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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries Consolidated Financial Statements Index to Financial Statements

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

FORM 10-K


ý

 

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020

OR

o

 

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from                to          

Commission File Number 1-32315



RTW RETAILWINDS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

DELAWARE
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)
  33-1031445
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

330 West 34th Street, 9th Floor,
NEW YORK, NEW YORK

(Address of principal executive offices)

 

10001
(Zip Code)

(212) 884-2000
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class   Trading Symbol(s)   Name of each exchange on which registered
Common Stock, par value $0.001 per share   RTW   New York Stock Exchange

         Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None.

(Title of Class)

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes o     No ý

         Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Act. Yes o    No ý

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ý     No o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes ý     No o

         Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. o

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

Large accelerated filer o   Accelerated filer ý   Non-accelerated filer o   Smaller reporting company ý

Emerging growth company o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to it's management's assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered accounting public firm that prepared or issued its audit report. o

         Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o    No ý

         The aggregate market value of common stock held by non-affiliates as of August 2, 2019 was approximately $63.3 million, using the closing price per share of $1.99, as reported on the New York Stock Exchange as of such date.

         The number of shares of registrant's common stock outstanding as of April 1, 2020 was 65,300,484.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

         Part III incorporates certain information by reference to the Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which is to be filed within 165 days of the end of the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020 (as permitted by recent Securities and Exchange Commission guidance, including Release No. 34-88465).

   


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EXPLANATORY NOTE

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2020 ("fiscal year 2019") is being filed pursuant to the order of the Securities and Exchange Commission contained in SEC Release No. 34-88465, dated March 25, 2020 (the "Order"). RTW Retailwinds, Inc. filed a Form 8-K ("the Form 8-K") on April 16, 2020, the original due date of the Form 10-K, indicating its reliance on the relief granted by the Order.

        Consistent with the Company's statements made in the Form 8-K, the Company was unable to file its fiscal year 2019 Form 10-K until June 9, 2020, and therefore relied on the Order due to circumstances related to the coronavirus pandemic ("COVID-19"). COVID-19 has caused disruptions to the Company's suppliers overseas and to its supply chain, has resulted in continued store closures, and led to furloughs for all store associates as well as terminating certain corporate personnel. As a result, COVID-19 and related events resulted in the Company's management devoting significant time and attention to assessing the existing and future impact of COVID-19 and those events on the Company's operations, financial position, and cash flows, and developing operational and financial plans to address those matters. This diverted management resources from completing all of the tasks necessary to file the Company's Annual Report by its original due date of April 16, 2020.

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ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K INDEX

 
   
  Page

PART I.

   

Item 1.

 

Business

  2

Item 1A.

 

Risk Factors

  12

Item 1B.

 

Unresolved Staff Comments

  27

Item 2.

 

Properties

  27

Item 3.

 

Legal Proceedings

  27

Item 4.

 

Mine Safety Disclosures

  27

PART II.

   

Item 5.

 

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

  28

Item 6.

 

Selected Financial Data

  28

Item 7.

 

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

  28

Item 7A.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

  41

Item 8.

 

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

  41

Item 9.

 

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

  41

Item 9A.

 

Controls and Procedures

  41

Item 9B.

 

Other Information

  44

PART III.

   

Item 10.

 

Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

  45

Item 11.

 

Executive Compensation

  45

Item 12.

 

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

  45

Item 13.

 

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

  45

Item 14.

 

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

  45

PART IV.

   

Item 15.

 

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

  46

Item 16.

 

Form 10-K Summary

  46

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Special Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

        This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes forward-looking statements intended to qualify for safe harbors from liability established by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Some of these statements can be identified by terms and phrases such as "anticipate," "believe," "intend," "estimate," "expect," "continue," "could," "may," "plan," "project," "predict" and similar expressions and include references to assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable and relate to its future prospects, developments and business strategies. Factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, (i) the risks associated with the spread of COVID-19 and its impact on the Company's sales and supply chain including the Company's store closures as a result therefrom and significant declines in revenues caused thereby, and that the Company has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration; (ii) the Company's dependence on mall traffic for its sales and the continued reduction in the volume of mall traffic; (iii) the Company's ability to anticipate and respond to fashion trends; (iv) the impact of general economic conditions and their effect on consumer confidence and spending patterns; (v) changes in the cost of raw materials, distribution services or labor; (vi) the potential for economic conditions to negatively impact the Company's merchandise vendors and their ability to deliver products; (vii) the Company's ability to open and operate stores successfully; (viii) seasonal fluctuations in the Company's business; (ix) competition in the Company's market, including promotional and pricing competition; (x) the Company's ability to retain, recruit and train key personnel; (xi) the Company's reliance on third parties to manage some aspects of its business; (xii) the Company's reliance on foreign sources of production; (xiii) the Company's ability to protect its trademarks and other intellectual property rights; (xiv) the Company's ability to maintain, and its reliance on, its information technology infrastructure; (xv) the effects of government regulation; (xvi) the control of the Company by its largest shareholder and any potential change of ownership of the Company including the shares held by its largest shareholder; (xvii) the impact of tariff increases or new tariffs; and (xviii) those discussed under the heading "Item 1A. Risk Factors" in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. The Company undertakes no obligation to revise the forward-looking statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K to reflect any future events or circumstances. The Company's actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from the results expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements.

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PART I

Item 1.    Business

Overview

        RTW Retailwinds, Inc., formerly known as New York & Company, Inc., (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") is a specialty women's omni-channel retailer with a powerful multi-brand lifestyle platform providing curated fashion solutions that are versatile, on-trend, and stylish at a great value. The specialty retailer, first incorporated in 1918, has grown to now operate 387 retail and outlet locations in 33 states while also growing a substantial eCommerce business. The Company's portfolio includes branded merchandise from New York & Company, Fashion to Figure, and collaborations with Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union and Kate Hudson. The Company's branded merchandise is sold exclusively at its retail locations and online at www.nyandcompany.com, www.nyandcompanycloset.com, www.fashiontofigure.com, and www.happyxnature.com.The target customers for the Company's merchandise are women between the ages of 25 and 49.

        The Company offers exclusive merchandise with assortments across categories consisting of wear-to-work, casual apparel and accessories, including pants, dresses, jackets, knit tops, blouses, sweaters, denim, t-shirts, activewear, handbags, jewelry and shoes. The Company's merchandise reflects current fashions and fulfills a broad spectrum of its customers' lifestyle and wardrobe requirements, providing every woman with a fashion strategy from work to weekend. The Company offers an inclusive range of merchandise sizes: 00 to 20, XXS to XXL, petite, tall, and plus.

        The Company positions itself as a source of fashion, quality and value by providing its customers with an appealing merchandise assortment at attractive price points, generally below those of department stores and other specialty retailers. In fiscal year 2019, the Company continued to invest in its omni-channel infrastructure to provide its customers with the ability to shop where, when and how they would like. In March 2020, the Company discontinued its omni-channel infrastructure investment. The Company's eCommerce channel currently represents approximately 34% of its business. The Company's stores are typically concentrated in medium to large population centers of the United States and are located in shopping malls, lifestyle centers, outlet centers, and off-mall locations, including urban street locations.

        The Company is facing a period of uncertainty because of the existing and future impact of the coronavirus ("COVID-19"). In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States initially led to reduced store traffic and the temporary reduction of operating hours for the Company's brick-and-mortar stores. As the impact of COVID-19 evolved, the Company took decisive action to temporarily close all of the Company's brick-and-mortar stores to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and communities. As of the date of this filing, in accordance with the federal and state guidelines and the adoption of new health and safety recommendations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company began re-opening its brick-and-mortar stores during the first week of June 2020. The Company will re-open stores utilizing a staggered approach, with the goal of all of its brick-and-mortar stores re-opened by the last week of June 2020. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of COVID-19. The Company's revenues, results of operations, and cash flows have been materially adversely impacted, and are expected to be further materially adversely impacted, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Please see the "Risk factors" section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K including "Risk-Factors—The recent coronavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and has spread to the United States and many other parts of the world and has adversely affected the Company's business operations, store traffic, employee availability, financial condition, liquidity and cash flow and is expected to continue to negatively impact the business which could require the Company to restructure its obligations in a manner that would significantly impact its shareholders..." The Company has already experienced substantial and recurring losses from operations, and such losses

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have caused a retained deficit of $164.6 million as of February 1, 2020. As such, the Company has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable.

        The Company's fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week year that ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. The 52-week year ended February 1, 2020 and the 52-week year ended February 2, 2019 are referred to herein as "fiscal year 2019" and "fiscal year 2018," respectively. The 52-week year ending January 30, 2021 is referred to herein as "fiscal year 2020."

The Company's Strategies

Transformation into a Digitally Dominant Retailer

        Prior to the impact of COVID-19, the Company planned to accelerate its strategy to reposition itself as a digitally dominant retailer. With that, it anticipated the closure of 150 stores over the next 18 months as a component of the Company's transformation to a digitally dominant portfolio of brands. If the Company seeks protection under the bankruptcy laws as discussed above, it could close more than 150 stores, or it may close all of its stores. The reduction of non-productive selling square feet is an integral component of the Company's goal to improve productivity and profitability across its chain of stores and online. Since the beginning of fiscal year 2014, the Company has closed 179 stores.

Evolve as a Broader Lifestyle Brand

        In November 2018, the Company changed its name to RTW Retailwinds, Inc. to establish a strong and distinct corporate identity reflecting the Company's multi-brand portfolio strategy. Prior to the impact of COVID-19, the Company had plans to maximize the power of its omni-channel retail platform and leverage its core operating strengths to become the premier incubator of celebrity and lifestyle brands, offering assortments across categories and channels.

        The Company's celebrity collaborations and sub-brand strategy deliver a differentiated experience for its customers, provide trending fashion and a versatile assortment that the Company believes will continue to broaden its reach as a lifestyle brand. The Company believes that its successful celebrity collaborations have also elevated the performance of the Company's other sub-brands and will continue to do so in the future. The Company currently has the following sub-brands: 7th Avenue Design Studio, Soho Jeans, Soho Street, the Eva Mendes Collection, and the Gabrielle Union Collection.

Enhance Brand Awareness, Increase Customer Engagement, and Drive Traffic

        The Company seeks to build and enhance the recognition, appeal and reach of its New York & Company® brand through its merchandise assortment, celebrity collaborations, expansion of its private label credit card and loyalty program ("Runway Rewards"), best-in-class customer service, and consistent marketing in-store, on its website and through mobile devices, including tablets. The Company plans to focus on new customer acquisition and retention of existing customers, and rebalance its marketing media mix and leverage its celebrity collaborations and sub-brands to amplify the New York & Company brand.

        The Company believes that its celebrity collaborations with Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union, and Kate Hudson elevate and differentiate the New York & Company brand. The Company leverages its celebrity collaborations to create an emotional connection with its customers and increase overall brand awareness. The Company continually explores the addition of new celebrity collaborations.

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Drive eCommerce Growth and Expand Omni-Channel Capabilities

        The Company operates an omni-channel retail platform with the purpose of providing a seamless and consistent shopping experience across all channels of its business, allowing its customers to shop in stores, on mobile or desktop. In fiscal year 2019, net sales from eCommerce represented approximately 34% of the Company's business. The Company views the eCommerce channel (www.nyandcompany.com) as its largest store providing the broadest selection of merchandise, including exclusive styles and extended sizes. The Company's eCommerce store and mobile app are integral to the success of its omni-channel retail strategy, driving increased sales and traffic across all channels.

Design and Merchandising

        The Company's product development group, led by its merchant and design teams in collaboration with celebrity collaborators, is dedicated to consistently delivering high-quality and on trend fashion apparel and accessories at competitive prices to its customers. The Company seeks to provide its customers with key fashion items of the season and encourages through its store and digital footprint a versatile wardrobe that addresses customers' specific lifestyle needs. The Company offers a broad assortment of product inclusive of its successful celebrity collaborations, and lifestyle based sub-brands, along with a broad assortment of coordinating apparel items and accessories. The Company's merchandising, marketing and promotional efforts encourage multiple-unit and outfit purchases and focuses on customer loyalty.

        While the Company delivers select new items every two to four weeks to its stores in order to keep the merchandise current and to keep customers engaged, new product lines are introduced into the Company's stores in five major deliveries each year (spring, summer, fall, holiday and pre-spring). Product line development begins with the introduction of design concepts, key franchise styles and trend stories particular to each sub-brand in the selection for the product line. From a speed to market perspective, the Company has made several improvements to its product development calendar, which have shortened the total supply chain timeline. These changes, along with the implementation of a formalized "Fast Track" product development process, enables the Company to more effectively leverage runway and trend intelligence; and combined with improvements to the Company's logistics network provides more rapid delivery of product from concept to in-store. The Company's designers focus on overall concepts and identify and interpret the fashion trends for the season, identifying those particular apparel items and accessories that will appeal to its target customer, designing the product line and presenting it to the Company's merchants for review. The Company's merchants are responsible for developing seasonal strategies in partnership with their planning and allocation partners to maximize performance. Merchandising also develops a detailed list of desired apparel pieces and accessories to guide the designers. Merchandising is buying, testing, editing, placing product and pricing the line during the season on an ongoing basis. This integrated and internal development and tested approach to design, merchandising and sourcing, enables the Company to carry a versatile merchandise assortment that addresses customer demand while attempting to minimize inventory risk and maximize sales and profitability.

Sourcing

        The Company's sourcing approach focuses on quality, speed and cost in order to provide timely delivery of quality goods. This is accomplished by closely managing the product development cycle, from raw materials and garment production to store-ready packaging, logistics and customs clearance.

        Sourcing Relationships.    The Company purchases apparel and accessories products directly from manufacturers and in some instances from importers. The Company's relationships with its direct manufacturers are supported by independent buying agents, who help coordinate the Company's purchasing requirements with the factories. The Company's unit volumes, long-established vendor

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relationships and knowledge of fabric and production costs, combined with a flexible, diversified sourcing base, enable it to buy high-quality, low-cost goods. The Company is not subject to long-term production contracts with any of its vendors, manufacturers or buying agents. The Company's broad sourcing network allows it to meet its factory workplace standards; objectives of quality, cost, speed to market; and inventory efficiency by shifting merchandise purchases as required, and allows it to react quickly to changing market or regulatory conditions. The Company sources nearly all of its merchandise from three countries, with China, Vietnam and Indonesia representing approximately 95% of all merchandise purchases made during fiscal year 2019. The Company utilized two major apparel agents, which together represented approximately 63% of the Company's merchandise purchases during fiscal year 2019; however, no individual factory represented more than 8% of the Company's merchandise purchases.

        Quality Assurance and Compliance Monitoring.    The RTW Retailwinds, Inc. Global Compliance Program (the "Compliance Program") is administered by the Company's in-house compliance team, in partnership with third-party providers, and provides monitoring of country of origin, point of fabrication compliance, compliance with the Company's Code of Business Conduct for Suppliers, labor standards, and supply chain security. The Compliance Program includes supply chain labor standards and Customs-Trade Partnership Against Terrorism (C-TPAT) security audits, announced or unannounced, conducted by the Company's in-house compliance team, as well as the Company's primary third party audit firm and two additional third party audit firms. Subject to health and safety considerations, annual international and domestic visits are conducted by the Company's in-house compliance team for select vendors and their respective factories. The Company's in-house compliance team visits factories to ensure that factory management and associates understand and comply with the Company's Code of Business Conduct for Suppliers, labor standards and supply chain security standards. The Company's independent buying agents and importers also conduct in-line factory and final quality audits. In addition, all of the vendors that manufacture merchandise for the Company enter into a master sourcing agreement with the Company that specifies their obligations with respect to quality, safety and ethical business practices.

Distribution and Logistics

        The Company entered into a transition services agreement with L Brands in 2002 in connection with the acquisition of Lerner Holding (as amended, the "transition services agreement"). L Brands provides the Company with certain warehousing and distribution services under the transition services agreement. All of the Company's merchandise is received, processed, warehoused and distributed through L Brands' distribution center in Columbus, Ohio. Details about each receipt are supplied to the Company's store inventory planners, who determine how the product should be distributed among the Company's stores based on current inventory levels, sales trends and specific product characteristics. Advance shipping notices are electronically communicated to the stores.

        Under the transition services agreement, as amended, these services will terminate upon the earliest of the following: (i) 24 months from the date that L Brands notifies the Company that L Brands wishes to terminate the services; (ii) 24 months from the date that the Company notifies L Brands that the Company wishes to terminate the services; (iii) 60 days after the Company has given notice to L Brands that L Brands has failed to perform any material obligations under the agreement and such failure shall be continuing; (iv) 30 days after L Brands has given notice to the Company that the Company has failed to perform any material obligations under the agreement and such failure shall be continuing; (v) within 75 days of receipt of the annual proposed changes to the agreement schedules which outline the cost methodologies and estimated costs of the services for the coming year, if such proposed changes would result in a significant increase in the amount of service costs that the Company would be obligated to pay; (vi) 15 months after a change of control of the Company, at the option of L Brands; or (vii) upon reasonable notice under the prevailing circumstances by the Company

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to L Brands after a disruption of services due to force majeure that cannot be remedied or restored within a reasonable period of time. The Company believes that these services are provided at a competitive price and the Company anticipates continuing to use L Brands for these services.

        The Company relies on a third-party to operate its eCommerce stores, including fulfillment services. The third-party warehouse facility is located in Martinsville, Virginia. Merchandise is received in this location from L Brands' distribution center. The operation of the Company's eCommerce stores is covered by a master services agreement that is in effect through April 30, 2021.

Real Estate

        As of February 1, 2020, the Company operated 387 stores in 33 states, with an average of 5,004 selling square feet per store. The Company's growth and productivity statistics are reported based on selling square footage because management believes the use of selling square footage yields a more accurate measure of store productivity than gross square footage. All of the Company's stores are leased and are primarily located in medium to large population centers of the United States in shopping malls, lifestyle centers, outlet centers, and off-mall locations, including urban street locations. As of February 1, 2020, approximately 70% of the Company's store leases could be terminated by the Company within two years.


Historical Store Count

Fiscal Year
  Total stores open
at beginning of
fiscal year
  Number of stores
opened during
fiscal year
  Number of stores
closed during
fiscal year
  Number of stores
remodeled during
fiscal year
  Total stores
open at end of
fiscal year
 

2019

    410     8     (31 )   6     387  

2018

    432     15     (36 )   1     411  


Historical Selling Square Footage

Fiscal Year
  Total selling
square feet at
beginning
of fiscal year
  Increase in
selling square
feet for stores
opened during
fiscal year
  Reduction of
selling square
feet for stores
closed during
fiscal year
  Net (reduction)
increase of
selling square
feet for stores
remodeled during
fiscal year
  Total selling
square feet
at end of
fiscal year
 

2019

    2,047,032     37,500     (142,017 )   (6,019 )   1,936,496  

2018

    2,171,329     53,174     (181,954 )   4,483     2,047,032  

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Store Count by State as of February 1, 2020

State   # of
Stores
  State   # of
Stores
  State   # of
Stores
 

Alabama

    6  

Maryland

    17  

Ohio

    15  

Arizona

    5  

Massachusetts

    7  

Oklahoma

    1  

California

    42  

Michigan

    8  

Pennsylvania

    25  

Colorado

    2  

Minnesota

    3  

Rhode Island

    2  

Connecticut

    6  

Mississippi

    1  

South Carolina

    10  

Delaware

    2  

Missouri

    4  

Tennessee

    8  

Florida

    27  

Nevada

    3  

Texas

    36  

Georgia

    17  

New Hampshire

    1  

Virginia

    18  

Illinois

    16  

New Jersey

    26  

Wisconsin

    2  

Indiana

    4  

New Mexico

    1  

Grand Total

    387  

Kentucky

    5  

New York

    43            

Louisiana

    5  

North Carolina

    19            

        Site Selection.    The Company's real estate department is responsible for new store site selection. While selecting a specific location for a new store, the Company targets high-traffic real estate in locations with demographics reflecting concentrations of the Company's target customers and a complementary tenant mix.

