-----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, GVYCRMmC23EfPg2Hq4P32Gte99csPYp2HH7FAupozYmU0hC4WeBG2pJ9JCn/jZR+ y5659tSbjxC389U9fm2c5Q== 0000950134-04-007757.txt : 20040517 0000950134-04-007757.hdr.sgml : 20040517 20040517164807 ACCESSION NUMBER: 0000950134-04-007757 CONFORMED SUBMISSION TYPE: 10-K PUBLIC DOCUMENT COUNT: 11 CONFORMED PERIOD OF REPORT: 20040131 FILED AS OF DATE: 20040517 FILER: COMPANY DATA: COMPANY CONFORMED NAME: GADZOOKS INC CENTRAL INDEX KEY: 0000924140 STANDARD INDUSTRIAL CLASSIFICATION: RETAIL-FAMILY CLOTHING STORES [5651] IRS NUMBER: 742261048 STATE OF INCORPORATION: TX FISCAL YEAR END: 0127 FILING VALUES: FORM TYPE: 10-K SEC ACT: 1934 Act SEC FILE NUMBER: 000-26732 FILM NUMBER: 04813122 BUSINESS ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4121 INTERNATIONAL PKWY CITY: CARROLLTON STATE: TX ZIP: 75007 BUSINESS PHONE: 9723075555 MAIL ADDRESS: STREET 1: 4121 INTERNTIONAL PKWY CITY: CARROLLTON STATE: TX ZIP: 75007 10-K 1 d14917ke10vk.htm FORM 10-K e10vk
Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For Annual and Transition Reports Pursuant to Sections 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

     
(Mark One)
x   ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
    For the fiscal year ended January 31, 2004

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 number 0-26732

GADZOOKS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
Texas   74-2261048
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
4121 International Parkway    
Carrollton, Texas   75007
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(972) 307-5555

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act: NONE

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Title of Each Class


Common Stock, $0.01 par value

     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 x 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. x

     Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b-2). Yes o No x

     The aggregate market value of the voting and non-voting Common Stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of August 2, 2003 (the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter) was approximately $66,702,531. All outstanding shares of voting stock, except for shares held by executive officers and members of the Board of Directors and their affiliates, are deemed to be held by non-affiliates.

     On May 10, 2004, the registrant had 9,147,024 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

     Part III incorporates information by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for the 2004 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, to be filed with the Commission no later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year covered by this Form 10-K.

 


Gadzooks, Inc.
Index to Form 10-K

             
        Page
           
  Business     3  
  Properties     14  
  Legal Proceedings     14  
  Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders     16  
           
  Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Stockholder Matters     16  
  Selected Financial Data     17  
  Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations     18  
  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk     29  
  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data     30  
  Changes In and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure     49  
  Controls and Procedures     49  
           
  Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant     49  
  Executive Compensation     49  
  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters     49  
  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions     49  
  Principal Accountant Fees and Services     49  
           
  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules, and Reports on Form 8-K     50  
 Debtor-In-Possession Loan and Security Agreement
 Debtor-In-Possession Revolving Credit Note
 First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement
 Employee Retention and Incentive Plan
 Employment Letter - Carolyn Greer
 Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification Pursuant to Section 302
 Certification Pursuant to Section 906
 Certification Pursuant to Section 906

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PART I

ITEM 1. BUSINESS.

Chapter 11

     On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks, Inc. (the “Company” or “Gadzooks”) filed a voluntary petition for reorganization (the “Filing”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Dallas (the “Court”) and was assigned case number 04-31486-hdh11.

     The filing was made in response to continued negative sales trends stemming from the Company’s completion of its conversion to an all-girl merchandise assortment in the second half of fiscal 2003 and reduced factor and vendor terms, both of which had a negative impact on the Company’s cash flow. Under Chapter 11, the Company expects to continue to operate its business as debtor-in-possession (“DIP”) under court protection from its creditors and claimants, while using the Chapter 11 process to complete the reorganization of its core business around approximately 250 stores that were chosen to strengthen its market share in the junior apparel business.

Business Overview

     Gadzooks is a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel and related accessories for young women, principally between the ages of 16 and 22. At the end of fiscal 2003, the Company operated 406 Gadzooks stores in both metropolitan and middle markets in 41 states. During fiscal 2003, the Company opened one new Gadzooks store, one new Orchid store, closed 30 Gadzooks stores and closed one Orchid store. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company closed 158 stores. As of May 1, 2004, the Company operated 252 stores.

     On January 9, 2003, the Company announced plans to focus exclusively on apparel and accessories for females. The conversion of the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment took place early in the second half of fiscal 2003. Prior to the conversion, all men’s merchandise was liquidated. Marketing and advertising campaigns were utilized to support the transition with an emphasis on the grand reopening of Gadzooks as a female-only apparel and accessory store. The Gadzooks store environment was also updated to have more of a feminine appeal both in its signage and fixture presentations.

     In the second half of fiscal 2001, the Company began testing a new retail concept with the opening of four Orchid stores in two states. The Orchid concept catered to the innerwear and sleepwear needs of females between the ages of 14 and 22. In January 2004, the Company decided to discontinue testing the Orchid concept and liquidated those stores during the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

     The Company’s website, www.gadzooks.com, is primarily utilized to provide an additional marketing opportunity for the Gadzooks stores. The site features current fashion trends, a monthly calendar of events, in-store promotions, on-line contests, music videos and an on-line store, which offers gift cards and Von Dutch merchandise for purchase.

     The Company was incorporated in Texas in 1982. Its executive offices are located at 4121 International Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75007, and its telephone number is (972) 307-5555. A copy of the Form 10-K, excluding exhibits, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be obtained without charge upon written request to Investor Relations at the Company’s headquarters.

Business Strategy

     The Company is a leading retailer of brand name casual apparel and related accessories for teenage girls. The principal elements of the Company’s business strategy in its Gadzooks stores are:

Customer Focus. Historically, the Gadzooks concept has focused on providing fashionable casual apparel and accessories to both male and female teenage customers. However, beginning in the second half of fiscal 2003, Gadzooks converted its stores to an all-female merchandise assortment. Gadzooks believes that this conversion allows it to compete more effectively by devoting all of its square footage to the female customer and focusing all of the Company’s resources on meeting the needs of females between the ages of 16 and 22. The Company is not new to the female market; in fact, Gadzooks has been providing casual apparel and related accessories for the junior customer since its inception 21 years ago. The Company hired a leading independent branding firm to help plan and execute the marketing campaign used to support Gadzooks’ new brand image. Additionally, the Company hired a nationally recognized firm in store design to lead the effort of tailoring the store

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look. As an integral part of the transition, new fixtures, merchandise displays and signage were utilized to give the store environment more of a feminine appeal.

Multiple Merchandise Categories. A key component of the Company’s merchandising strategy is to limit its dependence on any one fashion, style, brand or item by offering products in a broad range of categories, including woven and knit tops, jeans, shorts, junior dresses, swimwear, t-shirts, footwear, sunglasses, watches, jewelry and other accessory items. The Company regularly monitors store sales by classification, style, vendor and size to identify emerging fashion trends, and manages the product mix in its stores to respond to the spending patterns of its customers. The Company believes that its success is dependent upon its ability to meet the changing fashion preferences of its customers.

Emphasis on Brand Name Merchandise Supplemented by Private Brands. Another key feature of the Company’s merchandising strategy is to offer trendy brands as a point of differentiation based on its belief that its customers shop primarily for recognized labels and designs. The Company’s merchandise includes high visibility names such as Von Dutch, Dollhouse, Roxy, Hot Kiss and others. The Company is continuing to grow its private brand business in order to better meet the needs of its customers. Private brands comprised 38% and 17% of net sales in 2003 and 2002, respectively, and are expected to comprise between 25% and 30% of net sales in 2004. Private brands allow the Company the opportunity to expand its customer base by providing merchandise of comparable quality to brand name merchandise at competitive prices and to capitalize on fashion trends when branded vendors are not offering the latest in trends. The Company concentrates on being the destination store for young women who want the latest trends in casual apparel.

Metropolitan and Middle Market Locations. A central aspect of the Company’s strategy has been the development of a store concept that is successful in both metropolitan and middle markets. The Company believes that its customers throughout the United States frequently have similar fashion preferences as a result of the influence of television programs, sports, MTV and music and fashion magazines. As a result, the Company has historically been able to operate stores successfully across a broad range of demographic and geographic markets, increasing the number of potential sites available to the Company.

Attentive Customer Service. The Company is committed to offering professional and attentive customer service. Gadzooks strives to hire young, energetic, service-oriented sales associates who understand its customers and can relate to their changing needs and preferences. The Company trains sales associates to greet each customer personally, to inform the customer about new fashion trends and to suggest merchandise to suit the customer’s wardrobe and lifestyle needs. The Company believes that the high level of service given to its customers differentiates Gadzooks from its competition.

Entertaining Store Environment. The Company believes that its stores provide a fun and enjoyable shopping experience for its customers. Gadzooks stores are designed to create a high energy, fun environment using television monitors featuring popular music videos and creative, eye-catching signage. The Company believes that its entertaining store design encourages customers to visit the stores more frequently and to shop in the stores for longer periods of time.

Investment in Systems and Personnel. The Company is committed to investing in information systems and using current technology to help execute its merchandising strategy. The Company’s systems provide its buyers and merchandise planners with daily sales and inventory information by store, style, vendor and size, allowing Gadzooks to respond to changing customer preferences and to stock the appropriate quantities and styles of merchandise at each store. The Company uses a warehouse management system to efficiently control all warehouse functions and expedite the flow of merchandise to its stores. The Company is also committed to attracting and retaining highly qualified, service-oriented management and sales associates and providing them with career advancement opportunities. The corporate culture at Gadzooks promotes the open exchange of new ideas and information between all levels of the Company, thereby enabling management to supplement the data from its information systems with the practical experience of its employees.

Distribution Capabilities. The Company believes that its 207,000 square-foot facility in the Dallas area can support the merchandising needs of more than 500 stores, providing the ability for significant store expansion.

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Store Locations

     As of April 8, 2004, the Company operated 252 Gadzooks stores in 40 states. The stores are located in metropolitan markets such as Dallas, Chicago, Atlanta, Boston and Kansas City, as well as middle markets such as Amarillo, Texas; Biloxi, Mississippi; and Roanoke, Virginia. A list of stores by state is as follows:

                                 
    # of       # of       # of
State
  Stores
  State
  Stores
  State
  Stores
Alabama
    2     Massachusetts     3     Oklahoma     6  
Arizona
    1     Michigan     11     Oregon     1  
Arkansas
    5     Minnesota     6     Pennsylvania     14  
Colorado
    3     Mississippi     2     Rhode Island     1  
Delaware
    1     Missouri     7     South Carolina     5  
Florida
    17     Nebraska     1     South Dakota     2  
Georgia
    5     New Hampshire     1     Tennessee     8  
Illinois
    13     New Jersey     4     Texas     47  
Indiana
    9     New Mexico     2     Utah     1  
Iowa
    6     New York     2     Virginia     6  
Kansas
    4     North Carolina     7     Washington     2  
Kentucky
    6     North Dakota     2     West Virginia     5  
Louisiana
    10     Ohio     14     Wisconsin     7  
Maryland
    3                          

Store Expansion

     The following table provides a history of the Gadzooks store expansion program over the past five fiscal years, excluding Orchid stores.

                                         
    Fiscal Year
    2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
  1999
Number of stores open at beginning of period
    435       427       375       326       312  
Number of new stores opened
    1       11       56       52       19  
Number of stores closed
    30       3       4       3       5  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Number of stores open at end of period
    406       435       427       375       326  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The Company opens stores in enclosed shopping malls in both metropolitan and middle markets. Continued store expansion has been suspended pending the Company’s emergence from Chapter 11. The Company believes that the broad appeal of the Gadzooks concept enables it to operate successfully in diverse geographic and demographic markets, thereby increasing the total number of potential sites available to the Company.

     The Company typically expands from existing markets into contiguous new markets and attempts to cluster its stores within a market area in order to achieve management and operating efficiencies and to enhance its name recognition. The Company’s existing stores average approximately 2,500 square feet. The Company typically seeks a location of approximately 2,400 to 3,100 square feet with significant mall frontage. The Company closed 31 under-performing stores during fiscal 2003, liquidated 158 stores to-date in fiscal 2004 as part of its reorganization under Chapter 11, and estimates that an additional 15 to 20 stores will be closed during fiscal 2004. The Company will continue to analyze stores for potential closing from time to time.

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Merchandising

     Historically, the Company’s merchandising strategy has been to provide a wide range of brand name casual apparel and related accessories that reflect the fashion preferences of young men and women principally between the ages of 14 and 18. Effective early in the second half of fiscal 2003, the Company began focusing exclusively on apparel and accessories for females between the ages of 16 and 22 and has converted the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment. Prior to the conversion, all of the men’s merchandise was liquidated.

     The Company’s merchandise includes highly visible names such as Von Dutch, Dollhouse, Roxy, Hot Kiss and others. The Company concentrates on being the destination store for young women who want the latest trends in casual apparel.

     The Company has historically classified all its merchandise into one of the following three categories, as well as Young Mens. As discussed above, beginning with the second half of fiscal 2003, the Company discontinued the men’s business.

     
•Juniors:
  The Juniors category includes casual sportswear separates designed for fashion-current teenage girls, such as knit tops, woven shirts and vests, denim, dresses and swimwear. Key brands in this category include Von Dutch, Dollhouse, Hot Kiss, Billabong and Roxy.
 
   
•Accessories:
  The Accessories category includes a variety of accessories including sunglasses, watches, hair accessories, backpacks, necklaces, hats and other accessories. Key brands in this category include Von Dutch, Dollhouse, Dickies, Disney and Hot Kiss.
 
   
•Footwear:
  The Company offers a limited selection of footwear including sandals and active footwear. Key brands in this category include Converse, Roxy, Sugar and Chinese Laundry.

     The following table sets forth the Company’s merchandise sales by category as an approximate percentage of total net sales:

                         
    Fiscal Year
    2003
  2002
  2001
Juniors
    59 %     38 %     39 %
Young Mens
    17       39       40  
Accessories
    17       18       16  
Footwear
    7       5       5  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    100 %     100 %     100 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     By offering products in multiple categories, the Company is able to shift its merchandise emphasis among and within its core categories to respond to changing customer preferences. The Company expects to continue to adjust its emphasis in particular categories in response to changing fashion trends and, therefore, its merchandise mix may vary slightly from time to time. Since July 2003, the Company has focused exclusively on apparel and accessories for females in connection with the conversion of the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment. Prior to the conversion, all of the men’s merchandise was liquidated.

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     The Company continues to supplement its national and teen branded merchandise with private brand offerings in order to better meet the needs of its customers. Private brands allow the Company the opportunity to expand its customer base by providing merchandise of comparable quality to brand name merchandise at competitive prices and to capitalize on fashion trends when branded merchandise vendors are not offering the latest in trends. The private brand merchandise is designed internally by the Company’s product design team and buying staff. This merchandise is primarily sourced domestically to allow the buying staff to react quickly to developing trends. Private brand sales, including merchandise designed and sourced by Gadzooks under the Candie’s label, accounted for approximately 38 percent and 17 percent of the Company’s sales in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively.

     In an effort to keep the stores fresh and exciting, the Company’s visual merchandising department, in conjunction with the marketing and buying staff, provides specific floor sets and merchandising ideas to the stores and regularly instructs district and store managers on the creative display of merchandise. The merchandise presentation in the stores, although changed each month, is significantly changed four times each year to highlight specific merchandise for each of the Company’s spring, summer, back-to-school and holiday selling seasons and to maintain a current look. In addition, the Company maintains a constant flow of new merchandise to the stores through shipments from its distribution center on a daily basis to encourage customers to frequently visit its stores. To reduce the risk associated with the introduction of new products, the Company tests certain products in selected stores before determining if it will purchase the product for a broader group of stores.

Purchasing

     The Company’s purchasing staff consists of a Chief Merchandising Officer, General Merchandising Manager, Divisional Merchandising Managers, buyers and assistant buyers. The purchasing staff analyzes current fashion directions by visiting major fashion markets, maintaining close relationships with the Company’s vendors and utilizing focus groups in order to identify styles and trends. The Chief Merchandising Officer, General Merchandising Manager, Divisional Merchandising Managers and the buyers regularly monitor merchandise flow through the stores and strive to maintain the appropriate merchandise mix to meet customer demand.

     Due to changes in fashion trends and seasonality, the Company purchases merchandise from numerous vendors throughout the year. During fiscal 2003, the Company did business with approximately 550 vendors. No single vendor accounted for more than ten percent of merchandise purchases. Gadzooks believes that strong vendor relationships are important to the growth and success of the Company.

     In addition, the Company uses private label merchandise to supplement its primarily branded product line. Bad Kitty and Taunt are the private label brands established for the junior’s category.

Planning and Allocation

     The Company continually strives to improve its merchandising, distribution, planning and allocation methods to manage its inventory more productively. The Company’s planning and allocation staff work closely with the buyers to determine the correct inventory levels for all stores and merchandise categories. The Company divides its stores into different categories based upon, among other things, geographic location, demographics, sales volume, competition and store capacity. Merchandise allocation is based in part on sales and inventory analysis of the stores by category. Information from the Company’s point-of-sale computer system is regularly reviewed and analyzed to assist in making merchandise allocation and markdown decisions.

     In May 1997, the Company relocated its headquarters to a 207,000 square foot site in the Dallas metropolitan area, which includes a distribution facility and the Company’s corporate offices. Vendors deliver merchandise to this facility, where it is inspected, received into the Company’s merchandising system, allocated to stores and boxed for distribution to the Company’s stores. Merchandise is typically shipped to stores daily, providing Gadzooks’ stores with a steady flow of new merchandise. For certain key products, the Company maintains a backstock at its distribution center that is allocated and distributed to the stores through an automated replenishment system.

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Store Operations

     Gadzooks stores are open seven days a week during normal mall hours. The Company’s store operations are managed by a Vice President of Store Operations, Regional Sales Directors and District Sales Managers, who generally have responsibility for eight to ten stores within a geographic district. Individual stores are managed by a store manager and two assistant store managers. A typical store has five to 12 part-time sales associates, depending on the season. Gadzooks compensates its district and store managers with a base salary and performance bonuses, based on store sales and shrink results. Sales associates and assistant store managers are compensated on an hourly basis.

     The Company believes that its continued success is dependent in part on its ability to attract, retain and motivate quality employees. The Company has an established training program for future district sales managers. Store managers, many of whom are selected from among the Company’s assistant managers, currently complete a one-week training program with a designated training store manager before taking responsibility for a store. A formalized one-week training program for assistant managers was rolled out to the stores in fiscal 2002. The hiring and training of new sales associates and assistant managers are the responsibility of store managers, and the Company has established training and operations manuals to assist them in this process.

     Management considers its employees’ knowledge of the Company’s customers and merchandise to be significant to its marketing approach and customer satisfaction. While all Gadzooks store employees are responsible for the general appearance of the store and merchandise presentation, the Company’s major emphasis in training its store employees is to give priority to customer service and assistance. Sales associates regularly act as greeters, meeting customers as they enter the store and offering assistance. The Company trains its sales associates to inform the customer about new fashion trends and to suggest merchandise that suits the customer’s wardrobe and lifestyle needs. The Company monitors customer service at the store level through various programs, including unannounced visits to the stores by store operations personnel and by regularly reviewing and responding to customer feedback.

Store Environment

     The Company believes that its stores provide a fun and enjoyable shopping experience for its customers. Gadzooks stores are designed to create a high energy, fun environment using television monitors featuring popular music videos and creative, eye-catching signage. Historically, the Company has displayed a significant amount of merchandise on the walls of the store, with male merchandise along one side and female merchandise along the other. Early in the second half of fiscal 2003, however, the Company converted the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment. As a result of the conversion, new fixtures and merchandise displays were utilized to give the store environment more of a feminine appeal. Stores typically feature large windows along the mall which provide an open view of the entire store to mall traffic and are merchandised to draw customers into the store.

Management Information Systems

     Each Gadzooks store is linked to the Company’s headquarters through a point-of-sale system that interfaces with an IBM RS6000 computer equipped with an integrated merchandising, distribution and accounting software package. The Company’s point-of-sale computer system has several features, including merchandise scanning, “price look-up,” updated sales reports and on-line credit card approval. These features improve transaction accuracy, speed and checkout time, increase overall store efficiency and enable the Company to track the productivity of individual sales associates.

     The Company’s management information and control systems enable the Company’s corporate headquarters personnel to promptly identify sales trends, replenish depleted store inventories, reprice merchandise and monitor merchandise mix and inventory shrinkage at individual stores and throughout the Company’s store network. Management believes that these systems provide a number of benefits, including improved store inventory management, better in-stock availability, higher operating efficiency and fewer markdowns.

     The Company believes that its current management information and control systems are adequate to support the Company’s existing and planned operations, but regularly evaluates its systems to determine when upgrades or replacements are needed. The Company implemented enhanced planning and allocation systems in fiscal 2000. These changes allow the Company to more efficiently manage and respond to merchandise mix changes at a chain and store level. The Company implemented a new financial system that was fully operational by the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2001. During fiscal 2002, a warehouse management system was installed and implemented prior to the holiday season. Warehouse productivity and accuracy have

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been improved with online, real-time, detailed task tracking and barcode scanning through the use of wireless devices. In fiscal 2002, the Company improved its communications with its regional and district store managers through the implementation of remote access capabilities.

Advertising and Promotion

     The Company relies primarily on mall traffic, the enthusiasm of its sales associates and existing customers, highly visible store locations and eye-catching signage to attract new customers to the stores. The Company has generally found this approach to be more cost effective than more traditional media advertising. During fiscal 2001, the Company began building an e-mail database of customers. The database is used to advertise and promote merchandise offerings and contests via e-mail blasts as a means to increase customer traffic at the stores. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company began building a mailing list of its customers. The mailing list, which includes general demographic information, was utilized in a direct mail campaign to support the Company’s transition to an all-female merchandise assortment in the second half of fiscal 2003. Additionally, the Company hired a leading independent branding firm to help plan and execute the marketing and advertising campaign used to support Gadzooks’ new brand image.

     The Company plans the opening of new stores to coincide with peak shopping seasons and mall grand openings when customer traffic is greater. The Company also uses promotions to generate repeat visits to its stores and plans on continuing its advertisements in national magazines, such as Seventeen, YM, Teen Vogue and Teen People, in partnership with certain of its vendors. The Company also benefits from advertising by its vendors, especially where Gadzooks is listed as a retailer of their products. The Company’s redesigned website features music videos, movie previews, horoscopes, current store fashions and promotions to capture the attention of its target customers and attract them to the stores. The Company has also been active in sponsoring concerts and other teen-related promotional events.

Trademarks

     The Company currently has pending applications for “Bad Kitty” and “Taunt.” Each federal registration is renewable indefinitely if the mark is in use at the time of the renewal. The Company is not aware of any claims of infringement or other challenges to the Company’s right to use its marks in the United States.

Competition

     The teenage retail apparel and accessories industry is highly competitive. The Company competes with other retailers for customers, suitable retail locations and qualified management personnel. Gadzooks currently competes with traditional department stores, with national specialty chains such as Old Navy and certain divisions of The Limited, with numerous other teen retailers such as American Eagle Outfitters, The Buckle Pacific Sunwear, Abercrombie & Fitch, , Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, Wet Seal and Hot Topic, with smaller chains and local specialty stores, and to a lesser extent, with mass merchandisers and companies providing shopping sites via the internet. Many of the Company’s competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company. The principal competitive factors in the Company’s business are fashion, merchandise selection, customer service, price and store location.

Employees

     On April 6, 2004, the Company had 974 full-time employees and 1,530 part-time employees. Of the Company’s 2,504 employees, 104 were corporate personnel, 88 were distribution center employees and 2,312 were store employees. The number of part-time employees varies with seasonal needs. None of the Company’s employees are covered by a collective bargaining agreement. The Company seeks to create a casual and supportive working environment and believes its employee relations to be excellent.

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RISK FACTORS

     This report contains certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. When used in this report, words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “predict,” “project,” “will” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management, identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based on information currently available to our management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors, including fluctuations in store sales results, changes in economic conditions, fluctuations in quarterly results and other factors described under the “Risk Factors” section. Such statements reflect the current views of our management with respect to future events and are subject to these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to our operations, results of operations, growth strategy and liquidity. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us, or persons acting on our behalf, are expressly qualified in their entirety by this paragraph.

     We may not be able to continue as a going concern.

     On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks, Inc. filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Dallas and was assigned case number 04-31486-hdh11.

     The Company is using the Chapter 11 process to complete the reorganization of its core business around approximately 250 stores chosen to strengthen its market share in the junior apparel business. There is no assurance that the Company will be able to reduce its corporate overhead to an appropriate level in connection with the smaller store base. Although the Company expects to continue to operate its business as debtor-in-possession under court protection from its creditors and claimants, there can be no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain approval of a plan of reorganization that will allow it to emerge from Chapter 11 or that the Chapter 11 will not be converted to Chapter 7.

     Any failure to meet the financial covenants specified under the DIP credit facility could substantially harm our business.

     Our DIP credit facility contains a number of financial performance covenants that must be met by the non-closing stores on a weekly or monthly basis. The DIP credit facility covenants require specified levels of performance for the following:

  sales,
 
  disbursements,
 
  inventory levels,
 
  gross margin and
 
  earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization

     The occurrence of an event of default under the agreement governing our debt would permit acceleration of the related debt, which could harm our business, profitability and growth prospects. If we do not meet these covenants, we could lose our DIP financing.

     We may not realize the increase in female business anticipated by converting to an all female merchandise assortment.

     Early in the second half of fiscal 2003 we converted our Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment. Although we continue to believe that the conversion will ultimately have a positive impact on our business due to our historical performance and expertise in the junior’s category, we cannot assure you that sales and operating results will increase as planned or that the conversion will be successful. If the anticipated increase in female business does not occur as planned, our sales and operating results will suffer.

     We have had significant fluctuations in comparable store sales results.

     Our comparable store sales results have varied significantly due to a variety of factors, including our change to an all-female merchandise assortment, economic conditions, fashion trends, the retail sales environment, competition, sourcing and distribution of products and our ability to execute our business strategy efficiently. The liquidation of our men’s inventory and subsequent change to an all-female merchandise assortment has caused unusual fluctuations in comparable store sales results, particularly in fiscal 2003. These fluctuations in comparable store sales may continue in fiscal 2004. Our comparable store sales results were (10.6)%, (9.9)%, (31.4)% and (24.8)% in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2003, respectively, (2.2)%, (3.3)%, (5.1)% and (3.1)% in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2002, respectively, and (4.6)%, (8.9)%,

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(3.2)% and (3.9)% in the first, second, third and fourth quarters of fiscal 2001, respectively. If our comparable store sales results continue to fluctuate, it may cause our stock price to be volatile.

     The financing mechanisms used by certain vendors could result in changes in our payment obligations, which could adversely affect our liquidity.

     We believe that the majority of our merchandise vendors either enter into factoring arrangements whereby factors purchase the vendor’s invoices, or enter into agreements with factors to insure the payment of their invoices. This financing mechanism allows Gadzooks’ vendors to receive payment in a shorter period of time. Certain of these factors have modified the terms of agreements with some of Gadzooks’ vendors and have accelerated the due dates for payments by us, required us to provide standby letters of credit or refused to approve shipments altogether. We believe that these factors may continue to materially modify our payment terms. Further material modifications by factors could materially adversely affect our ability to obtain new inventory, meet our cash requirements and maintain necessary liquidity going forward.

     If our sales continue to decline, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may suffer.

     Comparable store sales for fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002 decreased by 19.3 percent and 3.4 percent from the prior year, respectively. In addition, we have generated operating losses of $60.0 million and $2.0 million for fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. No assurance can be given that comparable store sales will improve. Continuing declines in comparable store sales or continuing operating losses could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

     In addition, we have tax receivables totaling approximately $5.3 million, as of January 31, 2004. Due to our operating losses and continuing same store sales declines since conversion to an all-female concept, we recognized a valuation allowance of approximately $25.0 million to reduce our deferred tax assets and tax benefits generated during fiscal 2003. We do not anticipate recording any tax benefit associated with operating losses in the foreseeable future.

     We have substantial debt obligations that could restrict our operations.

     We have substantial indebtedness. As of January 31, 2004, our outstanding debt was approximately $25.3 million. Our substantial indebtedness could have adverse consequences, including, but not limited to the conversion from Chapter 11 to Chapter 7. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund a plan of reorganization that is acceptable to our unsecured creditors, we may be forced to seek alternatives to address our liquidity concerns, including seeking additional equity capital, restructuring our debt or a potential liquidation under Chapter 7 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. We cannot assure you that our cash flow and capital resources will be sufficient for payment of our debt in the future, or that any such alternative measures would be successful or would permit us to meet scheduled debt service obligations. Any failure to meet our debt obligations could harm our business, profitability and growth prospects.

     If we are unable to successfully anticipate changes in fashion trends, our business, sales and image could suffer.

     Gadzooks’ profitability is largely dependent upon our ability to anticipate the fashion tastes of our customers and to provide merchandise and brands that appeal to their preferences in a timely manner. The fashion tastes of our customers may change frequently. Our failure to anticipate, identify or react appropriately to changes in styles, trends or brand preferences could lead to, among other things, excess inventories and higher markdowns, which could have a material adverse effect on our operating results, comparable store sales results, liquidity and our image with our customers.

     If we are unable to successfully anticipate fashion trends with our private label merchandise, our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may suffer.

     Sales from private label merchandise, including merchandise designed and sourced by Gadzooks under the Candie’s label, accounted for approximately 38% and 17% of net sales in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively. We expect the percentage of net sales in private label merchandise to be between 25% and 30% of total net sales in the future, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to achieve these percentages in private label merchandise sales as a percentage of net sales. Because our private label merchandise generally carries higher merchandise margins than our other merchandise, our failure to anticipate, identify and react in a timely manner to fashion trends with our private label merchandise, particularly if the percentage of net sales derived from private label merchandise increases, may have a material adverse affect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

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     Competition in the teen retailing market is intense and could reduce our profitability, sales and liquidity.

     We operate in a highly competitive environment, which has experienced aggressive growth in the number of competitors, the number of stores and the amount of square footage dedicated specifically to teen retailing. We currently compete with traditional department stores, with national specialty chains such as Old Navy and certain divisions of The Limited, with numerous other teen retailers, such as American Eagle Outfitters, The Buckle, Pacific Sunwear, Abercrombie & Fitch, Charlotte Russe, Forever 21, Wet Seal and Hot Topic, with smaller chains and local specialty stores, and to a lesser extent, with mass merchandisers and companies providing shopping sites via the internet. Many of these competitors are larger and have substantially greater resources than Gadzooks. Direct competition with these and other retailers may increase significantly in the future, which could require us, among other things, to lower our prices and/or increase our advertising expenses. Increased competition could have a material adverse effect on our profitability, sales and liquidity.

     If our key vendors are unable to adequately supply us with our desired merchandise on acceptable terms, our business and sales may suffer.

     Our business depends on our ability to purchase current season, brand name apparel in sufficient quantities at competitive prices. The inability or failure of key vendors to supply us with adequate quantities of desired merchandise, the loss of one or more key vendors or a material change in our current purchase terms could have a material adverse effect on our business and liquidity. Many of our smaller vendors have limited resources, production capacities and operating histories, and many have limited the distribution of their merchandise in the past. We have no long-term purchase contracts or other contractual assurances of continued supply, pricing or access to new products. There can be no assurance that we will be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities on terms acceptable to us in the future. During our 2003 fiscal year, no single vendor accounted for more than 10% of our merchandise purchases. Currently, one vendor does represent over 10% of our sales in the first quarter of 2004.

     Depressed economic conditions or a decrease in mall traffic could adversely affect our growth, sales, liquidity and profitability.

     Certain economic conditions affect the level of consumer spending on merchandise we offer, including business conditions, interest rates, taxation and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. If the demand for apparel and related merchandise by our female customers declines, our business, comparable store sales results, results of operations and liquidity would be materially and adversely affected. Although we advertise on our website, through e-mail blasts and to a limited extent in national magazines through cooperative agreements with certain of our vendors, our stores rely principally on mall traffic for customers. Therefore, we are dependent upon the continued popularity of malls as a shopping destination and the ability of mall anchor tenants and other attractions to generate customer traffic for our stores. A decrease in mall traffic or a decline in economic conditions in the markets in which our stores are located would adversely affect our growth, net sales, comparable store sales results, liquidity and profitability.

     Any disruption in our distribution facility or growth beyond its capabilities could cause our business and financial condition to suffer.

     Our distribution functions for all our stores are handled from a single facility in Carrollton, Texas. Any significant interruption in the operation of the distribution facility due to natural disasters, accidents, system failures or other unforeseen causes could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that our distribution center will be adequate to support future growth.

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     Declines in tourism and mall traffic resulting from threats of, concerns about and terrorist attacks could result in decreased sales.

     As a result of the war in Iraq and the lingering effects of the attacks on September 11, 2001, security has been heightened in public areas, including the regional shopping malls where our stores are located. Any further threat of terrorist attacks or actual terrorist events could lead to lower customer traffic in regional shopping malls. A continued decline in tourism in this market could have a material effect on our sales, profitability and liquidity. In addition, local authorities or mall management could close regional shopping malls in response to any immediate security concern. For example, on September 11, 2001, substantially all our stores were closed early due to closure of the malls in response to the terrorist attacks. Mall closures, as well as lower customer traffic due to security concerns, could result in decreased sales that would have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and liquidity.

     If we lose key employees on whom we depend, or are unable to attract additional qualified personnel, our business could suffer.

     Our success depends largely on the efforts and abilities of senior management. The loss of the services of any member of senior management could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. There can be no assurance that our existing management team will be able to manage Gadzooks or that we will be able to retain current and attract additional qualified personnel as needed in the future.

     If the market price of our common stock fluctuates significantly, you could lose all or part of your investment.

     The market price of our common stock has fluctuated substantially since our initial public offering in October 1995. Our common stock was delisted from the Nasdaq Stock Market on February 12, 2004 and is currently quoted on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service maintained by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. Our common stock has experienced, and is likely to experience in the future, significant price and volume fluctuations due to market volatility, which could adversely affect the market price of the common stock without regard to our operating performance. In addition, we believe that factors such as quarterly fluctuations in our financial results, our comparable store sales results, announcements by other apparel retailers, the overall economy and the condition of the financial markets could cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate substantially. The price of our common stock could fluctuate based upon factors that have little or nothing to do with our company and these fluctuations could materially reduce our stock price.

     We have implemented anti-takeover provisions that may discourage a change of control.

     Our Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying, deterring or preventing a takeover of Gadzooks that shareholders may consider to be in their best interests. Our Restated Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws provide for a classified board of directors serving staggered terms of three years, the prohibition of shareholder action by written consent in certain circumstances and certain “fair price provisions.” Additionally, the board of directors has the authority to issue up to 1,000,000 shares of preferred stock having such rights, preferences and privileges as designated by the board of directors without shareholder approval. We also have a Shareholder Rights Plan, which is intended to deter an unfriendly takeover of Gadzooks and to help ensure that current shareholders receive fair value upon the sale of their stock to another party seeking control of Gadzooks. These provisions and the rights plan may have the effect of discouraging takeovers, even if the change of control might be beneficial to our shareholders.

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     Our discretion in some matters is limited by our DIP credit facility restrictive covenants, and any default on our debt agreements could harm our business, profitability and growth prospects.

     Our DIP facility contains a number of covenants that limit the discretion of our management with respect to certain business matters. The credit facility covenants, among other things, restrict our ability to:

  incur additional indebtedness;
 
  declare or pay dividends or other distributions;
 
  create liens;
 
  make certain investments or acquisitions;
 
  enter into mergers and consolidations;
 
  make sales of assets; and
 
  engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

     The occurrence of an event of default under the agreements governing our debt would permit acceleration of the related debt, which could harm our business, profitability and growth prospects.

     Shareholders may experience dilution of their investment.

     As a result of our efforts to raise additional capital in Chapter 11, our shareholders may experience dilution of their investment due to the additional number of shares of our common stock in the public market. Further, if we issue any equity securities in connection with our emergence from bankruptcy, our existing shareholders may experience further dilution. This dilution could cause the market price of our common stock to decline. In addition, the sale of these shares could impair our ability to raise capital through the sale of additional common or preferred stock. Assuming we receive shareholder approval for the issuance of shares over 20% of our shares outstanding and the conversion of the principal balance of the outstanding convertible subordinated notes into 2,800,000 shares of common stock, we will have 11,947,024 shares of common stock outstanding, which represents an increase of 30.6% over the 9,147,024 shares outstanding as of May 10, 2004. In addition, you may experience further dilution if interest accrues on the notes and is subsequently converted into shares of common stock.

ITEM 2. PROPERTIES.

     All of the existing stores are leased by the Company, with lease terms (excluding renewal option periods exercisable by the Company at escalating rents) expiring between April 2004 and January 2014. The leases for most of the existing stores are for terms of ten years and provide for contingent rent based upon a percent of sales in excess of specified minimums.

     The Company leases its office and distribution center located in Carrollton, Texas under a lease that is scheduled to expire on May 1, 2007.

ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

     On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Dallas and was assigned case number 04-31486-hdh11. As a debtor-in-possession, the Company is authorized to continue operating as an ongoing business, but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the approval of the Court, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

     At first day hearings held on February 3 and 4, 2004, the Court entered orders granting authority to the Company to, among other things, pay pre-petition and post-petition employee wages, salaries, benefits and other employee obligations, to pay vendors and other providers in the ordinary course for goods and services received from January 24, 2004, and to honor customer service programs, including returns, store credits and gift cards. On February 3, 2004, the Court also gave interim approval for a debtor-in-possession revolving credit facility, referred to as the DIP Facility, with Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC in the aggregate amount of $30 million for the payment of permitted pre-petition claims, working capital needs, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes. On February 25, 2004, the Court gave final approval on the DIP Facility underwritten by Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC. A description of the DIP Facility appears in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Debt and Credit Agreement.

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     Background of Filing -In January 2003, the Company announced its decision to convert the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment early in the second half of fiscal 2003. The Company anticipated an operating loss during the transition phase in fiscal 2003, with expectations of returning to profitability in fiscal 2004. However, as a result of a rapid decline in liquidity resulting from below-plan sales and earnings performance in the second half of fiscal 2003, an erosion of supplier confidence, intense competition and unsuccessful sales and marketing initiatives, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court, on February 3, 2004. Under Chapter 11, the Company expects to continue to operate its business as debtor-in-possession under court protection from its creditors and claimants, while using the Chapter 11 process to complete the reorganization of its core business around approximately 250 stores that were chosen to strengthen its market share in the junior apparel business.

     Consequence of Filing — As a consequence of the Chapter 11 filing, all pending claims against the Company are stayed and no party may take any action to realize its pre-petition claims except pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. It is the Company’s intention to address all of its pre-petition claims in a plan of reorganization to be voted upon by creditors and equity holders and approved by the Court.

     Restructuring Activities — Since filing for bankruptcy protection, management has been actively engaged in restructuring the Company’s operations. With the assistance of an independent consulting firm specializing in restructuring operations, management analyzed all of the Company’s stores based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, historical sales results, expected future sales results, occupancy cost, and mix of juniors versus men’s business to identify the optimal set of stores to retain and operate. Management continues to evaluate the operating results of all the Company’s stores. The cost to terminate leases on stores identified for closure could be as much as $15.0 million, but the Company believes the ultimate liability could be much less than that amount. The Company is currently operating approximately 250 stores, but there can be no guarantee that additional stores will not be closed, or that stores already closed will not be reopened with an improved occupancy structure. Management retained an independent real estate consulting firm to assist the Company in achieving the most cost effective strategy for exiting stores targeted for closure. The real estate consultant has also assisted management in its efforts to negotiate reduced rents for certain properties. Those real estate initiatives are ongoing. Management also thoroughly evaluated its merchandising activities in an effort to improve the Company’s sales, merchandise margin and inventory turnover metrics. Under the supervision of a new President and Chief Merchandising Officer (assumed the position in February 2004), the Company’s merchandising group has implemented a number of new strategies including, but not limited to, the following:

  an increased emphasis on establishing leadership positions in the mall in certain product categories,
 
  the accelerated identification and liquidation of slow-moving items,
 
  an increased emphasis on popular brands,
 
  more appropriate utilization of the Company’s private brands,
 
  an increased emphasis on offering products that customers are inclined to purchase for immediate use (“buy now, wear now”),
 
  the maintenance of more appropriate inventory mix metrics (e.g., tops to bottoms ratio),
 
  maintaining lower inventory levels to promote faster inventory turns and a more desirable shopping experience in the stores and
 
  providing for more frequent changes to store visuals and merchandise presentations.

