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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C.  20549
 
FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from _____ to _________to____
Commission File No. 001-31390
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 06 - 1195422
(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
   
2400 Xenium Lane North, Plymouth, Minnesota 55441
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code (763) 551-5000
 
 Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)
 
 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.  x  YES  ¨  NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).  x  YES  ¨  NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer x¨
Non-accelerated filer ¨(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
Smaller reporting company  ¨
Emerging growth company ¨
 
If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).  ¨  YES x  NO
As of NovemberAugust 25, 20162017, there were 37,401,13237,855,181 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.




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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
  Page
   
  
  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
   
   
   
  
  
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
 

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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 October 29, 2016 January 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
 (Unaudited)      
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $25,882
 $31,506
 $22,573
 $35,006
Short-term investments 
 3,015
Accounts receivable 3,742
 4,067
 3,833
 2,549
Merchandise inventories 54,085
 42,481
 41,917
 36,834
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 9,726
 9,059
 4,568
 3,485
Income taxes receivable 601
 513
 255
 516
Total current assets 94,036
 90,641
 73,146
 78,390
Property, equipment and improvements, net 57,472
 59,224
 51,983
 55,332
Other non-current assets:        
Deferred income taxes 375
 393
 322
 321
Other assets 460
 632
 641
 577
Total other non-current assets 835
 1,025
 963
 898
Total assets $152,343
 $150,890
 $126,092
 $134,620
        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $16,625
 $16,645
 $22,994
 $13,867
Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses 6,754
 2,845
 4,338
 6,613
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 23,478
 24,570
 20,801
 26,426
Total current liabilities 46,857
 44,060
 48,133
 46,906
Non-current liabilities:        
Deferred lease incentives 9,333
 9,880
 8,540
 9,021
Deferred rent obligations 6,348
 7,241
 6,583
 6,576
Other non-current liabilities 1,396
 1,301
 2,574
 822
Total non-current liabilities 17,077
 18,422
 17,697
 16,419
        
Commitments and contingencies 
 
 
 
        
Stockholders’ equity:        
Preferred stock — $0.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none outstanding 
 
 
 
Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 47,193 and 46,870 shares issued, and 37,402 and 37,079 shares outstanding at October 29, 2016 and January 30, 2016, respectively 471
 468
Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 47,646 and 47,425 shares issued, and 37,855 and 37,634 shares outstanding at July 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively 476
 473
Additional paid-in capital 126,408
 125,851
 127,057
 126,516
Retained earnings 74,241
 74,800
 45,440
 57,017
Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at October 29, 2016 and January 30, 2016 (112,711) (112,711)
Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at July 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017 (112,711) (112,711)
Total stockholders’ equity 88,409
 88,408
 60,262
 71,295
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $152,343
 $150,890
 $126,092
 $134,620


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited) 
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, July 29, July 30, July 29, July 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
                
Net sales $106,668
 $103,641
 $296,625
 $289,259
 $86,618
 $89,923
 $175,173
 $189,957
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 67,447
 66,519
 189,543
 188,992
 61,990
 59,774
 120,007
 122,096
Gross profit 39,221
 37,122
 107,082
 100,267
 24,628
 30,149
 55,166
 67,861
Other operating expenses:  
        
      
Selling, general and administrative 32,483
 33,604
 98,585
 95,223
 29,179
 30,626
 60,153
 66,103
Depreciation and amortization 3,119
 3,116
 9,116
 8,733
 3,167
 2,974
 6,266
 5,996
Impairment of store assets 
 67
 476
 182
Impairment of long-lived assets 93
 309
 163
 476
Total other operating expenses 35,602
 36,787
 108,177
 104,138
 32,439
 33,909
 66,582
 72,575
Operating income (loss) 3,619
 335
 (1,095) (3,871)
Operating loss (7,811) (3,760) (11,416) (4,714)
Interest expense, net (44) (36) (126) (76) (38) (42) (69) (82)
Other income 
 
 911
 
 
 
 
 911
Income (loss) before income taxes 3,575
 299
 (310) (3,947)
Income tax provision (benefit) 82
 614
 249
 (1,480)
Net income (loss) $3,493
 $(315) $(559) $(2,467)
Loss before income taxes (7,849) (3,802) (11,485) (3,885)
Income tax provision 40
 82
 92
 167
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052)
                
Basic income (loss) per share:        
Net income (loss) $0.09
 $(0.01) $(0.02) $(0.07)
Basic loss per share:        
Net loss $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11)
Basic shares outstanding 37,075
 36,906
 36,992
 36,877
 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
                
Diluted income (loss) per share:        
Net income (loss) $0.09
 $(0.01) $(0.02) $(0.07)
Diluted loss per share:        
Net loss $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11)
Diluted shares outstanding 37,153
 36,906
 36,992
 36,877
 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)LOSS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
  Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
  October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015
         
Net income (loss) $3,493
 $(315) $(559) $(2,467)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:        
Unrealized holding gains on securities arising during the period, net of taxes of $0, $0, $0 and $2 for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ending October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively 
 1
 
 3
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) included in net income (loss), net of taxes of $0, $1, $0 and $1 for the thirteen and thirty-nine week periods ending October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, respectively 
 (1) 
 (1)
Total other comprehensive income $
 $
 $
 $2
Comprehensive income (loss) $3,493
 $(315) $(559) $(2,465)
  Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
  July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
         
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052)
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052)
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net loss $(559) $(2,467) $(11,577) $(4,052)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization 9,116
 8,733
 6,266
 5,996
Impairment of store assets 476
 182
Impairment of long-lived assets 163
 476
Deferred income taxes, net 18
 (1,695) 
 11
Gain on investments, net 
 (2)
Gain from company-owned life insurance (911) 
 
 (911)
Amortization of premium on investments 10
 34
 
 10
Amortization of financing costs 47
 47
 31
 31
Deferred lease-related liabilities (817) 2,923
 (442) (381)
Stock-based compensation expense 565
 1,389
 550
 406
Loss on disposal of assets 1
 
 
 1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
    
  
Accounts receivable 326
 (978) (1,284) 102
Merchandise inventories (11,604) (7,185) (5,082) (7,571)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (543) (3,708) (1,180) (463)
Income taxes receivable (88) 342
 261
 (88)
Accounts payable 123
 (1,703) 9,096
 5,547
Accrued liabilities 2,912
 805
 (7,872) 260
Other liabilities 164
 67
 1,793
 106
Net cash used in operating activities (764) (3,216) (9,277) (520)
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Purchases of property, equipment and improvements (8,770) (22,641) (3,150) (6,788)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance 911
 
 
 911
Maturities of available-for-sale investments 3,005
 13,007
 
 3,005
Net cash used in investing activities (4,854) (9,634) (3,150) (2,872)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Exercise of stock options 17
 
Shares redeemed for payroll taxes (23) (26) (6) (23)
Net cash used in financing activities (6) (26) (6) (23)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (5,624) (12,876) (12,433) (3,415)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 31,506
 37,245
 35,006
 31,506
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $25,882
 $24,369
 $22,573
 $28,091
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Interest paid $143
 $120
 $69
 $95
Income taxes paid (refunded) $102
 $(246)
Income taxes (refunded) paid $(251) $102
Accrued purchases of equipment and improvements $267
 $1,055
 $219
 $226
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)
NOTE 1 — Basis of Presentation
 
The unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q have been prepared by Christopher & Banks Corporation and its subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “Christopher & Banks”, “the Company”, “we” or “us”) pursuant to the current rules and regulations of the United States ("U.S.") Securities and Exchange Commission. Accordingly, certain information and disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. have been omitted, pursuant to such rules and regulations. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, except the condensed consolidated balance sheet as of January 28, 2017 derived from the Company's audited financial statements, should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and related notes included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.28, 2017.
 
The results of operations for the interim period shown in this report are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the full fiscal year. In the opinion of management, the information contained herein reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal adjustments, except as otherwise stated in these notes, considered necessary to present fairly our financial position, results of operations, and cash flows as of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, and October 31, 2015July 30, 2016 and for all periods presented.
 
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
 
In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued authoritative guidance under Accounting Standards Update ("ASU")ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with CustomersCustomers. . ASU 2014-09 supersedes existing revenue recognition requirements and provides a new comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires entities to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Deferral of the Effective Date, which defers the effective date of the new revenue recognition standard by one year. As a result, ASU 2014-09 is effective retrospectively for fiscal years and interim periods within those years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption will include updates as provided under ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net); ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing; and ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients.Adoption is allowed by either the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently evaluating which approach itWe do not believe the adoption of this standard will apply and the potentialhave a material impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
In November 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes, which requires entities with a classified balance sheet to present all deferred tax assets and liabilities as noncurrent. The Company elected early adoption of this guidance for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016, on a prospective basis. The adoption of this ASU allowsnew revenue standard will require the Company to simplify its presentationrecognize gift card breakage proportional to actual gift card redemptions. The Company continues to evaluate the merits of deferred income tax liabilities and assets.  Prior periods were not retrospectively adjusted.adopting the standard under the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach, which will require certain reclassifications.
 
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases, which requires that all lease arrangements longer than twelve months result in an entity recognizing a leasean asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet.liability. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. We have not evaluatedThe Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact of the updated guidance on our condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - StockCompensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) -Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting which simplifies. ASU 2016-09 addresses simplification of several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities, and classification on the statement of cash flows. One provision of this guidance requires the recognition of income tax effects of awards in the statement of operation when the awards vest or are settled, rather than within additional paid-in capital on the balance. The standardASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal yearspublic companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016, includingand interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect that the adoption of this pronouncement willASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on its condensed the Company's consolidated financial statements.statements mostly due to the impact of the tax valuation allowance.