        Each New York & Company store is typically 4,000 to 6,000 selling square feet. Each Outlet store is typically 3,000 to 5,000 selling square feet. Each Fashion to Figure store is typically 2,000 to 3,000 selling square feet.

        Store Display and Merchandising.    The Company's stores are designed to effectively display its merchandise and create an upbeat atmosphere. Expansive front windows allow potential customers to see easily into the store and are used as a vehicle to highlight major merchandising and promotional events. The open floor design allows customers to readily view the majority of the merchandise on display, while store fixtures allow for the efficient display of garments and accessories. Merchandise displays are modified on a weekly basis based on sales trends and inventory receipts. The Company's in-store product presentation utilizes a variety of different fixtures to highlight the product line's breadth and versatility. Complete outfits are displayed throughout the store using garments from a variety of product categories. The Company displays complete outfits to demonstrate how its customers can combine different pieces in order to increase unit sales.

        Pricing and Promotional Strategy.    The Company's pricing and promotional strategy is designed to drive customer traffic, maximize conversion and promote brand loyalty. The Company evaluates the efficacy of its promotional strategy on an ongoing basis to eliminate underproductive and inefficient promotional tactics, introduce new promotional logic, and identify category elasticities to align pricing and promotions with customer demand. The promotional pricing strategy is designed to encourage multiple-unit sales. Select key items are also prominently displayed in store windows at competitive prices to drive traffic into the stores.

        Inventory Management.    The Company's inventory management systems, which support the Company's omni-channel retail strategy, are designed to maximize merchandise profitability and increase inventory turns. The Company constantly monitors inventory turns on the selling floor and uses pricing and promotions to maximize sales and profitability and to achieve inventory turn goals. The Company is able to quickly distribute merchandise from its traditional retail stores to its Outlet stores to maximize sell-through and optimize its in-store merchandise assortment. The Company's inventory loss prevention program is integrated with the store operations and finance departments of its

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business. This program includes electronic article surveillance systems in a majority of stores, including sensor and ink tagging, as well as the use of data analytics, fraud prevention technology, the monitoring of merchandise returns, merchandise voids, employee sales and deposits, and educating store personnel on loss prevention.

        Field Sales Organization.    The Company's New York & Company and Outlet store teams are integrated as one organization, streamlining business processes to increase efficiency and reduce costs. Currently, the Company's field sales organization is organized into 4 regions. The 4 regions are organized into 16 districts. Each region is managed by a regional manager. The Company staffs approximately 16 district managers, with each typically responsible for the sales and operations of 24 stores on average. Each store is usually staffed with a store manager and 2 additional support staff. Higher volume stores may have additional positions as required. All stores are staffed with hourly sales associates. The Company has approximately 1,000 full-time in-store managers. The goal of the Company's field sales organization is to provide a memorable customer experience by creating an environment that is inspirational, exciting and fun. To accomplish this goal, the field sales organization is continuously engaged in various initiatives to improve talent assessment and acquisition processes, enhance brand education and communication training and increase engagement with the customer in store to drive sales and profitability. The Company seeks to instill enthusiasm and dedication in its store management personnel by maintaining an incentive-based bonus plan for its field managers. The program is currently based on monthly sales performance and seasonal inventory loss targets. The Company believes that this program effectively creates incentives for its senior field leaders and aligns their interests with the financial goals of the Company. The Company evaluates the selling and fitting room experience, visual merchandising standards, and the operational execution of running a productive store. Stores are required to meet or exceed established store standards to ensure the quality of the customers' overall in-store experience.

        The Company typically employs between 3,000 and 4,000 full- and part-time store sales associates, depending on the Company's seasonal needs. The Company has store operating policies and procedures and efficient point-of-sale ("POS") terminals and an in-store training program for new store employees. Detailed product descriptions are also provided to sales associates to enable them to gain familiarity with product offerings. The Company offers its sales associates a discount on the Company's apparel and accessories.

Brand Building and Marketing

        In November 2018, the Company changed its name to RTW Retailwinds, Inc. to establish a strong and distinct corporate identity reflecting the Company's multi-brand portfolio strategy. The Company's brands include New York & Company, Fashion to Figure, and Happy x Nature. While the Company has invested in the growth of its new brands, the Company believes that its New York & Company brand is among its most important assets. The Company's ability to continuously evolve its brand to appeal to the changing needs and priorities of its target customer is a key source of its competitive advantage. The Company believes its exclusive merchandise and sub-brands, including 7th Avenue Design Studio, Soho Jeans, Soho Street, Eva Mendes Collection, and Gabrielle Union Collection, combined with accessories, proprietary merchandise designs, value pricing, merchandise quality, in-store merchandise display and store service differentiate its brand from its competitors and drives strong brand recognition and endorsement by its target customers. The Company is leveraging its existing collaborations with celebrities Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union and Kate Hudson to amplify the New York & Company brand. The Company believes its celebrity collaborations create an emotional connection with its customers and increase overall brand awareness. The Company continually explores the addition of new celebrity collaborations.

        The Company has invested in the development of its brands through, among other things, direct mail, Fashion Books, in-store marketing, digital marketing, email and text messaging programs, social

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media—Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Pinterest, public relations programs and select advertising. The Company also makes investments to enhance the overall customer experience through remodeling/refreshing existing stores, broadening its assortment online and consistently upgrading the online experience, both in desktop and mobile applications, including tablets, and focusing on customer service. For each of its brands, the Company consistently communicates brand image across all aspects of its business, including product design, store merchandising and shopping environments, channels of distribution, and marketing and advertising.

        The Company believes that it is strategically important to acquire new customers and communicate directly with its current customer base on a regular basis. The Company uses its customer database, which includes approximately four million customers who have made purchases within the last twelve months, to design marketing programs to attract its core customers.

Customer Credit

        The Company has a credit card processing agreement with Comenity Bank, a bank subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS"), which provides the services of the Company's proprietary credit card program ("NY&C PLCC"). The Company allows payments on this credit card to be made at its stores as a service to its customers. ADS owns the credit card accounts, with no recourse to the Company. All of the Company's proprietary credit cards carry the New York & Company brand. These cards provide purchasing power to customers and an additional channel for the Company to communicate product offerings.

        The Company has a strong strategic focus on its private label credit card and its Runway Rewards loyalty program to increase the number of credit card holders and sales to such customers. NY&C PLCC sales represented 45% of total Company sales in fiscal year 2019.

        On July 14, 2016, the Company entered into a Second Amended and Restated Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement, effectively dated May 1, 2016, with Comenity Bank, which replaced the existing agreement with ADS and has a term through April 30, 2026 (the "ADS Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the ADS Agreement, ADS has the exclusive right to provide private label credit cards to customers of the Company. In connection with the execution of the ADS Agreement, the Company received $40.0 million in signing bonuses. The signing bonuses were payable in two installments, of which $17.5 million was received on July 28, 2016, and $22.5 million was received on January 10, 2017. In addition, over the 10-year term of the ADS Agreement, the Company will receive an increased level of royalty payments based on a percentage of private label credit card sales. During fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, the Company recognized $22.1 million and $23.7 million of revenue from royalties and the amortization of signing bonuses in connection with the ADS Agreement, respectively. Deferred revenue related to the ADS Agreement was $25.0 million at February 1, 2020, which will be amortized through April 30, 2026.

Information Technology

        Information technology is a key component of the Company's business strategy and the Company is committed to utilizing technology to enhance its competitive position. The Company's information systems integrate data from field sales, eCommerce sales, design, merchandising, planning and distribution, and financial reporting functions. The Company's core business systems consist of both purchased and internally developed software, operating on Microsoft, Oracle, and IBM platforms. These systems are accessed over a company-wide network through which associates have access to many key business applications.

        Sales, cash deposit and related credit card information are electronically collected from the stores' POS terminals and eCommerce websites on a daily basis. During this process, the Company also obtains information concerning inventory receipts and transmits pricing, markdown and shipment notification data. In addition, where and as permitted by law, the Company collects customer

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transaction data to grow and update its customer database. The merchandising staff and merchandise planning staff evaluate the sales and inventory information collected from the stores to make key merchandise planning decisions, including orders and markdowns. These systems enhance the Company's ability to optimize sales while limiting markdowns, achieve planned inventory turns, reorder successful styles, and effectively distribute new inventory to the stores.

        One of the Company's top priorities in fiscal year 2019 was optimizing its omni-channel retail strategy to provide a seamless and consistent customer shopping experience across store and eCommerce channels. The Company believes that its omni-channel retail strategy has improved its customers' shopping experiences, which will continue to enhance brand image and increase customer loyalty. Through fiscal year 2019, the Company continued to invest resources into omni-channel retail initiatives, with a particular focus on mobile, and leveraged the enhanced customer shopping experience to drive additional traffic and increase sales across all channels. The Company also invested in additional technology and services to enhance the customer experience on its digital channels: desktop and tablet, mobile web and mobile applications.

        The Company has implemented measures to prevent and detect security breaches and cyber incidents, and continues to invest in the fortification of its information systems, networks and infrastructure. The Company is dedicated to safeguarding the storage and transmission of customers' personal information, shopping preferences and credit card information, in addition to employee information and the Company's financial and strategic data.

Competition

        The retail and apparel industries are highly competitive. The Company competes with traditional department stores, specialty store retailers, discount apparel stores, international retailers opening large numbers of stores in the United States, and direct marketers for, among other things, customers, raw materials, market share, retail space, finished goods, sourcing and personnel. The Company differentiates itself from its competitors on the basis of its exclusive merchandise and multi-brand portfolio, including its celebrity collaborations and sub-brands, combined with accessories, proprietary merchandise designs, value pricing, merchandise quality, in-store merchandise display and store service. The Company believes that its talented, in-house design, marketing, sourcing and production teams, in partnership with a global network of vendors and factories provide a competitive advantage.

Seasonality

        The Company views the retail apparel market as having two principal selling seasons: spring (first and second quarter) and fall (third and fourth quarter). New product lines are introduced into the Company's stores in five major deliveries each year (spring, summer, fall, holiday and pre-spring). The Company's business experiences seasonal fluctuations in net sales and operating income, with a larger portion of its sales typically realized during the fourth quarter. Seasonal fluctuations also affect inventory levels. The Company must carry a significant amount of inventory, especially before the holiday season selling period in the fourth quarter and prior to the Easter and Mother's Day holidays toward the latter part of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter. Due to COVID-19 overlapping the important holiday season selling period of Easter and Mother's Day, the Company was left with significant unsold inventory during Spring 2020.

Intellectual Property

        The Company's trademarks, including New York & Company®, NY&C®, Soho New York & Company Jeans®, Lerner®, Fashion to Figure®, and FTF® brands, are registered with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and with registries of many foreign countries. The Company also has long-term license agreements with its celebrity collaborators to use their name, likeness and other related materials to market specified brands.

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Employees and Labor Relations

        As of February 1, 2020, the Company had a total of 4,971 employees of which 1,413 were full-time employees and 3,558 were part-time employees, who are primarily store associates. The number of part-time employees fluctuates depending on the Company's seasonal needs. The collective bargaining agreement with the Local 1102 unit of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union (RWDSU) AFL-CIO is in effect through August 31, 2021. Approximately 7% of the Company's total employees are covered by collective bargaining agreements and are primarily non-management store associates. The Company believes its relationship with its employees is good. As of the date of this filing, in accordance with the federal and state guidelines and the adoption of new health and safety recommendations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company began re-opening its brick-and-mortar stores during the first week of June 2020. The Company will re-open stores utilizing a staggered approach, with the goal of all of its brick-and-mortar stores re-opened by the last week of June 2020. As a result of the temporary store closures related to COVID-19, the Company's store associates have been temporarily furloughed. For further information, see Note 15, "Subsequent Events," to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        In order to remain competitive in the retail apparel industry, the Company must attract, develop, and retain skilled employees in design, merchandising, supply chain, marketing, and other functions, as well as in its stores and distribution centers. The Company's success is also dependent, to a significant degree, on the continued contributions of key employees. For further information, please refer to "Item 1A. Risk Factors," appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Government Regulation

        The Company is subject to employment laws and regulations, including minimum wage requirements, intellectual property laws, consumer protection laws and regulations (including those relating to advertising and promotions, privacy and product safety), truth-in-lending and other laws and regulations with respect to the operation of the Company's stores and business generally, such as zoning and occupancy ordinances governing the importation and exportation of merchandise and the use of the Company's proprietary credit cards. Certain jurisdictions are considering or have enacted privacy and/or cyber security laws and regulations that do or could impose additional obligations on the Company. In addition, the Company is subject to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, state laws, Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, other U.S. public company regulations, and various other requirements mandated for the textiles and apparel industries such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, California's Proposition 65 and similar state laws. The Company monitors changes in these laws and believes that it is in material compliance with applicable laws with respect to these practices.

        The majority of the Company's merchandise is manufactured by factories located outside of the United States. These products are imported and are subject to U.S. customs laws, which impose tariffs for textiles and apparel. Any major changes in United States tax policy or trade relations, such as the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise or the imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported goods, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and liquidity. In addition, some of the Company's imported products are eligible for certain duty-advantaged programs, including but not limited to the North American Free Trade Agreement, the Andean Trade Preference Act, the U.S. Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act and the Caribbean Basin Initiative.

        During fiscal year 2018, the United States began to impose additional tariffs on certain Chinese-made imported products which had minor impact on the Company's products. On

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September 1, 2019, additional tariffs were imposed on the majority of products the Company imports from China, such as apparel, accessories, and footwear, with subsequent partial reductions on February 14, 2020. The Company has been able to minimize the negative impact of these tariffs and new and/or incremental tariffs thus far, as the Company has been actively reducing its penetration of Chinese-made imported products and has engaged vendor participation to negotiate cost-sharing agreements, and has managed and adjusted future buys and product pricing. The Company sourced approximately 65% of its goods from China in fiscal year 2019, so any tariffs or other trade restrictions impacting the import of apparel and accessories from China could have a material adverse impact on the Company. However, the Company has taken steps to attempt to mitigate the impacts of tariffs on imports from China, including renegotiation of product costs, shifting merchandise mix, and sourcing merchandise from factories outside of China. There can be no assurance that these actions will mitigate the impact of existing tariffs and new and/or incremental tariffs and consequentially, the Company may experience a material adverse impact from such tariffs to its results of operations, financial position and cash flows.

Smaller Reporting Company Status

        The Company qualifies as a "smaller reporting company" as defined under Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act ("Rule 12b-2"). The Company will continue to qualify as a smaller reporting company if: (i) its public float is less than $250 million; or (ii) its annual revenues are less than $100 million and its public float is less than $700 million. Pursuant to Rule 12b-2, the Company determined it qualified as a smaller reporting company as of the last business day of its second fiscal quarter. As a smaller reporting company, the Company may use the smaller reporting company scaled disclosure accommodations of Regulation S-K and S-X in its filings.

Available Information

        The Company makes available free of charge on its website, www.nyandcompany.com, copies of its Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act") as soon as reasonably practicable after filing or furnishing such material electronically with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. Copies of the charters of each of the Company's Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, and Nomination & Governance Committee, as well as the Company's Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct for Associates, Code of Conduct for Principal Executive Officers and Key Financial Associates, and Code of Business Conduct for Suppliers, are also available on the website.

Item 1A.    Risk Factors

The recent coronavirus outbreak has been declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization and has spread to the United States and many other parts of the world and has adversely affected the Company's business operations, store traffic, employee availability, financial condition, liquidity and cash flow and is expected to continue to negatively impact the business which could require the Company to restructure its obligations or seek protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable.

        The outbreak of the COVID-19 continues to grow in the United States and globally, and related government and private sector responsive actions have adversely affected the Company's business operations. It is impossible to predict the effect and ultimate impact of the COVID-19 pandemic as the situation is rapidly evolving.

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        In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States initially led to reduced store traffic and the temporary reduction of operating hours for the Company's brick-and-mortar stores. As the impact of COVID-19 evolved, the Company took decisive action to temporarily close all of the Company's brick-and-mortar stores to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and communities. As of the date of this filing, in accordance with the federal and state guidelines and the adoption of new health and safety recommendations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company began re-opening its brick-and-mortar stores during the first week of June 2020. The Company will re-open stores utilizing a staggered approach, with the goal of all of its brick-and-mortar stores re-opened by the last week of June 2020. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of COVID-19. The Company's revenues, results of operations, and cash flows have been materially adversely impacted, and are expected to be further materially adversely impacted, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern.

        The Company's response to COVID-19 may also impact its customer loyalty. If the Company's customer loyalty is negatively impacted or consumer discretionary spending habits change, including in connection with rising levels of unemployment, the Company's market share may suffer as a result.

        Because the Company has temporarily closed all of its stores, the Company has taken steps to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency, including furloughing a substantial number of the Company's personnel and terminating certain corporate personnel. These steps may have an impact on the Company's ability to attract and retain associates in the future. If the Company is unable to attract and retain associates in the future, such as those associates who find other employment during the furlough period, the Company may experience operational challenges when it re-opens its stores. These risks related to the Company's business, financial condition, and results of operations, are especially heightened given the uncertainty as to the extent and duration of COVID-19's existing and future impact. The Company may also face demands or requests from its associates for additional compensation, healthcare benefits or other terms as a result of COVID-19 that could increase costs, and the Company could experience labor disputes or disruptions as it continues to implement its COVID-19 mitigation plans.

        All of the Company's corporate office associates are working remotely. As a result, the Company faces certain operational risks, including heightened cybersecurity risks. In addition, the Company cannot predict the impact that COVID-19 will have on its suppliers, vendors, and other business partners, and each of their financial conditions; however, any material effect on these parties could adversely impact the Company. The Company may not be able to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had and will have on its business and has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration.

The Company's audited financial statements include a statement that there is a substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern and a continuation of negative financial trends could result in the Company's inability to continue as a going concern.

        The Company's audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 1, 2020 were prepared on the assumption that the Company would continue as a going concern. The Company's audited financial statements as of and for the year ended February 1, 2020 did not include any adjustments that might result from the outcome of this uncertainty. As a result of the existing and future impact of COVID-19 on the Company's operations as described above, management has determined that there is a substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern over the next twelve months and the Company's independent auditors have included a "going concern" explanatory paragraph in their report on the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended February 1, 2020.

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        The Company may not be able to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had and will have on its business and has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration.

The Company's ability to accelerate its transformation to a digitally dominant retailer is a complex strategy that will require expertise and resources to execute. If the Company is unable to execute on the acceleration of its business transformation to a digitally dominant retailer, the Company may experience a material adverse effect to it results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.

        Prior to the impact of COVID-19, the Company planned to accelerate its strategy to reposition itself as a digitally dominant retailer. With that, it anticipated the closure of 150 stores over the next 18 months as a component of the Company's transformation to a digitally dominant portfolio of brands. If the Company seeks protection under the bankruptcy laws as discussed above, it could close more than 150 stores, or it may close all of its stores. The reduction of non-productive selling square feet is an integral component of the Company's goal to improve productivity and profitability across its chain of stores and online.

        The Company planned to make strategic investments to grow as a digitally dominant multi-brand portfolio company, but these investments are now on hold. These investments may include the expansion of its celebrity collaborations and existing brands, launching new lifestyle brands, driving growth in the eCommerce channel, and rebalancing its marketing media mix to acquire new customers and retain existing customers. As such, during the three months ended November 2, 2019, the Company launched its Customer First initiative with the objective to reinvent all aspects of its marketing programs, from data analytics, creative storytelling, personalization and segmentation, and content creation with an intense focus on the customer. The Company remains focused on transforming its marketing efforts to be customer-first, data-driven and creatively optimized, which, when combined the Company believes will elevate the customer experience, engage new customers and retain existing customers.

        In addition, the Company planned to implement an organizational structure to support a digitally dominant business and growth as a multi-brand portfolio company. This included the Design and Merchandising department re-alignment to improve clarity of offer, optimize organizational efficiencies and reduce development expense.

        If the Company is unable to execute on the acceleration of its business transformation to a digitally dominant retailer, or any of the components of that strategic agenda, the Company may experience a material adverse effect to its results of operations, financial condition, liquidity and cash flows.