     Management has also significantly reduced the Company’s fixed cost structure primarily by eliminating approximately 65 field management and corporate positions in fiscal 2004 and, accordingly, the Company will recognize any severance related expenses in fiscal 2004. Management expects that the cost reductions the Company has implemented will result in annualized expense savings in excess of $10 million. Management believes it will be necessary to raise additional capital to liquidate and/or restructure the Company’s pre-petition obligations, to satisfy the Company’s lease termination liabilities arising from the rejection of store leases and to adequately capitalize the business. The Company has engaged an investment banker to assist it in determining and satisfying its capital needs. At this time it is not possible to predict the exact amount or nature of such new capital. In addition, there can be no guarantee that additional capital will be available to the Company, or that such capital will be available on terms favorable to the Company. Raising additional capital could result in the significant dilution of current equity interests, but it is not possible to predict the extent of such potential dilution at this time.

     Generally, under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, holders of equity interests may not participate under a plan of reorganization unless the claims of creditors are satisfied in full under the plan or unless creditors accept a reorganization plan that permits holders of equity interests to participate. Although the Company expects to file a reorganization plan that provides

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for emergence from bankruptcy in the second half of 2004, there can be no assurance that a reorganization plan will be proposed by the Company or confirmed by the Court, or that any such plan will be consummated. As such, it is currently impossible to predict with any degree of certainty how the plan will treat pre-petition claims and the impact the Chapter 11 filing and any reorganization plan may have on shares of common stock of Gadzooks.

     In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is periodically a party to lawsuits. The Company does not believe that any resulting liability from such existing legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, there can be no assurance that future costs will not be material to operating results and liquidity.

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

     No matters were submitted to a vote of the Company’s shareholders during the fourth quarter of the fiscal year covered by this report.

PART II

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

     The following table sets forth, for the quarterly periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of common stock as reported on The Nasdaq Stock Market:

                                 
    2003
  2002
    High
  Low
  High
  Low
Fiscal Quarters:
                               
First Quarter
  $ 4.76     $ 2.03     $ 18.55     $ 12.95  
Second Quarter
    7.77       3.49       14.45       8.25  
Third Quarter
    8.00       3.60       8.60       3.51  
Fourth Quarter
    7.24       .90       5.98       3.25  

     As of February 12, 2004, the common stock of the Company was suspended from trading by The Nasdaq Stock Market and delisted from the exchange. The stock is now quoted on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service maintained by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. On April 8, 2004 the closing sales price on the Pink Sheets Electronic Quotation Service was $1.64. As of April 8, 2004, the approximate number of common shareholders of record was 92, although the Company believes that the actual number of beneficial owners is significantly higher. The Company presently intends to retain earnings, if any, for use in its business and therefore does not anticipate declaring a cash dividend in the near future.

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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

     The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes thereto included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
($ in thousands, except operating data   January 31,   February 1,   February 2,   February 3,   January 29,
and per share amounts)
 
  2004
  2003
  2002
  2001
  2000
Statement of Operations Data:
                                       
Net sales
  $ 258,506     $ 325,521     $ 313,823     $ 288,411     $ 240,253  
Cost of goods sold
    227,849       244,321       234,054       205,505       173,778  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    30,657       81,200       79,769       82,906       66,475  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    81,688       77,337       69,758       63,450       55,558  
Long-lived asset impairments
    8,974       5,870       563             1,721  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    (60,005 )     (2,007 )     9,448       19,456       9,196  
Interest income (expense), net
    (828 )     74       294       792       496  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (60,833 )     (1,933 )     9,742       20,248       9,692  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    1,144       (675 )     3,733       7,458       3,622  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (61,977 )   $ (1,258 )   $ 6,009     $ 12,790     $ 6,070  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
                                       
Basic
  $ (6.78 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.66     $ 1.44     $ 0.68  
Diluted
  $ (6.78 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.65     $ 1.38     $ 0.67  
Average shares outstanding
                                       
Basic
    9,136       9,126       9,040       8,911       8,910  
Diluted
    9,136       9,126       9,304       9,293       9,043  
Selected Operating Data:
                                       
Comparable store sales change (1)
    (19.3 )%     (3.4 )%     (5.1 )%     7.6 %     5.4 %
Number of stores at year end
    410       439       431       375       326  
Average net sales per store
  $ 611,000     $ 743,000     $ 767,000     $ 826,000     $ 746,000  
Average net sales per square foot
  $ 247     $ 300     $ 312     $ 345     $ 315  
Total square footage at end of period
    1,017,000       1,087,000       1,064,000       908,000       772,000  
Operating income (loss) ratio
    (23.2 )%     (0.6 )%     3.0 %     6.7 %     3.8 %
Capital expenditures (in thousands)
  $ 9,124     $ 9,688     $ 14,275     $ 12,936     $ 7,008  
Balance Sheet Data:
                                       
Working capital
  $ 3,996     $ 50,773     $ 47,040     $ 44,986     $ 38,367  
Total assets
    76,220       125,127       125,681       118,794       96,662  
Total debt
    24,024                          
Shareholders’ equity
    25,805       86,358       86,853       79,388       66,145  

(1) A store becomes comparable after it has been open for 14 full fiscal months.

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

General

     Gadzooks is a mall-based specialty retailer of casual apparel and related accessories for young women, principally between the ages of 16 and 22. On January 9, 2003, the Company announced plans to focus exclusively on apparel and accessories for females. The conversion of the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment took place early in the second half of fiscal 2003. In the second half of fiscal 2001, the Company began testing a new retail concept with the opening of four Orchid stores. The Orchid concept catered to the innerwear and sleepwear needs of females between the ages of 14 and 22. In January 2004, the Company decided to discontinue testing the Orchid concept and liquidated those stores during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company opened its first store in 1983, and at fiscal year-end 2003, operated 406 Gadzooks stores and four Orchid stores in 41 states. The Company opened one Gadzooks store and one Orchid store in fiscal 2003, 11 Gadzooks stores in fiscal 2002 and 56 Gadzooks stores and four Orchid stores in fiscal 2001. Thirty Gadzooks stores and one Orchid store were closed during fiscal 2003, three Gadzooks stores were closed during fiscal 2002 and four Gadzooks stores were closed during fiscal 2001. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company closed 158 stores. As of May 1, 2004, the Company operates 252 stores.

Subsequent Event – Voluntary Bankruptcy Filing

     On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Dallas and was assigned case number 04-31486-hdh11. As a debtor-in-possession, the Company is authorized to continue to operate as an ongoing business, but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the approval of the Court, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

     At first day hearings held on February 3 and 4, 2004, the Court entered orders granting authority to the Company to, among other things, pay pre-petition and post-petition employee wages, salaries, benefits and other employee obligations, to pay vendors and other providers in the ordinary course for goods and services received from January 24, 2004, and to honor customer service programs, including returns, store credits and gift cards. On February 3, 2004, the Court also gave interim approval for a debtor-in-possession revolving credit facility, referred to as the DIP Facility, with Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC in the aggregate amount of $30 million for the payment of permitted pre-petition claims, working capital needs, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes. On February 25, 2004, the Court gave final approval on the DIP Facility underwritten by Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC. A description of the DIP Facility appears in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis – Long-Term Debt and Credit Agreement.

     Background of Filing — In January 2003, the Company announced its decision to convert the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment early in the second half of fiscal 2003. The Company anticipated an operating loss during the transition phase in fiscal 2003, with expectations of returning to profitability in fiscal 2004. However, as a result of a rapid decline in liquidity resulting from below-plan sales and earnings performance in the second half of fiscal 2003, an erosion of supplier confidence, intense competition and unsuccessful sales and marketing initiatives, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court, on February 3, 2004. Under Chapter 11, the Company expects to continue to operate its business as debtor-in-possession under court protection from its creditors and claimants, while using the Chapter 11 process to complete the reorganization of its core business around approximately 250 stores that were chosen to strengthen its market share in the junior apparel business.

     Consequence of Filing — As a consequence of the Chapter 11 filing, all pending claims against the Company are stayed and no party may take any action to realize its pre-petition claims except pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. It is the Company’s intention to address all of its pre-petition claims in a plan of reorganization to be voted upon by creditors and equity holders and approved by the Court.

     Restructuring Activities — Since filing for bankruptcy protection, management has been actively engaged in restructuring the Company’s operations. With the assistance of an independent consulting firm specializing in restructuring operations, management analyzed all of the Company’s stores based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, historical sales results, expected future sales results, occupancy cost, and mix of juniors versus men’s business to identify the optimal set of stores to retain and operate. Management continues to evaluate the operating results of all the Company’s stores. The cost to terminate leases on stores identified for closure could be as much as $15.0 million, but the Company believes the ultimate liability could be much less than that amount. The Company is currently operating approximately 250 stores, but there can be

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no guarantee that additional stores will not be closed, or that stores already closed will not be reopened with an improved occupancy structure. Management retained an independent real estate consulting firm to assist the Company in achieving the most cost effective strategy for exiting stores targeted for closure. The real estate consultant has also assisted management in its efforts to negotiate reduced rents for certain properties. Those real estate initiatives are ongoing. Management also thoroughly evaluated its merchandising activities in an effort to improve the Company’s sales, merchandise margin and inventory turnover metrics. Under the supervision of a new President and Chief Merchandising Officer (assumed the position in February 2004), the Company’s merchandising group has implemented a number of new strategies including, but not limited to, the following:

  an increased emphasis on establishing leadership positions in the mall in certain product categories,
 
  the accelerated identification and liquidation of slow-moving items,
 
  an increased emphasis on popular brands,
 
  more appropriate utilization of the Company’s private brands,
 
  an increased emphasis on offering products that customers are inclined to purchase for immediate use (“buy now, wear now”),
 
  the maintenance of more appropriate inventory mix metrics (e.g., tops to bottoms ratio),
 
  maintaining lower inventory levels to promote faster inventory turns and a more desirable shopping experience in the stores and
 
  providing for more frequent changes to store visuals and merchandise presentations.

     Management has also significantly reduced the Company’s fixed cost structure primarily by eliminating approximately 65 field management and corporate positions in fiscal 2004 and, accordingly, the Company will recognize any severance related expenses in fiscal 2004. Management expects that the cost reductions the Company has implemented will result in annualized expense savings in excess of $10 million. Management believes it will be necessary to raise additional capital to liquidate and/or restructure the Company’s pre-petition obligations, to satisfy the Company’s lease termination liabilities arising from the rejection of store leases and to adequately capitalize the business. The Company has engaged an investment banker to assist it in determining and satisfying its capital needs. At this time it is not possible to predict the exact amount or nature of such new capital. In addition, there can be no guarantee that additional capital will be available to the Company, or that such capital will be available on terms favorable to the Company. Raising additional capital could result in the significant dilution of current equity interests, but it is not possible to predict the extent of such potential dilution at this time.

     Generally, under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, holders of equity interests may not participate under a plan of reorganization unless the claims of creditors are satisfied in full under the plan or unless creditors accept a reorganization plan that permits holders of equity interests to participate. Although the Company expects to file a reorganization plan that provides for emergence from bankruptcy in the second half of 2004, there can be no assurance that a reorganization plan will be proposed by the Company or confirmed by the Court, or that any such plan will be consummated. As such, it is currently impossible to predict with any degree of certainty how the plan will treat pre-petition claims and the impact the Chapter 11 filing and any reorganization plan may have on shares of common stock of Gadzooks.

     The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The filing of Chapter 11 raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Further, a plan of reorganization could materially change the amounts and classifications reported in the consolidated financial statements, which do not give effect to any adjustments to the carrying value or the classification of assets or liabilities that might be necessary as a consequence of a plan of reorganization.

     All of the Company’s pre-petition debt is now in default due to the Chapter 11 filing. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2004 reflects the classification of the Company’s pre-petition debt as current.

     Accounting Impact — Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company will be required to follow Statement of Position 90-7 (“SOP 90-7”), “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code.” Pursuant to SOP 90-7, the Company’s pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise will be reported separately on the balance sheet at an estimate of the amount that will ultimately be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court. SOP 90-7 also requires separate reporting of certain expenses, realized gains and losses, and provisions for losses related to the Chapter 11 filing as reorganization items.

     In January 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with a consulting firm to help with the complete liquidation of its inventory in 37 under-performing stores. All amounts paid or payable to the firm pursuant to the contract are contingent upon the firm’s ability to meet certain minimum levels of sales performance. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company

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recognized approximately $133,000 owed to the firm (or paid to the firm) based on sales through year-end as selling, general and administrative expense pursuant to the contract. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recognized $546,000 in cost of sales in order to write-down inventory to its estimated net realizable value at the applicable stores that had not been liquidated as of year-end. Six of these stores were closed during fiscal 2003 and the remaining stores were closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company performed one of the following on all of the store closures: 1) exercised early termination provision of the lease, 2) closed the store due to a lease expiration or 3) rejected the lease.

     In February 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with a consulting firm to help with the complete liquidation of its inventory in 127 under performing stores. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company was guaranteed a certain percentage of the aggregate retail price of the merchandise as determined by the contract and was reimbursed for store level operating expenses of the respective stores for the term of the liquidation. A total of $2.5 million was recorded as cost of goods sold through a write-down of the respective inventory to its estimated net realizable value during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003 pursuant to this agreement. All of these stores were closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company and liquidation firm are negotiating the final settlement and amounts owed pursuant to the contract. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company performed one of the following on all but three of the store closures: 1) exercised early termination provision of the lease, 2) closed the store due to a lease expiration or 3) rejected the lease.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

     The preparation of Gadzooks’ consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates such estimates including sales return rates, inventory reserves, impairment of long-lived assets, income taxes and accrued expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

     Gadzooks’ accounting policies are generally straightforward, however, the following require more significant management judgments and estimates.

     Revenue Recognition. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, retail merchandise sales are recognized at the point of sale less sales returns and employee discounts. Management records a provision for estimated sales returns based on historical return rates. If sales return rates increase, an additional allowance may be required.

     Inventory Valuation. As discussed in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements, inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method. Markdown allowances received from vendors are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost and therefore as a reduction of cost of goods sold in the period in which the related merchandise is sold. In addition, inventories include an allocation of buying and distribution costs to prepare product for the stores. This inventory valuation method requires certain management estimates and judgments, including estimates of merchandise markdowns, which could significantly affect gross margin. Management estimates the markdown reserve based on several factors, including but not limited to, merchandise quantities, historical markdown percentages, aged seasonal merchandise and future merchandise plans. If future demand or merchandise markdowns are less favorable than those projected by management, additional inventory adjustments may be required. On a monthly basis, management estimates shrink based on historical shrink rates. These estimates are compared to actual results as inventory counts are taken and reconciled to the general ledger. Gadzooks has not experienced significant fluctuations in historical shrink rates.

     Long-lived Asset Impairment. As discussed in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements, management periodically reviews its long-lived assets for impairment and records a provision whenever events or circumstances indicate that the net book value of the asset may not be recoverable. Impairment is determined based on several factors, including but not limited to, current year operating loss or cash flow loss combined with a history and forecast of operating or cash flow losses, significant negative industry or economic trends and a current expectation, that more likely than not, the asset will be disposed of significantly before the end of its previously estimated useful life. If management determines that an impairment exists, an impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and before interest) from the use of the assets is less than the net book value of the assets. The amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value of the assets and the estimated fair market value of the related assets.

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     Deferred Tax Assets. Due to our operating losses and continuing same store sales declines since the conversion to an all-female concept, we recognized a valuation allowance of approximately $25.0 million to reduce our deferred tax assets and tax benefits generated during fiscal 2003. The Company does not anticipate recording any tax benefit associated with operating losses in the foreseeable future. At January 31, 2004, the Company had tax receivables totaling $5.3 million, representing the amount of the current year estimated operating loss that can be carried back to prior years’ taxable income to obtain a tax refund.

     Accrued Expenses. On a monthly basis, certain expenses are estimated in an effort to reflect these expenses in the proper period. Gadzooks’ most material estimates relate to self-insurance reserves, store level operating expenses and bonuses. The self-insurance reserves for medical and worker’s compensation claims are recorded based on historical claim levels adjusted for changes in the employee base. If the historical claims used to calculate these estimates are not reflective of actual results, additional expenses may be incurred up to the point that the Company’s stop loss insurance begins. The Company is self-insured for property claims at the store level. Property claims at the store level are estimated and recognized as incurred. Accrued store level operating expenses are estimated based on current activity and historical results. Bonuses are based on performance and projected performance for the remainder of the bonus period. If actual results are significantly different from Gadzooks’ expectations, an adjustment to expenses may be required.

     Store Closures. Reserves for store closures, related to leases without early termination provisions, represent calculations of the present value of the remaining lease obligation, reduced by estimated sub-tenant income, plus other estimated contractual obligations as stated in the lease. For leases with early termination provisions, the liability for costs to terminate a lease before the end of its term is recognized when the Company terminates the lease in accordance with the contract terms. Expenses associated with the establishment of these reserves are reflected in general and administrative expense. Operating expenses reflect the future lease obligation or lease termination payments, less any remaining accrual for straight-line average rent. Store fixtures are transferred at historical cost to other store locations, written off or written down to their net realizable value and sold.

Results of Operations

     The following table sets forth for the periods indicated certain selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales and certain store data:

                         
    Fiscal Year
    2003
  2002
  2001
Net sales
    100.0 %     100.0 %     100.0 %
Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution and occupancy costs
    88.1       75.1       74.6  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Gross profit
    11.9       24.9       25.4  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    31.6       23.7       22.2  
Long-lived asset impairments
    3.5       1.8       0.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    (23.2 )     (0.6 )     3.0  
Interest income (expense), net
    (0.3 )           0.1  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (23.5 )     (0.6 )     3.1  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    0.5       (0.2 )     1.2  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
    (24.0 )%     (0.4 )%     1.9 %
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Number of stores open at end of period
    410       439       431  

     Fiscal Year. The Company’s fiscal year is the 52- or 53-week period that ends on the Saturday nearest January 31. Fiscal 2003 was the 52-week period ending January 31, 2004.

Fiscal 2003 Compared to Fiscal 2002

     Net sales decreased approximately $67.0 million, or 20.6 percent, to $258.5 million during fiscal 2003 from $325.5 million during fiscal 2002. The total Company sales decrease was due to a comparable store sales decrease of $60.6 million and a sales decrease of $8.3 million due to closed stores, partially offset by $1.9 million of sales for the two new stores opened during fiscal 2003 and for those stores not yet included in the comparable store sales base. Comparable store sales decreased 19.3 percent for

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fiscal 2003. The decrease in comparable store sales is attributed to the conversion to an all-female assortment and the Company’s failure to build its share of the junior apparel and accessory market as quickly as planned. The average dollar sale decreased by 8.9 percent for the year, and the number of transactions per average store declined by 10.1 percent. A store becomes comparable after it has been open for 14 full fiscal months.

     Gross profit decreased approximately $50.5 million to $30.7 million during fiscal 2003 from $81.2 million in fiscal 2002. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased 13.0 percent to 11.9 percent from 24.9 percent in fiscal 2002. Merchandise margin as a percentage of sales was 8.5 percent lower than the prior year. This decrease is attributable to increased markdown activity during the period, as a result of the Company’s liquidation of all its men’s merchandise in the first half of the year, lower of cost or market adjustments recorded at year-end in relation to stores slated to close in the first quarter of fiscal 2004 of $3.0 million, markdowns taken to liquidate inventories in the 31 stores that closed in fiscal 2003 and significant promotional activity in the second half of the year initiated to stimulate sales and accelerate the Company’s market share growth. Occupancy costs as a percentage of sales increased 4.0 percent, and buying and distribution costs as a percentage of sales increased by 0.7 percent. Of the increase in store occupancy costs as a percentage of sales, 3.6 percent was due to negative sales leverage, and the rest was the result of an increase in occupancy costs per average square foot due to the higher costs associated with new stores and remodels as well as higher depreciation expense associated with store refurbishments and accelerated depreciation of fixtures disposed of in the conversion to an all-female merchandise assortment. The increase in buying and distribution costs as a percentage of sales was primarily due to the negative leverage effect of the comparable store sales decrease.

     Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A expenses, increased approximately $4.4 million to $81.7 million in fiscal 2003 from $77.3 million in fiscal 2002. The aggregate increase in SG&A is primarily attributable to costs of $3.0 million associated with the liquidation of the men’s merchandise, lease termination costs of $3.4 million and additional advertising and marketing expenses of $2.0 million related to the all-girls transition offset in part by a reduction in payroll costs of $3.2 million, and a reduction in inventory service costs of $528,000. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A increased 7.9 percent to 31.6 percent from 23.7 percent in fiscal 2002. The increase in the SG&A percentage is primarily the result of the negative leverage effect of the comparable store sales decrease, costs associated with the liquidation of the men’s merchandise, lease termination costs and the increase in advertising and marketing costs related to the transition.

     The Company recorded $828,000 in net interest expense during fiscal 2003 compared to $74,000 in net interest income in fiscal 2002. The change is due primarily to an increase in the costs associated with the Company’s credit facility, an increase in amounts borrowed under the facility and interest on the notes issued in the latter part of the third quarter, and to a lesser extent, increased letter of credit activity and lower average cash balances.

     The Company recorded a provision for income taxes of $1.1 million in fiscal 2003 compared to a $675,000 tax benefit in fiscal 2002. Due to operating losses and continuing same store sales declines since the conversion to an all-female concept, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of approximately $25.0 million to reduce our deferred tax assets and tax benefits generated during fiscal 2003. The Company does not anticipate recording any tax benefit associated with operating losses in the foreseeable future. At January 31, 2004, the Company had tax receivables totaling $5.3 million, representing the amount of the current year estimated operating loss that can be carried back to prior years’ taxable income to obtain a tax refund.

     Long-lived Asset Impairments. As indicated in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements, the Company has experienced significant operating losses and continuing same store sales declines since the conversion to an all-female concept. The Company also filed for bankruptcy in fiscal 2004 and as a result, liquidated and closed 158 stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Consequently, the Company performed an impairment analysis on all of its stores during fiscal 2003 and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $9.0 million to reflect fixtures and leasehold improvements at their respective estimated fair value. The Company is currently considering the closure of approximately 15 to 20 additional under-performing stores in fiscal 2004. If management determines that it is unlikely that a store’s expected future operating results will be sufficient to meet the Company’s financial objectives, management will consider remedial actions up to and including closing the store. If management approves a plan for closing a store or stores, the Company will recognize the liability for the costs associated with the plan as the liabilities are incurred. Costs to close a store can vary greatly based on the remaining life of a lease, buyout options with landlords and severance costs.

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Fiscal 2002 Compared to Fiscal 2001

     Net sales increased approximately $11.7 million, or 3.7 percent, to $325.5 million during fiscal 2002 from $313.8 million during fiscal 2001. Net sales for the 11 new stores opened during fiscal 2002 and for those not yet qualifying as comparable stores accounted for $22.0 million of total sales. These sales were primarily offset by a comparable store sales decrease of $10.3 million, or 3.4 percent, in fiscal 2002. Sales per average store by category compared to the prior year were as follows: shoes – increased 2.3 percent; men’s apparel – decreased 5.4 percent; accessories – decreased 6.8 percent and junior apparel was flat to fiscal 2001. The decrease in comparable store sales is attributed to increased competition and a difficult retail environment. The average dollar sale increased by 3.1 percent for the year, and the number of transactions per average store declined by 6.3 percent. A store becomes comparable after it has been open for 14 full fiscal months.

     Gross profit increased approximately $1.4 million to $81.2 million during fiscal 2002 from $79.8 million in fiscal 2001. As a percentage of net sales, gross profit decreased 0.5 percent to 24.9 percent from 25.4 percent in fiscal 2001. Merchandise margin as a percentage of sales was 0.8 percent higher than the prior year. This increase is primarily attributable to improved inventory shrinkage results as well as higher merchandise margins resulting from a shift in the merchandise mix to increased levels of private-label merchandise. Offsetting the improvement in merchandise margin was a 1.3 percent increase in occupancy costs as a percentage of sales. Of the increase in store occupancy costs as a percentage of sales, 0.6 percent was due to negative sales leverage, and the rest was the result of a 4.0 percent increase in occupancy costs per average square foot due to the higher costs associated with new stores and remodels as well as higher depreciation expense associated with store refurbishments. Buying and distribution costs as a percentage of sales were essentially flat to fiscal 2001.

     Selling, general and administrative, or SG&A expenses, increased approximately $7.5 million to $77.3 million in fiscal 2002 from $69.8 million in fiscal 2001. The aggregate increase in SG&A is primarily attributable to additional store expenses as a result of the Company’s expanded store base during the past fiscal year and an increase in administrative costs to support the larger store base. As a percentage of net sales, SG&A increased 1.5 percent to 23.7 percent from 22.2 percent in fiscal 2001. The increase in the SG&A percentage is primarily the result of the negative leverage effect of the comparable store sales decrease, an increase in store payroll expense, increased advertising and visual marketing costs, accelerated depreciation and the write-off of certain project costs related to an abandoned information systems project.

     The Company’s net interest income decreased $220,000 to $74,000 in 2002 from $294,000 in fiscal 2001, due to both lower average cash balances and lower interest rates in fiscal 2002.

     The Company’s effective tax rate decreased to 35.0 percent in fiscal 2002 from 38.3 percent in fiscal 2001. This decrease is primarily due to a change in mix of contribution to income from different states in fiscal 2002 as compared to fiscal 2001.

     Long-lived Asset Impairments. As indicated in Note 3 of the consolidated financial statements, during fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5,870,000 to reflect fixtures and leasehold improvements at their respective estimated fair value in a total of 71 under-performing stores. The Company closed 26 of these stores in fiscal 2003. The total impairment charge is expected to reduce depreciation expense by approximately $978,000 annually over the average remaining useful lives of these assets (approximately 6.1 years). Management will continue to monitor these stores along with its regular review of the performance of all the Company’s stores. If management determines that it is unlikely that a store’s expected future operating results will be sufficient to meet the Company’s financial objectives, management will consider remedial actions up to and including closing the store. If management approves a plan for closing a store or stores, the Company will recognize the liability for the costs associated with the plan as the liabilities are incurred. Costs to close a store can vary greatly based on the remaining life of a lease, buyout options with landlords and severance costs.

Quarterly Results and Seasonality

     The Company’s quarterly results of operations may fluctuate materially depending on, among other things, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in comparable store sales and changes in the Company’s merchandise mix. In fiscal 2004 particularly, the Company’s quarterly results are also likely to fluctuate significantly due to the liquidation of the 158 stores during the first quarter of fiscal 2004.

     The Company’s business is also subject to seasonal influences, with higher sales during the Christmas holiday, back-to-school, and spring break seasons. The Christmas holiday season remains the Company’s single most important selling season.

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The Company believes, however, that the significance of the back-to-school season (which affects operating results in the second and third quarters) and the spring break season (which affects operating results in the first quarter) reduces somewhat the Company’s dependence on the Christmas holiday selling season.

     The following table sets forth certain statement of operations and operating data for each of the Company’s last eight fiscal quarters. The following quarterly data was derived from unaudited financial statements of the Company, which in the opinion of management of the Company, contain all adjustments (consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary for fair presentation thereof. Results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of results that may be achieved for a full fiscal year.

                                                                 
    Fiscal 2003
  Fiscal 2002
($ in thousands, except operating   First   Second   Third   Fourth   First   Second   Third   Fourth
data and per share amounts)
 
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
  Quarter
Statement of operations data:
                                                               
Net sales
  $ 70,741     $ 68,474     $ 49,190     $ 70,101     $ 78,275     $ 76,697     $ 73,734     $ 96,814  
Gross profit (2)
    13,274       9,660       5,443       2,280       21,606       19,328       16,949       23,316  
Operating income (loss) (1) (2)
    (6,754 )     (12,749 )     (13,240 )     (27,262 )     2,821       166       (1,411 )     (3,584 )
Net income (loss) (1) (2)
    (4,143 )     (7,862 )     (22,107 )     (27,865 )     1,757       115       (856 )     (2,274 )
Net income (loss) per share (1) (2)
                                                               
Basic
  $ (0.45 )   $ (0.86 )   $ (2.42 )   $ (3.05 )   $ 0.19     $ 0.01     $ (0.09 )   $ (0.25 )
Diluted
  $ (0.45 )   $ (0.86 )   $ (2.42 )   $ (3.05 )   $ 0.19     $ 0.01     $ (0.09 )   $ (0.25 )
Average shares outstanding
                                                               
Basic
    9,147       9,127       9,132       9,140       9,095       9,135       9,132       9,140  
Diluted
    9,147       9,127       9,132       9,140       9,350       9,274       9,132       9,140  
Selected operating data:
                                                               
Stores open at end of period
    430       427       414       410       437       439       441       439  

(1)   Includes a charge for long-lived asset impairments of $8,974,000 during the fourth quarter of 2003 and a charge for long-lived asset impairments of $5,870,000 during the fourth quarter of 2002.

(2)   Includes a charge of $3,046,000 for the write-down of inventory to its estimated net realizable value during the fourth quarter of 2003, related to the 158 stores that were closed in fiscal 2004.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

     As a result of significant operating losses incurred in fiscal 2003, a considerable and rapid reduction in available trade credit and the inability to secure additional financing, the Company filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code in February 2004. Management continues to operate the Company as debtor-in-possession. The cost to terminate leases on stores identified for closure could be as much as $15.0 million, but the Company believes the ultimate liability could be much less than that amount. Management believes it will be necessary to raise additional capital to liquidate and/or restructure the Company’s pre-petition obligations, to satisfy the Company’s lease termination liabilities arising from the rejection of store leases and to adequately capitalize the business. The Company has engaged an investment banker to assist it in determining and satisfying its capital needs. At this time it is not possible to predict the exact amount or nature of such new capital. In addition, there can be no guarantee that additional capital will be available to the Company, or that such capital will be available on terms favorable to the Company. Raising additional capital could result in the significant dilution of current equity interests, but it is not possible to predict the extent of such potential dilution at this time.

     General. During the last three fiscal years, the Company’s primary uses of cash have been to finance new store openings, store remodels, and information system enhancements and to purchase merchandise inventories.

     Cash Flows. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, cash flows from (used by) operating activities were ($34.4) million, $14.9 million and $7.4 million, respectively. Cash flow from operations before working capital changes decreased to ($36.1) million in fiscal 2003 from $11.5 million in the prior year primarily due to the decline in operating results discussed above.

     Working capital components provided $1.7 million in fiscal 2003. Cash provided was primarily the result of lower average store inventory levels ($15.6 million) offset in part by a decrease in accounts payable ($12.0 million).

     Working capital components provided $3.4 million in fiscal 2002. Cash provided was primarily the result of lower average store inventory levels ($7.5 million), offset in part by an increase in other assets ($4.5 million) consisting primarily of prepaid monthly store rent, which is due to a timing difference in rent payments.

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     Cash used in investing activities approximated $9.0 million, $9.7 million and $14.0 million for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

     The Company spent $9.1 million on capital expenditures during fiscal 2003, the primary components of which were $2.1 million to open one new Gadzooks store, open one new Orchid store, remodel three Gadzooks stores, refurbish 26 Gadzooks stores and purchase other assets for open stores, $6.7 million to update the fixtures of all the Gadzooks stores to support the transition to an all-female merchandise assortment and $337,000 used for corporate purposes, such as the reconfiguration of the distribution center and computer hardware replacements. The Company received $122,000 in net proceeds for disposed assets related to the all-female transition.

     The Company spent $9.7 million on capital expenditures during fiscal 2002, the primary components of which were $1.9 million to open 11 new stores and remodel one Gadzooks store, $2.2 million to refurbish 91 existing Gadzooks stores, $3.6 million to update the look of all the Gadzooks stores and $2.0 million to purchase and/or upgrade information systems and for other corporate purposes. The Company opened one, 11 and 56 new Gadzooks stores in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively, and one and four new Orchid stores in fiscal 2003 and 2001, respectively.

     Net cash flow provided by financing activities totaled $24.4 million, $679,000 and $1.2 million for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Primary sources of financing in fiscal 2003 include a net line of credit advance of $11.3 million and net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt of $13.1 million. The Company received $460,000 from the exercise of employee stock options in fiscal 2002. There were no employee stock options exercised in fiscal 2003. The Company received $155,000 and $219,000 for sales of treasury stock in fiscal 2003 and fiscal 2002, respectively, and purchased $102,000 in treasury stock in fiscal 2003.

     As described more fully in Notes 7 and 8 to the consolidated financial statements as of January 31, 2004 our contractual obligations were as follows:

                                         
            Payment Due by Period
            Less than   1-3   3-5   More than
Contractual Obligations
  Total
  1 year
  years
  years
  5 years
Credit Agreement
    11,271,628       11,271,628                          
Long-term debt obligations
    14,000,000       14,000,000                          
Operating lease obligations
    139,642,393       27,011,760       48,241,858       33,908,414       30,480,361  
Purchase Obligations
    18,929,000       18,929,000                          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Total
    183,843,021       71,212,388       48,241,858       33,908,414       30,480,361  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

     Long-term Debt and Credit Agreement. On October 9, 2003, the Company issued $14,000,000 of 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) due October 9, 2008 with interest payable semi-annually commencing April 1, 2004. The Notes, as well as unpaid accrued interest, are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into common stock at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. However, the investors are contractually prohibited from converting Notes into shares of common stock without receiving prior shareholder approval if such issuance of common stock would exceed 20 percent of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock or result in the ownership by any one shareholder of greater than 20 percent of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has recorded a beneficial conversion discount of $1,372,000 as a credit to additional paid-in capital based on the difference between the fair value and the conversion price (calculated as the intrinsic value) as of October 9, 2003. The discount will be amortized over a three-year period using the effective interest method. At the option of the Company, the Notes, as well as unpaid accrued interest, may be converted into shares of common stock at any time after April 9, 2005 if the closing price of the Company’s common stock is greater than $6.00 for 20 trading days during a 30 consecutive trading day period. At any time after October 9, 2006, the Company has the right to prepay the Notes and the holders have the right to put the Notes back to the Company at the face value of the Notes, plus unpaid accrued interest. As of January 31, 2004, the Notes, and unpaid accrued interest, were convertible into 2,842,778 shares of common stock with a fair value of $2,842,778. As a result of the bankruptcy filing on February 3, 2004, all of the Notes, as well as the unpaid accrued interest, became due and payable for a total of $14,213,889.

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     On April 11, 2003, the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance LLC (“Wells Fargo”) entered into a three-year $30 million revolving credit agreement (the “Facility”), which is secured by an exclusive and first priority, perfected interest in all assets of the Company. The credit agreement also provides for the issuance of letters of credit that are used in connection with merchandise purchases. Outstanding letters of credit issued by the bank reduce amounts otherwise available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit.

     On October 31, 2003, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into an amendment of the three-year $30 million revolving line of credit agreement. The covenants imposed by the amendment require minimum levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), minimum accounts payable balances and a capital infusion of not less than $7.5 million. The EBITDA and accounts payable balance covenants become effective only in the event of a measurement event as defined by the amendment. At January 31, 2004, the Company was in default under the Facility. As of January 31, 2004, amounts available to borrow under the amended credit line are limited as described above, by the outstanding line balance of $11.3 million and by outstanding letters of credit of $10.7 million. The weighted average interest rate for the year ended January 31, 2004 on these borrowings was 5.0 percent.

     Included in the foregoing amounts are significant pre-petition obligations. Under the Bankruptcy Code, actions to collect pre-petition indebtedness are stayed and other contractual obligations against Gadzooks may not be enforced. Therefore, the commitments shown above may not reflect actual cash outlays in the future period.

     On February 3, 2004, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into a one-year $30 million debtor-in-possession loan and security agreement (the “DIP Facility”), which is secured by a super-priority administrative expense claim and a super-priority lien, on all assets of the Company. As a pre-condition to obtaining the DIP financing, the Company paid in full its existing credit facility of $11.3 million subsequent to the bankruptcy filing. The Company’s borrowings under the agreement are limited to the lesser of 68% of eligible inventory (as defined by the DIP Facility) or 85% of the appraised inventory liquidation value of eligible inventory plus 85% of eligible credit card accounts receivable less certain financial reserves specified by Wells Fargo. As of May 1, 2004, amounts available to borrow under the DIP Facility, limited as described above and by outstanding letters of credit of $3.0 million, totaled $11.7 million. The DIP Facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit that are generally used in connection with merchandise purchases and securing obligations of the Company. Outstanding letters of credit issued by the bank reduce amounts otherwise available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit. The DIP Facility subjects the Company to certain weekly and monthly financial covenants. Covenants on sales and disbursements are tested weekly on a cumulative basis. Inventory and gross margin percentage covenants are tested monthly (non-cumulative), and covenants on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are tested monthly on a cumulative basis. Amounts borrowed under the revolving line will bear interest at 1.00% above Wells Fargo’s prime rate, and amounts outstanding under letters of credit will bear interest at 2.00%. The DIP Facility also contains an unused line fee of 0.375%. The DIP Facility was amended (the “First DIP Amendment”) on February 25, 2004 to allow the Company to include 75% of federal income tax refunds receivable in the borrowing base in certain situations and to modify the inventory advance rate. Pursuant to the First DIP Amendment, the inventory component of the borrowing base calculation is now calculated as the lesser of 75% of eligible inventory or 85% of the appraised inventory liquidation value of eligible inventory.

     Employee Retention and Incentive Plan. The Company has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for an employee retention and incentive plan. The plan is comprised of three primary components including a retention bonus, a performance incentive and a severance program. Under the terms of the plan, the retention bonus component would be due to eligible employees on the sooner of the effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation, sixty days after the Company or the employee’s business unit is sold or the date of the employee’s termination without cause by the Company. The maximum payout for the retention bonus component is an aggregate of $1.1 million. The performance incentive component is payable to eligible employees if the Company meets or exceeds certain financial milestones from the Company’s fiscal 2004 business plan for the following three periods, each to be evaluated independently: February through April, May through August and September through January. The target incentive payments will be made for each period that the Company’s actual performance in that period at least exceeds the operating benchmark by the amount to be paid. The total target incentive payout for fiscal 2004, if earned by all eligible employees for all periods, would approximate $0.6 million. The plan also provides for potential additional end-of-year incentive payments if the Company exceeds its annual financial goals by specified amounts. The plan also includes a severance component payable in the event of an eligible employee’s termination without cause on or before the effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation or sixty days after the Company or the employee’s business unit is sold. The plan provides that any employee eligible for a severance payment is also eligible for a retention payment. The severance payout portion of the plan

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will terminate upon the effective date of a plan of reorganization or liquidation. The maximum payout for severance is an aggregate $1.2 million.

     Factoring. We believe that the majority of our merchandise vendors either enter into factoring arrangements whereby factors purchase the vendor’s invoices, or enter into agreements with factors to insure the payment of their invoices. This financing mechanism allows Gadzooks’ vendors to receive payment in a shorter period of time. Certain of these factors have modified the terms of agreements with some of Gadzooks’ vendors and have accelerated the due dates for payments by us, required us to provide standby letters of credit or refused to approve shipments altogether. We believe that these factors may continue to materially and adversely modify our payment terms until our results of operations improve. Further material modifications by factors could materially adversely affect our ability to obtain new inventory, meet our cash requirements and maintain necessary liquidity going forward.

     Store Closings. During fiscal 2003, the Company closed 31 stores that had been identified as under-performing. The total costs incurred as a result of store closings and lease termination agreements totaled $3.4 million for fiscal 2003, of which $719,600 was still accrued at January 31, 2004. The Company has already closed 158 stores in fiscal 2004 and is currently considering the closure of approximately 15 to 20 additional under-performing stores. Closing costs relating to the remaining stores will be accrued during fiscal 2004 when incurred. No assurance can be given however, that the 15 to 20 stores will be closed during fiscal 2004 or that additional stores will not be closed during fiscal 2004.