TableWe reviewed all other significant newly-issued accounting pronouncements and concluded they are either not applicable to our operations, or that no material effect is expected on our consolidated financial statements as a result of Contents
future adoption.

NOTE 2 — Investments
No investments were held by the Company as of October 29, 2016.

Investments as of January 30, 2016, consisted of the following (in thousands):

  Amortized Cost Unrealized Gains Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value
Short-term investments:        
Corporate bonds $2,810
 $1
 $(1) $2,810
Municipal bonds 205
 
 
 205
Total investments $3,015
 $1
 $(1) $3,015

During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, there were no purchases of available-for-sale securities. During the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015, there were approximately $3.0 million and $13.0 million of maturities of available-for-sale securities, respectively. There were no other-than-temporary impairments of available-for-sale securities during the thirty-nine weeks ended October 29, 2016 and October 31, 2015.

NOTE 3 — Merchandise Inventories and Sources of Supply
 
Merchandise inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
 October 29, 2016 January 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
Merchandise - in store/eCommerce $45,836
 $31,751
 $32,648
 $28,584
Merchandise - in transit 8,249
 10,730
 9,269
 8,250
Total merchandise inventories $54,085
 $42,481
 $41,917
 $36,834
 
There have been no material changes to our ratio of imports to total merchandise purchases or concentration of supplier purchases in the thirty-ninetwenty-six weeks ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 compared to the fiscal 20152016 year ended January 30, 2016.28, 2017.

NOTE 43 — Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net
 
Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Description October 29, 2016 January 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
Land $1,597
 $1,597
 $1,597
 $1,597
Corporate office, distribution center and related building improvements 12,627
 12,618
 12,700
 12,700
Store leasehold improvements 51,088
 52,812
 49,362
 49,450
Store furniture and fixtures 71,874
 74,513
 69,244
 69,598
Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment 4,266
 4,356
 4,938
 4,880
Computer and point of sale hardware and software 35,896
 32,644
 33,541
 32,313
Construction in progress 4,684
 5,781
 1,515
 1,321
Total property, equipment and improvements, gross 182,032
 184,321
 172,897
 171,859
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (124,560) (125,097) (120,914) (116,527)
Total property, equipment and improvements, net $57,472
 $59,224
 $51,983
 $55,332
 
Long-lived assets are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the asset may not be recoverable. In conjunction with an impairment analysis, the Company determined that improvements and equipment at certain under-performing stores and at stores identified for closure were impaired. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $0$0.1 million and $0.1$0.3 million for long-lived asset impairments during the thirteen week periods ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 and October 31, 2015,July 30, 2016, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $0.5$0.2 million and $0.2$0.5 million for long-lived asset impairments during the thirty-ninetwenty-six week periods ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 and October 31, 2015,July 30, 2016, respectively.
 


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NOTE 54 — Accrued Liabilities
 
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
 October 29, 2016 January 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
Gift card and store credit liabilities $4,731
 $8,029
 $5,128
 $7,414
Accrued Friendship Rewards Loyalty Program liability 3,991
 3,838
Accrued Friendship Rewards Program loyalty liability 3,587
 3,770
Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable 2,779
 1,622
 1,866
 1,239
Accrued occupancy-related expenses 3,658
 3,017
 3,354
 3,614
Sales return reserve 1,970
 1,309
 1,282
 943
eCommerce operations 3,319
 1,162
eCommerce obligations 2,868
 3,190
Other accrued liabilities 3,030
 5,593
 2,716
 6,256
Total accrued liabilities and other current liabilities $23,478
 $24,570
 $20,801
 $26,426

NOTE 65 — Credit Facility
 
The Company is party to an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“Wells Fargo”), as lender. The Credit Facility was most recently amended and extended on September 8, 2014. The current expiration date is September 8, 2019.

 
The Credit Facility provides the Company with revolving credit loans of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility, and up to $10.0 million of which may be drawn in the form of standby and documentary letters of credit.
 
Borrowings under the Credit Facility will generally accrue interest at a rate ranging from 1.50% to 1.75% over the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") or 0.50% to 0.75% over the Wells Fargo Prime Rate based on the amount of Average Daily Availability for the Fiscal Quarter immediately preceding each Adjustment Date, as such term isterms are defined in the Credit Facility. The Company has the ability to select between the LIBOR or prime based rate at the time of athe cash advance. The Credit Facility has an unused commitment fee of 0.25%.

The Credit Facility contains customary events of default and various affirmative and negative covenants. The sole financial covenant contained in the Credit Facility requires the Company to maintain Availability at least equal to the greater of (a) ten percent (10%) of the borrowing base or (b) $3.0 million. In addition, the Credit Facility permits the payment of dividends to the Company's stockholders if certain financial conditions are met. The Company was in compliance with all covenants and other financial provisions as of OctoberJuly 29, 2016.2017.

The Company's obligations under the Credit Facility are secured by the assets of the Company and its subsidiaries. The Company has pledged substantially all of its assets as collateral security for the loans, including accounts owed to the Company, bank accounts, inventory, other tangible and intangible personal property, intellectual property (including patents and trademarks), and stock or other evidences of ownership of 100% of all of the Company's subsidiaries.
 
The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during each of the thirty-ninetwenty-six week periods ended OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, and October 31, 2015.July 30, 2016. The total Borrowing Base at OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 was $50.0approximately $36.5 million. As of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $0.2$0.9 million. Accordingly, after reducing the Borrowing Base for the open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or 10.0% of the Borrowing Base, the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $44.8$32.0 million at OctoberJuly 29, 2016.2017.

NOTE 76 — Income Taxes
 
The Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions is recorded within other non-current liabilities. There has been no material change in the reserve for unrecognized tax benefits since the end of the previous year. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense.
 
The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income taxes and the income tax obligations of various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is currently under examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) for fiscal 2013.

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Periods after the fiscal 2012 transition period2013 remain subject to examination by the IRS. With few exceptions, the Company is not subject to state income tax examination by tax authorities for taxable years prior to fiscal 2011. 2012.

As of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company had no other ongoing audits in various jurisdictions and does not expect the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.

In April 2015, the Company settled the IRS examination of the Fiscal 2011 tax year. The settlement was related to certain issues which the Company had previously reflected net of tax within deferred tax assets. The settlement did not result in any cash payments nor any impact to tax expense.
Deferred income tax assets represent potential future income tax benefits. Realization of these assets is ultimately dependent upon future taxable income. ASC 740 Income Taxes requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if, based on all available evidence, it is considered more likely than not that some or all of the recorded deferred tax assets will not be realized in a future period. Forming a conclusion that a valuation allowance is not needed is difficult when negative evidence such as cumulative losses exists.
In fiscal 2015, the continuation of net losses prompted management to further consider the realizability of the deferred tax assets. Although management’s evaluation considered the effects of improved sales trends on future taxable income, estimates such as these are inherently subjective. Without significant positive evidence to overcome the weight of possible future cumulative losses, the Company established a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015. A non-cash provision of $37.5 million was recognized to establish the valuation allowance. A small deferred tax asset was allowed related to certain state tax benefits. As of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, the possibility of future cumulative losses still exists. Accordingly, the Company has continued to maintain a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets; recording the valuation allowance does not have any impact on cash and does not prevent the Company from using theassets. A small deferred tax assets in future periods when profits are realized.asset was allowed related to certain tax benefits.

As of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, the Company hadhas federal and state net operating loss carryforwards ("NOLs") which will reduce future taxable income. Approximately $30.0$36.2 million in net federal tax benefits are available from these loss carryforwards of approximately $85.7 million, and anfederal NOLs. An additional $1.3$1.2 million is available in net tax credit carryforwards. Included in the federal net operating loss is approximately $5.3 million of loss generated by deductions related to equity-based compensation, the tax effect of which will be recorded to additional paid-in capital when utilized. The state loss carryforwardsNOLs will result in net state tax benefits of approximately $2.3$2.5 million. The federal net operating loss carryovers will expire

Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code limit the annual utilization of certain tax attributes, including NOL carryforwards, incurred prior to a change in October 2032 and beyond. The state net operating loss carryforwards will expire in November 2016 and beyond. Additionally,ownership. If the Company has charitable contribution carryforwards that will expire in 2016were to experience an ownership change, as defined by Sections 382 and beyond.383, its ability to utilize its tax attributes could be substantially limited. Depending on the severity of the annual NOL limitation, the Company could permanently lose its ability to use a significant number of its accumulated NOLs.




NOTE 87 — Earnings Per Share
 
The following table sets forth the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share (“EPS”) shown on the face of the accompanying consolidated statement of operations:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
 October 29, October 31, October 29, October 31, July 29, July 30, July 29, July 30,
 2016 2015 2016 2015 2017 2016 2017 2016
Numerator (in thousands):
                
Net income (loss) attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation $3,493
 $(315) $(559) $(2,467)
Net loss attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052)
Denominator (in thousands):
  
  
      
  
    
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 37,075
 36,906
 36,992
 36,877
 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
Dilutive shares 78
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted 37,153
 36,906
 36,992
 36,877
 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
Net income (loss) per common share:        
Net loss per common share:        
Basic $0.09
 $(0.01) $(0.02) $(0.07) $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11)
Diluted $0.09
 $(0.01) $(0.02) $(0.07) $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11)
 
Total stock options of approximately 3.24.1 million and 2.82.2 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per sharesshare for the thirteen week periods ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 and October 31, 2015, respectively,July 30, 2016, as they were anti-dilutive. Total stock options of approximately 2.84.1 million and 0.82.4 million were excluded from the shares used in the

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computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirty-ninetwenty-six week periods ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 and October 31, 2015,July 30, 2016, respectively, as they were anti-dilutive.
 