A continued reduction in the volume of mall traffic could significantly reduce the Company's sales and leave it with unsold inventory, reducing the Company's profits or creating losses.

        Many of the Company's stores are located in shopping malls. Sales at these stores are derived, in part, from the volume of traffic in those malls. The Company's sales volume and store traffic will be adversely affected by a continued decrease in the popularity of malls or other shopping centers in which the Company's stores are located, the closing of anchor stores important to driving mall traffic and therefore the Company's business, a decline in popularity of other stores in the malls or shopping centers in which the Company's stores are located, or a deterioration in the financial condition of shopping center operators or developers which could, for example, limit their ability to invest in improvements and finance tenant improvements for the Company and other retailers. Sales volume and mall traffic may be adversely affected by economic downturns in a particular area, competition from internet retailers, non-mall retailers and other malls where the Company does not have stores, and the

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impact of COVID-19 on consumer behavior. A continued reduction in mall traffic as a result of these or any other factors could materially adversely affect the Company's business.

If the Company is not able to respond to fashion trends in a timely manner, develop new merchandise or launch new product lines successfully, it may be left with unsold inventory, experience decreased profits or incur losses or suffer reputational harm to the image of its brands.

        The Company's success depends in part on management's ability to anticipate and respond to changing fashion tastes and consumer demands and to translate market trends into appropriate, saleable product offerings. Customer tastes and fashion trends change rapidly. If the Company is unable to successfully identify or react to changing styles or trends and misjudges the market for its products or any new product lines, its sales may be lower, gross margins may be lower and the Company may be faced with a significant amount of unsold finished goods inventory. In response, the Company may be forced to increase its marketing promotions or price markdowns, which could have a material adverse effect on its financial condition and results of operations. The Company's brand image may also suffer if customers believe that it is no longer able to offer the latest fashions. Some of the Company's brands are affiliated with celebrities; if the Company experiences an unplanned interruption in the collaboration with these celebrities, including Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union, or Kate Hudson, for any reason, it may result in a decrease in net sales and profitability. The Company has long-term license agreements with its celebrity collaborators to use their name, likeness and other related materials to market specified brands. The Company may not be able to renew expiring licenses on terms that are favorable to the Company or at all, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

The Company's inability to maintain the image of its brands, engage new and existing customers and gain market share could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

        The Company's success depends heavily on the value associated with its New York & Company brand, including its celebrity collaborations and sub-brands. The New York & Company name is integral to the Company's existing business, as well as to the implementation of its strategy for growing and expanding its business. Maintaining, promoting and growing the Company's brands will depend largely on the success of its design, merchandising and marketing efforts and its ability to provide a consistent, high-quality customer experience. The Company's reputation could be jeopardized if it fails to maintain high standards for merchandise quality and integrity and any negative publicity about these types of concerns may reduce demand for the Company's merchandise. While the Company's brands enjoy a loyal customer base, the success of the Company's growth strategy depends, in part, on the Company's ability to keep existing customers engaged as well as attract new customers to shop its brands. The Company's brands could be adversely affected if the Company's public image or reputation were to be tarnished, which could result in a material adverse effect on the Company's business. If the value associated with the Company's brands were to diminish, the Company's sales could decrease, causing decreased profits or losses.

        As the use of social media becomes more prevalent, the Company's susceptibility to risks related to social media increases. The immediacy of social media precludes the Company from having real-time control over postings made regarding the Company via social media, whether matters of fact or opinion. Information distributed via social media could result in negative publicity, causing damage to the Company's reputation, and therefore have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.

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The failure of the Company's celebrity collaborators to protect their reputation could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, reputation and brand image.

        The Company's success is partially dependent on the reputations of its celebrity collaborators, such as Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union and Kate Hudson. The Company often relies on its celebrity collaborators to manage and maintain their brands, but these celebrity collaborators' reputation may be harmed due to factors outside the Company's control, which could negatively impact the Company's brand image and have a material adverse effect on its business. Certain of the Company's products bear the names and likeness of celebrities, whose brand or image may change without notice and who may not maintain the appropriate celebrity status or positive association among the consumer public to support projected sales levels. Damage to the reputations of the Company's celebrity collaborators could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, financial condition and cash flows, as well as require additional resources to rebuild the Company's reputation.

Fundamental shifts in the women's retail apparel industry could adversely affect the Company's business and financial performance.

        The growth and prominence of fast-fashion and value-fashion retailers and expansion of off-price retailers has fundamentally shifted customer expectations of affordable pricing and continued promotional pressure. The rise of these retailers as well as the shift in shopping preferences away from brick-and-mortar stores to the direct channel, where online-only businesses or those with robust direct channel capabilities can facilitate competitive entry and comparison shopping, have increased the difficulty of maintaining and gaining market share. In addition, the Company's customers are increasingly using mobile devices to make purchases online and to help them in making purchasing decisions when in the Company's stores. The Company's execution of its own omni-channel retail strategy to adapt to these changes, in relation to its competitors' actions as well as to its customers' adoption of new technology, presents a specific risk. If for any reason the Company is unable to implement its omni-channel retail strategy, provide a convenient and consistent experience for its customers across all channels, or provide its customers the products they want, when and where they want them at a compelling value proposition, then the Company's financial performance and brand image could be adversely affected. Further, unanticipated changes in pricing and other practices of the Company's competitors, including promotional activity, such as free shipping and pricing pressures, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

Economic conditions may cause a decline in business and consumer spending which could adversely affect the Company's business and financial performance.

        The Company's business is impacted by general economic conditions, including the impact of COVID-19, and their effect on consumer confidence and the level of consumer spending on the merchandise the Company offers. These economic factors include recessionary cycles, interest rates, currency exchange rates, economic growth, wage rates, unemployment levels, energy prices, availability of consumer credit, and consumer confidence, among others. Economic conditions could negatively affect consumer purchases of the Company's merchandise and adversely impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Economic conditions could also negatively impact the Company's merchandise vendors and their ability to deliver products and sustain profits and sufficient liquidity. To counteract potential cash flow problems, the Company's merchandise vendors may require letters of credit or attempt to increase prices, pass through increased costs or seek some other form of relief, which may adversely impact the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, economic conditions could negatively impact the Company's retail landlords and their ability to maintain their shopping centers in a first-class condition and otherwise perform their obligations, which could negatively impact traffic in the Company's stores leading to a decrease in sales and profitability. However, during COVID-19, the Company has taken steps to reduce

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operating costs and improve efficiency, including targeted reductions in capital expenditures, and engaging in conversations with landlords to defer April and May 2020 rent payments as well as conversations with vendors to defer payments until the Company's brick-and-mortar stores reopen. As of the date of this filing, the Company has received default notices from various landlords and vendors for non-payment.

The raw materials used to manufacture the Company's products and its distribution and labor costs are subject to availability constraints and price volatility, which could result in increased costs.

        The raw materials used to manufacture the Company's products are subject to availability constraints and price volatility caused by high demand for petroleum-based synthetic fabrics, weather, supply conditions, government regulations, economic climate and other unpredictable factors. The Company sources nearly all of its merchandise from three countries, with China, Vietnam and Indonesia representing approximately 95% of all merchandise purchases during fiscal year 2019. Any one of these countries could experience increased inflationary pressure, which could lead to increased costs for the Company. In addition, the Company's transportation and labor costs are subject to price volatility caused by the price of oil, supply of labor, governmental regulations, economic climate and other unpredictable factors. Increases in demand for, or the price of, raw materials, distribution services and labor, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows. Furthermore, if the Company's vendors suffer prolonged manufacturing or transportation disruptions due to public health conditions or other unforeseen events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company's ability to source product could be adversely impacted which would adversely affect the Company's results of operations. However, during COVID-19, the Company has taken steps to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency, including targeted reductions in capital expenditures, and engaging in conversations with landlords to defer April and May 2020 rent payments as well as conversations with vendors to defer payments until the Company's brick-and-mortar stores reopen. As of the date of this filing, the Company has received default notices from various landlords and vendors for non-payment.

Fluctuations in comparable store sales in any one of the Company's channels, including stores, Outlets and eCommerce, or fluctuations in the Company's results of operations could cause the price of the Company's common stock to decline substantially.

        A store is included in the comparable store sales calculation after it has completed 13 full fiscal months of operations from the store's opening date or once it has been reopened after remodeling if the gross square footage did not change by more than 20%. Sales from the Company's eCommerce stores are included in comparable store sales. In addition, recognized royalty revenue and the amortization of signing bonuses received in connection with the ADS Agreement are included in comparable store sales.

        The Company's results of operations have fluctuated in the past and can be expected to fluctuate in the future. The Company cannot ensure that it will be able to achieve consistency in its future sales and cannot ensure a high level of comparable store sales in the future. If the Company experiences an extended shut down of its eCommerce stores, for any reason, the Company could lose revenues and experience a material decrease in comparable store sales and profits.

        The Company's comparable store sales and results of operations are affected by a variety of factors, including but not limited to:

    fashion trends;

    mall traffic, including the impact of COVID-19;

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    the Company's ability to effectively market to its customers and drive traffic both online and into its stores;

    calendar shifts of holiday or seasonal periods;

    the effectiveness of the Company's supply chain and inventory management;

    changes in the Company's merchandise mix;

    the timing of promotional events;

    weather conditions;

    changes in general economic conditions and consumer spending patterns;

    the Company's ability to retain, recruit and train qualified personnel;

    actions of competitors or mall anchor tenants; and

    pandemics (including COVID-19).

        If the Company's future comparable store sales fail to meet expectations, then the market price of the Company's common stock could decline substantially.

The Company's net sales, operating income and inventory levels fluctuate on a seasonal basis and decreases in sales or margins during the Company's peak seasons could have a disproportionate effect on its overall financial condition and results of operations.

        The Company's business experiences seasonal fluctuations in net sales and operating income, with a larger portion of its sales typically realized during its fourth quarter. Any decrease in sales or margins during the fourth quarter or peak holiday seasons could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

        Seasonal fluctuations also affect the Company's inventory levels. The Company must carry a significant amount of inventory, especially before the holiday season selling period in the fourth quarter and prior to the Easter and Mother's Day holidays toward the latter part of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter. If the Company is not successful in selling its inventory, it may have to write down the value of its inventory or sell it at significantly reduced prices or the Company may not be able to sell such inventory at all, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. Due to COVID-19 overlapping the important holiday season selling period of Easter and Mother's Day, the Company was left with significant unsold inventory during Spring 2020.

Since the Company relies significantly on international sources of production, it is at risk from a variety of factors that could leave it with inadequate or excess inventories, resulting in decreased profits or losses.

        The Company purchases apparel and accessories in international markets, with a significant portion coming from China, Vietnam and Indonesia. Any major changes in United States tax policy or trade relations, such as the disallowance of tax deductions for imported merchandise or the imposition of unilateral tariffs on imported goods, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, results of operations and liquidity. The Company does not have any long-term merchandise supply contracts and many of its imports are subject to existing or potential duties and tariffs. The Company competes with other companies for production facilities.

        The U.S. government is contemplating various actions regarding trade with China, including the possibility of levying additional tariffs on imports from China. U.S. trade policy could trigger retaliatory actions by affected countries resulting in "trade wars," which could increase the Company's cost of goods and/or reduce customer demand if the Company has to increase its prices.

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        The Company also faces a variety of other risks generally associated with doing business in international markets and importing merchandise from abroad, such as:

    political or labor instability in countries where vendors are located;

    political or military conflict involving the United States, which could cause a delay in the transportation of the Company's products and an increase in transportation costs;

    heightened terrorism security concerns, which could subject imported goods to additional, more frequent or more thorough inspections, leading to delays in deliveries or impoundment of goods for extended periods or could result in decreased scrutiny by customs officials for counterfeit goods, leading to lost sales and damage to the reputation of the Company's brand;

    natural disasters, disease epidemics, pandemics (including COVID-19) and health related concerns, which could result in closed factories, reduced workforces, scarcity of raw materials and scrutiny or embargoing of goods produced in infected areas;

    the migration and development of manufacturers, which can affect where the Company's products are or will be produced;

    imposition of regulations relating to imports and the Company's ability to adjust in a timely manner to changes in trade regulations, which among other things, could limit the Company's ability to source products from countries that have the labor and expertise needed to manufacture its products on a cost-effective basis;

    imposition of duties, taxes and other charges on imports;

    labor disputes, such as labor strikes or unrest or disruptions at the ports through which the Company imports its goods; and

    currency volatility.

        Any of the foregoing factors, or a combination thereof, could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

The Company's manufacturers may be unable to manufacture and deliver products in a timely manner or meet its quality standards, which could result in lost sales, cancellation charges or excessive markdowns.

        The Company purchases apparel and accessories directly from third-party manufacturers and in some instances from importers. The Company utilized two major apparel agents, which together represented approximately 63% of the Company's merchandise purchases made during fiscal year 2019; however, no individual factory represented more than 8% of the Company's merchandise purchases. Similar to most other specialty retailers, the Company has short selling seasons for much of its inventory. Factors outside of the Company's control, such as manufacturing or shipping delays or quality problems, could disrupt merchandise deliveries and result in lost sales, product recalls, cancellation charges or excessive markdowns.

The Company may remodel/refresh and relocate a portion of its existing store base annually, and may open a select number of new stores. The Company may not be able to successfully remodel/refresh and relocate existing stores, or open new stores, on a timely basis or at all. In addition, opening new stores and relocating or remodeling/refreshing existing stores may strain its resources and cause the performance of its existing stores to suffer.

        The Company may remodel/refresh and relocate a portion of its existing store base annually, and may open a select number of new stores. The success of this strategy is dependent upon, among other things, the identification of suitable markets and sites for store locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease and renewal terms, including the renegotiation of existing rent concessions, the hiring, training

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and retention of competent sales personnel, and the effective management of inventory to meet the needs of new and existing stores in a timely basis. To the extent that the Company's new store openings are in existing markets, the Company may experience reduced net sales volumes in existing stores in those markets. The Company expects to fund its new stores through cash flow from operations and, if necessary, by borrowings under its revolving credit facility; however, if the Company experiences a decline in performance, the Company may slow or discontinue store openings. The Company may not be able to successfully execute any of these strategies on a timely basis. If the Company fails to successfully implement these strategies, its financial condition and results of operations would be adversely affected.

        In addition, continued consolidation in the commercial retail real estate market could affect the Company's ability to successfully negotiate favorable lease and renewal terms for its stores in the future. Should significant consolidation continue, a large portion of the Company's store base could be concentrated with one or a few entities that could then be in a position to dictate unfavorable terms due to their significant negotiating leverage. If the Company is unable to negotiate favorable lease terms with these entities, this could affect its ability to profitably operate its stores, which could adversely affect the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

Because of the Company's focus on keeping its inventory at the forefront of fashion trends, extreme and/or unseasonable weather conditions could have a disproportionately large effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations because it would be forced to mark down inventory.

        Extreme weather conditions in the areas in which the Company's stores are located could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. For example, heavy snowfall or other extreme weather conditions over a prolonged period might make it difficult for the Company's customers to travel to its stores. The Company's business is also susceptible to unseasonable weather conditions. For example, extended periods of unseasonably warm temperatures during the winter season or cool weather during the summer season could render a portion of the Company's inventory incompatible with those unseasonable conditions. These prolonged unseasonable weather conditions could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

If third parties who manage some aspects of the Company's business do not adequately perform their functions, the Company might experience disruptions in its business, leaving it with inadequate or excess inventories, among other adverse effects, resulting in decreased profits or losses.

        L Brands handles the distribution of the Company's merchandise through its distribution facility in Columbus, Ohio pursuant to a transition services agreement. The efficient operation of the Company's stores is dependent on its ability to distribute merchandise to locations throughout the United States in a timely manner. The Company depends on L Brands to receive, sort, pack and distribute substantially all of the Company's merchandise. As part of the transition services agreement, L Brands contracts with third-party transportation companies to deliver the Company's merchandise from international ports to their warehouses and to the Company's stores. Any failure by any of these third parties to respond adequately to the Company's warehousing and distribution needs would disrupt the Company's operations and negatively impact its profitability.

        The Company's Compliance Program is administered by its in-house compliance team, in partnership with various third-party providers, and provides monitoring of country of origin and point of fabrication compliance for U.S. Customs. Any failure of the Company, or its third-party providers, to fulfill their obligations under the Compliance Program, could disrupt the Company's operations and negatively impact its profitability.

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        Under the transition services agreement, warehousing and distribution services will terminate upon the earliest of the following: (i) 24 months from the date that L Brands notifies the Company that L Brands wishes to terminate the services; (ii) 24 months from the date that the Company notifies L Brands that the Company wishes to terminate the services; (iii) 60 days after the Company has given notice to L Brands that L Brands has failed to perform any material obligations under the agreement and such failure shall be continuing; (iv) 30 days after L Brands has given notice to the Company that the Company has failed to perform any material obligations under the agreement and such failure shall be continuing; (v) within 75 days of receipt of the annual proposed changes to the agreement schedules which outline the cost methodologies and estimated costs of the services for the coming year, if such proposed changes would result in a significant increase in the amount of service costs that the Company would be obligated to pay; (vi) 15 months after a change of control of the Company, at the option of L Brands; or (vii) upon reasonable notice under the prevailing circumstances by the Company to L Brands after a disruption of services due to force majeure that cannot be remedied or restored within a reasonable period of time. The Company believes that these services are provided at a competitive price and the Company anticipates continuing to use L Brands for these services. The Company's failure to successfully replace the services could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business and prospects.

        The Company uses a third party for its eCommerce operations, including order management, order fulfillment, customer care, and channel management services. A failure by the third party to adequately manage the Company's eCommerce operations may negatively impact the Company's profitability.

        The Company may rely on third parties for the implementation and/or management of certain aspects of its information technology infrastructure. Failure by any of these third parties to implement and/or manage the Company's information technology infrastructure effectively could disrupt its operations and negatively impact its profitability.

        The Company relies on a third party to administer its proprietary credit card program. The inability of the administration company to effectively service the credit card program could materially limit credit availability for the Company's customers, which would negatively impact the Company's revenues and, consequently, its profitability.

        A work stoppage resulting from, among other things, a dispute over a collective bargaining agreement covering employees of a third party relied on by the Company or employees of the Company, may cause disruptions in the Company's business and negatively impact its profitability.

The Company's marketing efforts rely upon the use of customer information. Restrictions on the availability or use of customer information could adversely affect the Company's marketing program, which could result in lost sales and a decrease in profits.

        The Company uses its customer database to market to its customers. Any limitations imposed on the use of such consumer data, whether imposed by federal or state governments or business partners, could have an adverse effect on the Company's future marketing activity. In addition, while the Company is compliant with Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (PCI DSS), to the extent the Company's or its business partners' security procedures and protection of customer information prove to be insufficient or inadequate, the Company may become subject to litigation or other claims, which could expose it to liability and cause damage to its reputation or brand.

The Company relies on its manufacturers to use acceptable ethical business practices, and if they fail to do so, the New York & Company brand name, and its other brands, could suffer reputational harm and the Company's sales could decline or its inventory supply could be interrupted.

        The Company requires its manufacturers to operate in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations regarding working conditions, employment practices, product quality and safety, and

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environmental compliance. Additionally, the Company imposes upon its business partners operating guidelines that require additional obligations in order to promote ethical business practices. The Company's in-house compliance team, staff of third party inspection services companies, and the staff of the Company's non-exclusive buying agents and importers periodically visit and monitor the operations of the Company's manufacturers to determine compliance. However, the Company does not control its manufacturers or their labor and other business practices. If one of the Company's manufacturers violates labor or other laws or implements labor or other business practices that are generally regarded as unethical in the United States, the shipment of finished products to the Company could be interrupted, orders could be canceled, relationships could be terminated and the Company's reputation could be damaged. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on the Company's revenues and, consequently, its results of operations.

The Company is subject to numerous laws and regulations, including federal and state minimum wage laws that could affect its operations. Changes in such laws and regulations could affect its profitability and impact the operation of its business through delayed shipments of its goods, increased costs, fines or penalties.

