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TABLE OF CONTENTS
INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

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As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on July 9,August 29, 2012.

Registration Statement No. 333-          333-182582

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549



Amendment No. 1
to
Form S-4
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
UNDER
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933



99¢ ONLY STORES
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
 5331
(Primary Standard Industrial
Classification Code Number)
 95-2411605
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification Number)



4000 East Union Pacific Avenue
City of Commerce, California 90023
(323) 980-8145

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number,
including area code, of registrant's principal executive offices)



Russell Wolpert
99¢ Only Stores
4000 Union Pacific Avenue
City of Commerce, California 90023
(323) 980-8145

(Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)



With a copy to:

Philippa M. Bond, Esq.
Proskauer Rose LLP
2049 Century Park East, Suite 3200
Los Angeles, California 90067
(310) 557-2900/(310) 557-2193 (Facsimile)



Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public:
As soon as practicable after the effective date of this registration statement.



         If the securities being registered on this Form are being offered in connection with the formation of a holding company and there is compliance with General Instruction G, check the following box.    o

         If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act, check the following box.    o

         If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

         If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(d) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See definitions of "large accelerated filer", "accelerated filer", and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer o Accelerated filer o Non-accelerated filer ý
(Do not check if a
smaller reporting company)
 Smaller reporting company o



CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

        
 
Title of Each Class of Securities
to be Registered

 Amount to be
Registered

 Proposed Maximum
Offering Price Per
Unit

 Proposed Maximum
Aggregate Offering
Price(1)

 Amount of
Registration Fee

 

11% Senior Notes due 2019

 $250,000,000 100% $250,000,000 $28,650.00
 

Guarantees of 11% Senior Notes due 2019(2)

    

 

(1)
Determined pursuant to Rule 457(i) under the Securities Act solely for purposes of calculating the registration fee.

(2)
The 11% Senior Notes due 2019 are guaranteed by the Co-Registrants on a senior basis. No separate consideration will be paid in respect of the guarantees. Pursuant to Rule 457(n) under the Securities Act, no filing fee is required.

         The registrantsregistrant hereby amendamends this registration statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this registration statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this registration statement shall become effective on such date as the Securities and Exchange Commission, acting pursuant to Section 8(a), may determine.

   


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TABLE OF ADDITIONAL REGISTRANT SUBSIDIARY GUARANTORS

Exact Name Specified in Charter*
 State or other
Jurisdiction of
Organization
 Primary
Standard
Industrial
Classification
Number
 I.R.S. Employer
Identification
Number
 

99 Cents Only Stores

 Nevada  5331  94-3391842 

99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. 

 Delaware  5331  54-2091229 

*
Address and telephone number of principal executive offices are the same as 99¢ Only Stores.

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The information in this prospectus is not complete and may be changed. We may not sell these securities until the registration statement filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission is effective. This prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities and it is not soliciting an offer to buy these securities in any state where the offer or sale is not permitted.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED JULY 9,AUGUST 29, 2012

PRELIMINARY PROSPECTUS

LOGO

99¢ Only Stores



Offer to Exchange

Up to $250 million aggregate principal amount of its 11% Senior Notes due 2019 which have been registered under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "exchange notes") for any and all of its outstanding 11% Senior Notes due 2019 (the "outstanding notes")

The Exchange Notes:

         All untendered outstanding notes will continue to be subject to the restrictions on transfer set forth in the outstanding notes and in the indenture. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold, unless registered under the Securities Act, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Other than in connection with the exchange offer, we do not currently anticipate that we will register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

         Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account pursuant to the exchange offer must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. The Letter of Transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. This prospectus, as it may be amended or supplemented from time to time, may be used by a broker-dealer in connection with resales of exchange notes received in exchange for the outstanding notes where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities. We have agreed that, for a period of up to 180 days after the effective date of the registration statement, of which this prospectus is a part, we will make this prospectus available to any broker-dealer for use in connection with any such resale. See "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus.

         See "Risk Factors" beginning on page 14 for a discussion of certain risks that you should consider before participating in the exchange offer.

         Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus or the investment merits of the exchange notes. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

   

The date of this prospectus is                        , 2012


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TABLE OF CONTENTS

 
 Page 

Summary

  1 

Risk Factors

  14 

The Exchange Offer

  31 

Use of Proceeds

  42 

Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

  43 

Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data

  46 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

  4849 

Business

  7276 

Management

  8589 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

  99103 

Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions

  100106 

Description of Our Credit Facilities

  102108 

Description of Exchange Notes

  105111 

Material Federal Income Tax Considerations

  171177 

Plan of Distribution

  176182 

Legal Matters

  176182 

Experts

  177183 

Where You Can Find More Information

  177183 

Index to Consolidated Financial Statements

  F-1 



        This prospectus contains summaries of the material terms of certain documents and refers you to certain documents that we have filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). See "Where You Can Find More Information" in this prospectus. Copies of these documents, except for certain exhibits and schedules, will be made available to you without charge upon written or oral request to:

99¢ Only Stores
4000 Union Pacific Avenue
City of Commerce, California 90023
(323) 980-8145

        In order to obtain timely delivery of such materials, you must request information from us no later than five business days prior to the expiration of the exchange offer.

        No information in this prospectus constitutes legal, business or tax advice, and you should not consider it as such. You should consult your own attorney, business advisor and tax advisor for legal, business and tax advice regarding the exchange offer.

        You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized anyone to provide you with different information. This prospectus is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the notes in any jurisdiction or under any circumstances in which the offer or sale is unlawful. You should not assume that the information contained in this prospectus is accurate as of any date other than the date on the front of this prospectus.


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FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

        ThisIn addition to historical information, the information presented in this prospectus contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") and Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933.includes forward-looking statements. The words "expect," "estimate," "anticipate," "predict," "will," "project," "plan," "believe" and other similar expressions and variations thereof are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements and discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be found under "Risk Factors," "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Business" in this prospectus, as well as within this prospectus generally, and include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of 99¢ Only Stores and its directors or officers with respect to, among other things, (a) trends affecting the financial condition or results of operations of the Company, and (b) the business and growth strategies of the Company (including the Company's new store opening growth rate), that are not historical in nature. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are and will be based upon our then-current expectations, estimates and assumptions regarding future events and are applicable only as of the dates of such statements, but we may not realize our expectations and our estimates and assumptions may not prove correct. In addition, such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those projected in this prospectus, for the reasons, among others, discussed under "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and "Risk Factors" in this prospectus. We undertake no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof.

ii


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SUMMARY

        This summary highlights selected information contained elsewhere in this prospectus. This summary is not complete and does not contain all of the information that you should consider before deciding whether or not to participate in the exchange offer. For a more complete understanding of our Company and this exchange offer you should read this entire prospectus, including the information set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in this prospectus and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this prospectus.

        As part of the transactions described under the heading "—The Merger," on January 13, 2012, Number Merger Sub, Inc. ("Merger Sub") merged with and into 99¢ Only Stores, with 99¢ Only Stores being the surviving corporation (such merger, the "Merger") and the acquisition described in this prospectus (the "Acquisition") was completed. In this prospectus, the terms "we," "us," "our," "99¢ Only" and the "Company" refer to 99¢ Only Stores and its consolidated subsidiaries, after giving effect to the consummation of the Merger, unless expressly stated otherwise or the context otherwise required, and in particular, with respect to historical financial information of 99¢ Only Stores. Unless otherwise indicated, the term "sales" refers to "net sales." As the result of the Merger, the accompanying financial information is presented for the "Predecessor" and "Successor" periods relating to the periods preceding and succeeding the Merger, respectively. Our fiscal year 2012 ("fiscal 2012") is presented as a Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consisting of 11 weeks (the "fiscal 2012 Successor period") and a Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 consisting of 41 weeks (the "fiscal 2012 Predecessor period"), for a total of 52 weeks. Our fiscal year 2011 ("fiscal 2011") (Predecessor) began on March 28, 2010 and ended on April 2, 2011, consisting of 53 weeks with one additional week included in the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2010 ("fiscal 2010") (Predecessor) consisting of 52 weeks beginning March 29, 2009 and ending March 27, 2010. Where meaningful, we have presented disclosures with respect to the combination of the Successor and Predecessor periods, on a pro forma basis, which we refer to as "pro forma fiscal year 2012." Our first quarter ended June 30, 2012 ("first quarter of fiscal 2013") and first quarter ended July 2, 2011 ("first quarter of fiscal 2012") were each comprised of 91 days. Our fiscal year 2013 ("fiscal 2013") will consist of 52 weeks beginning April 1, 2012 and ending March 30, 2013.


Our Company

        With over 2930 years of operating experience, we are a leading operator of extreme value retail stores in the southwestern United States with 298300 stores located in the states of California (219(220 stores), Texas (37 stores), Arizona (29 stores) and Nevada (13(14 stores) as of March 31,June 30, 2012. Our stores offer consumable products with an emphasis on name brands and our items are primarily priced at 99.99¢ or less. We carry a wide assortment of regularly available products as well as a broad variety of first-quality closeout merchandise. We carry many fresh produce, deli, dairy and frozen food products found in traditional grocery stores, which we sell at generally lower, sometimes significantly lower, prices. Our core philosophy is that every item in our store be a good to great value. We believe that our differentiated merchandise mix, combined with outstanding value, enable us to appeal to a broad consumer demographic, increase overall customer traffic and frequency of customer visits, as well as strengthen customer loyalty. Our stores are significantly larger than traditionalthose of other U.S. publicly reporting dollar stores,store chains, enabling us to offer a wider assortment of merchandise and provide our customers with a spacious, comfortable shopping experience.

        In pro forma fiscal 2012, on a comparable 52-week period, our stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $5.2 million per store and $309 per estimated saleable square foot, which we believe is the highest among allU.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains. We opened 13 new stores during pro forma fiscal 2012, including eight stores in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada and two in Texas.Texas, and we opened two new stores during first quarter of fiscal 2013, including one in Southern California and one in Nevada. We did not close any stores during pro forma fiscal 2012. In


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fiscal 2013, we plancurrently intend to increase our store count by approximately 10%, with the majority of new storeswhich are expected to be opened in California during the second half of fiscal 2013.


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        We also sell merchandise through our Bargain Wholesale division at prices generally below normal wholesale levels to retailers, distributors and exporters. The Bargain Wholesale division complements our retail operations by exposing us to a broader selection of opportunistic buys and generating additional sales with relatively small incremental operating expenses. Bargain Wholesale represented 3.0% and 2.8% of our total sales in first quarter of fiscal 2013 and pro forma fiscal 2012.2012, respectively.

Stores

        Our stores are typically clustered around densely populated areas where it is convenient for our customers to do their weekly household shopping. We believe that our stores offer our customers an attractive and inviting shopping experience. Our stores are brightly lit, clean and well maintained. The interiors of our stores feature attractively displayed products, consistent merchandise displays, and low shelving height that permits visibility throughout the store. We emphasize a strong visual presentation in all key traffic areas of each store. We maintain and update our displays throughout the day to improve our customers' shopping experience.

Merchandise

        Our merchandising strategy is centered on our philosophy that every item in our store be a good to great value. Approximately 55% of our gross sales are from re-orderable products that are routinely in stock and generally available to our customers each time they visit our stores. We believe that by consistently offering a wide selection of basic consumable items, we encourage our customers to shop our stores regularly for everyday household needs. Approximately 45% of our sales are from closeout merchandise, which is also known as special- situation merchandise, stock-lots or remainders. Closeout merchandise represents products obtained from suppliers at lower to substantially lower than wholesale cost due to factors such as manufacturing overruns, approaching sell-by dates, and excess inventory or package changes. We offer a significantly larger percentage of closeout merchandise than traditional dollars stores, some of whom carry few or no closeouts. We believe that offering a large and frequently changing selection of closeout merchandise, including many name brands, creates a sense of urgency, fun and treasure-hunt excitement in our stores.

        We believe we have one of the largest product offerings in the dollar store industry. We differentiate ourselves from traditional dollar stores by offering a wider assortment of food and grocery items, including perishables, which collectively account for approximately 56% of our gross sales. Substantially all of our stores have free-standing fresh and refrigerated produce displays as well as full-sized built-in refrigerated and frozen food wall units. We believe that many of our customers shop at our stores weekly for their groceries and frequently shop 99¢ Only first before supplementing such purchases at other food stores.

        We focus on name-brand consumables. The range and quality of our name-brand merchandise allows our customers to benefit from the value of our prices while purchasing brands they know and trust.

        We estimate that approximately one-third of our sales are derived from products produced outside the United States, varying depending on the season and closeout activity. In addition to our significant amount of name-brand offerings, we offer secondary and generic brands, plus a smaller portion of domestically and internationally sourced private label merchandise. We believe that opportunities exist to increase the volume of private label and directly sourced foreign merchandise.

 


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We purchase our merchandise from a wide variety of suppliers with whom we have long-standing and mutually beneficial buying relationships. We are a trusted partner and a preferred buyer to our suppliers, many of whom we believe contact 99¢ Only first when selling closeout inventory.


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The Merger

        On January 13, 2012, pursuant to the Agreement and Plan of Merger, dated as of October 11, 2011 (the "Merger Agreement"), by and among 99¢ Only Stores, Number Holdings, Inc., a Delaware corporation ("Parent"), and Merger Sub, a subsidiary of Parent, Merger Sub merged with and into 99¢ Only Stores, with 99¢ Only Stores being the surviving corporation. As a result of the Merger, we became a subsidiary of Parent. Parent is indirectly controlled by affiliatesAres Corporate Opportunities Fund III, L.P. ("Ares"), an affiliate of Ares Management LLC, ("Ares"),and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board ("CPPIB") (together, the "Sponsors") and directly controlled by the Rollover Investors (as defined below).

        Pursuant to the terms of the Merger Agreement, at the effective time of the Merger, each outstanding share of the Company's common stock, no par value ("Company common stock"), was converted into the right to receive $22.00 in cash, without interest and less any applicable withholding taxes (the "Merger Consideration"), excluding (1) shares held by any shareholders who were entitled to and who have properly exercised dissenters' rights under California law, and (2) shares held by Parent, Merger Sub or any other wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, which included the shares contributed to Parent prior to the completion of the Merger by Eric Schiffer, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Gold, the Company's President and Chief Operating Officer, Howard Gold, the Company's Executive Vice President, Karen Schiffer and The Gold Revocable Trust dated October 26, 2005 (collectively, the "Rollover Investors"). In addition, each outstanding stock option was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the excess, if any, of the Merger Consideration over the exercise price for each share subject to the applicable option. Each restricted stock unit ("RSU") was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the number of unforfeited shares of Company common stock then subject to the RSU multiplied by the Merger Consideration. Each performance stock unit ("PSU") was cancelled and converted into the right to receive an amount in cash equal to the number of unforfeited shares of Company common stock then subject to the PSU multiplied by the Merger Consideration.

        At the effective time of the Merger, each share of Company common stock was converted into the right to receive the Merger Consideration. As a result of the Merger, the Company's common stock was delisted from the New York Stock Exchange and the Company ceased to be a publicly held and traded corporation.

        The total cash merger consideration paid was approximately $1.6 billion, which was funded from equity contributions from the Sponsors and cash of the Company, as well as proceeds received by Merger Sub in connection with debt financing consisting of (i) $535 million of funded debt provided by Royal Bank of Canada, Bank of Montreal, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, City National Bank, a National Banking Association, Siemens Financial Services, Inc. and HSBC Bank USA, N.A. under (a) a $525 million first lien term loan facility (as amended (see description below), the "First Lien Term Loan Facility"), and (b) $10 million of borrowings under a $175 million first lien based revolving credit facility (the "ABL Facility" and together with the First Lien Term Loan Facility, the "Credit Facilities") and (ii) issuance of $250 million outstanding notes, which we are offering to exchange, upon the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and the accompanying letter of transmittal, for all of our exchange notes. In addition, the Rollover Investors contributed approximately 4,545,451 shares of Company common stock, valued at the $22.00 per share merger consideration, to Parent, in exchange for approximately 15.73% of the outstanding common stock of Parent.

 


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On April 4, 2012, we amended the terms of our existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Facility, net of refinancing costs of $11.2 million. The amendment, among other things, decreased the Applicable Margin perfrom the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 5.50% (or base rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or base rate plus 3.00%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%. The maximum capital


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expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Facility was amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien Term Facility.

        For further information on the Acquisition, see "Description of Our Credit Facilities" and "Description of Exchange Notes."


Our Financial Sponsors

        Ares Management LLC is a global alternative asset manager and SEC registered investment adviser with approximately $52$54 billion of total committed capital under management and over approximately 500520 employees as of AprilJune 30, 2012. The firm is headquartered in Los Angeles with professionals located across the United States, Europe and Asia and has the ability to invest in all levels of a company's capital structure—from senior debt to common equity. The firm's investment activities are managed by dedicated teams in its Private Equity, Private Debt and Capital Markets investment platforms.

        Ares Management was built upon the fundamental principle that each platform benefits from being part of the greater whole. This multi-asset class synergy provides its professionals with insights into industry trends across the globe, access to significant deal flow and the ability to assess relative value.

        The Ares Private Equity Group pursues majority or shared control investments, principally in middle market companies with strong business franchises and in situations where its capital can serve as a catalyst for growth. Ares' senior partners average more than 20 years of experience investing in, controlling, advising, and restructuring companies.

        CPPIB is a professional investment management organization that invests the funds not needed by the Canada Pension Plan to pay current benefits on behalf of 17 million Canadian contributors and beneficiaries. In order to build a diversified portfolio of CPPIB assets, CPPIB invests in public equities, private equities, real estate, inflation-linked bonds, infrastructure and fixed income instruments. Headquartered in Toronto, with offices in London and Hong Kong, CPPIB is governed and managed independently of the Canada Pension Plan and at arm's length from governments. As of March 31,June 30, 2012, the assets of the Canada Pension Plan Fund totaled C$162166 billion, of which C$28 billion was invested in private equity.

 


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Corporate Structure

GRAPHIC


(1)
Parent guarantees our Credit Facilities, but does not guarantee the outstanding notes or the exchange notes.

(2)
The Credit Facilities consist of (i) a first lien asset based revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount equal to $175 million, and (ii) a first lien term loan facility in an aggregate principal amount equal to $525 million. See "Description of Our Credit Facilities" in this prospectus.

(3)
99¢ Only Stores operates all of the California, Arizona and Nevada stores. Ares holds 10% of the Company's Class B Common Stock, which carry de minimis economic rights and the right to vote solely with respect to the election of directors. See "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners" in this prospectus.


Corporate Information

        99¢ Only Stores was initially incorporated on August 31, 1965 as a California corporation. Our principal executive offices are located at 4000 Union Pacific Avenue, City of Commerce, California 90023. Our telephone number at that address is (323) 980-8145 and our corporate website iswww.99only.com. Our website and the information contained on our website are not part of this prospectus.

 


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SUMMARY OF THE EXCHANGE OFFER

        The summary below describes the principal terms of the exchange offer. The description below is subject to important limitations and exceptions. Please read the section entitled "The Exchange Offer" in this prospectus which contains a more detailed description of the exchange offer. In this prospectus, the term "outstanding notes" refers to the outstanding 11% Senior Notes due 2019. The term "exchange notes" refers to the 11% Senior Notes due 2019, as registered under the Securities Act. The term "notes" refers collectively to the outstanding notes and the exchange notes.

The Exchange Offer

 We are offering to exchange the exchange notes, which have been registered under the Securities Act, for the outstanding notes, which have not been registered under the Securities Act. Merger Sub issued the outstanding notes on December 29, 2011 pursuant to an indenture between Merger Sub and Wilmington Trust, National Association, as trustee (the "Trustee"). Concurrently with the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company, the subsidiary guarantors party thereto and the Trustee executed a supplemental indenture, dated as of January 13, 2012, pursuant to which the Company assumed the obligations of Merger Sub under the indenture governing the outstanding notes and the outstanding notes, and the guarantors guaranteed the outstanding notes on a senior unsecured basis.

 

In order to exchange your outstanding notes, you must promptly tender them before the expiration date (as described herein). All outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn will be exchanged. We will issue the exchange notes on or promptly after the expiration date.

 

You may only exchange outstanding notes with a minimum denomination of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof.

Registration Rights Agreement

 

Merger Sub sold the outstanding notes on December 29, 2011 to RBC Capital Markets, LLC, BMO Capital Markets Corp., and Deutsche Bank Securities Inc. Simultaneously with that sale, Merger Sub signed a registration rights agreement with RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers, relating to the outstanding notes that requires us to conduct this exchange offer. Concurrently with the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company and the guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement joinder pursuant to which the Company and the guarantors assumed all of the rights and obligations of Merger Sub under the registration rights agreement.

 


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You have the right under the registration rights agreement to exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes. The exchange offer is intended to satisfy such right. After the exchange offer is complete, you will no longer be entitled to any exchange or registration rights with respect to your outstanding notes.

 

For a description of the procedures for tendering outstanding notes, see "The Exchange Offer—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes" in this prospectus.

Expiration Date

 

The exchange offer will expire at 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                    , 2012, unless we extend it. In that case, the expiration date will be the latest date and time to which we extend the exchange offer. See "The Exchange Offer—Expiration Date; Extensions; Amendments" in this prospectus. We do not currently intend to extend the expiration date.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

 

The exchange offer is subject to conditions that we may waive in our sole discretion. The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange. See "The Exchange Offer—Conditions to the Exchange Offer" in this prospectus.

Procedures for Tendering outstanding notes

 

If you are a record holder of outstanding notes and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must complete, sign and date the accompanying letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of such letter of transmittal, according to the instructions contained in this prospectus and the letter of transmittal. You must then mail or otherwise deliver the letter of transmittal, or a facsimile of such letter of transmittal, together with the outstanding notes and any other required documents, to the exchange agent at the address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal.

 

If you hold outstanding notes through The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") and wish to participate in the exchange offer, you must comply with the Automated Tender Offer Program procedures of DTC by which you will agree to be bound by the letter of transmittal. By signing, or agreeing to be bound by, the letter of transmittal, you will represent to us that, among other things:

 

you are not our "affiliate" within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act;

 

you do not have an arrangement or understanding with any person or entity to participate in the distribution of the exchange notes; and

 


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if you are a broker-dealer that will receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that were acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, that you will deliver a prospectus, as required by law, in connection with any resale of such exchange notes.

Special Procedures for Beneficial Owners

 

If you are a beneficial owner of outstanding notes that are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or other nominee, and you wish to tender those outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you should contact the registered holder promptly and instruct the registered holder to tender those outstanding notes on your behalf. If you wish to tender on your own behalf, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either make appropriate arrangements to register ownership of the outstanding notes in your name or obtain a properly completed bond power from the registered holder. The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date of the exchange offer.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

 

If you wish to tender your outstanding notes and your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents, or you cannot comply with the procedures under DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program for transfer of book-entry interests, prior to the expiration date, you must tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures as described in "The Exchange Offer—Guaranteed Delivery Procedures" in this prospectus.

Withdrawal Rights

 

You may withdraw the tender of your outstanding notes at any time prior to the expiration of the exchange offer. We will return to you any of your outstanding notes that are not accepted for any reason for exchange, without expense to you, promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer. See "The Exchange Offer—Withdrawal Rights" in this prospectus.