     Capital Expenditures. The Company anticipates capital expenditures of $250,000 to $450,000 in fiscal 2004 to update the fixtures of existing stores, as needed, to support the merchandise assortment. During fiscal 2003, the Company had capital expenditures of $9.1 million, of which $2.1 million was used to open one new Gadzooks store, one new Orchid store, remodel three Gadzooks stores, refurbish 26 Gadzooks stores and purchase other assets for open stores. Additionally, $6.7 million was spent to update the fixtures of all Gadzooks stores to support the transition to an all-female merchandise assortment. The remaining $337,000 was used primarily for corporate purposes, such as the reconfiguration of the distribution center and computer hardware replacements.

New Accounting Pronouncements

     In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 149”). This statement amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” We adopted SFAS No. 149 effective January 31, 2004. There was no impact to the Company upon the adoption of SFAS No. 149.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS No. 150”). SFAS No. 150 requires certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity to be classified as liabilities. We adopted SFAS No. 150 effective January 31, 2004. We did not have any financial instruments that were classified as equity prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 that were required to be reclassified to liabilities.

     In December 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 03-10, “Application of EITF Issue No. 02-16, ‘Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor’, by Resellers to Sales Incentives Offered to Consumers by Manufacturers” (“EITF 03-10”). According to EITF 03-10, manufacturers’ coupons that meet certain criteria should be recorded gross-basis as revenue, and are not subject to the guidance in EITF 02-16. There was no impact to the Company upon the adoption of EITF 03-10.

     In December 2003 the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” (“SFAS No.132(R)”). SFAS No. 132(R) revises the annual and interim disclosure requirements about pension and other postretirement benefits. We have complied with the new disclosure requirements that were effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2003 in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Additional disclosure required for interim reporting and fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2004 will be disclosed when required.

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Inflation

     The Company does not believe that inflation has had a material effect on net sales or results of operations. The Company has generally been able to pass on increased costs through increases in selling prices.

Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

     Our disclosure and analysis in this Annual Report, including the preceding “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and information incorporated by reference, includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Securities Act, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or the Exchange Act, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, that are subject to risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements give our current expectations and projections relating to the financial condition, results of operations, plans, objectives, future performance and business of Gadzooks. You can identify these statements by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. These statements may include words such as “anticipate,” “estimate,” “expect,” “project,” “intend,” “plan,” “predict,” “will,” “believe” and other words and terms of similar meaning in connection with any discussion of the timing or nature of future operating or financial performance or other events. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in, or incorporated into, this report that address activities, events or developments that we expect, believe or anticipate will or may occur in the future are forward-looking statements and include, among other things, statements relating to:

     General Factors

  general economic conditions,
 
  weather conditions, including those which affect buying patterns of our customers,
 
  changes in consumer spending and our ability to anticipate buying patterns and implement appropriate inventory strategies,
 
  competitive pressures and other third party actions,
 
  ability to timely acquire desired goods and/or fulfill labor needs at planned costs,
 
  our ability to successfully implement business strategies and otherwise execute planned changes in various aspects of the business,
 
  regulatory and legal developments,
 
  our ability to attract, motivate and/or retain key executives and associates,
 
  our ability to attract and retain customers,
 
  other factors affecting business beyond our control,

     Bankruptcy Related Factors

  our ability to continue as a going concern,
 
  our ability to operate pursuant to the terms of the DIP Facility,
 
  our ability to obtain Bankruptcy Court approval with respect to motions in the Chapter 11 proceeding prosecuted by it from time to time,
 
  our ability to develop, prosecute, confirm and consummate a plan of reorganization with respect to the Chapter 11 case,
 
  risks associated with third parties seeking and obtaining court approval to terminate or shorten the exclusivity period that we have to propose and confirm a plan of reorganization, for the appointment of a Chapter 11 trustee or to convert the case to a Chapter 7 case,
 
  our ability to obtain and maintain normal terms with vendors, factors and service providers,
 
  our ability to maintain contracts that are critical to our operations,
 
  the potential adverse impact of the Chapter 11 case on our liquidity or results of operations, and
 
  our ability to fund and execute our business plan.

     Similarly, these and other factors, including the terms of any reorganization plan ultimately confirmed, can affect the value of our various pre-petition liabilities and common stock. No assurance can be given as to what values, if any, will be ascribed in the bankruptcy proceedings to each of these constituencies. A plan of reorganization could result in holders of Gadzooks common stock receiving no value for their interests. Because of such possibilities, the value of the common stock is highly

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speculative. Accordingly, we urge that appropriate caution be exercised with respect to existing and future investments in any of these liabilities and/or securities.

     These forward-looking statements are based on our expectations and beliefs concerning future events affecting us and are subject to uncertainties and factors relating to our operations and business environment, all of which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in our forward-looking statements are reasonable, we do not know whether our expectations will prove correct. Any or all of our forward-looking statements in this report may turn out to be wrong. They can be affected by inaccurate assumptions we might make or by known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Many factors mentioned in our discussion in this report, including the risks outlined under “Risk Factors” will be important in determining future results. Actual future results may vary materially from those reflected in our forward-looking statements. Because of these factors, we caution that investors should not place undue reliance on any of our forward-looking statements. Further, any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made, and except as required by law we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances after the date on which it is made or to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances.

ITEM 7A. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

     The Company does not engage in trading market risk sensitive instruments and does not purchase as investments, as hedges, or for purposes “other than trading” instruments that are likely to expose the Company to market risk, whether it be from interest rate, foreign currency exchange, commodity price or equity price risk. The Company has issued no debt instruments, entered into no forward or futures contracts, purchased no options and entered into no swaps.

     The Company’s primary market risk exposure is that of interest rate risk. A change in LIBOR or the Prime Rate as set by Wells Fargo would affect the rate at which the Company could borrow funds under its DIP Facility.

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ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

Gadzooks, Inc.
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

     
    Page
Audited Consolidated Financial Statements:
   
Report of Independent Auditors
  31
Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003
  32
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002
  33
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the Years Ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002
  34
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002
  35
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  36 - 48

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Report of Independent Auditors

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Gadzooks, Inc.

     In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of operations, of shareholders’ equity and of cash flows present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Gadzooks, Inc. and its subsidiaries at January 31, 2004 and February 1, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2004 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.

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern. As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, on February 3, 2004, the Company voluntarily filed for protection under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code, which raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Management’s intentions with respect to this matter are also described in Note 1. The accompanying consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP


Dallas, Texas
May 5, 2004

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Gadzooks, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets
                 
    Fiscal Year Ended
    January 31,   February 1,
    2004
  2003
Assets
               
Current assets:
               
Cash and cash equivalents
  $ 1,831,678     $ 20,769,129  
Accounts receivable
    1,206,732       1,321,012  
Income tax receivable
    5,343,086        
Inventory
    40,627,194       56,191,529  
Other current assets
    1,517,155       7,136,818  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    50,525,845       85,418,488  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Leaseholds, fixtures and equipment, net
    24,903,651       34,823,910  
Deferred tax assets
          4,884,784  
Debt issue costs
    790,262        
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    25,693,913       39,708,694  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 76,219,758     $ 125,127,182  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Liabilities and Shareholders’ Equity
               
Current liabilities:
               
Line of credit
  $ 11,271,628     $  
Accounts payable
    14,958,145       26,952,651  
Accrued payroll and benefits
    2,807,558       4,117,311  
Other current liabilities
    4,740,681       3,498,424  
Income taxes payable
          77,274  
Convertible subordinated notes
    12,751,971        
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    46,529,983       34,645,660  
 
   
 
     
 
 
Accrued rent
    3,884,290       4,124,012  
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 1 and 8)
               
Shareholders’ equity:
               
Preferred stock, $1.00 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued
           
Common stock, $.01 par value, 25,000,000 shares authorized, 9,159,671 and 9,159,671 shares issued and 9,147,024 and 9,144,758 shares outstanding, respectively
    91,597       91,597  
Additional paid-in capital
    46,272,413       44,942,081  
Retained earnings (deficit)
    (20,527,033 )     41,450,347  
Treasury stock, at cost, 12,647 and 14,913 shares, respectively
    (31,492 )     (126,515 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    25,805,485       86,357,510  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 76,219,758     $ 125,127,182  
 
   
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Gadzooks, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Operations
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
    January 31,   February 1,   February 2,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Net sales
  $ 258,505,934     $ 325,520,820     $ 313,822,954  
Costs and expenses:
                       
Cost of goods sold, including buying, distribution and occupancy costs
    227,849,465       244,320,456       234,054,103  
Selling, general and administrative expenses
    81,687,527       77,337,503       69,758,047  
Long-lived asset impairments
    8,974,086       5,869,901       563,081  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
    318,511,078       327,527,860       304,375,231  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Operating income (loss)
    (60,005,144 )     (2,007,040 )     9,447,723  
Interest expense
    903,654       75,864       138,201  
Interest income
    75,670       149,586       432,603  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Income (loss) before income taxes
    (60,833,128 )     (1,933,318 )     9,742,125  
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
    1,144,252       (675,756 )     3,733,434  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss)
  $ (61,977,380 )   $ (1,257,562 )   $ 6,008,691  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share
                       
Basic
  $ (6.78 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.66  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted
  $ (6.78 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.65  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Average shares outstanding
                       
Basic
    9,136,355       9,125,627       9,039,912  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted
    9,136,355       9,125,627       9,303,926  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Gadzooks, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity
                                                         
                                 
    Common Stock
  Additional
Paid in
  Retained
Earnings
  Treasury Stock
   
    Shares
  Capital
  Capital
  (Deficit)
  Shares
  Capital
  Total
Balance, February 3, 2001
    8,969,825     $ 89,698     $ 43,042,615     $ 36,699,218       52,797     $ (443,588 )   $ 79,387,943  
Stock issued under option plans
    147,412       1,474       966,255                         967,729  
Sale of treasury stock
                95,156             (13,734 )     112,311       207,467  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
                280,912                         280,912  
Net income
                      6,008,691                   6,008,691  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, February 2, 2002
    9,117,237       91,172       44,384,938       42,707,909       39,063       (331,277 )     86,852,742  
Stock issued under option plans
    42,434       425       459,646                         460,071  
Sale of treasury stock
                14,543             (24,150 )     204,762       219,305  
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options
                82,954                         82,954  
Net loss
                      (1,257,562 )                 (1,257,562 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, February 1, 2003
    9,159,671       91,597       44,942,081       41,450,347       14,913       (126,515 )     86,357,510  
Purchase of treasury stock
                            40,800       (101,596 )     (101,596 )
Sale of treasury stock
                (41,668 )           (43,066 )     196,619       154,951  
Convertible subordinated note beneficial conversion discount
                1,372,000                         1,372,000  
Net loss
                      (61,977,380 )                 (61,977,380 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Balance, January 31, 2004
    9,159,671     $ 91,597     $ 46,272,413     $ (20,527,033 )     12,647     $ (31,492 )   $ 25,805,485  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Gadzooks, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
                         
    Fiscal Year Ended
    January 31,   February 1,   February 2,
    2004
  2003
  2002
Cash flows from operating activities:
                       
Net income (loss)
  $ (61,977,380 )   $ (1,257,562 )   $ 6,008,691  
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
                       
Impairment of long-lived assets
    8,974,086       5,869,901       563,081  
Loss on disposal of assets
    59,832       545,134       140,319  
Depreciation and amortization
    10,098,762       9,458,252       8,344,301  
Deferred income taxes
    6,771,033       (3,080,593 )     (1,220,830 )
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
                       
Accounts receivable
    114,280       361,100       1,443,883  
Income tax receivable/payable
    (5,420,360 )     (1,573,001 )     (1,526,689 )
Inventory
    15,564,335       7,467,977       (7,718,038 )
Other assets
    3,733,412       (4,479,729 )     175,513  
Accounts payable
    (11,994,506 )     (138,899 )     1,858,127  
Accrued payroll and benefits
    (1,309,753 )     1,322,383       (1,446,931 )
Other liabilities
    1,002,536       414,323       818,493  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
    (34,383,723 )     14,909,286       7,439,920  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:
                       
Capital expenditures
    (9,123,574 )     (9,687,906 )     (14,274,965 )
Purchase of short-term investments
          (5,957,176 )      
Proceeds from redemption of short-term investments
          5,957,176        
Proceeds from the sale of leaseholds, fixtures and equipment
    121,882             243,854  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash used in investing activities
    (9,001,692 )     (9,687,906 )     (14,031,111 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:
                       
Proceeds from line of credit
    124,871,208              
Repayment of line of credit
    (113,599,580 )            
Proceeds from issuance of convertible subordinated debt
    14,000,000              
Debt issue costs
    (877,019 )            
Issuance of common stock under options plans
          460,071       967,729  
Purchase of treasury stock
    (101,596 )            
Sale of treasury stock under employee benefit plans
    154,951       219,305       207,467  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities
    24,447,964       679,376       1,175,196  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
    (18,937,451 )     5,900,756       (5,415,995 )
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year
    20,769,129       14,868,373       20,284,368  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year
  $ 1,831,678     $ 20,769,129     $ 14,868,373  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Cash paid (received) during the year for:
                       
Interest
  $ 455,842     $ 115,671     $ 135,257  
Income taxes
    (535,785 )     4,306,230       6,482,779  

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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Gadzooks, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1.   Organization and Nature of the Company

     Gadzooks, Inc. (“Gadzooks” or the “Company”) is a mall-based, specialty retailer of casual apparel and related accessories for young women principally between the ages of 16 and 22. In the second half of fiscal 2001, the Company began testing a new retail concept with the opening of four Orchid stores. The Orchid concept catered to the innerwear and sleepwear needs of females between the ages of 14 and 22. At January 31, 2004, the Company had 410 company-owned stores in metropolitan and middle markets in 41 states, of which 406 were Gadzooks stores and four were Orchid stores. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company closed 158 stores. As of May 1, 2004, the Company operated 252 stores.

     The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest January 31. All references in these financial statements to fiscal years are to the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins. Fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001 represent the 52-week periods ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002, respectively.

Subsequent Event — Voluntary Bankruptcy Filing

     On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks, Inc. (the “Debtor”) filed a voluntary petition for reorganization (the “Filing”) under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (“Chapter 11”) in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Dallas (the “Court”) and was assigned case number 04-31486-hdh11. As a debtor-in-possession, the Company is authorized to continue operating as an ongoing business, but may not engage in transactions outside the ordinary course of business without the approval of the Court, after notice and an opportunity for a hearing.

     At first day hearings held on February 3 and 4, 2004, the Court entered orders granting authority to the Company to, among other things, pay pre-petition and post-petition employee wages, salaries, benefits and other employee obligations, to pay vendors and other providers in the ordinary course for goods and services received from January 24, 2004, and to honor customer service programs, including returns, store credits and gift cards. On February 3, 2004, the Court also gave interim approval for a debtor-in-possession revolving credit facility referred to as the DIP Facility with Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC in the aggregate amount of $30 million for the payment of permitted pre-petition claims, working capital needs, letters of credit and other general corporate purposes. On February 25, 2004, the Court gave final approval on the DIP Facility underwritten by Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC. A description of the DIP Facility appears in Note 7.

     Background of Filing — In January 2003, the Company announced its decision to convert the Gadzooks stores to an all-female merchandise assortment early in the second half of fiscal 2003. The Company anticipated an operating loss during the transition phase in fiscal 2003, with expectations of returning to profitability in fiscal 2004. However, as a result of a rapid decline in liquidity resulting from below-plan sales and earnings performance in the second half of fiscal 2003, an erosion of supplier confidence, intense competition and unsuccessful sales and marketing initiatives, the Company filed a voluntary petition for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code in the Bankruptcy Court, on February 3, 2004. Under Chapter 11, the Company expects to continue to operate its business as debtor-in-possession under court protection from its creditors and claimants, while using the Chapter 11 process to complete the reorganization of its core business around approximately 250 stores that were chosen to strengthen its market share in the junior apparel business.

     Consequence of Filing — As a consequence of the Chapter 11 filing, all pending claims against the Company are stayed and no party may take any action to realize its pre-petition claims except pursuant to an order of the Bankruptcy Court. It is the Company’s intention to address all of its pre-petition claims in a plan of reorganization to be voted upon by creditors and equity holders and approved by the Court.

     Restructuring Activities — Since filing for bankruptcy protection, management has been actively engaged in restructuring the Company’s operations. With the assistance of an independent consulting firm specializing in restructuring operations, management analyzed all of the Company’s stores based on a number of factors including, but not limited to, historical sales results, expected future sales results, occupancy cost, and mix of juniors versus men’s business to identify the optimal set of stores to retain and operate. Management continues to evaluate the operating results of all the Company’s stores. The cost to terminate leases on stores identified for closure could be as much as $15.0 million, but the Company believes the ultimate liability could be much less than that amount. The Company is currently operating approximately 250 stores, but there can be no guarantee that additional stores will not be closed, or that stores already closed will not be reopened with an improved

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occupancy structure. Management retained an independent real estate consulting firm to assist the Company in achieving the most cost effective strategy for exiting stores targeted for closure. The real estate consultant has also assisted management in its efforts to negotiate reduced rents for certain properties. Those real estate initiatives are ongoing. Management also thoroughly evaluated its merchandising activities in an effort to improve the Company’s sales, merchandise margin and inventory turnover metrics. Under the supervision of a new President and Chief Merchandising Officer (assumed the position in February 2004), the Company’s merchandising group has implemented a number of new strategies including, but not limited to, the following:

  an increased emphasis on establishing leadership positions in the mall in certain product categories,
 
  the accelerated identification and liquidation of slow-moving items,
 
  an increased emphasis on popular brands,
 
  more appropriate utilization of the Company’s private brands,
 
  an increased emphasis on offering products that customers are inclined to purchase for immediate use (“buy now, wear now”),
 
  the maintenance of more appropriate inventory mix metrics (e.g., tops to bottoms ratio),
 
  maintaining lower inventory levels to promote faster inventory turns and a more desirable shopping experience in the stores and
 
  providing for more frequent changes to store visuals and merchandise presentations.

     Management has also significantly reduced the Company’s fixed cost structure primarily by eliminating approximately 65 field management and corporate positions in fiscal 2004 and, accordingly, the Company will recognize any severance related expenses in fiscal 2004. Management expects that the cost reductions the Company has implemented will result in significant annualized expense savings. Management believes it will be necessary to raise additional capital to liquidate and/or restructure the Company’s pre-petition obligations, to satisfy the Company’s lease termination liabilities arising from the rejection of store leases and to adequately capitalize the business. The Company has engaged an investment banker to assist it in determining and satisfying its capital needs. At this time it is not possible to predict the exact amount or nature of such new capital. In addition, there can be no guarantee that additional capital will be available to the Company, or that such capital will be available on terms favorable to the Company. Raising additional capital could result in the significant dilution of current equity interests, but it is not possible to predict the extent of such potential dilution at this time.

     Generally, under the provisions of the Bankruptcy Code, holders of equity interests may not participate under a plan of reorganization unless the claims of creditors are satisfied in full under the plan or unless creditors accept a reorganization plan that permits holders of equity interests to participate. Although the Company expects to file a reorganization plan that provides for emergence from bankruptcy in the second half of 2004, there can be no assurance that a reorganization plan will be proposed by the Company or confirmed by the Court, or that any such plan will be consummated. As such, it is currently impossible to predict with any degree of certainty how the plan will treat pre-petition claims and the impact the Chapter 11 filing and any reorganization plan may have on shares of common stock of Gadzooks.

     The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on a going concern basis, which contemplates continuity of operations, realization of assets and liquidation of liabilities in the ordinary course of business. The filing of Chapter 11 raises substantial doubt about the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern. Further, a plan of reorganization could materially change the amounts and classifications reported in the consolidated financial statements, which do not give effect to any adjustments to the carrying value or the classification of assets or liabilities that might be necessary as a consequence of a plan of reorganization.

     All of the Company’s pre-petition debt is now in default due to the Chapter 11 filing. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2004 reflects the classification of the Company’s pre-petition debt as current.

     Accounting Impact — Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company will be required to follow Statement of Position 90-7 (“SOP 90-7”), “Financial Reporting by Entities in Reorganization under the Bankruptcy Code.” Pursuant to SOP 90-7, the Company’s pre-petition liabilities that are subject to compromise will be reported separately on the balance sheet at an estimate of the amount that will ultimately be allowed by the Bankruptcy Court. SOP 90-7 also requires separate reporting of certain expenses, realized gains and losses, and provisions for losses related to the Chapter 11 filing as reorganization items.

     In January 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with a consulting firm to help with the complete liquidation of its inventory in 37 under-performing stores. All amounts paid or payable to the firm pursuant to the contract are contingent upon the firm’s ability to meet certain minimum levels of sales performance. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recognized approximately $133,000 owed to the firm (or paid to the firm) based on sales through year-end as selling, general

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and administrative expense pursuant to the contract. In addition, during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, the Company recognized $546,000 in cost of sales in order to write-down inventory to its estimated net realizable value at the applicable stores that had not been liquidated as of year-end. Six of these stores were closed during fiscal 2003 and the remaining stores were closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company performed one of the following on all of the store closures: 1) exercised early termination provision of the lease, 2) closed the store due to a lease expiration or 3) rejected the lease.

     In February 2004, the Company entered into an agreement with a consulting firm to help with the complete liquidation of its inventory in 127 under-performing stores. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company was guaranteed a certain percentage of the aggregate retail price of the merchandise as determined by the contract and was reimbursed for store level operating expenses of the respective stores for the term of the liquidation. A total of $2.5 million was recorded as cost of goods sold through a write-down of the respective inventory to its estimated realizable value during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2003, pursuant to this agreement. All of these stores were closed during the first quarter of fiscal 2004. The Company and liquidation firm are negotiating the final settlements and amounts owed pursuant to the contract. During the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company performed one of the following on all but three of the store closures: 1) exercised early termination provision of the lease, 2) closed the store due to a lease expiration or 3) rejected the lease.

2.   Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

     Principles of Consolidation. In June 2000, the Company completed a corporate restructuring. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Gadzooks, Inc. and its wholly owned affiliates, Gadzooks Holding Company and Gadzooks Management, L.P. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Effective December 31, 2002, the Company again restructured, whereby Gadzooks Management, L.P. and Gadzooks Holding Company were merged into Gadzooks, Inc.

     Use of Estimates. The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at January 31, 2004, and February 1, 2003 and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each of the three years in the period ended January 31, 2004. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates such estimates including sales return rates, inventory reserves, impairment of long-lived assets, income taxes and accrued expenses. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions that the Company believes to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying value of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The self-insurance reserves for medical and worker’s compensation claims are recorded based on historical claim levels adjusted for growth in the employee base. If the historical claims used to calculate these estimates are not reflective of actual results, additional expenses may be incurred up to the point that the Company’s stop loss insurance begins. The Company is self-insured for property and casualty claims at the store level. Property and casualty claims at the store level are estimated and recognized as incurred. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

     Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and marketable securities with original maturities of three months or less.

     Inventory. Inventory is valued at the lower of average cost or market. Cost is determined using the weighted-average method. Markdown allowances received from vendors are recorded as a reduction of inventory cost and therefore as a reduction of cost of goods sold in the period in which the related merchandise is sold. In addition, inventories include an allocation of buying and distribution costs to prepare product for the stores less an estimate for shrink, which is based on historical shrink rates and adjusted to actual levels based on physical inventory results.

     Leaseholds, Fixtures and Equipment. Leaseholds, fixtures and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation of fixtures and equipment is based upon the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally from five to ten years, computed on the straight-line method. Amortization of leasehold improvements is computed on the straight-line method over estimated useful lives or lease terms, if shorter. The Company reviews its long-lived assets for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate the respective net carrying amounts may not be recoverable. An impairment loss is recognized if the sum of the expected future cash flows (undiscounted and before interest) from the use of the assets is less than the net book value of the assets. The amount of the impairment loss is measured as the difference between the net book value of the assets and the estimated fair value of the related assets. Fair value is determined using a traditional present value method, which requires

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estimated future cash flows to be discounted using an interest rate commensurate with the associated risk. Impairment review of long-lived assets is performed at the store level.

     Accrued Expenses. On a monthly basis, certain expenses are estimated in an effort to reflect these expenses in the proper period. Gadzooks’ most material estimates relate to self-insurance reserves, store level operating expenses and bonuses. The self-insurance reserves for medical and worker’s compensation claims are recorded based on historical claim levels adjusted for changes in the employee base. If the historical claims used to calculate these estimates are not reflective of actual results, additional expenses may be incurred up to the point that the Company’s stop loss insurance begins. The Company is self-insured for property claims at the store level. Property claims at the store level are estimated and recognized as incurred. Accrued store level operating expenses are estimated based on current activity and historical results. Bonuses are based on performance and projected performance for the remainder of the bonus period. If actual results are significantly different from Gadzooks’ expectations, an adjustment to expenses may be required.

     Revenue Recognition. Retail merchandise sales are recognized at the point of sale less sales returns and employee discounts. Management records a provision for estimated sales returns based on historical return rates. If sales return rates increase, an additional allowance may be required.

     Advertising. Advertising costs are expensed when incurred. Advertising costs were $3,913,678, $2,063,563 and $1,270,772 for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

     Store Closures. Reserves for store closures, related to leases without early termination provisions, represent calculations of the present value of the remaining lease obligation, reduced by estimated sub-tenant income, plus other estimated contractual obligations as stated in the lease. For leases with early termination provisions, the liability for costs to terminate a lease before the end of its term is recognized when the Company terminates the lease in accordance with the contract terms. Expenses associated with the establishment of these reserves are reflected in general and administrative expense. Operating expenses reflect the future lease obligation or lease termination payments, less any remaining accrual for straight-line average rent. Store fixtures are transferred at historical cost to other store locations, written off or written down to their net realizable value and sold.

     Store Pre-Opening Costs. Costs incurred with the setup of a new store prior to its opening for business are expensed as incurred.

     Income Taxes. Deferred income taxes are provided on the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the financial statement and the tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. The Company reviews its deferred tax assets for ultimate realization and will record a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that some portion, or all, of these deferred tax assets will not be realized.

     Earnings (Loss) per Share. Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period. Diluted earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period after giving effect to dilutive potential common shares resulting from outstanding stock options as well as from common shares that would result from the conversion of the convertible notes.

     Fair Value of Financial Instruments. Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, trade accounts payable, credit facility and accrued liabilities are reflected in our financial statements at cost, which approximates fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments. The fair value of our convertible subordinated notes is discussed in Note 7 — Convertible Subordinated Notes and Credit Agreement.

     Stock Option Plans. The Company has adopted the disclosure-only provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation”. In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123, the Company applies Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees”, and related interpretations in accounting for the plans and, accordingly, does not recognize compensation expense for stock option plans because the Company issues options at exercise prices equal to the market value at date of grant.

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     The following table shows Gadzooks’ net income (loss) for the years ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003, and February 2, 2002 had compensation expense for Gadzooks’ stock option plans applicable to the Company’s employees been determined based upon the fair value at the grant date for awards consistent with the methodology prescribed by SFAS 123 (these pro forma effects may not be representative of expense in future periods since the estimated fair value of stock options on the date of grant is amortized to expense over the vesting period, and additional options may be granted or cancelled in future years):

                         
    Fiscal
    2003
  2002
  2001
Pro forma net income (loss):
                       
Reported net income (loss)
  $ (61,977,380 )   $ (1,257,562 )   $ 6,008,691  
Less: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based methods for all awards, net of related tax effects
    (1,983,441 )     (1,917,963 )     (2,617,644 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Pro forma net income (loss)
  $ (63,960,821 )   $ (3,175,525 )   $ 3,391,047  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Net income (loss) per share:
                       
Basic
  $ (6.78 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.66  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Basic — pro forma
  $ (7.00 )   $ (0.35 )   $ 0.38  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted
  $ (6.78 )   $ (0.14 )   $ 0.65  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Diluted — pro forma
  $ (7.00 )   $ (0.35 )   $ 0.36  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     New Accounting Pronouncements. In April 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities” (“SFAS No. 149”). This statement amends and clarifies the accounting for derivative instruments and hedging activities under SFAS No. 133, “Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” We adopted SFAS No. 149 effective January 31, 2004. There was no impact to the Company upon the adoption of SFAS No. 149.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity” (“SFAS No. 150”). SFAS No. 150 requires certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity to be classified as liabilities. We adopted SFAS No. 150 effective January 31, 2004. We did not have any financial instruments that were classified as equity prior to the adoption of SFAS No. 150 that were required to be reclassified to liabilities.

     In December 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF Issue No. 03-10, “Application of EITF Issue No. 02-16, ‘Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consideration Received from a Vendor’, by Resellers to Sales Incentives Offered to Consumers by Manufacturers” (“EITF 03-10”). According to EITF 03-10, manufacturers’ coupons that meet certain criteria should be recorded on a gross-basis as revenue, and are not subject to the guidance in EITF 02-16. There was no impact to the Company upon the adoption of EITF 03-10.

     In December 2003 the FASB issued SFAS No. 132 (revised 2003), “Employers’ Disclosures about Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits” (“SFAS No. 132(R)”). SFAS No. 132(R) revises the annual and interim disclosure requirements about pension and other postretirement benefits. There was no impact to the Company upon the adoption of SFAS No. 132.

3.   Impairment of Long-lived Assets

     In accordance with SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” which requires that long-lived assets held and used or to be disposed of by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the net book value of the asset may not be recoverable. The Company has experienced significant operating losses and continuing same store sales declines since the conversion to an all-female concept. As discussed in Note 1, the Company also filed for bankruptcy in fiscal 2004 and as a result, liquidated and closed 158 stores in the first quarter of fiscal 2004. Consequently, the Company performed an impairment analysis on all of its stores during fiscal 2003 and recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $8,974,000 to reflect fixtures and leasehold improvements at their respective estimated fair value.

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     During fiscal 2002, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $5,870,000 to reflect fixtures and leasehold improvements at their respective estimated fair value in a total of 71 under-performing stores.

     If management determines that it is unlikely that a store with negative cash flows will increase its sales volume to a level that would allow the store to generate positive cash flow, management will consider remedial actions up to and including closing the store. If management initiates the closing of a store or stores, the Company will recognize a provision for store closing costs during the quarter in which the liability is incurred.

     During the second quarter of 2002, the Company abandoned its point of sale software implementation project after learning that the software provider would offer a new point of sale software product in 2003 and would discontinue sales of the current software. As a result of the abandonment of the project, certain costs related to the original project were written off. The total impact of the write-off was a $310,000 loss on disposal during the second quarter of fiscal 2002.

     In the first quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company hired a consulting firm to review the current store base and provide recommendations on ways to update the look of more mature stores and enhance visual merchandising in all stores. The store update and visual enhancement program developed in conjunction with the consulting firm was finalized during the second quarter and was implemented primarily during the second and third quarters of 2002 in an attempt to increase the visual appeal, flow and shopability of all stores. The program includes the removal of certain leasehold improvements and fixtures prior to the end of their estimated useful life. As a result, the Company recognized accelerated depreciation and loss on disposal of assets related to the project of approximately $365,000 and $61,000 in the second and third quarters of fiscal 2002, respectively.

     In accordance with SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of,” which requires that long-lived assets held and used by an entity be reviewed for impairment whenever events or circumstances indicate that the net book value of the asset may not be recoverable, the Company recorded a non-cash impairment charge of $563,000 in fiscal 2001 to reflect fixtures and leasehold improvements at their respective estimated fair value in a total of six under-performing stores.

4.   Inventory Liquidation Costs

     In April 2003, the Company entered into an agreement with a consulting firm to help with the complete liquidation of its men’s inventory. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company reimbursed the firm for certain operating costs and paid the firm a portion of the sales proceeds based on certain specified levels of sales performance as defined in the contract. All amounts paid to the firm or accrued under the contract were contingent upon the firm’s ability to meet certain minimum levels of sales performance. A total of $3.0 million was recorded as selling, general and administrative expenses during the first half of fiscal 2003 pursuant to this agreement.

     In addition, during 2004, the Company entered into two agreements with consulting firms to help in the complete liquidation of its inventory in a total of 164 stores. Additional details surrounding the agreements as well as the financial statement impact respective to the agreements are discussed in Note 1 — Subsequent Event — Bankruptcy Filing.

5.   Leaseholds, Fixtures and Equipment

     Leaseholds, fixtures and equipment are summarized as follows:

                 
    January 31,   February 1,
    2004
  2003
Leasehold improvements
  $ 38,862,122     $ 42,857,260  
Fixtures
    32,945,731       32,962,622  
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
    71,807,853       75,819,882  
Less accumulated depreciation
    (46,904,202 )     (40,995,972 )
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 24,903,651     $ 34,823,910  
 
   
 
     
 
 

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6.   Store Closing Costs

     During fiscal 2003, the Company closed 31 stores that had been identified as under-performing. The total costs incurred as a result of store closings and lease termination agreements totaled $3.4 million for fiscal 2003, of which $719,600 was still accrued at January 31, 2004. These costs, primarily composed of lease termination costs, are included in selling, general and administrative expenses. Store closure costs associated with the 158 stores that were closed in fiscal 2004 will be expensed as incurred in fiscal 2004.

     Included in the foregoing amount are significant pre-petition obligations. Under the Bankruptcy Code, actions to collect pre-petition indebtedness are stayed and other contractual obligations against Gadzooks may not be enforced. Therefore, the commitments shown above may not reflect actual cash outlays in the future period.

7.   Convertible Subordinated Notes and Credit Agreement

     On October 9, 2003, the Company issued $14,000,000 of 5% Convertible Subordinated Notes (“Notes”) due October 9, 2008 with interest payable semi-annually commencing April 1, 2004. The Notes, as well as unpaid accrued interest, are convertible at any time at the option of the holder into common stock at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. However, the investors are contractually prohibited from converting Notes into shares of common stock without receiving prior shareholder approval if such issuance of common stock would exceed 20 percent of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock or result in the ownership by any one shareholder of greater than 20 percent of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock. The Company has recorded a beneficial conversion discount of $1,372,000 as a credit to additional paid-in capital based on the difference between the fair value and the conversion price (calculated as the intrinsic value) as of October 9, 2003. The discount will be amortized over a three-year period using the effective interest method. At the option of the Company, the Notes, as well as unpaid accrued interest, may be converted into shares of common stock at any time after April 9, 2005 if the closing price of the Company’s common stock is greater than $6.00 for 20 trading days during a 30 consecutive trading day period. At any time after October 9, 2006, the Company has the right to prepay the Notes and the holders have the right to put the Notes back to the Company at the face value of the Notes, plus unpaid accrued interest. Included in the foregoing amounts are significant pre-petition obligations. As of January 31, 2004, the Notes and unpaid accrued interest were convertible into 2,842,778 shares of common stock with a fair value of $2,842,778. As a result of the Bankruptcy Filing on February 3, 2004, all of the Notes, as well as the unpaid accrued interest, became due and payable for a total of $14,213,889. The estimated fair value of the convertible subordinated notes at January 31, 2004 was $8.3 million plus accrued interest. The estimated fair market value was based on a subsequent sale of a portion of the notes within a few days after January 31, 2004.

     On April 11, 2003, the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance LLC (“Wells Fargo”) entered into a three-year $30 million revolving credit agreement (the “Facility”), which is secured by an exclusive and first priority, perfected interest in all assets of the Company. The credit agreement also provides for the issuance of letters of credit that are used in connection with merchandise purchases. Outstanding letters of credit issued by the bank reduce amounts otherwise available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit.

     On October 31, 2003, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into an amendment of the three-year $30 million revolving line of credit agreement. The covenants imposed by the amendment require minimum levels of earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (“EBITDA”), minimum accounts payable balances and a capital infusion of not less than $7.5 million. The EBITDA and accounts payable balance covenants become effective only in the event of a measurement event as defined by the amendment. At January 31, 2004, the Company was in default under the Facility. As of January 31, 2004, amounts available to borrow under the amended credit line, are limited as described above, by the outstanding line balance of $11.3 million and by outstanding letters of credit of $10.7 million. The weighted average interest rate for the year ended January 31, 2004 on these borrowings was 5.0 percent.

     All of the Company’s pre-petition debt is now in default due to the Chapter 11 filing. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheet as of January 31, 2004 reflects the classification of the Company’s pre-petition debt as current.

     Included in the foregoing amounts are significant pre-petition obligations. Under the Bankruptcy Code, actions to collect pre-petition indebtedness are stayed and other contractual obligations against Gadzooks may not be enforced. Therefore, the commitments shown above may not reflect actual cash outlays in the future period.

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     On February 3, 2004, the Company and Wells Fargo entered into a one-year $30 million debtor-in-possession loan and security agreement (the “DIP Facility”), which is secured by a super-priority administrative expense claim and a super-priority lien, on all assets of the Company. As a pre-condition to obtaining the DIP financing, the Company paid in full its existing credit facility of $11.3 million subsequent to the bankruptcy filing. Under the order entered by the court granting the DIP financing, Well Fargo’s claim was converted over time from a pre-petition to a post-petition debt. The Company’s borrowings under the agreement are limited to the lesser of 68% of eligible inventory (as defined by the DIP Facility) or 85% of the appraised inventory liquidation value of eligible inventory plus 85% of eligible credit card accounts receivable less certain financial reserves specified by Wells Fargo. The DIP Facility also provides for the issuance of letters of credit that are generally used in connection with merchandise purchases and securing obligations of the Company. Outstanding letters of credit issued by the bank reduce amounts otherwise available for borrowing under the revolving line of credit. The DIP Facility subjects the Company to certain weekly and monthly financial covenants. Covenants on sales and disbursements are tested weekly on a cumulative basis. Inventory and gross margin percentage covenants are tested monthly (non-cumulative), and covenants on earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization are tested monthly on a cumulative basis. Amounts borrowed under the revolving line will bear interest at 1.00% above Wells Fargo’s prime rate, and amounts outstanding under letters of credit will bear interest at 2.00%. The DIP Facility also contains an unused line fee of 0.375%. The DIP Facility was amended (the “First DIP Amendment”) on February 25, 2004 to allow the Company to include 75% of federal income tax refunds receivable in the borrowing base in certain situations and to modify the inventory advance rate. Pursuant to the First DIP Amendment, the inventory component of the borrowing base calculation is now calculated as the lesser of 75% of eligible inventory or 85% of the appraised inventory liquidation value of eligible inventory.

8.   Commitments and Contingencies

     Operating Leases. The Company leases store, office, and warehouse space under non-cancelable leases with terms that generally range from five to ten years. Most of the store leases provide for additional rentals based on a percentage of store sales and specify rental increases over the term of the lease. Total rent expense under these operating leases was $29,381,112, $30,976,603 and $28,029,808, for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Included in these total rent figures are $73,000, $567,000 and $735,000 of contingent rent for fiscal years 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. Accrued rent of $3,884,290 as of January 31, 2004 and $4,124,012 as of February 1, 2003 has been provided to account for rent expenses on a straight-line basis. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancelable operating leases as of January 31, 2004 are as follows:

         
Fiscal year
       
2004
    27,011,760  
2005
    25,416,269  
2006
    22,825,589  
2007
    18,766,592  
2008
    15,141,822  
Thereafter
    30,480,361  
 
   
 
 
Total minimum lease payment
  $ 139,642,393  
 
   
 
 

     Under the Bankruptcy Code we may assume or reject executory contracts, including lease obligations. Therefore, the commitments shown above may not reflect actual cash outlays in the future periods. See Note 1, Subsequent Event - - Voluntary Bankruptcy Filing.

     Employee Retention and Incentive Plan. The Company has received approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for an employee retention and incentive plan. The plan is comprised of three primary components including a retention bonus, a performance incentive and a severance program. Under the terms of the plan, the retention bonus component would be due to eligible employees on the sooner of the effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation, sixty days after the Company or the employee’s business unit is sold or the date of the employee’s termination without cause by the Company. The maximum payout for the retention bonus component is an aggregate of $1.1 million. The performance incentive component is payable to eligible employees if the Company meets or exceeds certain financial milestones from the Company’s fiscal 2004 business plan for the following three periods, each to be evaluated independently: February through April, May through August and September through January. The target incentive payments will be made for each period that the Company’s actual performance in that period at least exceeds the operating benchmark by the amount to be paid. The total target incentive payout for fiscal 2004, if earned by all eligible employees for all periods, would approximate $0.6

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million. The plan also provides for potential additional end-of-year incentive payments if the Company exceeds its annual financial goals by specified amounts. The plan also includes a severance component payable in the event of an eligible employee’s termination without cause on or before the effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation or sixty days after the Company or the employee’s business unit is sold. The plan provides that any employee eligible for a severance payment is also eligible for a retention payment. The severance payout portion of the plan will terminate upon the effective date of a plan of reorganization or liquidation. The maximum payout for severance is an aggregate of $1.2 million.

