the local environment in which the store resides, including strip-mall traffic and competition, are evaluated in terms of their effect on sales trends. Changes in sales and operating income assumptions or unfavorable changes in external factors can significantly impact the estimated future cash flows. An increase or decrease in the projected cash flow can significantly decrease or increase the fair value of these assets, which would have an effect on the impairment recorded.

During the thirteen weeks ended May 4, 2013, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $779,000 were written down to their fair value of $667,000, resulting in an impairment charge of $112,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had no remaining unamortized basis. There were no impairments of long-lived assets recorded during the thirteen weeks ended April 28, 2012. During the fifty-three weeks ended February 2, 2013, long-lived assets held and used with a gross carrying amount of $1.7 million were written down to their fair value of $1.3 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $425,000, which was included in earnings for the period. Subsequent to this impairment, these long-lived assets had a remaining unamortized basis of $328,000.