Table of Contents

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 July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
or
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from ____to____
Commission File No. 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.  ☒  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).  ☒  YES  ☐  NO
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer”, “smaller reporting company”, and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  ¨
Accelerated filer ¨
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 ☒  NO
As of August 25, 2017,31, 2018 there were 37,855,18138,422,693 shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding.


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
QUARTERLY REPORT ON FORM 10-Q
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
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PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018
        
ASSETS        
Current assets:        
Cash and cash equivalents $22,573
 $35,006
 $23,114
 $23,077
Accounts receivable 3,833
 2,549
 3,508
 2,626
Merchandise inventories 41,917
 36,834
 40,184
 41,361
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,568
 3,485
 4,263
 2,715
Income taxes receivable 255
 516
 218
 172
Total current assets 73,146
 78,390
 71,287
 69,951
Property, equipment and improvements, net 51,983
 55,332
 38,383
 47,773
Other non-current assets:        
Deferred income taxes 322
 321
 597
 597
Other assets 641
 577
 1,213
 1,043
Total other non-current assets 963
 898
 1,810
 1,640
Total assets $126,092
 $134,620
 $111,480
 $119,364
        
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY        
Current liabilities:        
Accounts payable $22,994
 $13,867
 $23,689
 $20,825
Accrued salaries, wages and related expenses 4,338
 6,613
 5,045
 5,309
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 20,801
 26,426
 19,655
 26,201
Total current liabilities 48,133
 46,906
 48,389
 52,335
Non-current liabilities:        
Deferred lease incentives 8,540
 9,021
 7,023
 7,762
Deferred rent obligations 6,583
 6,576
 6,459
 6,621
Other non-current liabilities 2,574
 822
 9,372
 2,237
Total non-current liabilities 17,697
 16,419
 22,854
 16,620
        
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, 47,646 and 47,425 shares issued, and 37,855 and 37,634 shares outstanding at July 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017, respectively 476
 473
Common stock — $0.01 par value, 74,000 shares authorized, 48,222 and 47,625 shares issued, and 38,432 and 37,834 shares outstanding at August 4, 2018 and February 3, 2018, respectively 481
 475
Additional paid-in capital 127,057
 126,516
 128,236
 127,652
Retained earnings 45,440
 57,017
 24,231
 34,993
Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at July 29, 2017 and January 28, 2017 (112,711) (112,711)
Common stock held in treasury, 9,791 shares at cost at August 4, 2018 and February 3, 2018 (112,711) (112,711)
Total stockholders’ equity 60,262
 71,295
 40,237
 50,409
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $126,092
 $134,620
 $111,480
 $119,364


See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE LOSS
(in thousands, except per share data)
(unaudited) 
  Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
  July 29, July 30, July 29, July 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
         
Net sales $86,618
 $89,923
 $175,173
 $189,957
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 61,990
 59,774
 120,007
 122,096
Gross profit 24,628
 30,149
 55,166
 67,861
Other operating expenses:  
      
Selling, general and administrative 29,179
 30,626
 60,153
 66,103
Depreciation and amortization 3,167
 2,974
 6,266
 5,996
Impairment of long-lived assets 93
 309
 163
 476
Total other operating expenses 32,439
 33,909
 66,582
 72,575
Operating loss (7,811) (3,760) (11,416) (4,714)
Interest expense, net (38) (42) (69) (82)
Other income 
 
 
 911
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 loss per share:        
Net loss $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11)
Basic shares outstanding 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
         
Diluted loss per share:        
Net loss $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11)
Diluted shares outstanding 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OFCOMPREHENSIVELOSS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, July 29, August 4, July 29,
         2018 2017 2018 2017
        
Net sales $87,418
 $86,618
 $173,319
 $175,173
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 62,546
 61,990
 121,103
 120,007
Gross profit 24,872
 24,628
 52,216
 55,166
Other operating expenses:  
      
Selling, general and administrative 29,675
 29,179
 59,422
 60,153
Depreciation and amortization 2,518
 3,167
 5,334
 6,266
Impairment of store assets 
 93
 
 163
Total other operating expenses 32,193
 32,439
 64,756
 66,582
Operating loss (7,321) (7,811) (12,540) (11,416)
Interest expense, net (42) (38) (99) (69)
Loss before income taxes (7,363) (7,849) (12,639) (11,485)
Income tax provision 63
 40
 106
 92
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052) $(7,426) $(7,889) $(12,745) $(11,577)
        
Other comprehensive income, net of tax 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Comprehensive loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052) $(7,426) $(7,889) $(12,745) $(11,577)
        
Basic loss per share:        
Net loss $(0.20) $(0.21) $(0.34) $(0.31)
Basic shares outstanding 37,458
 37,156
 37,381
 37,123
        
Diluted loss per share:        
Net loss $(0.20) $(0.21) $(0.34) $(0.31)
Diluted shares outstanding 37,458
 37,156
 37,381
 37,123
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


CHRISTOPHER & BANKS CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(in thousands)
(unaudited)
 
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:        
Net loss $(11,577) $(4,052) $(12,745) $(11,577)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash used in operating activities:        
Depreciation and amortization 6,266
 5,996
 5,334
 6,266
Impairment of long-lived assets 163
 476
Deferred income taxes, net 
 11
Gain from company-owned life insurance 
 (911)
Amortization of premium on investments 
 10
Impairment of store assets 
 163
Amortization of financing costs 31
 31
 31
 31
Deferred lease-related liabilities (442) (381) (486) (442)
Stock-based compensation expense 550
 406
 604
 550
Loss on disposal of assets 
 1
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:  
    
  
Accounts receivable (1,284) 102
 (882) (1,284)
Merchandise inventories (5,082) (7,571) 1,178
 (5,082)
Prepaid expenses and other assets (1,180) (463) (1,579) (1,180)
Income taxes receivable 261
 (88) (46) 261
Accounts payable 9,096
 5,547
 3,021
 9,096
Accrued liabilities (7,872) 260
 (5,757) (7,872)
Other liabilities 1,793
 106
 (59) 1,793
Net cash used in operating activities (9,277) (520) (11,386) (9,277)
Cash flows from investing activities:        
Purchases of property, equipment and improvements (3,150) (6,788) (1,722) (3,150)
Proceeds from company-owned life insurance 
 911
Maturities of available-for-sale investments 
 3,005
Net cash used in investing activities (3,150) (2,872)
Proceeds from sale of assets 13,329
 
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 11,607
 (3,150)
Cash flows from financing activities:        
Shares redeemed for payroll taxes (6) (23) (13) (6)
Proceeds from short-term borrowings 9,100
 
Payments of short-term borrowings (9,100) 
Payments of deferred financing costs (171) 
Net cash used in financing activities (6) (23) (184) (6)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents (12,433) (3,415)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 37
 (12,433)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period 35,006
 31,506
 23,077
 35,006
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period $22,573
 $28,091
 $23,114
 $22,573
Supplemental cash flow information:        
Interest paid $69
 $95
 $100
 $69
Income taxes (refunded) paid $(251) $102
Income taxes paid (refunded) $130
 $(251)
Accrued purchases of equipment and improvements $219
 $226
 $143
 $219
 

See Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


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, 2017February 3, 2018 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 28, 2017.February 3, 2018.
 
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 August 4, 2018, and July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016 and for all periods presented.
 
Recently issued accounting pronouncements
 
In May 2014,February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”("FASB") issued authoritative guidance under ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. 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. Adoption is allowed by either the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. We do not believe the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. The new revenue standard will require the Company to recognize gift card breakage proportional to actual gift card redemptions. The Company continues to evaluate the merits of adopting the standard under the full retrospective or modified retrospective approach, which will require certain reclassifications.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases, which requires that any lease arrangements longer than twelve months result in an entity recognizing an asset and liability.liability on its balance sheet. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and early adoption is permitted. The Company has elected to apply the standard on a prospective basis with an adjustment to retained earnings in the first period of adoption. The Company is currently evaluating the guidance and its impact on our condensed consolidated financial statements.statements and the related internal controls over financial reporting. The Company expects the adoption of this standard will have a material impact on its consolidated balance sheet for recognition of lease-related assets and liabilities. We will adopt the ASU beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2019.
 