     Litigation. In the ordinary course of business, the Company is periodically a party to lawsuits. The Company does not believe that any resulting liability from existing legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its operations or financial condition. However, there can be no assurances that future costs will not be material to operating results and liquidity. During the third quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company favorably settled a lawsuit against another mall tenant, which resulted in a gain of approximately $740,000.

9.   Income Taxes

     The provision (benefit) for federal and state income taxes consists of the following:

                         
    Fiscal
    2003
  2002
  2001
Current tax provision/(benefit)
  $ (5,626,781 )   $ 2,404,837     $ 4,954,264  
Deferred tax provision/(benefit)
    6,771,033       (3,080,593 )     (1,220,830 )
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
 
  $ 1,144,252     $ (675,756 )   $ 3,733,434  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The following table reconciles the provision for income taxes to the amount computed by applying the U.S. statutory federal tax rate of 34% to pre-tax income (loss):

                         
    Fiscal
    2003
  2002
  2001
Tax provision (benefit) at the federal corporate rate
  $ (20,683,264 )   $ (657,328 )   $ 3,312,323  
State income taxes, net of related federal benefit
    (2,924,924 )     (52,021 )     433,458  
Increase (decrease) in valuation allowance
    24,980,951              
Tax exempt interest
          (3,011 )     (38,134 )
Other, net
    (228,511 )     36,604       25,787  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
  $ 1,144,252     $ (675,756 )   $ 3,733,434  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

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     Deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following:

                 
    January 31,   February 1,
    2004
  2003
Deferred tax assets:
               
Accruals not currently deductible
  $ 8,729,648     $ 5,556,801  
Depreciation
    1,007,693       1,214,232  
Other
    59,326        
Net operating loss carry forward and alternative minimum tax credit
    15,184,284        
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total deferred tax assets
    24,980,951       6,771,033  
Deferred tax liabilities:
           
Valuation allowance
    (24,980,951 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
Total
          6,771,033  
Current deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
    2,859,731       1,886,249  
Valuation allowance
    (2,859,731 )      
Noncurrent deferred tax assets/(liabilities)
    22,121,220       4,884,784  
Valuation allowance
    (22,121,220 )      
 
   
 
     
 
 
 
  $     $ 6,771,033  
 
   
 
     
 
 

     At January 31, 2004, the Company had tax receivables totaling $5.3 million representing the amount of the current year estimated operating loss that can be carried back to prior years’ taxable income. At January 31, 2004, the Company had net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards totaling approximately $34,751,000 that may be used to offset future taxable income through fiscal 2023 subject to certain limitations, if applicable. Realization of benefits associated with the Company’s deferred tax assets (including the NOL carry forward) is dependent upon generating sufficient future taxable income and utilization of the NOL’s prior to their expiration being careful to take into consideration any limitations that are applicable. As a result of significant operating losses and continuing same store sales declines since the conversion to an all-female concept, management has reviewed its deferred tax assets for ultimate realization and believes that it is more likely than not that some portion, if not all, of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, and that the NOL (or a portion thereof) may expire unused. Accordingly, during fiscal 2003 the Company established a valuation allowance against the NOL and the other deferred tax assets.

     The early disposition of certain qualified stock options and the exercise of certain nonqualified stock options in fiscal 2002 and 2001 resulted in income tax benefits to the Company of $82,954 and $280,912 respectively, which was credited to additional paid-in capital. There were no exercises of stock options in fiscal 2003. The income tax benefit is the tax effect of the difference between the market price on the date of exercise and the option price.

10.   Employee Benefit Plans

     Effective January 1, 1995, the Company established the Gadzooks, Inc. Employees’ Savings Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan is open to substantially all employees who have been employed at least one year and who work at least 1,000 hours per year. Under the 401(k) Plan, a participant may contribute up to 15% of pre-tax earnings, with the Company matching 50% of the employee’s contribution up to 5% of earnings. Employee and Company contributions are paid to a corporate trustee and invested in various mutual funds or the Company’s common stock at the discretion of the participant. Company contributions made to participants’ accounts become 100% vested on the fifth anniversary of the employee’s employment. For the years ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003 and February 2, 2002, the Company contributed $210,998, $204,555 and $213,362, respectively, in matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan. During fiscal 2002, 1,883 shares of the Company’s treasury stock were sold to the 401(k) plan at the closing price for the respective pay period. There were no shares of the Company’s treasury stock sold to the 401(k) plan in fiscal 2003.

     On June 18, 1998, the shareholders approved the Gadzooks, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (“ESPP”). The ESPP allows eligible employees the right to purchase common stock on a monthly basis at 85% of the closing market price of the shares on the last business day of the respective calendar month. The aggregate number of shares that may be offered under the ESPP was increased from 60,000 to 110,000 in fiscal 2000. During fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, 43,066, 22,267, and 13,482 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were sold to employees pursuant to the plan. The Company may

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purchase shares of common stock from time to time on the open market to provide shares for sale pursuant to the ESPP. All contributions to the ESPP were suspended effective January 1, 2004.

11.   Stock Option Plans

     The Company has three incentive and nonstatutory stock option plans. The “Employee Plan” for employees and consultants was adopted in February 1992; the “Key Employee Plan” for key employees was adopted in September 1994; and the “Nonemployee Director Plan” for the Company’s outside directors was adopted in August 1995. Under these plans, options are granted to purchase common stock at a price no less than fair market value at the grant date. For options granted prior to the initial public offering, the Board of Directors considered various factors in determining fair market value including, among other things, the rights and preferences of holders of other securities issued by the Company, the financial position and results of operations of the Company, and the liquidity of the Company’s common stock. Subsequent to the initial public offering, all shares have been granted at the closing price of the Company’s common stock traded on The Nasdaq Stock Market on the date of grant. Options have vesting periods of generally two to five years from date of grant and may be exercised at any time once they become vested, but not more than 10 years from the date of grant.

     During fiscal 2000, the Employee Plan was amended to adjust the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and sold under the plan to 2,100,000 shares. During fiscal 2003, the Nonemployee Director Plan was amended to adjust the maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and sold from 100,000 to 200,000 shares. The maximum aggregate number of shares that may be optioned and sold under the Key Employee Plan is 272,651 shares.

     The following table includes option information for the Employee Plan, Key Employee Plan and Nonemployee Director Plan:

                                                 
    Fiscal 2003
  Fiscal 2002
  Fiscal 2001
            Weighted           Weighted           Weighted
            Average           Average           Average
            Exercise           Exercise           Exercise
    Shares
  Price
  Shares
  Price
  Shares
  Price
Outstanding at beginning of year
    1,352,101     $ 12.98       1,234,274     $ 13.21       1,117,511     $ 10.64  
Granted
    333,841       3.62       290,420       13.11       308,039       20.04  
Exercised
                (42,434 )     10.84       (142,036 )     6.41  
Canceled
    (135,958 )     11.31       (130,159 )     16.06       (49,240 )     17.37  
Expired
    (952 )   $ 0.32                          
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Outstanding at end of year
    1,549,032     $ 11.12       1,352,101     $ 12.98       1,234,274     $ 13.21  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
     
 
 
Available for grant at end of year
    143,706               240,637               400,898          
 
   
 
             
 
             
 
         

     The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at January 31, 2004:

                                                 
            Options Outstanding
  Options Exercisable
                    Weighted                
                    Average   Weighted           Weighted
            Number   Remaining   Average   Number   Average
    Range of   Outstanding   Contractual   Exercise   Outstanding   Exercise
    Exercise Prices
  at 1-31-04
  Life
  Price
  at 1-31-04
  Price
 
  $ 1.05 - $  5.75       283,318     9 years   $ 3.03       24,853     $ 3.47  
 
    5.78 -     9.00       344,263     6 years     6.96       241,563       7.17  
 
    9.06 -   12.38       411,932     5 years     11.50       355,492       11.49  
 
    12.44 -   15.80       250,129     8 years     15.26       75,971       14.99  
 
    16.00 -   28.13       259,390     7 years     20.89       141,473       20.79  
 
   
 
     
 
                     
 
         
 
  $ 1.05 - $28.13       1,549,032                       839,352          
 
   
 
     
 
                     
 
         

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     The fair value of each option grant is estimated as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes Multiple Option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions used for grants:

                         
    Fiscal
    2003
  2002
  2001
Expected volatility
    193%       205%       207%  
Risk-free interest rate
    2.3%       4.0%       4.4%  
Expected lives
    3.7 years       4.4 years       4.4 years  
Dividend yield
    0%       0%       0%  

     The weighted average fair value of options granted was $3.28, $12.55 and $19.22 per share for fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively.

12.   Earnings Per Share

     The following table outlines the Company’s calculation of weighted average shares outstanding:

                         
    Fiscal
    2003
  2002
  2001
Weighted average common shares outstanding (basic)
    9,136,355       9,125,627       9,039,912  
Effect of dilutive options
                264,014  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 
Weighted average common and dilutive potential shares outstanding (diluted)
    9,136,355       9,125,627       9,303,926  
 
   
 
     
 
     
 
 

     The treasury stock method is used to determine dilutive potential common shares outstanding related to stock options. Options which, based on their exercise price, would be antidilutive are not considered in the treasury stock method calculation. The options excluded from the earnings per share calculation due to their antidilutive nature totaled 1,549,032, 1,352,101 and 225,057 in fiscal 2003, 2002 and 2001, respectively. The Company had $14.0 million in convertible debt, plus unpaid accrued interest outstanding for the year ended January 31, 2004, which was convertible into 2,842,778 shares of common stock (see Note 7). These shares have been excluded from the earnings per share calculation for fiscal 2003 due to their anti-dilutive effect under the if-converted method.

13.   Retirement Agreement

     Effective August 28, 2002, the Company entered into an executive retirement agreement with Gerald R. Szczepanski, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to which Mr. Szczepanski or his estate shall be eligible to receive certain benefits on termination of his employment with Gadzooks as a result of either death, termination without cause (solely with respect to the benefits described in (iv) and (v)) or retirement. Upon such termination (i) Gadzooks will continue to provide Mr. Szczepanski (and his spouse, if applicable) medical, dental and life insurance coverage, (ii) Gadzooks will enter into a consulting relationship with Mr. Szczepanski for 24 months whereby Mr. Szczepanski will receive a consulting fee of $300,000 per year to facilitate an orderly transition to Mr. Szczepanski’s successor; (iii) Mr. Szczepanski will receive his pro rata bonus for the fiscal year in which he retires; (iv) all of Mr. Szczepanski’s stock options will become vested in full; and (v) all of Mr. Szczepanski’s stock options with an exercise price equal to or greater than $9.00 will be amended to include a term equal to the lesser of (a) three years from such termination or (b) the original expiration date of such stock options. In addition, Mr. Szczepanski agrees that upon termination of his employment with Gadzooks, he will not disclose any confidential information relating to Gadzooks and he will not solicit, interfere or compete with Gadzooks, its business, its clients or its customers for a period of two years.

     Pursuant to the agreement, Mr. Szczepanski is fully vested in the postretirement insurance benefits available under the executive retirement agreement. Accordingly, during the third quarter of fiscal 2002, the Company recognized $115,000 as selling, general and administrative expense, which represents the estimated present value of the future health insurance benefits payable pursuant to the contract.

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14.   Shareholder Rights Plan

     On September 3, 1998, the Company declared a dividend of one Preferred Share Purchase Right (“Right”) on each outstanding share of Gadzooks, Inc. common stock. The dividend distribution was made on September 15, 1998 to shareholders of record on that date. The Shareholder Rights Plan was amended on October 7, 2003 and again on October 23, 2003 to amend the definition of “Acquiring Person” in connection with the sale of the convertible subordinated notes in October 2003. The Rights become exercisable if a person or group acquires 20 percent or more of the Company’s common stock or announces its intent to do so. Each Right will entitle shareholders to buy one one-thousandth of a new series of junior participating preferred stock at an exercise price of $110. When the Rights become exercisable, the holder of each Right (other than the acquiring person or members of such group) is entitled (1) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the acquiring company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price; (2) to purchase, at the Right’s then current exercise price, a number of the Company’s common shares having a market value of twice such price; or (3) at the option of the Company, to exchange the Rights (other than Rights owned by such person or group), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of common stock (or one-thousandth of a share of the new series of junior participating preferred stock) per Right. The Rights may be redeemed for one cent each by the Company at any time prior to acquisition by a person (or group) of beneficial ownership of 20 percent or more of the Company’s common stock. The Rights will expire on September 15, 2008.

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

     None.

ITEM 9A. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES    

     Gadzooks’ management, with the participation of its Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer (its principal executive officer) and its Chief Financial Officer (our principal financial officer) has concluded, based on their evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report, that its disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Gadzooks and its reports filed or submitted by it under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and include controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by Gadzooks in such reports is accumulated and communicated to its management, including its principal executive officer and financial officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

     There were no changes in our internal controls during the fourth quarter of 2003 that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect its internal controls over financial reporting.

PART III

ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.    

     Information with respect to Item 10 is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year.

ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.    

     Information with respect to Item 11 is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year.

ITEM 12.   SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS.

     Information with respect to Item 12 is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year.

ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.    

     Information with respect to Item 13 is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year.

ITEM 14. PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES    

     Information with respect to Item 14 is incorporated by reference from the registrant’s definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Commission not later than 120 days after the end of the registrant’s fiscal year.

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PART IV

ITEM 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

(a) 1. The financial statements of the Company filed as part of this report on Form 10-K are listed in the Index to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K, on page 24.
 
  2. Financial statement schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes thereto.
 
  3. Exhibits included or incorporated herein:
 
    See Index to Exhibits.
 
(b)   Reports on Form 8-K:

    On November 18, 2003, Gadzooks, Inc., a Texas corporation, issued a press release announcing its financial and operating results for the third quarter ended November 1, 2003.
 
    On February 3, 2004, Gadzooks, Inc. issued a press release announcing that it had filed a voluntary petition under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code.

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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.

             
 
      GADZOOKS, INC.
 
           
Date: May 14, 2004
      By /s/ Gerald R. Szczepanski
          Gerald R. Szczepanski
          Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

     Each person whose signature appears below hereby authorizes Gerald R. Szczepanski and James A. Motley, or either of them, as attorneys-in-fact to sign on his behalf, individually, and in each capacity stated below and to file all amendments and/or supplements to the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

     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/ Gerald R. Szczepanski

              Gerald R. Szczepanski
  Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
  May 14, 2004
/s/ James A. Motley

              James A. Motley
  Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Secretary (Principal
Financial and Accounting
Officer)
  May 14, 2004
/s/ William C. Bousquette

              William C. Bousquette
  Director   May 14, 2004
/s/ Carolyn Greer Gigli

              Carolyn Greer Gigli
  Director, President and
Chief Merchandising Officer
  May 14, 2004
/s/ G. Michael Machens

              G. Michael Machens
  Director   May 14, 2004
/s/ Robert E.M. Nourse

              Robert E.M. Nourse
  Director   May 14, 2004
/s/ Ron G. Stegall

              Ron G. Stegall
  Director   May 14, 2004
/s/ Lawrence H. Titus, Jr.

              Lawrence H. Titus, Jr.
  Director   May 14, 2004

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Table of Contents

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

         
Exhibit        
No.
      Description of Documents
3.1
    Third Restated Articles of Incorporation of the Company (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 33-98038) filed with the Commission on October 12, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
3.2
    Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 33-98038) filed with the Commission on October 12, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
3.3
    First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Bylaws of the Company (filed as Exhibit 3.3 of the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 1997 filed with the Commission on September 16, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
4.1
    Specimen Certificate for shares of Common Stock, $.01 par value, of the Company (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Amendment No. 2 to Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on September 8, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
4.2
    Rights Agreement dated as of September 3, 1998 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C. (filed as Exhibit 1 to the Company’s Form 8-A filed with the Commission on September 4, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
4.3
    First Amendment to Rights Agreement dated as of October 7, 2003 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C. (filed as Exhibit 2 to the Company’s Form 8-A/A filed with the Commission on October 17, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
4.4
    Second Amendment to the Rights Agreement dated as of October 23, 2003 between the Company and Mellon Investor Services, L.L.C. (filed as Exhibit 3 to the Company’s Form 8-A/A filed with the Commission on October 31, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
4.5
    Form of 5% Convertible Subordinated Note due October 9, 2008 (filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 14, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
4.6
    Form of Note Purchase Agreement dated on or about October 7, 2003 by and between certain investors and the Company (filed as Exhibit 99.2 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 14, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.1
    Purchase Agreement dated as of January 31, 1992 among the Company, Gerald R. Szczepanski, Lawrence H. Titus, Jr. and the Investors listed therein (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.2
    Purchase Agreement dated as of May 26, 1994 among the Company, Gerald R. Szczepanski, Lawrence H. Titus, Jr. and the Investors listed therein (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.3
    Form of Indemnification Agreement with a schedule of director signatories (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).

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Table of Contents

         
10.4
    Employment Agreement dated January 31, 1992 between the Company and Gerald R. Szczepanski, as continued by letter agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.5
    1992 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan dated February 26, 1992, and Amendments No. 1 through 3 thereto (filed as Exhibit 10.8 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.6
    1994 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan for Key Employees dated September 30, 1994 (filed as Exhibit 10.9 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on July 28, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.7
    1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.10 to the Company’s Form S-1 (No. 333-00196) filed with the Commission on January 9, 1996 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.8
    Gadzooks, Inc. Employees’ Savings Plan, as amended and revised (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-68205) filed with the Commission on December 1, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.9 
    Severance Protection Agreement dated September 1, 1998 between the Company and Gerald R. Szczepanski (filed as Exhibit 10.24 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 15, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.10
    Amendment No. 4 to the Gadzooks, Inc. 1992 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s Amendment No. 3 to Form S-1 (No. 33-95090) filed with the Commission on September 27, 1995 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.11
    Amendment No. 5 to the Gadzooks, Inc. 1992 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan dated September 12, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.13 to the Company’s 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 23, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.12
    Amendment No. 1 to the 1994 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan for Key Employees dated September 12, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.14 to the Company’s 1996 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 23, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.13
    Gadzooks, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (filed as Exhibit 4.5 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-50639) filed with the Commission on April 21, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.14
    Lease Agreement between Gadzooks, Inc. (Lessee) and CB Midway International, LTD. (Lessor) dated August 23, 1996 (filed as Exhibit 10.17 to the Company’s 1997 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 27, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.15
    Gadzooks, Inc. 401(k) Plan and Profit Sharing Plan Adoption Agreement (filed as Exhibit 10.18 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 9, 1998, and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.16
    Amendment No. 6 to the Gadzooks, Inc. 1992 Incentive and Non-Statutory Stock Option Plan dated June 18, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-60869) filed with the Commission on August 7, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.17
    Amendment No. 1 to the Gadzooks, Inc. 1995 Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan dated June 18, 1998 (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-60869) filed with the Commission on August 7, 1998 and incorporated herein by reference).

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Table of Contents

         
 
       
10.18
    Amendment No. 7 to the Gadzooks, Inc. 1992 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan dated as of March 30, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-48350) filed with the Commission on October 20, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.19
    Amendment No. 8 to the Gadzooks, Inc. 1992 Incentive and Nonstatutory Stock Option Plan dated as of March 30, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-48350) filed with the Commission on October 20, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.20
    Amendment No. 1 to the Gadzooks, Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan dated as of March 30, 2000 (filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company’s Form S-8 (No. 333-48350) filed with the Commission on October 20, 2000 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.21
    Executive Retirement Agreement between Gadzooks Management, L.P. and Gerald R. Szczepanski dated July 31, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on September 18, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.22
    First Amendment to the Severance Protection Agreement between Gadzooks Management, L.P. and Gerald R. Szczepanski dated June 1, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.28 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 18, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.23
    Severance Protection Agreement between Gadzooks Management, L.P. and Paula Y. Masters dated July 1, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.29 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 18, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.24
    Severance Protection Agreement between Gadzooks Management, L.P. and William S. Kotch, III dated July 1, 2001 (filed as Exhibit 10.31 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 18, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.25
    First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank (Texas), National Association dated June 1, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on June 14, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.26
    Amendment No. 1 to the Executive Retirement Agreement between Gadzooks Management, L.P. and Gerald R. Szczepanski dated August 28, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.2 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Commission on September 10, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.27
    Amendment No. 1 to the First Amended and Restated Credit Agreement and Waiver of Defaults between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank (Texas) National Association dated November 11, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 13, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.28
    Continuing Security Agreement — Rights to Payment and Inventory between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank (Texas) National Association dated as of November 8, 2002, (filed as Exhibit 10.4 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 13, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.29
    Security Agreement — Equipment Inventory between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank (Texas) National Association dated as of November 8, 2002 (filed as Exhibit 10.5 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10-Q filed with the Commission on December 13, 2002 and incorporated herein by reference).

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Table of Contents

         
10.30
    Committed, Senior, Secured Revolving Line of Credit Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC dated as of April 11, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.38 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10Q filed with the Commission on December 15, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.31
    Trademark and Trademark Applications Security Agreement between the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC dated as of April 11, 2003 (filed as Exhibit 10.39 to the Company’s Quarterly Report on form 10Q filed with the Commission on December 15, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.32
    Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated October 9, 2003 by and between the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC (filed as Exhibit 99.3 to the Company’s Form 8-K filed with the Commission on October 14, 2003 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
10.33*
    Debtor-In-Possession Loan and Security Agreement dated February 3, 2004 between the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC.
 
       
10.34*
    Debtor-In-Possession Revolving Credit Note dated February 4, 2004 between the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC.
 
       
10.35*
    First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated February 25, 2004 between the Company and Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC.
 
       
10.36*
    Employee Retention and Incentive Plan.
 
       
10.37*
    Employment Letter between the Company and Carolyn Greer dated April 29, 2004.
 
       
21
    List of Subsidiaries (filed as Exhibit 21 to the Company’s 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Commission on April 30, 2001 and incorporated herein by reference).
 
       
23*
    Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
 
       
24*
    Power of Attorney (included on signature page of this report).
 
       
31.1*
    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Chief Executive Officer.
 
       
31.2*
    Certification pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of Chief Financial Officer.
 
       
32.1*
    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Executive Officer.
 
       
32.2*
    Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 of Chief Financial Officer.


*   Filed herewith (unless otherwise indicated, exhibits are previously filed).