 


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Resales of Exchange Notes

 

Based on an interpretation by the staff of the SEC set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that the exchange notes issued pursuant to the exchange offer exchange for outstanding notes may be offered for resale, resold and otherwise transferred by you (unless you are our "affiliate" within the meaning of Rule 405 under the Securities Act) without compliance with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, provided that:

 

you are acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business; and

 

you have not engaged in, do not intend to engage in, and have no arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes.

 

If you are a broker-dealer and receive exchange notes for your own account in exchange for outstanding notes that you acquired as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, you must acknowledge that you will deliver this prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See "Plan of Distribution." Any holder of outstanding notes that:

 

is our affiliate;

 

does not acquire exchange notes in the ordinary course of its business; or

 

tenders its outstanding notes in the exchange offer with the intention to participate, or for the purpose of participating, in a distribution of exchange notes;

 

cannot rely on the position of the staff of the SEC enunciated inMorgan Stanley & Co. Incorporated (available June 5, 1991) andExxon Capital Holdings Corporation (available May 13, 1988), as interpreted in the SEC's letter to Shearman & Sterling, dated available July 2, 1993, or similar no-action letters and, in the absence of an exemption therefrom, must comply with the registration and prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes.

 


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Effect on Holders of Outstanding Notes

 

As a result of the making of, and upon acceptance for exchange of all validly tendered outstanding notes pursuant to the terms of the exchange offer, we will have fulfilled a covenant under the registration rights agreement, and the payment of Additional Interest (as defined in the registration rights agreement) will cease. If you do not tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you will continue to be entitled to all the rights and limitations applicable to the outstanding notes as set forth in the indenture that governs the notes, except that we will not have any further obligation to you to provide for the exchange and registration of the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement. To the extent that outstanding notes are tendered and accepted in the exchange offer, the trading market for outstanding notes could be adversely affected.

Consequences of Failure to Exchange

 

If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, you will still have the restrictions on transfer provided in the outstanding notes and in the indenture that governs the notes. In general, the outstanding notes may not be offered or sold unless registered or exempt from registration under the Securities Act, or in a transaction not subject to the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. We do not plan to register the outstanding notes under the Securities Act. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to the Exchange Offer" and "The Exchange Offer—Consequences of Failure to Exchange" in this prospectus.

Exchange Agent

 

The exchange agent for the exchange offer is Wilmington Trust, National Association. The address, telephone number and facsimile number of the exchange agent are provided under "The Exchange Offer—Exchange Agent" in this prospectus, as well as in the letter of transmittal.

Use of Proceeds

 

We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes. See "Use of Proceeds" in this prospectus.

Material Federal Income Tax Considerations

 

For a discussion of the material federal income tax considerations relating to the exchange of outstanding notes for the exchange notes as well as the ownership of the exchange notes, see "Material Federal Income Tax Considerations" in this prospectus.

 


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SUMMARY DESCRIPTION OF EXCHANGE NOTES

        The following summary contains basic information about the exchange notes and is not intended to be complete. It may not contain all of the information that may be important to you. The terms of the exchange notes are identical in all material respects to the terms of the outstanding notes, except that the registration rights and related liquidated damages provisions and the transfer restrictions applicable to the outstanding notes are not applicable to the exchange notes. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes and will be governed by the same indenture relating to that series of notes. For a more complete description of the exchange notes, see "Description of Exchange Notes" in this prospectus. In this summary of the offering, the words "we," "us," and "our" refer only to 99¢ Only Stores and not to any of our subsidiaries.

Issuer and Guarantors 99¢ Only Stores, a California corporation.

 

 

The exchange notes will be guaranteed by the guarantors as described under "Description of Exchange Notes—Guarantees" in this prospectus.

Securities Offered

 

We are offering to exchange up to $250 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes. The exchange notes and the outstanding notes will be considered to be a single class for all purposes under the indenture that governs the notes, including waivers, amendments, redemptions and offers to purchase.

Maturity Date

 

The exchange notes will mature on December 15, 2019.

Interest

 

June 15 and December 15 of each year, beginning June 15, 2012. Interest will accrue from December 29, 2011.

Guarantees

 

The exchange notes will be jointly and severally and fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of our existing and future direct or indirect wholly owned restricted subsidiaries, subject to certain exceptions described herein. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Guarantees" in this prospectus.

Ranking

 

The exchange notes and the guarantees, respectively, will be our and the guarantors' senior unsecured obligations and will:

 

rank senior in right of payment to any of our and the guarantors' existing and future subordinated indebtedness;

 

rank equally in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors' existing and future senior indebtedness;

 

be effectively junior in right of payment to all of our and the guarantors' existing and future secured indebtedness (including obligations under our Credit Facilities) to the extent of the value of the interest of the holders of that secured indebtedness in the assets securing such indebtedness; and

 

be effectively junior in right of payment to all existing and future liabilities of our non-guarantor subsidiaries;

 


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  As of March 31,June 30, 2012, we had outstanding on a consolidated basis:

 

$250 million of senior unsecured indebtedness outstanding consisting of the exchange notes;

 

$513.6512.6 million of senior secured indebtedness outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility;

 

an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, the option to seek to obtain additional incremental term loans under the First Lien Term Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $150 million and an increase in the asset-based revolving credit facility commitments under the ABL Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50 million; and

 

all of our existing subsidiaries are guarantors.


Optional Redemption

 

We may redeem some or all of the exchange notes at any time on or after December 15, 2014 at a redemption price set forth under "Description of Exchange Notes—Optional Redemption" in this prospectus. On or prior to December 15, 2014, we may redeem up to 35% of the exchange notes with the net proceeds of certain equity offerings, at the prices set forth under "Description of Exchange Notes—Optional Redemption" in this prospectus. On or prior to December 15, 2014, we may, at our option redeem some or all of the exchange notes at the "make whole" prices set forth under "Description of Exchange Notes—Optional Redemption" in this prospectus.

Change of Control

 

If a change of control occurs, we must give holders of the exchange notes an opportunity to sell to us their exchange notes at a purchase price of 101% of the principal amount of such exchange notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, to the date of purchase. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Certain Definitions—Change of Control" in this prospectus.

Certain Covenants

 

The indenture governing the exchange notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries (as described in "Description of Exchange Notes" in this prospectus) to:

 

incur or guarantee additional indebtedness;

 

create or incur certain liens;

 

pay dividends or make other restricted payments;

 

incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from our restricted subsidiaries;

 

make certain investments;

 


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transfer or sell assets;

 

engage in transactions with affiliates; or

 

merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets.


 

 

These covenants are subject to a number of important limitations and exceptions described under "Description of Exchange Notes—Certain Covenants" in this prospectus.

 

 

If the exchange notes are assigned investment grade ratings by both Moody's Investors Services, Inc. ("Moody's") and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services, a divisions of The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. ("S&P") and no default or event of default has occurred and is continuing, certain covenants will be suspended. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Certain Covenants" in this prospectus.

No Prior Market

 

The exchange notes will be freely transferable, but will be a new issue of securities for which there is currently no established trading market, and the exchange notes will not be listed on any securities exchange or quoted on any automated inter-dealer quotation system. Accordingly, a liquid market for the exchange notes may not be developed or be maintained.

Risk Factors

 

Tendering your outstanding notes in the exchange offer involves substantial risks. You should carefully consider all of the risks described in "Risk Factors" beginning on page 14 in addition to the other information contained in this prospectus before tendering any outstanding notes.

 


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RISK FACTORS

        You should carefully consider the following risk factors and all other information contained in this prospectus before deciding whether to tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer. The following risks comprise all the material risks of which we are aware; however, these risks and uncertainties may not be the only ones we face. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to us or that we currently believe are immaterial may also adversely affect our business or financial performance. The following risks could materially harm our business, financial condition, future results, and cash flow. If that occurs, you could lose all or part of your original investment. Information in this section may be considered "forward-looking statements." See "Forward-Looking Statements" in this prospectus for a discussion of certain qualifications regarding such statements.

Risks Related to the Exchange Notes

         We have substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, which could affect our ability to meet our obligations under our indebtedness, including the exchange notes, and may otherwise restrict our activities

        Our total indebtedness, as of March 31,June 30, 2012, was $763.6$762.6 million, consisting of borrowings under our First Lien Term Facility of $513.6$512.6 million and $250 million of outstanding notes. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, we are also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of $200 million of additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility.

        We also have, and will continue to have, significant lease obligations. As of March 31,June 30, 2012, our minimum annual rental obligations under long-term operating leases for the remainder of fiscal 2013 are $46.7$35.8 million.

        Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital to fund our operations, limit our ability to react to changes in the economy or our industry, expose us to interest rate risk to the extent of our variable rate debt and prevent us from meeting our obligations under the exchange notes and our Credit Facilities. Our substantial indebtedness could have important consequences, including:


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We and our subsidiaries are still able to incur significant additional amounts of debt, which could further exacerbate the risks associated with our substantial indebtedness

        We and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. The indenture governing the exchange notes and our Credit Facilities each contain restrictions on the incurrence of additional indebtedness. However, these restrictions are subject to a number of significant qualifications and exceptions, and under certain circumstances, the amount of indebtedness that could be incurred in compliance with these restrictions could be substantial. Accordingly, we and our subsidiaries may be able to incur substantial additional indebtedness in the future. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility. Subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, we are also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of $200 million of additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility. If new debt is added to our and our subsidiaries' current debt levels, the risks that we now face as a result of our leverage would intensify and could have a negative impact on our credit rating. See "Description of Our Credit Facilities" and "Description of Exchange Notes" in this prospectus.

         We may not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our indebtedness, including the exchange notes, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under our indebtedness, which may not be successful

        Our ability to make scheduled payments on or to refinance our debt obligations depends on our financial condition and operating performance, which is subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to certain financial, business and other factors beyond our control. We may not be able to maintain a level of cash flows from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal of, and premium, if any, and additional interest, if any, on, our indebtedness, including the exchange notes.

        If our cash flows and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay investments and capital expenditures, or to sell assets, seek additional capital or restructure or refinance our indebtedness, including the exchange notes. Our ability to restructure or refinance our debt will depend on the condition of the capital markets and our financial condition at such time. Any refinancing of our debt could be at higher interest rates and may require us to comply with more onerous covenants, which could further restrict our business operations. The terms of the indenture governing the exchange notes and our Credit Facilities or any future debt instruments that we may enter into may restrict us from adopting some of these alternatives. In addition, any failure to make payments of interest and principal on our outstanding indebtedness on a timely basis would likely result in a reduction of our credit rating, which could harm our ability to incur additional indebtedness. These alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations.

         Our debt agreements contain restrictions that limit our flexibility in operating our business

        Our Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the exchange notes contain various covenants that limit our ability to engage in specified types of transactions. These covenants limit our Parent's (solely with respect to our Credit Facilities) and our restricted subsidiaries' ability to, among other things:


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        A breach of any of these covenants could result in a default under one or more of these agreements, including as a result of cross default provisions, and, in the case of our Credit Facilities, permit the lenders to cease making loans to us. Upon the occurrence of an event of default under our Credit Facilities, the lenders could elect to declare all amounts outstanding under our Credit Facilities to be immediately due and payable and terminate all commitments to extend further credit under the ABL Facility. Such actions by those lenders could cause cross defaults under our other indebtedness. If we were unable to repay those amounts, the lenders under our Credit Facilities could proceed against the collateral granted to them to secure that indebtedness. We have pledged a significant portion of our assets as collateral under our Credit Facilities. If the lenders under our Credit Facilities accelerate the repayment of borrowings, we may not have sufficient assets to repay our Credit Facilities as well as our other indebtedness, including the exchange notes.

         Our variable rate indebtedness subjects us to interest rate risk, which could cause our debt service obligations to increase significantly

        Borrowings under our Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed would remain the same, and our net income and cash flow, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. Although subsequent to March 31, 2012,during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into interest rate cap and swap agreements to hedge the variability of cash flows related to our floating rate indebtedness, these measures may not fully mitigate our risk or may not be effective.

         We may be unable to repay or repurchase the exchange notes at maturity

        At maturity, the entire outstanding principal amount of the exchange notes, together with accrued and unpaid interest, will become due and payable. We may not have the funds to fulfill these obligations or the ability to renegotiate these obligations. If upon the maturity date other arrangements prohibit us from repaying the exchange notes, we could try to obtain waivers of such prohibitions from the lenders and holders under those arrangements, or we could attempt to refinance the borrowings that contain the restrictions. In these circumstances, if we were not able to obtain such waivers or refinance these borrowings, we would be unable to repay the exchange notes.

         If we default on our obligations to pay our other indebtedness, we may not be able to make payments on the exchange notes

        Any default under the agreements governing our current or future indebtedness, including a default under our Credit Facilities, that is not waived by the required lenders, and the remedies sought by the holders of such indebtedness, could prevent us from paying the principal of, and premium, if any, on, the exchange notes and substantially decrease the market value of the exchange notes. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow and are otherwise unable to obtain funds necessary to meet required payments of principal of, and premium, if any, on, our indebtedness, or if we otherwise fail to


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comply with the various covenants, including financial and operating covenants in the instruments governing our indebtedness (including covenants in our Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the exchange notes), there could be an event of default under the terms of the agreements governing


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such indebtedness, including our Credit Facilities and the indenture governing the exchange notes. If such an event of default occurs and is continuing:

        If our operating performance declines, we may in the future need to obtain waivers from the required lenders under our Credit Facilities to avoid being in default. If we breach our covenants under our Credit Facilities and seek a waiver, we may not be able to obtain a waiver from the required lenders. If this occurs, there would be an event of default under our Credit Facilities, the lenders could exercise their rights, as described above, and we could be forced into bankruptcy or liquidation.

         The exchange notes and the guarantees are unsecured, therefore, our secured creditors (including the lenders under our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility) would have a prior claim, ahead of the holders of the exchange notes, on our assets and the guarantors' assets to the extent such assets secure such debt

        The exchange notes and the guarantees are our and the guarantors' general unsecured senior obligations and rank equal in right of payment to our and the guarantors' other existing and future unsecured senior debt. The exchange notes are not secured by any of our or our subsidiary guarantors' assets. Any future claims of secured lenders to the extent of the value of their interest in the assets securing their loans will be prior to any claim of the holders of the exchange notes with respect to those assets.

        As a result, upon any distribution to our creditors in a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization or similar proceeding relating to us or our property, the holders of our secured debt and the guarantors, including the lenders under our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility, will be entitled to be paid in full to the extent of the value of their interest in our assets securing that secured debt before any payment may be made with respect to the exchange notes. In addition, if we fail to meet our payments or other obligations under any secured debt, including our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility, the holders of that secured debt would be entitled to foreclose on our assets securing that secured debt and liquidate those assets to the exclusion of the holders of the exchange notes, even if an event of default existed under the indenture governing the exchange notes at such time.

        As of March 31,June 30, 2012, the exchange notes and the guarantees are effectively subordinated to approximately $513.6$512.6 million of senior secured indebtedness under our Credit Facilities to the extent of the value of the interest of the lenders in the assets securing such debt. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, the option to seek to obtain additional incremental term loans under the First Lien Term Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $150 million and increased asset-based revolving credit facility commitments under the ABL Facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $50 million. All of those borrowings would be secured indebtedness and, therefore, effectively senior to the exchange notes and the guarantees to the extent of the value of the assets securing such debt. Our and the guarantors' obligations under the Credit Facilities are secured by, among other things, a lien on substantially all of our and the guarantors' respective tangible and intangible personal property (including but not limited to cash, cash equivalents, accounts receivable, inventory, and


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intellectual property), and a lien on our and the guarantors' capital stock and certain owned real property.


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         The exchange notes will be structurally subordinated to all liabilities of our non-guarantor subsidiaries

        The exchange notes will be structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our future subsidiaries that do not guarantee the exchange notes. These non-guarantor subsidiaries will be separate and distinct legal entities and will have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay any amounts due pursuant to the exchange notes, or to make any funds available therefore, whether by dividends, loans, distributions or other payments. Any right that we or the subsidiary guarantors have to receive any assets of any future non-guarantor subsidiaries upon the liquidation or reorganization of those subsidiaries, and the consequent rights of holders of exchange notes to realize proceeds from the sale of any of those subsidiaries' assets, will be structurally subordinated to the claims of those subsidiaries' creditors, including trade creditors and holders of preferred equity interests of those subsidiaries. Accordingly, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization of any such future non-guarantor subsidiaries, such non-guarantor subsidiaries will pay the holders of their debts, holders of preferred equity interests and their trade creditors before they will be able to distribute any of their assets to us.

         Federal and state fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws permit a court, under certain circumstances, to void the exchange notes and guarantees, and, if that occurs, you may not receive any payments on the exchange notes

        The issuance of the exchange notes and the guarantees may be subject to review under federal and state fraudulent transfer and conveyance statutes if a bankruptcy, liquidation or reorganization case or a lawsuit, including under circumstances in which bankruptcy is not involved, were commenced at some future date by us, by the guarantors or on behalf of our unpaid creditors or the unpaid creditors of a guarantor. While the relevant laws may vary from state to state, the incurrence of the obligations in respect of the exchange notes and the guarantees will generally be a fraudulent transfer or conveyance if (i) the consideration was paid with the intent of hindering, delaying or defrauding creditors or (ii) we or any of our subsidiary guarantors, as applicable, received less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration in return for issuing either the exchange notes or a guarantee, and, in the case of (ii) only, one of the following is also true:

        If a court were to find that the issuance of the exchange notes or a guarantee was a fraudulent transfer or conveyance, the court could void the payment obligations under the exchange notes or such guarantee or subordinate the exchange notes or such guarantee to presently existing and future indebtedness of ours or such subsidiary guarantor or require the holders of the exchange notes to repay any amounts received with respect to the exchange notes or such guarantee. In the event of a finding that a fraudulent transfer or conveyance occurred, you may not receive any repayment on the exchange notes. Further, the voidance of the exchange notes could result in an event of default with respect to


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our other debt and that of our subsidiary guarantors that could result in acceleration of such debt. The measures of insolvency for purposes of fraudulent transfer or conveyance laws vary depending upon the


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law of the jurisdiction that is being applied. Generally, an entity would be considered insolvent if, at the time it incurred indebtedness (including by issuing a guaranty):

        We cannot be certain as to the standards a court would use to determine whether or not we or the subsidiary guarantors were solvent at the relevant time, or regardless of the standard used, that the issuance of the exchange notes and the guarantees would not be subordinated to our or any subsidiary guarantor's other debt. If the guarantees were legally challenged, any guarantee could also be subject to the claim that, since the guarantee was incurred for our benefit, and only indirectly for the benefit of the subsidiary guarantor, the obligations of the applicable subsidiary guarantor were incurred for less than reasonably equivalent value or fair consideration. Therefore, a court could void the obligations under the guarantees, subordinate them to the applicable subsidiary guarantor's other debt or take other action detrimental to the holders of the exchange notes.

         Because each guarantor's liability under its guarantees may be reduced to zero, avoided or released under certain circumstances, you may not receive any payments from some or all of the guarantors

        You have the benefit of the guarantees of the guarantors. However, the guarantees by the guarantors are intended to be limited to the maximum amount that the guarantors are permitted to guarantee under applicable law. As a result, a guarantor's liability under its guarantee could be reduced to zero, depending on the amount of other obligations of such guarantor. Further, under the circumstances discussed more fully above, a court under Federal or state fraudulent transfer or fraudulent conveyance statute or similar laws affecting the rights of creditors generally could void the obligations under a guarantee or subordinate it to all other obligations of the guarantor. In addition, you will lose the benefit of a particular guarantee if it is released under certain circumstances described under "Description of Exchange Notes—Guarantees" in this prospectus. You will not have a claim as a creditor against any subsidiary that is no longer a guarantor of the exchange notes, and the indebtedness and other liabilities, including trade payables, whether secured or unsecured, of those subsidiaries will effectively be senior to claims of holders of the exchange notes.

         We may not be able to repurchase the exchange notes upon a change of control

        Upon a change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the exchange notes, we will be required to make an offer to repurchase all outstanding exchange notes at a price equal to 101% of their principal amount, together with any accrued and unpaid interest and additional interest, if any, unless we have previously given notice of our intention to exercise our right to redeem the exchange notes or unless such obligation is suspended. We may not have sufficient financial resources to purchase all of the exchange notes that are tendered upon a change of control offer or, if then permitted under the indenture governing the exchange notes, to redeem the exchange notes. A failure to make the applicable change of control offer or to pay the applicable change of control purchase price when due would result in a default under the indenture governing the exchange notes, which would in turn be a default under our Credit Facilities or other indebtedness. In addition, a change of control may constitute an event of default under our Credit Facilities or other indebtedness. A default under our Credit Facilities or other indebtedness would result in an event of default under the


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indenture governing the exchange notes if the lenders accelerate the debt under our Credit Facilities or other indebtedness.


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        If a change of control occurs, we may not have enough assets to satisfy all obligations under our Credit Facilities, the indenture governing the exchange notes or other indebtedness. Upon the occurrence of a change of control we could seek to refinance the indebtedness under our Credit Facilities, the exchange notes or other indebtedness or obtain a waiver from the lenders or you as a holder of the exchange notes. We cannot assure you, however, that we would be able to obtain a waiver or refinance our indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms, if at all. No assurances can be given that any court would enforce the change of control provisions in the indenture governing the exchange notes as written for the benefit of the holders, or as to how these change of control provisions would be impacted were we to become a debtor in a bankruptcy case. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Change of Control" in this prospectus.

         You may not be able to determine when a change of control giving rise to your right to have the exchange notes repurchased by us has occurred following a sale of "substantially all" of our assets

        A change of control, as defined in the indenture governing the exchange notes, will require us to make an offer to repurchase all exchange notes. The definition of change of control includes a phrase relating to the sale, lease or transfer of "all or substantially all" of our assets. There is no precisely established definition of the phrase "substantially all" under applicable law. Accordingly, the ability of a holder of exchange notes to require us to repurchase their exchange notes as a result of a sale, lease or transfer of less than all of our assets to another individual, group or entity may be uncertain.

         During any period in which the exchange notes are rated investment grade, certain covenants contained in the indenture will not be applicable

        The indenture governing the exchange notes provides that certain covenants will not apply to us during any period in which the exchange notes are rated investment grade from each of S&P's and Moody's and no default has otherwise occurred and is continuing under the indenture. The covenants that would be suspended include, among others, limitations on and our restricted subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends, incur indebtedness, sell certain assets and enter into certain other transactions. Any actions that we take while these covenants are not in force will be permitted even if the exchange notes are subsequently downgraded below investment grade and such covenants are subsequently reinstated. There can be no assurance that the exchange notes will ever be rated investment grade, or that if they are rated investment grade, the exchange notes will maintain such ratings. The notes are currently rated Caa1 by Moody's and CCC+ by S&P. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Certain Covenants" in this prospectus.

         A downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of the rating assigned by a rating agency to the Company or the exchange notes, if any, could cause the liquidity or market value of the exchange notes to decline

        Credit rating agencies continually revise their ratings for the companies that they follow, including us. The credit rating agencies also evaluate our industry as a whole and may change their credit ratings for us based on their overall view of the industry. In addition, the exchange notes have been rated by Moody's (Caa1) and S&P (CCC+) and may in the future be rated by additional rating agencies. We cannot assure you that any rating assigned will remain for any given period of time or that a rating will not be lowered or withdrawn entirely by a rating agency if, in that rating agency's judgment, circumstances relating to the basis of the rating, such as adverse changes in our business, so warrant. Any downgrade, suspension or withdrawal of a rating by a rating agency of us or the exchange notes (or any anticipated downgrade, suspension or withdrawal) could reduce the liquidity or market value of the exchange notes. Any future lowering of our ratings or the ratings of the exchange notes may make it more difficult or more expensive for us to obtain additional debt financing. If any credit rating initially assigned to the exchange notes is subsequently lowered or withdrawn for any reason, or there is a negative change to our ratings, you may lose some or all of the value of your investment in the exchange notes.