NOTE 98 — Fair Value Measurements
 
Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants as ofat the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels directly related to the amount of subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements, as follows:
 
Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities;liabilities
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable; andobservable
Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are significant to the fair value of the asset or liability.

Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis:
No investments were held by the Company as of October 29, 2016. There were no transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value measurement hierarchy during the thirty-nine week periods ended October 29, 2016, and October 31, 2015. Consistent with Company policy, transfers into levels and transfers out of levels are recognized on the date of the event or when a change in circumstances causes a transfer.
Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis:
 
The following table summarizes certain information for non-financial assets for the thirty-ninetwenty-six weeks ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 and the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016,28, 2017, that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis in periods subsequent to an initial recognition period. The Company places amounts into the most appropriate level within the fair value hierarchy based on the inputs used to determine the fair value at the measurement date. 
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Fiscal Year Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Fiscal Year Ended
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used (in thousands):
 October 29, 2016 January 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
Carrying value $567
 $356
 $163
 $877
Fair value measured using Level 3 inputs $91
 $75
 $
 $91
Impairment charge $476
 $281
 $163
 $786
 
All of the fair value measurements included in the table above were based on significant unobservable inputs (Level 3). The Company determines fair value for measuring assets on a non-recurring basis using a discounted cash flow approach as discussed in Note 1, Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 30, 2016.28, 2017. In determining future cash flows, the Company uses its best estimate of future operating results, which requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including estimated sales, merchandise margin and expense levels, and the selection of an appropriate discount rate; therefore, differences in the estimates or assumptions could produce significantly different results.

General economic uncertainty impacting the retail industry and the continuation of recent trends in company performance makes it reasonably possible that additional long-lived asset impairments could be identified and recorded in future periods.

The fair value measurement of the long-lived assets encompasses the following significant unobservable inputs:
  Range
Unobservable Inputs Fiscal 2016 Fiscal 2015
Weighted Average Cost of Capital 15% 15%
Annual sales growth 0% to 2.1% 0% to 8%
Range
Unobservable InputsFiscal 2016
Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)16%
Annual sales growth0% to 7%

n
NOTE 109 — Legal Proceedings
 
The Company is subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation or legal claims for which management has determined it is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In connection with a preliminary settlement of pre-litigation employment claims reached in February 2017, we established a loss contingency of $1.475 million as of January 28, 2017. In connection therewith, on April 13, 2017, a complaint was filed in state Circuit Court in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida (the “Florida Circuit Court”) by three named plaintiffs in a purported class action asserting claims on behalf of current and former store managers. The plaintiffs principally alleged that they and other similarly situated store managers were improperly classified as exempt employees and thus not compensated for overtime work as required under applicable federal and state law. On May 4, 2017, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the named plaintiffs and the proposed class. On May 8, 2017, the Florida Circuit Court issued an order approving the class settlement. As approved by the Florida Circuit Court, certain current and former store managers will be eligible to receive payments in connection with time worked in prior years. The settlement of the lawsuit is not an admission by us of any wrongdoing.

As part of the settlement, the Company contributed $1.475 million into a settlement fund in the second fiscal quarter of 2017. Any funds remaining after payment of all submitted claims and related settlement fund costs and expenses will revert to the Company. A final resolution of the matter and the dissolution of the settlement fund is expected by the end of this fiscal year. While the ultimate amount of the claims paid under the settlement is likely to be less than the Company has recorded, the difference is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or liquidity.

The ultimate resolution of suchlegal matters iscan be inherently uncertain and for some matters, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate outcome, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make an estimate of the reasonably possible liability that

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could result from an unfavorable outcome because of these uncertainties. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such matters cannot be accurately predicted, theThe Company does not, however, currently believe that the resolution of any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.
 
NOTE 1110 — Segment Reporting
 
In the table below, the Retail Operations includes activity generated by the Company’s retail store locations (Missy Petite Women ("MPW") stores, outlets stores,, Outlets, Christopher & Banks, stores, and C.J. Banks stores) as well as the eCommerce business. Retail Operations only includes net sales, merchandise gross margin and direct store expenses with no allocation of corporate overhead as that is the information used by the chief operating decision maker to evaluate performance and to allocate resources. The Corporate/Administrative balances include supporting administrative activity at the corporate office and distribution center facility and are included to reconcile the amounts to the condensed consolidated financial statements. 


Business Segment Information
(in thousands)
  Retail Corporate/  
  Operations Administrative Consolidated
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 29, 2016      
Net sales $106,668
 $
 $106,668
Depreciation and amortization 2,484
 635
 3,119
Impairment of store assets 
 
 
Operating income (loss) 16,890
 (13,271) 3,619
       
Thirteen Weeks Ended October 31, 2015      
Net sales $103,641
 $
 $103,641
Depreciation and amortization 2,510
 606
 3,116
Impairment of store assets 67
 
 67
Operating income (loss) 14,209
 (13,874) 335
       
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 29, 2016      
Net sales $296,625
 $
 $296,625
Depreciation and amortization 7,231
 1,885
 9,116
Impairment of store assets 476
 
 476
Operating income (loss) 40,410
 (41,505) (1,095)
Total assets 107,251
 45,092
 152,343
       
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended October 31, 2015      
Net sales $289,259
 $
 $289,259
Depreciation and amortization 6,902
 1,831
 8,733
Impairment of store assets 182
 
 182
Operating income (loss) 34,657
 (38,528) (3,871)
Total assets 121,247
 76,095
 197,342

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  Retail Corporate/  
  Operations Administrative Consolidated
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 2017      
Net sales $86,618
 $
 $86,618
Depreciation and amortization 2,491
 676
 3,167
Impairment of long-lived assets 93
 
 93
Operating income (loss) 4,146
 (11,957) (7,811)
       
Thirteen Weeks Ended July 30, 2016      
Net sales $89,923
 $
 $89,923
Depreciation and amortization 2,360
 614
 2,974
Impairment of long-lived assets 309
 
 309
Operating income (loss) 7,878
 (11,638) (3,760)
       
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 29, 2017      
Net sales $175,173
 $
 $175,173
Depreciation and amortization 4,950
 1,316
 6,266
Impairment of long-lived assets 163
 
 163
Operating income (loss) 13,953
 (25,369) (11,416)
Total assets 91,705
 34,387
 126,092
       
Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 30, 2016      
Net sales $189,957
 $
 $189,957
Depreciation and amortization 4,746
 1,250
 5,996
Impairment of long-lived assets 476
 
 476
Operating income (loss) 23,520
 (28,234) (4,714)
Total assets 105,274
 46,601
 151,875

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (“MD&A”) should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 201628, 2017 and our unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and related Notes included in Item 1 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Unless otherwise noted, transactions and other factors significantly impacting our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity are discussed in order of magnitude.
 
Executive Overview
 
We are a national specialty retailer featuring exclusively-designed, privately-branded women’s apparel and accessories. We offer our customer an assortment of unique, classic and versatile clothing that fits her everyday needs at a good value.
 
We operate an integrated, omni-channel platform that provides our customer the ability to shop when and where she wants, including online or at retail and outlet stores. This approach allows our customers to browse, purchase, return, or exchange our merchandise through the channel that is optimal for her.
 
As of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, we operated 504473 stores in 45 states, including 314320 Missy, Petite, Women ("MPW") stores, 8279 outlet stores, 5538 Christopher & Banks ("CB") stores, and 5336 C.J. Banks ("CJ") stores. Our CB brand offers unique fashions and accessories featuring exclusively designed assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 4 to 16 and in petite sizes 4P to 16P. Our CJC.J. Banks brand offers similar assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 14W to 26W.

We continue to evaluate the benefits of converting the remaining CB stores Our MPW concept and CJ stores to MPW stores. MPW stores provide a unified store format that simplifies merchandising and allocations processes, enhances the customer experience, and enables more scale economies across functions.

Outlet stores play a distinct role in the store fleet and are an important growth lever. These stores enable us to expand our customer reach to new geographies and heighten brand awareness. Our outlet stores contain a mixtureoffer an assortment of core merchandise, made-for-outlet merchandise,both Christopher & Banks and clearance merchandise. After opening 6 outlet storesC.J. Banks apparel servicing the Missy, Petite and closing 1 outlet store thus farWomen-sized customer in fiscal 2016, the company now operates 82 outlets, a near doubling of the outlet store count compared to two years ago. Due to the significant growth in the number of outlets coupled with challenging performance, we are focused on improving the performance of the existing outlets and do not expect to add outlet locations for the near term. In fiscal 2017, we plan to introduce exclusively made for fashion collections which are being designed and sourced with an external partner in collaboration with our internal product team. We also plan to generate more traffic through new visual presentations and signage along with additional promotional events and marketing efforts.one location.
 