55

EX-10.33 2 d14917kexv10w33.txt DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT Exhibit 10.33 DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT WELLS FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC THE LENDER GADZOOKS, INC., DEBTOR THE BORROWER February 3, 2004 TABLE OF CONTENTS ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS ARTICLE 2 - THE REVOLVING CREDIT: 2.1 ESTABLISHMENT OF REVOLVING CREDIT ........................................ 22 2.2 ADVANCES IN EXCESS OF BORROWING BASE (OVERLOANS) ......................... 22 2.3 RISKS OF VALUE OF COLLATERAL.............................................. 23 2.4 COMMITMENT TO MAKE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS AND SUPPORT LETTERS OF CREDIT... 23 2.5 REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN REQUESTS ........................................... 23 2.6 MAKING OF REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS ......................................... 25 2.7 THE LOAN ACCOUNT ......................................................... 25 2.8 THE REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE ................................................ 26 2.9 PAYMENT OF THE LOAN ACCOUNT .............................................. 27 2.10 INTEREST ON REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS........................................ 27 2.11 REVOLVING CREDIT CLOSING FEE.............................................. 27 2.12 SERVICE FEE .............................................................. 27 2.13 UNUSED LINE FEE .......................................................... 28 2.14 EARLY TERMINATION FEE .................................................... 28 2.15 LENDER'S DISCRETION ...................................................... 28 2.16 PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF L/C's ......................................... 29 2.17 FEES FOR L/C's ........................................................... 31 2.18 CONCERNING L/C's ......................................................... 32 2.19 POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL LIQUIDITY ........................................... 33 ARTICLE 3 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT: 3.1 CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE .................................................. 34 3.2 OPINION .................................................................. 34 3.3 ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION ..................................... 34 3.4 OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES.................................................... 35 3.5 BORROWING ORDER .......................................................... 36 3.6 REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES ........................................... 36 3.7 ALL FEES AND EXPENSES PAID................................................ 36 3.8 MINIMUM DAY ONE AVAILABILITY ............................................. 36 3.9 BORROWER NOT IN DEFAULT .................................................. 36 3.10 BENEFIT OF CONDITIONS PRECEDENT .......................................... 37 ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, COVENANTS AND WARRANTIES: 4.1 PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LIABILITIES ................................... 37 4.2 DUE ORGANIZATION. AUTHORIZATION. NO CONFLICTS ............................ 37 4.3 TRADE NAMES .............................................................. 38 4.4 INFRASTRUCTURE ........................................................... 39 4.5 LOCATIONS ................................................................ 39 4.6 ENCUMBRANCES.............................................................. 40
..i.. 4.7 INDEBTEDNESS ............................................................. 40 4.8 INSURANCE ................................................................ 41 4.9 LICENSES ................................................................. 41 4.10 LEASES ................................................................... 42 4.11 REQUIREMENTS OF LAW ...................................................... 42 4.12 LABOR RELATIONS .......................................................... 42 4.13 MAINTAIN PROPERTIES ...................................................... 43 4.14 TAXES .................................................................... 43 4.15 NO MARGIN STOCK........................................................... 44 4.16 ERISA..................................................................... 44 4.17 HAZARDOUS MATERIALS....................................................... 45 4.18 LITIGATION................................................................ 45 4.19 DIVIDENDS. INVESTMENTS. CORPORATE ACTION ................................. 46 4.20 LOANS..................................................................... 46 4.21 PROTECTION OF ASSETS ..................................................... 46 4.22 LINE OF BUSINESS.......................................................... 47 4.23 AFFILIATED TRANSACTIONS................................................... 47 4.24 FURTHER ASSURANCES........................................................ 47 4.25 ADEQUACY OF DISCLOSURE.................................................... 48 4.26 NO RESTRICTIONS ON LIABILITIES............................................ 48 4.27 PRIORITY OF LIABILITIES................................................... 48 4.28 BANKRUPTCY CASE COVENANTS................................................. 49 4.29 OTHER COVENANTS........................................................... 49 4.30 MAINTAIN RECORDS.......................................................... 49 4.31 ACCESS TO RECORDS......................................................... 50 4.32 IMMEDIATE NOTICE TO LENDER................................................ 51 4.33 BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE................................................ 52 4.34 WEEKLY REPORTS............................................................ 52 4.35 MONTHLY REPORTS........................................................... 52 4.36 QUARTERLY REPORTS......................................................... 52 4.37 ANNUAL REPORTS............................................................ 53 4.38 OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES.................................................... 53 4.39 INVENTORIES, APPRAISALS, AND AUDITS....................................... 53 4.40 ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION.......................................... 54 4.41 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COVENANTS........................................... 55 ARTICLE 5 - USE OF COLLATERAL: 5.1 USE OF INVENTORY COLLATERAL............................................... 55 5.2 INVENTORY QUALITY......................................................... 56 5.3 ADJUSTMENTS AND ALLOWANCES................................................ 56 5.4 VALIDITY OF ACCOUNTS...................................................... 56 5.5 NOTIFICATION TO ACCOUNT DEBTORS........................................... 56
..ii.. ARTICLE 6 - CASH MANAGEMENT. PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES: 6.1 DEPOSITORY ACCOUNTS....................................................... 57 6.2 CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS...................................................... 57 6.3 THE CONCENTRATION, RESTRICTED, AND OPERATING ACCOUNTS............... 57 6.4 PROCEEDS AND COLLECTIONS.................................................. 58 6.5 PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES.................................................... 59 6.6 THE OPERATING ACCOUNT..................................................... 60 ARTICLE 7 - GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST: 7.1 GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST................................................ 60 7.2 EXTENT AND DURATION OF SECURITY INTEREST.................................. 61 ARTICLE 8 - LENDER AS BORROWER'S ATTORNEY-IN-FACT: 8.1 APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT........................................... 61 8.2 NO OBLIGATION TO ACT...................................................... 62 ARTICLE 9 - EVENTS OF DEFAULT: 9.1 FAILURE TO PAY THE REVOLVING CREDIT....................................... 62 9.2 FAILURE TO MAKE OTHER PAYMENTS............................................ 63 9.3 FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY (NO GRACE PERIOD).......... 63 9.4 FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY (GRACE PERIOD)............... 63 9.5 MISREPRESENTATION......................................................... 63 9.6 ACCELERATION OF OTHER DEBT. BREACH OF LEASE............................... 63 9.7 DEFAULT UNDER OTHER AGREEMENTS............................................ 64 9.8 UNINSURED CASUALTY LOSS................................................... 64 9.9 ATTACHMENT. JUDGMENT. RESTRAINT OF BUSINESS............................... 64 9.10 INDICTMENT - FORFEITURE................................................... 64 9.11 CHALLENGE TO LOAN DOCUMENTS............................................... 64 9.12 CHANGE IN CONTROL......................................................... 65 9.13 MODIFICATION OF BORROWING ORDER........................................... 65 9.14 APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE OR EXAMINER........................................ 65 9.15 CONVERSION OF BANKRUPTCY CASE............................................. 65 9.16 RELIEF FROM STAY.......................................................... 65 9.17 SUPER PRIORITY CLAIM...................................................... 65 9.18 PAYMENT OF PRE-PETITION INDEBTEDNESS...................................... 66 9.19 ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THIRD PARTIES...................................... 66 9.20 BREACH OF BORROWING ORDER................................................. 66 9.21 STORE CLOSINGS............................................................ 66 9.22 ADVERSE BANKRUPTCY ORDERS................................................. 66 9.23 CONFIRMED PLAN............................................................ 66 ARTICLE 10 - RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT: 10.1 ACCELERATION.............................................................. 67 10.2 RIGHTS OF ENFORCEMENT..................................................... 67 10.3 SALE OF COLLATERAL........................................................ 67
..iii.. 10.4 OCCUPATION OF BUSINESS LOCATION........................................... 69 10.5 GRANT OF NONEXCLUSIVE LICENSE............................................. 69 10.6 ASSEMBLY OF COLLATERAL.................................................... 69 10.7 RIGHTS AND REMEDIES....................................................... 69 10.8 BORROWER'S EXERCISE OF LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES.................... 70 ARTICLE 11 - NOTICES: 11.1 NOTICE ADDRESSES.......................................................... 70 11.2 NOTICE GIVEN.............................................................. 71 ARTICLE 12 - TERM: 12.1 TERMINATION OF REVOLVING CREDIT........................................... 72 12.2 ACTIONS ON TERMINATION.................................................... 72 ARTICLE 13 - GENERAL: 13.1 PROTECTION OF COLLATERAL.................................................. 73 13.2 PUBLICITY................................................................. 73 13.3 SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS.................................................... 73 13.4 SEVERABILITY.............................................................. 73 13.5 AMENDMENTS. COURSE OF DEALING............................................. 73 13.6 POWER OF ATTORNEY......................................................... 74 13.7 APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS................................................... 74 13.8 INCREASED COSTS........................................................... 74 13.9 COSTS AND EXPENSES OF THE LENDER.......................................... 75 13.10 COPIES AND FACSIMILES..................................................... 75 13.11 MASSACHUSETTS LAW......................................................... 76 13.12 CONSENT TO JURISDICTION................................................... 76 13.13 INDEMNIFICATION........................................................... 76 13.14 RULES OF CONSTRUCTION..................................................... 77 13.15 INTENT.................................................................... 79 13.16 PARTICIPATIONS:........................................................... 79 13.17 RIGHT OF SET-OFF.......................................................... 79 13.18 PLEDGES TO FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS:......................................... 80 13.19 MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE..................................................... 80 13.20 WAIVERS................................................................... 81
..iv.. EXHIBITS 1.2 : Closing Stores 1.3 : Interim Order 2(i) : Revolving Credit Note 4(b) : Affiliates 4(c) : Trade Names 4(g) : Indebtedness 4(j) : Capital Leases 4(n) : Taxes 4(r) : Litigation 4(ff) : Borrowing Base Certificate 4(nn)(a) : Monthly Financial Reporting Requirements 4(nn)(b) : Budget ..v.. DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION WELLS FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT THE LENDER February 3, 2004 THIS AGREEMENT is made between Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC (the "LENDER"), a Delaware limited liability company with offices at One Boston Place - 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, and Gadzooks, Inc. ( the "BORROWER"), a Texas corporation with its principal executive offices at 4121 International Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75007, Debtor and Debtor-in-Possession in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and benefits to be derived herefrom, WITNESSETH: ARTICLE 1 - DEFINITIONS As used herein, the following terms have the following meanings or are defined in the section of this Agreement so indicated: "ACCOUNT DEBTOR": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "ACCOUNTS" and "ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE" include, without limitation, "accounts" as defined in the UCC, and also all: accounts, accounts receivable, receivables, and rights to payment (whether or not earned by performance) arising out of: property that has been or is to be sold, leased, licensed, assigned, or otherwise disposed of; services rendered or to be rendered; a policy of insurance issued or to be issued; a secondary obligation incurred or to be incurred; energy provided or to be provided; the use or hire of a vessel; arising out of the use of a credit or charge card or information contained on or used with that card; winnings in a lottery or ..1.. other game of chance; and also all Inventory which gave rise thereto, and all rights associated with such Inventory, including the right of stoppage in transit; all reclaimed, returned, rejected or repossessed Inventory (if any) the sale of which gave rise to any Account. "ACH": Automated clearing house. "AFFILIATE": The following: (a) With respect to any two Persons, a relationship in which (i) one holds, directly or indirectly, not less than Twenty Five Percent (25%) of the capital stock, beneficial interests, partnership interests, or other equity interests of the other; or (ii) one has, directly or indirectly, the right, under ordinary circumstances, to vote for the election of a majority of the directors (or other body or Person who has those powers customarily vested in a board of directors of a corporation); or (iii) not less than Twenty Five Percent (25%) of their respective ownership is directly or indirectly held by the same third Person. (b) Any Person which: is a parent, brother-sister, subsidiary, or affiliate, of the Borrower; could have such enterprise's tax returns or financial statements consolidated with the Borrower's; could be a member of the same controlled group of corporations (within the meaning of Section 1563(a)(1), (2) and (3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended from time to time) of which the Borrower is a member; or controls or is controlled by the Borrower. "APPLICABLE LAW": As to any Person:(i) All statutes, rules, regulations, orders, or other requirements having the force of law and (ii) all court orders and injunctions, arbitrator's decisions, and/or similar rulings, in each instance ((i) and (ii)) of or by any federal, state, municipal, and other governmental authority, or court, tribunal, panel, or other body which has or claims jurisdiction over such Person, or any property of such Person, or of any other Person for whose conduct such Person would be responsible. "APPRAISED INVENTORY LIQUIDATION VALUE": The product of (a) the Cost of Eligible Inventory (net of Inventory Reserves) multiplied by (b) that percentage, determined from the then most recent appraisal of the Borrower's Inventory undertaken at the request of the Lender, to reflect the appraiser's reasonable ..2.. estimate of the net recovery on the Borrower's Inventory in the event of an in-store liquidation of that Inventory. "APPRAISED INVENTORY PERCENTAGE": Initially set at 85%. The Lender, in its discretion, may permit an increase above the foregoing designated percentage, and may thereafter remove any such increase. "AVAILABILITY": The result of the following: (i) The lesser of (A) The Revolving Credit Ceiling, or (B) The Borrowing Base Minus (ii) The aggregate unpaid balance of the Loan Account. Minus (iii) The aggregate undrawn Stated Amount of all then outstanding L/C's. Minus (iv) The aggregate of the Availability Reserves. Minus (v) The Carve Out Minus (vi) The outstanding balance of all Liabilities under the Borrower's pre-petition Loan and Security Agreement with the Lender dated April 10, 2003. (the "PRE-PETITION LOAN AGREEMENT") "AVAILABILITY RESERVES": Such reserves as the Lender from time to time reasonably determines in the Lender's discretion as being appropriate to reflect the impediments to the Lender's ability to realize upon the Collateral, without duplication of factors considered in determining Inventory Reserves. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Availability Reserves may include (but are not limited to) reserves based on the following (so long as such factors are not included in clause (b) of the definition of "Excess Availability"): (i) Post-petition rent (but only if a landlord's waiver, reasonably acceptable to the Lender, has not been received by the Lender). ..3.. (ii) Customer Credit Liabilities, initially established at fifty percent (50%) of the outstanding amount thereof. (iii) Taxes and other governmental charges, including, ad valorem, personal property, and other taxes which might have priority over the Collateral Interests of the Lender in the Collateral. (iv) Bank Product Reserves. (v) Permanent Availability Block at all times in the amount of $500,000.00. (vi) Professional Expense Reserves. ""BANK PRODUCT AGREEMENTS" means those certain cash management service agreements entered into from time to time by the Borrower in connection with any of the Bank Products. ""BANK PRODUCT OBLIGATIONS" means all obligations, liabilities, contingent reimbursement obligations, fees, and expenses owing by the Borrower to the Lender, Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., or any of their Affiliates pursuant to or evidenced by the Bank Product Agreements and irrespective of whether for the payment of money, whether direct or indirect, absolute or contingent, due or to become due, now existing or hereafter arising, and including all such amounts that the Borrower is obligated to reimburse to the Lender as a result of the Lender purchasing participations or executing indemnities or reimbursement obligations with respect to the Bank Products provided to the Borrower pursuant to the Bank Product Agreements. "BANK PRODUCTS" means any service or facility extended to the Borrower by Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. or any of its Affiliates: (a) credit cards, (b) credit card processing services, (c) debit cards, (d) purchase cards, (e) ACH Transactions, (f) cash management, including controlled disbursement, accounts or services, or (g) hedge agreements. ""BANK PRODUCT RESERVES" means, as of any date of determination, the amount of reserves that the Lender has established (based upon Wells Fargo Bank, N. A.'s or ..4.. its Affiliate's reasonable determination of the credit exposure in respect of then extant Bank Products) for Bank Products then provided or outstanding. "BANKRUPTCY CASE": The Chapter 11 case of Gadzooks, Inc. commenced on February 3, 2004 currently pending in the Bankruptcy Court, Case No. 04-34186. "BANKRUPTCY CODE": Title 11, of the United States Code, as amended from time to time. "BANKRUPTCY COURT": The United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas (Dallas Division). "BANKRUPTCY RECOVERIES": Any claim or recovery realized by the Borrower or which the Borrower may be entitled to assert by reason of any avoidance or other power vested in or on behalf of the Borrower or the estate of the Borrower under Chapter 5 of the Bankruptcy Code. "BASE MARGIN LOAN": Each Revolving Credit Loan. "BASE MARGIN RATE": Means that rate of interest announced by Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. as its "Prime Rate", as the same may change from time to time, plus One percent (1%) per annum. "BLOCKED ACCOUNT": Any DDA into which the contents of any other DDA is transferred. "BLOCKED ACCOUNT AGREEMENT": An Agreement, in form satisfactory to the Lender, which Agreement recognizes the Lender's Collateral Interest in the contents of the DDA which is the subject of such Agreement and agrees that such contents shall be transferred only to the Concentration Account or as otherwise instructed by the Lender. "BORROWER": Is defined in the Preamble. ..5.. "BORROWING BASE": The aggregate of the following: The face amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables multiplied by the Credit Card Advance Rate. Plus The lesser of (a) the Cost of Eligible Inventory (net of Inventory Reserves) multiplied by the Inventory Advance Rate or (b) the Appraised Inventory Percentage of the Appraised Inventory Liquidation Value. "BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE": Is defined in Section 4.33. "BORROWING ORDER": An order (in form and substance acceptable to the Lender in its reasonable discretion) entered by the Bankruptcy Court in the Bankruptcy Case authorizing the credit facility contemplated by this Agreement, which shall not have been stayed, modified in an adverse manner (as determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion), or appealed from by any party in interest. "BUSINESS DAY": Any day other than (a) a Saturday or Sunday; (b) any day on which banks in Boston, Massachusetts generally are not open to the general public for the purpose of conducting commercial banking business; or (c) a day on which the principal office of the Lender is not open to the general public to conduct business. "BUDGET":The Borrower's projected budget, initially for the period from the Petition Date through April 30, 2004, in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender, in the Lender's sole and exclusive discretion, reflecting on a line-item basis anticipated monthly cash receipts and expenditures for the subject period. The Budget shall include separate projections with respect to the Closing Stores and the non-Closing Stores. On or before the tenth day of each month, beginning April, 2004, the Borrower shall provide the Lender with an extended Budget for the next succeeding month. "CAPITAL EXPENDITURES": The expenditure of funds or the incurrence of liabilities which may be capitalized in accordance with GAAP. "CAPITAL LEASE": Any lease which may be capitalized in accordance with GAAP. ..6.. "CARVE OUT": The sum of Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand and 00/100 Dollars ($750,000.00), subject to the terms and conditions of the Borrowing Order. "CHANGE IN CONTROL": The occurrence of any of the following: (a) The acquisition, by any group of persons (within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended) or by any Person other than Permitted Holders, of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 of the Securities and Exchange Commission) of 50% or more of the issued and outstanding capital stock of the Borrower having the right, under ordinary circumstances, to vote for the election of directors of the Borrower. (b) During any period of two consecutive years, individuals who at the beginning of such period were directors of the Borrower (the "Board of Directors") (together with (A) any new directors whose election by such Board of Directors or whose nomination for election by the shareholders of the Borrower was approved by a vote of the majority of the directors of the Borrower then still in office who were either directors at the beginning of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously so approved and (B) any representative of a Permitted Holder) cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of Directors then in office. "CHATTEL PAPER": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "CLOSING STORES": The Borrower's Stores set forth on EXHIBIT 1.2 hereto which the Borrower has advised the Lender the Borrower intends to permanently close. "COLLATERAL": Is defined in Section 7.1. "COLLATERAL INTEREST": Any interest in property to secure an obligation, including, without limitation, a security interest, mortgage, and deed of trust. "CONCENTRATION ACCOUNT": Is defined in Section 6.3. ..7.. "COST": The lower of (a) or (b), where: (a) is the calculated cost of purchases, based upon the Borrower's accounting practices, known to the Lender, which practices are in effect on the date on which this Agreement was executed, or as subsequently agreed in a document signed by both the Borrower and the Lender, as such calculated cost is determined from: invoices received by the Borrower; the Borrower's purchase journal; or the Borrower's stock ledger. (b) is the cost equivalent of the lowest ticketed or promoted price at which the subject Inventory is offered to the public, after all mark-downs (whether or not such price is then reflected on the Borrower's accounting system), which cost equivalent is determined in accordance with the cost method of accounting, reflecting the Borrower's historic business practices. ("Cost" does not include inventory capitalization costs or other non-purchase price charges (such as freight) used in the Borrower's calculation of cost of goods sold). "COSTS OF COLLECTION": Includes, without limitation, all attorneys' reasonable fees and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred by the Lender's attorneys, and all reasonable out-of-pocket costs incurred by the Lender in the administration of the Liabilities and/or the Loan Documents, including, without limitation, reasonable costs and expenses associated with travel on behalf of the Lender, where such costs and expenses are directly or indirectly related to or in respect of the Lender's: administration and management of the Liabilities; negotiation, documentation, and amendment of any Loan Document; or efforts to preserve, protect, collect, or enforce the Collateral, the Liabilities, and/or the Lender's Rights and Remedies and/or any of the rights and remedies of the Lender against or in respect of any guarantor or other person liable in respect of the Liabilities (whether or not suit is instituted in connection with such efforts). The Costs of Collection are Liabilities, and at the Lender's option may bear interest at the then effective Base Margin Rate. "CREDIT CARD ADVANCE RATE": 85% ..8.. "CUSTOMER CREDIT LIABILITY": Gift certificates, customer deposits, merchandise credits, layaway obligations, frequent shopping programs, and similar liabilities of the Borrower to its retail customers and prospective customers. "DDA": Any checking or other demand daily depository account maintained by the Borrower other than any Exempt DDA. "DEPOSIT ACCOUNT": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC and also includes all demand, time, savings, passbook, or similar accounts maintained with a bank. "DOCUMENTS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "DOCUMENTS OF TITLE": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "ELIGIBLE CREDIT CARD RECEIVABLES":Under 5 business day accounts due on a non-recourse basis from major credit card processors (which, if due on account of a private label credit card program, are deemed in the discretion of the Lender to be eligible). "ELIGIBLE INVENTORY": Such of the Borrower's Inventory (including Eligible L/C Inventory), at such locations, and of such types, character, qualities and quantities, as the Lender in its discretion from time to time reasonably determines to be acceptable for borrowing, as to which Inventory, the Lender has a perfected security interest which is prior and superior to all security interests, claims, and Encumbrances (other than Permitted Encumbrances), and excluding such of the Borrower's Inventory as is shown on the Borrowing Base Certificate as being ineligible due to its condition as damaged, defective, or other such demonstrably identifiable condition. "ELIGIBLE L/C INVENTORY": Inventory (without duplication as to other Eligible Inventory and excluding any Inventory reflected in the Borrower's stock ledger), the purchase of which is supported by a documentary L/C then having an initial expiry of Twenty-five (25) or fewer days, provided that ..9.. (a) Such Inventory is of such types, character, qualities and quantities (net of Inventory Reserves) as the Lender in its discretion from time to time determines to be eligible for borrowing; and (b) The documentary L/C supporting such purchase names the Lender as consignee of the subject Inventory, the Lender has control over the documents which evidence ownership of the subject Inventory (such as by the providing to the Lender of a Customs Brokers Agreement in form reasonably satisfactory to the Lender), and all property insurance with respect to such Inventory names the Lender as loss payee, and shall otherwise satisfy the requirements of this Agreement. "EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLAN": As defined in ERISA. "ENCUMBRANCE": A Collateral Interest or agreement to create or grant a Collateral Interest; the interest of a lessor under a Capital Lease; conditional sale or other title retention agreement; sale of accounts receivable or chattel paper; or other arrangement pursuant to which any Person is entitled to any preference or priority with respect to the property or assets of another Person or the income or profits of such other Person; each of the foregoing whether consensual or non-consensual and whether arising by way of agreement, operation of law, legal process or otherwise. "END DATE": The date upon which all of the following conditions are met: (a) all payment Liabilities described in 12.2(a) have been paid in full and (b) all obligations of the Lender to make loans and advances and to provide other financial accommodations to the Borrower hereunder shall have been irrevocably terminated and (c) those arrangements concerning L/C's which are described in Section 12-2(b) have been made. "ENVIRONMENTAL LAWS": All of the following: (a) Applicable Law which regulates or relates to, or imposes any standard of conduct or liability on account of or in respect to environmental protection matters, including, without limitation, Hazardous Materials, as are now or hereafter in effect. ..10.. (b) The common law relating to damage to Persons or property from Hazardous Materials. "EQUIPMENT": Includes, without limitation, "equipment" as defined in the UCC, and also all furniture, store fixtures, motor vehicles, rolling stock, machinery, office equipment, plant equipment, tools, dies, molds, and other goods, property, and assets which are used and/or were purchased for use in the operation or furtherance of the Borrower's business, and any and all accessions or additions thereto, and substitutions therefor. "ERISA": The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended. "ERISA AFFILIATE": Any Person which is under common control with the Borrower within the meaning of Section 4001 of ERISA or is part of a group which includes the Borrower and which would be treated as a single employer under Section 414 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. "EVENTS OF DEFAULT": Is defined in Article 9. "EXCESS AVAILABILITY": As of any date of determination, the result of (a) Availability minus (b) all then past due post-petition obligations of the Borrower, including held checks, post-petition accounts payable which are beyond customary trade terms extended to the Borrower, and post-petition rent obligations of the Borrower which are beyond applicable grace periods. "EXECUTIVE OFFICER": Each of James A. Motley and Gerald Szczepanski, and any other Person who (without regard to title) is the successor to either of the foregoing or who exercises a substantial portion of the authority being exercised, at the execution of this Agreement, by any of the foregoing or a combination of such authority of more than one of the foregoing or who otherwise has Control of the Borrower. ..11.. "EXEMPT DDA": A depository account maintained by the Borrower, the only contents of which may be transfers from the Operating Account and actually used solely (i) for petty cash purposes; or (ii) for payroll. "FARM PRODUCTS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "FINAL BORROWING ORDER": A Borrowing Order entered in the Bankruptcy Case after notice and a final hearing pursuant to Rule 4001(c) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. "FISCAL":When followed by "month" or "quarter", the relevant fiscal period based on the Borrower's fiscal year and accounting conventions (e.g. reference to "Fiscal 2003" is to the fiscal month of the Borrower's's fiscal year commencing in 2003). When followed by reference to a specific year, the fiscal year which begins in a month of the year to which reference is being made (e.g. if the Borrower's fiscal year ends in January 2004 reference to that year would be to the Borrower's "Fiscal 2003"). "FIXTURES": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "GENERAL INTANGIBLES": Includes, without limitation, "general intangibles" as defined in the UCC; and also all: rights to payment for credit extended; deposits; amounts due to the Borrower; credit memoranda in favor of the Borrower; warranty claims; tax refunds and abatements, including without limitation, any federal tax refund due or to become due to the Borrower with respect to the Borrower's Fiscal 2003 tax return; insurance refunds and premium rebates; all means and vehicles of investment or hedging, including, without limitation, options, warrants, and futures contracts; records; customer lists; telephone numbers; goodwill; causes of action; judgments; payments under any settlement or other agreement; literary rights; rights to performance; royalties; license and/or franchise fees; rights of admission; licenses; franchises; license agreements, including all rights of the Borrower to enforce same; permits, certificates of convenience and necessity, and similar rights granted by any governmental authority; patents, patent applications, patents pending, and other intellectual ..12.. property; internet addresses and domain names; developmental ideas and concepts; proprietary processes; blueprints, drawings, designs, diagrams, plans, reports, and charts; catalogs; manuals; technical data; computer software programs (including the source and object codes therefor), computer records, computer software, rights of access to computer record service bureaus, service bureau computer contracts, and computer data; tapes, disks, semi-conductors chips and printouts; trade secrets rights, copyrights, mask work rights and interests, and derivative works and interests; user, technical reference, and other manuals and materials; trade names, trademarks, service marks, and all goodwill relating thereto; applications for registration of the foregoing; and all other general intangible property of the Borrower in the nature of intellectual property; proposals; cost estimates, and reproductions on paper, or otherwise, of any and all concepts or ideas, and any matter related to, or connected with, the design, development, manufacture, sale, marketing, leasing, or use of any or all property produced, sold, or leased, by the Borrower or credit extended or services performed, by the Borrower, whether intended for an individual customer or the general business of the Borrower, or used or useful in connection with research by the Borrower. ..13.. "GOODS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC, and also includes all things movable when a security interest therein attaches and also all computer programs embedded in goods and any supporting information provided in connection with a transaction relating to the program if (i) the program is associated with the goods in such manner that it customarily is considered part of the goods or (ii) by becoming the owner of the goods, a Person acquires a right to use the program in connection with the goods. "HAZARDOUS MATERIALS": Any substance which is defined or regulated as a hazardous material in or under any Environmental Law. "INDEBTEDNESS": All indebtedness and obligations of or assumed by any Person on account of or in respect to any of the following: (a) In respect of money borrowed (including any indebtedness which is non-recourse to the credit of such Person but which is secured by an Encumbrance on any asset of such Person) whether or not evidenced by a promissory note, bond, debenture or other written obligation to pay money. (b) In connection with any letter of credit or acceptance transaction (including, without limitation, the face amount of all letters of credit and acceptances issued for the account of such Person or reimbursement on account of which such Person would be obligated). (c) In connection with the sale or discount of accounts receivable or chattel paper of such Person. (d) On account of deposits or advances. (e) As lessee under Capital Leases. (f) In connection with any sale and leaseback transaction. "Indebtedness" also includes: (x) Indebtedness of others secured by an Encumbrance on any asset of such Person, whether or not such Indebtedness is assumed by such Person. (y) Any guaranty, endorsement, suretyship or other undertaking pursuant to which that Person may be liable on account of any obligation of any third party. ..14.. (z) The Indebtedness of a partnership or joint venture for which such Person is liable as a general partner or joint venturer. "IN DEFAULT": Any occurrence, circumstance, or state of facts with respect to the Borrower which is an Event of Default. "INDEMNIFIED PERSON": Is defined in Section 13.13. "INSTRUMENTS": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "INTEREST PAYMENT DATE": The first day of each month; the Termination Date; and the End Date. "INTERIM BORROWING ORDER": A Borrowing Order (substantially in the form annexed hereto as EXHIBIT 1.3 (or such other form as is acceptable to the Lender in its reasonable discretion) which has been entered in the Bankruptcy Case prior to notice and a final hearing pursuant to Rule 4001(c) of the Federal Rules of Bankruptcy Procedure. "INVENTORY": Includes, without limitation, "inventory" as defined in the UCC and also all: (a) Goods which are leased by a Person as lessor; are held by a Person for sale or lease or to be furnished under a contract of service; are furnished by a Person under a contract of service; or consist of raw materials, work in process, or materials used or consumed in a business; (b) Goods of said description in transit; (c) Goods of said description which are returned, repossessed and rejected; (d) packaging, advertising, and shipping materials related to any of the foregoing; (e) all names, marks, and General Intangibles affixed or to be affixed or associated thereto; and (f) Documents and Documents of Title which represent any of the foregoing. "INVENTORY ADVANCE RATE": Sixty-eight percent (68%) with respect to Eligible Inventory (other that Eligible L/C Inventory), and Sixty-one percent (61%) with respect to Eligible L/C Inventory. The Lender, in its discretion, may permit an ..15.. increase above the foregoing designated percentages, and may thereafter remove any such increase. "INVENTORY RESERVES": Such Reserves as reasonably may be established from time to time by the Lender in the Lender's discretion with respect to the determination of the saleability, at retail, of the Eligible Inventory, or which reflect such other identifiable factors as affect the market value of the Eligible Inventory, such as those reserves set forth on the Borrowing Base Certificate. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Inventory Reserves may include (but are not limited to) reserves based on the following (without duplication): (i) Seasonality. (ii) Shrinkage. (iii) Imbalance. (iv) Change in Inventory character. (v) Change in Inventory composition. (vi) Change in Inventory mix. (vii) Markdowns (both permanent and point of sale). (vii) Retail markons and markups inconsistent with prior period practice and performance; industry standards; current business plans; or advertising calendar and planned advertising events. "INVESTMENT PROPERTY": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC. "ISSUER": The issuer of any L/C. "L/C": Any letter of credit, the issuance of which is procured by the Lender for the account of the Borrower and any acceptance made on account of such letter of credit. "L/C LANDING COSTS": To the extent not included in the Stated Amount of an L/C, customs, duty, freight, and other out-of-pocket costs and expenses which will be expended to "land" the Inventory, the purchase of which is supported by such L/C. ..16.. "LEASE": Any lease or other agreement, no matter how styled or structured, pursuant to which the Borrower is entitled to the use or occupancy of any space. "LEASE HOLD INTEREST": Any interest of the Borrower as lessee under any Lease. "LENDER": Is defined in the Preamble to this Agreement. "LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES": Is defined in Section 10-7. "LETTER-OF-CREDIT RIGHT": Has the meaning given that term in UCC and also refers to any right to payment or performance under an L/C, whether or not the beneficiary has demanded or is at the time entitled to demand payment or performance. "LIABILITIES": Includes, without limitation or duplication, the following: (a) All and each of the following, whether now existing or hereafter arising under this Agreement or under any of the other Loan Documents: (i) Any and all direct and indirect liabilities, debts, and obligations of the Borrower to the Lender, each of every kind, nature, and description. (ii) Each obligation to repay any loan, advance, indebtedness, note, obligation, overdraft, or amount now or hereafter owing by the Borrower to the Lender (including all future advances whether or not made pursuant to a commitment by the Lender), whether or not any of such are liquidated, unliquidated, primary, secondary, secured, unsecured, direct, indirect, absolute, contingent, or of any other type, nature, or description, or by reason of any cause of action which the Lender may hold against the Borrower. (iii) All Bank Product Obligations. (iv) All notes and other obligations of the Borrower now or hereafter assigned to or held by the Lender, each of every kind, nature, and description. (v) All interest, fees, and charges and other amounts which may be charged by the Lender to the Borrower and/or which may be due from the Borrower to the Lender from time to time. (vi) All costs and expenses incurred or paid by the Lender in respect of any agreement between the Borrower and the Lender or instrument furnished by the ..17.. Borrower to the Lender (including, without limitation, Costs of Collection, attorneys' reasonable fees, and all court and litigation costs and expenses). (vii) Any and all covenants of the Borrower to or with the Lender and any and all obligations of the Borrower to act or to refrain from acting in accordance with any agreement between the Borrower and the Lender or instrument furnished by the Borrower to the Lender. (viii) Each of the foregoing as if each reference to the "Lender" were to each Affiliate of the Lender. (b) Any and all direct or indirect liabilities, debts, and obligations of the Borrower to the Lender or any Affiliate of the Lender, each of every kind, nature, and description owing on account of any service or accommodation provided to, or for the account of the Borrower pursuant to this or any other Loan Document, including cash management services and the issuances of L/C's. "LOAN ACCOUNT": Is defined in Section 2.7. "LOAN DOCUMENTS": This Agreement and each other instrument or document from time to time executed and/or delivered in connection with the arrangements contemplated hereby (excluding the Pre-petition Loan Agreement) or in connection with any transaction contemplated herein, including any Bank Product Agreements, as each may be amended from time to time. "MATERIAL ACCOUNTING CHANGE": Any change in GAAP applicable to accounting periods subsequent to the Borrower's fiscal year most recently completed prior to the execution of this Agreement, which change has a material effect on the Borrower's financial condition or operating results, as reflected on financial statements and reports prepared by or for the Borrower, when compared with such condition or results as if such change had not taken place or where preparation of the Borrower's statements and reports in compliance with such change results in the breach of a financial performance covenant imposed pursuant to this Agreement where such a breach would not have occurred if such change had not taken place or visa versa. ..18.. "MATURITY DATE": March 3, 2004, unless the Final Borrowing Order has been entered by that date (without stay, modification, appeal, or reversal), in which event, February 3, 2005. "OPERATING ACCOUNT": Is defined in Section 6.3. "OVERLOAN": A loan, advance, or providing of credit support (such as the issuance of any L/C) to the extent that, immediately after its having been made, Availability is less than zero. "PARTICIPANT": Is defined in Section 13.16, hereof. "PAYMENT INTANGIBLE": As defined in the UCC and also any general intangible under which the Account Debtor's primary obligation is a monetary obligation. "PERMITTED ENCUMBRANCES": the following: Encumbrances in favor of the Lender. Those Encumbrances (if any) listed on EXHIBIT 4.6, annexed hereto. The Carve Out. Purchase money security interests in Equipment to secure Indebtedness otherwise permitted hereby. Encumbrances for taxes, assessments and governmental charges or levies to the extent not required to be paid. Encumbrances imposed by law or incurred pursuant to ordinary course of business contracts, such as landlords', materialmen's, mechanics', carriers', workmen's and repairmen's liens and other such similar liens arising in the ordinary course of business securing obligations that are not overdue for a period of more than 45 days or which are being contested in good faith and by appropriate proceedings and as to which appropriate reserves are being maintained in accordance with GAAP. Pledges or deposits to secure obligations under worker's compensation laws or similar legislation or to secure public or statutory obligations or other insurance related obligations (including, without limitation, pledges or deposits or ..19.. other Encumbrances securing liability to insurance carriers under insurance or self-insurance arrangements. Zoning restrictions, easements, rights of way and other encumbrances on title to real property none of which, either individually or in the aggregate, would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect. Encumbrances of landlords or of mortgages of landlords arising by operation of law or pursuant to the terms of real property leases. Encumbrances to secure the performance of bids, tenders, trade contracts (other than for borrowed money), obligations for utilities, leases, statutory obligations, surety and appeal bonds, performance bonds, judgment and like bonds, replevin and similar bonds and other obligations of a like nature incurred in the ordinary course of business. Licenses, sublicenses, leases and subleases granted to third parties in the ordinary course of business. Encumbrances arising from precautionary UCC financing statements regarding leases. Encumbrances arising out of consignment or similar arrangements for the sale of good entered into in the ordinary course of business. "PERMITTED INDEBTEDNESS": The following: Any Indebtedness on account of the Revolving Credit. Any Indebtedness under the Pre-Petition Loan Agreement. The Indebtedness (if any) listed on EXHIBIT 4.7, annexed hereto. Indebtedness on account of Equipment acquired in compliance with the requirements of Section 4.6(c), the incurrence of which would not otherwise be prohibited by this Agreement. Indebtedness not to exceed $1,000,000.00 in the aggregate at any one time. Indebtedness constituting ordinary trade indebtedness incurred in the normal course of the Borrower's business. "PERMITTED STORE CLOSING SALES": The scheduled permanent closing of each of the Closing Stores and the proposed sale of all Collateral located thereon through the retention by the Borrower of one or more professional retail liquidators, ..20.. reasonably acceptable to the Lender, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code. "PERSON": Any natural person, and any corporation, limited liability company, trust, partnership, joint venture, or other enterprise or entity. "PETITION DATE": February 3, 2004. "PLAN": A plan filed in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. "PROCEEDS": Includes, without limitation, "Proceeds" as defined in the UCC and each type of property described in Section 7.1 hereof. ""PROFESSIONAL EXPENSE RESERVE" means, without duplication as to items covered by the Carve Out, as of any date of determination, the amount of reserves that the Lender has established (based upon the Lender's reasonable determination of the likely amount of Bankruptcy Court-approved professional fees and expenses) for professional services theretofore rendered or projected to be incurred in accordance with the Borrower's then most recent budget delivered to the Lender. "RECEIPTS": All cash, cash equivalents, money, checks, credit card slips, receipts and other Proceeds from any sale of the Collateral. "RECEIVABLES COLLATERAL": That portion of the Collateral which consists of Accounts, Accounts Receivable, General Intangibles, Chattel Paper, Instruments, Documents of Title, Documents, Investment Property, Payment Intangibles, Letter-of-Credit Rights, bankers' acceptances, and all other rights to payment. "REQUIREMENTS OF LAW": As to any Person: (a) Applicable Law. (b) That Person's organizational documents. (c) That Person's by-laws and/or other instruments which deal with corporate or similar governance, as applicable. ..21.. "RESERVES": The following: Availability Reserves and Inventory Reserves. "REVOLVING CREDIT": Is defined in Section 2.1. "REVOLVING CREDIT CEILING": $30,000,000.00. "REVOLVING CREDIT CLOSING FEE": Is defined in Section 2.11. "REVOLVING CREDIT EARLY TERMINATION FEE": Is defined in Section 2.14. "REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS": Loans made under the Revolving Credit, except that where the term "Revolving Credit Loan" is used with reference to available interest rates applicable to the loans under the Revolving Credit, it refers to so much of the unpaid principal balance of the Loan Account as bears the same rate of interest for the same Interest Period. (See Section 22-10(d)). "REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE": Is defined in Section 2.8. "SERVICE FEE": Is defined in Section 2.12. "STATED AMOUNT": The maximum amount for which an L/C may be honored. "SUPPORTING OBLIGATION": Has the meaning given that term in the UCC and also refers to a Letter-of-Credit Right or secondary obligation which supports the payment or performance of an Account, Chattel Paper, a Document, a General Intangible, an Instrument, or Investment Property. "TERMINATION DATE": The earliest of (a) the Maturity Date; or (b) the Lender's notice to the Borrower setting the Termination Date on account of the occurrence of any Event of Default, or (c) that date, forty-five (45) days written notice of which is provided by the Borrower to the Lender (unless revoked by the Borrower in writing prior to the date set forth as the Termination Date). ..22.. "UCC": The Uniform Commercial Code as in effect from time to time in Massachusetts. "UNUSED LINE FEE": Is defined in Section 2.13. "VARIANCE REPORT": A report prepared by the Borrower's management and delivered to the Lender on or before 10:00 AM on Tuesday of each week, reflecting on a line-item basis the Borrower's actual cash receipts and disbursements for the immediately preceding week (excluding receipts and disbursement with respect to Closing Stores) and the percentage variance of the Borrower's actual results from those reflected in the then extant Budget, along with management's explanation of such variance. ARTICLE 2 - THE REVOLVING CREDIT: 2.1 - ESTABLISHMENT OF REVOLVING CREDIT (a) The Lender hereby establishes a revolving line of credit (the "REVOLVING CREDIT") in the Borrower's favor pursuant to which the Lender, subject to, and in accordance with, this Agreement, shall make loans and advances and otherwise provide financial accommodations to and for the account of the Borrower as provided herein. (b) Loans, advances, and financial accommodations under the Revolving Credit shall be made with reference to the Borrowing Base and shall be subject to Availability. The Borrowing Base and Availability shall be determined by the Lender by reference to Borrowing Base Certificates furnished as provided in Section 4.33, below, and shall be subject to the following: (i) Such determination shall take into account such Reserves as the Lender reasonably may determine as being applicable thereto. (ii) The Cost of Eligible Inventory will be determined in a manner consistent with current tracking practices, based on the Borrower's stock ledger inventory. (c) The proceeds of borrowings under the Revolving Credit shall be used solely in accordance with the Budget for the Borrower's working capital and Capital ..23.. Expenditures, all solely to the extent permitted by this Agreement. No proceeds of a borrowing under the Revolving Credit may be used, nor shall any be requested, with a view towards the accumulation of any general fund or funded reserve of the Borrower other than in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business and consistent with the provisions of this Agreement. 2.2 -ADVANCES IN EXCESS OF BORROWING BASE (OVERLOANS). (a) The Lender does not have any obligation to the Borrower to make any loan or advance, or otherwise to provide any credit to or for the benefit of the Borrower where the result of such loan, advance, or credit is an OverLoan. ..24.. (b) The Lender's providing of an OverLoan on any one occasion does not affect the obligations of the Borrower hereunder (including the Borrower's obligation to immediately repay any amount which otherwise constitutes an OverLoan) nor obligate the Lender to do so on any other occasion. 2.3 -RISKS OF VALUE OF COLLATERAL. The Lender's reference to a given asset in connection with the making of loans, credits, and advances and the providing of financial accommodations under the Revolving Credit and/or the monitoring of compliance with the provisions hereof shall not be deemed a determination by the Lender relative to the actual value of the asset in question. All risks concerning the value of the Collateral are and remain upon the Borrower. All Collateral secures the prompt, punctual, and faithful performance of the Liabilities whether or not relied upon by the Lender in connection with the making of loans, credits, and advances and the providing of financial accommodations under the Revolving Credit. 