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         We are controlled by Ares and CPPIB, whose interests as equity holders may conflict with yours as creditor

        We are controlled by Ares and CPPIB. Ares and CPPIB control the election of a majority of our directors and thereby have the power to control our affairs and policies, including the appointment of management, the issuance of additional stock and the declaration and payment of dividends. Ares and CPPIB do not have any liability for any obligations under the exchange notes and their interests may be in conflict with yours. For example, if we encounter financial difficulties or are unable to pay our debts as they mature, Ares and CPPIB may pursue strategies that favor equity investors over debt investors. In addition, our equity holders may have an interest in pursuing acquisitions, divestitures, financing or other transactions that, in their judgment, could enhance their equity investments, even though such transactions may involve risk to you as a holder of the exchange notes. Additionally, Ares and CPPIB may make investments in businesses that directly or indirectly compete with us, or may pursue acquisition opportunities that may be complementary to our business and, as a result, those acquisition opportunities may not be available to us. For information concerning our arrangements with Ares and CPPIB, see "Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions" in this prospectus.

Risks Related to the Exchange Offer

         Your outstanding notes will not be accepted for exchange if you fail to follow the exchange offer procedures.

        We will not accept your outstanding notes for exchange if you do not follow the exchange offer procedures. We will issue registered notes as part of the exchange offer only after a timely receipt of your outstanding notes, a properly completed and duly executed letter of transmittal and all other required documents. If we do not receive your outstanding notes, letter of transmittal and other required documents by the time of expiration of the exchange offer, we will not accept your outstanding notes for exchange. We are under no duty to give notification of defects or irregularities with respect to the tenders of outstanding notes for exchange. If there are defects or irregularities with respect to your tender of outstanding notes, we will not accept your outstanding notes for exchange.

         If you do not exchange your outstanding notes, there will be restrictions on your ability to resell your outstanding notes.

        Following the exchange offer, outstanding notes that you do not tender or that we do not accept will be subject to transfer restrictions. Absent registration, any untendered outstanding notes may therefore be offered or sold only in transactions that are not subject to, or that are exempt from, the registration requirements of the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws.

         Your ability to transfer the exchange notes may be limited by the absence of an active trading market, and there is no assurance that any active trading market will develop for the exchange notes

        The exchange notes are a new issue of securities for which there is no established public market. We do not intend to have the exchange notes listed on a national securities exchange or included in any automated quotation system. Accordingly, an active market for any of the exchange notes may not develop or, if developed, it may not continue. The liquidity of any market for the exchange notes will depend upon the number of holders of the exchange notes, our performance, the market for similar securities, the interest of securities dealers in making a market in the exchange notes and other factors. A liquid trading market may not develop for the exchange notes. If a market develops, the exchange notes could trade at prices that may be lower than the initial offering price of the exchange notes. If an active market does not develop or is not maintained, the price and liquidity of the exchange notes may be adversely affected.


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         The market price for the exchange notes may be volatile

        Historically, the market for non-investment grade debt has been subject to disruptions that have caused substantial volatility in the prices of securities similar to the exchange notes. The market for the exchange notes, if any, may be subject to similar disruptions. Any such disruptions may adversely affect the value of your exchange notes. In addition, subsequent to their initial issuance, the exchange notes may trade at a discount from their initial offering price, depending upon prevailing interest rates, the market for similar exchange notes, our performance and other factors.

Risks Related to Our Business

         Inflation may affect our ability to keep pricing almost all of our merchandise at 99.99¢ or less

        Our ability to provide quality merchandise for profitable resale primarily at a price point of 99.99¢ or less is subject to certain economic factors, which are beyond our control. Inflation could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations, especially given the constraints on our ability to pass on incremental costs due to price increases or other factors. A sustained trend of significantly increased inflationary pressure could require us to abandon our customary practice of pricing our merchandise primarily at no more than a 99.99¢, which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. We can pass price increases on to customers to a certain extent, such as by selling smaller units for the same price and increasing the price of merchandise presently sold at less than 99.99¢ (e.g., we currently price some items at 29.99¢, 59.99¢, and the like, and also sell other items at two at 99.99¢, three at 99.99¢, and so forth), but there are limits to the ability to effectively increase prices on a sufficiently wide range of merchandise in this manner while rarely exceeding a dollar. In certain circumstances, we have discontinued and may continue to discontinue some items from our offerings due to vendor wholesale price increases or availability, which may adversely affect sales. In September 2008, we increased our primary price point to 99.99¢ from 99¢, and also added 99/100¢ to our price points on almost all items.

         We are dependent in part on new store openings for future growth

        Our ability to generate growth in sales and operating income depends in part on our ability to successfully open and operate new stores both within and outside of our existing markets and to manage future growth profitably. Our strategy depends on many factors, including our ability to identify suitable markets and sites for new stores, negotiate leases or purchases with acceptable terms, refurbish stores, successfully compete against local competition and the increasing presence of large and successful companies entering or expanding into the markets in which we operate, upgrade our financial and management information systems and controls, gain brand recognition and acceptance in new markets, and manage operating expenses and product costs. In addition, we must be able to hire, train, motivate, and retain competent managers and store personnel at increasing distances from our headquarters. Many of these factors are beyond our control or are difficult to manage. As a result, we cannot assure that we will be able to achieve our goals with respect to growth. Any failure by us to achieve these goals on a timely basis, differentiate ourselves and obtain acceptance in markets in which we currently have limited or no presence, attract and retain management and other qualified personnel, appropriately upgrade our financial and management information systems and controls, and manage operating expenses could adversely affect our future operating results and our ability to execute our business strategy.

        A variety of factors, including store location, store size, local demographics, rental terms, competition, the level of store sales, availability of locally sourced merchandise, locally prevailing wages and labor pools, distance and time from existing distribution centers, local regulations, and the level of initial advertising, influence if and when a store becomes profitable. Assuming that planned expansion occurs as anticipated, the store base will include a portion of stores with relatively short operating


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histories. New stores may not achieve the sales per estimated saleable square foot and store-level operating margins historically achieved at existing stores. If new stores on average fail to achieve these results, planned expansion could decrease overall sales per estimated saleable square foot and store-level operating margins. Increases in the level of advertising and pre-opening expenses associated with the opening of new stores could also contribute to a decrease in operating margins. New stores opened in existing and in new markets have in the past and may in the future be less profitable than existing stores and/or may reduce retail sales of existing stores, negatively affecting comparable store sales. As we expand, differences in the available labor pool and potential customers could adversely impact us.

         Our operations are concentrated in California

        As of March 31,June 30, 2012, 219220 of the Company's 298300 stores were located in California (with 37 stores in Texas, 29 stores in Arizona and 1314 stores in Nevada). We expect that we will continue to open additional stores in as well as outside of California. For the foreseeable future, our results of operations will depend significantly on trends in the California economy. Declines in retail spending on higher margin discretionary items and continuing trends of increasing demand for lower margin food products due to continuing poor economic conditions in California may negatively impact our profitability. California has also historically enacted minimum wages that exceed federal standards (and certain of our cities have enacted "living wage" laws that exceed State minimum wage laws) and California typically has other factors making compliance, litigation and workers' compensation claims more prevalent and costly. Additional local regulation in certain California jurisdictions may further pressure margins.

         The impact of our Texas stores on our profitability is uncertain

        We have historically experienced, and currently continue to experience, lower sales per store and sales per estimated saleable square foot in our Texas stores compared to our Western States stores. In pro forma fiscal 2012, on a comparable 52-week period, our stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $5.2 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $309. Our Texas stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $3.6 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $197. All of our Western States stores open for the full year on a comparable 52-week period had average sales of $5.4 million per store and $326 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot. There can be no assurance that our Texas operations will have any sustained positive contribution to our profitability.

         Material damage to, or interruptions to, our information systems as a result of external factors, staffing shortages and difficulties in updating our existing software or developing or implementing new software could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations

        We depend on information technology systems for the efficient functioning of our business. Such systems are subject to damage or interruption from power outages, computer and telecommunications failures, computer viruses, security breaches and natural disasters. Any material interruptions or the cost of replacements may have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations.

        We also rely heavily on our information technology staff. If we cannot meet our staffing needs in this area, we may not be able to maintain or improve our systems in the future. Further, we still have certain legacy systems that are not generally supportable by outside vendors, and should those of our information technology team who are conversant with such systems leave, these legacy systems could be without effective support.

        We rely on certain software vendors to maintain and periodically upgrade many of these systems. The software programs supporting many of our systems are maintained and supported by independent software companies. The inability of these companies to continue to maintain and upgrade these


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information systems and software programs might disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations if we were unable to convert to alternate systems in an efficient and timely manner. In addition, costs and potential interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations.


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         Natural disasters, unusually adverse weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist acts, and global political events could cause temporary or permanent distribution center or store closures, impair our ability to purchase, receive or replenish inventory, or decrease customer traffic, all of which could result in lost sales and otherwise adversely affect our financial performance

        The occurrence of natural disasters, such as hurricanes, fires, floods, earthquakes and tsunamis, unusually adverse weather conditions, pandemic outbreaks, terrorist acts or disruptive global political events, such as civil unrest in countries in which our suppliers are located, or similar disruptions could adversely affect our operations and financial performance. These events could result in the closure of one or more of our distribution centers or a significant number of stores, the temporary or long-term disruption in the supply of products from some local and overseas suppliers, the temporary disruption in the transport of goods from overseas, delay in the delivery of goods to our distribution centers or stores, the temporary reduction in the availability of products in our stores, and disruption to our information systems.

         Our current insurance program may expose us to unexpected costs and negatively affect our financial performance

        Our insurance coverage reflects deductibles, self-insured retentions, limits of liability and similar provisions that we believe are prudent. However, there are types of losses we may incur but against which we cannot be insured or which we believe are not economically reasonable to insure, such as losses due to employment practices, acts of war, employee, blackouts and certain other crime and some natural disasters, including earthquakes and tsunamis. If we incur these losses and they are material, our business could suffer. In addition, we self-insure a significant portion of expected losses under our workers' compensation and general liability programs. Unanticipated changes in any applicable actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our recorded liabilities for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense than expected under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations. Although we continue to maintain property insurance for catastrophic events, we are effectively self-insured for property losses up to the amount of our deductibles. If we experience a greater number of these losses than we anticipate, our financial performance could be adversely affected.

         We have extended our current insurance program to include self-insurance for a portion of our health insurance program that may expose us to unexpected costs and negatively affect our financial performance

        Prior to the Merger, we began self-insuring for a portion of our employee medical benefit claims. The liability for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. We maintain stop loss insurance coverage to limit our exposure for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program. Liabilities associated with these losses include estimates of both claims filed and losses incurred but not yet reported. Unanticipated changes in any applicable actuarial assumptions and management estimates underlying our recorded liabilities for these losses could result in materially different amounts of expense than expected under these programs, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.


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         We could experience disruptions in receiving and distribution

        Our success depends upon whether receiving and shipments are processed timely, accurately and efficiently. As we continue to grow, we may face increased or unexpected demands on warehouse operations, as well as unexpected demands on our transportation network. In addition, new store locations receiving shipments from distribution centers that are increasingly further away will increase transportation costs and may create transportation scheduling strains. The very nature of our closeout business makes it uniquely susceptible to periodic interruptions and difficult to foresee


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warehouse/distribution center overcrowding caused by spikes in inventory resulting from opportunistic closeout purchases. Such demands could cause delays in delivery of merchandise to and from warehouses and/or to stores. We periodically evaluate new warehouse distribution and merchandising systems and could experience interruptions during implementations of new facilities and systems. A fire, earthquake, or other disaster at our warehouses could also hurt our business, financial condition and results of operations, particularly because much of our merchandise consists of closeouts and other irreplaceable products. We also face the possibility of future labor unrest that could disrupt our receiving, processing, and shipment of merchandise.

         We depend upon our relationships with suppliers and the availability of closeout and other special-situation merchandise

        Our success depends in large part on our ability to locate and purchase quality closeout and other special-situation merchandise at attractive prices. This supports a changing mix of name-brand and other merchandise primarily at or below 99.99¢ price point. We cannot be certain that such merchandise will continue to be available in the future at prices consistent with our business plan and/or historical costs. Further, we may not be able to find and purchase merchandise in necessary quantities, particularly as we grow, and therefore require a greater quantity of such merchandise at competitive prices. Additionally, suppliers sometimes restrict the advertising, promotion and method of distribution of their merchandise. These restrictions in turn may make it more difficult for us to quickly sell these items from inventory. Although we believe our relationships with suppliers are good, we typically do not have long-term agreements or pricing commitments with any suppliers. As a result, we must continuously seek out buying opportunities from existing suppliers and from new sources. There is increasing competition for these opportunities with other wholesalers and retailers, discount and deep-discount stores, mass merchandisers, food markets, drug chains, club stores, and various other companies and individuals as the extreme value retail segment continues to expand outside and within existing retail channels. There is also a trend towards consolidation among vendors and suppliers of merchandise targeted by us. A disruption in the availability of merchandise at attractive prices could impair our business.

         We purchase in large volumes and our inventory is highly concentrated

        To obtain inventory at attractive prices, we take advantage of large volume purchases, closeouts and other special situations. As a result, we carry high inventory levels relative to our sales and from time to time this can result in overcrowding in our warehouses and place stress on our distribution operations as well as the back rooms of our retail stores. This can also result in inventory shrinkage due to spoilage if merchandise cannot be sold in the anticipated timeframes. Our short-term and long-term store and warehouse inventory, net of allowance, approximated $216.6 million and $220.8 million at June 30, 2012 and $196.1 million at March 31, 2012, and April 2, 2011, respectively. We periodically review the net realizable value of our inventory and make adjustments to our carrying value when appropriate. The current carrying value of inventory reflects our belief that it will realize the net values recorded on the balance sheet. However, we may not do so, and if we do not, this may result in overcrowding and supply chain difficulties. If we sell large portions of inventory at amounts less than their carrying value or if we write down or otherwise dispose of a significant part of inventory, cost of sales, gross profit, operating


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income, and net income could decline significantly during the period in which such event or events occur. Margins could also be negatively affected should the grocery category sales become a larger percentage of total sales in the future, and by increases in shrinkage and spoilage from perishable products.


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         If we fail to protect our brand name, competitors may adopt trade names that dilute the value of our brand name

        We may be unable or unwilling to strictly enforce our trademark in each jurisdiction in which we do business. Also, we may not always be able to successfully enforce our trademarks against competitors or against challenges by others. Our failure to successfully protect our trademarks could diminish the value and efficacy of our brand recognition, and could cause customer confusion, which could, in turn, adversely affect our sales and profitability.

         We face strong competition

        We compete in both the acquisition of inventory and sale of merchandise with other wholesalers and retailers, discount and deep-discount stores, single price point merchandisers, mass merchandisers, food markets, drug chains, club stores and other retailers. We also compete for retail real estate sites. In the future, new companies may also enter the extreme value retail industry. It is also becoming more common for superstores to sell products competitive with our product offerings. Additionally, we currently face increasing competition for the purchase of quality closeout and other special-situation merchandise, and some of these competitors are entering or may enter our traditional markets. Also, as we expand, we will enter new markets where our own brand is weaker and established brands are stronger, and where our own brand value may have been diluted by other retailers with similar names, appearances and/or business models. Some of our competitors have substantially greater financial resources and buying power than we do, as well as nationwide name-recognition and organization. Our ability to compete will depend on many factors including the ability to successfully purchase and resell merchandise at lower prices than competitors and the ability to differentiate ourselves from competitors that do not share our price and merchandise attributes, yet may appear similar to prospective customers. We also face competition from other retailers with similar names and/or appearances. We cannot assure that we will be able to compete successfully against current and future competitors in both the acquisition of inventory and the sale of merchandise.

         We are subject to governmental regulations, procedures and requirements. A significant change in, or noncompliance with, these regulations could have a material adverse effect on our financial performance

        Our business is subject to numerous federal, state and local laws and regulations. We routinely incur costs in complying with these regulations. New laws or regulations, particularly those dealing with healthcare reform, product safety, and labor and employment, among others, or changes in existing laws and regulations, especially those governing the sale of products, may result in significant added expenses or may require extensive system and operating changes that may be difficult to implement and/or could materially increase our cost of doing business. In addition, such changes or new laws may require the write off and disposal of existing product inventory, resulting in significant adverse financial impact to us. Untimely compliance or noncompliance with applicable regulations or untimely or incomplete execution of a required product recall can result in the imposition of penalties, including loss of licenses or significant fines or monetary penalties, in addition to reputational damage.

         Litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations

        Our business is subject to the risk of litigation by employees, consumers, suppliers, competitors, shareholders, government agencies and others through private actions, class actions, administrative proceedings, regulatory actions or other litigation. The outcome of litigation, particularly class action


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lawsuits, regulatory actions and intellectual property claims, is difficult to assess or quantify. Plaintiffs in these types of lawsuits may seek recovery of very large or indeterminate amounts, and the magnitude of the potential loss relating to these lawsuits may remain unknown for substantial periods of time. In addition, certain of these lawsuits, if decided adversely to us or settled by us, may result in liability material to our financial statements as a whole or may negatively affect our operating results if changes


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to our business operation are required. The cost to defend future litigation may be significant. There also may be adverse publicity associated with litigation that could negatively affect customer perception of our business, regardless of whether the allegations are valid or whether we are ultimately found liable. As a result, litigation may adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. See "Business—Legal Proceedings" in this prospectus.

         We face risks associated with international sales and purchases

        International sales historically have not been important to our overall net sales. However, some of our inventory is manufactured outside the United States and there are many risks associated with doing business internationally. International transactions may be subject to risks such as:

        The United States and other countries have at times proposed various forms of protectionist trade legislation. Any resulting changes in current tariff structures or other trade policies could result in increases in the cost of and/or store level reduction in the availability of certain merchandise and could adversely affect our ability to purchase such merchandise.

         We have potential risks regarding our store physical inventories

        Although we have a perpetual inventory system in our warehouses, we currently do not have a perpetual inventory system in our stores and believe that such a system will not be feasible to implement in the near future. Furthermore, physical inventories in all existing stores are not performed at the end of each fiscal period, and there are additional processes and procedures surrounding store physical inventories that we believe need to be improved. In particular, we have identified that certain personnel managing or performing store physical inventories need additional training in order to consistently follow our physical inventory processes and procedures, and properly document the physical inventory results.

        If these physical inventory processes and procedures are not improved, this could have an adverse affect on our physical inventory results, shrinkage and margins.


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         We could encounter risks related to transactions with affiliates

        Prior to the Merger, we leased 13 store locations and a parking lot associated with one of these stores from the Rollover Investors and their affiliates, of which 12 stores were leased on a month to month basis. In connection with the Merger, we entered into new lease agreements for these 13 stores and one parking lot. Even if terms were negotiated that are acceptable to us, we cannot be certain that terms negotiated are no less favorable than a negotiated arm's length transaction with a third party.


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         We rely heavily on our executive management team

        We rely heavily on the continued service of our executive management team. In connection with the Merger, we entered into employment agreements with certain of our executive officers, including our Chief Executive Officer and President, but we do not and will not maintain key person life insurance on any of our officers. Our future success will depend on our ability to identify, attract, hire, train, retain and motivate other highly skilled management personnel. Competition for such personnel is intense, and we may not successfully attract, assimilate or sufficiently retain the necessary number of qualified candidates.

         Our operating results may fluctuate and may be affected by seasonal buying patterns

        Historically, our highest net sales and highest operating income have occurred during the quarter ended on or near December 31, which includes the Christmas and Halloween selling seasons. During pro forma fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, we generated approximately 26.4% and 25.7%, respectively, of our net sales during this quarter. If for any reason our net sales were to fall below norms during this quarter, it could have an adverse impact on profitability and impair the results of operations for the entire fiscal year. Transportation scheduling, warehouse capacity constraints, supply chain disruptions, adverse weather conditions, labor disruptions or other disruptions during the peak holiday season could also affect net sales and profitability for the fiscal year.

        In addition to seasonality, many other factors may cause the results of operations to vary significantly from quarter to quarter. These factors, some beyond our control, include the following:


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         We could be exposed to product liability or packaging violation claims

        We purchase many products on a closeout basis, some of which are manufactured or distributed by overseas entities, and some of which are purchased by us through brokers or other intermediaries as opposed to directly from their manufacturing or distribution sources. Many products are also sourced directly from manufacturers. The closeout nature of certain of these products and transactions may impact our opportunity to investigate all aspects of these products. We attempt to ensure compliance, and to test products when appropriate, as well as to procure product insurance from our vendors and


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to be listed as an additional insured for certain products and/or by certain product vendors, and we do not purchase merchandise when we are cognizant of or foresee a problem, but there can be no assurance that we will consistently succeed in these efforts. We have or have had, and in the future could face, labeling, environmental, or other claims, from private litigants as well as from governmental agencies.

         We face risks related to protection of customers' banking and merchant card data, as well as other data related to our employees, customers, vendors and other parties

        In connection with merchant card sales and other transactions, including bank cards, debit cards, credit cards and other merchant cards, we transmit confidential banking and merchant card information. Additionally, as part of our normal business activities, we collect and store certain information, related to our employees, customers, vendors and other parties. We have certain procedures and technology in place to protect such data, but third parties may have the technology or know-how to breach the security of this information, and our security measures and those of our banks, merchant card processing and other technology vendors may not effectively prohibit others from obtaining improper access to this information. Any security breach could expose us to risks of data loss, litigation and liability and could seriously disrupt our operations and any resulting negative publicity could significantly harm our reputation.

         We are subject to environmental regulations

        Under various federal, state and local environmental laws and regulations, current or previous owners or occupants of property may face liability associated with hazardous substances. These laws and regulations often impose liability without regard to fault. In the future, we may be required to incur substantial costs for preventive or remedial measures associated with hazardous materials. We have several storage tanks at our warehouse facilities, including: an aboveground and an underground diesel storage tank at the City of Commerce, California main warehouse; ammonia storage tanks at the Southern California cold storage facility and the Texas warehouse; aboveground diesel and propane storage tanks at the Texas warehouse; an aboveground propane storage tank at the main Southern California warehouse; an aboveground propane storage tank at our leased Slauson distribution center in the City of Commerce, California; and an aboveground propane tank located at the warehouse we owned in Eagan, Minnesota, which was sold in June 2012. Except as disclosed in "Business—Legal Proceedings" in this prospectus, we have not been notified of, and are not aware of, any potentially material current environmental liability, claim or non-compliance. We could incur costs in the future related to owned properties, leased properties, storage tanks, or other business properties and/or activities. In the ordinary course of business, we handle or dispose of commonplace household products that are classified as hazardous materials under various environmental laws and regulations. We have adopted policies regarding the handling and disposal of these products, but we cannot be assured that our policies and training are comprehensive and/or are consistently followed, and we are still potentially subject to liability under, or violations of, these environmental laws and regulations in the future even if our policies are consistently followed.