Update on our Fiscal 20162017 Strategic Priorities
We intend to continue our efforts to provide our customers with experiences that make her look and feel her best. Update
 
Our overall business strategy includes three keyis to build sustainable, long-term revenue growth and consistent profitability through the following strategic initiatives:

Bring the “special” back to our specialty storesOffer a differentiated product assortment
Increase brand awarenesscustomer loyalty, acquire new customers, and drive customer engagementrecapture lapsed customers
Leverage our omni-channel capabilities

Bring the “Special” Back to Our Specialty Stores
Offer a differentiated product assortment
We are committed to ensuring we consistently meet our customers’ needs with a differentiated stylesmerchandise assortment that fitfits her lifestyle.lifestyle at a recognizable value. We intend to increase the breadthflow of our fashion offeringsoffering and ensure frequent newnessprovide a more versatile assortment to encourage repeat visits and increased spend.  We also will continue our focus on expanding on our new categories to augment her wardrobe needs. 
Our focus remains on cultivating and delivering a true “specialty” shopping experience through exceptional customer service and inspirational merchandising presentations. We have a highly loyal customer base largely attributable to our shopping environment and our engaged, knowledgeable store associates. Our associates have long-term relationships with our customers to shop more frequently and understand their preferences to assist them in selecting styles that makes them look and feel their best. We believe this genuine service focus is a competitive advantage and is a key componentbuy more when she visits. To further support the newness of our omni-channel initiative.

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merchandise presentations, we are analyzing our promotional cadence and adjusting our markdown strategy to increase inventory turnover to keep merchandise fresh and current.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we completed changes to our in-store merchandise presentationIncrease customer loyalty, acquire new customers, and related visual elements to assistrecapture lapsed customers of all sizes more easily find the product they seek. Leveraging our retail analytic capabilities, we are also working to optimize the depth of our product assortments, with the goal of improving merchandise availability to enable a more localized merchandise assortment by tailoring our offerings by market type and customer size.

We expect ongoing momentum in both our denim and basic bottoms businesses through “slimming solution” programs along with continued improved in-stocks due to enhancements in our replenishment capabilities. We also intend to continue to diversify our merchandise assortments by adding new branded and lifestyle collections along with limited edition capsules, in order to appeal to a broader customer base.
Increase Brand Awareness and Drive Engagement
We have a very loyal customer base that is highly engaged. As such, we intendThe personalized customer service that our Associates provide is a differentiator for us and is a contributor to continue to leveragethe loyalty our direct and digital marketing channels to encouragecustomers exhibit, with approximately 90% of our customer to shop more frequently and increase her spend with us. We also will be focused on increasingactive customers participating in our brand awareness in order to acquire new customers.  We intend to increase marketing spend to build the brand through refreshing our creative brand, look and feel, and by also expanding our marketing mix during the latter part of the year. loyalty rewards program.

We continue to be focused on maximizing the benefits of our customer relationship management ("CRM"(“CRM”) system database, and Friendship Rewards Loyalty Program (“Friendship Rewards”), and private-label credit card program to strengthen our engagement with our customers.
In the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we launched our redesigned Our Friendship Rewards loyalty program to further strengthen our customer retention by rewarding her for shopping more frequently and incenting her to earn more rewards. The more personalized reward system is differentiated by level of purchase activity and provides enhanced benefits as customers achieve the next reward level. Our loyalty program, in conjunction with our CRM system, will enableallows us to personalize communications and customize our offers. We also will continue to leverage our direct and digital marketing channels to encourage additional customer visits and increased spending per visit.

We continue workare accelerating our efforts to re-engage customers that stopped shopping following the migration of their local CB or CJ store to the MPW format through targeted communications. We are also working to gain new customers and brand awareness through increased investments in digital paid media, including an affiliation with Shoprunner this year, and earned media, including magazine placements.media. Additionally, progress is being made to increasewe are increasing the frequency of store grass root events that will continue to capitalize on the strong relationships between our store associates and customers.


In the second quarter of fiscal 2017, we launched a “refer a friend” program to incentivize customers to introduce their friends to our brand. In the third quarter of fiscal 2017, we will implement personalization on our eCommerce site and in emails to further strengthen our customer relationships.

Leverage Our Omni-Channel Capabilities
We continue to make significantwill capitalize on investments made in the development of our integrated, omni-channel strategy which is designed to provide customers a seamless retail experience together with the ability to shop when and where they want, including retail stores, outlet stores, online and mobile. Our omni-channelThese investments will enable us to address multiple customer touch points to drive spend and build brand affinity by providing a comprehensive view of our customer and our merchandise assortment and depth.

In fiscal 2017, we expect continued growth in eCommerce by leveraging our new platform launched in fiscal 2016, including improving personalization and enhanced site experiences. New omni-channel capabilities, including new fulfillment functionality, store grading and localized assortment planning, will support improved management of the receipt, allocation, and distribution of merchandise.

In second quarter of fiscal 2016,2017, we launched our new eCommerce website to serve as a valuable tool for“find in store” feature online in our customers andeffort to provide improved productmore convenience to our customers. We believe that providing more visibility into store inventory will help drive traffic to our stores where our associates can provide personalized service and visual presentation, additional site navigation tools, a simplified check out process,outfitting recommendations, and product recommendations. As of the end of the third quarter,ultimately lead to increased customer spend. Later in fiscal 2017, we have rolled out new point-of-sale hardware to approximately one half of our store portfolio with the remaining conversions scheduled to occur in the fourth quarter.

We expect to complete the omni-channel capability roll-outoffer other fulfillment options, such as ship to store or pick up in fiscal 2017.store.

Performance Measures

Management evaluates our financial results based on the following key measuresmeasure of performance:

Comparable sales
Comparable sales is a measure that highlights the performance of our store channel and eCommerce channel sales by measuring the changes in sales over the comparable, prior-year period of equivalent length.

Our comparable sales calculation includes merchandise sales for:


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Stores operating for at least 13 full months;
Stores relocated within the same mall;center; and
eCommerce sales.

Our comparable sales calculation excludes:

Stores converted to the MPW format for 13 full months post conversion.

We believe our eCommerce operations are interdependent with our brick-and-mortar store sales and, as such, we believe that reporting combined store and eCommerce comparable sales is a more appropriate presentation. Our customers are able to browse merchandise in one channel and consummate a transaction in a different channel. At the same time, our customers have the option to return merchandise to a store or our third-party distribution center, regardless of the original channel used for purchase.

As we continue to execute our MPW storeformat conversions, as part of our strategic initiatives, we have made changes to the base store populationspopulation that comprisecomprises comparable stores, as illustrated in the table below:

 October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Stores by Format Total Store Count Comparable Sales Stores % of Comparable Sales Stores Total Store Count Comparable Sales Stores % of Comparable Sales Stores Total Store Count Comparable Sales Stores % of Comparable Sales Stores Total Store Count Comparable Sales Stores % of Comparable Sales Stores
MPW 314
 293
 93% 314
 139
 44% 320
 300
 94% 315
 287
 91%
Outlet 82
 67
 82% 74
 42
 57% 79
 77
 97% 83
 53
 64%
Christopher and Banks 55
 55
 100% 79
 79
 100% 38
 38
 100% 55
 55
 100%
C.J. Banks 53
 53
 100% 71
 71
 100% 36
 36
 100% 53
 53
 100%
Total Stores 504
 468
 93% 538
 331
 62% 473
 451
 95% 506
 448
 89%
 
Comparable sales calculationsmeasures vary across the retail industry. As a result, our comparable sales calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.

To supplement our comparable sales performance measure, we also monitor changes in net sales per store and net sales per gross square foot, gross profit per store, and gross margin per square foot for the entire store base.
Gross profit

Gross profit is equal to net sales minus merchandise, buying and occupancy costs.
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, exclusive of depreciation and amortization, measure whether we are appropriately optimizing the price of our merchandise and markdown utilization.
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs include the cost of merchandise, markdowns, shrink, freight, buyer and distribution center salaries, buyer travel, rent and other occupancy-related costs, various merchandise design and development costs, miscellaneous merchandise expenses and other costs related to our distribution network.
Buying and occupancy costs related to stores mostly represent a fixed charge and, as a result, should not change significantly with changes in sales.
Operating income
Operating income measures our ability to effectively manage operating costs relative to changes in sales volume. The key components of operating income include net sales, merchandise, buying and occupancy costs, selling, general, and administrative expenses and depreciation and amortization expenses.
Cash flow and liquidity
We closely manage our liquidity and access to capital resources. Our liquidity requirements depend on key variables, including our financial results, the level of investment necessary to support our business strategies, capital expenditures, and working

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capital management. Capital expenditures are a component of our cash flow which, to a large extent, we can adjust in response to economic and other changes in our business.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates
Our Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations is based upon our condensed consolidated financial statements and related notes, which have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles used in the United States. The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during a reporting period. Management bases its estimates on historical experience and various other assumptions that we believe to be reasonable. As a result, actual results could differ because of the use of these estimates and assumptions.
Our critical accounting policies can be found in Note 1 - Nature of Business and Significant Accounting Policies, to the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Item 8 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016. There have been no significant changes to our critical accounting policies or estimates in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016.
ThirdSecond Quarter Fiscal 20162017 Results of Operations