2.4 -COMMITMENT TO MAKE REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS AND SUPPORT LETTERS OF CREDIT Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Lender shall make a loan or advance under the Revolving Credit and shall endeavor to have an L/C issued for the account of the Borrower, in each instance if duly and timely requested by the Borrower as provided herein provided that: (a) No OverLoan is then outstanding and none will result therefrom. (b) The Borrower is not then In Default and will not thereby become In Default. 2.5 -REVOLVING CREDIT LOAN REQUESTS. (a) Requests for loans and advances under the Revolving Credit or for the continuance or conversion of an interest rate applicable to a Revolving Credit Loan may be requested by the Borrower in such manner as may from time to time be acceptable to the Lender. ..25.. (b) Subject to the provisions of this Agreement, the Borrower may request a Revolving Credit Loan by giving notice to the Lender by no later than 12:00 Noon on the Business Day on which the subject Revolving Credit Loan is to be made. Base Margin Loans requested by the Borrower shall not be less than $10,000.00. (c) The Borrower may request that the Lender cause the issuance by the Issuer of L/C's for the account of the Borrower as provided in Section 2.16. (d) The Lender may rely on any request for a loan or advance, or other financial accommodation under the Revolving Credit which the Lender, in good faith, believes to have been made by a Person duly authorized to act on behalf of the Borrower and may decline to make any such requested loan or advance, or issuance, or to provide any such financial accommodation pending the Lender's being furnished with such documentation concerning that Person's authority to act as may be satisfactory to the Lender. (e) A request by the Borrower for loan or advance, or other financial accommodation under the Revolving Credit shall constitute certification by the Borrower that as of the date of such request, each of the following is true and correct: (i) There has been no material adverse change in the Borrower's financial condition from the most recent financial information furnished Lender pursuant to this Agreement. (ii) All or a portion of any loan or advance so requested will be set aside by the Borrower to cover the Borrower's post-petition obligations for sales tax on account of sales since the then most recent borrowing pursuant to the Revolving Credit. (iii) Each representation which is made herein or in any of the Loan Documents is then true and complete as of and as if made on the date of such request; provided that if such representation refers to a specific date, it shall be deemed to be true as of such date. (iv) Unless accompanied by a written Certificate of the Borrower's President or its Chief Financial Officer describing (in reasonable detail) the facts and circumstances thereof and the steps (if any) being taken to remedy such condition, that the Borrower is not In Default. ..26.. 2.6 -MAKING OF REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS. (a) A loan or advance under the Revolving Credit shall be made by the transfer of the proceeds of such loan or advance to the Operating Account or as otherwise instructed by the Borrower. (b) A loan or advance shall be deemed to have been made under the Revolving Credit (and the Borrower shall be indebted to the Lender for the amount thereof immediately) at the following: (i) The Lender's initiation of the transfer of the proceeds of such loan or advance in accordance with the Borrower's instructions (if such loan or advance is of funds requested by the Borrower). (ii) The charging of the amount of such loan to the Loan Account (in all other circumstances). (c) There shall not be any recourse to or liability of the Lender on account of: (i) Any delay by any bank or other depository institution in treating the proceeds of any such loan or advance as collected funds. (ii) Any delay in the receipt, and/or any loss, of funds which constitute a loan or advance under the Revolving Credit, the wire transfer of which was properly initiated by the Lender in accordance with wire instructions provided to the Lender by the Borrower. 2.7 -THE LOAN ACCOUNT. (a) An account ("LOAN ACCOUNT") shall be opened on the books of the Lender in which a record shall be kept of all loans and advances made under the Revolving Credit. (b) The Lender shall also keep a record (either in the Loan Account or elsewhere, as the Lender may from time to time elect) of all interest, fees, service charges, costs, expenses, and other debits owed to the Lender on account of the Liabilities and of all credits against such amounts so owed. ..27.. (c) All credits against the Liabilities shall be conditional upon final payment to the Lender of the items giving rise to such credits. The amount of any item credited against the Liabilities which is charged back against the Lender or is disgorged for any reason or is not so paid shall be a Liability and shall be added to the Loan Account, whether or not the item so charged back or not so paid is returned. (d) Except as otherwise provided herein, all fees, service charges, costs, and expenses for which the Borrower is obligated hereunder are payable on demand. In the determination of Availability, the Lender may deem fees, service charges, accrued interest, and other payments which will be due and payable between the date of such determination and the first day of the then next succeeding month as having been advanced under the Revolving Credit whether or not such amounts are then due and payable. (e) The Lender, without the request of the Borrower, may advance under the Revolving Credit any interest, fee, service charge, or other payment to which Lender is entitled from the Borrower pursuant hereto and may charge the same to the Loan Account notwithstanding that an OverLoan may result thereby. Such action on the part of the Lender shall not constitute a waiver of the Lender's rights and the Borrower's obligations under Section 2.9(b). Any amount which is added to the principal balance of the Loan Account as provided in this Section 2.7(e) shall bear interest at the interest rate then and thereafter applicable to Base Margin Loans. (f) Any statement rendered by the Lender to the Borrower concerning the Liabilities shall be considered correct and accepted by the Borrower and shall be conclusively binding upon the Borrower unless the Borrower provides the Lender with written objection thereto within thirty (30) days from the mailing of such statement, which written objection shall indicate, with particularity, the reason for such objection. The Loan Account and the Lender's books and records concerning the loan arrangement contemplated herein and the Liabilities shall be prima facie evidence and proof of the items described therein. 2.8 -THE REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE. The Borrower's obligation to repay loans and advances under the Revolving Credit, with interest as provided herein, shall be evidenced by a note (the "REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE") in the form of EXHIBIT 2.8, annexed hereto, executed by the Borrower. Neither the original nor a copy of the Revolving Credit Note shall be required, ..28.. however, to establish or prove any Liability. In the event that the Revolving Credit Note is ever lost, mutilated, or destroyed, the Borrower shall execute a replacement thereof and deliver such replacement to the Lender upon receipt of a lost note affidavit and an indemnity reasonably satisfactory to the Borrower. 2.9 -PAYMENT OF THE LOAN ACCOUNT. (a) The Borrower may repay all or any portion of the principal balance of the Loan Account from time to time until the Termination Date. (b) The Borrower, without notice or demand from the Lender shall pay the Lender that amount, from time to time, which is necessary so that there is no OverLoan outstanding. (c) The Borrower shall repay the then entire unpaid balance of the Loan Account and all other Liabilities on the Termination Date. 2.10 -INTEREST ON REVOLVING CREDIT LOANS. (a) Each Revolving Credit Loan shall bear interest at the Base Margin Rate. (b) Following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default (and whether or not the Lender exercises the Lender's rights on account thereof), all Revolving Credit Loans shall bear interest, at the option of the Lender at rate which is the aggregate of the rate applicable to Base Margin Loans plus Two Percent (2%) per annum. 2.11 -REVOLVING CREDIT CLOSING FEE. In consideration of the commitment to make loans and advances to the Borrower under the Revolving Credit, and to maintain sufficient funds available for such purpose, there has been fully earned by the Lender, and the Borrower shall pay to the Lender at closing, the Revolving Credit Closing Fee in the amount of $125,000.00. 2.12 -SERVICE FEE. In addition to any other fee or expense to be paid by the Borrower on account of the Revolving Credit, the Borrower shall pay the Lender the "SERVICE ..29.. FEE" (so referred to herein) in the amount of $3,000.00 each month, with the first such payment due at closing, and each succeeding payment due on the first Business Day of each calendar month thereafter. 2.13 -UNUSED LINE FEE. In addition to any other fee to be paid by the Borrower on account of the Revolving Credit, the Borrower shall pay the Lender the "UNUSED LINE FEE" (so referred to herein) of 0.375% per annum of the average difference, during the month just ended (or relevant period with respect to the payment being made on the Termination Date) between the Revolving Credit Ceiling and the aggregate of the unpaid principal balance of the Loan Account during the relevant period. The Unused Line Fee shall be paid in arrears, on the first day of each month after the execution of this Agreement and on the Termination Date. 2.14 -EARLY TERMINATION FEE. In the event that the Termination Date occurs, for any reason, prior to the Maturity Date, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender the "REVOLVING CREDIT EARLY TERMINATION FEE" in respect of amounts which are or become payable by reason thereof equal to $300,000.00. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if the Termination Date occurs as a result of a refinancing of the Liabilities by the Borrower (whether in connection with any emergence from the Bankruptcy Case, or otherwise) with the Lender, Wells Fargo Bank, N. A., or any Affiliate thereof, then no Revolving Credit Early Termination Fee shall be due or payable. The Lender and the Borrower agree and acknowledge that the Lender will have suffered damages on account of the early termination of the Revolving Credit and that, in view of the difficulty in ascertaining the amount of such damages, the Early Termination Fee constitutes reasonable compensation and liquidated damages to compensate the Lender on account thereof. 2.15 -LENDER'S DISCRETION. (a) Each reference in the Loan Documents to the exercise of discretion or the like by the Lender shall be to the Lender's exercise of its judgment, in good faith (which shall be presumed), based upon such information of which that Person then has actual knowledge. (b) In the exercise of such discretion, the following may be taken into account. ..30.. (i) The reasonable anticipation: of an adverse change to the value of the Collateral; the enforceability of the Lender's Collateral Interests therein; or the amount which the Lender would likely realize therefrom (taking into account delays which may possibly be encountered in the Lender's realizing upon the Collateral and likely Costs of Collection). (ii) The content, completeness, and accuracy of any report or financial information delivered to the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower and the manner by such report or financial information was prepared. (iii) The existence of circumstances suggest that the Borrower is In Default. (c) In the exercise of such discretion, the Lender also may take into account any of the following factors: (i) The current financial and business climate of the industry in which the Borrower competes (having regard for the Borrower's position in that industry). (ii) General macroeconomic conditions which have a material effect on the Borrower's cost structure. (iii) Material changes in or to the mix of the Borrower's Inventory. (iv) Seasonality with respect to the Borrower's Inventory and patterns of retail sales. (v) Such other factors as the Lender reasonably determine as having a material bearing on credit risks associated with the providing of loans and financial accommodations to the Borrower. (d) The burden of establishing the failure of the Lender to have acted in a reasonable manner in the Lender's exercise of such discretion shall be the Borrower's. ..31.. 2.16 -PROCEDURES FOR ISSUANCE OF L/C'S. (a) The Borrower may request that the Lender cause the issuance by the Issuer of L/C's for the account of the Borrower. Each such request shall be in such manner as may from time to time be acceptable to the Lender. (b) The Lender will endeavor to cause the issuance of any L/C so requested by the Borrower, provided that , at the time that the request is made, the Revolving Credit has not been suspended as provided in Section 2(f) and if so issued: (i) The aggregate Stated Amount of all L/C's then outstanding, does not exceed Fifteen Million and 00/100 Dollars ($15,000,000.00). (ii) The expiry of the L/C is not later than the earlier of Thirty (30) days prior to the Maturity Date or the following: (A) Standby's: One (1) year from initial issuance. (B) Documentary's: One hundred and eighty (180) days from issuance. (iii) If the expiry of an L/C is later than the Maturity Date, it is 103% cash collateralized at its issuance. (iv) An OverLoan will not result from the issuance of the subject L/C. (c) The Borrower shall execute such documentation to apply for and support the issuance of an L/C as may be required by the Issuer. (d) There shall not be any recourse to, nor liability of, the Lender on account of (i) Any delay or refusal by an Issuer to issue an L/C; (ii) Any action or inaction of an Issuer on account of or in respect to, any L/C. (e) The Borrower shall reimburse the Issuer for the amount of any honoring of a drawing under an L/C on the same day on which such honoring takes place. If the Borrower does not make such reimbursement, the Lender, without the request of the Borrower, may ..32.. advance under the Revolving Credit (and charge to the Loan Account) the amount of any honoring of any L/C and other amount for which the Borrower, the Issuer, or the Lender becomes obligated on account of, or in respect to, any L/C. Such advance shall be made whether or not the Borrower is In Default or such advance would result in an OverLoan. Such action shall not constitute a waiver of the Lender's rights under Section 2.9(b) hereof. 2.17 -FEES FOR L/C'S. (a) The Borrower shall pay to the Lender a fee, on account of L/C's, the issuance of which had been procured by the Lender, monthly in arrears, and on the Termination Date and on the End Date, equal to Two percent (2%) per annum of the weighted average Stated Amount of all L/C's outstanding during the period in respect of which such fee is being paid except that, following the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, such fee shall be increased by Two percent (2%) per annum. (b) In addition to the fee to be paid as provided in Subsection 2.17(a), above, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender (or to the Issuer, if so requested by Lender), on demand, all issuance, processing, negotiation, amendment, and administrative fees and other amounts charged by the Issuer on account of, or in respect to, any L/C. (c) If any change in Applicable Law shall either: (i) impose, modify or deem applicable any reserve, special deposit or similar requirements against letters of credit heretofore or hereafter issued by any Issuer or with respect to which the Lender or any Issuer has an obligation to lend to fund drawings under any L/C; or (ii) impose on any Issuer any other condition or requirements relating to any such letters of credit; and the result of any event referred to in Section 2.17(c)(i) or 2.17(c)(ii), above, shall be to increase the cost to the Lender or to any Issuer of issuing or maintaining any L/C (which increase in cost shall be the result of such Issuer's reasonable allocation among the Lender's or Issuer's letter of credit customers of the aggregate of such cost increases resulting from such events), then, upon demand by the Lender and delivery by the Lender to the Borrower ..33.. of a certificate of an officer of the Lender or the subject Issuer describing such change in law, executive order, regulation, directive, or interpretation thereof, its effect on the Lender or such Issuer, and the basis for determining such increased costs and their allocation, the Borrower shall immediately pay to the Lender, from time to time as specified by the Lender, such amounts as shall be sufficient to compensate the Lender or the subject Issuer for such increased cost. The Lender's or any Issuer's determination of costs incurred under Section 2.17(c)(i) or 2.17(c)(ii), above, and the allocation, if any, of such costs among the Borrower and other letter of credit customers of the Lender or such Issuer, if done in good faith and made on an equitable basis and in accordance with such officer's certificate, shall be conclusive and binding on the Borrower; provided that the Lender shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any such costs. 2.18 -CONCERNING L/C'S. (a) None of the Issuer, the Issuer's correspondents, the Lender or any advising, negotiating, or paying bank with respect to any L/C shall be responsible in any way for: (i) The performance by any beneficiary under any L/C of that beneficiary's obligations to the Borrower. (ii) The form, sufficiency, correctness, genuineness, authority of any person signing; falsification; or the legal effect of; any documents called for under any L/C if (with respect to the foregoing) such documents on their face appear to be in order. (b) The Issuer may honor, as complying with the terms of any L/C and of any drawing thereunder, any drafts or other documents otherwise in order, but signed or issued by an administrator, executor, conservator, trustee in bankruptcy, debtor in possession, assignee for the benefit of creditors, liquidator, receiver, or other legal representative of the party authorized under such L/C to draw or issue such drafts or other documents. (c) Unless otherwise agreed to, in the particular instance, the Borrower hereby authorizes any Issuer to: (i) Select an advising bank, if any. (ii) Select a paying bank, if any. (iii) Select a negotiating bank. ..34.. (d) All directions, correspondence, and funds transfers relating to any L/C are at the risk of the Borrower. The Issuer shall have discharged the Issuer's obligations under any L/C which, or the drawing under which, includes payment instructions, by the initiation of the method of payment called for in, and in accordance with, such instructions (or by any other commercially reasonable and comparable method). Neither the Lender nor the Issuer shall have any responsibility for any inaccuracy, interruption, error, or delay in transmission or delivery by post, telegraph or cable, or for any inaccuracy of translation. (e) Lender's and the Issuer's rights, powers, privileges and immunities specified in or arising under this Agreement are in addition to any heretofore or at any time hereafter otherwise created or arising, whether by statute or rule of law or contract. (f) Except to the extent otherwise expressly provided hereunder or agreed to in writing by the Issuer and the Borrower, documentary and standby L/C's will be governed by the Uniform Customs and Practice for Documentary Credits, International Chamber of Commerce, Publication No. 500. (g) The obligations of the Borrower under this Agreement with respect to L/C's are absolute, unconditional, and irrevocable and shall be performed strictly in accordance with the terms hereof under all circumstances, whatsoever including, without limitation, the following: (i) Any lack of validity or enforceability or restriction, restraint, or stay in the enforcement of this Agreement, any L/C, or any other agreement or instrument relating thereto. (ii) The existence of any claim, set-off, defense, or other right which the Borrower may have at any time against the beneficiary of any L/C. (iii) Any good faith honoring of a drawing under any L/C, which drawing possibly could have been dishonored based upon a strict construction of the terms of the L/C. ..35.. 2.19 - POTENTIAL ADDITIONAL LIQUIDITY. On or before the earlier of March 30, 2004, or Ten (10) days after the filing of the Borrower's 2003 federal tax return, and so long as (i) the Borrower is not in Default, (ii) the store closing sale with respect to the Closing Stores has been completed, and (iii) the Borrower's audited financial statement have been received with respect to the Borrower's 2003 fiscal year, then the Lender and the Borrower shall meet to address the Borrower's ability to obtain additional liquidity through utilization of the anticipated tax refund. The foregoing does not constitute a commitment of the Lender to either make loans and advances against the tax refund, or to release the Lender's security interest in the tax refund. The Lender does agree to meet and address the matter with the Borrower in good faith. In those discussions, the Lender may take into account the Borrower's financial condition, the Borrower's financial performance since the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case, the results of the store closing sale, the then existing and projected loan-to-value, the substance and nature of the claimed tax refund, and similar matters. ARTICLE 3 - CONDITIONS PRECEDENT: As a condition to the effectiveness of this Agreement, the establishment of the Revolving Credit, and the making of the first loan under the Revolving Credit, each of the documents respectively described in Sections 3.1 through and including 3.4, (each in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender) shall have been delivered to the Lender, and the conditions respectively described in Sections 3-5 through and including 3.10, shall have been satisfied: 3.1 -CORPORATE DUE DILIGENCE. (a) A Certificate of corporate good standing issued by the Secretary of State of Texas. (b) Certificates of due qualification, in good standing, issued by the Secretary(ies) of State of each State in which the nature the Borrower's business conducted or assets owned would require such qualification. (c) A Certificate the Borrower's Secretary of the due adoption, continued effectiveness, and setting forth the texts of, each corporate resolution adopted in connection with ..36.. the establishment of the loan arrangement contemplated by the Loan Documents and attesting to the true signatures of each Person authorized as a signatory to any of the Loan Documents. 3.2 -OPINION. An opinion of counsel to the Borrower in form and substance satisfactory to the Lender. 3.3 -ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION. Such additional instruments, documents, reports, and information as the Lender or its counsel reasonably may require or request including, without limitation, the following, each of which shall be in form and substance acceptable to the Lender: (a) Appraisal of the Borrower's Inventory. (b) Commercial finance examination performed by the Lender's examiners and/or agents. (c) Budget, including monthly balance sheet, profit and loss statements, and cash flow analysis that presents expected loan usage and collateral availability consistent with the Borrowing Base. (d) All Loan Documents. (e) Confirmation of filing of all necessary and appropriate Financing Statements and such other documents as may be required to perfect the Lender's security interest in the Collateral. (f) Confirmation of insurance. (g) The initial Budget. 3.4 -OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES. Certificates executed by the President and the Chief Financial Officer of the Borrower which state that ..37.. (a) Such officer, acting on behalf of the Borrower, has reviewed each of the Loan Documents and has had the benefit of independent counsel (Attorneys Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP) of the Borrower's selection in connection with the review and negotiation of the Loan Documents. In particular, and without limiting the generality of such review, the following provisions of the Loan Documents have been brought to the attention of the undersigned by such counsel: (i) The waiver of the right to a trial by jury in connection with controversies arising out of the loan arrangement contemplated by the Loan Documents. (ii) The designation of, and submission to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of, certain courts. (iii) Various other waivers and indemnifications included therein. (iv) The circumstances under which the Liabilities could be accelerated and the grace periods available with respect to certain Events of Default. (b) The representations and warranties made by the Borrower to the Lender in the Loan Documents are true and complete as of the date of such Certificate, and that no event has occurred which is or which, solely with the giving of notice or passage of time (or both) would be an Event of Default. 3.5 -BORROWING ORDER. There shall have been entered in the Bankruptcy Case an Interim Borrowing Order. 3.6 -REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Each of the representations made by or on behalf of the Borrower in this Agreement or in any of the other Loan Documents or in any other report, statement, document, or paper provided by or on behalf of the Borrower shall be true and complete as of the date as of which such representation or warranty was made. 3.7 -ALL FEES AND EXPENSES PAID. All fees due at or immediately after the first funding under the Revolving Credit and all costs and expenses incurred by the Lender in ..38.. connection with the establishment of the credit facility contemplated hereby (including the fees and expenses of counsel to the Lender) shall have been paid in full. 3.8 -MINIMUM DAY ONE AVAILABILITY. On the Petition Date, after giving effect to the first funding under the Revolving Credit; post-petition accounts payable which are beyond credit terms then accorded the Borrower; overdrafts; any charges to the Loan Account made in connection with the establishment of the credit facility contemplated hereby; the Carve Out; and L/C's to be issued at, or immediately subsequent to, such establishment, Availability shall not be less than $4,000,000.00. 3.9 -BORROWER NOT IN DEFAULT. The Borrower is not In Default. 3.10 -BENEFIT OF CONDITIONS PRECEDENT. The conditions set forth in this Article 3 are for the sole benefit of the Lender and may be waived by the Lender in whole or in part without prejudice to the Lender. No document shall be deemed delivered to the Lender until received and accepted by the Lender at its offices in Boston, Massachusetts. Under no circumstances shall this Agreement take effect until executed and accepted by the Lender at said offices. ARTICLE 4 - GENERAL REPRESENTATIONS, COVENANTS AND WARRANTIES: To induce the Lender to establish the credit facility contemplated herein and to induce the Lender to provide loans and advances under the Revolving Credit (each of which loans shall be deemed to have been made in reliance thereupon) the Borrower, in addition to all other representations, warranties, and covenants made by the Borrower in any other Loan Document, makes those representations, warranties, and covenants included in this Agreement. 4.1 -PAYMENT AND PERFORMANCE OF LIABILITIES. The Borrower shall pay each payment Liability when due (or when demanded, if payable on demand) and shall promptly, punctually, and faithfully perform each other Liability. ..39.. 4.2 -DUE ORGANIZATION. AUTHORIZATION. NO CONFLICTS. (a) The Borrower presently is and shall hereafter remain in good standing as a Texas corporation and is and shall hereafter remain duly qualified and in good standing in every other State in which, by reason of the nature or location of the Borrower's assets or operation of the Borrower's business, such qualification may be necessary, except where the failure to so qualify would have no more than a de minimis adverse effect on the business or a assets of the Borrower. (b) The Borrower's organizational identification number assigned to it by the Secretary of Sate of Texas is listed on EXHIBIT 4.2, annexed hereto. (c) The Borrower shall not change its State of organization; any organizational identification number assigned to the Borrower by that State; or the Borrower's federal taxpayer identification number. (d) Each Affiliate is listed on EXHIBIT 4.2. The Borrower shall provide the Lender with prior written notice of any entity's becoming or ceasing to be an Affiliate. (e) The Borrower has all requisite power and authority to execute and deliver all Loan Documents to which the Borrower is a party and has and will hereafter retain all requisite power to perform all Liabilities. (f) The execution and delivery by the Borrower of each Loan Document to which it is a party; the Borrower's consummation of the transactions contemplated by such Loan Documents (including, without limitation, the creation of Collateral Interests by the Borrower to secure the Liabilities); the Borrower's performance under those of the Loan Documents to which it is a party (i) Have been duly authorized by all necessary action. (ii) Do not, and will not, contravene in any material respect any provision of any Requirement of Law or obligation of the Borrower. ..40.. (iii) Will not result in the creation or imposition of, or the obligation to create or impose, any Encumbrance upon any assets of the Borrower pursuant to any Requirement of Law or obligation, except pursuant to the Loan Documents. (g) The Loan Documents have been duly executed and delivered by the Borrower and are the legal, valid and binding obligations of the Borrower, enforceable against the Borrower in accordance with their respective terms. 4.3 -TRADE NAMES. (a) EXHIBIT 4.3, annexed hereto, is a listing of: (i) All names under which the Borrower ever conducted its business. (ii) All Persons with whom the Borrower ever consolidated or merged, or from whom the Borrower ever acquired in a single transaction or in a series of related transactions substantially all of such Person's assets. (b) The Borrower will provide the Lender with not less than twenty-one (21) days prior written notice (with reasonable particularity) of any change to the Borrower's name from that under which the Borrower is conducting its business at the execution of this Agreement and will not effect such change unless the Borrower is then in compliance with all provisions of this Agreement. 4.4 -INFRASTRUCTURE. (a) The Borrower has and will maintain a sufficient infrastructure to conduct its business as contemplated to be conducted following its execution of this Agreement. (b) The Borrower owns and possesses, or has the right to use (and will hereafter own, possess, or have such right to use) all patents, industrial designs, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service marks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, and other intellectual or proprietary property of any third Person necessary for the Borrower's conduct of the Borrower's business. ..41.. (c) To the Borrower's knowledge, the conduct by the Borrower of the Borrower's business does not presently infringe (nor will the Borrower conduct its business in the future so as to infringe) the patents, industrial designs, trademarks, trade names, trade styles, brand names, service marks, logos, copyrights, trade secrets, know-how, confidential information, or other intellectual or proprietary property of any third Person. 4.5 LOCATIONS. (a) The Collateral, and the books, records, and papers of Borrower's pertaining thereto, are kept and maintained solely at those locations which are listed on EXHIBIT 4.5, annexed hereto, which EXHIBIT includes, with respect to each such location, the name and address of the landlord on the Lease which covers such location (or an indication that the Borrower owns the subject location) and of all service bureaus with which any such records are maintained. (b) The Borrower shall not remove any of the Collateral from those locations listed on EXHIBIT 4.5 except for the following purposes: (i) To accomplish sales of Inventory in the ordinary course of business. (ii) To move Inventory from one such location to another such location. (iii) To utilize such of the Collateral as is removed from such locations in the ordinary course of business (such as motor vehicles). (iv) To accomplish sales of Inventory in connection with Permitted Store Closing Sales. (c) Except as provided below, the Borrower will not: (i) Execute, alter, modify, or amend any Lease. (ii) Commit to, or open or close any location at which the Borrower maintains, offers for sales, or stores any of the Collateral. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may (x) close existing locations in connection with Permitted Store Closing Sales, and (y) alter, modify, or amend an existing Lease, as approved by the Bankruptcy Court. (d) Except as otherwise disclosed pursuant to, or permitted by, this Section 4.5, no tangible personal property of the Borrower is in the care or custody of any third party or ..42.. stored or entrusted with a bailee or other third party and none shall hereafter be placed under such care, custody, storage, or entrustment. 4.6 -ENCUMBRANCES. (a) The Borrower is, and shall hereafter remain, the owner of the Collateral free and clear of all Encumbrances other than any Permitted Encumbrance. (b) The Borrower does not and shall not have, possession of any property on consignment to the Borrower. (c) The Borrower shall not acquire or obtain the right to use any Equipment, the acquisition or right to use of which Equipment is otherwise permitted by this Agreement, in which Equipment any third party has an interest, except for: (i) Equipment which is merely incidental to the conduct of the Borrower's business. (ii) Equipment, the acquisition or right to use of which has been consented to by the Lender, which consent may be conditioned upon the Lender's receipt of such agreement with the third party which has an interest in such Equipment as is satisfactory to the Lender. 4.7 -INDEBTEDNESS. The Borrower does not and shall not hereafter have any Indebtedness other than any Permitted Indebtedness. ..43.. 4.8 INSURANCE. (a) EXHIBIT 4.8, annexed hereto, is a schedule of all insurance policies owned by the Borrower or under which the Borrower is the named insured. Each of such policies is in full force and effect. Neither the issuer of any such policy nor the Borrower is in default or violation of any such policy. (b) The Borrower shall self-insure all Inventory and other property located in the Borrower's retail store locations, and otherwise shall have and maintain at all times insurance covering such risks, in such amounts, containing such terms, in such form, for such periods, and written by such companies as reasonably may be satisfactory to the Lender. (c) All insurance carried by the Borrower shall provide for a minimum of thirty (30) days' prior written notice of cancellation to the Lender and all such insurance which covers the Collateral shall i) Include an endorsement in favor of the Lender, which endorsement shall provide that the insurance, to the extent of the Lender's interest therein, shall not be impaired or invalidated, in whole or in part, by reason of any act or neglect of the Borrower or by the failure of the Borrower to comply with any warranty or condition of the policy. ii) Not include an endorsement in favor of any other Person. (d) The coverage reflected on EXHIBIT 4.8 presently satisfies the foregoing requirements, it being recognized by the Borrower, however, that such requirements may change hereafter to reflect changing circumstances. (e) The Borrower shall furnish the Lender from time to time with certificates or other evidence satisfactory to the Lender regarding compliance by the Borrower with the foregoing requirements. (f) In the event of the failure by the Borrower to maintain insurance as required herein, the Lender, at its option and the Borrower's expense, may obtain such insurance at the expense of the Borrower, provided, however, the Lender's obtaining of such insurance shall not constitute a cure or waiver of any Event of Default occasioned by the Borrower's failure to have maintained such insurance. 4.9 LICENSES. Each license, distributorship, franchise, and similar agreement issued to, or to which the Borrower is a party is in full force and effect. No party to any such license or agreement is in default or violation thereof. The Borrower has not received any notice or threat of cancellation of any such license or agreement. ..44.. 4.10 LEASES. EXHIBIT 4.10, annexed hereto, is a schedule of all presently effective Capital Leases. (Exhibit 4.5 includes a list of all other presently effective Leases). Each of such Leases and Capital Leases is in full force and effect. Other than as a result of the commencement of the Bankruptcy Case or as disclosed on that Exhibit, no party to any such Lease or Capital Lease is in default or violation of any such Lease or Capital Lease. The Borrower has not received any notice or threat of cancellation of any such Lease or Capital Lease. The Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender at any time and from time to time to contact any of the Borrower's landlords in order to confirm the Borrower's continued compliance with the terms and conditions of the Lease(s) between the Borrower and that landlord and to discuss such issues, concerning the Borrower's occupancy under such Lease(s), as the Lender may determine. 4.11 -REQUIREMENTS OF LAW. The Borrower is in compliance with, and shall hereafter comply with and use its assets in compliance with, all Requirements of Law except where the failure of such compliance will not have more than a de minimis adverse effect on the Borrower's business or assets. The Borrower has not received any notice of any violation of any Requirement of Law (other than of a violation which has no more than a de minimis adverse effect on the Borrower's business or assets), which violation has not been cured or otherwise remedied. 4.12 -LABOR RELATIONS. (a) The Borrower has not been and is not presently a party to any collective bargaining or other labor contract. (b) There is not presently pending and, to the Borrower's knowledge, there is not threatened any of the following: (i) Any strike, slowdown, picketing, work stoppage, or employee grievance process. (ii) Any proceeding against or affecting the Borrower relating to the alleged violation of any Applicable Law pertaining to labor relations or before National Labor Relations Board, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, or any comparable governmental body, organizational activity, or other labor or employment dispute against or affecting the Borrower, which, if determined adversely to the Borrower could have more than a de minimis adverse effect on the Borrower. ..45.. (iii) Any lockout of any employees by the Borrower (and no such action is contemplated by the Borrower). (iv) Any application for the certification of a collective bargaining agent. (c) No event has occurred or circumstance exists which could provide the basis for any work stoppage or other labor dispute. (d) The Borrower: (i) Has complied in all material respects with all Applicable Law relating to employment, equal employment opportunity, nondiscrimination, immigration, wages, hours, benefits, collective bargaining, the payment of social security and similar taxes, occupational safety and health, and plant closing. (ii) Is not liable for the payment of more than a de minimius amount of compensation, damages, taxes, fines, penalties, or other amounts, however designated, for the Borrower's failure to comply with any Applicable Law referenced in Section 4.12(d)(i). 4.13 -MAINTAIN PROPERTIES. The Borrower shall: (a) Keep the Collateral in good order and repair (ordinary reasonable wear and tear and insured casualty excepted). (b) Not suffer or cause the waste or destruction of any material part of the Collateral. (c) Not use any of the Collateral in violation of any policy of insurance thereon. (d) Not sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any of the Collateral, other than the following: (i) The sale of Inventory in compliance with this Agreement. (ii) The disposal of Equipment which is obsolete, worn out, or damaged beyond repair. 4.14 -TAXES. (a) With respect to the Borrower's federal, state, and local tax liability and obligations: (i) The Borrower, in compliance with all Applicable Law, has properly filed all returns due to be filed up to the date of this Agreement. (ii) Except as described on EXHIBIT 4.14: ..46.. (A) At no time has the Borrower received from any taxing authority any request to perform any examination of or with respect to the Borrower nor any other written or verbal notice in any way relating to any claimed failure by the Borrower to comply with all Applicable Law concerning payment of any taxes or other amounts in the nature of taxes. (B) No agreement is extant which waives or extends any statute of limitations applicable to the right of any taxing authority to assert a deficiency or make any other claim for or in respect to federal income taxes. (C) No issue has been raised in any tax examination of the Borrower which, by application of similar principles, reasonably could be expected to result in the assertion of a deficiency for any fiscal year open for examination, assessment, or claim by any taxing authority. (b) The Borrower has, and hereafter shall: pay, as they become due and payable, all taxes and unemployment contributions and other charges of any kind or nature levied, assessed or claimed against the Borrower or the Collateral by any person or entity whose claim could result in an Encumbrance upon any asset of the Borrower or by any governmental authority; properly exercise any trust responsibilities imposed upon the Borrower by reason of withholding from employees' pay or by reason of the Borrower's receipt of sales tax or other funds for the account of any third party; timely make all contributions and other payments as may be required pursuant to any Employee Benefit Plan now or hereafter established by the Borrower; and timely file all tax and other returns and other reports with each governmental authority to whom the Borrower is obligated to so file (other than non-material failures to pay which are, once noted or brought to the Borrower's attention, promptly paid). 4.15 -NO MARGIN STOCK. The Borrower is not engaged in the business of extending credit for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any margin stock (within the meaning of Regulations U, T, and X of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System of the United States). No part of the proceeds of any borrowing hereunder will be used at any time to purchase or carry any such margin stock or to extend credit to others for the purpose of purchasing or carrying any such margin stock. ..47.. 4.16 -ERISA. (a) Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate has ever: (i) Violated or failed to be in full compliance with the Borrower's Employee Benefit Plan. (ii) Failed timely to file all reports and filings required by ERISA to be filed by the Borrower. (iii) Engaged in any nonexempt "prohibited transactions" or "reportable events" (respectively as described in ERISA). (iv) Engaged in, or committed, any act such that a tax or penalty reasonably could be imposed upon the Borrower on account thereof pursuant to ERISA. (v) Accumulate any material cumulative funding deficiency within the meaning of ERISA. (vi) Terminated any Employee Benefit Plan such that a lien could be asserted against any assets of the Borrower on account thereof pursuant to ERISA. (vii) Been a member of, contributed to, or have any obligation under any Employee Benefit Plan which is a multiemployer plan within the meaning of Section 4001(a) of ERISA. (b) Neither the Borrower nor any ERISA Affiliate shall ever engage in any action of the type described in Section 4.16(a). 4.17 -HAZARDOUS MATERIALS. (a) The Borrower has never: (i) been legally responsible for any release or threat of release of any Hazardous Material or (ii) received notification of the incurrence of any expense in connection with the assessment, containment, or removal of any Hazardous Material for which the Borrower would be responsible. (b) The Borrower shall: (i) dispose of any Hazardous Material only in compliance with all Environmental Laws and (ii) have possession of any Hazardous Material only in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business and in compliance with all Environmental Laws. 4.18 -LITIGATION. Except as described in EXHIBIT 4.18, annexed hereto, there is not presently pending or threatened by or against the Borrower any suit, action, proceeding, or investigation which, if determined adversely to the Borrower, would have more than a de minimis adverse effect upon the Borrower's financial condition or ability to conduct its business as such business is presently conducted or is contemplated to be conducted in the foreseeable future. ..48.. 4.19 -DIVIDENDS. INVESTMENTS. CORPORATE ACTION. The Borrower shall not: (a) Pay any cash dividend or make any other distribution in respect of any class of the Borrower's capital stock. (b) Make any payment on account of any Indebtedness other than payment of the Liabilities and Permitted Indebtedness. (c) Invest in or purchase any stock or securities or rights to purchase any such stock or securities, of any Person. (d) Merge or consolidate or be merged or consolidated with or into any other corporation or other entity. (e) Consolidate any of the Borrower's operations with those of any other Person. (f) Organize or create any Affiliate. (g) Subordinate any debts or obligations owed to the Borrower by any third party to any other debts owed by such third party to any other Person. (h) Acquire any assets other than in the ordinary course and conduct of the Borrower's business as conducted at the execution of this Agreement. 4.20 -LOANS. The Borrower shall not make any loans or advances to, nor acquire the Indebtedness of, any Person, provided, however, the foregoing does not prohibit any of the following: (a) Advance payments made to the Borrower's suppliers in the ordinary course. (b) Advances to the Borrower's officers, employees, and salespersons with respect to reasonable expenses to be incurred by such officers, employees, and salespersons for the benefit of the Borrower, which expenses are properly substantiated by the person seeking such advance and properly reimbursable by the Borrower. 4.21 -PROTECTION OF ASSETS. The Lender, in the Lender's discretion, and from time to time, may discharge any post-petition tax or Encumbrance on any of the Collateral, or take any other action which the Lender may deem necessary or desirable to repair, insure, maintain, preserve, collect, or realize upon any of the Collateral. The Lender shall not have any obligation to undertake any of the foregoing and shall have no liability on account of any action so undertaken except where there is a specific finding in a judicial proceeding (in which the Lender has had an opportunity to be heard), from which finding no further appeal is available, that the ..49.. Lender had acted in actual bad faith or in a grossly negligent manner. The Borrower shall pay to the Lender, on demand, or the Lender, in its discretion, may add to the Loan Account, all amounts paid or incurred by the Lender pursuant to this section 4.21. 4.22 -LINE OF BUSINESS. The Borrower shall not engage in any business other than the business in which it is currently engaged or a business reasonably related thereto. 4.23 -AFFILIATE TRANSACTIONS. The Borrower shall not make any payment, nor give any value to any Affiliate except for goods and services actually purchased by the Borrower from, or sold by the Borrower to, such Affiliate for a price and on terms which shall (a) be competitive and fully deductible as an "ordinary and necessary business expense" and/or fully depreciable under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and the Treasury Regulations, each as amended; and (b) be no less favorable to the Borrower than those which would have been charged and imposed in an arms length transaction. 4.24 -FURTHER ASSURANCES. (a) The Borrower is not the owner of, nor has it any interest in, any property or asset which may not be subject to a perfected Collateral Interest in favor of the Lender (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances) to secure the Liabilities. (b) The Borrower will not hereafter acquire any asset or any interest in property which is not, immediately upon such acquisition, subject to such a perfected Collateral Interest in favor of the Lender to secure the Liabilities (subject only to Permitted Encumbrances). (c) The Borrower shall execute and deliver to the Lender such instruments, documents, and papers, and shall do all such things from time to time hereafter as the Lender may request to carry into effect the provisions and intent of this Agreement; to protect and perfect the Lender's Collateral Interests in the Collateral; and to comply with all applicable statutes and laws, and facilitate the collection of the Receivables Collateral. The Borrower shall execute all such instruments as may be required by the Lender with respect to the recordation and/or perfection of the Collateral Interests created or contemplated herein. (d) The Borrower hereby designates the Lender as and for the Borrower's true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution, to sign and file any financing statements in order to perfect or protect the Lender's Collateral Interests in the Collateral. ..50.. (e) This Agreement constitutes an authenticated record which authorizes the Lender to file such financing statements as the Lender determines as appropriate to perfect or protect the Collateral Interests created by this Agreement. (f) A carbon, photographic, or other reproduction of this Agreement or of any financing statement or other instrument executed pursuant to this Section 4.24 shall be sufficient for filing to perfect the security interests granted herein. 4.25 -ADEQUACY OF DISCLOSURE. (a) All financial statements furnished to the Lender by the Borrower have been prepared in accordance with GAAP consistently applied and present fairly in all material respects the condition of the Borrower at the date(s) thereof and the results of operations and cash flows for the period(s) covered (provided however, that unaudited financial statements are subject to normal year end adjustments and to the absence of footnotes). (b) The Borrower does not have any contingent obligations or obligation under any Lease or Capital Lease which is not noted in the Borrower's financial statements furnished to the Lender prior to the execution of this Agreement. (c) No document, instrument, agreement, or paper now or hereafter given to the Lender by or on behalf of the Borrower or any guarantor of the Liabilities in connection with the execution of this Agreement by the Lender contains or will contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omits or will omit to state a material fact necessary in order to make the statements therein not misleading. There is no fact known to the Borrower which has, or which, in the foreseeable future could have, a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Borrower or any such guarantor which has not been disclosed in writing to the Lender. 4.26 -NO RESTRICTIONS ON LIABILITIES. The Borrower shall not enter into or directly or indirectly become subject to any agreement which prohibits or restricts, in any manner, the Borrower's: (a) Creation of, and granting of Collateral Interests in favor of the Lender. (b) Incurrence of Liabilities. 4.27 -PRIORITY OF LIABILITIES. Subject only to the Carve Out, the Liabilities of the Borrower hereunder and under the other Loan Documents constitute allowed administrative expense claims in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to Sections 364(c)(1), (2), and (3) and 364(d) of the Bankruptcy Code and each Borrowing Order, having priority over all ..51.. administrative expenses of the kind specified in Sections 503(b) or 507(b) of the Bankruptcy Code. 4.28 -BANKRUPTCY CASE COVENANTS. The Borrower shall not seek, consent to, or permit to be entered, occur, or exist any of the following: (a) The entry of any order in the Bankruptcy Case which modifies, stays, vacates, or amends all or any portion of any Borrowing Order, without the consent of the Lender; (b) A priority claim or administrative expense or unsecured claim against the Borrower (whether as of the Petition Date or hereafter arising, of any kind or nature whatsoever, including without limitation, any administrative expense of the kind specified in Sections 105, 326, 330, 331, 503(a), 503(b), 506(c), 507(a), 507(b), 546(c), 546(d), or 1114 of the Bankruptcy Code) with equal or superior priority to the priority of the claim of the Lender in respect of the Liabilities, other than with respect to the Carve Out or statutory fees of the Office of the United States Trustee; (c) Other than as expressly set forth in the Interim Order, any lien on, or security interest in any of the Collateral with equal or superior priority to the priority of the security interest of the Lender, other than with respect to the Carve Out or statutory fees of the Office of the United States Trustee; (d) Any order which authorizes the return of any of the Borrower's property pursuant to Section 546(g)* of the Bankruptcy Code; or (e) Any order seeking authority for or on behalf of the Borrower or the Borrower's estate to take any action that is prohibited by the terms of this Agreement or the other Loan Documents or to refrain from taking any action that is required to be taken by the terms of this Agreement or any of the other Loan Documents. 