In MarchNovember 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-09,2016-18, Compensation-Stock CompensationStatement of Cash Flows (Topic 718) Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting230): Restricted Cash. 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 the2016-18 requires that a statement of cash flows.flows explain the change during the period among the total of cash, cash equivalents, and amounts generally described as restricted cash or restricted cash equivalents. ASU 2016-092016-18 is effective for public companies for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016,fiscal years and interim periods within those fiscalyears beginning after December 15, 2017. There was no adjustment to prior year financial statements as the Company had no restricted cash in prior years. As of August 4, 2018, the Company included $1.6 million of restricted cash in cash and cash equivalents within the statement of cash flows related to cash held in escrow in conjunction with the sale-leaseback transaction.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers. The adoptionCompany adopted ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers and all the related amendments (“new revenue standard”) on February 4, 2018 using the modified retrospective method for all contracts. The additional disclosures required by the ASU have been included in Note 6 Revenue. Results for reporting periods beginning February 4, 2018 reflect the application of ASU 2016-09 did not haveASC 606, while the results for prior reporting periods were prepared under the guidance of ASC 605, Revenue Recognition (“previous guidance”). We recorded a materialnet increase to opening equity of $2.0 million as of February 4, 2018 due to the cumulative impact of adopting the new standard, with the impact primarily related to the recognition of gift card breakage. Further, as a result of applying the modified retrospective method, the following adjustments were made to accounts on the Company'scondensed consolidated balance sheet as of February 4, 2018 (in thousands):


  February 3, 2018 ASC 606 Adjustments February 4, 2018
Balance Sheet      
Assets      
Merchandise inventories $41,361
 $(482) $40,879
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 2,715
 482
 3,197
       
Liabilities  
    
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 26,201
 (1,983) 24,218
       
Equity  
    
Retained earnings 34,993
 1,983
 36,976

Impact on Financial Statements
The following tables summarize the impacts of adopting ASC 606 on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements mostly due toas of and for the impactthirteen and twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018 (in thousands):
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheet
  As reported Balance without adoption of ASC 606 
Effect of change
Higher/(lower)
Balance Sheet      
Assets      
Merchandise inventories $40,184
 $40,781
 $(597)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 4,263
 3,666
 597
       
Liabilities      
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities 19,655
 19,746
 (91)
   
    
Equity      
Retained earnings 24,231
 24,140
 91

Condensed Consolidated Statement of the tax valuation allowance.Operations and Comprehensive Loss
  Thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2018 Twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018
  As reported Balance without adoption of ASC 606 
Effect of change
Higher/(lower)
 As reported Balance without adoption of ASC 606 
Effect of change
Higher/(lower)
Statement of Operations and Comprehensive Loss            
Net sales $87,418
 $87,407
 $11
 $173,319
 $173,228
 $91
Net loss (7,426) (7,437) 11
 (12,745) (12,836) 91
             
Net loss per share:            
Basic $(0.20) $(0.20) $0.00
 $(0.34) $(0.34) $0.00
Diluted $(0.20) $(0.20) $0.00
 $(0.34) $(0.34) $0.00

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

NOTE 2 — Merchandise Inventories and Sources of Supply
Merchandise inventories consisted of the following (in thousands):
  July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017
Merchandise - in store/eCommerce $32,648
 $28,584
Merchandise - in transit 9,269
 8,250
Total merchandise inventories $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 twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2017 compared to the fiscal 2016 year ended January 28, 2017.

NOTE 32 — Property, Equipment and Improvements, Net
 
Property, equipment and improvements, net consisted of the following (in thousands):
 
Description July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018
Land $1,597
 $1,597
 $
 $1,597
Corporate office, distribution center and related building improvements 12,700
 12,700
 
 12,753
Store leasehold improvements 49,362
 49,450
 48,587
 50,094
Store furniture and fixtures 69,244
 69,598
 68,149
 70,447
Corporate office and distribution center furniture, fixtures and equipment 4,938
 4,880
 5,033
 5,053
Computer and point of sale hardware and software 33,541
 32,313
 33,825
 33,126
Construction in progress 1,515
 1,321
 1,300
 1,275
Total property, equipment and improvements, gross 172,897
 171,859
 156,894
 174,345
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization (120,914) (116,527) (118,511) (126,572)
Total property, equipment and improvements, net $51,983
 $55,332
 $38,383
 $47,773
 
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 thatanalyzed improvements and equipment at certain under-performing stores and at stores identified for closure were impaired.for impairment. As a result, the Company recorded approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million forno long-lived asset impairmentsimpairment during the thirteen week periodsperiod ended August 4, 2018 and approximately $0.1 million during the thirteen week period ended July 29, 2017 and July 30, 2016, respectively. The2017. Additionally, the Company recorded approximately $0.2 million and $0.5 million for long-lived asset impairmentsno impairment during the twenty-six week periodsperiod ended August 4, 2018 and approximately $0.2 million during the twenty-six week period ended July 29, 20172017.

Sale-Leaseback

On April 27, 2018, the Company completed the sale of and July 30, 2016, respectively.entered into an agreement to leaseback its corporate headquarters facility, including the distribution center, in Plymouth, MN. The agreement provided for the sale of the facility for a purchase price of $13.7 million and the subsequent leaseback of the facility for a 15-year period. The lease is classified as an operating lease. As a result, the Company recorded a deferred gain of $7.7 million. As of August 4, 2018, $7.1 million of the deferred gain is reflected in the condensed consolidated balance sheet under other non-current liabilities, with the remaining $0.5 million included as a component of accrued liabilities and other current liabilities. The Company recorded $0.1 million into earnings during the thirteen week period ended August 4, 2018. As part of the transaction, the Company put $1.7 million in escrow for certain repairs to the building. As of August 4, 2018, $1.6 million remained in escrow for repairs to the building. This amount is considered to be restricted cash and is included within cash and cash equivalents on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
 
NOTE 43 — Accrued Liabilities
 
Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities consisted of the following (in thousands):
 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018
Gift card and store credit liabilities $5,128
 $7,414
 $2,899
 $6,931
Accrued Friendship Rewards Program loyalty liability 3,587
 3,770
 3,868
 3,539
Accrued income, sales and other taxes payable 1,866
 1,239
 1,287
 1,587
Accrued occupancy-related expenses 3,354
 3,614
 3,743
 3,432
Sales return reserve 1,282
 943
 1,304
 1,079
eCommerce obligations 2,868
 3,190
 3,999
 3,824
Other accrued liabilities 2,716
 6,256
 2,555
 5,809
Total accrued liabilities and other current liabilities $20,801
 $26,426
 $19,655
 $26,201

NOTE 54 — Credit Facility
 
The Company is party to an amended and restated credit agreement (the "Credit("the Credit Facility") with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (“National Association ("Wells Fargo”Fargo"), as lender. On August 3, 2018, the Company entered into a second amendment ("Second Amendment") to the Credit Facility.

The Second Amendment, among other changes, (i) extended the term of the Credit Facility was most recently amendedto August 3, 2023; and extended on September 8, 2014.(ii) supplemented the existing $50.0 million revolving Credit Facility by adding a new $5.0 million revolving "first-in, last-out" tranche credit facility (the "FILO Facility"), subject to borrowing base restrictions applicable to the FILO Facility. The current expiration date is September 8, 2019.

Company must draw under the FILO Facility before making any borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility.
 
The CreditLoans under the FILO Facility provideswill bear interest based on quarterly excess available under the Company with revolving credit loans of up to $50.0 millionBorrowing Base as defined in the aggregate, subject to a borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate,Credit Facility. The interest rate under the FILO Facility will be either (i) the London interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 3.00% for FILO loans that are LIBOR loans; or (ii) 2.00% above the Base Rate for FILO loans that are Base Rate loans 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.
Facility. 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")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 terms are defined in the Credit Facility. The Company has the ability to select between the LIBOR or prime based rate at the time of the cash advance. The Credit Facility has an unused commitment fee of 0.25%.

In addition to these changes, the Second Amendment eliminates availability against the Company's real property, which was the subject of a recent sale-leaseback transaction. The Company recorded approximately $0.2 million of deferred financing costs in the second quarter of fiscal 2018 in connection with the Second Amendment. The deferred financing costs have been combined with the balance of the deferred financing costs remaining from the prior amendment on September 8, 2014. The entire deferred financing costs are recorded within other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet and are being amortized as interest expense over the related term of the Second Amendment.