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 20162017 compared to the thirdsecond quarter of fiscal 2015:2016:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Net sales $106,668
 $103,641
 $86,618
 $89,923
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 67,447
 66,519
 61,990
 59,774
Gross profit 39,221
 37,122
 24,628
 30,149
Other operating expenses:        
Selling, general and administrative 32,483
 33,604
 29,179
 30,626
Depreciation and amortization 3,119
 3,116
 3,167
 2,974
Impairment of store assets 
 67
 93
 309
Total other operating expenses 35,602
 36,787
 32,439
 33,909
Operating income 3,619
 335
Operating loss (7,811) (3,760)
Interest expense, net (44) (36) (38) (42)
Income before income taxes 3,575
 299
Loss before income taxes (7,849) (3,802)
Income tax provision 82
 614
 40
 82
Net income (loss) $3,493
 $(315)
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884)
        
        
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended
Rates as a percentage of net sales October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015
Rate trends as a percentage of net sales July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Gross margin 36.8% 35.8% 28.4 % 33.5 %
Selling, general, and administrative 30.5% 32.4% 33.7 % 34.1 %
Depreciation and amortization 2.9% 3.0% 3.7 % 3.3 %
Operating income 3.4% 0.3%
Operating loss (9.0)% (4.2)%
 
ThirdSecond Quarter Fiscal 20162017 Summary
Net sales decreased 3.7% compared to the same period last year primarily due to a decline in average unit retail prices and a decrease in average store count, partly offset by a sequential improvement in traffic, leading to an increase in transactions;
ComparableNet sales sequentially improved through the second quarter reaching a positive single-digit comparable sales % in fiscal July;
eCommerce sales increased 4.5%22.1% compared to a 6.7% decrease in10.8% increase the same period last year;
eCommerce sales increased 16.3% compared to a 30.6% increase the same period last year
Sales per store increased 7.0% and sales per square foot increased 5.3%Gross margin rate decreased 510 basis points compared to the same period last year;year primarily driven by our efforts to sell through non go-forward product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns;
Net incomeloss aggregated to $3.5$7.9 million, a $0.09 income$0.21 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $0.3$3.9 million, or a $0.01$0.11 loss per share, for the comparable prior year period;

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Net cash flow used in operating activities in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 totaled $0.2 million, an increase of $0.2 million, compared to neutral net cash flow in the third quarter of fiscal 2015; andsame period last year;
As of OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, we held $25.9$22.6 million of cash and cash equivalents, and investments, compared to $34.5$28.1 million as of JanuaryJuly 30, 2016.

Net Sales
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Net sales (in thousands): October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 % Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 % Change
Net sales $106,668
 $103,641
 2.9% $86,618
 $89,923
 (3.7)%
 
The components of the 2.9%3.7% net sales increasedecrease in the thirdsecond quarter fiscal 2017 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were as follows:

  
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Sales driver change components OctoberJuly 29, 20162017
Number of transactions (3.23.0)%
Units per transaction (0.50.9)%
Average unit retail price 6.5(7.6 %
Other0.1)%
Total sales driver change increase 2.9(3.7)%
  
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Comparable sales OctoberJuly 29, 20162017
Comparable sales 4.5(0.6)%
 
Sales increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015,decreased primarily due to an increasea 7.6% decrease in average unit retail price leading to growth in eCommerce sales and full-price comp stores supported byprices, a balanced merchandise assortment, including depth in key merchandise categories, effective merchandise promotions, and compelling visual presentations. We were able to offset the 5.1% decrease7.0% decline in average store count, and continuedpartly offset by a sequential improvement in mall traffic, declines through an improvedhigher conversion raterates and higher eCommerce transactions.a 0.9% increase in units per transaction. The sales increasedecrease was partly tempered by softness inalso correlated to lower inventory levels at the beginning of the quarter and promotional spend to sell through inventory that did not reflect our Outlet channel, unseasonably warm weather, and underperformance in certain categories.

To supplement our comparable sales measure, we also monitor changes in other store sales metrics as illustrated in the table below:
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Store metricsOctober 29, 2016
Net sales per store % change7.0%
Net sales per square foot % change5.3%
Net sales per store and net sales per square foot percentage increased comparedgo-forward strategy, contributing to the same period last year, mainly attributable to an increasedecline in average unit retail price and higher conversion rate, partly offset by a decrease in the number of transactions.
Store count, openings, closings, and square footage for our stores for the third quarter of fiscal 2016 were as follows:

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  Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
  July 30,     MPW October 29, Avg Store October 29, July 30,
Stores by Format 2016 Open Close Conversions 2016 Count 2016 2016
MPW 315
 1
 (2) 
 314
 315
 1,204
 1,206
Outlet 83
 
 (1) 
 82
 83
 329
 333
Christopher and Banks 55
 
 
 
 55
 55
 182
 182
C.J. Banks 53
 
 
 
 53
 53
 190
 190
Total Stores 506
 1
 (3) 
 504
 506
 1,905
 1,911
                 
(1)Square footage presented in thousands

Average store count in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 was 506 stores compared to an average store count of 533 stores in the third quarter of fiscal 2015, a 5.1% decrease. Average square footage in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 decreased 3.6% compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015.
Gross Profit
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Gross profit October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Gross profit $39,221
 $37,122
 $2,099
Gross margin rate as a percentage of net sales 36.8% 35.8% 1.0%

Gross margin rate increased 95 basis points primarily due to the effects of sales leverage on occupancy expenses and slightly higher merchandise margins. Merchandise margin rate improvement is attributable to the benefit of higher initial markups, partly offset by a mix shift in merchandise categories.
To supplement our gross profit analysis, we also monitor changes in other store profit metrics as illustrated in the table below:
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Store metricsOctober 29, 2016
Gross profit per store % change8.0%
Gross profit per square foot % change6.2%
Gross profit per store and gross profit per square foot percentage increased, primarily due to the increase net sales and gross margin rate.
Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Selling, general, and administrative October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Selling, general, and administrative $32,483
 $33,604
 $(1,121)
SG&A rate as a percentage of net sales 30.5% 32.4% (1.9)%
SG&A expenses decreased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 as compared to the third quarter of fiscal 2015 primarily due to reduced store operational expenses of $0.8 million, lower professional and advisory fees of $0.7 million, lower medical costs of $0.3 million, and a decrease in net employee compensation of $0.2 million, partly offset by higher eCommerce operational costs of $0.5 million and incremental marketing expense of $0.4 million. The SG&A rate decreased approximately 190 basis points mainly due to sales leverage and decreased SG&A spend.

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Depreciation and Amortization (“D&A”)
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Depreciation and amortization October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Depreciation and amortization $3,119
 $3,116
 $3
D&A rate as a percentage of net sales 2.9% 3.0% (0.1)%
Depreciation and amortization expense was flat primarily due to stabilization in store portfolio and progress made in technology solutions supporting new omni-channel capabilities.

Impairment of Store Assets
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Impairment of store assets October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Impairment of store assets $
 $67
 $(67)
There were no non-cash impairment charges related to long-lived assets.
Operating Income
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Operating income October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Operating income $3,619
 $335
 $3,284
Operating income rate as a percentage of net sales 3.4% 0.3% 3.1%
Our operating income increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period last year primarily due to a net sales increase of 2.9%, a gross margin rate increase of 95 basis points, and lower SG&A expenses of $1.1 million mainly attributable to reduced store operational expenses and lower professional and advisory fees, partly offset by higher eCommerce operational costs.
Interest expense, net
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Interest expense, net October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Interest expense, net $44
 $36
 $8
Interest expense, net rate as a percentage of net sales *
 *
 *
*Calculated results not meaningful
The change in interest expense, net is not material.
Income Tax Provision
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Income tax provision October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Income tax provision $82
 $614
 $(532)
Income tax rate as a percentage of net sales 0.1% 0.6% (0.5)%
We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million, with an effective tax rate of 2.3% for the thirteen weeks ended October 29, 2016. For the thirteen weeks ended October 31, 2015, we recorded an income tax expense of approximately $0.6 million. The decrease in the effective tax rate reflects the impact of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets and the impact of permanent differences and state income taxes.

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Net earnings
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Net income (loss) October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Net income (loss) $3,493
 $(315) $3,808
Net income (loss) rate as a percentage of net sales 3.3% (0.3)% 3.6%

Our net income increased in the third quarter of fiscal 2016 compared to a net loss in the same period last year, primarily due to a net sales increase of 2.9%, a higher gross margin rate and lower SG&A.

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2016 Results of Operations

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2015:
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands) October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015
Net sales $296,625
 $289,259
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 189,543
 188,992
Gross profit 107,082
 100,267
Other operating expenses:    
Selling, general and administrative 98,585
 95,223
Depreciation and amortization 9,116
 8,733
Impairment of store assets 476
 182
Total other operating expenses 108,177
 104,138
Operating loss (1,095) (3,871)
Interest expense, net (126) (76)
Other income 911
 
Loss before income taxes (310) (3,947)
Income tax provision (benefit) 249
 (1,480)
Net loss $(559) $(2,467)
     
     
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
Rates as a percentage of net sales October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015
Gross margin 36.1 % 34.7 %
Selling, general, and administrative 33.2 % 32.9 %
Depreciation and amortization 3.1 % 3.0 %
Operating loss (0.4)% (1.3)%

Year-to-Date Fiscal 2016 Summary

Comparable sales increased 1.0% compared to a 11.4% decrease in the same period last year;
eCommerce sales increased 22.3% compared to a 14.9% increase in the same period last year;
Sales per store increased 3.5%, while sales per square foot increased 0.4%, compared to the same period last year;
Net loss aggregated to $0.6 million, a $0.02 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $2.5 million, or a $0.07 loss per share, for the prior year period; and
Net cash flow used in operating activities in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 totaled $0.8 million, a decrease of $2.4 million, compared to the net cash flow used of $3.2 million in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2015.