        The Company is subject to employment laws and regulations, including minimum wage requirements, intellectual property laws (including those relating to advertising and promotions, privacy and product safety), truth-in-lending and other laws and regulations with respect to the operation of the Company's stores and business generally, such as zoning and occupancy ordinances governing the importation and exportation of merchandise and the use of the Company's proprietary credit cards. In addition, the Company is subject to Securities and Exchange Commission rules and regulations, state laws, Sarbanes-Oxley requirements, rules and regulations issued pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, other U.S. public company regulations, and various other requirements mandated for the textiles and apparel industries such as the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008, California's Proposition 65 and similar state laws. Although the Company monitors changes in these laws, if these laws change without the Company's knowledge, or are violated by the Company's employees, importers, buying agents, manufacturers or distributors, the Company could experience delays in shipments and receipt of goods or be subject to fines or other penalties under the controlling laws or regulations, any of which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

        On April 4, 2016, the State of California passed legislation raising the hourly minimum wage to $15 by the end of year 2022. On the same day, the State of New York enacted similar legislation increasing the hourly minimum wage to $15 in New York City by the end of year 2018, and in other parts of the state by the end of year 2021. Such legislation requires mandatory annual increases to the hourly minimum wage in the interim. As a result, the Company increased the hourly minimum wage in California, New York City, and other parts of New York State, as well as in a number of other states, as required. In addition, certain jurisdictions are considering or have enacted privacy and/or cyber security laws and regulations that do or could impose additional obligations on the Company. For example, on January 1, 2020, the California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018 (the "CCPA") became effective. The CCPA requires certain companies to satisfy new requirements regarding the handling of personal and sensitive data, including its use, protection and the ability of California residents whose data is stored to know specifically what data each company has collected on them and, if they so choose, the right to demand that such companies delete their data, subject to certain exemptions defined in the statute. While the Company believes that it has sufficient measures in place to comply with its obligations under the CCPA, failure to comply with its requirements could result in civil penalties. However, the CCPA additionally provides a private right of action that allows consumers to seek, either individually or as a class, statutory or actual damages and injunctive and other relief, if their sensitive personal information is subject to unauthorized access and exfiltration, theft or disclosure as a result of a business's failure to implement and maintain required reasonable security procedures.

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As of the date of this filing, final regulations from the California Attorney General have not been released.

        Compliance with changes in these laws or regulations, including increasing minimum wage requirements and frequently changing requirements surrounding information security and privacy, could result in increased costs to the Company and could impact operational efficiency, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

The Company may be unable to protect its trademarks, which could diminish the value of its brands.

        The Company's trademarks are important to its success and competitive position. The Company's major trademarks are New York & Company, NY&C, Soho New York & Company Jeans, Lerner, Fashion to Figure, and FTF, and are protected in the United States and in some cases internationally. The Company engages in the following steps to protect and enforce its trademarks: file and prosecute trademark applications for registration in those countries where the marks are not yet registered; respond to office actions and examining attorneys in those countries where the marks are not yet registered; maintain its trademark portfolio in the United States; file statements of use, renewal documents, assignments, policing of marks and third party infringements; and handle the initiation and defense of opposition and/or cancellation proceedings. The Company is susceptible to others imitating the Company's products and infringing on the Company's intellectual property rights. Imitation or counterfeiting of the Company's products or other infringement of the Company's intellectual property rights could diminish the value of its brand or otherwise adversely affect its revenues. The actions the Company has taken to establish and protect its trademarks may not be adequate to prevent imitation of its products by others or to prevent others from seeking to invalidate its trademarks or block sales of its products as a violation of the trademarks and intellectual property rights of others. In addition, others may assert rights in, or ownership of, trademarks and other intellectual property rights of the Company or in marks that are similar to the Company's or marks that the Company licenses and/or markets and the Company may not be able to successfully resolve these types of conflicts to its satisfaction. In some cases, there may be trademark owners who have prior rights to the Company's marks because the laws of certain countries may not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as do the laws of the United States. In other cases, there may be holders who have prior rights to similar marks. Failure to protect the Company's trademarks could result in a material adverse effect on the Company's business.

The Company relies on its information technology infrastructure, which includes third party and internally developed software, and purchased or leased hardware that support the Company's information technology, cybersecurity and various business processes. The Company's business, reputation and brand image could suffer if its infrastructure fails to perform as intended.

        The Company relies on purchased or leased hardware and software licensed from third parties or internally developed in order to manage its business. The Company's ability to maintain and upgrade its information technology infrastructure is critical to the success of its business and the continued enhancement of its omni-channel retail strategy. This hardware and software may not continue to be available on commercially reasonable terms or at all. Any disruptions to the Company's infrastructure or loss of the right to use any of this hardware or software could affect the Company's operations, which could negatively affect the Company's business until corrected or until equivalent technology is either developed by the Company or, if available, is identified, obtained and integrated. In addition, the software underlying the Company's operations can contain undetected errors. The Company may be forced to modify its operations until such problems are corrected and, in some cases, may need to implement enhancements to correct errors that it does not detect. Problems with the software underlying the Company's operations could result in loss of revenue, unexpected expenses and capital

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costs, diversion of resources, loss of market share and damage to the Company's reputation which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations.

        Furthermore, the Company's information systems initiatives and omni-channel retail strategy are complex and require managerial and financial expertise to implement successfully. If the Company is unable to successfully implement new information system initiatives and execute its omni-channel retail strategy, or if the Company's customers are not provided with the intended benefits, the Company's reputation and brand image could suffer resulting in a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition and results of operations.

        The Company and third parties that manage portions of the Company's secure data are subject to cybersecurity risks and incidents. The Company's business involves the storage and transmission of customers' personal information, shopping preferences and credit card information, in addition to employee information and the Company's financial and strategic data. The protection of the Company's customer, employee and Company data is vitally important to the Company. To date, data security breaches have not had a material impact on the Company's financial condition, operating results or business; however, the Company could suffer material financial or other losses in the future and it may not have the resources or technical sophistication to anticipate or prevent rapidly evolving types of cyberattacks or intrusions. While the Company has implemented measures to prevent and detect security breaches and cyber incidents, and continues to invest in the fortification of its information systems, networks and infrastructure, these systems may prove to be inadequate and result in the disruption, failure, misappropriation or corruption of the Company's systems and infrastructure because the techniques used to obtain unauthorized access are constantly changing and becoming increasingly more sophisticated and often are not recognized until launched against a target. The Company or its third-party service providers may not be able to anticipate these techniques or implement sufficient preventative measures. In addition, data security breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues, including breaches by the Company or by the Company's third-party service providers that result in the unauthorized release of personal or confidential information. Any failure of the Company's data protection and security measures and any failure of third parties that assist the Company in managing its secure data could jeopardize or result in the unauthorized disclosure, gathering, monitoring, misuse, corruption, loss, or destruction of confidential and other information. This could result in significant losses, including loss of customers and business opportunities, reputational damage, litigation, regulatory fines, penalties or intervention, reimbursement or other compensatory costs, or otherwise adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition or results of operations. Any of these events could result in litigation and legal liability, harm to the Company's reputation, loss of confidence in the Company's ability to protect sensitive information, a distraction to the Company's business, and the need to divert resources to remedy the issues, any of which could adversely affect the Company's business, financial condition and results of operations. Although the Company maintains cybersecurity insurance, there can be no assurance that the Company's insurance coverage will cover the particular cyber incident at issue or that such coverage will be sufficient, or that insurance proceeds will be paid to the Company in a timely manner.

Risks associated with the Company's eCommerce stores.

        The Company operates online stores at www.nyandcompany.com, www.nyandcompanycloset.com, www.fashiontofigure.com, www.fashiontofigurecloset.com, and www.happyxnature.com, which are integral to the success of the Company's omni-channel retail strategy and where it sells its largest assortment of its merchandise. The Company's eCommerce operations are subject to numerous risks, including unanticipated operating problems, reliance on third-party computer hardware and software providers, system failures, cybersecurity incidents and the need to invest in additional computer systems. The eCommerce operations also involve other risks that could have an impact on the Company's results of operations, including but not limited to diversion of sales from the Company's other stores, rapid

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technological change, liability for online content, credit card fraud and risks related to the failure of the computer systems that operate the website and its related support systems. If the Company is unable to successfully address and respond to these risks, revenues could be lost, costs could increase, and the Company's reputation may be damaged.

If the Company is unable to successfully develop and maintain a relevant and reliable omni-channel shopping experience for its customers, the Company's reputation could be adversely affected, sales could be lost and its profits could decrease.

        One of the Company's long-term growth initiatives is the expansion of the omni-channel shopping experience it provides customers through the integration of its retail stores, eCommerce stores and mobile applications. Omni-channel retailing is rapidly evolving and the Company's success depends on its ability to anticipate and implement innovations in customer experience and logistics in order to appeal to customers who increasingly rely on multiple channels to meet their shopping needs. If the Company is unable to innovate and successfully implement its omni-channel initiatives or does not meet customer expectations, revenues could be lost, costs could increase, and the Company's reputation may be damaged.

The Company relies upon independent third-party transportation providers for substantially all of its product shipments and is subject to increased shipping costs as well as the potential inability of its third-party transportation providers to deliver on a timely basis.

        The Company currently relies upon independent third-party transportation providers for substantially all of its product shipments, including shipments to and from all of its stores and to its customers. The Company's utilization of these delivery services for shipments is subject to risks which may impact a shipping company's ability to provide delivery services that adequately meet the Company's shipping needs, including risks related to employee strikes, labor and capacity constraints, and inclement weather. In addition, the Company is subject to increased shipping costs when fuel prices increase, when it uses expedited means of transportation such as air freight, and due to other economic factors affecting supply and demand within the transportation industry. If the Company changes the shipping companies it uses, it could face logistical difficulties that could adversely affect deliveries, and the Company would incur costs and expend resources in connection with such change. Moreover, the Company may not be able to obtain terms as favorable as those received from its current independent third-party transportation providers which, in turn, would increase its costs.

The Company is subject to customer payment-related risks that could increase its operating costs, expose it to fraud or theft, subject it to potential liability and potentially disrupt its business.

        The Company accepts payments using a variety of methods, including cash, checks, credit and debit cards, PayPal, Afterpay, its private label credit cards, and gift cards. Acceptance of these payment options subjects the Company to rules, regulations, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, including payment network rules and operating guidelines, data security standards and certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers. These requirements may change over time or be reinterpreted, making compliance more difficult or costly. Although no systems can completely prevent theft, security countermeasures have been deployed to reduce the potential for fraud and theft by criminals. Although the Company has taken steps to decrease its risk of a data breach, the Company may still suffer a data breach, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's brand image, financial condition and results of operations.

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The covenants in the Company's revolving credit facility impose restrictions that may limit its operating and financial flexibility.

        On March 20, 2020, as a precautionary measure and to preserve financial flexibility, given the uncertain environment resulting from COVID-19 pandemic, the Company drew down $40 million under the Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder (the "Loan Agreement," further described under "Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities" below) at an interest rate equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25%. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps the Company took in response thereto, subsequent to February 1, 2020 and prior to June 3, 2020, the Company was in default under the Loan Agreement, although the Company did not receive any default notices from Wells Fargo, National Association, administrative agent and lender. The Company has obtained a forbearance of certain specified potential defaults under Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement through June 30, 2020. For further information, see Note 15, "Subsequent Events," to the consolidated financial statement appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The Company's credit facility contains a number of significant restrictions and covenants that limit its ability to:

    incur additional indebtedness;

    declare dividends, make distributions or redeem or repurchase capital stock, including the Company's common stock, or to make certain other restricted payments or investments;

    sell assets, including capital stock of restricted subsidiaries;

    agree to payment restrictions affecting the Company's restricted subsidiaries;

    consolidate, merge, sell or otherwise dispose of all or substantially all of the Company's assets;

    incur liens;

    alter the nature of the Company's business;

    enter into sale/leaseback transactions;

    conduct transactions with affiliates; and

    designate the Company's subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries.

        In addition, the Company's credit facility includes additional restrictive covenants and prohibits it from prepaying its other indebtedness while indebtedness under its credit facility is outstanding. The agreement governing the Company's credit facility also requires it to achieve specified financial and operating results and maintain compliance with specified financial ratios. The Company's ability to comply with these ratios may be affected by events beyond the Company's control.

        The restrictions contained in the agreement governing the Company's credit facility could:

    limit the Company's ability to plan for or react to market conditions or meet capital needs or otherwise restrict its activities or business plans; and

    adversely affect the Company's ability to finance its operations, strategic acquisitions, investments or other capital needs or to engage in other business activities that would be in the Company's interest.

        A breach of any of these restrictive covenants or the Company's inability to comply with the required financial ratios could result in a default under the agreement governing its credit facility. If a default occurs, the lender under the credit facility may elect to declare all borrowings outstanding, together with accrued interest and other fees, to be immediately due and payable.

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        The lender also has the right in these circumstances to terminate any commitments the lender has to provide further borrowings. If the Company is unable to repay outstanding borrowings when due, the lender under the credit facility also has the right to proceed against the collateral, including the Company's available cash, granted to the lender to secure the indebtedness.

The Company may lose key personnel.

        The Company believes that it has benefited from the leadership and experience of its key executives. The loss of the services of any of these individuals could have a material adverse effect on the business and the prospects of the Company. Competition for key personnel in the retail industry is intense and the Company's future success will depend upon its ability to retain, recruit and train qualified personnel.

Provisions in the Company's restated certificate of incorporation and Delaware law may delay or prevent the Company's acquisition by a third party.

        The Company's restated certificate of incorporation contains a "blank check" preferred stock provision. Blank check preferred stock enables the Company's Board of Directors, without stockholders' approval, to designate and issue additional series of preferred stock with such dividend, liquidation, conversion, voting or other rights, including the right to issue convertible securities with no limitation on conversion, as the Company's Board of Directors may determine, including rights to dividends and proceeds in a liquidation that are senior to the common stock.

        These provisions may make it more difficult or expensive for a third party to acquire a majority of the Company's outstanding voting common stock. The Company is also subject to certain provisions of Delaware law which could delay, deter or prevent the Company from entering into a merger, acquisition, tender offer, proxy contest or other transaction that might otherwise result in the Company's stockholders receiving a premium over the market price for their stock.

Item 1B.    Unresolved Staff Comments

        None.

Item 2.    Properties

        All of the Company's stores, encompassing approximately 2.5 million total gross square feet as of February 1, 2020, are leased under operating leases expiring in various years through 2031. As of February 1, 2020, approximately 70% of its store leases could be terminated by the Company within two years, and approximately 90% of the Company's store leases could be terminated by the Company within five years. The Company leases 182,709 square feet of office space at 330 West 34th Street, New York, New York, which expires in 2030. Additionally, the Company owns a parcel of land located in Brooklyn, New York on which it operates one of its leased stores.

Item 3.    Legal Proceedings

        There are various claims, lawsuits and pending actions against the Company arising in the normal course of the Company's business. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows. See Note 8, "Commitments and Contingencies," to the consolidated financial statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4.    Mine Safety Disclosures

        Not Applicable.

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PART II

Item 5.    Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        The Company's common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol "RTW." The number of holders of record of common stock at April 3, 2020 was 147.

Issuer Sales of Equity Securities

        None.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

        None.

Item 6.    Selected Financial Data

        As a "smaller reporting company," the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Item 7.    Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

        The purpose of this section is to discuss and analyze the Company's consolidated financial condition, liquidity and capital resources, and results of operations. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements and the notes thereto appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Overview

        RTW Retailwinds, Inc., formerly known as New York & Company, Inc., is a specialty women's omni-channel retailer with a powerful multi-brand lifestyle platform providing curated fashion solutions that are versatile, on-trend, and stylish at a great value. The specialty retailer, first incorporated in 1918, has grown to now operate 387 retail and outlet locations in 33 states while also growing a substantial eCommerce business. The Company's portfolio includes branded merchandise from New York & Company, Fashion to Figure, and collaborations with Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union and Kate Hudson. The Company's branded merchandise is sold exclusively at its retail locations and online at www.nyandcompany.com, www.nyandcompanycloset.com, www.fashiontofigure.com, www.fashiontofigurecloset.com, and www.happyxnature.com. The target customers for the Company's merchandise are women between the ages of 25 and 49.

        In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States initially led to reduced store traffic and the temporary reduction of operating hours for the Company's brick-and-mortar stores. As the impact of COVID-19 evolved, the Company took decisive action to temporarily close all of the Company's brick-and-mortar stores to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and communities. As of the date of this filing, in accordance with the federal and state guidelines and the adoption of new health and safety recommendations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company began re-opening its brick-and-mortar stores during the first week of June 2020. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of COVID-19. The Company's revenues, results of operations, and cash flows have been materially adversely impacted, and are expected to be further materially adversely impacted, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has already experienced substantial and recurring losses from operations, and such losses have caused a retained deficit of $164.6 million as of February 1, 2020. As such, the Company has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any

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value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable.

        The Company's fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week year that ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. The 52-week year ended February 1, 2020 and the 52-week year ended February 2, 2019 are referred to herein as "fiscal year 2019" and "fiscal year 2018," respectively. The 52-week year ending January 30, 2021 is referred to herein as "fiscal year 2020."

General

        Net Sales.    Net sales consist of sales from comparable and non-comparable stores. A store is included in the comparable store sales calculation after it has completed 13 full fiscal months of operations from the store's opening date or once it has been reopened after remodeling if the gross square footage did not change by more than 20%. Sales from the Company's eCommerce stores are included in comparable store sales. In addition, recognized royalty revenue and the amortization of signing bonuses received under the Company's private label credit card agreement with Comenity Bank, a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation (the "ADS Agreement") are included in comparable store sales. Non-comparable store sales include new stores, stores relocated within the same shopping center and remodeled stores that have a change in gross square footage of more than 20%, which have not completed 13 full fiscal months of operations, sales from closed stores, and sales from stores closed or in temporary locations during periods of remodeling. In addition, in a year with 53 weeks, sales in the last week of the year are not included in determining comparable store sales. Net sales from the sale of merchandise at the Company's stores are recognized when the customer takes possession of the merchandise and the purchases are paid for, primarily with either cash or credit card. Net sales, including shipping fees billed to customers, from the sale of merchandise at the Company's eCommerce stores are recognized when the merchandise is shipped to the customer and the purchases are paid for. A reserve is provided for projected merchandise returns based on prior experience.

        The Company issues gift cards and merchandise credits which do not contain provisions for expiration or inactivity fees. The portion of the dollar value of gift cards and merchandise credits that ultimately is not used by customers to make purchases is known as breakage and will be recognized as revenue, if the Company determines it is not required to escheat such amounts to government agencies under state escheatment laws. The Company recognizes gift card and merchandise credit breakage as revenue as each is redeemed based on their respective historical breakage rate. The Company determined the breakage rates for gift cards and merchandise credits based on their respective historical redemption patterns. The Company recognizes revenue on the remaining unredeemed gift cards and merchandise credits based on determining that the likelihood of redemption is remote and that there is no legal obligation to escheat the unredeemed amounts to relevant jurisdictions.

        Cost of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy Costs.    Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs is comprised of direct inventory costs for merchandise sold, distribution costs, shipping costs, payroll and related costs for design, sourcing, production, merchandising, planning and allocation personnel, and store occupancy and related costs.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit represents net sales less cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs.

        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses include selling, store management and corporate expenses, including payroll and employee benefits, employment taxes, management information systems, marketing, insurance, legal, store pre-opening and other corporate level expenses. Store pre-opening expenses include store level payroll, grand opening event marketing, travel, supplies and other store opening expenses.

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Fiscal Year 2019 Summary

        Throughout fiscal year 2019, the Company's key strategic initiatives were as follows: (i) leverage its celebrity collaborations to amplify the New York & Company brand, and evolve as a broader lifestyle brand through the growth of the Company's sub-brand strategy, including 7th Avenue Design Studio, Soho Jeans, Soho Street, Eva Mendes Collection, and Gabrielle Union Collection; (ii) enhance brand awareness and increase customer engagement, including new customer acquisition and retention of its loyal customer base to drive traffic online and into stores; (iii) drive growth in eCommerce sales and continue to elevate its omni-channel capabilities by providing an easy and seamless customer experience; (iv) optimize the Company's existing store base; (v) continue ongoing Project Excellence initiatives; and (vi) explore opportunities to invest in growth initiatives. Project Excellence is the Company's ongoing business re-engineering program which consists of a continuous analysis of business processes and organizational structure in an effort to improve sales productivity and operating efficiencies, as well as to reduce the Company's overall cost structure.