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         Changes to accounting rules or regulations may adversely affect our results of operations

        New accounting rules or regulations and varying interpretations of existing accounting rules or regulations have occurred and may occur in the future. A change in accounting rules or regulations may even affect our reporting of transactions completed before the change is effective, and future changes to accounting rules or regulations or the questioning of current accounting practices may adversely affect our results of operations.

        The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") is focusing on several broad-based convergence projects, including accounting standards for financial instruments, revenue recognition and


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leases. In August 2010, the FASB issued an exposure draft outlining proposed changes to current lease accounting under GAAPgenerally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP") in FASB Accounting Standards Codification 840, "Leases." In July 2011, the FASB made the decision to issue a revised exposure draft, which is expected to occur in the second half of 2012, with a final standard expected to be issued in 2013. Currently, substantially all of our leased properties are accounted for as operating leases with limited related assets and liabilities recorded on our balance sheet. The proposed new accounting standard, if ultimately adopted in its proposed form, would treat each lease as creating an asset and a liability and require the capitalization of such leases on the balance sheet. While this change would not impact the cash flow related to our store leases, we would expect our assets and liabilities to increase relative to the current presentation, which may impact our ability to raise additional financing from banks or other sources in the future. The guidance as proposed may also affect the future reporting of our results from operations as both income and expense on leases previously accounted for as operating leases would be front-end loaded as compared to the existing accounting requirements. However, even if the new guidance is adopted as proposed, certain incurrence ratios and other provisions under the indenture governing the notes and under the Credit Facilities permit us to account for leases in accordance with the existing accounting requirements. See "Description of Exchange Notes—Definitions" and "Description of Our Credit Facilities" in this prospectus. As a result, our ability to incur additional debt or otherwise comply with such covenants may not directly correlate to our financial condition or results from operations as each would be reported under GAAP as so amended.

         Impairment of our goodwill or our intangible assets could negatively impact our net income and stockholders' equity

        A substantial portion of our total assets consists of goodwill and intangible assets. Goodwill and certain intangible assets are not amortized, but are tested for impairment at least annually and between annual tests if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of our net assets is less than its carrying amount. Testing for impairment involves an estimation of the fair value of our net assets and other factors and involves a high degree of judgment and subjectivity. There are numerous risks that may cause the fair value of our net assets to fall below its carrying amount, including those described elsewhere in this prospectus. If we have an impairment of our goodwill or intangible assets, the amount of any impairment could be significant and could negatively impact our net income and stockholders' equity for the period in which the impairment charge is recorded.


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THE EXCHANGE OFFER

Purpose and Effect of the Exchange Offer

        On December 29, 2011, Merger Sub entered into a registration rights agreement with RBC Capital Markets, LLC, as representative of the initial purchasers of the outstanding notes in which Merger Sub agreed, under certain circumstances, to use its commercially reasonable efforts to file a registration statement relating to an offer to exchange the outstanding notes for the exchange notes and thereafter cause the registration statement to become effective under the Securities Act and complete the exchange offer no later than 300 days following the closing date of the issuance of the outstanding notes. Concurrently with the consummation of the Acquisition, the Company and the guarantors entered into a registration rights agreement joinder pursuant to which the Company and the guarantor assumed all of the rights and obligations of Merger Sub under the registration rights agreement. The exchange notes will have terms identical in all material respects to the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will not contain terms with respect to transfer restrictions, registration rights and additional interest for failure to observe certain obligations in the registration rights agreement. The outstanding notes were issued on December 29, 2011.

        Under the circumstances set forth below, we will use our commercially reasonable efforts to cause the SEC to declare effective a shelf registration statement with respect to the resale of the outstanding notes within the time periods specified in the registration rights agreement and keep the registration statement effective for up to one year after its effective date. These circumstances include:

        Under the registration rights agreement, if we fail to complete the exchange offer (other than in the event we file a shelf registration statement) or the shelf registration statement, if required thereby, is not declared effective, in either case on or prior to 300 days after the issue date (the "target registration date"), the interest rate on the outstanding notes will be increased by (x) 0.25% per annum for the first 90-day period immediately following the target registration date and (y) an additional 0.25% per annum with respect to each subsequent 90-day period, in each case, until the exchange offer is completed or the shelf registration statement, if required, is declared effective by the SEC or the outstanding notes cease to constitute transfer restricted notes, up to a maximum of 1.00% per annum of additional interest. A copy of the registration rights agreement has been filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.


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        If you wish to exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes in the exchange offer, you will be required to make the following written representations:

        Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where the broker-dealer acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of such exchange notes. See "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus.

Resale of Exchange Notes

        Based on interpretations by the SEC staff set forth in no-action letters issued to third parties, we believe that you may resell or otherwise transfer exchange notes issued in the exchange offer without complying with the registration and prospectus delivery provisions of the Securities Act, if:

        If you are our affiliate or an affiliate of any guarantor, or are engaging in, or intend to engage in, or have any arrangement or understanding with any person to participate in, a distribution of the exchange notes, or are not acquiring the exchange notes in the ordinary course of your business:

        This prospectus may be used for an offer to resell, resale or other transfer of exchange notes only as specifically set forth in this prospectus. With regard to broker-dealers, only broker-dealers that acquired the outstanding notes as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities may participate in the exchange offer. Each broker-dealer that receives exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes, where such outstanding notes were acquired by such broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities, must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. See "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus for more details regarding the transfer of exchange notes.


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Terms of the Exchange Offer

        On the terms and subject to the conditions set forth in this prospectus and in the accompanying letters of transmittal, we will accept for exchange in the exchange offer any outstanding notes that are validly tendered and not validly withdrawn prior to the expiration date, outstanding notes may only be tendered with a minimum denomination of $2,000 or an integral multiple of $1,000 in excess thereof. We will issue the principal amount of exchange notes in exchange for the principal amount of outstanding notes surrendered in the exchange offer.

        The form and terms of the exchange notes will be identical in all material respects to the form and terms of the outstanding notes, except that the exchange notes will be registered under the Securities Act, will not bear legends restricting their transfer and will not provide for any additional interest upon our failure to fulfill our obligations under the registration rights agreement to complete the exchange offer, or file, and cause to be effective, a shelf registration statement, if required thereby, within the specified time period. The exchange notes will evidence the same debt as the outstanding notes. The exchange notes will be issued under, and entitled to the benefits of, the same indentures that authorized the issuance of the outstanding notes. For a description of the indenture governing the exchange notes, see "Description of Exchange Notes" in this prospectus.

        The exchange offer is not conditioned upon any minimum aggregate principal amount of outstanding notes being tendered for exchange.

        This prospectus and the letters of transmittal are being sent to all registered holders of outstanding notes. There will be no fixed record date for determining registered holders of outstanding notes entitled to participate in the exchange offer. We intend to conduct the exchange offer in accordance with the provisions of the registration rights agreement, the applicable requirements of the Securities Act and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and the rules and regulations of the SEC.SEC outstanding notes that are not tendered for exchange in the exchange offer will remain outstanding and continue to accrue interest and will be entitled to the rights and benefits such holders have under the indenture relating to such holders' series of outstanding notes and the registration rights agreement, except we will not have any further obligation to you to provide for the registration of the outstanding notes under the registration rights agreement.

        We will be deemed to have accepted for exchange properly tendered outstanding notes when we have given oral or written notice of the acceptance to the exchange agent. The exchange agent will act as agent for the tendering holders for the purposes of receiving the exchange notes from us and delivering exchange notes to holders. Subject to the terms of the registration rights agreement, we expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer and to refuse to accept the occurrence of any of the conditions specified below under "—Conditions to the Exchange Offer."

        If you tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you will not be required to pay brokerage commissions or fees or, subject to the instructions in the letter of transmittal, transfer taxes with respect to the exchange of outstanding notes. We will pay all charges and expenses, other than certain applicable taxes described below in connection with the exchange offer. It is important that you read "—Fees and Expenses" below for more details regarding fees and expenses incurred in the exchange offer.

Expiration Date; Extensions, Amendments

        As used in this prospectus, the term "expiration date" means 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on                , 2012. However, if we, in our sole discretion, extend the period of time for which the exchange offer is open, the term "expiration date" will mean the latest time and date to which we shall have extended the expiration of the exchange offer.


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        To extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open, we will notify the exchange agent of any extension by written notice, followed by notification by press release or other public announcement to the registered holders of the outstanding notes no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

        We reserve the right, in our sole discretion:

provided that we will at all times comply with applicable securities laws, including our obligation to issue the exchange notes or return the outstanding notes deposited by or on behalf of security holders promptly after expiration or withdrawal of the exchange offer.

        Any delay in acceptance, extension, termination or amendment will be followed as promptly as practicable by oral or written notice to the registered holders of the outstanding notes. If we amend the exchange offer in a manner that we determine to constitute a material change, we will promptly disclose the amendment in a manner reasonably calculated to inform the holders of outstanding notes of that amendment.

Conditions to the Exchange Offer

        Despite any other term of the exchange offer, we will not be required to accept for exchange, or to issue exchange notes in exchange for, any outstanding notes and we may terminate or amend the exchange offer as provided in this prospectus prior to the expiration date if in our reasonable judgment:

        In addition, we will not be obligated to accept for exchange the outstanding notes of any holder that has not made to us:

        We expressly reserve the right at any time or at various times to extend the period of time during which the exchange offer is open. Consequently, we may delay acceptance of any outstanding notes by giving oral or written notice of such extension to their holders. We will return any outstanding notes


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that we do not accept for exchange for any reason without expense to their tendering holder promptly after the expiration or termination of the exchange offer.

        We expressly reserve the right to amend or terminate the exchange offer and to reject for exchange any outstanding notes not previously accepted for exchange, upon the occurrence of any of the conditions of the exchange offer specified above. We will give oral or written notice of any extension, amendment, non-acceptance or termination to the holders of the outstanding notes as promptly as practicable. In the case of any extension, such notice will be issued no later than 9:00 a.m., New York City time, on the next business day after the previously scheduled expiration date.

        These conditions are for our sole benefit and we may assert them regardless of the circumstances that may give rise to them or waive them in whole or in part at any or at various times prior to the expiration date in our sole discretion. If we fail at any time to exercise any of the foregoing rights, this failure will not constitute a waiver of such right. Each such right will be deemed an ongoing right that we may assert at any time or at various times prior to the expiration date.

        In addition, we will not accept for exchange any outstanding notes tendered, and will not issue exchange notes in exchange for any such outstanding notes, if at such time any stop order is threatened or in effect with respect to the registration statement of which this prospectus constitutes a part or the qualification of the indentures under the Trust Indenture Act of 1939 (the "TIA").

Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes

        To tender your outstanding notes in the exchange offer, you must comply with either of the following:

        In addition, either:

        Your tender, if not withdrawn prior to the expiration date, constitutes an agreement between us and you upon the terms and subject to the conditions described in this prospectus and in the letter of transmittal.

        The method of delivery of outstanding notes, letters of transmittal, and all other required documents to the exchange agent is at your election and risk. We recommend that instead of delivery by mail, you use an overnight or hand delivery service, properly insured. In all cases, you should allow sufficient time to assure timely delivery to the exchange agent before the expiration date. You should not send letters of transmittal or certificates representing outstanding notes to us. You may request that your broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company or nominee effect the above transactions for you.


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        If you are a beneficial owner whose outstanding notes are registered in the name of a broker, dealer, commercial bank, trust company, or other nominee and you wish to tender your outstanding notes, you should promptly contact the registered holder and instruct the registered holder to tender on your behalf. If you wish to tender the outstanding notes yourself, you must, prior to completing and executing the letter of transmittal and delivering your outstanding notes, either:

        The transfer of registered ownership may take considerable time and may not be able to be completed prior to the expiration date.

        Signatures on the letter of transmittal or a notice of withdrawal, as the case may be, must be guaranteed by a member firm of a registered national securities exchange or of the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., a commercial bank or trust company having an office or correspondent in the United States or another "eligible guarantor institution" within the meaning of Rule 17A(d)-15 under the Exchange Act unless the outstanding notes surrendered for exchange are tendered:

        If the letter of transmittal is signed by a person other than the registered holder of any outstanding notes listed on the outstanding notes, such outstanding notes must be endorsed or accompanied by a properly completed bond power. The bond power must be signed by the registered holder as the registered holder's name appears on the outstanding notes and an eligible guarantor institution must guarantee the signature on the bond power.

        If the letter of transmittal or any certificates representing outstanding notes, or bond powers are signed by trustees, executors, administrators, guardians, attorneys-in-fact, officers of corporations, or others acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, those persons should also indicate when signing and, unless waived by us, they should also submit evidence satisfactory to us of their authority to so act.

        Any financial institution that is a participant in DTC's system may use DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program to tender. Participants in the program may, instead of physically completing and signing the letter of transmittal and delivering it to the exchange agent, electronically transmit their acceptance of the exchange by causing DTC to transfer the outstanding notes to the exchange agent in accordance with DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program procedures for transfer. DTC will then send an agent's message to the exchange agent. The term "agent's message" means a message transmitted by DTC, received by the exchange agent and forming part of the book-entry confirmation, which states that:

        DTC is referred to herein as a "book-entry transfer facility."


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Acceptance of Exchange Notes

        In all cases, we will promptly after expiration of the exchange offer issue exchange notes for outstanding notes that we have accepted for exchange under the exchange offer only after the exchange agent timely receives:

        By tendering outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer, you will represent to us that, among other things:

        In addition, each broker-dealer that is to receive exchange notes for its own account in exchange for outstanding notes must represent that such outstanding notes were acquired by that broker-dealer as a result of market-making activities or other trading activities and must acknowledge that it will deliver a prospectus that meets the requirements of the Securities Act in connection with any resale of the exchange notes. The letter of transmittal states that by so acknowledging and by delivering a prospectus, a broker-dealer will not be deemed to admit that it is an "underwriter" within the meaning of the Securities Act. See "Plan of Distribution" in this prospectus.

        We will interpret the terms and conditions of the exchange offer, including the letters of transmittal and the instructions to the letters of transmittal, and will resolve all questions as to the validity, form, eligibility, including time of receipt, and acceptance of outstanding notes tendered for exchange. Our determinations in this regard will be final and binding on all parties. We reserve the absolute right to reject any and all tenders of any particular outstanding notes not properly tendered or to not accept any particular outstanding notes if the acceptance might, in our or our counsel's judgment, be unlawful. We also reserve the absolute right to waive any defects or irregularities as to any particular outstanding notes prior to the expiration date.

        Unless waived, any defects or irregularities in connection with tenders of outstanding notes for exchange must be cured within such reasonable period of time as we determine. Neither we, the Trustee, the exchange agent, nor any other person will be under any duty to give notification of any defect or irregularity with respect to any tender of outstanding notes for exchange, nor will any of them incur any liability for any failure to give notification. Any outstanding notes received by the exchange agent that are not properly tendered and as to which the irregularities have not been cured or waived will be returned by the exchange agent to the tendering holder, unless otherwise provided in the letter of transmittal, promptly after the expiration date.

Book-Entry Delivery Procedures

        Promptly after the date of this prospectus, the exchange agent will establish an account with respect to the outstanding notes at DTC and, as the book-entry transfer facility, for purposes of the exchange offer. Any financial institution that is a participant in the book-entry transfer facility's system may make book-entry delivery of the outstanding notes by causing the book-entry transfer facility to transfer those outstanding notes into the exchange agent's account at the facility in accordance with the


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facility's procedures for such transfer. To be timely, book-entry delivery of outstanding notes requires receipt of a confirmation of a book-entry transfer, a "book-entry confirmation," prior to the expiration date. In addition, although delivery of outstanding notes may be effected through book-entry transfer into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility, the letter of transmittal or a manually signed facsimile thereof, together with any required signature guarantees and any other required documents, or an "agent's message," as defined below, in connection with a book-entry transfer, must, in any case, be delivered or transmitted to and received by the exchange agent at its address set forth on the cover page of the letter of transmittal prior to the expiration date to receive exchange notes for tendered outstanding notes, or the guaranteed delivery procedure described below must be complied with. Tender will not be deemed made until such documents are received by the exchange agent. Delivery of documents to the book-entry transfer facility does not constitute delivery to the exchange agent.

        Holders of outstanding notes who are unable to deliver confirmation of the book-entry tender of their outstanding notes into the exchange agent's account at the book-entry transfer facility or all other documents required by the letter of transmittal to the exchange agent on or prior to the expiration date must tender their outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures described below.

Guaranteed Delivery Procedures

        If you wish to tender your outstanding notes but your outstanding notes are not immediately available or you cannot deliver your outstanding notes, the letter of transmittal or any other required documents to the exchange agent or comply with the procedures under DTC's Automated Tender Offer Program in the case of outstanding notes, prior to the expiration date, you may still tender if:

        Upon request, the exchange agent will send to you a notice of guaranteed delivery if you wish to tender your outstanding notes according to the guaranteed delivery procedures.


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Withdrawal Rights

        Except as otherwise provided in this prospectus, you may withdraw your tender of outstanding notes at any time prior to 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on the expiration date.

        For a withdrawal to be effective:

        Any notice of withdrawal must:

        If certificates for outstanding notes have been delivered or otherwise identified to the exchange agent, then, prior to the release of such certificates, you must also submit:

        If outstanding notes have been tendered pursuant to the procedures for book-entry transfer described above, any notice of withdrawal must specify the name and number of the account at the book-entry transfer facility to be credited with the withdrawn outstanding notes and otherwise comply with the procedures of the facility. We will determine all questions as to the validity, form, and eligibility, including time of receipt of notices of withdrawal and our determination will be final and binding on all parties. Any outstanding notes so withdrawn will be deemed not to have been validly tendered for exchange for purposes of the exchange offer. Any outstanding notes that have been tendered for exchange but that are not exchanged for any reason will be promptly returned to their holder, without cost to the holder, or, in the case of book-entry transfer, the outstanding notes will be promptly credited to an account at the book-entry transfer facility, promptly after withdrawal or termination of the exchange offer. Properly withdrawn outstanding notes may be retendered by following the procedures described under "—Procedures for Tendering Outstanding Notes" above at any time on or prior to the expiration date.

Exchange Agent

        Wilmington Trust, National Association has been appointed as the exchange agent for the exchange offer. Wilmington Trust, National Association also acts as Trustee under the indenture governing the notes. You should direct all executed letters of transmittal and all questions and requests


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for assistance, requests for additional copies of this prospectus or of the letters of transmittal, and requests for notices of guaranteed delivery to the exchange agent addressed as follows:

By Registered Mail or By Facsimile Transmission: By Hand Delivery:
Overnight Carrier: (302) 636-4137 Wilmington Trust, National
Wilmington Trust, National   Association, as Exchange Agent
Association, as Exchange Agent To Confirm by Telephone: c/o Wilmington Trust Company
c/o Wilmington Trust Company (302) 636-6181 Rodney Square North
Rodney Square North   1100 North Market Street
1100 North Market Street For Information Call: Wilmington, DE 19890-1626
Wilmington, DE 19890-1626 (302) 636-6181 Attention: Sam Hamed
Attention: Sam Hamed    

        If you deliver the letter of transmittal to an address other than the one set forth above or transmit instructions via facsimile other than the one set forth above, that delivery or those instructions will not be effective.

Fees and Expenses

        The registration rights agreement provides that we will bear all expenses in connection with the performance of our obligations relating to the registration of the exchange notes and the conduct of the exchange offer. These expenses include registration and filing fees, accounting and legal fees and printing costs, among others. We will pay the exchange agent reasonable and customary fees for its services and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses. We will also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for customary mailing and handling expenses incurred by them in forwarding this prospectus and related documents to their clients that are holders of outstanding notes and for handling or tendering for such clients.

        We have not retained any dealer-manager in connection with the exchange offer and will not pay any fee or commission to any broker, dealer, nominee or other person, other than the exchange agent, for soliciting tenders of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer.

Accounting Treatment

        We will record the exchange notes in our accounting records at the same carrying value as the outstanding notes, which is the aggregate principal amount as reflected in our accounting records on the date of exchanges. Accordingly, we will not recognize any gain or loss for accounting purposes upon the consummation of the exchange offer. We will record the expenses of the exchange offer as incurred.

Transfer Taxes

        We will pay all transfer taxes, if any, applicable to the exchange of outstanding notes under the exchange offer. If, however, certificates representing exchange notes or outstanding notes for principal amounts not tendered or accepted for exchange are to be delivered to, or are to be registered or issued in the name of, any person other than the registered holder of the outstanding notes tendered, or if tendered outstanding notes are registered in the name of any person other than the person signing the letter of transmittal, or if a transfer tax is imposed for any reason other than the exchange of outstanding notes pursuant to the exchange offer, then the amount of any such transfer taxes, whether imposed on the registered holder or any other persons, will be payable by the tendering holder. If satisfactory evidence of payment of such taxes or exemption therefrom is not submitted with the letter of transmittal, the amount of such transfer taxes will be billed by us directly to such tendering holder.


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Consequences of Failure to Exchange

        If you do not exchange your outstanding notes for exchange notes under the exchange offer, your outstanding notes will remain subject to the restrictions on transfer of such outstanding notes:

        In general, you may not offer or sell your outstanding notes unless they are registered under the Securities Act or if the offer or sale is exempt from registration under the Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. Except as required by the registration rights agreement, we do not intend to register resales of the outstanding notes under the Securities Act.

Other

        Participating in the exchange offer is voluntary, and you should carefully consider whether to accept. You are urged to consult your financial and tax advisors in making your own decision on what action to take.

        We may in the future seek to acquire untendered outstanding notes in open market or privately negotiated transactions, through subsequent exchange offers or otherwise. We have no present plans to acquire any outstanding notes that are not tendered in the exchange offer or to file a registration statement to permit resales of any untendered outstanding notes.


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USE OF PROCEEDS

        The exchange offer is intended to satisfy our obligations under the registration rights agreement. We will not receive any cash proceeds from the issuance of the exchange notes. In exchange for the exchange notes, we will receive outstanding notes in like principal amount. We will retire or cancel all of the outstanding notes tendered in the exchange offer. Accordingly, the issuance of the exchange notes will not result in any change in our capitalization.

        We used the net proceeds from the offering of the outstanding notes, together with borrowings under our Credit Facilities, to finance a portion of the Acquisition. Merger Sub contributed the debt proceeds, after payment of fees and expenses, to us, which we then loaned such net proceeds to Parent. Parent used those proceeds, together with the Sponsors' equity contributions, the Rollover Equity and cash on hand, to pay the Merger Consideration, and pay fees and expenses related to the Acquisition.


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UNAUDITED PRO FORMA CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations has been developed by applying pro forma adjustments to our audited statements of operations for the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 through January 14, 2012, and for the Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statementstatements of operations for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 gives effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on April 3, 2011. The unaudited consolidated statements of operations for the first quarter ended June 30, 2012, as reported, reflects the effect of the Merger for the full period, therefore no pro forma adjustments are required.

        The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data is presented for informational purposes only. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had the Merger actually occurred on the dates indicated and does not purport to project our results of operations for any future period. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statement should be read in conjunction with the information contained in other sections of this prospectus including "Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data," in our consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. All pro forma adjustments and their underlying assumptions are described more fully in the notes to our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared to give effect to the Merger including the accounting for the acquisition of our business as a purchase business combination in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations."