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 financial covenants and other financial provisions as of July 29, 2017.August 4, 2018.

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 hadThere were no revolving credit loanoutstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility during eachas of the twenty-six week periods endedAugust 4, 2018 and July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016.2017. The total Borrowing Base at July 29, 2017August 4, 2018 was approximately $36.5$29.6 million. As of July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $0.9$6.7 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$22.2 million at July 29, 2017.August 4, 2018.

NOTE 65 — Income Taxes

The Company's liability for unrecognized tax benefits associated with uncertain tax positions isFor the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2018, the Company 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 subjectexpense of $63 thousand, or an effective rate of (0.9)%, compared to U.S. federal income taxes and the income tax obligationsexpense of various state and local jurisdictions. Periods after fiscal 2013 remain subject to examination by the IRS. With few exceptions, the Company is not subject to state income tax examination by tax authorities$40 thousand, or an effective rate of (0.5)%, for taxable years prior to fiscal 2012.

As of July 29, 2017, the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2017,2017. For the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018, the Company had no other ongoing audits in various jurisdictionsrecorded income tax expense of $106 thousand, or an effective rate of (0.8)%, compared to income tax expense of $92 thousand, or an effective rate of (0.8)%, for the same period of fiscal 2017. The income tax provision for the fiscal 2018 and does not expect the liability for unrecognized tax benefits to significantly increase or decrease in the next twelve months.2017 periods is primarily driven by state taxes.

As of July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, the possibility of future cumulative losses still exists. Accordingly, the Company has continued to maintain a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets. A small deferred tax asset was allowedremains related to certain state tax benefits.

As of July 29, 2017, the The Company has federal and state net operating loss ("NOL") carryforwards ("NOLs") which will reduce future taxable income. Approximately $36.2$26.1 million in net federal tax benefits are available from these federal NOLs.loss carryforwards. An additional $1.2$0.8 million is available in net tax credit carryforwards. The state NOLsloss carryforwards will result in net state tax benefits of approximately $2.5$4.5 million.

Sections 382 and 383 of the Internal Revenue Code limit the annual utilization of certain tax attributes, including NOLnet operating loss carryforwards, incurred prior to a change in ownership. If the Company were to experience an ownership change, as defined by Sections 382 and 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.


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 fiscal year. The Company recognizes interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as components of income tax expense. We do not expect any significant changes to the amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the next twelve months.

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various state and local jurisdictions. With few exceptions, the Company or its subsidiaries are no longer subject to examination prior to tax years before fiscal 2013. The Company does not have any ongoing income tax audits.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act ("the Act") was enacted on December 22, 2017. The Act reduced the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% as of January 1, 2018. The income tax effects of the Act required the remeasurement of our deferred tax assets and liabilities in accordance with ASC Topic 740. The Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 ('SAB 118') that allows companies to record provisional estimates of the impacts of the Act during a measurement period of up to one year from the enactment, which is similar to the measurement period used when accounting for business combinations. The Company has estimated the effects of the Act, and those estimates have been reflected in our 2017 financial statements.
NOTE 6 — Revenue
Merchandise sales
We sell merchandise through our brick and mortar and eCommerce sales channels. Revenues are recognized when control of the promised merchandise is transferred to our customers. Within our brick and mortar sales channel, control is transferred at the point of sale. Within our eCommerce sales channel, control is transferred upon delivery of the merchandise to our customers. Shipping revenues associated with the eCommerce channel are recognized upon the completion of the delivery. The revenue recorded reflects the consideration that we expect to receive in exchange for our merchandise. The Company has elected, as an accounting policy, to exclude from the transaction price all taxes assessed by governmental authorities imposed on merchandise sales.
Right of return
As part of our merchandise sales, we offer customers a right of return on merchandise that lapses based on the original purchase date. The Company estimates the amount of sales that may be returned by our customers and records this estimate as a reduction of revenue in the period in which the related revenues are recognized. We utilize historical and industry data to estimate the total return liability. Conversely, the reduction in revenue results in a corresponding reduction in merchandise, buying and occupancy costs which results in a contract asset for the anticipated merchandise returned. The total reduction in revenue from estimated returns was $1.3 million as of August 4, 2018, which is included within accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Friendship rewards program
The Company established the Friendship Rewards Program as a loyalty program where customers earn points towards future discount certificates based on their purchase activity. We have identified the additional benefits received from this program as a separate performance obligation within a sales contract in the form of the discount certificates earned by customers. Accordingly, we assess any incremental discounts issued to our customers through the program and allocate a portion of the transaction price associated with merchandise sales from loyalty program members to the future discounts earned. The transaction price allocated to future discounts is recorded as deferred revenue until the discounts are used or forfeited.
In addition, the Company estimates breakage on the points earned within the program that will not be used by customers for future discounts. The Company estimates breakage based on the historical redemption rate and considers industry trends. Breakage is recorded as a reduction to the deferred revenue associated with the program.
As of August 4, 2018, the Company recorded $3.9 million in deferred revenue associated with the program, which is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Gift card revenue
The Company sells gift cards to customers which can be redeemed for merchandise within our brick and mortar and eCommerce sales channels. Gift cards are recorded as deferred revenue when issued and are subsequently recorded as revenue upon redemption. The Company estimates breakage related to gift cards when the likelihood of redemption is remote. This estimate utilizes historical trends based on the vintage of the gift card. Breakage on gift cards is recorded as revenue in proportion to the rate of gift card redemptions by vintage. This represents a change in the methodology used to estimate

breakage as we have historically recognized breakage for the portion of the gift card balances that remained outstanding following 36 months of issuance.
As of August 4, 2018, the Company had $2.9 million of deferred revenue associated with the issuance of gift cards, which is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
Private label credit card
The Company offers a private label credit card ("PLCC") which bears the Christopher and Banks brand name offered under an agreement with Comenity Bank. Pursuant to this agreement, there are several obligations on behalf of Comenity Bank that impact the recording of revenue.
As part of the agreement, the Company received a signing bonus. We have determined that the benefits associated with signing the agreement are recognized over time throughout its term. This is a faithful depiction of the transfer of services as the customer receives and consumes the benefits by obtaining and having the ability to use financing through Comenity Bank for purchases within our brick and mortar and eCommerce sales channels throughout the agreement's term. As of August 4, 2018, the Company had $1.8 million recorded as deferred revenue associated with the signing bonus, which is included in accrued liabilities and other current liabilities in the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recorded $0.1 million into revenue for the thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended August 4, 2018 associated with the signing bonus.
The Company records revenue associated with royalties received for purchases made using the PLCC. Royalty revenue is recognized based on the total amount to which we have a right to invoice in accordance with the practical expedient included in ASC 606-10-55-18. Therefore, royalty revenue is recognized in the period in which the related purchases are recognized.
The Company receives a performance bonus based on the total amount of new accounts that are opened during the year. We have determined that this is a form of variable consideration. Variable consideration is recorded if, in the Company’s judgment, it is probable that a significant future reversal of revenue under the contract will not occur. For the thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended August 4, 2018, the Company met certain performance metrics within the contract and recorded a small amount of revenue associated with performance bonuses.
Disaggregation of revenue
The following table provides information about disaggregated revenue by sales channel. All revenue illustrated below is included within our one reportable segment.

  Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
  August 4, 2018 August 4, 2018
Brick and mortar stores $66,715
 $134,770
eCommerce sales 19,216
 38,010
Other 1,487
 539
Net sales $87,418
 $173,319

Amounts included within other revenue relate to revenues earned from our private label credit card, net of any revenue adjustments and accruals.