        In April 2019, the Company introduced Happy x Nature, Kate Hudson's first ready-to-wear collection supported by Kate Hudson's active and engaged social network. The Company will continue to focus on increasing brand awareness and sales.

        In April 2019, the Company introduced Uncommon Sense, a lingerie lifestyle brand. However, based on the Company's operating results during the nine months ended November 2, 2019 and the necessary decision to focus the Company's resources on improving the performance of the New York & Company brand, the Company decided to prioritize its efforts around its new businesses that have shown early potential, namely Fashion to Figure and Happy x Nature. As such, the Company has exited the Uncommon Sense brand. During fiscal year 2019, the Company recorded a $3.7 million charge to write-down Uncommon Sense inventory and $0.9 million of related severance and asset impairment charges.

        In the beginning of fiscal year 2019, the Company began rebalancing its marketing media mix and increasing its marketing investments to drive customer acquisition, grow its digital business and grow its new brands, Fashion to Figure and Happy x Nature. During the three months ended November 2, 2019, the Company launched its Customer First initiative with the objective to reinvent all aspects of its marketing programs, from data analytics, creative storytelling, personalization and segmentation, and content creation with an intense focus on the customer. The Company remains focused on transforming its marketing efforts to be customer-first, data-driven and creatively optimized, which, when combined the Company believes will elevate the customer experience, engage new customers and retain existing customers.

        Net sales for fiscal year 2019 were $827.0 million, as compared to $893.2 million for fiscal year 2018. Comparable store sales for fiscal year 2019 decreased 5.4%, as compared to an increase of 0.4% for fiscal year 2018. Net loss for fiscal year 2019 was $61.6 million, or a loss of $0.96 per diluted share, as compared to net income of $4.2 million, or earnings of $0.06 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2018. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, adjusted for certain expenses) for fiscal year 2019 was negative $14.7 million, as compared to positive non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $33.2 million in fiscal year 2018. Please refer to the "Results of Operations" and "Reconciliation of GAAP to non-GAAP Financial Measures" sections below for a further discussion of the Company's operating results.

        Capital spending was $8.5 million for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018. During fiscal year 2019, the Company continued to invest in its information technology infrastructure and retail stores. These investments support further omni-channel initiatives, improved store productivity, and increased security levels across the Company's operating systems. During fiscal year 2019, the Company opened 6 New York & Company stores and 2 Fashion to Figure stores, converted 2 New York & Company stores to Outlet stores, remodeled/refreshed 6 existing stores, and closed 31 stores, ending fiscal year 2019 with

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387 stores, including 116 Outlet stores and 1.9 million selling square feet in operation. Included in the New York & Company store count at February 1, 2020 are 64 New York & Company stores that feature 18 Eva Mendes side-by-side stores and 45 New York & Company stores that feature Eva Mendes shop-in-shop boutiques, as well as 1 free-standing Eva Mendes store. As of February 1, 2020, approximately 70% of the Company's store leases could be terminated by the Company within two years.

        On October 24, 2019, the Company amended its existing credit facility with Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. (the "Loan Agreement"). The amendments provide for, but are not limited to: (i) an extension of the term of the revolving credit facility to October 24, 2024; (ii) a reduction of interest rates related to the revolving credit facility; (iii) a reduction of certain fees related to the revolving credit facility; and (iv) a release of certain intangible assets as collateral.

        On March 20, 2020, given the uncertain environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as a precautionary measure and to preserve financial flexibility, the Company drew down $40 million under the Loan Agreement at an interest rate equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25%. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps the Company took in response thereto, subsequent to February 1, 2020 and prior to June 3, 2020, the Company was in default under the Loan Agreement, although the Company did not receive any default notices from Wells Fargo, National Association, administrative agent and lender. The Company has obtained a forbearance of certain specified potential defaults under Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement through June 30, 2020. For further information, see Note 15, "Subsequent Events," to the consolidated financial statement appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        For further information related to Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder, please refer to the "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations—Liquidity and Capital Resources" section below.

Results of Operations

        The following tables summarize the Company's results of operations as a percentage of net sales and selected store operating data for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018:

(As a % of net sales)
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 

Net sales

    100.0 %   100.0 %

Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs

    71.9 %   68.8 %

Gross profit

    28.1 %   31.2 %

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    33.1 %   30.3 %

Loss from impairment charges

    2.5 %   0.2 %

Operating (loss) income

    (7.5 )%   0.7 %

Interest income, net

    (0.1 )%   (0.1 )%

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (7.4 )%   0.8 %

Provision for income taxes

    0.1 %   0.3 %

Net (loss) income

    (7.5 )%   0.5 %

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  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (amounts in thousands, except square foot data)
 

Selected operating data:

             

Comparable store sales (decrease) increase

    (5.4 )%   0.4 %

Net sales per average selling square foot(1)

  $ 406   $ 418  

Net sales per average store(2)

  $ 2,017   $ 2,082  

Average selling square footage per store(3)

    5,004     4,981  

(1)
Net sales per average selling square foot is defined as net sales divided by the average of beginning and monthly end of period selling square feet.

(2)
Net sales per average store is defined as net sales divided by the average of beginning and monthly end of period number of stores.

(3)
Average selling square footage per store is defined as end of period selling square feet divided by end of period number of stores.

        The following table includes store count and selling square feet:

 
  Fiscal Year 2019   Fiscal Year 2018  
Store count and selling square feet:
  Store
Count
  Selling
Square Feet
  Store
Count
  Selling
Square Feet
 

Stores open, beginning of period

    410     2,047,032     432     2,171,329  

New stores

    8     37,500     15     53,174  

Closed stores

    (31 )   (142,017 )   (36 )   (181,954 )

Net impact of remodeled stores on selling square feet

        (6,019 )       4,483  

Stores open, end of period

    387     1,936,496     411     2,047,032  

Fiscal Year 2019 Compared to Fiscal Year 2018

        Net Sales.    Net sales for fiscal year 2019 were $827.0 million, as compared to $893.2 million for fiscal year 2018. Comparable store sales for fiscal year 2018 decreased 5.4% following an increase of 0.4% for fiscal year 2018. In the comparable store base, average dollar sales per transaction decreased by 0.3%, and the number of transactions per average store decreased by 5.3%, as compared to fiscal year 2018. Contributing to the decrease in net sales was the Company's closing of 31 stores throughout fiscal year 2019, partially offset by growth in the eCommerce channel and sales from the new Fashion to Figure brand launched in the beginning of fiscal year 2018. Included in net sales for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 is $22.1 million and $23.7 million of revenue, respectively, from royalties and the amortization of signing bonuses under the ADS Agreement. For further information, related to the ADS Agreement, please refer to Note 4, "Revenue Recognition" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        Gross Profit.    Gross profit for fiscal year 2019 was $232.1 million, or 28.1% of net sales, as compared to $279.0 million, or 31.2% of net sales, in fiscal year 2018. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of net sales during fiscal year 2019, as compared to fiscal year 2018, reflects increased promotional activity, including $3.7 million of inventory markdowns related to the exit of the Uncommon Sense brand, decreased leverage of buying and occupancy costs on lower sales, and increased shipping costs primarily related to increased rates and partially from growth in the Company's eCommerce channel.

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        Selling, General and Administrative Expenses.    Selling, general and administrative expenses were $273.5 million, or 33.1% of net sales, for fiscal year 2019, as compared to $270.9 million, or 30.3% of net sales, for fiscal year 2018. Fiscal year 2019 selling, general and administrative expenses include $0.9 million of charges associated with the exit of the Uncommon Sense brand, $0.6 million of accelerated depreciation related to the re-platform of the Company's existing eCommerce site, $0.3 million of certain severance expense, and a $0.2 million legal accrual reversal. Fiscal year 2018 selling, general and administrative expenses include $3.5 million of non-operating charges, which includes $1.8 million of executive severance expense primarily related to a change in two leadership positions, $0.7 million of consulting expenses related to Project Excellence initiatives, and $1.1 million related to the Company's name change and Registration Statement plus certain other legal expenses.

        The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales for fiscal year 2019, as compared to fiscal year 2018, is primarily due to a 16% increase in marketing expense, as the Company continues to invest in marketing to drive customer acquisition, grow its digital business, and grow its new brands, Fashion to Figure and Happy x Nature, which was partially offset by a decrease in variable compensation expense due to the Company's operating results.

        Loss from impairment charges.    Loss from impairment charges were $20.6 million, or 2.5% of net sales as compared to $1.6 million, or 0.2% of net sales last year. During fiscal year 2019, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of $12.0 million, representing the impairment of store operating lease assets established under the new lease accounting standard (ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)") that was adopted as of the first day of fiscal year 2019. In addition, the Company recorded $8.6 million of non-cash impairment charges primarily related to underperforming store assets. This was primarily related to the Company's comprehensive review of its real estate portfolio and its plans to reposition itself as a digitally dominant retailer.

        Operating (Loss) Income.    For the reasons discussed above, operating loss for fiscal year 2019 was $61.9 million, or 7.5% of net sales, as compared to operating income of $6.5 million, or 0.7% of net sales, for fiscal year 2018.

        Interest Income, Net.    Net interest income was $0.8 million for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018.

        Loss on extinguishment of debt.    In connection with the early repayment of the $11.5 million outstanding balance of a $15 million, 5-year term loan (the "Term Loan") on April 5, 2018, the Company wrote off $0.2 million of unamortized deferred financing fees during fiscal year 2018. The Company can no longer borrow funds under the Term Loan.

        Provision for Income Taxes.    Provision for income taxes was $0.5 million for fiscal year 2019, as compared to $2.8 million for fiscal year 2018. The decrease in the provision for income taxes in fiscal year 2019, as compared to fiscal year 2018, is primarily due to a $1.6 million assessment related to a multi-year state tax audit and the adjustment of various other state tax reserves in the prior year. The Company continues to provide for adjustments to the deferred tax valuation allowance. For further information related to the deferred tax valuation allowance, please refer to Note 13, "Income Taxes" in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        Net (Loss) Income.    For the reasons discussed above, net loss was $61.6 million, or a loss of $0.96 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2019, as compared to net income of $4.2 million, or earnings of $0.06 per diluted share, for fiscal year 2018.

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Reconciliation of GAAP to Non-GAAP Financial Measures

        A reconciliation of the Company's GAAP operating income (loss) to non-GAAP adjusted operating income (loss), and a reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is indicated below for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018. Adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA are being presented because these are key measures used by the Company's management and board of directors to understand and evaluate the Company's core operating performance and trends, to prepare the financial budget and to develop short and long-term operational plans. In particular, the exclusion of certain expenses in calculating adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of the Company's core business. Accordingly, the Company believes that adjusted operating income (loss) and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating the Company's operating results in the same manner as the Company's management and its board of directors. This non-GAAP financial information should be considered in addition to, not as a substitute for or as being superior to, measures of financial performance prepared in accordance with GAAP.

(Amounts in thousands)
  Fiscal Year 2019
(52-weeks)
  Fiscal Year 2018
(52-weeks)
 

GAAP operating (loss) income as reported

  $ (61,925 ) $ 6,471  

Adjustments affecting comparability

             

Loss from impairment charges(1)

    20,569      

Accelerated depreciation—eCommerce site

    580      

Uncommon Sense closeout(2)

    4,672      

Certain severance expense(3)

    578     2,108  

Legal expense(4)

    (209 )   709  

Consulting expense-Project Excellence

        670  

Company name change and Registration Statement

        405  

Reversal of certain employee relocation accruals

        (135 )

Total adjustments

    26,190     3,757  

Non-GAAP adjusted operating (loss) income

  $ (35,735 ) $ 10,228  

(1)
Fiscal year 2019 primarily represents non-cash charges for impairment of store operating lease assets established under the new lease accounting standard and underperforming store assets.

(2)
Fiscal year 2019 includes write-down Uncommon Sense inventory, related severance and asset impairment charges.

(3)
Fiscal year 2018 includes severance expense primarily related to a change in two executive positions.

(4)
Fiscal year 2018 includes legal accruals related to an ongoing trademark infringement case and a class action lawsuit.

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        A reconciliation of the Company's GAAP net income (loss) to adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, is indicated below:

(Amounts in thousands)
  Fiscal Year 2019
(52-weeks)
  Fiscal Year 2018
(52-weeks)
 

GAAP net (loss) income

  $ (61,623 ) $ 4,230  

Provision for income taxes

    531     2,815  

Net interest income

    (833 )   (813 )

Depreciation and amortization

    19,925     21,044  

Amortization of intangible assets

    188     312  

Loss from impairment charges

    20,569     1,598  

Loss on extinguishment of debt

        239  

Non-operating adjustments(1)

    5,621     3,757  

Adjusted EBITDA

  $ (15,622 ) $ 33,182  

(1)
Represents the 'Total adjustments' described in the non-GAAP table above, excluding 'Loss from impairment charges' for fiscal year 2019.

Seasonality

        The Company views the retail apparel market as having two principal selling seasons: spring (first and second quarter) and fall (third and fourth quarter). New product lines are introduced into the Company's stores in five major deliveries each year (spring, summer, fall, holiday and pre-spring). The Company's business experiences seasonal fluctuations in net sales and operating income, with a larger portion of its sales typically realized during its fourth quarter. Seasonal fluctuations also affect inventory levels. The Company must carry a significant amount of inventory, especially before the holiday season selling period in the fourth quarter and prior to the Easter and Mother's Day holidays toward the latter part of the first quarter and beginning of the second quarter. Due to COVID-19 overlapping the important holiday season selling period of Easter and Mother's Day, the Company was left with significant unsold inventory during Spring 2020.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

        The Company may not be able to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had and will have on its business and has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws, in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to the Company's shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable.

        As previously announced, on June 3, 2020, RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc., Lerner New York Outlet, LLC, Lerner New York FTF, LLC, Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company Stores, Inc., Lerner New York GC, LLC and FTF GC, LLC entered into Amendment No. 2 to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder ("Amendment No. 2") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender, which amends the Loan Agreement. The provisions of the Loan Agreement amended by Amendment No. 2 include, among other things: (i) reduction to the sub-facility for issuance of letters of credit (see below); (ii) increased interest rates applicable to Revolving Loans (see below); (iii) a current repayment of $20 million of amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement; (iv) full repayment of the amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement by August 15, 2020; (v) starting June 13, 2020, the sweep of cash in excess of $40 million to pay down amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement; (vi) revised reporting requirements; (vii) reduction in advance rates used for the Borrowing Base calculation; and

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(viii) forbearance until June 30, 2020 of certain specified potential defaults. Please refer to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 4, 2020 for a further description and copy of Amendment No. 2.

        The Company's primary uses of cash are to fund working capital, operating expenses, debt service and capital expenditures related primarily to the construction of new stores, remodeling/refreshing of existing stores, the development of the Company's information technology infrastructure, including the upgrade of corporate technology systems and the enhancement of its omni-channel capabilities. Historically, the Company has financed these requirements from internally generated cash flow. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps the Company took in response thereto, subsequent to February 1, 2020 and prior to June 3, 2020, the Company was in default under the Loan Agreement, although the Company did not receive any default notices from Wells Fargo, National Association, administrative agent and lender. The Company has obtained a forbearance of certain specified potential defaults under Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement through June 30, 2020. For further information, see Note 15, "Subsequent Events," to the consolidated financial statement appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The Company does not believe that cash flows from operations, its current cash balance and funds available under its credit facility will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs and planned capital expenditures through fiscal year 2020. Because of the COVID-19 outbreak, there is significant uncertainty surrounding the existing and future impact on the Company's results of operations and cash flows. The Company is proactively taking steps to increase available cash on hand including, but not limited to, targeted reductions in discretionary operating expenses and capital expenditures.

 
  February 1,
2020
  February 2,
2019
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 60,630   $ 95,542  

Working capital(1)

  $ (21,444 ) $ 60,953  

(1)
Working capital at February 1, 2020 reflects the adoption of ASU 2016-02, as discussed in Note 3, "Leases," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K. Excluding the $40.4 million of current operating lease liabilities recorded in connection with the adoption of ASU 2016-02, working capital at February 1, 2020 would have been $18.9 million.
 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

  $ (24,543 ) $ 27,072  

Net cash used in investing activities

  $ (8,143 ) $ (8,152 )

Net cash used in financing activities

  $ (2,226 ) $ (14,286 )

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

  $ (34,912 ) $ 4,634  

Operating Activities

        Net cash used in operating activities was $24.5 million during fiscal year 2019, as compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $27.1 million during fiscal year 2018. The increase in cash used in operating activities during fiscal year 2019, as compared to fiscal year 2018, is primarily the result of the Company's net loss during fiscal year 2019.

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Investing Activities

        Net cash used in investing activities was $8.1 million and $8.2 million, during fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively. During fiscal year 2019, capital spending of $5.6 million was primarily related to spending on non-store capital projects, which principally represent continued investments in the Company's information technology infrastructure, eCommerce stores and mobile applications. In addition, the Company also had capital spending of $2.9 million related to the opening of 6 New York & Company stores, 2 Fashion to Figure stores, and the remodeling/refreshing of 6 existing locations. The $8.5 million of capital expenditures was partially offset by $0.4 million of insurance recoveries.

        As of February 1, 2020, approximately 70% of the Company's store leases could be terminated by the Company within two years.

Financing Activities

        Net cash used in financing activities was $2.2 million and $14.3 million in fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively. Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2019 consisted of $1.7 million of principal payments on capital lease obligations, $0.4 million of financing costs, and $0.1 million of employee payroll taxes for which shares were withheld. Net cash used in financing activities during fiscal year 2018 consisted primarily of the $11.5 million early repayment of the Term Loan, a $0.3 million quarterly amortization payment of the Term Loan, $2.0 million of principal payments on capital lease obligations, and $0.6 million of employee payroll taxes for which shares were withheld.

Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

        On October 24, 2019, RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc., Lerner New York Outlet, LLC, Lerner New York FTF, LLC, Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company Stores, Inc., Lerner New York GC, LLC and FTF GC, LLC entered into Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder (the "Amendment") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender, which amends that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 24, 2014 (the "Existing Agreement", as amended by the Amendment, the "Loan Agreement"). The Existing Agreement was scheduled to mature on October 24, 2019. All capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement.

        The amendment to the Existing Agreement provides for, but is not limited to: (i) an extension of the term of the revolving credit facility to October 24, 2024; (ii) a reduction of interest rates related to the revolving credit facility (see below); (iii) a reduction of certain fees related to the revolving credit facility (see below); and (iv) a release of certain intangible assets as collateral.

        The maximum revolving credit facility commitment remains unchanged, providing the Company with up to $100 million of credit, consisting of a $75 million revolving credit facility (which includes a sub-facility for issuance of letters of credit up to $45 million), and a fully committed accordion option that allows the Company to increase the revolving credit facility up to $100 million in the aggregate or decrease it to a minimum of $60 million in the aggregate, subject to certain restrictions. Borrowing availability under the Company's revolving credit facility is determined by a monthly borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets. Under the Loan Agreement, the Company continues to be subject to a Minimum Excess Availability covenant equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the revolving credit facility commitment and (ii) $7.5 million. The Loan Agreement contains other covenants and conditions, including restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends on its common stock, incur additional indebtedness and to

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prepay, redeem, defease or purchase other debt. Subject to such restrictions, the Company may incur more debt for working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions and for other purposes.

        Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the interest rates applicable to Revolving Loans have been reduced by 25 basis points. At the Company's option, Revolving Loans now bear interest at either (i) a floating rate equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of between 1.25% and 1.50% per year for LIBOR Rate Loans or (ii) a floating rate equal to the Base Rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 0.50% per year for Base Rate Loans, with each such margin determined based upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability. The fees the Company pays to the Lenders under the Loan Agreement have also been reduced and now the Company pays a monthly fee on outstanding commercial letters of credit at a rate of between 0.625% and 0.75% per year and on standby letters of credit at a rate of between 1.25% and 1.50% per year, with each such rate determined upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability, plus a monthly fee on a proportion of the unused commitments under the Loan Agreement, which has been reduced to a rate of 0.20% per year.

        The maximum borrowing availability under the Loan Agreement is determined by a monthly borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets. As of February 1, 2020, the Company had availability under the Loan Agreement of $43.5 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $8.2 million, as compared to availability of $35.0 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $11.9 million, as of February 2, 2019. The $8.2 million of letters of credit outstanding at February 1, 2020 represent $8.1 million of standby letters of credit primarily related to the Company's corporate headquarters and certain insurance contracts and $0.1 million of commercial letters of credit. As of February 1, 2020, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

        On March 20, 2020, given the uncertain environment resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, as a precautionary measure and to preserve financial flexibility, the Company drew down $40 million under the Loan Agreement at an interest rate equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25%. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps the Company took in response thereto, subsequent to February 1, 2020 and prior to June 3, 2020, the Company was in default under the Loan Agreement, although the Company did not receive any default notices from Wells Fargo, National Association, administrative agent and lender. The Company has obtained a forbearance of certain specified potential defaults under Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement through June 30, 2020. For further information, see Note 15, "Subsequent Events," to the consolidated financial statement appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        The lender has been granted a pledge of the common stock of Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, and a first priority security interest in substantially all other tangible assets of RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as collateral for the Company's obligations under the Loan Agreement. In addition, RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations under the Loan Agreement, and such guarantees are joint and several.

Cash Requirements

        The Company does not believe that cash flows from operations, its current cash balance and funds available under its credit facility will be sufficient to meet its working capital needs and planned capital expenditures through fiscal year 2020. As a result of the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's operations as described above, management has determined that there is a substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern over the next twelve months and the Company's independent auditors have included a "going concern" explanatory paragraph in their report on the Company's financial statements as of and for the year ended February 1, 2020 included herein.

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        The Company may not be able to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had and will have on its business and has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

        The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

Commercial Commitments

        The following table summarizes the Company's commercial commitments as of February 1, 2020:

 
   
  Amount of Commitment Per Period(2)  
 
  Total
obligations
  Less than
one year
  One to
three years
  Three to
five years
  More than
five years
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Trade letters of credit outstanding(1)

  $ 80   $ 80   $   $   $  

Standby letters of credit(1)

    8,125     8,125              

Total commercial commitments

  $ 8,205   $ 8,205   $   $   $  

(1)
Issued under its revolving credit facility. Standby letters of credit primarily relate to the Company's corporate headquarters and certain insurance contracts. At February 1, 2020, there were no outstanding borrowings under the revolving credit facility.

(2)
Excludes purchase orders for merchandise and supplies in the normal course of business.

        Critical Accounting Policies.    The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that impact the amounts reported on the Company's consolidated financial statements and related notes. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, including right-of-use assets, intangible assets, and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ materially from these judgments. Management believes the following estimates and assumptions are most significant to reporting the Company's results of operations and financial position.

        Inventory Valuation.    Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market, on a weighted average cost basis, using the retail method. The estimated market value of inventory is determined based on an analysis of historical sales trends of individual product categories, the impact of market trends and economic conditions, and a forecast of future demand, as well as plans to sell through inventory. Estimates may differ from actual results due to the quantity, quality, and mix of products in inventory, consumer and retailer preferences, and market conditions. The Company records a charge to cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs for all inventory on-hand when a permanent retail price reduction is reflected in its stores. In addition, management makes estimates and judgments regarding, among other things, initial markup, markdowns, future demand and market conditions, all of which significantly impact the ending inventory valuation. If actual future demand or market conditions are different than those projected by management, future period merchandise margin rates may be unfavorably or favorably affected. Other significant estimates related to inventory include shrink and obsolete and excess inventory which are also based on historical results and management's operating projections.

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        Impairment of Long-Lived Assets.    The Company evaluates long-lived assets in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards CodificationTM ("ASC") Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Long-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. The evaluation is performed at the individual store level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows at the individual store level that are expected to result from the use of each store's assets based on historical experience, omni-channel strategy, knowledge, and market data assumptions. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recognized. An impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company's financial condition and results of operations. For further information related to the impairment of long-lived assets, please refer to Note 7, "Property and Equipment," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        Similarly, for right-of-use assets, these assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired, and are evaluated at the individual store level which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. However, in evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, the Company determines the fair value of the assets by discounting the estimated market rental rates over the remaining term of the lease. These estimates can be affected by factors such as future store results, real estate demand, store closure plans, property specific discount rates, and economic conditions that can be difficult to predict. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recognized. For further information related to the impairment of right-of-use assets, please refer to Note 3, "Leases," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

        Intangible Assets.    The Company follows ASU 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment," which amends FASB ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other" to permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the impairment test of comparing the carrying amount with the recoverable amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.

        The Company's intangible assets relate to the New York & Company trademarks, which were initially valued at $14.8 million, and the Fashion to Figure trademarks and customer list acquired on February 2, 2018, which were valued at $1.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The New York & Company trademarks were initially valued using the "relief from royalty method" and were determined to have indefinite lives. The value of the Fashion to Figure trademarks and customer list represents the Company's cost to acquire such assets on February 2, 2018. The Company has determined the Fashion to Figure trademarks to have indefinite lives, and the customer list to have a useful life of five years over which time the value of the customer list will be amortized into selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations.

        The Company's fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 impairment tests resulted in a fair value that significantly exceeded the carrying amount of the Company's trademarks. The calculation of estimated fair values used in the evaluation of long-lived assets and intangible assets requires estimates of future cash flows, growth rates, discount rates and other variables that are based on historical experience, knowledge, and market data. If actual experience differs materially from management's estimates or if changes in strategic direction occur, an impairment charge may be required. Management's estimates may be affected by factors such as those outlined in "Item 1A. Risk Factors." An impairment loss could have a material adverse impact on the Company's results of operations. In addition to assessing

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qualitative factors that could impact the fair value of the New York & Company and Fashion to Figure trademarks, the Company performed a sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions used in the trademark impairment analysis and has determined that a significant, negative change in the assumptions would not impact the Company's conclusion that no impairment was required.

        Income Taxes.    Income taxes are calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740"), which requires the use of the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Inherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of enacted tax laws and published guidance with respect to applicability to the Company's operations. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The provisions in ASC 740 related to accounting for uncertain tax positions prescribe a comprehensive model of how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. In accordance with these provisions, the Company recognizes a tax benefit when a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. The Company measures the recognized tax benefit as the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The Company reverses a previously recognized tax benefit if it determines that the tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For further information related to deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance, please refer to Note 13, "Income Taxes," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        Please refer to Note 2, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 7A.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

        As a "smaller reporting company," the Company is not required to provide the information required by this Item.

Item 8.    Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

        The financial statements and schedule included in Part IV, "Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules" of this Annual Report on Form 10-K are incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9.    Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

        None.

Item 9A.    Controls and Procedures

(a)
Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures

        The Company carried out an evaluation, as of February 1, 2020, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's management, including the Company's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Rule 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Based upon that evaluation, the Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are

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effective in ensuring that all information required to be filed in this Annual Report on Form 10-K was (i) recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time period specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms and (ii) that the disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the Company's management, including its Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b)
Report of management on internal control over financial reporting

        The Company's management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. The Company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance to the Company's management and Board of Directors regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can provide only reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation. Also, projections of any evaluation of the 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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

        Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2020. In making this assessment, management used the criteria established in the Internal Control—Integrated Framework report issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (2013 framework) (the "COSO criteria").

        Based upon management's assessment and the COSO criteria, the Company's Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer believes that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2020.

        The Company's independent auditors, BDO USA, LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, have audited and reported on the consolidated financial statements of the Company and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting. The reports of the independent auditors appear below and on page 49 herein and expressed unqualified opinions on the consolidated financial statements and the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

(c)
Changes in internal control over financial reporting

        There has been no change in the Company's internal control over financial reporting identified in connection with the evaluation required by paragraph (d) of Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 or 15d-15 that occurred during the Company's last fiscal quarter (the Company's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Board of Directors and Stockholders
RTW Retailwinds, Inc.
New York, New York

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        We have audited the RTW Retailwinds, Inc. (formerly known as New York & Company, Inc.) and subsidiaries' (the "Company") internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the "COSO criteria"). In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2020, based on the COSO criteria.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019 , the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements") and our report dated June 9, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

        The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying "Item 9A. Controls and Procedures." Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

        We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

        A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide

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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.

        Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 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 the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.

New York, New York
June 9, 2020

Item 9B.    Other Information

        None.

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PART III

Item 10.    Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of its Stockholders.

Item 11.    Executive Compensation

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of its Stockholders.

Item 12.    Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of its Stockholders.

Item 13.    Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of its Stockholders.

Item 14.    Principal Accountant Fees and Services

        The information required by this Item is incorporated herein by reference from the Company's Proxy Statement for the 2020 Annual Meeting of its Stockholders.

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PART IV

Item 15.    Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a)
List of documents filed as part of this Annual Report:

1.
The following consolidated financial statements of the Company are filed as part of this Annual Report:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm;

Consolidated Statements of Operations;

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income;

Consolidated Balance Sheets;

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows;

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity; and

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

2.
Financial Statement Schedule II Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
Fiscal Year
  Reserve
Description
  Balance at
beginning of
period
  Additions
Charged to Operations
  Deductions   Balance at
end of
period
 
 
   
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

2019

  Sales Return Reserve   $ 1,263   $ 38,039   $ 38,102   $ 1,200  

2018

  Sales Return Reserve   $ 1,401   $ 42,252   $ 42,390   $ 1,263  
    3.
    Exhibits

        The exhibits listed in the accompanying Exhibit Index are filed or incorporated by reference as part of this Form 10-K.

Item 16.    Form 10-K Summary

        None.

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SIGNATURES

        Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on June 9, 2020.

    RTW RETAILWINDS, INC.
(REGISTRANT)

 

 

/s/ SHEAMUS TOAL

Sheamus Toal
Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal financial officer and
Principal accounting officer)

        Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities indicated.

Name
 
Title
 
Date

 

 

 

 

 
/s/ SHEAMUS TOAL

Sheamus Toal
  Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal executive officer,
Principal financial officer and
Principal accounting officer)
  June 9, 2020

/s/ DAVID H. EDWAB

David H. Edwab

 

Director

 

June 9, 2020

/s/ JAMES O. EGAN

James O. Egan

 

Director

 

June 9, 2020

/s/ GRACE NICHOLS

Grace Nichols

 

Director and Chair of the Board

 

June 9, 2020

/s/ SUSAN J. RILEY

Susan J. Riley

 

Director

 

June 9, 2020

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Financial Statements

Index to Financial Statements

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REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To Board of Directors and Stockholders
RTW Retailwinds, Inc.
New York, New York

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

        We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of RTW Retailwinds, Inc. (formerly known as New York & Company, Inc.) and subsidiaries (the "Company") as of February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019 , the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income (loss), stockholders' equity, and cash flows for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2020, and the related notes and financial statement schedule listed in the accompanying index (collectively referred to as the "consolidated financial statements"). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two fiscal years in the period ended February 1, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

        We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB"), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of February 1, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission and our report dated June 9, 2020 expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Going Concern Uncertainty

        The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared assuming that the Company will continue as a going concern.

        The COVID-19 pandemic has had a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows and liquidity. The Company has disclosed that it cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of COVID-19 but it currently anticipates a material adverse impact on its financial position, revenues, results of operations, and cash flows during fiscal year 2020, which have been adversely impacted in the period subsequent to February 1, 2020.

        The Company has experienced substantial and recurring losses from operations and has deferred payment of amounts due to landlords and vendors. The Company has not paid rent to its landlords for its store locations for the months of April 2020 and May 2020. In addition, the Company has not made recent payments to many of its vendors. As of the date of this filing, the Company has received default notices from many landlords and vendors for non-payment. The Company may be in default of all of its store lease agreements as of the date of this filing but has not yet received a default notification from all landlords. All of the Company's retail stores closed on March 19, 2020, which has led to a subsequent impairment of the carrying values of the Company's inventory, right-of-use assets, fixed assets and other long-term assets, which the Company expects to be substantial and material.

        Further, the Company was in default under its Loan Agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association and has obtained a forbearance of existing defaults under Amendment No. 2 to the Loan Agreement through June 30, 2020.

        As a consequence of the conditions present, the Company has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws, in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company has informed us that they believe that seeking protection under the

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bankruptcy laws is probable. The Company believes without seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws it does not have ability to raise additional capital at this time.

        These conditions result in substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Management's plans regarding these matters are also described in Note 1 of the Notes to the consolidated financial statements. Further information regarding this uncertainty can be found in the subsequent event disclosure in Note 15 to the consolidated financial statements. The consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

Change in Accounting Method Related to Leases

        As discussed in Notes 2 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases during the year ended February 1, 2020 due to the adoption of the Accounting Standards Update, Leases (Topic 842).

Basis for Opinion

        These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

        We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

        Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2016.

New York, New York
June 9, 2020

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
  Fiscal year
ended
February 1,
2020
(52 weeks)
  Fiscal year
ended
February 2,
2019
(52 weeks)
 

Net sales

  $ 826,990   $ 893,224  

Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs

    594,890     614,212  

Gross profit

    232,100     279,012  

Selling, general and administrative expenses

    273,456     270,943  

Loss from impairment charges

    20,569     1,598  

Operating (loss) income

    (61,925 )   6,471  

Interest expense, net of interest income of $1,176 and $1,236 respectively

    (833 )   (813 )

Loss on extinguishment of debt

        239  

(Loss) income before income taxes

    (61,092 )   7,045  

Provision for income taxes

    531     2,815  

Net (loss) income

  $ (61,623 ) $ 4,230  

Basic (loss) earnings per share

  $ (0.96 ) $ 0.07  

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

  $ (0.96 ) $ 0.06  

Weighted average shares outstanding:

             

Basic shares of common stock

    64,346     63,825  

Diluted shares of common stock

    64,346     65,913  

RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(Amounts in thousands)
  Fiscal year
ended
February 1,
2020
(52 weeks)
  Fiscal year
ended
February 2,
2019
(52 weeks)
 

Net (loss) income

  $ (61,623 ) $ 4,230  

Other comprehensive income (loss):

             

Change in minimum pension liability, net of tax

    (545 )   (388 )

Comprehensive (loss) income

  $ (62,168 ) $ 3,842  

   

See accompanying notes.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)
  February 1,
2020
  February 2,
2019
 

Assets

             

Current assets:

             

Cash and cash equivalents

  $ 60,630   $ 95,542  

Accounts receivable

    9,195     9,879  

Inventories, net

    76,122     82,803  

Prepaid expenses

    12,610     16,921  

Other current assets

    1,174     1,818  

Total current assets

    159,731     206,963  

Property and equipment, net

    44,896     63,791  

Operating lease assets

    189,794      

Intangible assets

    16,625     16,813  

Other assets

    938     1,311  

Total assets

  $ 411,984   $ 288,878  

Liabilities and stockholders' equity

             

Current liabilities:

             

Accounts payable

  $ 70,172   $ 77,050  

Accrued expenses

    70,543     68,585  

Current operating lease liabilities

    40,350      

Income taxes payable

    110     375  

Total current liabilities

    181,175     146,010  

Non-current operating lease liabilities

    189,154      

Deferred rent

        25,090  

Other liabilities

    25,698     31,165  

Total liabilities

    396,027     202,265  

Commitments and contingencies

             

Stockholders' equity:

             

Common stock, voting, par value $0.001; 300,000 shares authorized; 67,054 and 66,649 shares issued and 65,223 and 64,818 shares outstanding at February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, respectively

    67     67  

Additional paid-in capital

    187,021     185,020  

Retained deficit

    (164,562 )   (92,450 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    (1,484 )   (939 )

Treasury stock at cost; 1,831 shares at February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019

    (5,085 )   (5,085 )

Total stockholders' equity

    15,957     86,613  

Total liabilities and stockholders' equity

  $ 411,984   $ 288,878  

   

See accompanying notes.

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Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Amounts in thousands)
  Fiscal year
ended
February 1,
2020
(52 weeks)
  Fiscal year
ended
February 2,
2019
(52 weeks)
 

Operating activities

             

Net (loss) income

  $ (61,623 ) $ 4,230  

Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

             

Depreciation and amortization

    19,925     21,044  

Non-cash lease expense

    45,498      

Loss from impairment charges

    20,569     1,598  

Amortization of intangible assets

    188     312  

Amortization of deferred financing costs

    45     56  

Write-off of unamortized deferred financing costs

        239  

Share-based compensation expense

    2,086     2,335  

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

             

Accounts receivable

    879     2,274  

Inventories, net

    6,681     1,695  

Prepaid expenses

    (852 )   (474 )

Accounts payable

    (6,878 )   6,961  

Accrued expenses

    1,683     (7,975 )

Income taxes payable

    (265 )   347  

Deferred rent

        (2,127 )

Operating lease liabilities

    (48,131 )    

Other assets and liabilities

    (4,348 )   (3,443 )

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

    (24,543 )   27,072  

Investing activities

             

Capital expenditures

    (8,547 )   (8,527 )

Insurance recoveries

    404     375  

Net cash used in investing activities

    (8,143 )   (8,152 )

Financing activities

             

Repayment of long-term debt

        (11,750 )

Principal payment on capital lease obligations

    (1,761 )   (1,994 )

Payment of financing costs

    (380 )    

Shares withheld for payment of employee payroll taxes

    (85 )   (580 )

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

        38  

Net cash used in financing activities

    (2,226 )   (14,286 )

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

    (34,912 )   4,634  

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period

    95,542     90,908  

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period

  $ 60,630   $ 95,542  

Cash paid during the period for interest

  $ 182   $ 301  

Cash paid during the period for taxes

  $ 3,150   $ 616  

Non-cash capital lease transactions

  $   $  

   

See accompanying notes.

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Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity

 
  Common Stock   Treasury Stock    
   
  Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Loss
   
 
 
  Additional
Paid-in
Capital
  Retained
Deficit
   
 
(Amounts in thousands)
  Shares   Amount   Shares   Amount   Total  

Balance at February 3, 2018

    64,065   $ 66     1,831   $ (5,085 ) $ 183,228   $ (90,797 ) $ (551 ) $ 86,861  

Adoption of ASC Topic 606

                        (5,883 )       (5,883 )

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights

    254     1             37             38  

Restricted stock issued and vesting of units

    773                              

Restricted stock forfeits and shares withheld for employee payroll taxes

    (274 )               (580 )           (580 )

Share-based compensation expense

                    2,335             2,335  

Net income

                        4,230         4,230  

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

                            (388 )   (388 )

Comprehensive income, net of tax

                        4,230     (388 )   3,842  

Balance at February 2, 2019

    64,818   $ 67     1,831   $ (5,085 ) $ 185,020   $ (92,450 ) $ (939 ) $ 86,613  

Adoption of ASC Topic 842

                        (10,489 )       (10,489 )

Issuance of common stock upon exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights

    14                              

Restricted stock issued and vesting of units

    555                              

Restricted stock forfeits and shares withheld for employee payroll taxes

    (164 )               (85 )           (85 )

Share-based compensation expense

                    2,086             2,086  

Net loss

                        (61,623 )       (61,623 )

Minimum pension liability adjustment, net of tax

                            (545 )   (545 )

Comprehensive income, net of tax

                        (61,623 )   (545 )   (62,168 )

Balance at February 1, 2020

    65,223   $ 67     1,831   $ (5,085 ) $ 187,021   $ (164,562 ) $ (1,484 ) $ 15,957  

   

See accompanying notes.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

February 1, 2020

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation of Financial Statements

        The COVID-19 pandemic ("COVID-19") has had a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations, cash flows, and liquidity, resulting in substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. Further information regarding this uncertainty can be found below in this Note and in the subsequent event disclosure in Note 15, "Subsequent Events." The fiscal year 2019 consolidated financial statements do not include any adjustments that may result from the outcome of this uncertainty.