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statement of operations does not reflect non-recurring charges that have been incurred in connection with the Merger, including (i) certain non-recurring expenses related to the Merger estimated at approximately $25.8 million, and (ii) the


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stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.0 million relating to the accelerated vesting of stock based awards to management and associates that vested as a result of the Merger.

 
 For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 
 
 Historical
Successor
 Historical
Predecessor
 Pro Forma
Adjustments
 Pro Forma 
 
 (Amounts in thousands)
 

Net Sales:

             

99¢ Only Stores

 $329,361 $1,158,733 $ $1,488,094 

Bargain Wholesale

  9,555  34,047    43,602 
          

Total sales

  338,916  1,192,780    1,531,696 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

  203,775  711,002    914,777 
          

Gross profit

  135,141  481,778    616,919 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

             

Operating expenses

  110,477  376,122  (25,069)(a) 461,530 

Depreciation

  11,361  21,855  9,272(b) 42,488 

Amortization of intangible assets

  374  14  1,376(c) 1,764 
          

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

  122,212  397,991  (14,421) 505,782 
          

Operating income

  12,929  83,787  14,421  111,137 
          

Other (income) expenses:

             

Interest income

  (29) (291)   (320)

Interest expense

  16,223  381  53,025(d) 69,629 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

    357    357 

Other

  (75) (107)   (182)
          

Total other expense, net

  16,119  340  53,025  69,484 
          

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

  (3,190) 83,447  (38,604) 41,653 

Provision for income taxes

  2,103  33,699  (16,178)(e) 19,624 
          

Net (loss) income

 $(5,293)$49,748 $(22,426)$22,029 
          

(a)
Represents adjustments to increase historical expenses for ongoing expenses incurred in connection with the Merger and adjustments to eliminate one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger (in thousands):

 
 Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2012(1)
 

Credit facility annual administration fee(i)

 $158 

Favorable/unfavorable lease amortization, net(ii)

  155 

Executive compensation(iii)

  583 

Rent expenses (renegotiated leases)(iv)

  788 
    

Subtotal—ongoing expenses

  1,684 

One-time merger costs(v)

  (26,753)
    

Total operating expenses

 $(25,069)
    

(1)
Represents adjustments to the predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, as the successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 already includes these adjustments.

(i)
Represents adjustments to administrative fees associated with the First Lien Term Facility and the ABL Facility in connection with the Merger.

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(ii)
Represents adjustments resulting from the amortization of favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liability recorded in connection with the Merger, amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease terms of each lease.

(iii)
Represents adjustments to compensation expense resulting from new executive salaries of certain named executives based on new employment arrangements in connection with the Merger.

(iv)
Represents adjustments resulting from the renegotiation of certain leases with the Rollover Investors and their affiliates in connection with the Merger.

(v)
Represents adjustments to eliminate one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, principally legal and financial advisory fees.
(b)
Represents adjustments resulting from the increase in the net book value ("step-up") of depreciable property and equipment of approximately $150 million depreciated on a straight-line basis over their respective remaining useful lives.

(c)
Represents adjustments resulting from the increase in the estimated fair market values of finite-lived intangible assets. Finite-lived intangiblesintangible assets include the Rinso and Halsa private label brands which will be amortized over a remaining useful life of 20 years and the Bargain Wholesale customer relationships which will be amortized over a remaining useful life of 12 years. The useful lives of these finite-lived intangible assets were based on the expected future cash flows associated with these assets. We based the remaining useful lives for these finite-lived intangible assets at the point in time we expected to realize substantially all of the benefit of projected future cash flows.

(d)
Represents the following adjustments to interest expense, net (in thousands):

 
 Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2012(1)
 

Pro forma cash interest expense(i)

 $48,160 

Pro forma deferred financing costs amortization expense(i)

  4,865 

Less: interest expense, historical(ii)

   
    

Additional expense

 $53,025 
    

(1)
Represents adjustments to the predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, as the successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 already includes these adjustments.

(i)
Reflects the adjustments to interest expense as a result of the increase in annual interest expense associated with borrowings under the First Lien Term Facility and the issuance of the outstanding notes, including the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with outstanding notes, the First Lien Term Facility and the ABL Facility and accretion of the original issue discount associated with the First Lien Term Facility. The deferred financing costs and original issue discount is being recognized over the respective terms of the debt agreements using the effective interest method.

(ii)
Historical interest expense has not been adjusted for interest income as amounts are not material and has not been adjusted for interest related to tax matters.
(e)
To reflect the tax effect of the pro forma adjustments, using a combined federal and state statutory tax rate of approximately 40%, and excludes pro forma adjustments that result in no tax benefit.benefit, including non-deductible depreciation expenses and one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger.

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SELECTED CONSOLIDATED HISTORICAL FINANCIAL DATA

        The following table sets forth selected financial and operating data of the Company for the periods indicated. The data set forth below should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in this prospectus, "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operation" in this prospectus. The consolidated statements of income and company operating data for the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and July 2, 2011, for the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 and the Successor period from January 15, 2012 toMarch 31, 2012, and the fiscal years ended April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010, March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 and the consolidated retail operating and balance sheet data as of June 30, 2012, July 2, 2011, March 31, 2012, April 2, 2011, March 27, 2010, March 28, 2009 and March 29, 2008 are derived from our consolidated financial statements. The Successor period January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 contains 11 weeks. The Predecessor period April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 contains 41 weeks. The Predecessor fiscal year ended on April 2, 2011 is comprised of 53 weeks while the earlier Predecessor periods presented are comprised of 52 weeks. The Successor first


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quarter ended June 30, 2012 and the Predecessor first quarter ended July 2, 2011 were each comprised of 91 days.

 First Quarter Ended For the Periods Years Ended 

 For the Periods Years Ended  June 30,
2012
  
 July 2,
2011
 January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012
  
 April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012
 April 2,
2011
 March 27,
2010
 March 28,
2009
 March 29,
2008
 

 January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012
  
 April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012
 April 2,
2011
 March 27,
2010
 March 28,
2009
 March 29,
2008
  (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 

 (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
   
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

 (Amounts in thousands, except operating and other data)
  (Unaudited)
  
 (Unaudited)
  
  
 (Amounts in thousands, except operating and other data)
  
 

Statements of Income Data:

        

Net Sales:

        

99¢ Only Stores

 $329,361   $1,158,733 $1,380,357 $1,314,214 $1,262,119 $1,158,856  $388,956   $357,544 $329,361   $1,158,733 $1,380,357 $1,314,214 $1,262,119 $1,158,856 

Bargain Wholesale

 9,555   34,047 43,521 40,956 40,817 40,518  11,994   10,796 9,555   34,047 43,521 40,956 40,817 40,518 
                                    

Total sales

 338,916   1,192,780 1,423,878 1,355,170 1,302,936 1,199,374  400,950   368,340 338,916   1,192,780 1,423,878 1,355,170 1,302,936 1,199,374 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense as shown separately below)

 
203,775
   
711,002
 
842,756
 
797,748
 
791,121
 
738,499
  
243,902
   
219,520
 
203,775
   
711,002
 
842,756
 
797,748
 
791,121
 
738,499
 
��                                   

Gross profit

 135,141   481,778 581,122 557,422 511,815 460,875  157,048   148,820 135,141   481,778 581,122 557,422 511,815 460,875 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

        

Operating expenses

 110,477   376,122 436,034 436,608 464,635 433,940  118,771   113,566 110,477   376,122 436,034 436,608 464,635 433,940 

Depreciation

 11,361   21,855 27,587 27,381 34,224 33,286  13,752   6,709 11,361   21,855 27,587 27,381 34,224 33,286 

Amortization of intangible assets

 374   14 18 17 42 35  441   4 374   14 18 17 42 35 
                
                     

Total operating expenses

 122,212   397,991 463,639 464,006 498,901 467,261  132,964   120,279 122,212   397,991 463,639 464,006 498,901 467,261 
                                    

Operating income (loss)

 12,929   83,787 117,483 93,416 12,914 (6,386) 24,084   28,541 12,929   83,787 117,483 93,416 12,914 (6,386)
                
                     

Other expense (income), net

 16,119   340 (741) (135) (993) (6,674) 15,856   116 16,119   340 (741) (135) (993) (6,674)
                                    

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes and income attributed to noncontrolling interest

 (3,190)  83,447 118,224 93,551 13,907 288 

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and income attributed to noncontrolling interest

 8,228   28,425 (3,190)  83,447 118,224 93,551 13,907 288 

Provision (benefit) for income taxes

 2,103   33,699 43,916 33,104 4,069 (2,605) 3,126   10,742 2,103   33,699 43,916 33,104 4,069 (2,605)
                                    

Net (loss) income including noncontrolling interest

 (5,293)  49,748 74,308 60,447 9,838 2,893 

Net income (loss) including noncontrolling interest

 5,102   17,683 (5,293)  49,748 74,308 60,447 9,838 2,893 

Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest

       (1,357)             (1,357)  

Net (loss) income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores

 $(5,293)  $49,748 $74,308 $60,447 $8,481 $2,893 

Net income (loss) attributable to 99¢ Only Stores

 $5,102   $17,683 $(5,293)  $49,748 $74,308 $60,447 $8,481 $2,893 
                                    

Company Operating Data:

        

Sales Growth:

        

99¢ Only Stores

 N/A   N/A 5.0% 4.1% 8.9% 8.9% 8.8%  6.2% N/A   N/A 5.0% 4.1% 8.9% 8.9%

Bargain Wholesale

 N/A   N/A 6.3% 0.3% 0.7% 0.8% 11.1%  8.8% N/A   N/A 6.3% 0.3% 0.7% 0.8%

Total sales

 N/A   N/A 5.1% 4.0% 8.6% 8.6% 8.9%  6.3% N/A   N/A 5.1% 4.0% 8.6% 8.6%

Gross margin

 
39.9

%
  
40.4

%
 
40.8

%
 
41.1

%
 
39.3

%
 
38.4

%
 
39.2

%
  
40.4

%
 
39.9

%
  
40.4

%
 
40.8

%
 
41.1

%
 
39.3

%
 
38.4

%

Operating margin

 3.8%  7.0% 8.3% 6.9% 1.0% (0.5)% 6.0%  7.7% 3.8%  7.0% 8.3% 6.9% 1.0% (0.5)%

Net (loss) income

 (1.6)%  4.2% 5.2% 4.5% 0.7% 0.2%

Net income (loss)

 1.3%  4.8% (1.6)%  4.2% 5.2% 4.5% 0.7% 0.2%

Other Data:

        

Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(a)

 0.8x   18.2x 21.3x 15.8x 3.0x 1.0x  1.5x   17.6x 0.8x   18.2x 21.3x 15.8x 3.0x 1.0x 

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 March 31,
2012
  
 April 2,
2011
 March 27,
2010
 March 28,
2009
 March 29,
2008
  June 30,
2012
  
 July 2,
2011
 March 31,
2012
  
 April 2,
2011
 March 27,
2010
 March 28,
2009
 March 29,
2008
 

 (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
  (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 (Predecessor)
 

 (Amounts in thousands, except operating data)
  (Unaudited)
  
 (Unaudited)
 (Amounts in thousands, except operating data)
 

Retail Operating Data(b):

          

99¢ Only Stores at end of period

 298   285 275 279 265  300    285 298    285 275 279 265 

Change in comparable stores net sales(c)

 N/A   0.7% 3.9% 3.7% 4.0% 4.5%   5.9% N/A    0.7% 3.9% 3.7% 4.0%

Average net sales per store open the full year

 N/A   $4,874 $4,848 $4,642 $4,547  N/A    N/A N/A   $4,874 $4,848 $4,642 $4,547 

Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot(d)

 N/A   $291(e)$289(f)$273(g)$263(h) N/A    N/A N/A   $291(e)$289(f)$273(g)$263(h)

Estimated saleable square footage at year end

 4,948,344   4,758,432 4,606,728 4,703,630 4,521,091  4,978,210(i)   4,758,432(j) 4,948,344    4,758,432 4,606,728 4,703,630 4,521,091 

Balance Sheet Data:

          

Working capital

 $161,536   $323,314 $263,905 $192,365 $170,581  $170,571   $341,057 $161,536   $323,314 $263,905 $192,365 $170,581 

Total assets

 $1,768,041   $824,215 $745,986 $662,873 $649,410  $1,773,931   $844,116 $1,768,041   $824,215 $745,986 $662,873 $649,410 

Capital lease obligation, including current portion

 $431   $448 $519 $584 $643  $411   $484 $431   $448 $519 $584 $643 

Long-term debt, including current portion

 $763,601   $ $ $ $7,319  $762,570     $763,601   $ $ $ $7,319 

Total shareholders' equity

 $630,767   $681,549 $600,422 $523,857 $526,491  $636,112   $701,876 $630,767   $681,549 $600,422 $523,857 $526,491 

(a)
The ratio of earnings to fixed charges is computed by dividing earnings by fixed charges. For purposes of computing this ratio of earnings to fixed charges, "fixed charges" includes interest expense on all indebtedness, whether expensed or capitalized, including amortization of debt issuance costs, plus the portion of rental expense that is representative of the interest factor within these rentals. "Earnings" consist of pre-tax income (loss) from continuing operations plus fixed charges, including unamortized capitalized debt issuance costs.

(b)
Includes retail operating data solely for our 99¢ Only Stores. For comparability purposes, comparable stores net sales, average net sales per store and average net sales per estimated saleable square foot are based on comparable 52 weeks, for all periods presented.

(c)
Change in comparable stores net sales compares net sales for all stores open at least 15 months. We normally do not relocate stores or close them if renovations are taking place. In a rare situation where a store is relocated, or closed and later re-opened at the same location, the relocated or re-opened store is considered a new store for any comparable store sales analysis, and would only be included in the comparable store sales analysis once it has been open, or re-opened, for 15 months.

(d)
Computed based upon estimated total saleable square footage of stores open for the full year.

(e)
Includes 32 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $181. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.1 million per store and $307 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(f)
Includes 31 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $3.4 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $180. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $305 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(g)
Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.7 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $142. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $5.0 million per store and $301 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(h)
Includes 39 Texas stores open for a full year. Texas stores open for the full year had average sales of $2.6 million per store and average sales per estimated saleable square foot of $128. All Western States stores open for the full year had average sales of $4.9 million per store and $291 of average sales per estimated saleable square foot.

(i)
Computed based upon the number of stores opened as of the end of the first quarter ended June 30, 2012.

(j)
Computed based upon the number of stores opened as of the end of the first quarter ended July 2, 2011.

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MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

        You should read the following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in connection with the information under the heading "Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data" and "Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information" in this prospectus and the consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto included in this prospectus. Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis or set forth elsewhere in this prospectus, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business and related financing, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the "Risk Factors" section of this prospectus for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis.

Overview

        We follow a fiscal calendar consisting of four quarters with 91 days, each ending on the Saturday closest to the calendar quarter-end, and a 52-week fiscal year with 364 days, with a 53-week year every five to six years. Unless otherwise stated, references to years in this prospectus relate to fiscal years rather than calendar years. On January 13, 2012, we completed the Merger. As a result of the Merger, we have prepared separate discussion and analysis of our consolidated operating results, financial condition and liquidity for the "Predecessor" and "Successor" periods relating to the periods preceding and succeeding the Merger, respectively. Our fiscal year 2012 ("fiscal 2012") is presented as a Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consisting of 11 weeks (the "fiscal 2012 Successor period") and a Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 consisting of 41 weeks (the "fiscal 2012 Predecessor period"), for a total of 52 weeks. Our fiscal year 2011 ("fiscal 2011") began on March 28, 2010 and ended on April 2, 2011, consisting of 53 weeks with one additional week included in the fourth quarter and our fiscal year 2010 ("fiscal 2010") began on March 29, 2009 and ended March 27, 2010, consisting of 52 weeks. For comparability purposes, annual same-store sales, average annual sales per store and annual sales per estimated saleable square foot calculations included in this prospectus are based on comparable 52 weeks, ended on March 31, 2012 for fiscal 2012, ended on March 26, 2011 for fiscal 2011 and ended on March 27, 2010 for fiscal 2010. Our fiscal year 2013 ("fiscal 2013") will consist of 52 weeks beginning April 1, 2012 and ending March 30, 2013. Each of our first quarter ended June 30, 2012 ("first quarter of fiscal 2013") and first quarter ended July 2, 2011 ("first quarter of fiscal 2012") was comprised of 91 days.

        In accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America ("GAAP"), we are required to separately present our results for the Predecessor and Successor periods. We have also prepared supplemental unaudited discussion and analysis of the combined Predecessor and Successor periods, on a pro forma basis ("pro forma fiscal year 2012"). Management believes that reviewing our results on a pro forma basis is important in identifying trends or reaching conclusions regarding our overall performance. The unaudited pro forma fiscal year 2012 financial data is for informational purposes only and should be read in conjunction with our historical financial data appearing throughout this prospectus.

        During the fiscal 2012 Successor period, we had net sales of $338.9 million, operating income of $12.9 million and a net loss of $5.3 million. During the fiscal 2012 Predecessor period, we had net sales of $1,192.8 million, operating income of $83.8 million and net income of $49.7 million.

        During pro forma fiscal 2012, we had net sales of $1,531.7 million, operating income of $111.1 million and net income of $22.0 million. Net sales for pro forma fiscal 2012 increased 7.6% over fiscal 2011 primarily due to the 13 new store openings since the end of fiscal 2011 and a 7.3% increase in same-store sales, offset by one additional week in fiscal 2011. Average sales per store open the full


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year, on a comparable 52-week period, increased to $5.2 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $4.9 million in fiscal 2011. Average net sales per estimated saleable square foot (computed for stores open for the full year) on a comparable 52-week period increased to $309 per square foot for pro forma


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fiscal 2012 from $291 per square foot for fiscal 2011. This increase reflects our opening of smaller locations for our new stores and increases in same-store sales. Existing stores at March 31,June 30, 2012 averaged approximately 21,000 gross square feet. We are currently targeting new store openings of approximately 18,000 gross square feet.

        For the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we had net sales of $401.0 million, operating income of $24.1 million and net income of $5.1 million. Sales increased during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 primarily due to a 4.5% increase in same-store sales, the full quarter effect of 13 new stores opened in fiscal 2012, and the effect of two new stores opened in fiscal 2013.

        In pro forma fiscal 2012, we continued to expand our store base by opening 13 new stores. Of these newly opened stores, eight stores are located in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada, and two in Texas. We did not close any stores during fiscal 2012. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we opened one store in Southern California and one in Nevada. In fiscal 2013, we plancurrently intend to increase our store count by approximately 10%, with the majority of new storeswhich are expected to be opened in California during the second half of fiscal 2013. We believe that near term growth in fiscal 2013 will primarily result from new store openings in our existing territories and increases in same-store sales.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

        The preparation of financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect reported earnings. These estimates and assumptions are evaluated on an on-going basis and are based on historical experience and other factors that management believes are reasonable. Estimates and assumptions include, but are not limited to, the areas of inventories, long-lived asset impairment, legal reserves, self-insurance reserves, leases, taxes and share-based compensation.

        We believe that the following items represent the areas where more critical estimates and assumptions are used in the preparation of our financial statements:statements for fiscal 2012. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, there was no material change to the following critical estimates and assumptions.

        Inventory valuation.    Inventories are valued at the lower of cost (first in, first out) or market. Valuation allowances for shrinkage, as well as excess and obsolete inventory are also recorded. Shrinkage is estimated as a percentage of sales for the period from the last physical inventory date to the end of the applicable period. Such estimates are based on experience and the most recent physical inventory results. Physical inventories are taken at each of our retail stores at least once a year by an independent inventory service company. Additional store level physical inventories are taken by the service companies from time to time based on a particular store's performance and/or book inventory balance. We also perform inventory reviews and analysis on a quarterly basis for both warehouse and store inventory to determine inventory valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory. Our policy is to analyze all items held in inventory that would not be sold through at current sales rates over a twenty-four month period to determine what merchandise should be reserved for as excess and obsolete. The valuation allowances for excess and obsolete inventory in many locations (including various warehouses, store backrooms, and sales floors of our stores) require management judgment and estimates that may impact the ending inventory valuation as well as gross margins. We do not believe that there is a reasonable likelihood that there will be a material change in the future estimates or assumptions that we use to calculate these inventory valuation reserves. As an indicator of the sensitivity of this estimate, a 10% increase in our estimates of expected losses from shrinkage and the excess and obsolete inventory provision at March 31, 2012, would have increased these reserves by approximately $1.6 million and $0.4 million, respectively and reduced pre-tax earnings in the 2012 Successor period by the same amounts.


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        In order to obtain inventory at attractive prices, we take advantage of large volume purchases, closeouts and other similar purchase opportunities. Consequently, our inventory fluctuates from period to period and the inventory balances vary based on the timing and availability of such opportunities. Our inventory was $214.3 million as of March 31, 2012 and $191.5 million as of April 2, 2011.

        Long-lived asset impairment.    In accordance with ASC 360, "Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-lived Assets" ("ASC 360"), we assess the impairment of long-lived assets annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. Recoverability is measured by comparing the carrying amount of an asset to expected future net cash flows generated by the asset. If the carrying amount of an asset exceeds its estimated undiscounted


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future cash flows, the carrying amount is compared to its fair value and an impairment charge is recognized to the extent of the difference. Factors that we consider important which could individually or in combination trigger an impairment review include the following. (1) significant underperformance relative to expected historical or projected future operating results; (2) significant changes in the manner we use of the acquired assets or the strategy for our overall business; and (3) significant changes in our business strategies and/or negative industry or economic trends. On a quarterly basis, we assess whether events or changes in circumstances occur that potentially indicate that the carrying value of long-lived assets may not be recoverable. Considerable management judgment is necessary to estimate projected future operating cash flows. Accordingly, if actual results fall short of such estimates, significant future impairments could result. During the Successor and Predecessor periods of fiscal 2012 and fiscal 2011, we did not record any long-lived asset impairment charges. In fiscal 2010, due to the underperformance of one California store, we concluded that the carrying value of our long-lived asset was not recoverable and accordingly recorded an asset impairment charge of $0.4 million. See "Note 11—Texas Market" to the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for further information regarding the charges related to our Texas operations. We have not made any material changes to our long-lived asset impairment methodology during the Successor and Predecessor periods of fiscal 2012.

        Goodwill and other intangible assets.    The Merger was accounted for as a purchase business combination, whereby the purchase price paid was allocated to recognize the acquired assets and liabilities at their fair value. In connection with the purchase price allocation, intangible assets were established for the 99¢ trademark, and the Rinso and Halsa label brands were revalued. The purchase price in excess of the fair value of assets and liabilities was recorded as goodwill.

        Indefinite-lived intangible assets, such as the 99¢ trademark and goodwill, are not subject to amortization. We assess the recoverability of indefinite-lived intangibles whenever there are indicators of impairment, or at least annually in the fourth quarter. If the recorded carrying value of an intangible asset exceeds our estimated fair value, we record a charge to write the intangible asset down to its fair value.

        Intangible assets with a definite life, including the Rinso and Halsa label brands, as well as the Bargain Wholesale customers, are amortized on a straight line basis over their useful lives. Amortizable intangible assets, are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset or asset group may not be recoverable based on undiscounted cash flows, and, if impaired, the assets are written down to fair value based on either discounted cash flows or appraised values.

        Considerable management judgment is necessary in estimating future cash flows, market interest rates, discount rates and other factors affecting the valuation of goodwill and intangibles.