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Net Sales
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
Net sales (in thousands): October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 % Change
Net sales $296,625
 $289,259
 2.5%

The components of the 2.5% net sales increase in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 compared to the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2015 were as follows:
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
Sales change componentsOctober 29, 2016
Number of transactions(3.7)%
Units per transaction1.5 %
Average unit retail price4.7 %
Total sales driver change increase2.5 %
Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
Comparable salesOctober 29, 2016
Comparable sales1.0%

Sales increased in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period of fiscal 2015, primarily due to a balanced merchandise assortment, including depth in key merchandise categories, compelling visual presentations, and the absence of labor issues at West Coast ports which caused a disruption to our merchandise flow in late fiscal 2014 through the first part of fiscal 2015. The number of transactions decreased 3.7% due to a 2.7% decrease in average store count and continued deceleration in mall traffic, partly offset by higher conversion rates. The sales increase was partly tempered by softness in our Outlet channel, unseasonably warm weather, and underperformance in certain product categories.prices.

To supplement our comparable sales measure, we also monitor changes in other store sales metrics as illustrated in the table below:
  Thirty-Nine
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Store metrics OctoberJuly 29, 20162017
Net sales per store % change 3.5(0.7)%
Net sales per square foot % change 0.4(1.9)%

Net sales per store and netNet sales per square foot percentage increased compareddecreased mainly due to the same period last year, mainly attributable to an increasea decline in average unit retail price, increase in units per transaction rate, and higher conversion rate, partly offset by a decrease in the number of transactions.prices.

Store count, openings, closings, and square footage for our stores for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 were as follows:

 Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
 Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
 January 30,     MPW October 29, Avg Store October 29, January 30, April 29,     MPW July 29, Avg Store July 29, April 29,
Stores by Format 2016 Open Close Conversions 2016 Count 2016 2016 2017 Open Close Conversions 2017 Count 2017 2017
MPW 314
 3
 (8) 5
 314
 315
 1,204
 1,193
 320
 
 
 
 320
 320
 1,241
 1,241
Outlet 77
 6
 (1) 
 82
 81
 329
 311
 82
 
 (3) 
 79
 80
 306
 329
Christopher and Banks 67
 
 (7) (5) 55
 59
 182
 221
 38
 
 
 
 38
 38
 126
 126
C.J. Banks 60
 
 (3) (4) 53
 55
 190
 214
 36
 
 
 
 36
 36
 130
 130
Total Stores 518
 9
 (19) (4) 504
 510
 1,905
 1,939
 476
 
 (3) 
 473
 474
 1,803
 1,826
                                
(1)
Square footage presented in thousands

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Average store count in the first thirty-nine weekssecond quarter of fiscal 20162017 was 510474 stores compared to an average store count of 524509 stores in the same period ofsecond quarter fiscal 2015,2016, a decrease of 2.7%6.9%. Average square footage in the first thirty-nine weekssecond quarter of fiscal 2016 increased 0.3%2017 decreased 5.7% compared to the same periodsecond quarter of fiscal 2015.2016.

Gross Profit
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Gross profit October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Gross profit $107,082
 $100,267
 $6,815
 $24,628
 $30,149
 $(5,521)
Gross margin rate as a percentage of net sales 36.1% 34.7% 1.4% 28.4% 33.5% (5.1)%

Gross margin rate increased 144decreased 510 basis points primarily driven by our efforts to sell through non go-forward product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns. The gross margin rate decline accelerated in the second quarter compared to the first quarter due to seasonal markdowns that typically occur at the end of the second quarter.

Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Selling, general, and administrative July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Selling, general, and administrative $29,179
 $30,626
 $(1,447)
SG&A rate as a percentage of net sales 33.7% 34.1% (0.4)%
SG&A decreased by $1.4 million, driven by lower store operating expenses of $1.4 million due to a managed effort to reduce expenses. The SG&A expense decrease was also attributable to the absence of non-recurring charges of eCommerce transition costs of $0.3 million incurred in the second quarter of fiscal 2016. These SG&A expense savings were partially offset by an increase in eCommerce operating expenses of $0.2 million to support higher merchandise marginseCommerce sales. As a percent of net sales, SG&A improved approximately 40 basis points to 33.7%.
Depreciation and Amortization (“D&A”)
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Depreciation and amortization July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Depreciation and amortization $3,167
 $2,974
 $193
D&A rate as a percentage of net sales 3.7% 3.3% 0.4%
Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to the deployment of technology solutions, including new omni-channel capabilities partly offset by the effects of the decrease in average store count.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Impairment of long-lived assets July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Impairment of long-lived assets $93
 $309
 $(216)
We recorded non-cash impairment charges related to long-lived assets held at store locations.
Operating Loss
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Operating loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Operating loss $(7,811) $(3,760) $(4,051)
Operating loss rate as a percentage of net sales (9.0)% (4.2)% (4.8)%
Our operating loss increased in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016 primarily due to a 510 basis point gross margin rate decline and net sales leveragedecrease of $3.3 million, partly offset by higher eCommerce freighta SG&A decrease of $1.4 million, including the absence of fiscal 2016 non-recurring charges resulting from higher sales volume. Merchandiseof $0.3 million.
Interest expense, net
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Interest expense, net July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Interest expense, net $(38) $(42) $4

The change in interest expense, net is not material.

Income Tax Provision
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Income tax provision July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Income tax provision $40
 $82
 $(42)
The change in the income tax provision is not material. For the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2017, our effective tax rate was (1.3)% compared to (2.2)% in the same period last year.
Net earnings
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Net loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(4,005)
Net loss rate as a percentage of net sales (9.1)% (4.3)% (4.8)%

Our net loss increase in the second quarter of fiscal 2017 compared to our net loss in the second quarter of 2016 was primarily due to a gross margin rate improvement is attributabledecline and a net sales decrease partly offset by lower SG&A.

First Half Fiscal 2017 Results of Operations

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the first half of fiscal 2017 compared to the benefitfirst half of higher initial mark-ups.fiscal 2016:
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands) July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Net sales $175,173
 $189,957
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 120,007
 122,096
Gross profit 55,166
 67,861
Other operating expenses:    
Selling, general and administrative 60,153
 66,103
Depreciation and amortization 6,266
 5,996
Impairment of store assets 163
 476
Total other operating expenses 66,582
 72,575
Operating loss (11,416) (4,714)
Interest expense, net (69) (82)
Other income 
 911
Loss before income taxes (11,485) (3,885)
Income tax provision 92
 167
Net loss $(11,577) $(4,052)
     
     
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
Rate trends as a percentage of net sales July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Gross margin 31.5 % 35.7 %
Selling, general, and administrative 34.3 % 34.8 %
Depreciation and amortization 3.6 % 3.2 %
Operating loss (6.5)% (2.5)%

To supplement our gross profit analysis, we also monitor changes
First Half Fiscal 2017 Summary
Net sales decreased 7.8% compared to the same period last year primarily due to a decline in otheraverage unit retail prices and a decrease in average store profit metrics as illustratedcount;
Net sales sequentially improved from a 11.5% sales decline and a comparable sales decrease of 8.9% in the table below:first quarter of fiscal 2017 to a 3.7% sales decline and comparable sales decrease of 0.6% in the second quarter of fiscal 2017;
eCommerce sales increased 18.1% compared to a 27.2% increase the same period last year;
Gross margin rate decreased 420 basis points compared to the same period last year primarily driven by our second quarter efforts to sell through non go-forward product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns;
Net loss aggregated to $11.6 million, a $0.31 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $4.1 million, or a $0.11 loss per share, for the same period last year.

Net Sales
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Net sales (in thousands): July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 % Change
Net sales $175,173
 $189,957
 (7.8)%

The components of the 7.8% net sales decrease in the first half of fiscal 2017 compared to the first half of fiscal 2016 were as follows:

  Thirty-Nine
Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
Sales driver change componentsJuly 29, 2017
Number of transactions1.6 %
Units per transaction(0.6)%
Average unit retail(8.8)%
Total sales driver change increase(7.8)%

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
Comparable salesJuly 29, 2017
Comparable sales(4.1)%

Sales decreased primarily due to an 8.8% decrease in average unit retail prices, a 7.1% decline in average store count, continued weakness in mall traffic, and a 0.6% decrease in units per transaction, partly offset by higher conversion rates. The sales decrease was also correlated to lower inventory levels at the beginning of the year, lower inventory receipts in the first quarter and promotional spend to sell through inventory that did not reflect our go-forward strategy, contributing to the decline in average unit retail prices.

To supplement our comparable sales measure, we also monitor changes in other store sales metrics as illustrated in the table below:

Twenty-Six
Weeks Ended
Store metrics OctoberJuly 29, 20162017
Gross profitNet sales per store % change 6.3(5.2)%
Gross profitNet sales per square foot % change 3.0(6.6)%

Gross profitNet sales per store and gross profitNet sales per square foot percentage increased, primarilydecreased mainly due to a decline in average unit retail prices.