Contract balances

The following table provides information about contract assets and liabilities from contracts with customers (in thousands):

  
Contract liabilities
(current)
 
Contract liabilities
(non-current)
Contract Balances - February 4, 2018    
Right of return $1,079
 $
Friendship Rewards Program 3,501
 
Gift card revenue 4,986
 
Private label credit card 274
 1,622
Total $9,840
 $1,622
     
Contract Balances - August 4, 2018    
Right of return $1,304
 $
Friendship Rewards Program 3,868
 
Gift card revenue 2,899
 
Private label credit card 274
 1,485
Total $8,345
 $1,485

The Company recognized revenue of $1.5 million and $3.4 million in the thirteen week and twenty-six week periods ended August 4, 2018, respectively, related to contract liabilities recorded at the beginning of the period. Such revenues were comprised of the redemption and forfeiture of Friendship Rewards Program discount certificates, redemption of gift cards, and amortization of the PLCC signing bonus. The Company does not have any material contract assets as of August 4, 2018.
For the thirteen and twenty-six week periods ended August 4, 2018, the Company did not recognize any revenue resulting from changes in the estimated variable consideration to be received associated with performance obligations satisfied or partially satisfied in prior periods.
Transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations
The following table includes the estimated revenue expected to be recognized in future periods related to performance obligations that are unsatisfied or partially unsatisfied as of August 4, 2018:
  Remainder of    
  Fiscal 2018 Fiscal 2019 Thereafter
Private label credit card 137
 274
 1,348
Total 137
 274
 1,348

Contract Costs
The Company has not incurred any costs to obtain or fulfill a contract.

NOTE 7 — 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 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
 July 29, July 30, July 29, July 30, August 4, July 29, August 4, July 29,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Numerator (in thousands):
                
Net loss attributable to Christopher & Banks Corporation $(7,889) $(3,884) $(11,577) $(4,052) $(7,426) $(7,889) $(12,745) $(11,577)
Denominator (in thousands):
  
  
      
  
    
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
 37,458
 37,156
 37,381
 37,123
Dilutive shares 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding - diluted 37,156
 36,981
 37,123
 36,953
 37,458
 37,156
 37,381
 37,123
Net loss per common share:                
Basic $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11) $(0.20) $(0.21) $(0.34) $(0.31)
Diluted $(0.21) $(0.11) $(0.31) $(0.11) $(0.20) $(0.21) $(0.34) $(0.31)
 
Total stock options of approximately 4.14.3 million and 2.24.1 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the thirteen week periods ended August 4, 2018 and July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, as they were anti-dilutive. Total stock options of approximately 4.14.0 million and 2.44.1 million were excluded from the shares used in the computation of diluted earnings per share for the twenty-six week periods ended August 4, 2018 and July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016, respectively, as they were anti-dilutive.
 
NOTE 8 — 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 at 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
Level 2 – Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are either directly or indirectly observable
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 Non-recurring Basis:
 
The following table summarizes certain information for non-financial assets for the twenty-six weeks ended July 29, 2017August 4, 2018 and the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017,February 3, 2018, 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. 
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Fiscal Year Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended Fiscal Year Ended
Long-Lived Assets Held and Used (in thousands):
 July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018
Carrying value $163
 $877
 $
 $318
Fair value measured using Level 3 inputs $
 $91
 $
 $
Impairment charge $163
 $786
 $
 $318
 
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 Form 10-K for the year ended January 28, 2017.February 3, 2018. 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.

Fixed asset fair values were derived using a discounted cash flow ("DCF") model to estimate the present value of net cash flows that the asset or asset group is expected to generate. The fair value measurementkey inputs to the DCF model generally included our forecasts of

net cash generated from revenue, expenses and other significant cash outflows, such as capital expenditures, as well as an appropriate discount rate. In the long-livedcase of assets encompassesfor which the following significant unobservable inputs:
Range
Unobservable InputsFiscal 2016
Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC)16%
Annual sales growth0% to 7%
impairment was the result of restructuring activities, no future cash flows have been assumed as the assets will cease to be used and expected sale values are nominal.

n
NOTE 9 — Legal Proceedings
 
The Company isWe are 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,If 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 issueddetermine 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 lawsuitunfavorable outcome is not an admission by us of any wrongdoing.

As part of the settlement, the Company contributed $1.475 million intoprobable or reasonably estimable, we do not accrue 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.potential loss contingency.

The ultimate resolution of legal matters can be inherently uncertain and, for some matters, we are currentlymay be 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. The Company doesWe do not, however, currently believe that the resolution of any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on itsour financial position, results of operations or liquidity.

NOTE 10 — Segment Reporting
In the table below, Retail Operations includes activity generated by the Company’s retail store locations (Missy Petite Women ("MPW"), Outlets, Christopher & Banks, 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 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 28, 2017February 3, 2018 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 our 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 July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, we operated 473461 stores in 45 states, including 320313 Missy, Petite, Women ("MPW") stores, 79 outlet stores, 3836 Christopher & Banks ("CB") stores, and 3633 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 C.J. Banks brand offers similar assortments of women’s apparel in sizes 14W to 26W. Our MPW concept and outlet stores offer an assortment of both Christopher & BanksCB and C.J. BanksCJ apparel servicing the Missy, Petite and Women-sized customer in one location.
 
Fiscal 2017 Strategic Priorities Update
 
Our overall business strategy is to build sustainable, long-term revenue growth and consistent profitability through the following strategic initiatives:

Offer a differentiated product assortmentEnhance the shopping experience;
Increase customer loyalty, acquire new customers, and recapture lapsed customersDeliver compelling promotions that support our financial goals;
Leverage our omni-channel capabilitiescapabilities;
Attract new customers and grow our customer file; and
Optimize our cost structure.

Offer a differentiated product assortmentEnhance the shopping experience
We are committed to ensuring that we consistently meet our customers’ needs with a differentiated merchandiseproduct assortment that fits her lifestyle at a recognizable value. Over the past twelve months, we have increased the flow of fashion offerings to entice her to shop more often. We are focused on ensuring that our assortment is easy to shop so that she can more easily see what is new and how to build her outfit.


Deliver compelling promotions that support our financial goals
We intend to increasebetter leverage our data and tools to execute a marketing and promotional strategy that will drive traffic and conversion while expanding gross margins. We are committed to our value proposition that recognizes our customer is drawn to the flowstyle, quality and value that we offer. With the assistance of data analytics, we believe there is an opportunity to better leverage our fashion offeringdata to drive fewer, more meaningful promotions. We will continue to analyze, test, react and provide a more versatile assortmentrefine our promotional strategy to encourageensure that we are providing the most attractive offers for our customer, which support our financial goals.

Leverage our omni-channel capabilities
Our omni-channel strategy is designed to provide our customers with a seamless shopping experience allowing her to shop more frequentlywhen and where she wants. New flexible fulfillment options should also allow us to leverage our total inventory across channels to drive sales and lower costs. In January 2018, we launched buy more when she visits. Toonline, ship to store. We are in the process of piloting buy online, ship from store and we will pilot buy online, pick up in store by the end of the fall season. Additionally, while we have a well established and growing eCommerce business, we see an opportunity to improve our website experience. This includes enhancing product recommendation capabilities, increasing site speed, and making it easier for her to create and access her account. We believe these enhancements will further support the newness ofimprove her online experience and drive higher sales on our merchandise presentations, we are analyzing our promotional cadence and adjusting our markdown strategy to increase inventory turnover to keep merchandise fresh and current.site.

Increase customer loyalty, acquireAttract new customers and recapture lapsed customersgrow our customer file
We have a very loyal customer base that is highly engaged. The personalized customer service that our Associates provide is a differentiator for us and is a contributor to the loyalty our customers exhibit, with approximately 90% of our active customers participating in our loyalty rewards program.

We continuelook to bedrive increased spend with our current customers. To increase loyalty to our brand, we have been very focused on maximizinggrowing the benefitsnumber of private label credit card customers. During the second quarter, we saw a significant increase in the number of accounts activated. We also saw an increase in our customer relationship management (“CRM”) database, Friendship Rewards Loyalty Program (“Friendship Rewards”), and private-label credit card program to strengthen engagement with our customers. Our Friendship Rewards program, in conjunction with our CRM system, allows 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.loyalty penetration during the second quarter.

We are acceleratingextremely focused on increasing our effortstotal customer file. We believe that leveraging digital marketing is one of the best ways 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 gainacquire new customers and brand awareness through increased investments in digital paid media, and earned media. Additionally, we are increasing the frequencyhave shifted a greater mix of store grass root eventsour marketing spend to digital.