        RTW Retailwinds, Inc., formerly known as New York & Company, Inc., (together with its subsidiaries, the "Company") is a specialty women's omni-channel retailer with a powerful multi-brand lifestyle platform providing curated fashion solutions that are versatile, on-trend, and stylish at a great value. The specialty retailer, first incorporated in 1918, has grown to now operate 387 retail and outlet locations in 33 states while also growing a substantial eCommerce business. The company's portfolio includes branded merchandise from New York & Company, Fashion to Figure, and collaborations with Eva Mendes, Gabrielle Union and Kate Hudson. The Company's branded merchandise is sold exclusively at its retail locations and online at www.nyandcompany.com, www.nyandcompanycloset.com, www.fashiontofigure.com, and www.happyxnature.com. The target customers for the Company's merchandise are women between the ages of 25 and 49.

        The Company's fiscal year is a 52- or 53-week year that ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company for the 52-weeks ended February 1, 2020 ("fiscal year 2019") and 52-weeks ended February 2, 2019 ("fiscal year 2018"). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

        The Company identifies its operating segments according to how its business activities are managed and evaluated. Its operating segments have been aggregated and are reported as one reportable segment based on the similar nature of products sold, production process, distribution process, target customers and economic characteristics. All of the Company's revenues are generated in the United States.

        The Company is a "smaller reporting company" and as permitted under the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission has elected to provide its audited consolidated statements of income (loss), comprehensive income (loss), cash flows and changes in stockholders' equity for two fiscal years, rather than three fiscal years. The Company has also elected to provide other scaled disclosures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, as permitted for smaller reporting companies.

        In March 2020, COVID-19 in the United States initially led to reduced store traffic and the temporary reduction of operating hours for the Company's brick-and-mortar stores. As the impact of COVID-19 evolved, the Company took decisive action to temporarily close all of the Company's brick-and-mortar stores to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and communities. As of the date of this filing, in accordance with the federal and state guidelines and the adoption of new health and safety recommendations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company began re-opening its brick-and-mortar stores during the first week of June 2020. The Company will re-open stores utilizing a staggered approach, with the goal of all of its brick-and-mortar stores re-opened by the last week of June 2020. The Company cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of COVID-19. The Company's revenues, results of operations, and cash flows have been materially

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation of Financial Statements (Continued)

adversely impacted, and are expected to be further materially adversely impacted, which raises substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has already experienced substantial and recurring losses from operations, and such losses have caused a retained deficit of $164.6 million as of February 1, 2020. The Company may not be able to mitigate the impact COVID-19 has had and will have on its business and has been considering available options including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws, in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to the Company's shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable. See Note 15, "Subsequent Events," regarding the financial condition of the Company, the results of its operations, the carrying value of its assets, the status of its debt obligations, and its liquidity subsequent to fiscal year end 2019.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements

        In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842)" ("ASU 2016-02"), which is a comprehensive new lease standard that amends various aspects of existing accounting guidance for leases. The core principle of ASU 2016-02 requires lessees to present the assets and liabilities that arise from leases on their balance sheets. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years and requires modified retrospective adoption with a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance. The Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of February 3, 2019 (the first day of fiscal year 2019). Please refer to Note 3, "Leases," for further information regarding the adoption of ASU 2016-02.

        In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, "Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income" ("ASU 2018-02"), which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. ASU 2018-02 is effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2018-02 as of February 3, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2018-02 did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

        In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326) Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments" ("ASU 2016-13"), which changes the methodology for measuring credit losses on financial instruments and the timing of when such losses are recorded. ASU 2016-13 requires entities to measure expected losses over the life of the asset and recognize an allowance for estimated credit losses upon recognition of the financial instrument. A modified-retrospective adoption with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings is required. This new guidance is effective for public filers that are considered small reporting companies as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Since the Company is a smaller reporting company, the Company will continue to evaluate the effect of adopting ASU 2016-13 prior to adoption. However, at this time, the Company does not expect there to be a material impact to its financial position or results of operations upon adoption of ASU 2016-13.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-15, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use-Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That is a Service Contract" ("ASU 2018-15"). ASU 2018-15 aligns the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred in a hosting arrangement that is a service contract with the requirements for capitalizing implementation costs incurred to develop or obtain internal-use software. A modified-retrospective adoption with a cumulative effect adjustment to retained earnings is required. This new guidance will be effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect there to be a material impact to its financial position or results of operations upon adoption of ASU 2018-15.

        In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12 "Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes" ("ASU 2019-12"). ASU 2019-12 is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. This new guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and for interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the adoption of this new standard.

Revenue Recognition

        Substantially all of the Company's sales, including eCommerce sales, are single performance obligation arrangements for retail sale transactions for which the transaction price is equivalent to the stated price of the product or service, net of any stated discounts applicable at a point in time. Each sales transaction results in an implicit contract with the customer to deliver a product or service at the point of sale. Revenue from the sale of merchandise at the Company's stores is recognized at the time the customer takes possession of the related merchandise and the purchases are paid for. Revenue, including shipping fees billed to customers, from the sale of merchandise at the Company's eCommerce stores is recognized when the merchandise is shipped to the customer and the purchases are paid for. Revenue for gift cards and merchandise credits is recognized at redemption. Prior to their redemption, gift cards and merchandise credits are recorded as a liability. Discounts and promotional coupons offered to customers are accounted for as a reduction of sales revenue at the time the coupons are tendered by the customer. For sales incentives that provide customers with a coupon for a discount on future purchases, the Company defers a portion of the revenue at the time the coupon is earned using the standalone selling price method, until the coupon is redeemed or expired. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues.

        The Company reserves for sales returns on a gross basis through a separate right of return asset and liability with reductions in sales and cost of goods sold based upon historical merchandise returns experience and current sales levels.

        The Company issues gift cards and merchandise credits which do not contain provisions for expiration or inactivity fees. The portion of the dollar value of gift cards and merchandise credits that ultimately is not used by customers to make purchases is known as breakage and will be recognized as revenue if the Company determines it is not required to escheat such amounts to government agencies under state escheatment laws. The Company recognizes gift card and merchandise credit breakage as revenue as each is redeemed based on their respective historical breakage rate. The Company determined the breakage rates for gift cards and merchandise credits based on their respective

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

historical redemption patterns. The Company recognizes revenue on the remaining unredeemed gift cards and merchandise credits based on determining that the likelihood of redemption is remote and that there is no legal obligation to escheat the unredeemed amounts to relevant jurisdictions.

        Runway Rewards is the Company's points-based customer loyalty program, in which customers earn points based on purchases. When customers reach predetermined point thresholds, earned points are converted to rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases of Company merchandise. Under the Runway Rewards program, points earned expire after 12 months if the point threshold for a reward is not attained. Issued rewards expire after approximately 60 days if they are not redeemed. As rewards are being earned the Company defers a portion of the revenue equal to the estimated sales value of the reward that is expected to be redeemed using the standalone selling price method. Revenue is recognized as rewards are redeemed or expire. The Company determines the estimated redemption rate based on the historical experience of rewards being earned and redeemed.

        The Company also recognizes revenue in connection with its private label credit card agreement with Comenity Bank, a bank subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS") (the "ADS Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the ADS Agreement, ADS has the exclusive right to provide private label credit cards to its customers through April 30, 2026. The Company's private label credit card is issued to the Company's customers for use exclusively at the Company's stores and eCommerce websites, and credit is extended to such customers by Comenity Bank on a non-recourse basis to the Company. Upon execution of the ADS Agreement on July 14, 2016, the Company was entitled to $40.0 million in signing bonuses. The signing bonuses were payable in two installments, of which $17.5 million was received on July 28, 2016, and $22.5 million was received on January 10, 2017. Upon execution of the ADS Agreement, the Company recorded $40.0 million of deferred revenue, which is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 10-year term of the ADS Agreement. The Company's primary performance obligation under the ADS agreement is licensing its brand to ADS for marketing the Company's private label credit card. In addition, the Company's performance obligations include certain operating procedures related to its private label credit card. Over the term of the ADS Agreement, the Company receives royalty payments based on a percentage of private label credit card sales, which the Company recognizes as revenue as it is earned.

        Please refer to Note 4, "Revenue Recognition" for additional information.

Fair Value Measurements and Financial Instruments

        The Company measures fair value in accordance with ASC 820 Topic, "Fair Value Measurements" ("ASC 820"). ASC 820 establishes a three-level fair value hierarchy that requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:

Level 1:   Observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets;

Level 2:

 

Inputs, other than the quoted prices in active markets, that are observable either directly or indirectly; and

Level 3:

 

Unobservable inputs in which there is little or no market data and require the reporting entity to develop its own assumptions.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

        The Company's financial instruments consist of cash and cash equivalents, short-term trade receivables, and accounts payable. The carrying values on the balance sheet for cash and cash equivalents, short-term trade receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair values due to the short-term maturities of such items.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

        Cash and cash equivalents include all cash in banks, cash on-hand, and all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Inventories

        Inventories are valued at the lower of average cost or market, on a weighted average cost basis, using the retail method. The estimated market value of inventory is determined based on an analysis of historical sales trends of individual product categories, the impact of market trends and economic conditions, and a forecast of future demand, as well as plans to sell through inventory. The Company records a charge to cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs for all inventory on-hand when a permanent retail price reduction is reflected in its stores. The Company also records inventory loss adjustments for shrink and obsolete and excess inventory which are based on historical results and management's operating projections.

Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Expenditures for new properties and improvements are capitalized, while the cost of repair and maintenance is charged to expense. Depreciation of property and equipment is provided on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets.

        The estimated useful lives of property and equipment, for financial statement purposes, are as follows:

Depreciable Fixed Assets
  Useful Life

Land

 

Store fixtures and equipment

  3 - 10 years

Office furniture, fixtures and equipment

  3 - 15 years

Software

  5 years

Leasehold improvements

  Lesser of the useful life or the term of the lease

Cost of Goods Sold, Buying and Occupancy Costs

        Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs is comprised of direct inventory costs for merchandise sold, distribution costs, shipping costs, payroll and related costs for the Company's design, sourcing, production, merchandising, planning and allocation personnel, and store occupancy and related costs.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Share-Based Compensation

        The Company accounts for all share-based payments in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, "Compensation—Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"). For further information related to share-based compensation, please refer to Note 10, "Share-Based Compensation."

Marketing

        Marketing costs, which consist primarily of direct mail and point-of-sale ("POS") advertising costs, are expensed at the time the promotion is mailed or first appears in the store. For the following periods, marketing costs reported in "Selling, general and administrative expenses" on the consolidated statements of operations were as follows:

Fiscal Year
  (Amounts
in thousands)
 

2019

  $ 45,907  

2018

  $ 39,536  

        At February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, marketing costs reported in "Prepaid expenses" on the consolidated balance sheets amounted to $2.0 million and $1.7 million, respectively.

Pre-Opening Expenses

        Costs, such as advertising and payroll costs, incurred prior to the opening of a new store are expensed as incurred.

Store Supplies

        The initial inventory and subsequent shipments of supplies for new stores, including, but not limited to, hangers, signage, packaging and POS supplies, are expensed as used.

Deferred Financing Costs

        Costs related to the issuance of debt are presented as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the related debt liability in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized as interest expense over the term of the related debt. Debt issuance costs related to the Company's revolving credit facility are capitalized as "Other assets" in the consolidated balance sheets and amortized as interest expense over the term of the credit facility. At February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, net deferred financing costs were $0.4 million and $20,000, respectively.

Interest Expense

        Interest expense, net of interest income, includes interest primarily related to the amortization of deferred financing costs and the Company's revolving credit facility.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

        The Company evaluates the impairment of long-lived assets in accordance with ASC Topic 360, "Property, Plant and Equipment." Long-lived assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired. The evaluation is performed at the individual store level, which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. In evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, the Company estimates the future cash flows at the individual store level that are expected to result from the use of each store's assets based on historical experience, omni-channel strategy, knowledge, and market data assumptions. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recognized.

        Similarly, for right-of-use assets, these assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired, and are evaluated at the individual store level which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. However, in evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, the Company determines the fair value of the assets by discounting the estimated market rental rates over the remaining term of the lease. These estimates can be affected by factors such as future store results, real estate demand, store closure plans, property specific discount rates, and economic conditions that can be difficult to predict. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recognized.

Intangible Assets

        The Company follows ASU 2012-02, "Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment," which amends FASB ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles—Goodwill and Other" to permit an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine if it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired and whether it is necessary to perform the impairment test of comparing the carrying amount with the recoverable amount of the indefinite-lived intangible asset.

        The Company's intangible assets relate to the New York & Company trademarks, which were initially valued at $14.8 million, and the Fashion to Figure trademarks and customer list acquired on February 2, 2018, which were valued at $1.4 million and $0.8 million, respectively. The New York & Company trademarks were initially valued using the "relief from royalty method" and were determined to have indefinite lives. The value of the Fashion to Figure trademarks and customer list represents the Company's cost to acquire such assets on February 2, 2018. The Company has determined the Fashion to Figure trademarks to have indefinite lives, and the customer list to have a useful life of five years over which time the value of the customer list will be amortized into "Selling, general and administrative expenses" on the consolidated statement of operations.

        The Company assesses trademarks for impairment annually as of December 31, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of trademarks below their carrying value. The Company's fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 impairment tests resulted in a fair value that significantly exceeded the carrying amount of the Company's

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

trademarks. In addition to assessing qualitative factors that could impact the fair value of the New York & Company and Fashion to Figure trademarks, the Company performed a sensitivity analysis on the key assumptions used in the trademark impairment analysis and has determined that a significant, negative change in the assumptions would not impact the Company's conclusion that no impairment was required.

Income Taxes

        Income taxes are calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 740, "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740"), which requires the use of the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement carrying amounts of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Inherent in the measurement of deferred balances are certain judgments and interpretations of enacted tax laws and published guidance with respect to applicability to the Company's operations. A valuation allowance is established against deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The provisions in ASC 740 related to accounting for uncertain tax positions prescribe a comprehensive model of how a company should recognize, measure, present and disclose in its financial statements uncertain tax positions that the Company has taken or expects to take on a tax return. Under these provisions, the Company recognizes a tax benefit when a tax position is more likely than not to be sustained upon examination, based solely on its technical merits. The Company measures the recognized tax benefit as the largest amount of tax benefit that has greater than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon the ultimate settlement with a taxing authority. The Company reverses a previously recognized tax benefit if it determines that the tax position no longer meets the more-likely-than-not threshold of being sustained. The Company accrues interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. For further information related to deferred tax assets and the related valuation allowance, please refer to Note 13, "Income Taxes," in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements appearing elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

        Comprehensive income (loss) is calculated in accordance with ASC Topic 220, "Comprehensive Income." Comprehensive income (loss) includes net income (loss) and other comprehensive income (loss). The tax effect of other comprehensive income (loss) is offset by corresponding adjustments to the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company reports the components of other comprehensive income (loss) and accumulated other comprehensive loss in the consolidated financial statements included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

        Basic earnings (loss) per share are computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding for the period. Except when the effect would be anti-dilutive, diluted earnings (loss) per share are calculated based on the weighted average number of outstanding shares of common stock plus the dilutive effect of share-based awards calculated under the

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Continued)

treasury stock method. A reconciliation between basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share is as follows:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands,
except per share amounts)

 

Net (loss) earnings

  $ (61,623 ) $ 4,230  

Basic (loss) earnings per share

             

Weighted average shares outstanding:

             

Basic shares of common stock

    64,346     63,825  

Basic (loss) earnings per share

  $ (0.96 ) $ 0.07  

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

             

Weighted average shares outstanding:

             

Basic shares of common stock

    64,346     63,825  

Plus impact of share-based awards

        2,088  

Diluted shares of common stock

    64,346     65,913  

Diluted (loss) earnings per share

  $ (0.96 ) $ 0.06  

        The calculation of diluted earnings (loss) per share for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 excludes the share-based awards listed in the following table due to their anti-dilutive effect, as determined under the treasury stock method:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Stock options

        3  

Stock appreciation rights(1)

    2,522     490  

Restricted stock and units

    671     164  

Total anti-dilutive shares

    3,193     657  

(1)
Each stock appreciation right ("SAR") referred to above represents the right to receive a payment measured by the increase in the fair market value of one share of common stock from the date of grant of the SAR to the date of exercise of the SAR. Upon exercise, the SARs will be settled in the Company's common stock.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

3. Leases

        For further information regarding the Company's material subsequent event affecting the carrying value of the Company's right-of-use assets and the classification of the lease liabilities, please refer to Note 15, "Subsequent Events."

        The Company determines if a long-term contractual agreement is a lease, or contains a lease, at inception, and separates lease components from non-lease components by allocating the contract consideration to the components based on their relative standalone prices. Non-lease components are generally services that the lessor performs for the Company associated with the leased asset, such as common area maintenance. The Company leases retail business locations, office facilities, office equipment, and automotive equipment under various non-cancelable operating leases expiring in various years through 2031. Leases on retail business locations typically specify minimum rentals plus common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, other landlord charges and possible additional rentals based upon a percentage of sales. Most of the retail business location leases previously had original terms of 10 years, and some retail business location leases provide renewal options at specified rates. The Company's lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees. As of February 1, 2020, approximately 70% of its store leases could be terminated by the Company within two years, providing the Company with operating flexibility. The Company leases office space for its corporate headquarters at 330 West 34th Street, New York, New York. The lease for the corporate headquarters expires in 2030.

        As previously disclosed in Note 2, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02 as of February 3, 2019, using the transition option to recognize a cumulative adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance and without adjustment to prior periods. As permitted under the guidance, the Company has elected the package of transition practical expedients which allows the Company to carry forward its identification of contracts that are or contain leases, its historical lease classification, and indirect costs for existing leases. In addition, the Company has elected the practical expedient to separate its lease components from non-lease components. The Company has elected to not record short-term leases on its consolidated balance sheet. Short-term leases are leases with a term of twelve months or less ("short-term leases"). Instead, the Company recognizes short-term leases on a straight-line basis over the related lease term and does not record a related right-of-use asset or lease liability. The Company has not elected to apply the hindsight practical expedient.

        Adoption of ASU 2016-02 resulted in the recording of operating lease assets and operating lease liabilities of approximately $238.1 million and $268.4 million, respectively, as of February 3, 2019. The difference between the additional lease assets and lease liabilities primarily represents adjustments for initial direct costs, tenant allowances, deferred rent, and the initial right-of-use asset impairment amounts associated with stores with fixed assets that were previously impaired. The adoption of this standard did not materially impact the Company's consolidated statements of operations or consolidated statements of cash flows.

        In accordance with the new lease standard, the disclosure of the impact of the cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained deficit on the Company's consolidated balance sheet on February 3, 2019 was as follows:

 
  February 2, 2019
(As reported)
  Effect of
ASU 2016-02
Adoption
  February 3, 2019
(As amended)
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Retained deficit

  $ (92,450 ) $ (10,489 ) $ (102,939 )

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

3. Leases (Continued)

        The $10.5 million cumulative effect adjustment primarily represents impairment charges to the right-of-use asset associated with stores with fixed assets that were previously impaired.

        Right-of-use assets are evaluated for recoverability whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that an asset may have been impaired, and are evaluated at the individual store level which is the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are largely independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets and liabilities. However, in evaluating long-lived assets for recoverability, the Company determines the fair value of the assets by discounting the estimated market rental rates over the remaining term of the lease. These estimates can be affected by factors such as future store results, real estate demand, store closure plans, property specific discount rates, and economic conditions that can be difficult to predict. If the sum of the expected future undiscounted cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the long-lived assets, an impairment loss, equal to the excess of the carrying amount over the fair value of the assets, is recognized.

        During fiscal year 2019, the Company recorded $12.0 million of loss from impairment charges related to its store operating lease assets on the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The Company could experience future material non-cash impact to its operating income (loss) as the result of future impairments of the right-of-use asset depending on store performance, among other factors.