        Legal reserves.    We are subject to private lawsuits, administrative proceedings and claims that arise in the ordinary course of business. A number of these lawsuits, proceedings and claims may exist at any given time. While the resolution of a lawsuit, proceeding or claim may have an impact on our financial


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results for the period in which it is resolved, and litigation is inherently unpredictable, in management's opinion, none of these matters arising in the ordinary course of business are expected to have a material adverse effect on our financial position, results of operations, or overall liquidity. Material pending legal proceedings (other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to our business) and material proceedings known to be contemplated by governmental authorities are reported in our Securities Exchange Act reports. In accordance with ASC 450, "Accounting for Contingencies" ("ASC 450"), we record a liability when it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.


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        There were no material changes in the estimates or assumptions used to determine legal reserves during the Successor and Predecessor periods of fiscal 2012 and a 10% change in legal reserves would not be material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        Self-insured workers' compensation liability.    We self-insure for workers' compensation claims in California and Texas. We have established a reserve for losses of both estimated known claims and incurred but not reported claims. The estimates are based on reported claims and actuarial valuations of estimated future costs of reported and incurred but not yet reported claims. Should the estimates fall short of the actual claims paid, the liability recorded would not be sufficient and additional workers' compensation costs, which may be significant, would be incurred. We do not discount the projected future cash outlays for the time value of money for claims and claim related costs when establishing our workers' compensation liability. As an indicator of the sensitivity of this estimate, at March 31, 2012, a 10% increase in our estimate of expected losses from workers compensation claims would have increased this reserve by approximately $3.9 million and increased the Successor period of fiscal 2012 pre-tax loss by the same amount.

        Self-insured health insurance liability.    During the second quarter of fiscal 2012, we began self-insuring for a portion of our employee medical benefit claims. The liability for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program is determined actuarially, based on claims filed and an estimate of claims incurred but not yet reported. We maintain stop loss insurance coverage to limit our exposure for the self-funded portion of our health insurance program. At March 31, 2012, a 10% change in self-insurance liability would not have been material to our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        Operating leases.    We recognize rent expense for operating leases on a straight-line basis (including the effect of reduced or free rent and rent escalations) over the applicable lease term. The difference between the cash paid to the landlord and the amount recognized as rent expense on a straight-line basis is included in deferred rent. Cash reimbursements received from landlords for leasehold improvements and other cash payments received from landlords as lease incentives are recorded as deferred tenant improvements. Deferred rent related to landlord incentives is amortized as an offset to rent expense using the straight-line method over the applicable lease term.

        For store closures where a lease obligation still exists, we record the estimated future liability associated with the rental obligation on the cease use date (when the store is closed) in accordance with ASC 420, "Exit or Disposal Cost Obligations" ("ASC 420"). Liabilities are established at the cease use date for the present value of any remaining operating lease obligations, net of estimated sublease income, and at the communication date for severance and other exit costs, as prescribed by ASC 420. Key assumptions in calculating the liability include the timeframe expected to terminate lease agreements, estimates related to the sublease potential of closed locations, and estimation of other related exit costs. If actual timing and potential termination costs or realization of sublease income differ from our estimates, the resulting liabilities could vary from recorded amounts. These liabilities are reviewed periodically and adjusted when necessary.


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        During the Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012, we accrued an additional $0.1 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of Texas stores in prior periods. During the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, we accrued an additional $0.3 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of Texas stores in prior periods. During fiscal 2011, we accrued $0.4 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of Texas stores in prior periods. During fiscal 2010, we closed 12 of our Texas stores and accrued approximately $3.0 million in lease termination costs associated with the closing of seven out of the 12 Texas stores. Of the $3.0 million lease termination costs accrual, we recognized a net expense of $2.5 million as these costs were partially offset by a reduction in expenses of $0.5 million due to the reversal of deferred rent and tenant improvements related to these stores during fiscal 2010.


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See "Note 11—Texas Market" to the audited consolidated financial statements and "Note 14—Texas Market" to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for further information regarding the lease termination charges related to our Texas operations.

        Tax Valuation Allowances and Contingencies.    We account for income taxes in accordance with ASC 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740"), which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax bases of recorded assets and liabilities. ASC 740 also requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the net deferred tax assets will not be realized. We had approximately $189.0 million of net deferred tax liabilities as of March 31, 2012, which was comprised of approximately $26.0 million of current deferred tax assets and $215.0 million of non-current deferred tax liabilities, net of tax valuation allowance of $10.3 million. We had approximately $54.7 million in net deferred tax assets that was net of a tax valuation allowance of $5.8 million as of April 2, 2011. Management evaluated the available evidence in assessing our ability to realize the benefits of our deferred tax assets at March 31, 2012 and April 2, 2011, and concluded it is more likely than not that we will not realize a portion of our deferred tax assets. Income tax contingencies are accounted for in accordance with ASC 740-10-50 and may require significant management judgment in estimating final outcomes. There are no uncertain tax positions at March 31, 2012.

        Share-Based Compensation.    Subsequent to the Merger, Parent issued options to acquire shares of common stock of our Parent to certain of our executive officers and employees. We account for stock-based compensation expense under the fair value recognition provisions of ASC 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"). ASC 718 requires companies to estimate the fair value of stock-based payment awards on the date of grant using an option-pricing model. The value of the portion of the award that is ultimately expected to vest is recognized as an expense ratably over the requisite service periods, which is generally a vesting term of five years. Stock options have a term of 10 years. We estimate the fair value for each option award as of the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. Assumptions utilized to value options in the Successor fiscal 2012 period include estimating the fair value of Parent's common stock (which is not publicly traded), the term that the options are expected to be outstanding, an estimate of the volatility of Parent's stock price (which is based on a peer group of publicly traded companies), applicable interest rates and the expected dividend yield of Parent's common stock. Other factors involving judgments that affect the expensing of share-based payments include estimated forfeiture rates of stock-based awards.

        We recognized stock-based compensation expense ratably over the requisite service periods, which was generally a vesting term of three years. Such stock options typically had a term of 10 years and were valued using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The fair value of the PSUs and RSUs was based on the stock price on the grant date. The compensation expense related to PSUs was recognized only when it was probable that the performance criteria would be met. The compensation expense


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related to RSUs was recognized based on the number of shares expected to vest. Stock-based awards outstanding prior to the Merger vested in full in connection with the Merger and were converted into a right to receive Merger Consideration.

Results of Operations

        The following discussion defines the components of the statement of income and should be read in conjunction with "Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data" in this prospectus.

        Net Sales.    Revenue is recognized at the point of sale in our 99¢ Only Stores ("retail sales"). Bargain Wholesale sales revenue is recognized on the date merchandise is shipped. Bargain Wholesale sales are primarily shipped free on board shipping point.


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        Cost of Sales.    Cost of sales includes the cost of inventory, freight in, inter-state warehouse transportation costs and inventory shrinkage (obsolescence, spoilage, and shrink), and is net of discounts and allowances. Cash discounts for satisfying early payment terms are recognized when payment is made, and allowances and rebates based upon milestone achievements such as reaching a certain volume of purchases of a vendor's products are included as a reduction of cost of sales when such contractual milestones are reached in accordance with ASC 605-50-25, "Revenue Recognition—Customer Payments and Incentives-Recognition." In addition, we analyze our inventory levels and related cash discounts received to arrive at a value for cash discounts to be included in the inventory balance. We do not include purchasing, receiving, distribution, warehouse costs and transportation to and from stores in our cost of sales, which totaled $15.6 million, $56.0 million, $67.5 million and $66.3 million for the 2012 Successor period, 2012 Predecessor period, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively and totaled $18.1 million and $17.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012, respectively. Due to this classification, our gross profit rates may not be comparable to those of other retailers that include costs related to their distribution network in cost of sales.

        Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general, and administrative expenses include purchasing, receiving, inspection and warehouse costs, the costs of selling merchandise in stores (payroll and associated costs, occupancy and other store-level costs), distribution costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, transportation to and from stores, and other distribution-related costs), and corporate costs (payroll and associated costs, occupancy, advertising, professional fees, stock-based compensation expense and other corporate administrative costs). Selling, general, and administrative expenses also include depreciation and amortization expense.

        Other (Income) Expense.    Other expense (income) relates primarily to interest expense on our debt, capitalized leases and the impairment charges related to our marketable securities, net of interest income on our marketable securities.

        The following table sets forth for the periods indicated, certain selected income statement data, including such data as a percentage of net sales. The Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 consists of 11 weeks while the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14,


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2012 consists of 41 weeks. The period ended on April 2, 2011 is comprised of 53 weeks while the period ended March 27, 2010 consists of 52 weeks (the percentages may not add up due to rounding):

 For the Quarters Ended For the Periods Years Ended 

 For the Periods Years Ended  June 30,
2012
 % of
Net
Sales
  
 July 2,
2011
 % of
Net
Sales
 January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012
 % of
Net
Sales
  
 April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012
 % of
Net
Sales
 April 2,
2011
 % of
Net
Sales
 March 27,
2010
 % of
Net
Sales
 

 January 15, 2012
to
March 31, 2012
 % of
Net
Sales
  
 April 3, 2011
to
January 14, 2012
 % of
Net
Sales
 April 2,
2011
 % of
Net
Sales
 March 27,
2010
 % of
Net
Sales
  (Successor)
  
 (Predecessor)
 (Successor)
  
  
 (Predecessor)
  
 (Predecessor)
  
 (Predecessor)
  
 

 (Successor)
  
  
 (Predecessor)
  
 (Predecessor)
  
 (Predecessor)
  
  (Amounts in thousands, except
percentages)

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
 

 (Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
   
  
  
  
 (Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
  
 

Net Sales:

                           

99¢ Only Stores

 $329,361 97.2%  $1,158,733 97.1%$1,380,357 96.9%$1,314,214 97.0% $388,956 97.0%  $357,544 97.1%$329,361 97.2%  $1,158,733 97.1%$1,380,357 96.9%$1,314,214 97.0%

Bargain Wholesale

 9,555 2.8    34,047 2.9 43,521 3.1 40,956 3.0  11,994 3.0    10,796 2.9 9,555 2.8    34,047 2.9 43,521 3.1 40,956 3.0 
                                                

Total sales

 338,916 100.0    1,192,780 100.0 1,423,878 100.0 1,355,170 100.0  400,950 100.0    368,340 100.0 338,916 100.0    1,192,780 100.0 1,423,878 100.0 1,355,170 100.0 

Cost of sales

 203,775 60.1    711,002 59.6 842,756 59.2 797,748 58.9  243,902 60.8    219,520 59.6 203,775 60.1    711,002 59.6 842,756 59.2 797,748 58.9 
                                                

Gross profit

 135,141 39.9    481,778 40.4 581,122 40.8 557,422 41.1  157,048 39.2    148,820 40.4 135,141 39.9    481,778 40.4 581,122 40.8 557,422 41.1 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

                           

Operating expenses

 110,477 32.6    376,122 31.5 436,034 30.6 436,608 32.2  118,771 29.6    113,566 30.8 110,477 32.6    376,122 31.5 436,034 30.6 436,608 32.2 

Depreciation

 11,361 3.4    21,855 1.8 27,587 1.9 27,381 2.0  13,752 3.4    6,709 1.8 11,361 3.4    21,855 1.8 27,587 1.9 27,381 2.0 

Amortization of intangible assets

 374 0.1    14 0.0 18 0.0 17 0.0  441 0.1    4 0.0 374 0.1    14 0.0 18 0.0 17 0.0 
                                                

Total operating expenses

 122,212 36.1    397,991 33.4 463,639 32.6 464,006 34.2  132,964 33.2    120,279 32.7 122,212 36.1    397,991 33.4 463,639 32.6 464,006 34.2 
                                                

Operating income

 12,929 3.8    83,787 7.0 117,483 8.3 93,416 6.9  24,084 6.0    28,541 7.7 12,929 3.8    83,787 7.0 117,483 8.3 93,416 6.9 
                                                

Other (income)/expenses, net

 16,119 4.8    340 0.0 (741) (0.1) (135) (0.0) 15,856 4.0    116 0.0 16,119 4.8    340 0.0 (741) (0.1) (135) (0.0)
                                                

(Loss) Income before

        

provision for income taxes

 (3,190) (0.9)   83,447 7.0 118,224 8.3 93,551 6.9 

(Loss) Income before provision for income taxes

 8,228 2.1    28,425 7.7 (3,190) (0.9)   83,447 7.0 118,224 8.3 93,551 6.9 

Provision for income taxes

 2,103 0.6    33,699 2.8 43,916 3.1 33,104 2.4  3,126 0.8    10,742 2.9 2,103 0.6    33,699 2.8 43,916 3.1 33,104 2.4 
                                                

Net (loss)income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores

 $(5,293) (1.6)%  $49,748 4.2%$74,308 5.2%$60,447 4.5%

Net (loss) income attributable to 99¢ Only Stores

 5,102 1.3%   17,683 4.8%$(5,293) (1.6)%  $49,748 4.2%$74,308 5.2%$60,447 4.5%
                                                

        The following discussion of our financial performance also includes supplemental unaudited pro forma consolidated financial information for fiscal years 2012 and 2011. Because the Merger occurred during the fourth fiscal quarter of fiscal 2012, we believe this information aids in the comparison between the years presented. The pro forma information does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had the Merger and related transactions actually occurred at the beginning of the years indicated, and they do not purport to project our results of operations or financial condition for any future period. The following table contains selected pro forma income statement data for 2012 compared to selected pro forma income statement data for fiscal year 2011,


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including such data as a percentage of net sales. See "—Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information" below.

 
 Pro Forma Fiscal Years Ended 
 
 March 31,
2012
 % of
Net Sales
  
 April 2,
2011
 % of
Net Sales
 
 
 (Amounts in thousands, except percentages)
 

Net Sales:

               

99¢ Only Stores

 $1,488,094  97.2%  $1,380,357  96.9%

Bargain Wholesale

  43,602  2.8    43,521  3.1 
            

Total sales

  1,531,696  100.0    1,423,878  100.0 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

  
914,777
  
59.7
    
842,756
  
59.2
 
            

Gross profit

  616,919  40.3    581,122  40.8 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

               

Operating expenses

  461,530  30.1    438,170  30.8 

Depreciation

  42,488  2.8    39,338  2.8 

Amortization of intangible assets

  1,764  0.1    1,766  0.1 
            

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

  505,782  33.0    479,274  33.7 
            

Operating income

  111,137  7.3    101,848  7.2 
            

Other (income) expenses:

               

Interest income

  (320) (0.0)   (865) (0.1)

Interest expense

  69,629  4.5    70,476  4.9 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

  357  0.0    129  0.0 

Other

  (182) (0.0)   (82) (0.0)
            

Total other expense, net

  69,484  4.5    69,658  4.9 
            

Income before provision for income taxes

  41,653  2.7    32,190  2.3 

Provision for income taxes

  19,624  1.3    14,203  1.0 
            

Net income

 $22,029  1.4%  $17,987  1.3%
            

First Quarter Ended June 30, 2012 (Successor) Compared to First Quarter Ended July 2, 2011 (Predecessor)

        Net sales.    Total net sales increased $32.7 million, or 8.9%, to $401.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from $368.3 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Net retail sales increased $31.5 million, or 8.8%, to $389.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from $357.5 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Bargain Wholesale net sales increased approximately by $1.2 million, or 11.1%, to $12.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from $10.8 million in the first fiscal quarter of last year. Of the $31.5 million increase in net retail sales, $16.0 million was due to a 4.5% increase in comparable stores net sales. The comparable stores net sales increase was attributable to an approximately 2.6% increase in transaction counts and increase in an average ticket size by approximately 1.8% to $9.88 from $9.70. The full quarter effect of stores opened in fiscal 2012 increased net retail sales by $14.5 million and the effect of new stores opened during fiscal 2013 increased net retail sales by $1.0 million.

        Gross profit.    Gross profit increased $8.2 million, or 5.5%, to $157.0 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from $148.8 million in the first fiscal quarter of 2012. As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin decreased to 39.2% in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from 40.4% in the first quarter of


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fiscal 2012. Among the gross profit components, cost of products sold increased to 57.4% of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, compared to 56.9% of net sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2012, primarily due to merchandise price increases and a shift in product mix. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013, inventory shrinkage increased to 3.0% of net sales compared to 2.5% of net sales in first quarter of fiscal 2012. This change was primarily due to an increase in our inventory shrinkage reserves based on the store physical inventories taken during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Freight costs for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 increased by 10 basis points compared to the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The remaining change was made up of increases in other less significant items included in cost of sales.

        Operating expenses.    Operating expenses increased by $5.2 million, or 4.6%, to $118.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from $113.6 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 29.6% for the first quarter of fiscal 2013, from 30.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Of the 120 basis point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, retail operating expenses decreased by 80 basis points, distribution and transportation costs decreased by 10 basis points, corporate expenses were flat, and other items decreased by 30 basis points.

        Retail operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 80 basis points to 21.2% of net sales, compared to 22.0% of net sales for first quarter of fiscal 2012. The majority of the decrease was due to payroll-related expenses, primarily due to improved store labor productivity and leveraging positive same-store sales.

        Distribution and transportation expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 10 basis points to 4.5% of net sales compared to 4.6% of net sales for first quarter of fiscal 2012.

        Corporate operating expenses were flat at 3.4% as a percentage of net sales for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

        The remaining operating expenses for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 30 basis points to 0.4% compared to 0.7% of net sales for first quarter of fiscal 2012. The decrease in other operating expenses compared to first quarter of fiscal 2012, was primarily due to legal and professional fees of approximately $1.4 million relating to the Merger incurred in the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

        Depreciation and amortization.    Depreciation increased $7.1 million to $13.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 from $6.7 million in first quarter of fiscal 2012. Depreciation as a percentage of net sales was 3.4% for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 1.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Amortization of intangibles was $0.4 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2013. Depreciation and amortization expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 include the step-up in basis to fair value of our property and equipment and revaluation of intangible assets as a result of the Merger.

        Operating income.    Operating income was $24.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to operating income of $28.5 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 6.0% in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to 7.7% in the first quarter of fiscal 2012. The decrease in operating income as a percentage of net sales was primarily related to the changes in gross margin and depreciation and amortization as discussed above, partially offset by changes in operating expenses as described above.

        Other income/expense, net.    Other expense, net was $15.9 million and $0.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and the first quarter of fiscal 2012, respectively. Other expense, net in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 primarily included $16.0 million of interest expense, reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger. The interest income for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $0.2 million compared to interest income of $0.1 million for first quarter fiscal 2012.


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        Provision for income taxes.    The provision for income taxes was $3.1 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to $10.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012, due to the decrease in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate of the provision for income taxes was approximately 38.0% for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 37.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. There was no material change in the net amount of unrecognized tax benefits in the first quarter of fiscal 2013.

        Net income.    As a result of the items discussed above, net income for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $5.1 million, compared to net income of $17.7 million for the first quarter of fiscal 2012. Net income as a percentage of net sales was 1.3% for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to net income of 4.8% for the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

For the Period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 (Successor)

        Net sales.    Total net sales for the Successor period were $338.9 million, an 11-week period. Net retail sales for the Successor period were $329.4 million. Bargain Wholesale net sales were $9.5 million in the Successor period.

        During the Successor period, we added six new stores: five in California and one in Texas. We did not close any stores during the Successor period. On March 31, 2012, we had 298 stores. Gross retail square footage as of March 31, 2012 was approximately 6.29 million.

        Gross profit.    During the Successor period, gross profit was $135.1 million. As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin was 39.9% during the Successor period. Among gross profit components, cost of products sold was 57.5% of net sales for the Successor period. Freight costs for the Successor period were 0.2% and shrinkage was 2.4% of net sales.


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        Operating expenses.    During the Successor period, operating expenses were $110.5 million. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 32.6% for the Successor period. Retail operating expenses for the Successor period were 21.5% of net sales. Distribution and transportation expenses were 4.6% of net sales for the Successor period. Corporate operating expenses for the Successor period were 3.2% of net sales. The remaining operating expenses for the Successor period were 3.3% of net sales. The Successor period included legal and professional fees of $10.6 million related to the Merger.

        Depreciation and amortization.    During the Successor period, depreciation and amortization of intangibles were $11.4 million and $0.4 million, respectively. Depreciation was 3.4% of net sales and amortization was 0.1% of net sales. Depreciation and amortization expense in the Successor period includes the step-up in basis to fair value of our property and equipment and revaluation of intangible assets as a result of the Merger.

        Operating income.    Operating income was $12.9 million for the Successor period. Operating income was 3.8% of net sales.

        Other expense, net.    Other expense was $16.1 million for the Successor period, which included $16.2 million of interest expense, reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger. The interest income for the Successor period was not significant due to liquidation of a substantial part of our previously-held investment portfolio.

        Provision for income taxes.    The income tax provision in the Successor period was $2.1 million. The effective tax rate for the Successor period was (65.9%). The effective combined federal and state income tax rates are higher than the statutory rates due to non-deductibility of certain transaction costs associated with the Merger.

        Net loss.    As a result of the items discussed above, we recorded a net loss of $5.3 million. Net loss as a percentage of net sales was (1.6%) during the Successor period.


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For the Period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 (Predecessor)

        Net sales.    Total net sales for the 2012 Predecessor period were $1,192.8 million, a 41-week period. Net retail sales for the 2012 Predecessor period were $1,158.7 million. Bargain Wholesale net sales were $34.1 million in the Successor2012 Predecessor period.

        During the 2012 Predecessor period, we added seven new stores: three in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada, and one in Texas. We did not close any stores in California during the Predecessor period.

        Gross profit.    During the 2012 Predecessor period, gross profit was $481.8 million. As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin was 40.4% during the Predecessor period. Among gross profit components, cost of products sold was 56.7% of net sales for the 2012 Predecessor period. Freights costs for 2012 Predecessor period were 0.4% and shrinkage were 2.5% of net sales.

        Operating expenses.    During the 2012 Predecessor period, operating expenses were $376.1 million. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses were 31.5%. Retail operating expenses for the 2012 Predecessor period were 21.8% of net sales. Distribution and transportation expenses were 4.7% of net sales. Corporate operating expenses were 3.4% of net sales. Other operating expenses for the period were 1.7% of net sales. The 2012 Predecessor period included legal and professional fees of $15.2 million related to the Merger.

        Depreciation and amortization.    During the 2012 Predecessor period, depreciation and amortization was $21.9 million. Depreciation and amortization was 1.8% of net sales.


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        Operating income.    Operating income was $83.8 million for the 2012 Predecessor period. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 7.0%.

        Other income/expense, net.    Other expense was $0.3 million for the 2012 Predecessor period, of which $0.4 million was investment impairment charges related to credit losses on our auction rate securities and $0.4 million related to interest expense. The interest income for the 2012 Predecessor period was $0.3 million.

        Provision for income taxes.    The income tax provision in the 2012 Predecessor period was $33.7 million. The effective tax rate for the 2012 Predecessor period was 40.4%. The effective combined federal and state income tax rates are higher than the statutory rates due to non-deductibility of certain transaction costs associated the Merger, partially offset by tax credits and the effect of certain revenues and/or expenses that are not subject to taxation.

        Net income.    As a result of the items discussed above, we recorded a net income of $49.8 million. Net income as a percentage of net sales was 4.2%.

Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011 Compared to Fiscal Year Ended March 27, 2010

        Net sales.    Total net sales increased $68.7 million, or 5.1%, to $1,423.9 million in fiscal 2011, a 53-week period, from $1,355.2 million in fiscal 2010, a 52-week period. Net retail sales increased $66.1 million, or 5.0%, to $1,380.4 million in fiscal 2011 from $1,314.2 million in fiscal 2010, and include the benefit of one additional week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, which contributed an additional $26.9 million of retail sales. Of the remaining $39.2 million increase in net retail sales, $9.5 million was due to a 0.7% increase in comparable stores net sales for all stores open at least 15 months in fiscal 2011 and 2010, calculated on a comparable 52-week period. The comparable stores net sales increase was attributable to a 1.0% increase in transaction counts and a decrease in average ticket size by 0.3% to $9.58 from $9.61. The full year fiscal 2011 effect of new stores opened in fiscal 2010 increased sales by $20.9 million and the effect of 11 new stores opened during fiscal 2011 increased net retail sales by $16.0 million, based on a 52-week period. The increase


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in sales was partially offset by a decrease in sales of approximately $7.2 million due to the effect of closing one store in California upon expiration of its lease during fiscal 2011 and closing 12 stores in Texas and one store in California during fiscal 2010. Bargain Wholesale net sales increased approximately by $2.6 million, or 6.3%, to $43.5 million in fiscal 2011 from $41.0 million in fiscal 2010. Of the $2.6 million increase in Bargain Wholesale net sales, $1.0 million was due to the effect of the additional week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011.

        During fiscal 2011, we added eleven new stores: six in California, two in Arizona and three in Texas. We closed one store in California during fiscal 2011. At the end of fiscal 2011, we had 285 stores compared to 275 as of the end of fiscal 2010. Gross retail square footage at the end of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 was 6.05 million and 5.86 million, respectively. For 99¢ Only Stores open all of fiscal 2011, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot, on a comparable 52-week period, was $291 and the average annual net sales per store were $4.9 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year. Western states stores net sales averaged $5.1 million per store and $307 per square foot. Texas stores open for a full year averaged net sales of $3.4 million per store and $181 per square foot.

        Gross profit.    Gross profit increased $23.7 million, or 4.3%, to $581.1 million in fiscal 2011 from $557.4 million in fiscal 2010. As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin decreased to 40.8% in fiscal 2011 from 41.1% in fiscal 2010. Among gross profit components, cost of products sold increased to 56.4% of net sales for fiscal 2011compared to 56.1% of net sales for fiscal 2010 due to merchandise price increases and a shift in product mix. The freight costs for fiscal 2011 increased by 30 basis points compared to fiscal 2010. For fiscal 2011, shrinkage decreased to 2.5% of net sales compared to 2.6% of


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net sales for fiscal 2010. The remaining change was made up of decreases in other less significant items included in cost of sales.

        Operating expenses.    Operating expenses decreased by $0.6 million, or 0.1%, to $436.0 million in fiscal 2011 from $436.6 million in fiscal 2010. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 30.6% for fiscal 2011 from 32.2% for fiscal 2010. Of the 160 basis point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, retail operating expenses decreased by 40 basis points, distribution and transportation costs decreased by 20 basis points, corporate expenses decreased by 30 basis points, and other items decreased by 70 basis points as described below.

        Retail operating expenses for fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 40 basis points to 22.5% of net sales, compared to 22.9% of net sales for fiscal 2010. The majority of the decrease as a percentage of net sales was due to lower rent expenses and lower payroll-related expenses as a result of improvement in labor productivity. These decreases were partially offset by a slight increase in outside service fees, advertising and various other expenses as a percentage of net sales.

        Distribution and transportation expenses for fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 20 basis points to 4.7% of net sales, compared to 4.9% of net sales for fiscal 2010. The decrease as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to overall improvements in efficiencies.

        Corporate operating expenses for fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 30 basis points to 3.2% of net sales, compared to 3.5% of net sales for fiscal 2010. The decrease was primarily due to lower payroll and payroll related expenses and various other expenses which were partially offset by a slight increase in repair and maintenance costs.

        The remaining operating expenses for fiscal 2011 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 70 basis points to 0.3% of net sales, compared to 1.0% for fiscal 2010. The decrease in other operating expenses was primarily due to the reduction of stock-based compensation by approximately $4.8 million, compared to fiscal 2010, related to a decrease in performance stock unit expense. The performance stock unit expense was higher in fiscal 2010 because the majority of the performance criteria were met in fiscal 2010. In addition, the decrease in other operating expenses in fiscal 2011, compared to fiscal 2010, was due to the proceeds from a legal settlement from a third party administrator related to


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workers' compensation of approximately $2.2 million, which was received in fiscal 2011, and net lease termination and closing costs of approximately $2.5 million, which were included in fiscal 2010.

        Depreciation and amortization.    Depreciation and amortization increased $0.2 million, or 0.8%, to $27.6 million in fiscal 2011 from $27.4 million in fiscal 2010. The increase was primarily a result of new depreciable assets added as a result of new store openings. Depreciation decreased to 1.9% from 2.0% of net sales due to the increase in sales.

        Operating income.    Operating income was $117.5 million for fiscal 2011 compared to operating income of $93.4 million for fiscal 2010. Operating income as a percentage of net sales was 8.3% in fiscal 2011 compared to operating income as a percentage of net sales of 6.9% in fiscal 2010. This was primarily due to the changes in gross margin and operating expenses discussed above.

        Other income, net.    Other income increased to $0.7 million in fiscal 2011 compared to $0.1 million in fiscal 2010. The increase in other income of $0.6 million was primarily due to a lower investment impairment charge of $0.1 million for fiscal 2011 compared to an investment impairment charge of $0.8 million for fiscal 2010 related to credit losses on our available for sale securities. This change was offset by lower interest income which decreased to $0.9 million for fiscal 2011 from $1.1 million for fiscal 2010, primarily due to lower interest rates. Interest expense decreased to $0.1 million for fiscal 2011 compared to interest expense of $0.2 million for fiscal 2010.

        Provision for income taxes.    The income tax provision in fiscal 2011 was $43.9 million compared to $33.1 million in fiscal 2010, due to the increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2011


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was 37.1% compared to an effective tax rate of 35.4% for fiscal 2010. The effective tax rate for fiscal 2011 was higher than fiscal 2010, primarily due to a one-time benefit of approximately $1.4 million in fiscal 2010 related to the expiration of the statutes of limitations related to uncertain tax positions, which equates to an approximately 1% reduction in effective tax rate for fiscal 2010. The effective combined federal and state income tax rates are less than the statutory rates in each period due to tax credits and the effect of certain revenues and/or expenses that are not subject to taxation.

        Net income.    As a result of the items discussed above, net income increased $13.9 million, or 22.9%, to $74.3 million in fiscal 2011 from $60.4 million in fiscal 2010. Net income as a percentage of net sales increased to 5.2% in fiscal 2011 from 4.5% in fiscal 2010.

Supplemental Analysis—Pro Forma Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Pro Forma Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011

        Net sales.    Total net sales increased $107.8 million, or 7.6%, to $1,531.7 million in pro forma fiscal 2012, a 52-week period, from $1,423.9 million in pro forma fiscal 2011, a 53-week period. Net retail sales increased $107.7 million, or 7.8%, to $1,488.1 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $1,380.4 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. Bargain Wholesale net sales increased approximately by $0.1 million, or 0.2%, to $43.6 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $43.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. Of the $107.7 million increase in net retail sales, $97.9 million was due to a 7.3% increase in comparable stores net sales. The comparable stores net sales increase was attributable to approximately 4.9% increase in transaction counts and increase in average ticket size by approximately 2.3% to $9.81 from $9.58. The full year pro forma fiscal 2012 effect of stores opened in fiscal 2011 increased sales by $24.9 million and the effect of 13 new stores opened during pro forma fiscal 2012 increased net retail sales by $19.9 million, based on a 52-week period. The increase in retail sales was partially offset by the impact of one additional week included in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2011, resulting in $26.9 million of additional retail sales, and by a decrease in sales of approximately $2.0 million due to the effect of the closing of one store in California upon expiration of its lease during pro forma fiscal 2011. The increase in Bargain Wholesale net sales was partially offset by the extra week of $1.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2011.


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        During pro forma fiscal 2012, we added 13 new stores: eight in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada, and two in Texas. We did not close any stores in California during pro forma fiscal 2012. As of March 31, 2012, we had 298 stores compared to 285 as of the end of fiscal 2011. Gross retail square footage March 31, 2012 and April 2, 2011 was approximately 6.29 million and 6.05 million, respectively. For 99¢ Only Stores open during all of pro forma fiscal 2012, the average net sales per estimated saleable square foot, on a comparable 52-week period, was approximately $309 and the average annual net sales per store were approximately $5.2 million, including the Texas stores open for the full year.

        Gross profit.    Gross profit increased $35.8 million, or 6.2%, to $616.9 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $581.1 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. As a percentage of net sales, overall gross margin decreased to 40.3% in pro forma fiscal 2012 from 40.8% in pro forma fiscal 2011. Among gross profit components, cost of products sold increased to 56.9% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2012 compared to 56.4% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2011 due to merchandise price increases and a shift in product mix. Freight costs for pro forma fiscal 2012 increased by 20 basis points compared to pro forma fiscal 2011. For pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011, shrinkage was flat at 2.5% of net sales. The remaining change was made up of decreases in other less significant items included in cost of sales.

        Operating expenses.    Operating expenses increased by $23.4 million, or 5.3%, to $461.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $438.2 million in fiscal pro forma 2011. As a percentage of net sales, operating expenses decreased to 30.1% for fiscal pro forma 2012 from 30.8% for fiscal pro forma 2011. Of the 70 basis point decrease in operating expenses as a percentage of net sales, retail operating


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expenses decreased by 80 basis points, distribution and transportation costs were flat, corporate expenses increased by 10 basis points, and other items were flat as described below.

        Retail operating expenses for pro forma fiscal 2012 decreased as a percentage of net sales by 70 basis points to 21.8% of net sales, compared to 22.5% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2011. The majority of the decrease was due to payroll-related expenses and occupancy expenses, primarily resulting from increases in same-store sales. These decreases were partially offset by a slight increase in repairs and maintenance expenses as a percentage of net sales.

        Distribution and transportation expenses were flat at 4.7% as a percentage of net sales for both pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011.

        Corporate operating expenses for fiscal pro forma 2012 increased as a percentage of net sales by 10 basis points to 3.4% of net sales, compared to 3.3% of net sales for pro forma fiscal 2011. The increase as a percentage of net sales was primarily due to legal costs which were partially offset by decreases in payroll and payroll-related expenses.

        The remaining operating expenses for pro forma fiscal 2012 were flat as a percentage of net sales at 0.2% of net sales compared to pro forma fiscal 2011 due to lower stock-based compensation costs in pro forma fiscal 2012, offset by the proceeds from a legal settlement from a third party administrator related to workers' compensation of approximately $2.2 million which was received in pro forma fiscal 2011.

        Depreciation and amortization.    Depreciation increased $3.2 million, or 8.0%, to $42.5 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $39.3 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. The increase was primarily the result of adding new depreciable assets from new store openings. Depreciation as a percentage of net sales was 2.8% for both pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011. Amortization was $1.8 million in both pro forma fiscal 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2011.

        Operating income.    Operating income was $111.1 million for pro forma fiscal 2012 compared to operating income of $101.9 million for pro forma fiscal 2011. Operating income as a percentage of net


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sales was 7.3% in pro forma fiscal 2012 compared to 7.2% in pro forma fiscal 2011. This was primarily due to the changes in operating expenses partially offset changes in gross margin discussed above.

        Other income/expense, net.    Other expense, net was $69.5 million and $69.7 million for pro forma fiscal years 2012 and 2011, respectively. Other expense, net in pro forma fiscal years 2012 and 2011 primarily included $69.6 million and $70.5 million in interest expense, reflecting debt service on borrowings used to finance the Merger. The interest income for pro forma fiscal 2012 was $0.3 million compared to the interest income of $0.9 million for the pro forma fiscal 2011.

        Provision for income taxes.    The income tax provision in pro forma fiscal 2012 was $19.6 million compared to $14.2 million in pro forma fiscal 2011, due to the increase in pre-tax income. The effective tax rate for pro forma fiscal 2012 was 47.1% compared to an effective tax rate of 44.1% for pro forma fiscal 2011. The effective combined federal and state income tax rates for pro forma fiscal 2012 and 2011 are higher than the statutory rates in each period due to non-deductible tax differences arising out of the Merger.

        Net income.    As a result of the items discussed above, pro forma net income increased $4.0 million, or 22.5%, to $22.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2012 from $18.0 million in pro forma fiscal 2011. Net income as a percentage of net sales was 1.4% in pro forma fiscal 2012 and 1.3% in pro forma fiscal 2011.


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Unaudited Pro Forma Condensed Consolidated Financial Information

        The following unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations have been developed by applying pro forma adjustments to our audited statement of operations for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011 and our consolidated financial statements for the Predecessor period from April 3, 2011 through January 14, 2012, and for the Successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal year ended April 2, 2011 and fiscal year ended March 31, 2012 gives effect to the Merger as if it had occurred on March 28, 2010.

        The unaudited pro forma adjustments are based upon available information and certain assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data is presented for informational purposes only. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial data does not purport to represent what our results of operations would have been had the Merger actually occurred on the dates indicated and does not purport to project our results of operations for any future period. The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the information contained in other sections of this prospectus including "Selected Consolidated Historical Financial Data," our historical audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto, and other sections of this "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this prospectus. All pro forma adjustments and their underlying assumptions are described more fully in the notes to our unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations.

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated financial information has been prepared to give effect to the Merger including the accounting for the acquisition of our business as a purchase business combination in accordance with ASC 805, "Business Combinations."

        The unaudited pro forma condensed consolidated statements of operations do not reflect non-recurring charges that have been incurred in connection with the Merger, including (i) certain non-recurring expenses related to the Merger estimated at approximately $25.8 million, and (ii) the


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stock-based compensation expense of approximately $1.0 million relating to the accelerated vesting of stock based awards to management and associates that vested as a result of the Merger.

 
 For the Fiscal Year Ended March 31, 2012 
 
 Historical
Successor
 Historical
Predecessor
 Pro Forma
Adjustments
 Pro Forma 
 
 (Amounts in thousands)
 

Net Sales:

             

99¢ Only Stores

 $329,361 $1,158,733 $ $1,488,094 

Bargain Wholesale

  9,555  34,047    43,602 
          

Total sales

  338,916  1,192,780    1,531,696 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

  
203,775
  
711,002
  
  
914,777
 
          

Gross profit

  135,141  481,778    616,919 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

             

Operating expenses

  110,477  376,122  (25,069)(a) 461,530 

Depreciation

  11,361  21,855  9,272(b) 42,488 

Amortization of intangible assets

  374  14  1,376(c) 1,764 
          

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

  122,212  397,991  (14,421) 505,782 
          

Operating income

  12,929  83,787  14,421  111,137 
          

Other (income) expenses:

             

Interest income

  (29) (291)   (320)

Interest expense

  16,223  381  53,025(d) 69,629 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

    357    357 

Other

  (75) (107)   (182)
          

Total other expense, net

  16,119  340  53,025  69,484 
          

(Loss) income before provision for income taxes

  (3,190) 83,447  (38,604) 41,653 

Provision for income taxes

  2,103  33,699  (16,178)(e) 19,624 
          

Net (loss) income

 $(5,293)$49,748 $(22,426)$22,029 
          

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 For the Fiscal Year Ended April 2, 2011 
 
 Historical
Predecessor
 Pro Forma
Adjustments
 Pro Forma 
 
 (Amounts in thousands)
 

Net Sales:

          

99¢ Only Stores

 $1,380,357 $ $1,380,357 

Bargain Wholesale

  43,521    43,521 
        

Total sales

  1,423,878    1,423,878 

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization expense shown separately below)

  
842,756
  
  
842,756
 
        

Gross profit

  581,122    581,122 

Selling, general and administrative expenses:

          

Operating expenses

  436,034  2,136(a) 438,170 

Depreciation

  27,587  11,751(b) 39,338 

Amortization of intangible assets

  18  1,748(c) 1,766 
        

Total selling, general and administrative expenses

  463,639  15,635  479,274 
        

Operating income

  117,483  (15,635) 101,848 
        

Other (income) expenses:

          

Interest income

  (865)   (865)

Interest expense

  77  70,399(d) 70,476 

Other-than-temporary investment impairment due to credit loss

  129    129 

Other

  (82)   (82)
        

Total other (income) expense, net

  (741) 70,399  69,658 
        

Income before provision for income taxes

  118,224  (86,034) 32,190 

Provision for income taxes

  43,916  (29,713)(e) 14,203 
        

Net income (loss)

 $74,308 $(56,321)$17,987 
        

(a)
Represents adjustments to increase historical expenses for ongoing expenses incurred in connection with the Merger and adjustments to eliminate one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger (in thousands):

 
 Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2012(1)
 Fiscal Year Ended
April 2, 2011
 

Credit facility annual administration fee(i)

 $158 $200 

Favorable/unfavorable lease amortization, net(ii)

  155  182 

Executive compensation(iii)

  583  754 

Rent expenses (renegotiated leases)(iv)

  788  1,000 
      

Subtotal—ongoing expenses

  1,684  2,136 

One-time merger costs(v)

  (26,753)  
      

Total operating expenses

 $(25,069)$2,136 
      

(1)
Represents adjustments to the predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, as the successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 already includes these adjustments.

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(i)
Represents adjustments to administrative fees associated with the First Lien Term Facility and the ABL Facility in connection with the Merger.

(ii)
Represents adjustments resulting from the amortization of favorable lease assets and unfavorable lease liability recorded in connection with the Merger, amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining lease terms of each lease.

(iii)
Represents adjustments to compensation expense resulting from new executive salaries of certain named executives based on new employment arrangements in connection with the Merger.

(iv)
Represents adjustments resulting from the renegotiation of certain leases with the Rollover Investors and their affiliates in connection with the Merger.

(v)
Represents adjustments to eliminate one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger, principally legal and financial advisory fees.
(b)
Represents adjustments resulting from the step-up of depreciable property and equipment of approximately $150 million depreciated on a straight-line basis over their respective remaining useful lives.

(c)
Represents adjustments resulting from the increase in the estimated fair market values of finite-lived intangible assets. Finite-lived intangiblesintangible assets include the Rinso and Halsa private label brands which will be amortized over a remaining useful life of 20 years and the Bargain Wholesale customer relationships which will be amortized over a remaining useful life of 12 years. The useful lives of these finite-lived intangible assets were based on the expected future cash flows associated with these assets. We based the remaining useful lives for these finite-lived intangible assets at the point in time we expected to realize substantially all of the benefit of projected future cash flows.

(d)
Represents the following adjustments to interest expense, net (in thousands):

 
 Fiscal Year Ended
March 31, 2012(1)
 Fiscal Year Ended
April 2, 2011
 

Pro forma cash interest expense(i)

 $48,160 $65,864 

Pro forma deferred financing costs amortization expense(i)

  4,865  4,535 

Less: interest expense, historical(ii)

     
      

Additional expense

 $53,025 $70,399 
      

(1)
Represents adjustments to the predecessor period from April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012, as the successor period from January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 already includes these adjustments.

(i)
Reflects the adjustments to interest expense as a result of the increase in annual interest expense associated with borrowings under the First Lien Term Facility and the issuance of Senior Notes, including the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with Senior Notes, the First Lien Term Facility and the ABL Facility and accretion of the original issue discount associated with the First Lien Term Facility. The deferred financing costs and original issue discount is being recognized over the respective terms of the debt agreements using the effective interest method.

(ii)
Historical interest expense has not been adjusted for interest income as amounts are not material and has not been adjusted for interest related to tax matters.
(e)
To reflect the tax effect of the pro forma adjustments, using a combined federal and state statutory tax rate of approximately 40%, and excludes pro forma adjustments that result in no tax benefit.benefit, including non-deductible depreciation expenses and one-time historical expenses incurred in connection with the Merger.

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Effects of Inflation

        We experienced increases in health care costs, fuel costs and some vendor prices during the Predecessor and Successor periods of fiscal 2012. During fiscal 2011, inflation had a minimal impact on our overall operations. Increases in various costs due to future inflation may impact our operating results to the extent that such increases cannot be passed along to our customers. See "Risk Factors—Risks Related to Our Business—Inflation may affect our ability to keep pricing almost all of our merchandise at 99.99¢ or less" in this prospectus.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        We historically funded our operations principally from cash provided by operations, short-term investments and cash on hand, and until the Merger, did not generally rely upon external sources of financing. After the Merger, our primary sources of liquidity are the combination of net cash flow from operations, existing cash balances and the availability under the Credit Facilities described in this prospectus. Our capital requirements resultconsist primarily fromof purchases of inventory, expenditures related to new store openings, working capital requirements for new and existing stores, including lease obligations, and debt service requirements. Our primary sources of liquidity are the net cash flow from operations, which we believe will be sufficient to fund our regular operating needs and principal and interest payments on our indebtedness, together with availability under our ABL Facility. We currently do not intend to use the availability under our ABL Facility to fund our capital needs in fiscal 2013; however, depending on the exact timing of budgeted capital expenditures, we may borrow under our ABL Facility for short-term capital requirements in future periods. We do not expect to fund basic working capital needs with our ABL Facility; as such, availability under our ABL Facility is not expected to affect our ability to make immediate buying decisions, willingness to take on large volume purchases or ability to pay cash or accept abbreviated credit terms.

        As of June 30, 2012, our total indebtedness was $762.6 million, consisting of borrowings under our First Lien Term Facility of $512.6 million and $250 million of outstanding notes. We have an additional $175 million of available borrowings under our ABL Facility and, subject to certain limitations and the satisfaction of certain conditions, we are also permitted to incur up to an aggregate of $200 million of additional borrowings under incremental facilities in our ABL Facility and First Lien Term Facility. We also have, and will continue to have, significant lease obligations. As of June 30, 2012, our minimum annual rental obligations under long-term operating leases for the remainder of fiscal 2013 are $35.8 million. These obligations are significant and could affect our ability to pursue significant growth initiatives, such as strategic acquisitions, in the future. However, we expect to be able to service these obligations from our net cash flow from operations, and we do not expect these obligations to negatively affect our expansion plans for the foreseeable future, including our plans to increase our store count, planned upgrades to our information technology systems and other obligations.planned capital expenditures.

        On January 13, 2012, in connection with the Merger, we obtained Credit Facilities provided by a syndicate of lenders arranged by Royal Bank of Canada as administrative agent, as well as other agents and lenders that are parties to these Credit Facilities. The Credit Facilities include (a) $175 million in commitments under the ABL Facility, and (b) an aggregate principal amount under the First Lien Term Loan Facility amounting to $525 million. At the closing of the Merger, $10 million of the ABL Facility was drawn on January 13, 2012 to finance a portion of the Merger consideration and transaction expenses, and in February 2012, we repaid the entire $10 million.

        The First Lien Term Loan Facility provides for $525 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $150.0 million in certain circumstances). All obligations under the First Lien Term Loan Facility are guaranteed by Parent and each of our direct or indirect wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Credit Facilities Guarantors"). In addition, the First Lien Term Loan Facility is


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secured by pledges of certain of our equity interests and the equity interests of each Credit Facilities Guarantor.

