COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

12 Months Ended

Jul. 25, 2020

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS and CONTINGENCIES

Superstorm Sandy devastated Village's trade area on October 29, 2012 and resulted in the closure of almost all of our stores for periods of time ranging from a few hours to eight days. Village disposed of substantial amounts of perishable product and also incurred repair, labor and other costs as a result of the storm. Wakefern, as the policy holder, has pursued recovery of uncollected insurance claims on behalf of all Wakefern members through litigation against the insurance carrier and others since October 2013. Litigation over this matter has ended and the Company received an additional $2,733 in the 4th quarter of fiscal 2020 which was recognized as a reduction in operating and administrative expense. Village previously recognized $415 as a reduction in operating and administrative expense in the first quarter of fiscal 2019, and has received a total of $6,730 related to losses incurred as a result of Superstorm Sandy.

Approximately 90% of our employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements. Contracts with the Company’s seven unions have or will expire between March 2020 and May 2025.  Approximately 31% of our associates are represented by unions whose contracts have already expired or expire within one year.  Any work stoppages could have an adverse impact on our financial results.

The Company is involved in other litigation incidental to the normal course of business. Company management is of the opinion that the ultimate resolution of these legal proceedings should not have a material adverse effect on the consolidated financial position, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.