Optimize our cost structure
We believe that willwe have an opportunity to continue to capitalize on the strong relationships betweencontrol and leverage our store associates and customers.


expenses as our business model evolves. In the second quarter, of fiscal 2017, we launchedsigned a “refercontract with a friend” programthird party firm to incentivize customers to introduce their friends toleverage 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 will capitalize on investments made in 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. These investments 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 2017, we launched our “find in store” feature online in our effort to provide more 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 outfitting recommendations, and ultimately lead to increased customer spend. Later in fiscal 2017, we expect to offer other fulfillment options, such as ship to store or pick up in store.non-merchandise procurement.

Performance Measures

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

Comparable sales
Comparable sales is a measure that highlights the sales 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:
Stores operating for at least 13 full months;
Stores relocated within the same 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 format conversions, we have made changes to the base store population that comprises comparable stores, as illustrated in the table below:

  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
MPW 320
 300
 94% 315
 287
 91%
Outlet 79
 77
 97% 83
 53
 64%
Christopher and Banks 38
 38
 100% 55
 55
 100%
C.J. Banks 36
 36
 100% 53
 53
 100%
Total Stores 473
 451
 95% 506
 448
 89%
Comparable sales measures vary across the retail industry. As a result, our comparable sales calculation is not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies.


Other performance metrics
To supplement our comparable sales performance measure, we also monitor changes in net sales, net sales per store, and net sales per gross square foot, for the entire store base.gross profit, gross margin rate, operating income, cash, inventory and liquidity.

Second Quarter Fiscal 20172018 Results of Operations

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016:2017:
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands) July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017
Net sales $86,618
 $89,923
 $87,418
 $86,618
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 61,990
 59,774
 62,546
 61,990
Gross profit 24,628
 30,149
 24,872
 24,628
Other operating expenses:        
Selling, general and administrative 29,179
 30,626
 29,675
 29,179
Depreciation and amortization 3,167
 2,974
 2,518
 3,167
Impairment of store assets 93
 309
 
 93
Total other operating expenses 32,439
 33,909
 32,193
 32,439
Operating loss (7,811) (3,760) (7,321) (7,811)
Interest expense, net (38) (42) (42) (38)
Loss before income taxes (7,849) (3,802) (7,363) (7,849)
Income tax provision 40
 82
 63
 40
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(7,426) $(7,889)
        
        
 Thirteen Weeks Ended Thirteen Weeks Ended
Rate trends as a percentage of net sales July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017
Gross margin 28.4 % 33.5 % 28.5 % 28.4 %
Selling, general, and administrative 33.7 % 34.1 % 33.9 % 33.7 %
Depreciation and amortization 3.7 % 3.3 % 2.9 % 3.7 %
Operating loss (9.0)% (4.2)% (8.4)% (9.0)%
 
Second Quarter Fiscal 20172018 Summary
Net sales decreased 3.7%increased 0.9% compared to the same period last year primarily due to a declinean increase in average unit retail, prices and a decrease in average store count, partly offset by a sequential improvement in traffic, leading to an increasedecrease in transactions;
NetComparable sales sequentially improved throughincreased 0.8% following a 0.6% decrease in the second quarter reaching a positive single-digit comparable sales % in fiscal July;same period last year;
eCommerce sales increased 15.4% following a 22.1% compared to a 10.8% increase in the same period last year;
Gross margin rate decreased 510 basis pointsremained flat compared to the same period last year primarily drivendue to a reduction in occupancy expense offset by increased product costs from our efforts to sell through non go-forwardfirst quarter receipts. The product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns;cost issue has been addressed for the balance of the year;
Net loss aggregated to $7.9$7.4 million, a $0.21$0.20 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $3.9$7.9 million, or a $0.11 loss$0.21 per share, for the same period last year;
As of July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, we held $22.6$23.1 million of cash and cash equivalents, compared to $28.1$22.6 million as of July 30, 2016.29, 2017;
On August 3, 2018, Christopher & Banks Corporation entered into a second amendment to its existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank to extend the term of the credit facility to August 3, 2023 and supplement the existing $50.0 million credit facility by adding a new $5.0 million revolving "first-in, last-out" tranche credit facility.

Net Sales
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Net sales (in thousands): July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 % Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 % Change
Net sales $86,618
 $89,923
 (3.7)% $87,418
 $86,618
 0.9%
 

The components of the 3.7%0.9% net sales decreaseincrease in the second quarter fiscal 20172018 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 20162017 were as follows:

  
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Sales driver change components July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
Number of transactions 3.0(5.2)%
Units per transaction 0.90.3 %
Average unit retail (7.65.2) %
Other sales0.6%
Total sales driver change increase (3.70.9)%
 
  
Thirteen
Weeks Ended
Comparable sales July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
Comparable sales (0.60.8)%

Sales decreasedNet sales increased primarily due to a 7.6% decrease5.2% increase in average unit retail, prices, a 7.0% decline in average store count, partly offset by a sequential improvement in mall traffic, higher conversion rates and a 0.9% increase in units per transaction. The sales decrease was also correlated to lower inventory levels at the beginning of the quarter and promotional spend to sell through inventory that did not reflect our go-forward strategy, contributing to the decline in averagetransactions, including the effects of a 2.5% decline in store count. Average unit retail prices.expansion coupled with eCommerce sales growth more than offset continued weakness in store traffic.

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 metrics July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
Net sales per store % change (0.70.1)%
Net sales per square foot % change (1.9)%

Net sales per store and Netnet sales per square foot decreased mainly duefor the second quarter of fiscal 2018 remained flat compared to a decline in average unit retail prices.the same period last year.

Store count, openings, closings, and square footage for our stores were as follows:
 
 Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
 Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
 April 29,     MPW July 29, Avg Store July 29, April 29, May 5,     MPW August 4, Avg Store August 4, May 5,
Stores by Format 2017 Open Close Conversions 2017 Count 2017 2017 2018 Open Close Conversions 2018 Count 2018 2018
MPW 320
 
 
 
 320
 320
 1,241
 1,241
 314
 
 (1) 
 313
 314
 1,225
 1,225
Outlet 82
 
 (3) 
 79
 80
 306
 329
 79
 
 
 
 79
 79
 309
 310
Christopher and Banks 38
 
 
 
 38
 38
 126
 126
 36
 
 
 
 36
 36
 119
 119
C.J. Banks 36
 
 
 
 36
 36
 130
 130
 33
 
 
 
 33
 33
 120
 120
Total Stores 476
 
 (3) 
 473
 474
 1,803
 1,826
 462
 
 (1) 
 461
 462
 1,773
 1,774
                
(1) 
Square footage presented in thousands

Average store count in the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 was 474462 stores compared to an average store count of 509474 stores in the second quarter of fiscal 2016,2017, a decrease of 6.9%2.5%. Average square footage in the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 decreased 5.7%2.5% compared to the second quarter of fiscal 2016.2017.


Gross Profit
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Gross profit July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Gross profit $24,628
 $30,149
 $(5,521) $24,872
 $24,628
 $244
Gross margin rate as a percentage of net sales 28.4% 33.5% (5.1)% 28.5% 28.4% 0.1%

Gross margin rate decreased 510 basis points primarily drivenremained flat to last year due to a reduction in occupancy expense offset by our efforts to sell through non go-forwardincreased product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns. The gross margin rate decline accelerated in the second quarter compared to thecosts from our first quarter due to seasonal markdowns that typically occur atreceipts. The product cost issue has been addressed for the endbalance of the second quarter.year.

Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Selling, general, and administrative July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Selling, general, and administrative $29,179
 $30,626
 $(1,447) $29,675
 $29,179
 $496
SG&A rate as a percentage of net sales 33.7% 34.1% (0.4)% 33.9% 33.7% 0.2%
 
SG&A decreasedincreased by $1.4$0.5 million, driven by lower store operatingmainly due to increases in professional services of $0.5 million, marketing expenses of $1.4$0.4 million, due to a managed effort to reduce expenses. The SG&Aseverance expense decrease was also attributable to the absence of non-recurring charges of eCommerce transition costs of $0.3 million incurred in the second quarterand medical expenses of fiscal 2016.$0.2 million. These SG&A expense savingsincreases were partially offset by an increasesavings in eCommerce operatingstore operational expenses of $0.2$0.5 million to support higher eCommerce sales.and in insurance and taxes of $0.3 million. As a percent of net sales, SG&A improvedincreased approximately 4020 basis points to 33.7%.points.
 