Store count, openings, closings, and square footage for our stores were as follows:


  Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
  January 28,     MPW July 29, Avg Store July 29, January 28,
Stores by Format 2017 Open Close Conversions 2017 Count 2017 2017
MPW 318
 1
 (4) 5
 320
 319
 1,241
 1,226
Outlet 82
 
 (3) 
 79
 81
 306
 329
Christopher and Banks 43
 
 
 (5) 38
 39
 126
 142
C.J. Banks 41
 
 
 (5) 36
 37
 130
 147
Total Stores 484
 1
 (7) (5) 473
 476
 1,803
 1,844
(1)
Square footage presented in thousands

Average store count in the first half of fiscal 2017 was 476 stores compared to an average store count of 512 stores in the same period of fiscal 2016, a decrease of 7.0%. Average square footage in the first half of fiscal 2017 decreased 5.7% compared to the same period of fiscal 2016.

Gross Profit
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Gross profit July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Gross profit $55,166
 $67,861
 $(12,695)
Gross margin rate as a percentage of net sales 31.5% 35.7% (4.2)%

Gross margin rate decreased 420 basis points primarily driven by our efforts to sell through non go-forward product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns, and to a lesser extent, the effects of sales leverage on occupancy expenses. The gross margin rate increasedecline accelerated in the second quarter compared to the first quarter due to higher merchandise margins and higher sales.seasonal markdowns that typically occur at the end of the second quarter.

Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Selling, general, and administrative October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Selling, general, and administrative $98,585
 $95,223
 $3,362
 $60,153
 $66,103
 $(5,950)
SG&A rate as a percentage of net sales 33.2% 32.9% 0.3% 34.3% 34.8% (0.5)%

SG&A expenses increased in the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 as compared to the same period of fiscal 2015, primarily due to incremental marketingdecreased by $5.9 million, driven by lower store operating expenses of $1.9 million, including investments in brand awareness and the add back of a direct mailer, higher medical costs of $1.0 million, higher eCommerce operational costs of $0.9$3.2 million and higherlower net employee compensation expenses of $0.4 million, partly offset by reduced store operational spend$1.2 million. The SG&A expense decrease was also attributable to the absence of $1.6 million and lower professional fees of $0.6 million. For the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016, non-recurring charges totaledof $2.2 million, including advisory fees of $1.5 million in connection with shareholder activism of $1.5 million and eCommerce transition costs to a new platform of $0.7 million compared to non-recurring advisory fees of $0.7 millionincurred in the same period last year. Thefirst half of fiscal 2016. These SG&A rate increased 32expense savings were partially offset by an increase in eCommerce operating expenses of $1.0 million to support higher eCommerce sales. As a percent of net sales, SG&A improved approximately 50 basis points mainly due to increased SG&A spend partly offset by sales leverage.34.3%.

Depreciation and Amortization (“D&A”)
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Depreciation and amortization October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Depreciation and amortization $9,116
 $8,733
 $383
 $6,266
 $5,996
 $270
D&A rate as a percentage of net sales 3.1% 3.0% 0.1% 3.6% 3.2% 0.4%

Depreciation and amortization expense increased primarily due to the effects of new stores, MPW store conversions, and the deployment of technology solutions, including new omni-channel capabilities.


Tablecapabilities partly offset by the effects of Contents
the decrease in average store count.

Impairment of StoreLong-Lived Assets
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
Impairment of Store Assets October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Impairment of Store Assets $476
 $182
 $294
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Impairment of long-lived assets July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Impairment of long-lived assets $163
 $476
 $(313)

We recorded non-cash impairment charges related to long-lived assets held at a small number of store locations.

Operating Loss
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Operating loss October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Operating loss $(1,095) $(3,871) $2,776
 $(11,416) $(4,714) $(6,702)
Operating loss rate as a percentage of net sales (0.4)% (1.3)% 0.9% (6.5)% (2.5)% (4.0)%

Our operating loss decreasedincreased in the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 2017 compared to the first half of fiscal 2016 compared to the same period last year, primarily due to an increase in sales and a 420 basis point gross margin rate increasedecline and a net sales decrease of 144 basis points,$14.8 million, partly offset by higher net operating expensesa SG&A decrease of $3.4 million. For$5.9 million, including the first thirty-nine weeksabsence of fiscal 2016 non-recurring charges totaledof $2.2 million compared to $0.7 million in the same period last year.million.

Interest expense, net
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Interest expense, net October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Interest expense, net $126
 $76
 $50
 $(69) $(82) $13
Interest expense, net rate as a percentage of net sales *
 *
 *

The change in interest expense, net is not material.

Other income
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended   Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Other income October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Other income $911
 $
 $911
 $
 $911
 $(911)
Other income rate 0.3% % 0.3%

Other income in the first thirty-nine weekssecond quarter of fiscal 2016 reflects the receipt of proceeds from company-owned life insurance.

Income Tax Provision
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
Income tax provision (benefit) October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Income tax provision (benefit) $249
 $(1,480) $1,729
Income tax rate as a percentage of net sales 0.1% (0.5)% 0.6%
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Income tax provision July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Income tax provision $92
 $167
 $(75)

We recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.2 million, for the first thirty-nine weeks of fiscal 2016 compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $1.5 million for the same period of fiscal 2015. The change in the income tax provision is not material. For the first half 2017, our effective tax rate reflectswas (1.5)% compared to (4.3)% in the impact of the valuation allowance on our deferred tax assets, as well as the impact of permanent differences and state income taxes.same period last year.

Net earnings
  Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended  
Net loss October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 Change
Net loss $(559) $(2,467) $1,908
Net loss rate as a percentage of net sales (0.2)% (0.9)% 0.7%

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  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Net loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Net loss $(11,577) $(4,052) $(7,525)
Net loss rate as a percentage of net sales (6.6)% (2.1)% (4.5)%

Our net loss decrease in the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 20162017 compared to our net loss in the same period last year isfirst half of 2016 was primarily due to a 2.5% increase in sales and a gross margin rate increase,decline, a net sales decrease, and the absence of company-owned life insurance proceeds partly offset by higher netlower SG&A.
 
Fourth Quarter 2016Fiscal 2017 Outlook
 
Based onWe are implementing a number of strategic initiatives addressing merchandising, marketing, eCommerce and store operations designed to stabilize the business and drive more consistent financial performance going forward. Given the number of changes and time required to rebalance the merchandise assortment, we will not be providing sales trends through November, we expect fourth quarter net sales of between $93.0 million and $97.0 million, compared to $94.6 million inEPS guidance for the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.

Depreciation and Amortization is expected to be approximately $3.4 million compared to $3.3 million in last year's fourth quarter.

We expect a net loss of $4.1 million to $5.9 million or $0.11 to $0.16 per share, as compared to a net loss of $46.6 million or $1.26 per share in last year’s fourth quarter, which included a $37.5 million or $1.02 per share valuation allowance for deferred tax assets.

We expect on hand inventory, at cost, to decline by low single digits compared to the end of the fourth quarter of fiscal 2015.near term.

During the fourth quarter,remainder of fiscal 2017, we anticipate closing sixplan to close 2 MPW stores, 1 Outlet and closing 241 CB store. In addition, we plan to convert 1 CB and 1 CJ stores and converting themstore into 121 MPW stores. The total averagestore. Average square footage for the year is expected to be down 5.0% year over year. No new stores are planned for the fourth quarter.

2016 Outlook

We expect total average square footage for the year to be down approximately 1.6%5.3% as compared to fiscal 2015.2016 and down 5.6% in the third quarter.

We expect capital expenditures for the year to berange between $12$6.5 million and $12.5$7.5 million representing investments in new stores as well as capital expenditures associated with completingstore relocations, merchandising technology applications, and the technology aspectdevelopment of our Customer First initiative. omni-channel capabilities.

We expect our taxes for the year to be nominal and to represent minimum fees and taxes.

We anticipate endingexpect the year with cash, cash equivalents and investments in the low to mid $30 million range, as compared to $34.5 million at the end of last year’s fourth quarter.

Preliminary 2017 Comments

Looking forward to 2017, we expect sales increases to be largely driven by our eCommerce channel and Outlet stores. We also expect our MPW and outlet stores to generate positive comps. We expect our total average square footage to be down approximately 4.0% for the year.

In addition to the initiatives we are undertaking to increase sales, we continue to focus on improving our cash flow. After several years of investing in technology and stores, we intend to optimize these investments53rd week in fiscal 2017 to add approximately $4.2 million in sales and to reduce capital outlays. We are also taking a close look at our costs and identifying opportunities for additional savings in a number of areas, including occupancy, increased efficiencies in processes and contract negotiations. Our preliminary assessment suggests there is an opportunity for net savings in fiscal 2017 ofoperating income by approximately $5.0 million to $7.0 million, before giving effect to the costs the Company would incur in connection with potential growth in overall sales.$1.6 million.

Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Cash flow and liquidity
 
Summary
 
We expect to operate our business and execute our strategic initiatives principally with funds generated from operations and, if necessary, from our amended and restated credit agreement (the “Credit Facility”) with Wells Fargo Bank N.A (“Wells Fargo”), subject to compliance with theall covenants and other financial covenant and the other termsprovisions of the Credit Facility. Cash flow from operations has historically been sufficient to provide for our uses of cash.

The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents and investments as of October 29, 2016the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2017 and January 30,the end of fiscal 2016:

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(in thousands) October 29, 2016 January 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
Cash and cash equivalents $25,882
 $31,506
 $22,573
 $35,006
Short-term investments 
 3,015
Total cash, cash equivalents and investments $25,882
 $34,521
 
The $8.6$12.4 million decrease in cash and cash equivalents andis primarily attributable the the net loss for the first half of fiscal 2017, investments is mainly attributable to our use of cash to invest in new stores, MPW store conversions and omni-channel capabilities, and changes in addition to higher advisory fees in connectionworking capital. The working capital fluctuations are generally in-line with shareholder activism.normal, seasonal patterns.