        We are required to make scheduled quarterly payments each equal to 0.25% of the original principal amount of the term loan (approximately $1.3 million), with the balance due on the maturity date, January 13, 2019. Borrowings under the First Lien Term Loan Facility bear interest at an annual rate equal to an applicable margin plus, at our option, (A) a Base Rate determined by reference to the highest of (a) the prime rate of Royal Bank of Canada (3.25% as of March 31,June 30, 2012), (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (c) an adjusted Eurocurrency rate for one month (determined by reference to the greater of the Eurocurrency rate for the interest period multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate or 1.50% per annum) plus 1.00%, or (B) an Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate. The applicable margin used is 5.50% for Eurocurrency loans and 4.50% for base rate loans.

        On April 4, 2012, we amended the terms of our existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Facility, net of refinancing costs of $11.2 million. The amendment, among other things, decreased the Applicable Margin from the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 5.50% (or base rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or base rate plus 3.00%) and decreased the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%. The maximum capital expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Facility was amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien Term Facility.

        As of March 31,June 30, 2012, subject to certain exceptions, the interest rate charged on the First Lien Term Loan Facility was 7.00% (1.50%5.25% (1.25% Eurocurrency rate, plus the Eurocurrency loan margin of 5.50%4.00%). As of March 31,June 30, 2012, the principal amount outstanding under the First Lien Term Loan Facility was $513.6$512.6 million. See "Description of Our Credit Facilities" in this prospectus and "Note 17—Subsequent Events" to the audited consolidated financial statements and "Note 7—Debt" to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for more information regarding certain amendments to, and agreements entered into in connection with, the First Lien Term Loan Facility.


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        The First Lien Term Loan Facility includes restrictions on our ability and the ability of the Parent and certain of our subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company.

        On April 4, As of June 30, 2012, we amendedwere in compliance with the terms of our existing seven-year $525 million First Lien Term Facility, net of refinancing costs of $11.2 million. The amendment decreased the Applicable Margin per the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus 5.50% (or base rate plus 4.50%) to LIBOR plus 4.00% (or base rate plus 3.00%) and the LIBOR floor from 1.50% to 1.25%. The maximum capital expenditures covenant in the First Lien Term Facility was amended to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures each year throughout the term of the First Lien TermLoan Facility.

        During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on our First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. The swap limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%. The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016. The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as we neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates. The fair value of the swap at June 30, 2012 was a liability of $1.2 million.

        In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement. The interest rate cap agreement limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 3.00% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%. The term of the interest rate cap is from May 29, 2012 to November 29, 2013. We paid $0.05 million to enter into the interest rate cap agreement.

        The ABL Facility provides for up to $175.0 million of borrowings (which may be increased by up to $50.0 million in certain circumstances), subject to certain borrowing base limitations. All obligations under the ABL Facility are guaranteed by the Company, our immediate Parent, 99 Cents Only Stores


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(Nevada) and 99 Cents Only Stores, Texas Inc. (collectively, the "ABL Guarantors"). The ABL Facility is secured by substantially all of our assets and the assets of the ABL Guarantors.

        Borrowings under the ABL Facility bear interest for an initial period until June 30, 2012 at an applicable margin plus, at our option, a fluctuating rate equal to (A) the highest of (a) Federal Funds Rate plus 0.50%, (b) rate of interest determined by agent as "Prime Rate" (3.25% at the date of the Merger), and (c) Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate (determined to be the LIBOR rate multiplied by the Statutory Reserve Rate) on day for an Interest Period of one (1) month plus 1.00% or (B) the Adjusted Eurocurrency Rate. Thereafter, borrowings under the ABL Facility will have variable pricing and will be based, at our option, on (a) LIBOR plus an applicable margin to be determined or (b) the determined base rate plus an applicable margin to be determined, in each case based on a pricing grid depending on average daily excess availability for the most recently ended quarter. The interest rate charged on borrowings under the ABL Facility from the date of the Merger until March 31,June 30, 2012 was 4.25% (the base rate (prime rate at 3.25%) plus the applicable margin of 1.00%).

        In addition to paying interest on outstanding principal under the Credit Facilities, we are required to pay a commitment fee to the lenders under the ABL Facility on unutilized commitments at a rate of 0.375% for the period from the date of the Merger until June 30, 2012. Thereafter, the commitment fee will be adjusted at the beginning of each quarter based upon the average historical excess availability of the prior quarter. We must also pay customary letter of credit fees and agency fees.

        As of March 31,June 30, 2012, we had no outstanding borrowings under the ABL Facility. See "Description of Our Credit Facilities" in this prospectus and "Note 17—Subsequent Events" to the audited consolidated


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financial statements and "Note 7—Debt" to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus for more information regarding certain amendments to the ABL Facility.

        The ABL Facility includes restrictions on our ability, and the ability of the Parent and certain of our subsidiaries to, incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase, our capital stock, make certain acquisitions or investments, materially change our business, incur or permit to exist certain liens, enter into transactions with affiliates or sell our assets to, make capital expenditures or merge or consolidate with or into, another company. The ABL Facility was amended on April 4, 2012 to permit an additional $5 million in capital expenditures for each year during the term of the ABL Facility. As of June 30, 2012, we were in compliance with the terms of the ABL Facility.

        On December 29, 2011, we issued $250 million of outstanding notes. The outstanding notes are guaranteed by each of our subsidiaries, 99 Cents Only Stores Texas, Inc. and 99 Cents Only Stores (Nevada) (the "Senior Notes Guarantors").

        In connection with the issuance of the outstanding notes, we entered into a registration rights agreement that requires us to conduct this exchange offer enabling holders to exchange the outstanding notes for exchange notes, subject to the terms and conditions set forth in this prospectus.

        Pursuant to the terms of the indenture governing the exchange notes, we may redeem all or a part of the exchange notes at certain redemption prices applicable based on the date of redemption.

        The exchange notes will be (i) junior in right of payment to all of our existing and future indebtedness and that of the Senior Notes Guarantors; (ii) unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured unsubordinated basis by the Senior Notes Guarantors; and (iii) junior to the liabilities of our subsidiaries that are not guarantors. We are not required to make any mandatory redemptions or sinking fund payments, and may at any time or from time to time purchase notes in the open market.


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        The indenture governing the exchange notes contains covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of certain of our subsidiaries to incur or guarantee additional indebtedness, create or incur certain liens, pay dividends or make other restricted payments, incur restrictions on the payment of dividends or other distributions from our restricted subsidiaries, make certain investments, transfer or sell assets, engage in transactions with affiliates, or merge or consolidate with other companies or transfer all or substantially all of our assets.

        As of March 31,June 30, 2012, we were in material compliance with the terms of the indenture governing the outstanding notes.

        Net cash provided by operations during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 was $29.3 million and $19.6 million, respectively, consisting primarily of $22.1 million and $24.8 million, respectively, of net income adjusted for non-cash items. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we provided cash of $5.7 million from working capital and $1.5 million for other activities. During the first quarter of fiscal 2012, we used cash of $5.1 million for working capital and $0.2 million for other activities. Net cash provided by working capital activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 primarily reflects an increase in accounts payable and decrease in inventories, accounts receivable and income taxes receivable, partially offset by decrease in accrued expenses. Net cash used by working capital activities for the first quarter of fiscal 2012 primarily reflects an increase in inventories and decreases in accrued expenses and workers' compensation.

        Net cash provided by operating activities in the 2012 Successor period, the 2012 Predecessor period, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 was $22.0 million, $44.3 million, $79.8 million, and $74.9 million, respectively, consisting primarily of $6.8 million, $58.8 million, $117.3 million, and $89.9 million, respectively, of net income adjusted for depreciation and other non-cash items. Net cash provided by (used in) working capital activities was $15.2 million, $(15.4) million, $(37.2) million and $(12.9) million in the 2012 Successor period, 2012 Predecessor period, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, respectively. Net cash provided by working capital activities during the 2012 Successor period primarily reflects decreases in inventories and deposits and other assets and an increase in accrued expenses, which were partially offset by a decrease in accounts payable. Net cash provided by working capital activities during 2012 Predecessor period primarily reflects the increases in inventories and a decrease workers' compensation liability, which were partially offset by the increase in accounts payable, accrued expenses and a decrease in income tax receivable. Net cash used by working capital activities in fiscal 2011 primarily reflects the increases in inventories, deposits and other assets, and income taxes receivable and a


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decrease in workers' compensation liability, which were partially offset by the increase in accounts payable and a decrease in accounts receivable. Net cash used by working capital activities in fiscal 2010 primarily reflects the increases in inventories and income taxes receivable, which were partially offset by the increases in accounts payable, accrued expenses and workers' compensation liability. During the 2012 Successor period, our inventories decreased by $17.9 million. The decrease in inventories was primarily due to seasonal (primarily Easter) inventory. During the 2012 Predecessor period, our inventories increased by approximately $42.5 million. The increase in inventories was primarily due to purchase of seasonal (primarily Easter) items and opportunistic buys. In fiscal 2011, our inventories increased by approximately $20.0 million compared to fiscal 2010, primarily due to growth in the number of stores and increased in-stock levels at the stores. On an ongoing basis, we closely monitor and manage our inventory balances, and they have and may continue to fluctuate period to period based on new store openings, the timing of purchases, and other factors.

        Net cash provided by investing activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $3.5 million. Net cash used in investing activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was $16.6 million. In the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and fiscal 2012, we used $9.0 million and $12.6 million, respectively, for the purchase of property and equipment. We purchased $0.4 million of investments and received proceeds


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of $1.4 million from the sales and maturities of investments during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. We received proceeds of $11.5 million from the disposal and sale of fixed assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2013. We purchased $49.9 million of investments and received proceeds of $45.9 million from the sales and maturities of investments during the first quarter of fiscal 2012. We received proceeds of less than $0.1 million from the disposal properties and fixed assets during the first quarter of fiscal 2012.

        Net cash used in investing activities in the 2012 Successor period was $1,293.3 million, primarily as a result of the Merger that required cash payments of $1,477.6 million. Net cash used in investing activities during the 2012 Predecessor period was $36.6 million. Net cash used in investing activities during fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 was $86.7 million and $83.6 million, respectively. In the 2012 Successor period, 2012 Predecessor period, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, we used $13.2 million, $33.6 million, $61.1 million, and $34.8 million, respectively, for property acquisitions, leasehold improvements, fixtures and equipment for new store openings, information technology projects and other capital projects. In the 2012 Successor period, 2012 Predecessor period, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010, the we received cash inflows of $24.5 million, $226.8 million, $43.6 million, and $31.5 million, respectively, from the sale and maturity of available for sale securities, and paid $6.3 million, $52.6 million, $69.3 million, and $81.1 million, respectively, for the purchases of investments. The investing activities in the 2012 Successor period, 2012 Predecessor period, fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010 also reflect the proceeds of $1.9 million, $0.1 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million, respectively, from the disposal and sale of fixed assets.

        Net cash used by financing activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2013 was $12.6 million, which is comprised primarily of payment of debt issuance costs of $11.2 million and repayments of debt of $1.3 million. Net cash provided by financing activities during the first quarter of fiscal 2012 was $2.0 million, which is comprised primarily of $2.1 million in proceeds received from the exercise of stock options, partially offset by payments of $0.4 million used to satisfy the employee tax obligations related to the issuance of performance stock units.

        Net cash provided by financing activities in the 2012 Successor period was $1,267.7 million, and primarily reflected proceeds of $774.5 million from debt issuances and $535.9 million in equity contributions, partially offset by payment of debt issuance costs of $31.4 million and repayments of debt of $11.3 million. Net cash provided by financing activities in the 2012 Predecessor period was $7.0 million, consisting primarily of proceeds of $3.4 million from the exercise of stock options partially offset by payments of $1.7 million to satisfy employee tax obligations related to the issuance of performance stock units as part of our Predecessor equity incentive plan. Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2011 was $3.7 million, consisting primarily of proceeds of $5.0 million from the exercise of stock options partially offset by payments of $2.3 million to satisfy employee tax obligations related to the issuance of performance stock units as part of our Predecessor equity incentive plan. Net cash provided by financing activities during fiscal 2010 was $6.7 million, consisting primarily of proceeds of $7.8 million from the exercise of stock options partially offset by payments of $2.7 million to satisfy employee tax obligations related to the issuance of performance stock units as part of our Predecessor equity incentive plan. We also paid approximately $0.3 million to acquire the remaining non-controlling interest in a partnership during fiscal 2010.

        We estimate that total capital expenditures in fiscal year 2013 will be approximately $51$48 million and relate primarilyprincipally to property acquisitions of approximately $34$7 million, $26 million for leasehold improvements, and fixtures and equipment for new store openings, approximately $12$11 million for information technology projects and approximately $5$4 million for other capital projects. We intend to fund our liquidity requirements in fiscal 2013 from net cash provided by operations, short-term investments, and cash on hand.hand, and the ABL Facility, if necessary.


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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        As of June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, we had no off-balance sheet arrangements.


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Contractual Obligations

        The following table summarizes our consolidated contractual obligations (in thousands) as of March 31, 2012. During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, there was no material change in our contractual obligations disclosed below.

 
 Payment due by period 
 
 Total Less than 1 year 1 - 3 years 3 - 5 years More than 5 years 

Debt obligations

 $763,601 $5,250 $10,500 $10,500 $737,351 

Interest payments(a)

  402,480  56,619  112,240  111,088  122,533 

Capital lease obligations

  431  77  172  182   

Operating lease obligations

  233,479  46,683  81,117  49,688  55,991 

Purchase obligations(b)

  109,146  109,109  37     

Deferred compensation liability

  5,136        5,136 
            

Total

 $1,514,273 $217,738 $204,066 $171,458 $921,011 
            

(a)
Includes interest expense on fixed and variable debt. Variable debt interest expense based on amended First Lien Facility Agreement; see "Note 17—Subsequent Events" to the audited consolidated financial statements and "Note 7—Debt" to the unaudited financial statements included in this prospectus.

(b)
Purchase obligations primarily consist of purchase orders for merchandise.

        We do not have any liabilities related to uncertain tax positions as of June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012. See "Note 12—Income Taxes" to the unaudited financial statements and "Note 5—Income Tax Provision" to the audited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.

Lease Commitments

        We lease various facilities under operating leases (except for one location that is classified as a capital lease), which will expire at various dates through fiscal year 2031. Most of the lease agreements contain renewal options and/or provide for fixed rent escalations or increases based on the Consumer Price Index. Total minimum lease payments under each of these lease agreements, including scheduled increases, are charged to operations on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective lease. Most leases require us to pay property taxes, maintenance and insurance. Rental expenses charged to operations for the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 was $15.2 million and $13.9 million, respectively. Rental expense charged to operating expenses for the periods of January 15, 2012 to March 31, 2012 and April 3, 2011 to January 14, 2012 was $13.1 million and $44.0 million, respectively. Rental expense charged to operations in fiscal 2011 and 2010 were approximately $56.7 million and $60.7 million, respectively. We typically seek leases with a five-year to ten-year term and with multiple five-year renewal options. See "Business—Properties" in this prospectus. TheA large majority of our store leases were entered into with multiple renewal periods, which are typically five years and occasionally longer.

Variable Interest Entities

        At June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, and April 2, 2011, we no longer have any variable interest entities.


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Seasonality and Quarterly Fluctuations

        We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience some seasonal fluctuations in our net sales, operating income, and net income. The highest sales periods for us are the Christmas, Halloween and Easter seasons. A proportionately greater amount of our net sales and operating and net income is generally realized during the quarter ended on or near December 31. Our quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including the timing of certain holidays such as Easter, the timing of new store openings and the merchandise mix.


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New Authoritative Standards

        In April 2011, the FASB issued ASUAccounting Standard Update ("ASU") 2011-04 "Fair Value Measurement: Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRSs") ("ASU 2011-04"). ASU 2011-04 amends current fair value measurement and disclosure guidance to include increased transparency around valuation inputs and investment categorization. The new guidance is effective for fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-04 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.operation.

        In June 2011, FASB issued ASU 2011-05, "Presentation of Comprehensive Income," (ASU 2011-05). ASU 2011-05 allows an entity to present components of net income and other comprehensive income in one continuous statement, referred to as the statement of comprehensive income, or in two separate, but consecutive statements. The new guidance eliminates the current option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. While ASU 2011-05 changes the presentation of comprehensive income, there are no changes to the components that are recognized in net income or other comprehensive income under current accounting guidance. The new guidance is effective for fiscal year and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, other than presentation.

        OnIn September 15, 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-08, concerning the"Testing Goodwill for Impairment" (ASU 2011-08) which gives companies testing of goodwill for impairment. This guidance modifies goodwill impairment testing by allowing the inclusionoption of performing a qualitative factors in the assessment of whether a two-step goodwill impairment test is necessary. Thus, entities are no longer required to calculatebefore calculating the fair value of a reporting unit unless they conclude through an assessmentin step one of the goodwill impairment test. If companies determine, based on qualitative factors, that itthe fair value of a reporting unit is more likely than not thatless than the unit's carrying value is greater than its fair value. When an entity's qualitative assessment reveals thatamount, the two-step impairment test would be required. This guidance will be effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011 and early adoption is more likely than not, the entity must perform the two-step goodwill impairment test.permitted. The adoption of ASU 2011-082011-8 did not have any impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations.

        On December 23, 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which indefinitely defers the provision of ASU 2011-5 related to the requirement that entities present on the face of the financial statements the effects of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the components of net income and other comprehensive income for all periods presented. The adoption of ASU 2011-12 did have any impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operations, other than presentation.

        On July 27, 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment," ("ASU 2012-02"). The ASU 2012-02 provides entities with an option to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired. If an entity concludes that it is more than 50% likely that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is not impaired, no further analysis is required. However, if an entity concludes otherwise, it would be required to determine the fair value of the indefinite-lived intangible asset to measure the amount of actual impairment, if any, as currently required under GAAP. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim impairment tests performed for fiscal


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years beginning after September 15, 2012. Early adoption is permitted. The adoption of ASU 2012-02 is not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial position or results of operation.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

        We are exposed to interest rate risk for our debt borrowings and to investments in marketable securities.

        Our principalprimary interest rate exposure relates to outstanding amounts under our Credit Facilities. As of June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, we had variable rate borrowings of $523.7$512.6 million and $513.6 million, respectively under our First Lien Term Facility and no borrowings under our ABL Facility. The maximum commitment under our ABL Facility was $175 million on June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012. The Credit Facilities provide interest rate options based on certain indices as described in "Note 6—Debt" to the audited consolidated financial statements and "Note 7—Debt" to the unaudited consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.

        During the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate swap agreement to limit the variability of cash flows associated with interest payments on the First Lien Term Loan Facility that result from fluctuations in the LIBOR rate. The swap limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 1.36% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%. The term of the swap is from November 29, 2013 through May 31, 2016. The fair value of the swap on the trade date was zero as we neither paid nor received any value to enter into the swap, which was entered into at market rates. As of June 30, 2012, the fair value of the interest rate swap was recorded as a non-current liability of $1.2 million.

        In addition, during the first quarter of fiscal 2013, we entered into an interest rate cap agreement. The interest rate cap agreement limits our interest exposure on a notional value of $261.8 million to 3.00% plus an applicable margin of 4.00%. The term of the interest rate cap is from May 29, 2012 to November 29, 2013. We paid $0.05 million to enter into the interest rate cap agreement.

        A change in interest rates on our variable rate debt impacts our pre-tax earnings and cash flows. Based on our variable rate borrowing levels and interest rate derivatives outstanding, the annualized effect of a 1% point increase in applicable interest rates would resulthave resulted in a reduction of our pre-tax earnings and cash flows of approximately $0.3 million and $5.2 million.million for the three months ended June 30, 2012 and pro forma fiscal 2012, respectively. Assuming all revolving loans are drawn under the $175 million ABL Facility, a 1% change in applicable interest rate would result in a reduction of our pre-tax earnings and cash flow by approximately $1.8 million.


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        During the first quarter ofmillion for pro forma fiscal year 2013, we entered into interest rate swap and an interest rate cap agreements to hedge against rising interest rates associated with our First Lien Term Facility. Additional information relating to our derivative instruments is presented in "Note 17—Subsequent Events" to the consolidated financial statements included in this prospectus.2012.

        At June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the Companywe had $2.6 million and $3.6 million, respectively, in securities maturing at various dates through April 2042. We intend to liquidate all available for sale securities within one year. At June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, our investment portfolio contains money market funds and auction rate securities, and therefore, should not bear any interest risk due to early disposition. At June 30, 2012 and March 31, 2012, the fair value of our investments approximated the carrying value.

Management's Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

        Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining an adequate system of internal control over financial reporting, pursuant to Rule 13a-15(c) of the Securities Exchange Act. This system is intended to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

        A company's internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that: (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the


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transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company, (ii) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company, and (iii) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use or disposition of the company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

        Management uses the framework inInternal Control—Integrated Framework, issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations ("COSO") of the Treadway Commission, for evaluating the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements, and projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Based on its assessment, management concluded that the Company's internal control over financial reporting was effective as of March 31, 2012. The Company's independent registered public accounting firm, BDO USA LLP, has audited the Company's consolidated financial statements and has issued an attestation report on the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting, which is included in this prospectus.


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BUSINESS

Our Company

        With over 2930 years of operating experience, we are a leading operator of extreme value retail stores in the southwestern United States with 298300 stores located in the states of California (219(220 stores), Texas (37 stores), Arizona (29 stores) and Nevada (13(14 stores) as of March 31,June 30, 2012. Our stores offer consumable products with an emphasis on name brands and our items are primarily priced at 99.99¢ or less. We carry a wide assortment of regularly available products as well as a broad variety of first-quality closeout merchandise. We carry many fresh produce, deli, dairy and frozen food products found in traditional grocery stores, which we sell at generally lower, sometimes significantly lower, prices. Our core philosophy is that every item in our store be a good to great value. We believe that our differentiated merchandise mix, combined with outstanding value, enables us to appeal to a broad consumer demographic, increases overall customer traffic and frequency of customer visits, as well as strengthens customer loyalty. Our stores are significantly larger than traditionalthose of other U.S. publicly reporting dollar stores,store chains, enabling us to offer a wider assortment of merchandise and provide our customers with a spacious, comfortable shopping experience.

        In pro forma fiscal 2012, on a comparable 52-week period, our stores open for the full year averaged net sales of $5.2 million per store and $309 per estimated saleable square foot, which we believe is the highest among allU.S. publicly reporting dollar store chains. We opened 13 new stores during pro forma fiscal 2012, including eight stores in California, two in Arizona, one in Nevada and two in Texas.Texas, and we opened two new stores during first quarter of fiscal 2013, including one in Southern California and one in Nevada. We did not close any stores during pro forma fiscal 2012. In fiscal 2013, we plancurrently intend to increase our store count by approximately 10%, with the majority of new storeswhich are expected to be opened in California during the second half of fiscal 2013.

        We also sell merchandise through our Bargain Wholesale division at prices generally below normal wholesale levels to retailers, distributors and exporters. The Bargain Wholesale division complements our retail operations by exposing us to a broader selection of opportunistic buys and generating additional sales with relatively small incremental operating expenses. Bargain Wholesale represented 3.0% and 2.8% of our total sales in the first quarter of fiscal 2013 and pro forma fiscal 2012.2012, respectively.

Our Competitive Strengths

        We believe our stores offer consumers an extreme value shopping experience that is unique in our industry due to:


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