Depreciation and Amortization (“D&A”)
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Depreciation and amortization July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Depreciation and amortization $3,167
 $2,974
 $193
 $2,518
 $3,167
 $(649)
D&A rate as a percentage of net sales 3.7% 3.3% 0.4% 2.9% 3.7% (0.8)%

Depreciation and amortization expense increaseddecreased primarily due to the deploymentsale-leaseback of technology solutions, including new omni-channel capabilities partly offset by the effects of thecorporate facility and a decrease in average store count.

Impairment of Long-LivedStore Assets
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Impairment of long-lived assets July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Impairment of long-lived assets $93
 $309
 $(216)
  Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Impairment of Store Assets August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Impairment of Store Assets $
 $93
 $(93)

We recordedThere were no non-cash impairment charges relating to long-lived assets for the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2018 compared to an impairment charge of $0.1 million in the same period last year related to long-lived assets held at a small number of store locations.
 
Operating Loss
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Operating loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Operating loss $(7,811) $(3,760) $(4,051) $(7,321) $(7,811) $490
Operating loss rate as a percentage of net sales (9.0)% (4.2)% (4.8)% (8.4)% (9.0)% 0.6%

Our operating loss increaseddecreased in the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to the second quarter of fiscal 20162017 primarily due to a 510 basis point gross margin rate decline andan increase in net sales decrease of $3.3$0.8 million and a decline in depreciation and amortization expenses of $0.6 million, partly offset by a SG&A decreaseincrease of $1.4 million, including the absence of fiscal 2016 non-recurring charges of $0.3$0.5 million.
 

Interest expense, net
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Interest expense, net July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Interest expense, net $(38) $(42) $4
 $(42) $(38) $(4)

The change in interest expense, net is not material.
 

Income Tax Provision
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Income tax provision July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Income tax provision $40
 $82
 $(42) $63
 $40
 $23
 
The change in the incomeIncome tax provision is not material. Forexpense recorded for the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2017, ourAugust 4, 2018 was $63 thousand compared to income tax expense of $40 thousand for the same period of fiscal 2017. Our effective tax rate was (1.3)(0.9)% for the thirteen weeks ended August 4, 2018 compared to (2.2)(0.5)% in the same period last year.
 
Net earnings
 Thirteen Weeks Ended   Thirteen Weeks Ended  
Net loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Net loss $(7,889) $(3,884) $(4,005) $(7,426) $(7,889) $463
Net loss rate as a percentage of net sales (9.1)% (4.3)% (4.8)% (8.5)% (9.1)% 0.6%

Our net loss increasedecrease in the second quarter of fiscal 20172018 compared to our net loss in the second quarter of 20162017 was primarily due to a gross margin rate declinean increase in net sales and a net sales decreasedecline in depreciation and amortization expenses, partly offset by loweran increase in SG&A.

First Half Fiscal 20172018 Results of Operations

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the first halftwenty-six weeks of fiscal 20172018 compared to the first halftwenty-six weeks of fiscal 2016:2017:


 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(dollars in thousands) July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017
Net sales $175,173
 $189,957
 $173,319
 $175,173
Merchandise, buying and occupancy costs 120,007
 122,096
 121,103
 120,007
Gross profit 55,166
 67,861
 52,216
 55,166
Other operating expenses:        
Selling, general and administrative 60,153
 66,103
 59,422
 60,153
Depreciation and amortization 6,266
 5,996
 5,334
 6,266
Impairment of store assets 163
 476
 
 163
Total other operating expenses 66,582
 72,575
 64,756
 66,582
Operating loss (11,416) (4,714) (12,540) (11,416)
Interest expense, net (69) (82) (99) (69)
Other income 
 911
Loss before income taxes (11,485) (3,885) (12,639) (11,485)
Income tax provision 92
 167
 106
 92
Net loss $(11,577) $(4,052) $(12,745) $(11,577)
        
        
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
Rate trends as a percentage of net sales July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017
Gross margin 31.5 % 35.7 % 30.1 % 31.5 %
Selling, general, and administrative 34.3 % 34.8 % 34.3 % 34.3 %
Depreciation and amortization 3.6 % 3.2 % 3.1 % 3.6 %
Operating loss (6.5)% (2.5)% (7.2)% (6.5)%

First Half Fiscal 20172018 Summary

Net sales decreased 7.8%1.1% compared to the same period last year primarily due to a decline in average unit retail prices andtransactions, including a decrease in average store count;count, partly offset by an increase in average unit retail;
NetComparable sales sequentially improved fromdecreased 0.9% following a 11.5% sales decline and a comparable sales4.1% decrease of 8.9% in the 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;same period last year;
eCommerce sales increased 9.1% following an 18.1% compared to a 27.2% increase in the same period last year;
Gross margin rate decreased 420140 basis points compared to the same period last year primarilylargely driven by our second quarter effortsan increase in product costs, which have been addressed for the balance of the year, and additional markdowns due to sell through non go-forward product and address slow sellers more quickly through markdowns;higher beginning of period inventory due to lower than anticipated sales;
Net loss aggregated to $11.6$12.7 million, a $0.31$0.34 loss per share, compared to a net loss of $4.1$11.6 million, or a $0.11 loss$0.31 per share, for the same period last year.

Net Sales
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Net sales (in thousands): July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 % Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 % Change
Net sales $175,173
 $189,957
 (7.8)% $173,319
 $175,173
 (1.1)%

The components of the 7.8%1.1% net sales decrease in the first half of fiscal 20172018 compared to the first half of fiscal 20162017 were as follows:

  
Twenty-Six
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
Sales driver change components July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
Number of transactions 1.6(5.3)%
Units per transaction (0.62.2)%
Average unit retail (8.85.5) %
Other sales0.9%
Total sales driver change increase (7.81.1)%

  
Twenty-Six
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
Comparable sales July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
Comparable sales (4.10.9)%

SalesNet sales decreased primarily due to a 5.3% decrease in transactions, including the effects of a 2.9% decrease in average store count, partly offset by an 8.8% decreaseincrease 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 atof 5.5%. Sales performance improved as the beginningweather became more seasonal during the latter part of the year, lower inventory receipts in the first quarter and promotional spendthe first part of the second quarter as customers responded favorably to sell through inventory that did not reflect our go-forward strategy, contributing to the decline in average unit retail prices.spring merchandise.

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

  
Twenty-Six
Twenty-six Weeks Ended
Store metrics July 29, 2017August 4, 2018
Net sales per store % change (5.20.7)%
Net sales per square foot % change (6.61.1)%

Net sales per store and Netnet sales per square foot decreased mainly due to a decline in transactions partly offset by an increase in average unit retail prices.retail.

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


 Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
 Store Count 
Square Footage (1)
 January 28,     MPW July 29, Avg Store July 29, January 28, February 3,     MPW August 4, Avg Store August 4, February 3,
Stores by Format 2017 Open Close Conversions 2017 Count 2017 2017 2018 Open Close Conversions 2018 Count 2018 2018
MPW 318
 1
 (4) 5
 320
 319
 1,241
 1,226
 314
 
 (2) 1
 313
 314
 1,225
 1,225
Outlet 82
 
 (3) 
 79
 81
 306
 329
 78
 3
 (2) 
 79
 79
 309
 314
Christopher and Banks 43
 
 
 (5) 38
 39
 126
 142
 37
 
 
 (1) 36
 36
 119
 122
C.J. Banks 41
 
 
 (5) 36
 37
 130
 147
 34
 
 
 (1) 33
 33
 120
 123
Total Stores 484
 1
 (7) (5) 473
 476
 1,803
 1,844
 463
 3
 (4) (1) 461
 462
 1,773
 1,784
(1) 
Square footage presented in thousands

Average store count in the first half of fiscal 20172018 was 476462 stores compared to an average store count of 512476 stores in the same periodfirst half of fiscal 2016,2017, a decrease of 7.0%2.9%. Average square footage in the first half of fiscal 20172018 decreased 5.7%2.8% compared to the same periodfirst half of fiscal 2016.2017.