Cash Flows

The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 20162017 compared to the same periodfirst half of 2015:2016:
 Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
(in thousands) October 29, 2016 October 31, 2015 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016
Net cash used in operating activities $(764) $(3,216) $(9,277) $(520)
Net cash used in investing activities (4,854) (9,634) (3,150) (2,872)
Net cash used in financing activities (6) (26) (6) (23)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(5,624) $(12,876) $(12,433) $(3,415)
 
Operating Activities

The decrease in cash used in operating activities in the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 20162017 compared to the same periodfirst half of fiscal 20152016 was primarily due to changes in working capital and other non-cash charges and a decreasean increase in the net loss for the thirty-ninetwenty-six week period.period and changes in working capital. The changes in working capital primarily reflect an increasereflected the effects of a decrease in accrued liabilities, primarily due to higher eCommercepayouts pertaining to a loss contingency, employee compensation, and timing of obligations to third-party service contract obligations, which wereproviders, partly offset by increased inventory levelsan increase in accounts payable due to the timing of in-transit inventories.fashion merchandise receipts and lower inventory receipts.




Investing Activities

The decreaseincrease in cash used in investing activities in the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 20162017 compared to the same periodfirst half of fiscal 20152016 was mainly attributable to a deceleration in the paceabsence of investments in new storesavailable-for-sale investment maturities and MPW store conversions.the absence of proceeds from company-owned life insurance. Capital expenditures for the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 20162017 were approximately $8.8$3.2 million, which primarily reflected investments in new storesMPW store conversions and in technology associated with our Customer First initiative.omni-channel capabilities.

Financing Activities

Financing activities in the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 2017 and 2016 and 2015 were mostly limited to a small number of shares redeemed by employees to satisfy payroll tax obligations in connection with the vesting of those shares and a small number of stock option exercises.obligations.

We did not pay any dividends in the first thirty-nine weekshalf of fiscal 2016.2017. We have not paid any dividends in the last three fiscal years.
 
Sources of Liquidity

Funds generated by operating activities, available cash and cash equivalents, investments and our Credit Facility are our most significant sources of liquidity. We believe that our sources of liquidity will be sufficient to sustain operations and to finance anticipated capital investments and strategic initiatives over the next twelve months. However, in the event our liquidity is not sufficient to meet our operating needs, we may be required to limit our spending or seek additional sources of liquidity.spending. There can be no assurance that we will continue to generate cash flows at or above current levels or that we will be able to maintain our ability to borrow under our Credit Facilityexisting facilities or obtain additional financing, if necessary, on favorable terms.

The Credit Facility with Wells Fargo was most recently amended and extended on September 8, 2014. The current expiration date is September 8, 2019. The Credit Facility provides the Company with revolving credit loans of up to $50.0 million in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility, and up to $10.0 million of which may be drawn in the form of standby and documentary letters of credit.

The Company had no revolving credit loan borrowings under the Credit Facility during each of the twenty-six week periods ended July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016. The total Borrowing Base at July 29, 2017 was approximately $36.5 million. As of July 29, 2017, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $0.9 million. Accordingly, after reducing the Borrowing Base for the open letters of credit and the required minimum availability of the greater of $3.0 million, or 10.0% of the Borrowing Base, the net availability of revolving credit loans under the Credit Facility was approximately $32.0 million at July 29, 2017.

See Note 65 - Credit Facility for additional details regarding our Credit Facility, including a description of the sole financial covenant, with which we were in compliance as of OctoberJuly 29, 2016.2017.

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Sourcing

There have been no material changes to our ratio of imports to total merchandise purchases or concentration of supplier purchases in the thirty-ninetwenty-six weeks ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 compared to the fiscal 20152016 year ended January 30, 2016.28, 2017.

Quarterly Results and Seasonality

Our quarterly results may fluctuate significantly depending on a number of factors, including general economic conditions, consumer confidence, customer response to our seasonal merchandise mix, timing of new store openings, adverse weather conditions, and shifts in the timing of certain holidays and shifts in the timing of promotional events.
Inflation
We do not believe that inflation had a material effect on our results of operations for the thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended July 29, 2017.

Forward-Looking Statements

We may make forward-looking statements reflecting our current views with respect to future events and financial performance.  These forward-looking statements, which may be included in reports filed under the Exchange Act, in press releases and in other documents and materials as well as in written or oral statements made by or on behalf of the Company, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including those discussed in Item 1A - Risk Factors of our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016,28, 2017, which could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or those anticipated.

The words or phrases “will likely result,” “are expected to,” “estimate,” “project,” “believe,” “expect,” “should,” “anticipate,” “forecast,” “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 21e of the Exchange Act and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, as enacted by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (“PSLRA”). In particular, we desire to take advantage of the protections of the PSLRA in connection with the forward-looking statements made in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date such statements are made. In addition, we wish to advise readers that the factors listed in Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form
10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 201628, 2017, as well as other factors, could affect our performance and could cause our actual results for future periods to differ materially from any opinions or statements expressed in the quarterly report on Form 10-Q. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
 
For a discussion of our exposure to, and management of our market risks, see Item 7A, Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk, in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2016.28, 2017. There have been no material changes to our exposure to, and management of our market risks in the thirteen weeks ended OctoberJuly 29, 2016.2017. 

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
 
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company maintains disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to provide reasonable assurance that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to the Company’s management, including its Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures.

The Company carried out an evaluation as of the end of the period covered by this report (the “Evaluation Date”), under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including its Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rules 13(a)-15(e) and 15(d)-15(e) of the Exchange Act. Based on that evaluation, the Interim Chief Executive Officer and Interim Chief Financial Officer concluded that as of July 29, 2017 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level as of October 29, 2016.level.
 

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Changes in Internal Controls
 
There were no significant changes in our internal controls that could materially affect our disclosure controls and procedures subsequent to the Evaluation Date. Furthermore, there was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended OctoberJuly 29, 20162017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
The Company is subject, from time to time, to various claims, lawsuits or actions that arise in the ordinary course of business. We accrue for loss contingencies associated with outstanding litigation or legal claims for which management has determined it

is probable that a loss contingency exists and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. In connection with a preliminary settlement of pre-litigation employment claims reached in February 2017, we established a loss contingency of $1.475 million as of January 28, 2017. In connection therewith, on April 13, 2017, a complaint was filed in state Circuit Court in the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida (the “Florida Circuit Court”) by three named plaintiffs in a purported class action asserting claims on behalf of current and former store managers. The plaintiffs principally alleged that they and other similarly situated store managers were improperly classified as exempt employees and thus not compensated for overtime work as required under applicable federal and state law. On May 4, 2017, the Company entered into a settlement agreement with the named plaintiffs and the proposed class. On May 8, 2017, the Florida Circuit Court issued an order approving the class settlement. As approved by the Florida Circuit Court, certain current and former store managers will be eligible to receive payments in connection with time worked in prior years. The settlement of the lawsuit is not an admission by us of any wrongdoing.

As part of the settlement, the Company contributed $1.475 million into a settlement fund in the second fiscal quarter of 2017. Any funds remaining after payment of all submitted claims and related settlement fund costs and expenses will revert to the Company. A final resolution of the matter and the dissolution of the settlement fund is expected by the end of this fiscal year. While the ultimate amount of the claims paid under the settlement is likely to be less than the Company has recorded, the difference is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or liquidity.

The ultimate resolution of suchlegal matters iscan be inherently uncertain and for some matters, we are currently unable to predict the ultimate outcome, determine whether a liability has been incurred or make an estimate of the reasonably possible liability that could result from an unfavorable outcome because of these uncertainties. Although the amount of any liability that could arise with respect to such matters cannot be accurately predicted, theThe Company does not, however, currently believe that the resolution of any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
 
In addition to the other information discussed in this report, the risk factors described in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in our 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal yearperiod ended January 30, 2016,28, 2017, should be considered as they could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. There have not been any material changes with respect to the risks described in our 20152016 Form 10-K, but these are not the only risks facing our company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem to be immaterial may also adversely affect our business, financial condition or operating results.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

None.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

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ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
 
ExhibitDescription
14.110.1Code of ConductForm of Christopher & Banks Corporation Indemnification Agreement (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 14.110.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2016)June 20, 2017)
10.2**Retention Agreement, effective as of July 25, 2017, by and between Christopher & Banks Corporation and Marc A. Ungerman (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to Current Report on Form 8-K/A filed on July 26, 2017)
31.1*Certification of Interim Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*Certification of Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*Certification of the Interim Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*Certification of the Interim Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101*Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Christopher & Banks Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended OctoberJuly 29, 2016,2017, formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language ("XBRL"): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Loss, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (vi) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
*   Filed with this report

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** Management agreement or compensatory plan or arrangement

SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements 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.
 
 
 CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION
    
Dated: December 2, 2016August 30, 2017By: /s/ LuAnn ViaJoel Waller
   LuAnn ViaJoel Waller
   Interim President, and Chief Executive Officer and Director
   (Principal Executive Officer)
    
Dated: December 2, 2016August 30, 2017By: /s/ Peter G. MichieluttiMarc Ungerman
   Peter G. MichieluttiMarc Ungerman
   Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer andInterim Chief Financial Officer
   (Principal Financial Officer)


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