4.29 -OTHER COVENANTS. The Borrower shall not indirectly do or cause to be done any act which, if done directly by the Borrower, would breach any covenant contained in this Agreement. FINANCIAL REPORTING: 4.30 -MAINTAIN RECORDS. The Borrower shall: (a) At all times, keep proper books of account, in which full, true, and accurate entries shall be made of all of the Borrower's financial transactions, all in accordance ..52.. with GAAP applied consistently with prior periods to fairly reflect the financial condition of the Borrower at the close of, and its results of operations for, the periods in question. (b) Timely provide the Lender with those financial reports, statements, and schedules required by this Article 4 or otherwise, each of which reports, statements and schedules shall be prepared, to the extent applicable, in accordance with GAAP applied consistently with prior periods to fairly reflect the financial condition of the Borrower at the close of, and the results of operations for, the period(s) covered therein. (c) At all times, keep accurate current records of the Collateral including, without limitation, accurate current stock, cost, and sales records of its Inventory, accurately and sufficiently itemizing and describing the kinds, types, and quantities of Inventory and the cost and selling prices thereof. (d) At all times, retain independent certified public accountants who are reasonably satisfactory to the Lender and instruct such accountants to fully cooperate with, and be available to, the Lender to discuss the Borrower's financial performance, financial condition, operating results, controls, and such other matters, within the scope of the retention of such accountants, as may be raised by the Lender. (e) Not change the Borrower's fiscal year. 4.31 -ACCESS TO RECORDS. (a) The Borrower shall accord the Lender with access from time to time as the Lender may require to all properties owned by or over which the Borrower has control. The Lender shall have the right, and the Borrower will permit the Lender from time to time as Lender may request, to commence during normal business hours to examine, inspect, copy, and make extracts from any and all of the Borrower's books, records, electronically stored data, papers, and files. The Borrower shall make all of the Borrower's copying facilities available to the Lender. All such information obtained by the Lender shall be kept confidential, subject to the requirements of Applicable Law. (b) The Borrower hereby authorizes the Lender to: (i) Inspect, copy, duplicate, review, cause to be reduced to hard copy, run off, draw off, and otherwise use any and all computer or electronically stored information or data which relates to the Borrower, or any service bureau, contractor, accountant, or other person, and directs any such service bureau, contractor, accountant, or other person fully to cooperate with the Lender with respect thereto. ..53.. (ii) Verify at any time the Collateral or any portion thereof, including verification with Account Debtors, and/or with the Borrower's computer billing companies, collection agencies, and accountants and to sign the name of the Borrower on any notice to the Borrower's Account Debtors or verification of the Collateral. (c) The Lender from time to time may designate one or more representatives to exercise the Lender's rights under this Section 4.31 as fully as if the Lender were doing so. 4.32 -IMMEDIATE NOTICE TO LENDER. (a) The Borrower shall provide the Lender with written notice promptly upon the occurrence of any of the following events, which written notice shall be with reasonable particularity as to the facts and circumstances in respect of which such notice is being given: (i) Any change in the Borrower's President, chief executive officer, chief operating officer, and chief financial officer (without regard to the title(s) actually given to the Persons discharging the duties customarily discharged by officers with those titles). (ii) Except as permitted in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, any ceasing of the Borrower's making of payment, in the ordinary course, to any of its creditors (other than its ceasing of making of such payments on account of a de minimis dispute). (iii) Except as permitted in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, any failure by the Borrower to pay rent at any of the Borrower's locations. (iv) Except as permitted in the Bankruptcy Case pursuant to the Bankruptcy Code, any material adverse change in the business, operations, or financial affairs of the Borrower. (v) The Borrower's becoming In Default. (vi) Any intention on the part of the Borrower to discharge the Borrower's present independent accountants or any withdrawal or resignation by such independent accountants from their acting in such capacity (as to which, see Subsection 4.30(d)). (vii) Any litigation which, if determined adversely to the Borrower, would reasonably be expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial condition of the Borrower. (b) The Borrower shall: (i) Provide the Lender, when so distributed, with copies of any materials distributed to the shareholders of the Borrower (qua such shareholders). ..54.. (ii) Add the Lender as an addressee on all mailing lists maintained by or for the Borrower. (iii) At the request of the Lender, from time to time, provide the Lender with copies of all advertising (including copies of all print advertising and duplicate tapes of all video and radio advertising). (iv) Provide the Lender, when received by the Borrower, with a copy of any management letter or similar communications from any accountant of the Borrower. 4.33 -BORROWING BASE CERTIFICATE. The Borrower shall provide the Lender simultaneously with the submission of any request for a loan, advance, or any other financial accommodation with a Borrowing Base Certificate (in the form of EXHIBIT 4.33 annexed hereto, as such form may be revised from time to time by the Lender). Such Certificate may be sent to the Lender by facsimile transmission, provided that the original thereof is forwarded to the Lender on the date of such transmission. 4.34 -WEEKLY REPORTS. In addition to the Variance Report, the Borrower shall weekly, on Tuesday of each week (as of the then immediately preceding Saturday), provide the Lender with a sales audit report and a flash collateral report (each in such form as may be specified from time to time by the Lender). Such report may be sent to the Lender by facsimile transmission, provided that the original thereof is forwarded to the Lender on the date of such transmission. 4.35 -MONTHLY REPORTS. Monthly, the Borrower shall provide the Lender with those financial statements and reports described in EXHIBIT 4.35, annexed hereto, as well as each of the following: (a) A rolling 13-week cash flow projection, including a comparison of projected-to-actual cash flow for the then prior month. (b) All reports required to be provided to the Office of the United States Trustee in accordance with the Operating Instructions Reporting Requirements. 4.36 -QUARTERLY REPORTS. Quarterly, within Forty Five (45) days following the end of each of the Borrower's first three fiscal quarters, the Borrower shall provide the Lender with the following: ..55.. (a) An original counterpart of a management prepared financial statement of the Borrower for the period from the beginning of the Borrower's then current fiscal year through the end of the subject quarter, with comparative information for the same period of the previous fiscal year, which statement shall include, at a minimum, a balance sheet, income statement (on a "consolidated" basis), and cash flows and comparisons for the corresponding quarter of the then immediately previous year, as well as to the Budget. (b) The officer's compliance certificate described in Section 4.38 ..56.. 4.37 -ANNUAL REPORTS. (a) Annually, within ninety (90) days following the end of the Borrower's fiscal year, the Borrower shall furnish the Lender with the following: (i) An original signed counterpart of the Borrower's annual financial statement, which statement shall have been prepared by, and bear the opinion of, the Borrower's independent certified public accountants (i.e. said statement shall be "certified" by such accountants) and shall include, at a minimum (with comparative information for the then prior fiscal year) a balance sheet, income statement, statement of changes in shareholders' equity, and cash flows. (ii) The officer's compliance certificate described in Section 4.38. (b) No later than the earlier of Fifteen (15) days prior to the end of each of the Borrower's fiscal years or the date on which such accountants commence their work on the preparation of the Borrower's annual financial statement, the Borrower shall give written notice to such accountants (with a copy of such notice, when sent, to the Lender) that: (i) Such annual financial statement will be delivered by the Borrower to the Lender. (ii) The Borrower has been advised that the Lender will rely thereon with respect to the administration of, and transactions under, the credit facility contemplated by this Agreement. 4.38 -OFFICERS' CERTIFICATES. The Borrower shall cause either the Borrower's President or its Chief Financial Officer, in each instance, to provide such Person's Certificate with those monthly financial statements to be provided within thirty (30) days of the end of each month and with those to be provided quarterly and annual statements to be furnished pursuant to this Agreement, which Certificate shall: (a) Indicate that the financial information contained therein fairly presents in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows (to the extent a cash flow statement is presented) as of, and for, the periods presented. (b) Indicate either that (i) the Borrower is not In Default, or (ii) if such an event has occurred, its nature (in reasonable detail) and the steps (if any) being taken or contemplated by the Borrower to be taken on account thereof. ..57.. 4.39 -INVENTORIES, APPRAISALS, AND AUDITS. (a) The Lender, at the expense of the Borrower in each instance after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, may participate in and/or observe each physical count and/or inventory of so much of the Collateral as consists of Inventory which is undertaken on behalf of the Borrower. (b) The Borrower, at its own expense, shall cause not less than two (2) physical inventories to be undertaken in each twelve (12) month period during which this Agreement is in effect (the spacing of the scheduling of which inventories shall be subject to the Lender's discretion) conducted by such inventory takers as are satisfactory to the Lender and following such methodology as may be satisfactory to the Lender. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower may notify the Lender that the Borrower only intends to conduct one (1) such physical inventory during a particular period, in which event, no second inventory shall be undertaken, unless the Lender reasonably determines, in the Lender's discretion, that a second inventory should be undertaken, in which event, it shall be undertaken by the Borrower. (i) The Borrower shall provide the Lender with a copy of the preliminary results of each such inventory (as well as of any other physical inventory undertaken by the Borrower) within thirty (30) days following the completion of such inventory. (ii) The Borrower, within thirty (30) days following the completion of such inventory, shall provide the Lender with a reconciliation of the results of each such inventory (as well as of any other physical inventory undertaken by the Borrower) and shall post such results to the Borrower's stock ledger and, as applicable to the Borrower's other financial books and records . (iii) The Lender, in its discretion from and after the occurrence and during the continuance of any Event of Default, may cause such additional inventories to be taken as the Lender determines. (c) The Lender may obtain appraisals of the Collateral, from time to time conducted by such appraisers as are satisfactory to the Lender. (d) The Lender contemplates conducting Three (3) commercial finance field examinations of the Borrower's books and records during any twelve (12) month period during which this Agreement is in effect, but in its discretion, may undertake additional such audits during such period. 4.40 -ADDITIONAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION. (a) In addition to all other information required to be provided pursuant to this Article 4, the Borrower promptly shall provide the Lender (and any guarantor of the Liabilities), ..58.. with such other and additional information concerning the Borrower, the Collateral, the operation of the Borrower's business, and the Borrower's financial condition, including original counterparts of financial reports and statements, as the Lender may from time to time request from the Borrower. (b) The Borrower may provide the Lender, from time to time hereafter, with updated forecasts of the Borrower's anticipated performance and operating results. (c) In all events, the Borrower, no sooner than Ninety (90) nor later than Sixty (60) days prior to the end of each of the Borrower's fiscal years, shall provide the Lender with an updated and extended forecast which shall go out at least through the end of the then next fiscal year and shall include an income statement, balance sheet, and statement of cash flow, by month, each prepared in conformity with GAAP and consistent with the Borrower's then current practices. (d) The Borrower recognizes that all appraisals, inventories, analysis, financial information, and other materials which the Lender may obtain, develop, or receive with respect to the Borrower are confidential to the Lender and that, except as otherwise provided herein, the Borrower is not entitled to receipt of any of such appraisals, inventories, analysis, financial information, and other materials, nor copies or extracts thereof or therefrom. In this regard, upon execution by the Borrower and delivery to the Lender of an appropriate waiver, the Lender shall deliver to the Borrower a copy of the appraisals obtained by the Lender. 4.41 -FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COVENANTS. The Borrower shall observe and comply with each of the financial performance covenants contained in EXHIBIT 4.41 annexed hereto. ARTICLE 5 - USE OF COLLATERAL: 5.1 -USE OF INVENTORY COLLATERAL. (a) Except with respect to Permitted Store Closing Sales, the Borrower shall not engage in any of the following with respect to its Inventory: (i) Any sale other than for fair consideration in the conduct of the Borrower's business in the ordinary course. (ii) Sales or other dispositions to creditors. (iii) Sales or other dispositions in bulk. ..59.. (iv) Sales of any Collateral in breach of any provision of this Agreement. (b) No sale of Inventory shall be on consignment, approval, or under any other circumstances such that, with the exception of the Borrower's customary return policy applicable to the return of inventory purchased by the Borrower's retail customers in the ordinary course, such Inventory may be returned to the Borrower without the consent of the Lender. (c) The Borrower shall not consent to the return of any item of Collateral pursuant to Section 546(g)* of the Bankruptcy Code. 5.2 -INVENTORY QUALITY. All Inventory now owned or hereafter acquired by the Borrower is and will be of good and merchantable quality and free from defects (other than defects within customary trade tolerances). 5.3 -ADJUSTMENTS AND ALLOWANCES. The Borrower may grant such allowances or other adjustments to the Borrower's Account Debtors (exclusive of extending the time for payment of any Account or Account Receivable, which shall not be done without first obtaining the Lender's prior written consent in each instance) as the Borrower may reasonably deem to accord with sound business practice, provided, however, the authority granted the Borrower pursuant to this Section 5.3 may be limited or terminated by the Lender at any time in the Lender's discretion. 5.4 -VALIDITY OF ACCOUNTS. (a) The amount of each Account shown on the books, records, and invoices of the Borrower represented as owing by each Account Debtor is and will be the correct amount actually owing by such Account Debtor and shall have been fully earned by performance by the Borrower. (b) Except as has it has occurred in the ordinary course of the Borrower's business, the Borrower has no knowledge of any impairment of the validity or collectibility of any of the Accounts. The Borrower shall notify the Lender of any such impairment immediately after the Borrower becomes aware of any such impairment. 5.5 -NOTIFICATION TO ACCOUNT DEBTORS. From and after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Lender shall have the right to notify any of the Borrower's Account Debtors to make payment directly to the Lender and to collect all amounts due on account of the Collateral. ..60.. ARTICLE 6 - CASH MANAGEMENT. PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES: 6.1 -DEPOSITORY ACCOUNTS. (a) Annexed hereto as EXHIBIT 6.1 is a listing of all present DDA's, which listing includes, with respect to each depository of the following: (i) the name and address of that depository; (ii) the account number(s) of the account(s) maintained with such depository; and (iii) a contact person at such depository. (b) The Borrower shall deliver the following to the Lender, as a condition to the effectiveness of this Agreement: (i) Notification, executed on behalf of the Borrower, to each depository institution with which any DDA is maintained (other than any Exempt DDA), in form reasonably satisfactory to the Lender of the Lender's interest in such DDA. (c) The Borrower will not establish any DDA hereafter (other than an Exempt DDA) unless, contemporaneous with such establishment, the Borrower delivers to the Lender a copy of the notification to the depository at which such DDA is established if the same would have been required pursuant to Section 6.1(b)(i) if the subject DDA were open at the execution of this Agreement. 6.2 -CREDIT CARD RECEIPTS. (a) Annexed hereto as EXHIBIT 6.2, is a Schedule which describes all arrangements to which the Borrower is a party with respect to the payment to the Borrower of the proceeds of credit card charges for sales by the Borrower. (b) The Borrower shall deliver to the Lender, as a condition to the effectiveness of this Agreement, notification, executed on behalf of the Borrower, to each of the Borrower's credit card clearinghouses and processors of notice (in form satisfactory to the Lender), which notice provides that payment of all credit card charges submitted by the Borrower to that clearinghouse or other processor and any other amount payable to the Borrower by such clearinghouse or other processor shall be directed to the Concentration Account or as otherwise designated from time to time by the Lender. The Borrower shall not change such direction or designation except upon and with the prior written consent of the Lender. ..61.. 6.3 -THE CONCENTRATION, RESTRICTED, AND OPERATING ACCOUNTS. (a) The following checking accounts have been or will be established (and are so referred to herein): (i) The "CONCENTRATION ACCOUNT" (so referred to herein): Established by the Lender with Wells Fargo Bank, N. A.. (ii) The "RESTRICTED ACCOUNT" (so referred to herein): Established by the Borrower with Wells Fargo Bank, N. A.. (iii) The "OPERATING ACCOUNT" (so referred to herein): Established by the Borrower with Wells Fargo Bank, N. A.. (b) The contents of each DDA (other than the Operating Account) and of the Restricted Account constitutes Collateral and Proceeds of Collateral. The contents of the Concentration Account constitutes the Lender's property. (c) The Borrower shall pay all fees and charges of, and maintain such impressed balances as may be required by the depository in which any account is opened as required hereby (even if such account is opened by and/or is the property of the Lender). 6.4 -PROCEEDS AND COLLECTIONS. (a) All Receipts and all cash proceeds of any sale or other disposition of any of the Borrower's assets: (i) Constitute Collateral and proceeds of Collateral. (ii) Shall be held in trust by the Borrower for the Lender. (iii) Shall not be commingled with any of the Borrower's other funds. (iv) Shall be deposited and/or transferred only to the Restricted Account or the Concentration Account. (b) The Borrower shall cause the ACH or wire transfer to the Restricted or the Concentration Account, not less frequently than daily (and whether or not there is then an outstanding balance in the Loan Account) of the following: (i) The then contents of each DDA (other than any Exempt DDA), each such transfer to be net of any minimum balance, not to exceed $1,000.00, as may be required to be maintained in the subject DDA by the bank at which such DDA is maintained. (ii) The proceeds of all credit card charges not otherwise provided for pursuant hereto. Telephone advice (confirmed by written notice) shall be provided to the Lender on each Business Day on which any such transfer is made. (c) At all times, the Borrower shall cause the ACH or wire transfer to the Concentration Account, no less frequently than daily, of then entire ledger balance of the Restricted Account, net of such minimum balance, not to exceed $500.00, as may be required to ..62.. be maintained in the Restricted Account by the depository at which the Restricted Account is maintained. (d) The Lender may, in its discretion, cease to transfer the contents of the Concentration Account to the Operating Account. In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, the Borrower receives or otherwise has dominion and control of any Receipts, or any proceeds or collections of any Collateral, such Receipts, proceeds, and collections shall be held in trust by the Borrower for the Lender and shall not be commingled with any of the Borrower's other funds or deposited in any account of the Borrower other than as instructed by the Lender. 6.5 -PAYMENT OF LIABILITIES. (a) On each Business Day, the Lender shall apply the then collected balance of the Concentration Account (net of fees charged, and of such impressed balances as may be required by the bank at which the Concentration Account is maintained) towards the unpaid balance of the Loan Account and all other Liabilities, provided, however, for purposes of the calculation of interest on the unpaid principal balance of the Loan Account, such payment shall be deemed to have been made Two (2) Business Days after such transfer. (b) The following rules shall apply to deposits and payments under and pursuant to this Section 6.5: (i) Funds shall be deemed to have been deposited to the Concentration Account on the Business Day on which deposited, provided that notice of such deposit is available to the Lender by 2:00PM on that Business Day. (ii) Funds paid to the Lender, other than by deposit to the Concentration Account, shall be deemed to have been received on the Business Day when they are good and collected funds, provided that notice of such payment is available to the Lender by 2:00PM on that Business Day. (iii) If notice of a deposit to the Concentration Account (Section 6.5(b)(i)) or payment (Section 6.5(b)(ii)) is not available to the Lender until after 2:00PM on a Business Day, such deposit or payment shall be deemed to have been made at 9:00AM on the then next Business Day. (iv) All deposits to the Concentration Account and other payments to the Lender are subject to clearance and collection. (c) The Lender shall transfer to the Operating Account any surplus in the Concentration Account remaining after the application towards the Liabilities referred to in ..63.. Section 6.5(a), above (less those amount which are to be netted out, as provided therein) provided, however, in the event that (i) the Borrower is In Default; and (ii) one or more L/C's are then outstanding, then the Lender may establish a funded reserve of up to 110% of the aggregate Stated Amounts of such L/C's. Such funded reserve shall either be (i) returned to the Borrower provided that the Borrower is not In Default or (ii) applied towards the Liabilities following the occurrence of any Event of Default described in Section 9-11 or acceleration following the occurrence of any other Event of Default. 6.6 -THE OPERATING ACCOUNT. Except as otherwise specifically provided in, or permitted by, this Agreement, all checks shall be drawn by the Borrower upon, and other disbursements shall be made by the Borrower solely from, the Operating Account. ARTICLE 7 - GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST: 7.1 -GRANT OF SECURITY INTEREST. To secure the Borrower's prompt, punctual, and faithful performance of all and each of the Liabilities, the Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a continuing security interest in and to, and assigns to the Lender, subject to the Carve Out and the provisions of Section 7-2, the following, and each item thereof, whether now owned or now due, or in which the Borrower has an interest, or hereafter acquired, arising, or to become due, or in which the Borrower obtains an interest, and all products, Proceeds, substitutions, and accessions of or to any of the following (all of which, together with any other property in which the Lender may in the future be granted a security interest, is referred to herein as the "COLLATERAL"): (a) All Accounts and accounts receivable. (b) All Inventory. (c) All General Intangibles. (d) All Equipment. (e) All Goods. (f) All Farm Products. (g) All Fixtures. (h) All Chattel Paper. (i) All Letter-of-Credit Rights. ..64.. (j) All Payment Intangibles. (k) All Supporting Obligations. (l) All books, records, and information relating to the Collateral and/or to the operation of the Borrower's business, and all rights of access to such books, records, and information, and all property in which such books, records, and information are stored, recorded, and maintained. (m) All Leasehold Interests. (n) All Investment Property, Instruments, Documents, Deposit Accounts, money, policies and certificates of insurance, deposits, impressed accounts, compensating balances, cash, or other property. (o) All insurance proceeds, refunds, and premium rebates, including, without limitation, proceeds of fire and credit insurance, whether any of such proceeds, refunds, and premium rebates arise out of any of the foregoing. (7.1(a) through 7.1(n)) or otherwise. (p) All liens, guaranties, rights, remedies, and privileges pertaining to any of the foregoing (7.1(a) through 7.1(o)), including the right of stoppage in transit. 7.2 -EXTENT AND DURATION OF SECURITY INTEREST. (a) The security interest created and granted herein is in addition to, and supplemental of, any security interest previously granted by the Borrower to the Lender and shall continue in full force and effect applicable to all Liabilities until both (i) all Liabilities have been paid and/or satisfied in full; and (ii) the security interest created herein is specifically terminated in writing by a duly authorized officer of the Lender. (b) It is intended that the Collateral Interests created herein extend to and cover all assets of the Borrower, other than Bankruptcy Recoveries. ARTICLE 8 - LENDER AS BORROWER'S ATTORNEY-IN-FACT: 8.1 -APPOINTMENT AS ATTORNEY-IN-FACT. The Borrower hereby irrevocably constitutes and appoints the Lender (acting through any officer of the Lender) as the Borrower's true and lawful attorney, with full power of substitution, following the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, to convert the Collateral into cash at the sole risk, cost, and expense of the Borrower, but for the sole benefit of the Lender. The rights and powers granted the Lender by this appointment include but are not limited to the right and power to: ..65.. (a) Prosecute, defend, compromise, or release any action relating to the Collateral. (b) Sign change of address forms to change the address to which the Borrower's mail is to be sent to such address as the Lender shall designate; receive and open the Borrower's mail; remove any Receivables Collateral and Proceeds of Collateral therefrom and turn over the balance of such mail either to the Borrower or to any trustee in bankruptcy or receiver of the Borrower, or other legal representative of the Borrower whom the Lender determines to be the appropriate person to whom to so turn over such mail. (c) Endorse the name of the Borrower in favor of the Lender upon any and all checks, drafts, notes, acceptances, or other items or instruments; sign and endorse the name of the Borrower on, and receive as secured party, any of the Collateral, any invoices, schedules of Collateral, freight or express receipts, or bills of lading, storage receipts, warehouse receipts, or other documents of title respectively relating to the Collateral. (d) Sign the name of the Borrower on any notice to the Borrower's Account Debtors or verification of the Receivables Collateral; sign the Borrower's name on any Proof of Claim in Bankruptcy against Account Debtors, and on notices of lien, claims of mechanic's liens, or assignments or releases of mechanic's liens securing the Accounts. (e) Take all such action as may be necessary to obtain the payment of any letter of credit and/or banker's acceptance of which the Borrower is a beneficiary. (f) Repair, manufacture, assemble, complete, package, deliver, alter or supply goods, if any, necessary to fulfill in whole or in part the purchase order of any customer of the Borrower. (g) Use, license or transfer any or all General Intangibles of the Borrower. 8.2 -NO OBLIGATION TO ACT. The Lender shall not be obligated to do any of the acts or to exercise any of the powers authorized by Section 8.1 herein, but if the Lender elects to do any such act or to exercise any of such powers, it shall not be accountable for more than it actually receives as a result of such exercise of power, and shall not be responsible to the Borrower for any act or omission to act except for any act or omission to act as to which there is a final determination made in a judicial proceeding (in which proceeding the Lender has had an opportunity to be heard) which determination includes a specific finding that the subject act or omission to act had been grossly negligent or in actual bad faith. ..66.. ARTICLE 9 - EVENTS OF DEFAULT: The occurrence of any event described in this Article 9 shall constitute an "EVENT OF DEFAULT" herein. The occurrence of any Event of Default shall also constitute, without notice or demand, a default under all other agreements between the Lender and the Borrower and instruments and papers heretofore, now, or hereafter given the Lender by the Borrower. 9.1 -FAILURE TO PAY THE REVOLVING CREDIT. The failure by the Borrower to pay when due any principal of, interest on, or fees in respect of, the Revolving Credit. 9.2 -FAILURE TO MAKE OTHER PAYMENTS. The failure by the Borrower to pay when due (or upon demand, if payable on demand) any payment Liability other than any payment liability on account of the principal of, or interest on, or fees in respect of, the Revolving Credit. 9.3 -FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY(NO GRACE PERIOD). The material failure by the Borrower to promptly, punctually, faithfully and timely perform, discharge, or comply with any material covenant or Liability included in any of the following provisions hereof (unless (to the extent applicable) any such failure to pay is due to the existence of a good faith dispute which is being contested and diligently pursued by the Borrower):
Section Relates to : - ------- ---------------------------- 4.7 Indebtedness 4.14 Pay taxes (except as provided therein) 4.19 Dividends. Investments. Other Corporate Actions 4.23 Affiliate Transactions 4-41 Financial Performance Covenants Article 4 Reporting Requirements Article 6 Cash Management
9.4 -FAILURE TO PERFORM COVENANT OR LIABILITY (GRACE PERIOD). The failure by the Borrower, within Fifteen (15) Business Days following the earlier of the Borrower's knowledge of a breach of any covenant or Liability or of its receipt of written notice from the Lender of the breach of any of any of such covenants or Liabilities. ..67.. 9.5 -MISREPRESENTATION. The determination by the Lender that any representation or warranty at any time made by the Borrower to the Lender was not true or complete in all material respects when given. 9.6 -ACCELERATION OF OTHER DEBT. BREACH OF LEASE. The occurrence of any event such that any post-petition Indebtedness in an amount of $75,000.00 or more of the Borrower to any creditor other than the Lender could be accelerated or, without the consent of the Borrower, any Lease (other than with respect to a Lease covering a Closed Store) could be terminated (whether or not the subject creditor or lessor takes any action on account of such occurrence). 9.7 -DEFAULT UNDER OTHER AGREEMENTS. The occurrence of any breach of any covenant or Liability imposed by, or of any default under, any agreement (including any Loan Document, but excluding the Pre-petition Loan Agreement) between the Lender and the Borrower or instrument given by the Borrower to the Lender and the expiry, without cure, of any applicable grace period (notwithstanding that the Lender may not have exercised all or any of its rights on account of such breach or default). 9.8 -UNINSURED CASUALTY LOSS. The occurrence of any uninsured loss, theft, damage, or destruction of or to any material portion of the Collateral with a value in excess of $750,000.00 or more. 9.9 -ATTACHMENT. JUDGMENT. RESTRAINT OF BUSINESS. The service of process upon the Lender or any Participant seeking to attach, by trustee or other process, any funds of the Borrower on deposit with, or assets of the Borrower in the possession of, the Lender or such Participant in excess of $100,000.00. (a) The entry of any judgment against the Borrower, which judgment is not satisfied (if a money judgment) or appealed from (with execution or similar process stayed) within fifteen (15) Business Days of its entry. (b) The entry of any order or the imposition of any other process having the force of law, the effect of which is to restrain in any material way the conduct by the Borrower of its business in the ordinary course, unless the same has been appealed by the Borrower and is being diligently pursued and the effectiveness of the order has been stayed pending the outcome of the appeal. ..68.. 9.10 -INDICTMENT - FORFEITURE. The indictment of, or institution of any legal process or proceeding against, the Borrower, under any Applicable Law where the relief, penalties, or remedies sought or available include the forfeiture of any material property or material amount of cash of the Borrower and/or the imposition of any stay or other order, the effect of which could be to restrain in any material way the conduct by the Borrower of its business in the ordinary course. 9.11 -CHALLENGE TO LOAN DOCUMENTS. (a) Any challenge by or on behalf of the Borrower to the validity of any Loan Document or the applicability or enforceability of any Loan Document strictly in accordance with the subject Loan Document's terms or which seeks to void, avoid, limit, or otherwise adversely affect any security interest created by or in any Loan Document or any payment made pursuant thereto. (b) Any determination by any court or any other judicial or government authority that any Loan Document is not enforceable strictly in accordance with the subject Loan Document's terms or which voids, avoids, limits, or otherwise adversely affects any security interest created by any Loan Document or any payment made pursuant thereto. 9.12 -CHANGE IN CONTROL. Any Change in Control. 9.13 -MODIFICATION OF BORROWING ORDER. The entry of an order in the Bankruptcy Case which stays, modifies, or reverses any Borrowing Order or which otherwise materially adversely affects, as determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion, the effectiveness of any Borrowing Order. 9.14 -APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEE OR EXAMINER. The appointment in the Bankruptcy Case of a trustee or of any examiner having expanded powers to operate all or any part of Borrower's business. 9.15 -CONVERSION OF BANKRUPTCY CASE. The conversion of the Bankruptcy Case to a case under Chapter 7 of the Bankruptcy Code. ..69.. 9.16 -RELIEF FROM STAY. The entry of any order which provides relief from the automatic stay otherwise imposed pursuant to Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code which permits any creditor, other than the Lender, to realize upon, or to exercise any right or remedy with respect to, any material asset of Borrower or to terminate any license, franchise, or similar agreement, where the exercise of such right or remedy or such realization or termination could have a material adverse effect on Borrower's financial condition or ability to conduct its business in the ordinary course. 9.17 -SUPER PRIORITY CLAIM. The filing of any application shall be filed by the Borrower without the express written consent of the Lender for the approval of any super-priority claim in the Bankruptcy Case which is pari passu with or senior to the priority of the claims of the Lender for the Liabilities, or there shall arise any such super-priority claim under the Bankruptcy Code. 9.18 -PAYMENT OF PRE-PETITION INDEBTEDNESS. The payment or other discharge by the Borrower of any pre-petition Indebtedness, except as expressly permitted hereunder, or except with respect to payments authorized by an order of the Bankruptcy Court to which the Lender has provided its express written consent. 9.19 -ADEQUATE PROTECTION TO THIRD PARTIES. The entry of any order in the Bankruptcy Case which provides adequate protection, or the granting by the Borrower of similar relief in favor of any one or more of the Borrower's pre-petition creditors without the consent of the Lender, or the subsequent expansion or modification of any such adequate protection or relief without the consent of the Lender. 9.20 -BREACH OF BORROWING ORDER. The failure of the Borrower to comply with each and all of the terms and conditions of any Borrowing Order. 9.21 STORE CLOSINGS. The failure of the Borrower to obtain entry, on or before February 9, 2004, by the Bankruptcy Court in the Bankruptcy Case of an order, in form and substance acceptable to the Lender in its reasonable discretion, pursuant to the applicable provisions of the Bankruptcy Code authorizing the sale of the Inventory located at the Closing Stores, or the failure of the store closing sales to have commenced at the Closing Stores on or before February 12, 2004. ..70.. 9.22 -ADVERSE BANKRUPTCY ORDERS. The filing of any motion by the Borrower (or by any party in interest or any committee appointed in the Bankruptcy Case) seeking: (i) to obtain working capital or other financing for the Borrower from any Person other than the Lender, (ii) to grant a lien on, or security interest in any of the Collateral, other than with respect to this Agreement, (iii) to use any of the Collateral pursuant to Section 363(c) of the Bankruptcy Code without the prior written consent of the Lender, (iv) to recover from any portion of the Collateral any costs or expenses of preserving or disposing of such Collateral under Section 506(c) of the Bankruptcy Code, or (v) to dismiss the Bankruptcy Case. 9.23 -CONFIRMED PLAN. The entry of an order confirming a Plan that does not require repayment in full in cash of all Liabilities on the effective date of such Plan. ..71.. ARTICLE 10 - RIGHTS AND REMEDIES UPON DEFAULT: 10.1 -ACCELERATION. Upon the occurrence of any Event of Default, the Lender may declare all Liabilities of the Borrower to the Lender to be immediately due and payable and may exercise all of the Lender's Rights and Remedies (as defined below) as the Lender from time to time thereafter determines as appropriate. 10.2 -RIGHTS OF ENFORCEMENT. The Lender shall have all of the rights and remedies of a secured party upon default under the UCC, in addition to which the Lender shall have all and each of the following rights and remedies: (a) To give notice to any bank at which any DDA or Blocked Account is maintained and in which Proceeds of Collateral are deposited, to turn over such Proceeds directly to the Lender. (b) To give notice to any of the Borrower's customs brokers to follow the instructions of the Lender as provided in any written agreement or undertaking of such broker in favor of the Lender. (c) To collect the Receivables Collateral with or without the taking of possession of any of the Collateral. (d) To take possession of all or any portion of the Collateral. (e) To sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Collateral, in its then condition or following such preparation or processing as the Lender deems advisable and with or without the taking of possession of any of the Collateral. (f) To conduct one or more going out of business sales which include the sale or other disposition of the Collateral. (g) To apply the Receivables Collateral or the Proceeds of the Collateral towards (but not necessarily in complete satisfaction of) the Liabilities. (h) To exercise all or any of the rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and discretions under all or any of the Loan Documents. 10.3 -SALE OF COLLATERAL. (a) Any sale or other disposition of the Collateral may be at public or private sale upon such terms and in such manner as the Lender deems advisable, having due regard to compliance with any statute or regulation which might affect, limit, or apply to the Lender's disposition of the Collateral. ..72.. (b) In connection with the Lender's exercise of the Lender's Rights and Remedies, including without limitation, the conduct of any sale or other disposition of the Collateral in accordance with the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and in furtherance of Section 362 of the Bankruptcy Code, all parties and persons of every nature and description, including, but not limited to, landlords, utilities, governmental agencies, sheriffs, marshals, and other public officers, creditors, and all those acting for or on their respective behalf, are precluded from taking any action affecting property of the Borrower's estate, including without limitation, the Collateral and the Lender's rights therein and remedies with respect thereto. (c) The Lender, in the exercise of the Lender's rights and remedies upon default, may conduct one or more going out of business sales, in the Lender's own right or by one or more agents and contractors. Such sale(s) may be conducted upon any premises owned, leased, or occupied by the Borrower. The Lender and any such agent or contractor, in conjunction with any such sale, may augment the Inventory with other goods (all of which other goods shall remain the sole property of the Lender or such agent or contractor). Any amounts realized from the sale of such goods which constitute augmentations to the Inventory (net of an allocable share of the costs and expenses incurred in their disposition) shall be the sole property of the Lender or such agent or contractor and neither the Borrower nor any Person claiming under or in right of the Borrower shall have any interest therein. (d) Unless the Collateral is perishable or threatens to decline speedily in value, or is of a type customarily sold on a recognized market (in which event the Lender shall provide the Borrower such notice as may be practicable under the circumstances), the Lender shall give the Borrower at least ten (10) days prior notice, by authenticated record, of the date, time, and place of any proposed public sale, and of the date after which any private sale or other disposition of the Collateral may be made. The Borrower agrees that such written notice shall satisfy all requirements for notice to the Borrower which are imposed under the UCC or other applicable law with respect to the exercise of the Lender's rights and remedies upon default. (e) The Lender may purchase the Collateral, or any portion of it at any sale held under this Article. (f) If any of the Collateral is sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of by the Lender on credit, the Liabilities shall not be deemed to have been reduced as a result thereof unless and until payment is finally received thereon by the Lender. (g) The Lender shall apply the proceeds of the Lender's exercise of its rights and remedies upon default pursuant to this Article 10 in such manner, and with such frequency, as the Lender determines. ..73.. 10.4 -OCCUPATION OF BUSINESS LOCATION. In connection with the Lender's exercise of the Lender's rights under this Article 10, the Lender may enter upon, occupy, and use any premises owned or occupied by the Borrower, and may exclude the Borrower from such premises or portion thereof as may have been so entered upon, occupied, or used by the Lender. The Lender shall not be required to remove any of the Collateral from any such premises upon the Lender's taking possession thereof, and may render any Collateral unusable to the Borrower. In no event shall the Lender be liable to the Borrower for use or occupancy by the Lender of any premises pursuant to this Article 10, nor for any charge (such as wages for the Borrower's employees and utilities) incurred in connection with the Lender's exercise of the Lender's Rights and Remedies. 10.5 -GRANT OF NONEXCLUSIVE LICENSE. The Borrower hereby grants to the Lender a royalty free nonexclusive irrevocable license to use, apply, and affix any trademark, trade name, logo, or the like in which the Borrower now or hereafter has rights, such license being with respect to the Lender's exercise of the rights hereunder including, without limitation, in connection with any completion of the manufacture of Inventory or sale or other disposition of Inventory. 10.6 -ASSEMBLY OF COLLATERAL. After the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Lender may require the Borrower to assemble the Collateral and make it available to the Lender at the Borrower's sole risk and expense at a place or places which are reasonably convenient to both the Lender and the Borrower. 10.7 -RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. The rights, remedies, powers, privileges, and discretions of the Lender hereunder (herein, the "LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES") shall be cumulative and not exclusive of any rights or remedies which it would otherwise have. No delay or omission by the Lender in exercising or enforcing any of the Lender's Rights and Remedies shall operate as, or constitute, a waiver thereof. No waiver by the Lender of any Event of Default or of any default under any other agreement shall operate as a waiver of any other default hereunder or under any other agreement. No single or partial exercise of any of the Lender's Rights or Remedies, and no express or implied agreement or transaction of whatever nature entered into between the Lender and any person, at any time, shall preclude the other or further exercise of the Lender's Rights and Remedies. No waiver by the Lender of any of the ..74.. Lender's Rights and Remedies on any one occasion shall be deemed a waiver on any subsequent occasion, nor shall it be deemed a continuing waiver. The Lender's Rights and Remedies may be exercised at such time or times and in such order of preference as the Lender may determine. The Lender's Rights and Remedies may be exercised without resort or regard to any other source of satisfaction of the Liabilities. 10.8 -BORROWER'S EXERCISE OF LENDER'S RIGHTS AND REMEDIES. In lieu of the exercise by the Lender of any or all of the Lender's Rights and Remedies after the occurrence and during the continuance of an Event of Default, the Lender may require, and upon request by the Lender the Borrower shall, undertake to liquidate the Collateral on behalf of the Lender in such manner as the Lender may require. Such liquidation may be effected through a partial or chain-wide store closing sale in a manner consistent with the foregoing enumeration of the Lender's Rights and Remedies, and as otherwise permitted by the Bankruptcy Court. (a) The Lender may by written notice to the Borrower require the Borrower to: (i) File a Motion seeking to retain one or more agents to sell, lease, or otherwise dispose of the Collateral on terms acceptable to the Lender. (ii) File a Motion or Motions seeking to sell, assume, assign, or otherwise dispose of any or all of the Leasehold Interests pursuant to Sections 363 and 365 of the Bankruptcy Code, on terms acceptable to the Lender. (b) The Borrower shall file such Motion(s) within Ten (10) days of the Lender's request and shall diligently prosecute such Motion(s). If the Borrower fails to so file or diligently prosecute the Motion(s), the Lender may file a motion requesting authority to prosecute such Motion(s). ARTICLE 11 - NOTICES: 11.1 -NOTICE ADDRESSES. All notices, demands, and other communications made in respect of any Loan Document (other than a request for a loan or advance or other financial accommodation under the Revolving Credit) shall be made to the following addresses, each of which may be changed upon seven (7) days written notice to all others given by certified mail, return receipt requested: If to the Lender: Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC One Boston Place - 18th Floor Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Attention : Lynn S. Whitmore : Assistant Vice president Fax : 617 722-9485 E-mail : lynnw@wfretail.com ..75.. With a copy to: Riemer & Braunstein LLP Three Center Plaza Boston, Massachusetts 02108 Attention : Donald E. Rothman, Esquire Fax : 617 880-3456 E-mail : drothman@riemerlaw.com If to the Borrower: Gadzooks, Inc. 4121 International Parkway Carrollton, Texas 75007 Attention : James A. Motley : Vice President, Chief Financial Officer Fax : 972 662-4295 With a copy to: Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, LLP 1700 Pacific Avenue, Ste 4100 Dallas, TX 75201-4618 Attention : Eliot Raffkind, Esquire Fax: : 214 969-4343 11.2 -NOTICE GIVEN: (a) Except as otherwise specifically provided herein, notices shall be deemed made and correspondence received, as follows (all times being local to the place of delivery or receipt): (i) By mail: the sooner of when actually received or Three (3) Business Days following deposit in the United States mail, postage prepaid. (ii) By recognized overnight express delivery: the Business Day following the day when sent. (iii) By Hand: If delivered on a Business Day after 9:00 AM and no later than Three (3) hours prior to the close of customary business hours of the recipient, when delivered. Otherwise, at the opening of the then next Business Day. (iv) By Facsimile transmission (which must include a header on which the party sending such transmission is indicated): If sent on a Business Day after 9:00 AM and no later than Three (3) hours prior to the close of customary business hours of the recipient, one (1) hour after being sent. Otherwise, at the opening of the then next Business Day. (b) Rejection or refusal to accept delivery and inability to deliver because of a changed address or Facsimile Number for which no due notice was given shall each be deemed receipt of the notice sent. ..76.. ARTICLE 12 - TERM: 12.1 -TERMINATION OF REVOLVING CREDIT. The Revolving Credit shall remain in effect until the Termination Date. 12.2 -ACTIONS ON TERMINATION. (a) On the Termination Date, the Borrower shall pay the Lender (whether or not then due), in immediately available funds, all then Liabilities including, without limitation: the following: (i) The entire balance of the Loan Account (including the unpaid principal balance of the Revolving Credit Loans ). (ii) Any then remaining installments of the Facility Fee. (iii) Any payments due on account of the indemnification obligations included in this Agreement. (iv) Any accrued and unpaid Unused Line Fee. (v) Any applicable Revolving Credit Early Termination Fee. (vi) All unreimbursed costs and expenses of the Lender; for which the Borrower is responsible. (vii) All other Liabilities. (b) On the Termination Date, the Borrower shall also shall make such arrangements concerning any L/C's and Bank Products and Bank Product Obligations then outstanding as are reasonably satisfactory to the Lender. (c) Until such payment (Section 12.2(a)) and arrangements concerning L/C's (Section 12.2(b)), all provisions of this Agreement, other than those included in Article 2 which place any obligation on the Lender to make any loans or advances or to provide any financial accommodations to the Borrower shall remain in full force and effect until all Liabilities shall have been paid in full. (d) The release by the Lender of the Collateral Interests granted the Lender by the Borrower hereunder may be upon such conditions and indemnifications as the Lender, in its discretion, reasonably may require, including the providing of cash collateral for outstanding L/C's, indemnification for items which may be charged back or returned or to afford appropriate time for all open items to clear and be finally paid, and to address other similar claims which could be asserted or charged against the Lender, all as determined by the Lender in its reasonable discretion. ..77.. ARTICLE 13 - GENERAL: 13.1 -PROTECTION OF COLLATERAL. The Lender has no duty as to the collection or protection of the Collateral beyond the safe custody of such of the Collateral as may come into the possession of the Lender. 13.2 -PUBLICITY. The Lender may issue a "tombstone" notice of the establishment of the credit facility contemplated by this Agreement and may make reference to the Borrower (and may utilize any logo or other distinctive symbol associated with the Borrower) in connection with any advertising, promotion, or marketing (including reference in any "case study" of the creditor facility contemplated hereby) undertaken by the Lender. 13.3 -SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. This Agreement shall be binding upon the Borrower and the Borrower's representatives, successors, and assigns and shall enure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors and assigns, provided, however, no trustee or other fiduciary appointed with respect to the Borrower shall have any rights hereunder. In addition to any other assignment, which shall be to a commercial bank or other recognized commercial lending or similar financial institution with a combined capital and surplus of not less than $100,000,000.00, the Borrower acknowledges that the Lender may assign this Agreement and the Lender's rights hereunder to any Affiliate of the Lender at any time. In the event that the Lender assigns or transfers its rights under this Agreement, the assignee shall thereupon succeed to and become vested with all rights, powers, privileges, and duties of the Lender hereunder and the Lender shall thereupon be discharged and relieved from its duties and obligations hereunder. 13.4 -SEVERABILITY. Any determination that any provision of this Agreement or any application thereof is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect in any instance shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of such provision in any other instance, or the validity, legality, or enforceability of any other provision of this Agreement. 13.5 -AMENDMENTS. COURSE OF DEALING. (a) This Agreement and the other Loan Documents incorporate all discussions and negotiations between the Borrower and the Lender, either express or implied, concerning the matters included herein and in such other instruments, any custom, usage, or course of dealings to the contrary notwithstanding. No such discussions, negotiations, custom, usage, or course of ..78.. dealings shall limit, modify, or otherwise affect the provisions thereof. No failure by the Lender to give notice to the Borrower of the Borrower's having failed to observe and comply with any warranty or covenant included in any Loan Document shall constitute a waiver of such warranty or covenant or the amendment of the subject Loan Document. No change made by the Lender to the manner by which Borrowing Base is determined shall obligate the Lender to continue to determine Borrowing Base in that manner. (b) The Borrower may undertake any action otherwise prohibited hereby, and may omit to take any action otherwise required hereby, upon and with the express prior written consent of the Lender. No consent, modification, amendment, or waiver of any provision of any Loan Document shall be effective unless executed in writing by or on behalf of the party to be charged with such modification, amendment, or waiver (and if such party is the Lender then by a duly authorized officer thereof). 13.6 -POWER OF ATTORNEY. In connection with all powers of attorney included in this Agreement, the Borrower hereby grants unto the Lender (acting through any of its officers) full power to do any and all things necessary or appropriate in connection with the exercise of such powers as fully and effectually as the Borrower might, hereby ratifying all that said attorney shall do or cause to be done by virtue of this Agreement. No power of attorney set forth in this Agreement shall be affected by any disability or incapacity suffered by the Borrower and each shall survive the same. All powers conferred upon the Lender by this Agreement, being coupled with an interest, shall be irrevocable until this Agreement is terminated by a written instrument executed by a duly authorized officer of the Lender. 13.7 -APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS. The proceeds of any collection, sale, or disposition of the Collateral, or of any other payments received hereunder, shall be applied towards the Liabilities in such order and manner as the Lender determines in its sole discretion, consistent, however, with all applicable provisions of this Agreement. The Borrower shall remain liable for any deficiency remaining following such application. 13.8 -INCREASED COSTS. If, as a result of any Requirement of Law, or of the interpretation or application thereof by any court or by any governmental or other authority or entity charged with the administration thereof, whether or not having the force of law, which: (a) subjects the Lender to any taxes or changes the basis of taxation, or increases any existing taxes, on payments of principal, interest or other amounts payable by the ..79.. Borrower to the Lender under this Agreement (except for taxes on the Lender based on net income or capital imposed by the jurisdiction in which the principal or lending offices of the Lender are located); (b) imposes, modifies or deems applicable any reserve, cash margin, special deposit or similar requirements against assets held by, or deposits in or for the account of or loans by or any other acquisition of funds by the relevant funding office of the Lender; (c) imposes on the Lender any other condition with respect to any Loan Document; or (d) imposes on the Lender a requirement to maintain or allocate capital in relation to the Liabilities; and the result of any of the foregoing, in the Lender's reasonable opinion, is to increase the actual cost to the Lender of making or maintaining any loan, advance or financial accommodation or to reduce the income receivable by the Lender in respect of any loan, advance or financial accommodation by an amount which the Lender deems to be material, then upon written notice from the Lender, from time to time, to the Borrower (such notice to set out in reasonable detail the facts giving rise to and a summary calculation of such increased cost or reduced income), the Borrower shall forthwith pay to the Lender, upon receipt of such notice, that amount which shall compensate the Lender for such additional cost or reduction in income; provided that the Lender shall use commercially reasonable efforts to minimize any such costs. 