Gross Profit
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Gross profit July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Gross profit $55,166
 $67,861
 $(12,695) $52,216
 $55,166
 $(2,950)
Gross margin rate as a percentage of net sales 31.5% 35.7% (4.2)% 30.1% 31.5% (1.4)%

Gross margin rate decreased 420140 basis points primarily driven by our efforts to sell through non go-forwardan increase in product costs, which have been addressed for the balance of the year, and address slow sellers more quickly throughadditional markdowns and to a lesser extent, the effects of sales leverage on occupancy expenses. The gross margin rate decline accelerated in the second quarter compared to the first quarter due to seasonal markdowns that typically occur at the endhigher beginning of the second quarter.period inventory due to lower than anticipated sales.


Selling, General, and Administrative (“SG&A”) Expenses
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Selling, general, and administrative July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Selling, general, and administrative $60,153
 $66,103
 $(5,950) $59,422
 $60,153
 $(731)
SG&A rate as a percentage of net sales 34.3% 34.8% (0.5)% 34.3% 34.3% %

SG&A decreased by $5.9$0.7 million, driven bymainly due to lower store operating expenses of $3.2$1.5 million and lower net employee compensationinsurance and tax expenses of $1.2$0.7 million. The SG&A expense decrease was also attributable to the absence of non-recurring charges of $2.2 million, including advisory fees in connection with shareholder activism of $1.5 million and eCommerce transition costs of $0.7 million incurred in the first half of fiscal 2016. These SG&A expense savings were partially offset by an increaseincreases in eCommerce operatingprofessional services of $0.8 million, marketing expenses of $1.0$0.8 million to support higher eCommerce sales.and severance expense of $0.3 million. As a percent of net sales, SG&A improved approximately 50 basis points to 34.3%.remained flat.
 
Depreciation and Amortization (“D&A”)
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Depreciation and amortization July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Depreciation and amortization $6,266
 $5,996
 $270
 $5,334
 $6,266
 $(932)
D&A rate as a percentage of net sales 3.6% 3.2% 0.4% 3.1% 3.6% (0.5)%

Depreciation and amortization expense increaseddecreased primarily due to the deploymentsale-leaseback of technology solutions, including new omni-channel capabilities partly offset by the effects of thecorporate facilities and a decrease in average store count.

Impairment of Long-LivedStore Assets
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Impairment of long-lived assets July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Impairment of long-lived assets $163
 $476
 $(313)
  Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Impairment of Store Assets August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Impairment of Store Assets $
 $163
 $(163)

We recordedThere were no non-cash impairment charges relating to long-lived assets for the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018 compared to an impairment charge of $0.2 million in the same period last year related to long-lived assets held at a small number of store locations.
 
Operating Loss
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Operating loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Operating loss $(11,416) $(4,714) $(6,702) $(12,540) $(11,416) $(1,124)
Operating loss rate as a percentage of net sales (6.5)% (2.5)% (4.0)% (7.2)% (6.5)% (0.7)%

Our operating loss increased in the first half of fiscal 20172018 compared to the first half of fiscal 20162017 primarily due to a 420140 basis point gross margin rate decline and a net sales decrease of $14.8$1.9 million, partly offset by a depreciation and amortization expense decrease of $0.9 million and a SG&A decrease of $5.9 million, including the absence of fiscal 2016 non-recurring charges of $2.2$0.7 million.
 
Interest expense, net
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Interest expense, net July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Interest expense, net $(69) $(82) $13
 $(99) $(69) $(30)

The change in interest expense, net is not material.

Other income
  Twenty-Six Weeks Ended  
Other income July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change
Other income $
 $911
 $(911)

Other income in the second quarter of fiscal 2016 reflects the receipt of proceeds from company-owned life insurance.

Income Tax Provision
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Income tax provision July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Income tax provision $92
 $167
 $(75) $106
 $92
 $14

The change in
Income tax expense recorded for the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018 was $106 thousand compared to income tax provision is not material. Forexpense of $92 thousand for the first half 2017, oursame period of fiscal 2017. Our effective tax rate was (1.5)(0.8)% compared to (4.3)%for both the twenty-six weeks ended August 4, 2018 and in the same period last year.
 
Net earnings
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended   Twenty-six Weeks Ended  
Net loss July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 Change August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017 Change
Net loss $(11,577) $(4,052) $(7,525) $(12,745) $(11,577) $(1,168)
Net loss rate as a percentage of net sales (6.6)% (2.1)% (4.5)% (7.4)% (6.6)% (0.8)%

Our net loss decreaseincrease in the first half of fiscal 20172018 compared to our net loss in the first half of 20162017 was primarily due to a gross margin rate decline aand net sales decrease and the absence of company-owned life insurance proceeds partly offset by lowera decrease in depreciation and amortization and SG&A.&A expenses.
 
Fiscal 20172018 Outlook
 
We are implementingworking to implement a number of strategic initiatives addressing merchandising, marketing, eCommercepriorities, including actions to enhance her shopping experience with a well-curated merchandise offering; deliver compelling promotions that support our financial goals; leverage our omni-channel capabilities, and store operations designedattract new customers and grow our customer file. We also will continue to stabilizeevaluate 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 and EPS guidance for the near term.further cost saving opportunities.

During the remainder of fiscal 2017,2018, we plan to close 2 MPW stores, 1 Outlet and 1 CB store. In addition, we plan to convert 1 CB andstore, 1 CJ store, into1 Outlet store, and 1 MPW store. We plan to open 2 Outlet stores and 2 MPW stores. Average square footage for the year is expected to be down approximately 5.3%2.4% as compared to fiscal 20162017 and down 5.6%2.2% in the third quarter.quarter as compared to the same period last year.

We continue to expect capital expenditures for the fiscal year to range between $6.5$3.0 million and $7.5$4.0 million representing investments in store relocations, merchandising technology applications, and the continued development of our omni-channel capabilities.

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

Future Outlook

Through our continued progress on our strategic initiatives, we expect to achieve modest sales per store increases in brick and mortar stores and double digit growth in eCommerce. We also plan to achieve improved gross margin through merchandise margin expansion due to reduced discounting and higher penetration of full price sales, supply chain savings, and improved occupancy leverage.

We intend to realize our expense reduction initiative through our engagement of a third party non-merchandise procurement partner as well as a thorough review and right-sizing of all spending. We expect the 53rd weekthis to result in SG&A leverage throughout fiscal 2017 to add approximately $4.2 million2019.

We believe these efforts will deliver improved gross margin, drive year over year sales growth, and achieve meaningful improvement in salesearnings and to reduce operating income by approximately $1.6 million.cash flow for fiscal 2019.

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 all covenants and other financial provisions of the Credit Facility. Cash flow from operationsTo supplement our financial flexibility, the Company completed a sale-leaseback transaction of the Company’s corporate facility for $13.7 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2018. As part of the sale-leaseback transaction, the Company has historically been sufficient$1.6 million in escrow for certain repairs to provide for our uses of cash.the property.

The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents as of the end of the second quarterfirst half of fiscal 20172018 and the end of fiscal 2016:2017:
 
(in thousands) July 29, 2017 January 28, 2017 August 4, 2018 February 3, 2018
Cash and cash equivalents $22,573
 $35,006
 $23,114
 $23,077
 
The $12.4 million decrease in cashCash and cash equivalents is primarily attributableremained flat compared to the end of fiscal 2017. During the period, the Company received proceeds on the sale of the corporate facility as part of the sale-leaseback transaction, partly offset by the net loss forin the first half of fiscal 2017, investments in MPW store conversions and omni-channel capabilities, and changes in working capital. The working capital fluctuations are generally in-line with normal, seasonal patterns.2018.

Cash Flows
 
The following table summarizes our cash flows from operating, investing, and financing activities for the first half of fiscal 20172018 compared to the first half of 2016:2017:
 Twenty-Six Weeks Ended Twenty-six Weeks Ended
(in thousands) July 29, 2017 July 30, 2016 August 4, 2018 July 29, 2017
Net cash used in operating activities $(9,277) $(520) $(11,386) $(9,277)
Net cash used in investing activities (3,150) (2,872)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities 11,607
 (3,150)
Net cash used in financing activities (6) (23) (184) (6)
Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents $(12,433) $(3,415)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents $37
 $(12,433)
 
Operating Activities
 
The decreaseincrease in cash used in operating activities in the first half of fiscal 20172018 compared to the first half of fiscal 20162017 was primarily due to an increase in the net loss for the twenty-six week period and changesa decrease in working capital. Thedepreciation expense due to the corporate facility sale-leaseback transaction as well as a lower average store count compared to the same period last year. Net seasonal changes in working capital primarily reflected the effects of a decrease in accrued liabilities, primarily due to payouts pertaining to a loss contingency, employee compensation, and timing of obligations to third-party service providers, partly offset an increase in accounts payable duewere relatively flat compared to the timing of fashion merchandise receipts and lower inventory receipts.same period last year.
 




Investing Activities
 
The increase in cash used inprovided by investing activities in the first half of fiscal 20172018 compared to the first half of fiscal 20162017 was mainly attributable to the absence of available-for-sale investment maturities and the absence of proceeds from company-owned life insurance.the sale of the corporate facility as part of a sale-leaseback transaction. The gross sale proceeds were $13.7 million. Capital expenditures for the first half of fiscal 20172018 were approximately $3.2$1.7 million, which primarily reflected investments in MPW store conversions and technology associated with our omni-channel capabilities.and merchandising capabilities and expenditures supporting new stores.
 
Financing Activities

Financing activities in the first half of fiscal 2018 and 2017 and 2016 were limiteddue to the payment of deferred financing costs and to a small number of shares redeemed by employees to satisfy payroll tax obligations.

We did not pay any dividends in the first half of fiscal 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. 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 existing 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.August 3, 2018. The current expiration date is September 8, 2019.August 3, 2023. The Credit Facility providesamendment supplements the Company withCompany’s existing $50.0 million revolving credit loans of up to $50.0facility by adding a new $5.0 million in the aggregate,revolving “first-in, last-out” (“FILO Facility”) tranche, subject to athe borrowing base formula based primarily on eligible credit card receivables, inventory and real estate, as such terms are defined in the Credit Facility, and uprestrictions applicable to $10.0 million of which may be drawn in the form of standby and documentary letters of credit.

the FILO Facility. The Company hadmust draw under the FILO facility before making any borrowings under the revolving Credit Facility.

In addition to these changes, the amendment eliminates availability against the Company’s real property, which was the subject of a sale-leaseback transaction.

There were no revolving credit loanoutstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility during eachas of the twenty-six week periods endedAugust 4, 2018 and July 29, 2017, and July 30, 2016.2017. The total Borrowing Base at July 29, 2017August 4, 2018 was approximately $36.5$29.6 million. As of July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, the Company had open on-demand letters of credit of approximately $0.9$6.7 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$22.2 million at July 29, 2017.August 4, 2018.

See Note 54 - 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 July 29, 2017.August 4, 2018.

In the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company completed the closing of a sale-leaseback transaction of the Company’s corporate facility for gross proceeds of $13.7 million, providing greater liquidity.

Sourcing
 
There have been no material changes to our ratio of imports to total merchandise purchases or concentration of supplier purchases in the twenty-sixthirteen weeks ended July 29, 2017August 4, 2018 compared to the fiscal 20162017 year ended January 28, 2017.February 3, 2018. The Company is phasing out sourcing product from one of its largest vendors, which is expected to be completed early next fiscal year. The Company is in the process of sourcing inventory from alternative vendors. In connection with this transition, the Company does not anticipate that there will be a disruption in its supply of inventory of any significance, if at all.

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 andor twenty-six week periods ended July 29, 2017.August 4, 2018.
 

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 28, 2017,February 3, 2018, 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 28, 2017,February 3, 2018, 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 28, 2017.February 3, 2018. There have been no material changes to our exposure to, and management of our market risks in the thirteen weeks ended July 29, 2017.August 4, 2018. 

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, 2017August 4, 2018 the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at the reasonable assurance level.
 
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 July 29, 2017August 4, 2018 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 isWe are 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,If 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 issueddetermine 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 lawsuitunfavorable outcome is not an admission by us of any wrongdoing.

As part of the settlement, the Company contributed $1.475 million intoprobable or reasonably estimable, we do not accrue 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.potential loss contingency.

The ultimate resolution of legal matters can be inherently uncertain and, for some matters, we are currentlymay be 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. The Company doesWe do not, however, currently believe that the resolution of any pending matter will have a material adverse effect on itsour 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 20162017 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal period ended January 28, 2017,February 3, 2018, 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 2016 Form 10-K, but theseThese 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. There have not been any material changes with respect to the risks described in our 2017 Form 10-K, except for the following:

We are currently out of compliance with the New York Stock Exchange’s (“NYSE”) listing requirements, and we are at risk of the NYSE delisting our common stock, which could materially impair the liquidity and value of our common stock.

We are currently listed on the NYSE. On June 14, 2018, the Company received written notice from the NYSE that it is not in compliance with the continued listing standards set forth in Section 8 of the NYSE Listed Company Manual. The Company is considered below the criteria established by the NYSE for continued listing because (i) its average market capitalization has

been less than $50 million over a consecutive 30 trading-day period, and at the same time its stockholders’ equity was less than $50 million, and (ii) its 30-day average closing price was below $1.00. As a result, we are required to bring our share price and consecutive 30 trading-day average share price, as measured on the last trading day of any calendar month during the sixth month period following receipt of the NYSE notice above $1.00 per share or the NYSE may commence suspension and delisting procedures. In addition, if our common stock price remains below the $1.00 per share threshold and falls to the point where the NYSE considers the stock price to be “abnormally low”, the NYSE has the discretion to begin delisting procedures immediately.

We have submitted a continued listing plan (“Plan”) to the NYSE that outlines the steps we are taking to regain compliance with the market capitalization and stockholders’ equity listing standard within eighteen months. On August 23, 2018 the NYSE notified us that they accepted our Plan, subject to quarterly reviews by the NYSE Listing and Compliance Committee to ensure progress against the Plan. The Company’s common stock continues to trade on the NYSE. The current noncompliance with the standards described above does not affect the Company’s ongoing business operations or its reporting requirements with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

If the NYSE were to delist our common stock, it could: (i) reduce the liquidity and, quite possibly, the market price of our common stock; (ii) reduce the number of institutional investors willing to hold or acquire our common stock, which could negatively affect our ability to raise equity financing; (iii) limit our access to public capital markets; (iv) impair our ability to provide equity incentives that would be attractive to our employees; (v) significantly impair our ability to use our common stock as consideration for acquisitions of other companies; (vi) result in a limited availability for market quotations for our common stock; and (vii) result in the loss of analyst coverage of the Company.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
 
None.The following table sets forth information concerning purchases of our common stock for the quarter ended August 4, 2018:
      Total Number of Maximum Number of
      Shares Purchased as Shares that May Yet
  Total Number of   Part of Publicly Be Purchased Under
  Shares Average Price Announced Plans or the Plans or
Period 
Purchased (1)
 Paid per Share Programs Programs
5/6/18 - 6/2/18 2,126
 $1.06
 
 $
6/3/18 - 7/7/18 2,126
 0.84
 
 
7/8/18 - 8/4/18 2,126
 1.01
 
 
Total 6,378
  
 
 
(1)
The shares of common stock in this column represent shares surrendered to us by stock plan participants in order to satisfy minimum withholding tax obligations related to the vesting of restricted stock awards.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES
 
None.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
 
Not applicable.

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION
 
None.

ITEM 6.   EXHIBITS
 
ExhibitDescription
10.14.1*
10.1**
10.2**Retention
10.3**
10.4**
10.5**
10.6**
10.7**
10.8**
10.9
31.1*
31.2*
32.1*
32.2*
101*Financial statements from the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of Christopher & Banks Corporation for the fiscal quarter ended July 29, 2017,August 4, 2018, 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
** Management agreement or compensatory plan or arrangementagreement


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: August 30, 2017September 6, 2018By: /s/ Joel WallerKeri L. Jones
   Joel WallerKeri L. Jones
   Interim President, Chief Executive Officer and Director
   (Principal Executive Officer)
    
Dated: August 30, 2017September 6, 2018By: /s/ Marc UngermanRichard Bundy
   Marc UngermanRichard Bundy
   InterimSenior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
   (Principal Financial Officer)


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