13.9 -COSTS AND EXPENSES OF THE LENDER. (a) The Borrower shall pay from time to time on demand all Costs of Collection and all reasonable costs, expenses, and disbursements (including attorneys' reasonable fees and expenses) which are incurred by the Lender in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, and delivery of this Agreement and of any other Loan Documents, and all other reasonable costs, expenses, and disbursements which may be incurred in connection with or in respect to the credit facility contemplated hereby or which otherwise are incurred with respect to the Liabilities. (b) The Borrower authorizes the Lender to pay all such fees and expenses and in the Lender's discretion, to add such fees and expenses to the Loan Account. (c) The undertaking on the part of the Borrower in this Section 13.9 shall survive payment of the Liabilities and/or any termination, release, or discharge executed by the Lender in favor of the Borrower, other than a termination, release, or discharge which makes specific reference to this Section 13.9. ..80.. 13.10 -COPIES AND FACSIMILES. Each Loan Document and all documents and papers which relates thereto which have been or may be hereinafter furnished the Lender may be reproduced by the Lender by any photographic, microfilm, xerographic, digital imaging, or other process, and the Lender may destroy any document so reproduced. Any such reproduction shall be admissible in evidence as the original itself in any judicial or administrative proceeding (whether or not the original is in existence and whether or not such reproduction was made in the regular course of business). Any facsimile which bears proof of transmission shall be binding on the party which or on whose behalf such transmission was initiated and likewise shall be so admissible in evidence as if the original of such facsimile had been delivered to the party which or on whose behalf such transmission was received. 13.11 -MASSACHUSETTS LAW. This Agreement and all rights and obligations hereunder, including matters of construction, validity, and performance, shall be governed by the law of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts. 13.12 -CONSENT TO JURISDICTION. (a) The Borrower agrees that any legal action, proceeding, case, or controversy against the Borrower with respect to any Loan Document may be brought in the Bankruptcy Court. (b) The Borrower WAIVES personal service of any and all process upon it, and irrevocably consents to the service of process out of any of the aforementioned courts in any such action or proceeding by the mailing of copies thereof by certified mail, postage prepaid, to the Borrower at the Borrower's address for notices as specified herein, such service to become effective five (5) Business Days after such mailing. (c) The Borrower WAIVES any objection based on forum non conveniens and any objection to venue of any action or proceeding instituted under any of the Loan Documents and consents to the granting of such legal or equitable remedy as is deemed appropriate by the Court. (d) Nothing herein shall affect the right of the Lender to bring legal actions or proceedings in any other competent jurisdiction. (e) The Borrower agrees that any action commenced by the Borrower asserting any claim arising under or in connection with this Agreement or any other Loan ..81.. Document shall be brought solely in the Bankruptcy Court, and that such Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction with respect to any such action. 13.13 -INDEMNIFICATION. The Borrower shall indemnify, defend, and hold the Lender and any Participant and any of their respective employees, officers, or agents (each, an "INDEMNIFIED PERSON") harmless of and from any claim brought or threatened against any Indemnified Person by the Borrower, any guarantor or endorser of the Liabilities, or any other Person (as well as from attorneys' reasonable fees, expenses, and disbursements in connection therewith) on account of the relationship of the Borrower or of any other guarantor or endorser of the Liabilities, including all costs, expenses, liabilities, and damages as may be suffered by any Indemnified Person in connection with (x) the Collateral; (y) the occurrence of any Event of Default; or (z) the exercise of any rights or remedies under any of the Loan Documents (each of claims which may be defended, compromised, settled, or pursued by the Indemnified Person with counsel of the Lender's selection, but at the expense of the Borrower) other than any claim as to which a final determination is made in a judicial proceeding (in which the Lender and any other Indemnified Person has had an opportunity to be heard), which determination includes a specific finding that the Indemnified Person seeking indemnification had acted in a grossly negligent manner or in actual bad faith. This indemnification shall survive payment of the Liabilities and/or any termination, release, or discharge executed by the Lender in favor of the Borrower, other than a termination, release, or discharge duly executed on behalf of the Lender which makes specific reference to this Section 13.13. 13.14 -RULES OF CONSTRUCTION. The following rules of construction shall be applied in the interpretation, construction, and enforcement of this Agreement and of the other Loan Documents: (a) Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein (and then only to the extent so provided), interest and any fee or charge which is stated as a per annum percentage shall be calculated based on a 360 day year and actual days elapsed. (b) Words in the singular include the plural and words in the plural include the singular. (c) Unless otherwise specifically provided for herein or in a specific Loan Document (and then only to the extent so provided), as between the parties hereto or to any Loan Document, the definitions of the following terms, as included in the UCC, are deemed to be as ..82.. follows for purposes of the performance of obligations arising under or in respect of any Loan Document: (i) "Authenticate" means "signed". (ii) "Record" means written information in a tangible form. (d) Cross references to Sections in this Agreement begin with the Article in which that Section appears, followed by a colon, and then the Section to which reference is made. (For example, a reference to "Section 5:5-6" is to Section 5-6, which appears in Article 5 of this Agreement). (e) Titles, headings (indicated by being underlined or shown in SMALL CAPITALS) and any Table of Contents are solely for convenience of reference; do not constitute a part of the instrument in which included; and do not affect such instrument's meaning, construction, or effect. (f) The words "includes" and "including" are not limiting. (g) Text which follows the words "including, without limitation" (or similar words) is illustrative and not limitational. (h) Text which is shown in italics (except for parenthesized italicized text), shown in BOLD, shown IN ALL CAPITAL LETTERS, or in any combination of the foregoing, shall be deemed to be conspicuous. (i) The words "may not" are prohibitive and not permissive. (j) Any reference to a Person's "knowledge" (or words of similar import) are to such Person's knowledge assuming that such Person has undertaken reasonable and diligent investigation with respect to the subject of such "knowledge" (whether or not such investigation has actually been undertaken). (k) Terms which are defined in one section of any Loan Document are used with such definition throughout the instrument in which so defined. (l) The term "Dollars" and the symbol "$" each refers to United States Dollars. (m) Unless limited by reference to a particular Section or provision, any reference to "herein", "hereof", or "within" is to the entire Loan Document in which such reference is made. (n) References to "this Agreement" or to any other Loan Document is to the subject instrument as amended to the date on which application of such reference is being made. (o) Except as otherwise specifically provided, all references to time are to Boston time. ..83.. (p) In the determination of any notice, grace, or other period of time prescribed or allowed hereunder: (i) Unless otherwise provided (I) the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included and the last day of the period so computed shall be included unless such last day is not a Business Day, in which event the last day of the relevant period shall be the then next Business Day and (II) the period so computed shall end at 5:00 PM on the relevant Business Day. (ii) The word "from" means "from and including". (iii) The words "to" and "until" each mean "to, but excluding". (iv) The word "through" means "to and including". (q) The Loan Documents shall be construed and interpreted in a harmonious manner and in keeping with the intentions set forth in Section 13.15 hereof, provided, however, in the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Agreement and any other Loan Document, the provisions of this Agreement shall govern and control. 13.15 -INTENT. It is intended that: (a) This Agreement take effect as a sealed instrument. (b) The scope of all Collateral Interests created by the Borrower to secure the Liabilities be broadly construed in favor of the Lender and that they cover all assets of the Borrower. (c) All Collateral Interests created in favor of the Lender at any time and from time to time secure all Liabilities, whether now existing or contemplated or hereafter arising. (d) All reasonable costs, expenses, and disbursements incurred by the Lender in connection with the Lender's relationship(s) with the Borrower shall be borne by the Borrower. (e) Unless otherwise explicitly provided herein, the Lender's consent to any action of the Borrower which is prohibited unless such consent is given may be given or refused by the Lender in its sole discretion and without reference to Section 2(q) hereof. 13.16 -PARTICIPATIONS The Lender may sell participations in the Lender's interests herein to one or more financial institutions (each, a "PARTICIPANT"). 13.17 -RIGHT OF SET-OFF. Any and all deposits or other sums at any time credited by or due to the Borrower from the Lender or any Participant or from any Affiliate of any of the ..84.. foregoing, and any cash, securities, instruments or other property of the Borrower in the possession of any of the foregoing, whether for safekeeping or otherwise (regardless of the reason such Person had received the same) shall at all times constitute security for all Liabilities and for any and all obligations of the Borrower to the Lender or any Participant or such Affiliate and may be applied or set off against the Liabilities and against such obligations at any time, whether or not such are then due and whether or not other collateral is then available to the Lender. ..85.. 13.18 -PLEDGES TO FEDERAL RESERVE BANKS: Nothing included in this Agreement shall prevent or limit the Lender, to the extent that the Lender is subject to any of the twelve Federal Reserve Banks organized under Section 4 of the Federal Reserve Act (12 U.S.C. Section 341) from pledging all or any portion of that Lender's interest and rights under this Agreement, provided, however, neither such pledge nor the enforcement thereof shall release the Lender from any of its obligations hereunder or under any of the Loan Documents. 13.19 -MAXIMUM INTEREST RATE. Notwithstanding any other provision of any Loan Document, interest on the indebtedness evidenced by any Loan Document is expressly limited so that in no contingency or event whatsoever, whether by acceleration of the maturity of any Loan Document or otherwise, shall the interest contracted for, charged or received by the Lender exceed the maximum amount permissible under Applicable Law. If from any circumstances whatsoever fulfillment of any provisions of any Loan Document or of any other document evidencing, securing or pertaining the indebtedness evidenced hereby, at the time performance of such provision shall be due, shall involve transcending the limit of validity prescribed by law, then ipso facto, the obligations to be fulfilled shall be reduced to the limit of such validity, and if from any such circumstances the Lender shall ever receive anything of value as interest or deemed interest by Applicable Law under any Loan Document evidencing, securing or pertaining to the Indebtedness or otherwise an amount that would exceed the highest lawful rate, such amount that would be excessive interest shall be applied to the reduction of the principal amount owing under the Loan Documents or on account of any indebtedness of the Borrower to the Lender, and not to the payment of interest, or if such excessive interest exceeds the unpaid balance of the Indebtedness, such excess shall be refunded to the Borrower. In determining whether or not the interest paid or payable with respect to the Indebtedness, under any specific contingency, exceeds the highest lawful rate, the Borrower and the Lender shall, to the maximum extent permitted by Applicable Law, (a) characterize any non-principal payment as an expense, fee or premium rather than as interest, (b) exclude voluntary prepayments and the effects thereof, (c) amortize, prorate, allocate and spread the total amount of interest throughout the full term of such indebtedness so that the actual rate of interest on account of such indebtedness does not exceed the maximum amount permitted by Applicable Law, and/or (d) allocate interest between portions of such Indebtedness, to the end that no such portion shall bear interest at a rate greater than that permitted by Applicable Law. The terms and provisions of this paragraph shall control and supercede every other conflicting provision of any Loan Document and all other agreements between the Borrower and the Lender. ..86.. 13.20 -WAIVERS. (a) The Borrower (and all guarantors, endorsers, and sureties of the Liabilities) make each of the waivers included in Section (b), below, knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Lender, in establishing the facilities contemplated hereby and in providing loans and other financial accommodations to or for the account of the Borrower as provided herein, whether not or in the future, is relying on such waivers. (b) THE BORROWER, AND EACH SUCH GUARANTOR, ENDORSER, AND SURETY RESPECTIVELY WAIVES THE FOLLOWING: (i) Except as otherwise specifically required hereby, notice of non-payment, demand, presentment, protest and all forms of demand and notice, both with respect to the Liabilities and the Collateral. (ii) Except as otherwise specifically required hereby, the right to notice and/or hearing prior to the Lender's exercising of the Lender's rights upon default. (iii) THE RIGHT TO A JURY IN ANY TRIAL OF ANY CASE OR CONTROVERSY IN WHICH THE LENDER IS OR BECOMES A PARTY (WHETHER SUCH CASE OR CONTROVERSY IS INITIATED BY OR AGAINST THE LENDER OR IN WHICH THE LENDER IS JOINED AS A PARTY LITIGANT), WHICH CASE OR CONTROVERSY ARISES OUT OF OR IS IN RESPECT OF, ANY RELATIONSHIP AMONG OR BETWEEN THE BORROWER OR ANY OTHER PERSON AND THE LENDER LIKEWISE WAIVES THE RIGHT TO A JURY IN ANY TRIAL OF ANY SUCH CASE OR CONTROVERSY). (iv) Any defense, counterclaim, set-off, recoupment, or other basis on which the amount of any Liability, as stated on the books and records of the Lender, could be reduced or claimed to be paid otherwise than in accordance with the tenor of and written terms of such Liability. (v) Any claim to consequential, special, or punitive damages. (vi) Any notice of the Lender's intent to accelerate the Liabilities. (vii) Any notice of the acceleration of the Liabilities by the Lender. [Signatures follow] ..87.. GADZOOKS, INC., DEBTOR AND DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION (" BORROWER") By_________________________________ Print Name:________________________________ Title:_____________________________ WELLS FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC ("LENDER") By_________________________________ Print Name:________________________________ Title:_____________________________ ..88.. EXHIBIT 4-41 FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE COVENANTS NB. --All Financial Performance Covenants are with regard to, and tested against, performance and operations of non-Closing Stores only. 1. SALES RECEIPTS. The Borrower shall not permit its actual sales receipts, tested weekly on a cumulative basis, to be less than: (i) Eight-five percent for the period from the Petition Date through February 21, 2004, and (ii) Ninety percent (90%) thereafter, of the Borrower's projected sales receipts as shown in the Budget. 2. DISBURSEMENTS. The Borrower shall not permit its actual disbursements, tested weekly on a cumulative basis, to be greater than: (i) One hundred fifteen (115%) percent for the period from the Petition Date through February 21, 2004, and (ii) One hundred ten percent (110%) thereafter, of the Borrower's projected disbursements as shown in the Budget. 3. MIN/MAX INVENTORY. The Borrower shall at all times, tested monthly as of the end of each calendar month, maintain gross Inventory in aggregate amounts (measured at Cost) not (i) less than (a) Eighty-five percent (85%) for t he month of February, 2004, and (b) Ninety percent (90%) thereafter, or (ii) greater than (a) One hundred fifteen percent (115%) for the month of February, 2004, and (b) One hundred ten percent (110%) thereafter, of the amounts shown in the Budget. 4. GROSS MARGIN. The Borrower shall not permit its actual Gross Margin (as determined in accordance with GAAP) for any Fiscal month to be more than Three percent (3%) less than the Borrower's projected Gross Margin for the subject month as shown in the Budget. 5. EBITDA. The Borrower shall not permit its actual EBITDA (as determined in accordance with GAAP), tested monthly as of the end of each Fiscal month on a cumulative basis, to be less than Eighty-five percent (85%) of the Borrower's projected cumulative EBITDA through the end of such month as shown in the Budget.
EX-10.34 3 d14917kexv10w34.txt DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE Exhibit 10.34 DEBTOR-IN-POSSESSION REVOLVING CREDIT NOTE WELLS FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC 813875.2 $30,000,000.00 Boston, Massachusetts February 4, 2004 FOR VALUE RECEIVED, the undersigned, Gadzooks, Inc., Debtor and Debtor-in-Possession, a Texas corporation with its principal executive offices at 4121 International Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75007 (the "BORROWER"), promises to pay to the order of Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC, a Delaware limited liability company with its offices at One Boston Place - 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108 (with any subsequent holder, the "LENDER") the aggregate unpaid principal balance of loans and advances made to or for the account of the Borrower pursuant to the Revolving Credit established pursuant to the Debtor-in-Possession Loan and Security Agreement of even date (as such may be amended hereafter, the "LOAN AGREEMENT") between the Lender and the Borrower, with interest at the rate and payable in the manner stated therein. This is the "Revolving Credit Note" to which reference is made in the Loan Agreement and is subject to all terms and provisions thereof. The principal of, and interest on, this Revolving Credit Note shall be payable as provided in the Loan Agreement and shall be subject to acceleration as provided therein. Terms used herein which are defined in the Loan Agreement are used as so defined. The Lender's books and records concerning loans and advances pursuant to the Revolving Credit, the accrual of interest thereon, and the repayment of such loans and advances, shall be prima facie evidence of the indebtedness hereunder. The Borrower shall be bound by and obligated on account of any increase or decrease in the amount of the holder's Revolving Credit Ceiling notwithstanding that such increase or decrease may not be reflect on this Revolving Credit Note. No delay or omission by the Lender in exercising or enforcing any of the Lender's powers, rights, privileges, remedies, or discretions hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof on that occasion nor on any other occasion. No waiver Exhibit 10.34 of any default hereunder shall operate as a waiver of any other default hereunder, nor as a continuing waiver. The Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor of this Revolving Credit Note, respectively waives presentment, demand, notice, and protest, and also waives any delay on the part of the holder hereof. Each assents to any extension or other indulgence (including, without limitation, the release or substitution of Collateral) permitted by the Lender with respect to this Revolving Credit Note and/or any Collateral or any extension or other indulgence with respect to any other liability or any collateral given to secure any other liability of the Borrower or any other person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note. This Revolving Credit Note shall be binding upon the Borrower, and each endorser and guarantor hereof, and upon their respective heirs, successors, assigns, and representatives, and shall inure to the benefit of the Lender and its successors, endorsees, and assigns. The liabilities of the Borrower, and of any endorser or guarantor of this Revolving Credit Note, are joint and several, provided, however, the release by the Lender of any one or more such person, endorser or guarantor shall not release any other person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note. Each reference in this Revolving Credit Note to the Borrower, any endorser, and any guarantor, is to such person individually and also to all such persons jointly. No person obligated on account of this Revolving Credit Note may seek contribution from any other person also obligated unless and until all liabilities, obligations and indebtedness to the Lender of the person from whom contribution is sought have been satisfied in full. This Revolving Credit Note is delivered at the offices of the Lender in Boston, Massachusetts, shall be governed by the law of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and shall take effect as a sealed instrument. The Borrower makes the following waiver knowingly, voluntarily, and intentionally, and understands that the Lender in the establishment and maintenance of the Lender's relationship with the Borrower contemplated by this Revolving Credit Note, is relying thereon. THE BORROWER, TO THE EXTENT Exhibit 10.34 ENTITLED THERETO, WAIVES ANY PRESENT OR FUTURE RIGHT OF THE BORROWER, OR OF ANY GUARANTOR OR ENDORSER OF THE BORROWER OR OF ANY OTHER PERSON LIABLE TO THE LENDER ON ACCOUNT OF OR IN RESPECT TO THE LIABILITIES, TO A TRIAL BY JURY IN ANY CASE OR CONTROVERSY IN WHICH THE LENDER IS OR BECOMES A PARTY (WHETHER SUCH CASE OR CONTROVERSY IS INITIATED BY OR AGAINST THE LENDER OR IN WHICH THE LENDER IS JOINED AS A PARTY LITIGANT), WHICH CASE OR CONTROVERSY ARISES OUT OF, OR IS IN RESPECT TO, ANY RELATIONSHIP AMONG OR BETWEEN THE BORROWER, ANY SUCH PERSON, AND THE LENDER. GADZOOKS, INC. Debtor and Debtor-in-Possession (The " BORROWER") By:__________________________________ Title:_______________________________ EX-10.35 4 d14917kexv10w35.txt FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT Exhibit 10.35 FIRST AMENDMENT TO LOAN AND SECURITY AGREEMENT WELLS FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC 816939.4 February 25, 2004 THIS FIRST AMENDMENT is made in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein and benefits to be derived herefrom to the February 3, 2004 Debtor-In-Possession Loan and Security Agreement (the "LOAN AGREEMENT") between: Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC (the "LENDER"), a Delaware limited liability company with offices at One Boston Place - 18th Floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02108, and Gadzooks, Inc. ( the " BORROWER"), a Texas corporation with its principal executive offices at 4121 International Parkway, Carrollton, Texas 75007, Debtor and Debtor-In-Possession. PART 1. AMENDMENT OF LOAN AGREEMENT: The Loan Agreement is amended as follows: I. The definition of "Appraised Inventory Liquidation Value" on Page 3 of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following is inserted in its place: "APPRAISED INVENTORY LIQUIDATION VALUE": The product of (a) the Cost of Eligible Inventory (net of Inventory Reserves) multiplied by (b) that percentage, determined from the then most recent appraisal of the Borrower's Inventory, acceptable to the Lender in the Lender's discretion, undertaken by an independent appraiser engaged by the Lender and otherwise acceptable to the Lender in its discretion, based upon the appraiser's reasonable estimate of the net recovery on the Borrower's Inventory in the event of an in-store liquidation of that Inventory. II. The definition of "Borrowing Base" on Page 6 of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following is inserted in its place: "BORROWING BASE":The aggregate of the following: The face amount of Eligible Credit Card Receivables multiplied by the Credit Card Advance Rate. Plus The lesser of (a) the Cost of Eligible Inventory (net of Inventory Reserves) multiplied by the Inventory Advance Rate or (b) the Appraised Inventory Percentage of the Appraised Inventory Liquidation Value. Plus The Eligible Tax Refund multiplied by 75%. III. The definition of "Inventory Advance Rate" on Page 15 of the Loan Agreement is hereby deleted in its entirety, and the following is inserted in its place: "INVENTORY ADVANCE RATE": Seventy-five percent (75%). The Lender, in its discretion, may permit an increase above the foregoing designated percentage, and may thereafter remove any such increase. -1- Exhibit 10.35 IV. The definition of "Inventory Reserves" on Page 15 of the Loan Agreement is hereby amended by the deletion of subsection (ii) thereof, and the following is inserted in its place: (ii) Shrinkage, to be released upon confirmation by the Lender, in the Lender's reasonable discretion, that Borrower has posted annual shrink results to the stock ledger system, and to remain released provided that the accrual to the stock ledger is not less than the actual shrink results for each period on a going forward basis. V. The following definition is hereby added to Article I of the Loan Agreement in alphabetical order on Page 10: "ELIGIBLE TAX REFUND": The amount of the federal tax refund due the Borrower for 2003, but only during the period commencing on that date that each of the following conditions have been satisfied through that date which is 90 days from the date that the Borrower's 2003 federal tax return is filed: (a) The Lender is satisfied, in the Lender's reasonable discretion, that the Borrower's 2003 federal tax return has been properly filed, along with a duly completed Form 1139 - -"Corporate Application for Tentative Refund"; (b) The Lender has received written confirmation from the Borrower's tax advisors setting forth the anticipated timeline for receipt of the expected federal tax refund, which must reflect that payment is anticipated within 90 days of filing the federal tax return; (c) The Borrower shall execute and deliver such power of attorney or other forms as may be required to direct the Internal revenue Service to pay all tax refunds directly to the Lender; and (d) The amount of the federal tax refund, as shown on the federal tax return, shall not be less than $4,000,000.00. VI. Article 7 is hereby amended by the deletion of subsection (m) (Leasehold Interests), provided that the Lender shall obtain and retain a security interest in all proceeds of such Leasehold Interests. PART 2. MISCELLANEOUS: I. Except as provided herein, all terms and conditions of the Loan Agreement and of the other Loan Documents remain in full force and effect. The Borrower hereby ratifies, confirms, and re-affirms all terms and provisions of the Loan Documents. II. Terms used in this First Amendment which are defined in the Loan Agreement are used as so defined. III. This First Amendment may be executed in counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, and both of which together shall constitute one instrument. IV. This First Amendment expresses the entire understanding of the parties with respect to the transactions contemplated hereby. No prior negotiations or discussions shall limit, modify, or otherwise affect the provisions hereof. V. Any determination that any provision of this First Amendment or any application hereof is invalid, illegal, or unenforceable in any respect and in any instance shall not affect the validity, legality, or enforceability of such provision in any other instance, or the validity, legality, or enforceability of any other provisions of this First Amendment. -2- Exhibit 10.35 VI. The Borrower shall pay on demand all reasonable costs and expenses of the Lender, including, without limitation, reasonable attorneys' fees in connection with the preparation, negotiation, execution, and delivery of this First Amendment. VII. In connection with the interpretation of this Amendment and all other documents, instruments, and agreements incidental hereto: A. All rights and obligations hereunder and thereunder, including matters of construction, validity, and performance, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and are intended to take effect as sealed instruments. B. The captions of this Amendment are for convenience purposes only, and shall not be used in construing the intent of the Lender and the Borrower under this Amendment. C. In the event of any inconsistency between the provisions of this Amendment and any of the other Loan Documents or other agreements entered into by and between the Lender and the Borrower, the provisions of this Amendment shall govern and control. D. The Lender and the Borrower have prepared this Amendment and all documents, instruments, and agreements incidental hereto with the aid and assistance of their respective counsel. Accordingly, all of them shall be deemed to have been drafted by the Lender and the Borrower and shall not be construed against either party. [Signatures follow] -3- Exhibit 10.35 GADZOOKS, INC. ("BORROWER") By_____________________________________ Print Name:____________________________________ Title:____________________________________ WELLS FARGO RETAIL FINANCE, LLC ("LENDER") By_____________________________________ Print Name:____________________________________ Title:____________________________________ -4- EX-10.36 5 d14917kexv10w36.txt EMPLOYEE RETENTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN Exhibit 10.36 CONFIDENTIAL GADZOOKS, INC. KEY EMPLOYEE RETENTION AND INCENTIVE PLAN Gadzooks, Inc. ("Company" or "Debtor") filed for protection under Chapter 11 on February 3, 2004. The outcome of the bankruptcy process is unpredictable and the retention of key employees who will be central to the operational and financial restructuring of the business is deemed to be a high priority of the Company and its key constituencies. The Restructuring Committee of the Board of Directors of Gadzooks, Inc., upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, has put forth a Key Employee Retention and Incentive Plan, the "PLAN", for certain key employees of the Company. IT IS IMPORTANT TO NOTE THAT THIS PROGRAM HAS BEEN APPROVED BY THE COMPANY AND THE UCC. IT WILL BE PRESENTED TO THE COURT FOR APPROVAL. NONE OF THE SPECIFICS AS TO WHO IS IN THE PROGRAM, WHAT THEIR INDIVIDUAL ELIGIBILITY IS AND FOR WHAT BENEFITS AND SIMILAR DETAILED INFORMATION WILL BE MADE PUBLIC. SUCH INFORMATION WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE UNDER SEAL TO THE COURT, THE UNSECURED CREDITORS' COMMITTEE AND THE US TRUSTEE BUT IT WILL NOT BE MADE PUBLIC TO INSURE THAT ENTITIES INTENDING TO RECRUIT OUR KEY EMPLOYEES ARE NOT AWARE OF THE `TARGET' IT WILL TAKE TO PROVIDE AN EASY EXIT FOR THEM. FURTHER, PAYROLL INFORMATION IS GENERALLY CONFIDENTIAL WITHIN THE COMPANY. Key employees who may be eligible for this program are deemed to be critical to the ongoing mission of the enterprise. Many may not, under different bankruptcy exit plan scenarios, be selected for continuing employment because of a sale or liquidation of their business unit or duplication of personnel or skill set with the ultimate owner in the event their business unit is sold. Also, in the case of a restructuring, the resulting entity may be significantly downsized to better address capital constraints and the ability to compete in the future and/or management changes may be in order. Sixty-four officers and employees comprise the universe of key employees to be covered under the PLAN. They are divided into 5 separate groups for ease of understanding their key function within the Company: Group 1 Executive Officers 7 Group 2 Director Level Staff 11 Group 3 Critical Corporate Staff 10 Group 4 Regional Sales Directors/RLPMs 6 Group 5 District Sales Managers 30 -- Total 64
The PLAN is comprised of three primary components including a retention bonus, a performance incentive and a severance program. The RETENTION BONUS COMPONENT provides an incentive for each key employee to remain with the Company until a specified future event has occurred. The PERFORMANCE INCENTIVE COMPONENT provides an incentive for key employees in Groups 1-3 if the performance for the current FY2004 fiscal year that ends on January 31, 2005 exceeds the business plan analyzed in three time periods: February - April; May-August; and, September - January, 2005. The FY2004 business plan has been reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors and is the same plan upon which the DIP lender has set loan covenants. The SEVERANCE PROGRAM COMPONENT is approved by the Board of Directors but has been defined providing flexibility for senior management to deal with current conditions. For the key employees who would be eligible for the PLAN, the Board is willing to commit to a defined amount of severance which is based on position held. It should be noted that Jerry Szczepanski and Steve Kotch have existing employment agreements addressing severance. The proposed severance payment in the PLAN for Steve Kotch is the same as called for in his employment agreement. Carol Greer, a member of the Board of Directors of Gadzooks, Inc., moved into an interim officer's position in mid-January with the title of Interim President and Chief Merchandising Officer. Ms. Greer's compensation in this interim position is shown on the attached Exhibit I and her incentive bonus is also described on the exhibit. She is not eligible for further PLAN benefits in her current position. It is possible that Ms. Greer may shortly agree to enter into a longer-term employment agreement at which time the specifics of her compensation arrangements may be modified to fit that job position. It is contemplated that her compensation arrangement for a permanent position as President and Chief Merchandising Officer would be as noted on Exhibit I. However, she would not be eligible for any of the components provided for in the PLAN. Jerry Szczepanski, Chairman and CEO, has existing severance and retirement agreements which set out the specific terms and conditions as to payments he is to receive in the alternative scenarios which might apply to him. Mr. Szczepanski has reduced his annual compensation $100,000 post-petition and is in agreement to participate in the retention bonus and the performance incentive components of the PLAN as shown herein. While his existing severance and retirement agreements are pre-petition agreements, it is the intention of the Board of Directors to insure that any modifications would be acceptable to Mr. Szczepanski. Exhibit I is a CONFIDENTIAL list of all key employees who will be eligible for the PLAN with information about their individual participation levels in the three PLAN components. Exhibit II is a summary of the NEWCO FY 2004 business plan information which will be used to compare actual results against for the incentive portion of the PLAN. These exhibits are filed under seal with the Court. THE RETENTION BONUS COMPONENT The retention bonus portion of the PLAN provides for payments totaling $1,098,000 representing approximately 19% of the $5.8 million compensation base for the entire group. An individual selected to be eligible for a retention bonus must remain employed in good standing for the sooner of: - The effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation of their business unit; or, - Sixty days after the date their business unit is sold pursuant to the approval of the Court unless terminated sooner by a purchaser; or, - Until they are terminated by Gadzooks The term `business unit' is defined as the Company in the main but if individual stores or groups of stores were sold separately and the employment status of eligible employees was impacted then the term `business unit' would apply or the fact that they would be terminated by Gadzooks would apply. If an eligible employee voluntarily leaves the employ of the Company prior to the above dates, then they will forfeit all proposed benefits of the PLAN unless earned prior to the last date of employment. Any forfeited amounts are removed from the PLAN and will not be reallocated except in the circumstance that another employee is moved into that position. In the event that occurs, a determination will be made by the CEO as to an appropriate retention bonus for that individual given the circumstances. Finally, in the event of a liquidation of the Company, the Executive Officers would not receive a retention bonus. THE INCENTIVE BONUS COMPONENT Historically, the Company has had a performance bonus plan for its key employees. The Board of Directors believes such a plan is even more important in the current situation as an additional motivation to keep its key employees. As a reference point, the incentive portion of the PLAN at the minimum level is approximately 40% of the total target bonus that was in place for the same group in FY2003. The incentive portion of the PLAN is structured to pay a bonus to Groups 1-3 if the company exceeds certain milestones established in the FY2004 business plan. Key employees in Groups 4 & 5 are eligible for other routine field level performance bonuses (based on sales and shrink) that are paid in the ordinary course of business as has been the practice for a number of years. This incentive bonus component will replace any other incentive plan for the eligible employees in Groups 1-3 for FY2004. The incentive portion of the PLAN incorporates the following concepts: - The measurements of performance will be comparisons of actual performance of the NEWCO division against the NEWCO division base 2004 Plan projections. - Each incentive period is measured separately and the minimum target incentive payments would be made if the actual performance in a period at least exceeds 2004 Plan by the amount to be paid. - The incentive portion contemplates a cumulative end of year additional payout if the actual annual cumulative performance exceeds the 2004 Plan by specific target amounts as described below. Such total incentive payout would contemplate that amounts paid during the year would be deducted from the `allowable' total incentive payout. Such `allowable' total payout would be calculated as follows: - 50% of the first $1 million of excess above the annual target - 25% of the next $1 million increments above the annual target until the caps are achieved - The cap on the incentive payments to the individual Group 1 participants will not exceed 100% of their annual base salaries. - The cap on the incentive payments to the individual Group 2 & 3 participants will not exceed 25% of their annual base salaries. The incentive portion of the PLAN is structured to pay eligible employees who are employed on three dates: - On May 15, 2004 if the goals for the first three months are exceeded by at least the amount to be paid, then the percentage sharing described above provides the framework for the first period total bonus pool. The minimum incentive bonus payout TARGET is approximately $180,000 which is 5% of the annual compensation base for these employees. - On September 15, if the goals for the next four months are exceeded by at least the amount to be paid, then the percentage sharing described above again provides the framework for the second period total bonus pool. The minimum incentive bonus payout TARGET is another approximately $180,000 which is 5% of the annual compensation base for these employees. - On February 15, 2005, if the goals for the final five months are exceeded by at least the amount to be paid, then the percentage sharing described above again provides the framework for the third period total bonus pool. The minimum incentive bonus payout TARGET is approximately $240,000 which is 6.7% of the annual compensation base for these employees. The grand total minimum payout TARGET of all performance incentive bonuses, if earned and paid, would approximate $600,000 or 17% of their annual base compensation. As described above, based on the cumulative magnitude of the excess over the business plan, it is possible for the employees to realize higher bonus payouts up to the caps described above. The entire plan will remain within the discretion of the CEO, Compensation Committee and Restructuring Committee to make adjustments in the payouts once the incentive pool has been created through achievement of results exceeding plan. To be determined to be in good standing, the employee must have been employed until the payment date as specified above. The incentive bonus for the first three month's performance, if earned, would be paid on May 15, 2004; and, for the next four months, if earned, on September 15, 2004. The final period payment would be paid, if earned, on February 15, 2005 for the final 5 months of FY 2004. If a cumulative bonus in addition to the minimum target bonus is due and payable, it would be paid on March 1, 2005. THE MILESTONE IN THE INCENTIVE PLAN FOR GROUPS 1, 2 & 3 IS THE EBITDA FOR THE PERIOD AS COMPARED TO THE FY2004 BUDGETED BUSINESS PLAN. THE SEVERANCE PROGRAM COMPONENT In the event an eligible employee is terminated without cause on or before the dates noted below, they will receive in addition to the retention bonus, a severance payment. The events are: - The effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of reorganization of their business unit; or, - The effective date of confirmation by the Court of a plan of liquidation of their business unit; or, - Sixty days after the date their business unit is sold pursuant to the approval of the Court unless terminated sooner by a purchaser; or, - Until they are terminated by Gadzooks Terminated employees would forfeit any benefit from the unearned incentive portion of the PLAN in lieu of payments for retention and severance. The severance payout portion of the PLAN will terminate upon the effective date of the plan of reorganization or plan of liquidation. In other words, the reorganized Debtor would have its own ongoing severance plan. All eligible employees who are offered positions with the reorganized company would never receive a severance payment because they had never been effectively terminated. The same would be the case for eligible employees who are offered positions with a buyer of their business unit unless terminated by the buyer without cause within sixty days. SUMMARY The PLAN described above is deemed to be within appropriate limits for a Company of the size and complexity of Gadzooks operating within a bankruptcy proceeding. Further, some examples may be helpful: - An eligible employee who remains with the Debtor in good standing and who is not terminated and if offered a position with the reorganized Debtor or a buyer in the event of a sale of their business unit will receive a retention payment and incentive payments earned as of payment dates on which the employee remained employed. - An eligible employee who is terminated without cause in advance of having been offered continued employment with a buyer or the reorganized Debtor would receive a retention payment, incentive payment earned as of payment dates on which the employee remained employed and a severance payment. - An eligible employee terminated for cause or who voluntarily leaves the employment of the Debtor would receive only incentive payments earned as of payment dates on which the employee remained employed.
EX-10.37 6 d14917kexv10w37.txt EMPLOYMENT LETTER - CAROLYN GREER Exhibit 10.37 GADZOOKS, INC. 4121 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY CARROLLTON, TEXAS 75007 April 29, 2004 Carolyn Greer 50 Sutton Place South New York, New York 10022 Dear Carolyn: This letter is to confirm certain compensatory terms of your employment as President and Chief Merchandising Officer of Gadzooks, Inc (the "COMPANY"). In your capacity as President and Chief Merchandising Officer, your compensation will include: - A base salary of $450,000 on an annualized basis. - A bonus of $250,000 upon the confirmation and consummation of a plan of reorganization for the Company. - The grant of stock options to acquire 350,000 shares of the Company's common stock at an exercise price equal to the fair market value per share of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The options will vest on the later of (i) the first anniversary of the date of grant, and (ii) the date the Company successfully reorganizes its business under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. Your actual rights under the options will be subject to the terms of a written stock option agreement between you and the Company. - In the event your employment with the Company is terminated following a Change of Control (as defined below) or for any reason other than for Cause (as defined below), you will be entitled to the $250,000 post-bankruptcy bonus, when and if it becomes payable as set forth above, and your stock options will vest without regard to the one-year vesting period and in accordance with your written stock option agreement. - Benefits generally available to executive officers of the Company. For purposes of this letter, "CAUSE" shall mean (i) a substantial and continued failure to perform your material duties or obligations to the Company (other than a failure resulting from your incapacity due to physical or mental illness), which failure Carolyn Greer April 29,2004 Page 2 continued for at least thirty days after written notice is received by you specifying the alleged failure in reasonable detail, (ii) conviction of a felony or other crime of moral turpitude, (iii) dishonesty or fraud in connection with the business of the Company, or (iv) willful engagement in conduct injurious to the Company. For purposes of this letter, a "CHANGE IN CONTROL" shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events: (a) An acquisition by any person (within the meaning of Section 13(d) or 14(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "EXCHANGE ACT")) of beneficial ownership (within the meaning of Rule 13d-3 promulgated under the Exchange Act) of twenty percent (20%) or more of the then outstanding shares of common stock of the Company or the combined voting power of the then outstanding voting securities of the Company entitled to vote generally in the election of directors; provided, however, that none of the following acquisitions will constitute a Change of Control: (i) by a Company employee benefit plan (or a trust forming a part thereof) maintained by (A) the Company or (B) any corporation or other person of which a majority of its voting power or its voting equity securities or equity interest is owned, directly or indirectly, by the Company (a "SUBSIDIARY"), (ii) directly from the Company or any Subsidiary, (iii) by the Company or any Subsidiary, or (iv) pursuant to a transaction that complies with clauses (1)(A), (B) and (C) of paragraph (c) of this definition; (b) The individuals who, as of the date hereof, constitute the Board of Directors (the "INCUMBENT BOARD") cease for any reason to constitute at least seventy percent (70%) of the members of the Board of Directors; provided, however, that if the election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders, of any new director was approved by a vote of at least two-thirds of the Incumbent Board, such new director shall be considered as a member of the Incumbent Board, unless such individual initially assumed office as a result of either an actual or threatened election contest or other actual or threatened solicitation of proxies or consents by or on behalf of a person other than the Company, including by reason of any agreement intended to avoid or settle any election or proxy contest; or (c) The consummation of (1) a merger, consolidation or reorganization with or into the Company or in which securities of the Company are issued, unless (A) the shareholders of the Company, immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization, own directly or indirectly immediately following such merger, consolidation or reorganization, at least sixty percent (60%) of the combined voting power of the outstanding voting securities of the corporation resulting from such merger or consolidation or reorganization (the "SURVIVING CORPORATION") in substantially the same proportion as their ownership of the voting securities immediately before such merger, consolidation or reorganization, (B) the individuals who were members of the Incumbent Board immediately prior to the execution of the agreement providing for such merger, consolidation or reorganization constitute at least seventy percent (70%) of the Carolyn Greer April 29,2004 Page 3 members of the board of directors of the Surviving Company or a corporation beneficially directly or indirectly owning a majority of the voting securities of the Surviving Corporation, and (C) no person other than (i) the Company, (ii) any Subsidiary, (iii) any employee benefit plan (or any trust forming a part thereof) that, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization, was maintained by the Company, the Surviving Corporation, or any Subsidiary, or (iv) any person who, immediately prior to such merger, consolidation or reorganization had beneficial ownership of twenty percent (20%) or more of the then outstanding voting securities or common stock of the Company, has beneficial ownership of twenty percent (20%) or more of the combined voting power of the Surviving Corporation's then outstanding voting securities or its common stock; or (2) the sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company to any person (other than a transfer to a Subsidiary). This letter is a summary of the compensatory terms of your employment by the Company. You are employed by the Company at will, which means that either you or the Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without notice. This letter is not intended, and shall not be construed, to be or to create a contract of employment for any fixed period of time, and you agree and acknowledge that no such contract exists between you and the Company, oral or written. Sincerely, /s/ Gerald R. Szczepanski ------------------------------------- Gerald R. Szczepanski Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer Agreed and accepted: /s/ Carolyn Greer Gigli April 29, 2004 - ------------------------------------- -------------------- Carolyn Greer Date EX-23 7 d14917kexv23.txt CONSENT OF PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-98038, 333-12097, 333-50639, 333-60869, 333-68205, 333-48350, and 333-106442) and Form S-3 (No. 333-109960) of Gadzooks, Inc. of our report dated May 5, 2004 relating to the consolidated financial statements, which appears on this Annual Report on Form 10-K. /s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Dallas, Texas May 17, 2004 EX-31.1 8 d14917kexv31w1.txt CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 EXHIBIT 31.1 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GADZOOKS, INC. This certification is provided pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and accompanies the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004 of Gadzooks, Inc. I, Gerald R. Szczepanski, the Chief Executive Officer of the registrant, certify that: 1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Gadzooks, Inc.; 2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 4. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 5. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Dated: May 14, 2004 /s/ Gerald R. Szczepanski ------------------------------------- Gerald R. Szczepanski Chief Executive Officer EX-31.2 9 d14917kexv31w2.txt CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 EXHIBIT 31.2 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF GADZOOKS, INC. This certification is provided pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and accompanies the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 31, 2004 of Gadzooks, Inc. I, James A. Motley, the Chief Financial Officer of the registrant, certify that: 6. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Gadzooks, Inc.; 7. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report; 8. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report; 9. The registrant's other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a - 15(e) and 15d - 15(e) for the registrant and have: a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and c) disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and 10. The registrant's other certifying officers and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's Board of Directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions): a) all significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize, and report financial information; and b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting. Dated: May 14, 2004 /s/ James A. Motley ------------------------------------- James A. Motley Chief Financial Officer EX-32.1 10 d14917kexv32w1.txt CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 EXHIBIT 32.1 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF GADZOOKS, INC. This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and accompanies the annual report on Form 10-K (the "Form 10-K") for the year ended January 31, 2004 of Gadzooks, Inc. (the "Issuer"). I, Gerald R. Szczepanski, the Chief Executive Officer of the Issuer certify that to the best of my knowledge: (i) the Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Dated: May 14, 2004 /s/ Gerald R. Szczepanski - ------------------------------------- Gerald R. Szczepanski Chief Executive Officer Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of ____________, 2004. _____________________________________ Name:________________________________ Title: Notary Public My commission expires: A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Gadzooks, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request. EX-32.2 11 d14917kexv32w2.txt CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 EXHIBIT 32.2 CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF GADZOOKS, INC. This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and accompanies the annual report on Form 10-K (the "Form 10-K") for the year ended January 31, 2004 of Gadzooks, Inc. (the "Issuer"). I, James A. Motley, the Chief Financial Officer of the Issuer certify that to the best of my knowledge: (i) the Form 10-K fully complies with the requirements of section 13(a) or section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)); and (ii) the information contained in the Form 10-K fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. Dated: May 14, 2004 /s/ James A. Motley - ------------------------------------- James A. Motley Chief Financial Officer Subscribed and sworn to before me this ____ day of ____________, 2004. ___________________________________ Name:______________________________ Title: Notary Public My commission expires: A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to Gadzooks, Inc. and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.
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