Lease Assets and Liabilities

        The following table discloses supplemental balance sheet information for the Company's leases:

 
  Classification   February 1, 2020  
 
   
  (amounts in thousands)
 

Assets

           

Operating lease assets

  Operating lease assets   $ 189,794  

Finance lease assets

  Property and equipment, net     3,926  

Total lease assets

      $ 193,720  

Liabilities

           

Current

           

Operating

  Current operating lease liabilities   $ 40,350  

Finance

  Accrued expenses     1,166  

Non-current

           

Operating

  Non-current operating lease liabilities     189,154  

Finance

  Other liabilities     844  

Total lease liabilities

      $ 231,514  

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

3. Leases (Continued)

Lease Cost

        The components of lease expense were as follows:

 
  Classification   Twelve months ended
February 1, 2020
 
 
   
  (amounts in thousands)
 

Operating lease cost—stores(1)

  Occupancy costs   $ 74,738  

Operating lease cost—office space and equipment

  SG&A     9,598  

Finance lease costs:

           

Amortization of leased assets

  Occupancy costs/SG&A     1,426  

Interest on lease liabilities

  Interest expense     110  

Total lease cost

      $ 85,872  

(1)
Includes $18.9 million of short-term lease costs and $4.8 million of variable lease costs for the twelve months ended February 1, 2020. Included in variable lease costs are amounts related to rentals based upon a percentage of sales.

Maturity of Lease Liabilities

        The following table summarizes the maturity of lease liabilities as of February 1, 2020:

Fiscal Year
  Operating
leases
  Finance
leases
 
 
  (amounts in thousands)
 

2020

  $ 58,295   $ 1,364  

2021

    46,191     569  

2022

    38,432     145  

2023

    34,800      

2024

    30,285      

Thereafter

    82,892      

Total lease obligations

  $ 290,895   $ 2,078  

Less: Interest

    61,391     68  

Present value of lease liabilities

  $ 229,504   $ 2,010  

        The table above does not include $3.0 million of short-term lease commitments. As of February 1, 2020, the Company had no leases that were signed, but had not yet commenced.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

3. Leases (Continued)

Lease Term and Discount Rate

        The following table discloses the weighted-average remaining lease term and weighted-average discount rate for the Company's leases, excluding short-term leases:

 
  February 1, 2020  

Weighted-average remaining lease term (years)

       

Operating leases

    6.9  

Finance leases

    1.7  

Weighted-average discount rate

       

Operating leases

    6.1 %

Finance leases

    3.5 %

        The discount rate is the rate implicit in the lease unless that rate cannot be readily determined. Most of the Company's operating leases do not provide an implicit interest rate. Therefore, when an implicit rate is unavailable the Company is required to use its incremental borrowing rate. The incremental borrowing rate is the rate of interest that the Company would have to pay to borrow, on a collateralized basis over a similar term, an amount equal to the lease payments in a similar economic environment. The Company used incremental borrowing rates based on information available at the date of adoption of ASU 2016-02.

Other Information

        Supplemental cash flow information related to leases was as follows:

 
  Twelve months ended
February 1, 2020
 
 
  (amounts in thousands)
 

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of lease liabilities

       

Operating cash flows from operating leases

  $ 62,964  

Operating cash flows from finance leases

  $ 99  

Financing cash flows from finance leases

  $ 1,761  

Lease assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

  $ 8,854  

Lease assets obtained in exchange for new finance lease liabilities

  $  

4. Revenue Recognition

        The Company recognizes revenue from the sale of merchandise at the Company's stores at the time the customer takes possession of the related merchandise and the purchases are paid for. Revenue, including shipping fees billed to customers, from the sale of merchandise at the Company's eCommerce websites is recognized when the merchandise is shipped to the customer and the purchases are paid for. Sales taxes collected from customers are excluded from revenues.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

4. Revenue Recognition (Continued)

        The Company issues gift cards and merchandise credits which do not contain provisions for expiration or inactivity fees. Revenue from gift cards and merchandise credits is recognized at redemption. The portion of the dollar value of gift cards and merchandise credits that ultimately is not used by customers to make purchases is known as breakage and will be recognized as revenue if the Company determines it is not required to escheat such amounts to government agencies under state escheatment laws.

        The Company offers its private label credit card holders a points-based customer loyalty program, in which customers earn points based on purchases (the "Runway Rewards" program). When customers reach predetermined point thresholds, earned points are converted to rewards that can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases of Company merchandise. Under the Runway Rewards program, points earned expire after 12 months if the point threshold for a reward is not attained. Issued rewards expire after approximately 60 days if they are not redeemed. As rewards are being earned, the Company defers a portion of the revenue equal to the estimated sales value of the reward that is expected to be redeemed using the standalone selling price method. Revenue is recognized as rewards are redeemed or expire.

        The Company recognizes revenue in connection with its private label credit card agreement with Comenity Bank, a bank subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation ("ADS") (the "ADS Agreement"). Pursuant to the terms of the ADS Agreement, ADS has the exclusive right to provide private label credit cards to the Company's customers. The Company's private label credit card is issued to the Company's customers for use exclusively at the Company's stores and eCommerce websites, and credit is extended to such customers by Comenity Bank on a non-recourse basis to the Company. After the execution of the ADS Agreement on July 14, 2016, the Company received a $40 million signing bonus, which was recorded as deferred revenue, and is being amortized on a straight-line basis over the 10-year term of the ADS Agreement. In addition, over the term of the ADS Agreement, the Company receives royalty payments based on a percentage of private label credit card sales, which the Company recognizes as revenue as it is earned.

        The opening and closing balances of the Company's contract liabilities are as follows:

 
  Gift Cards & Merchandise Credits   Loyalty Rewards  
 
  Twelve months
ended
February 1,
2020
  Twelve months
ended
February 2,
2019
  Twelve months
ended
February 1,
2020
  Twelve months
ended
February 2,
2019
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Beginning balance

  $ 12,206   $ 13,649   $ 6,389   $ 7,331  

Increase/(decrease), net

    (749 )   (1,443 )   (1,832 )   (942 )

Ending balance

  $ 11,457   $ 12,206   $ 4,557   $ 6,389  

        Contract liabilities related to gift cards and merchandise credits and loyalty programs are reported in "Accrued expenses" on the consolidated balance sheets.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

4. Revenue Recognition (Continued)

        The amount of revenue recognized during the twelve months ended February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019 that was included in the opening contract liability balance for gift cards and merchandise credits was $3.5 million and $7.1 million, respectively. During the twelve months ended February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, the net revenue impact from rewards issued, redeemed and expired under loyalty reward programs was $1.8 million and $0.9 million of revenue recognized, respectively.

        Deferred revenue related to the ADS Agreement was $25.0 million at February 1, 2020, of which $21.0 million is included in "Other liabilities" and $4.0 million is included in "Accrued expenses" on the consolidated balance sheet. As of February 2, 2019, deferred revenue related to the ADS Agreement was $29.0 million, of which $25.0 million is included in "Other liabilities" and $4.0 million is included in "Accrued expenses" on the consolidated balance sheet. During fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, the Company recognized revenue of $22.1 million and $23.7 million, respectively, from royalties and the amortization of signing bonuses in connection with the ADS Agreement.

5. Significant Risks and Uncertainties

Use of Estimates

        The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires the Company's management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including those related to inventories, long-lived assets, intangible assets, and income taxes. Management bases its estimates and judgments on historical experience and various other factors that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results could differ from these estimates.

Concentration of Risk

        The Company is subject to concentration of credit risk relating to cash, primarily store depository accounts, which are maintained with major financial institutions. The Company monitors the relative credit standing of these financial institutions and other entities and limits the amount of credit exposure with any one entity. The Company also monitors the creditworthiness of the entities to which it grants credit terms in the normal course of business.

        The Company's largest country sources are China, Vietnam and Indonesia, which represented approximately 95% of merchandise purchases in fiscal year 2019. The Company utilized two major apparel agents, which together represented approximately 63% of the Company's merchandise purchases during fiscal year 2019; however, no individual factory represented more than 8% of the Company's merchandise purchases.

6. Proprietary Credit Card

        The Company has a credit card processing agreement with ADS, referred to elsewhere in these Notes as the ADS Agreement, which provides the services of the Company's proprietary credit card program. ADS owns the credit card accounts, with no recourse from the Company. The Company's receivable due from ADS at any time represents the standard processing time of approximately three

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

6. Proprietary Credit Card (Continued)

days. The amount due at February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019 was $2.1 million and $1.5 million, respectively. The Company does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements with credit exposure.

7. Property and Equipment

        Property and equipment at February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019 consist of the following:

 
  February 1,
2020
  February 2,
2019
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Land

  $ 117   $ 117  

Store fixtures and equipment

    130,967     152,246  

Office furniture, fixtures, and equipment

    23,330     25,478  

Leasehold improvements

    129,862     139,101  

Software

    74,586     68,109  

Construction in progress

    1,131     2,716  

Total

    359,993     387,767  

Less accumulated depreciation

    315,097     323,976  

Property and equipment, net

  $ 44,896   $ 63,791  

        Included in furniture, fixtures, and equipment above is $9.4 million of assets recorded under capital leases as of February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019.

        Depreciation expense amounted to $19.9 million and $21.0 million for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively.

        The Company classifies long-lived store assets within level 3 of the fair value hierarchy as defined in ASC 820. The Company reported $7.4 million and $1.6 million of non-cash impairment charges related to underperforming store assets in fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively, in "Loss from impairment charges" on the Company's consolidated statements of operations.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

        The Company leases retail business locations, office and warehouse facilities, and automotive equipment under various non-cancelable operating leases expiring in various years through 2031. As of February 1, 2020, approximately 70% of its store leases could be terminated by the Company within two years, and approximately 90% of the Company's store leases could be terminated by the Company within five years. Leases on retail business locations typically specify minimum rentals plus common area maintenance charges, real estate taxes, other landlord charges and possible additional rentals based upon percentages of sales.

        The Company leases office space for its corporate headquarters at 330 West 34th Street, New York, New York. The lease for the corporate headquarters expires in 2030.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

8. Commitments and Contingencies (Continued)

        For further information regarding the Company's lease commitments and contingencies, please refer to Note 3, "Leases."

Open Purchase Orders

        As of February 1, 2020, the Company had open purchase commitments of $67.7 million for inventory and $1.6 million for store construction.

Legal Proceedings

        There are various claims, lawsuits and pending actions against the Company arising in the normal course of the Company's business. It is the opinion of management that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not have a material effect on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

9. Employee Benefit Plans

Savings and Retirement Plans

        The Company contributes to a defined contribution savings and retirement plan (the "SARP") qualifying under section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Participation in the Company's SARP is available to all associates, if not covered by the pension plan discussed below, who have completed 1,000 or more hours of service with the Company during certain twelve-month periods and have attained the age of 21. Participants are able to contribute up to 100% of their pay to the SARP, subject to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) limits. The Company matches 100% of the employee's contribution up to a maximum of 4% of the employee's eligible pay. The Company match is immediately vested.

        The Company's costs under this plan were as follows:

Fiscal Year
  (Amounts
in thousands)
 

2019

  $ 1,304  

2018

  $ 1,384  

Pension Plan

        The Company sponsors a single employer defined benefit pension plan ("plan") covering substantially all union employees. Employees covered by collective bargaining agreements are primarily non-management store associates, representing approximately 7% of the Company's workforce at February 1, 2020. The plan provides retirement benefits for union employees who have attained the age of 21 and complete 1,000 or more hours of service in any calendar year following the date of employment. The plan provides benefits based on length of service. The Company's funding policy for the pension plan is to contribute annually the amount necessary to provide for benefits based on accrued service and to contribute at least the minimum required by ERISA rules. The Company

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

9. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

expects to contribute approximately $0.6 million to the plan during fiscal year 2020. The Company's pension plan weighted average asset allocation, by asset category, is as follows:

Asset Category
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 

Equity securities

    70 %   70 %

Fixed income

    25 %   26 %

Cash and cash equivalents

    5 %   4 %

        The Company's investment policy generally targets 65% to 70% in equity securities and 30% to 35% in fixed income.

        The fair values of the pension plan assets at February 1, 2020, utilizing the fair value hierarchy in accordance with ASC 820, is as follows:

 
   
  Fair Value Measurements Using  
 
  February 1,
2020
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Equity securities:

                         

U.S. common stocks

  $ 4,342   $ 4,342   $   $  

International common stocks

    682         682      

Fixed income securities:

                         

U.S. agency bonds

    847         847      

U.S. corporate bonds

    932         932      

U.S. mortgage-backed securities

    15         15      

Cash and cash equivalents:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

    343     304     39      

Total

  $ 7,161   $ 4,646   $ 2,515   $  

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

9. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

        The fair values of the pension plan assets at February 2, 2019, utilizing the fair value hierarchy in accordance with ASC 820, is as follows:

 
   
  Fair Value Measurements Using  
 
  February 2,
2019
  Quoted Prices in
Active Markets
(Level 1)
  Significant Other
Observable Inputs
(Level 2)
  Significant
Unobservable
Inputs (Level 3)
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Equity securities:

                         

U.S. common stocks

  $ 3,980   $ 3,980   $   $  

International common stocks

    608         608      

Fixed income securities:

                         

U.S. agency bonds

    874         874      

U.S. corporate bonds

    817         817      

U.S. mortgage-backed securities

    18         18      

Cash and cash equivalents:

                         

Cash and cash equivalents

    251     245     6      

Total

  $ 6,548   $ 4,225   $ 2,323   $  

        In consideration of the fund's investment goals, demographics, time horizon available for investment and the overall risk tolerance of the board of trustees (consisting of two union trustees and two employer trustees) a long-term investment objective of long-term income and growth has been adopted for the fund's assets. This is a risk-averse balanced approach that seeks long-term growth in capital along with significant current income.

        The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine benefit obligations:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 

Discount rate

    2.80 %   4.00 %

        The following weighted average assumptions were used to determine net periodic benefit cost:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 

Discount rate

    4.00 %   3.70 %

Long-term rate of return on assets

    8.00 %   8.00 %

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

9. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

        The measurement dates for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 are January 31, 2020 and January 31, 2019, respectively, for the determination of benefit obligations. The following table provides information for the pension plan:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Change in benefit obligation:

             

Benefit obligation, beginning of period

  $ 7,987   $ 8,425  

Service cost

    387     386  

Interest

    314     305  

Actuarial loss (gain)

    812     (519 )

Benefits paid

    (589 )   (610 )

Benefit obligation, end of period

  $ 8,911   $ 7,987  

Change in plan assets:

             

Fair value of plan assets, beginning of period

  $ 6,548   $ 7,182  

Actual (loss) gain on plan assets

    575     (486 )

Benefits paid

    (589 )   (610 )

Employer contributions

    627     462  

Fair value of plan assets, end of period

  $ 7,161   $ 6,548  

Funded status

  $ (1,750 ) $ (1,439 )

Unrecognized net actuarial loss

    2,705     2,176  

Unrecognized prior service credit

    (97 )   (113 )

Net amount recognized

  $ 858   $ 624  

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:

             

Accrued pension liability

  $ (1,750 ) $ (1,439 )

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

    2,608     2,063  

Net amount recognized

  $ 858   $ 624  

        At February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, the Company reported a minimum pension liability of $1.8 million and $1.4 million, respectively, due to the underfunded status of the plan. The minimum pension liability is reported in "Other liabilities" on the consolidated balance sheets. Included in accumulated other comprehensive loss at February 1, 2020 is a net loss of $0.2 million that is expected to be recognized in net periodic benefit cost during fiscal year 2020.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

9. Employee Benefit Plans (Continued)

        Net periodic benefit cost includes the following components:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Service cost

  $ 387   $ 386  

Interest cost

    314     305  

Expected return on plan assets

    (517 )   (562 )

Amortization of unrecognized losses

    224     156  

Amortization of prior service credit

    (15 )   (15 )

Net periodic benefit cost

  $ 393   $ 270  

        The following schedule shows the expected benefit payments over the next 10 years:

Fiscal Year
  (Amounts
in thousands)
 

2020

  $ 722  

2021

    695  

2022

    652  

2023

    621  

2024

    589  

2025-2029

    2,434  

Total

  $ 5,713  

10. Share-Based Compensation

        The Company's board of directors and stockholders approved the New York & Company, Inc. 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "2006 Plan") on May 3, 2006, and June 21, 2006, respectively. From time to time, the Company's stockholders approve amendments to the 2006 Plan to increase the number of shares reserved for issuance, among other matters. The aggregate number of shares of the Company's common stock that may be issued under the New York & Company, Inc. Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Amended and Restated 2006 Plan") is 12,668,496 shares, and the maximum number of shares which may be used for awards other than stock options or stock appreciation rights ("SARs") is 7,750,000 shares. These shares may be in whole or in part authorized and unissued or held by the Company as treasury shares.

        Under the Amended and Restated 2006 Plan, the Company is able to grant share-based awards to its executives, consultants, directors, or other key employees. Options and SARs generally have a maximum term of up to 10 years. Upon grant of share-based awards, the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors will determine the exercise price, if applicable, and the term and conditions of any award pursuant to the Amended and Restated 2006 Plan. The exercise price of an incentive stock option and a SAR, however, may not be less than 100% of the fair market value of a share of common stock on the date of grant. The exercise price of an incentive stock option awarded to a person who owns stock constituting more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

10. Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

of stock of the Company may not be less than 110% of the fair market value on such date and the option must be exercised within five years of the date of grant. The aggregate fair market value of common stock for which an incentive stock option is exercisable for the first time during any calendar year, under all equity incentive plans of the Company, may not exceed $0.1 million. Upon the exercise of a SAR, a participant will receive a number of shares of the Company's common stock equal in value to the excess of the fair market value of a share of common stock over the exercise price per share, multiplied by the number of shares in respect of which the SAR is exercised. Vesting provisions, including performance targets, for all share-based awards are determined by the compensation committee of the Company's board of directors before or at the date of grant, however, subject to certain restrictions, all outstanding share-based awards may vest upon a sale of the Company. At February 1, 2020, shares that are not currently outstanding and are available for issuance amounted to 4,087,183.

        A summary of the Company's options and SARs outstanding as of February 1, 2020 and activity for fiscal year 2019 is presented below:

 
  Number
of Shares
  Weighted
Average
Exercise
Price
  Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Term
(years)
  Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
 
 
  (Amounts
in thousands)

   
   
  (Amounts
in thousands)

 

Outstanding, beginning of period

    3,393   $ 2.36              

Granted

    425     1.96              

Exercised

    (133 )   1.91              

Forfeited

    (194 )   2.91              

Expired

    (169 )   2.56              

Outstanding, end of period(1)

    3,322   $ 2.29     5.6   $  

Exercisable, end of period

    2,390   $ 1.87     4.5   $  

(1)
The non-vested SARs outstanding at February 1, 2020 vest subject to the passage of time through fiscal year 2023. There were no stock options outstanding at February 1, 2020.

        Aggregate intrinsic value for both outstanding and exercisable SARs, in the table above, represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value (the difference between the Company's closing stock price on the last trading day of fiscal year 2018 and the exercise price, multiplied by the number of in-the-money SARs) that would have been received by the SAR holders had all SAR holders exercised their SARs on February 1, 2020. This amount changes based on the fair market value of the Company's common stock. Total intrinsic value of options and SARs exercised for fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 (based on the difference between the Company's stock price on the respective exercise date and the respective exercise price, multiplied by the number of respective options and SARs exercised) was approximately $49,000 and $1.1 million, respectively.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

10. Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

        In accordance with ASC 718, the fair value of each option and SAR granted is estimated on the date granted using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model for all employees and non-employee board members. The weighted average fair value for options and SARs granted during fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 was $1.03 and $2.43, respectively. The total fair value of share-based awards that vested during fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 was $1.6 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

        The following weighted average assumptions were used to value stock options and SARs:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 

Expected volatility

    61.8 %   62.5 %

Expected life

    4.8 years     4.1 years  

Risk-free interest rate

    2.0 %   2.8 %

Expected dividend yield

    %   %

        The risk-free interest rate used to value stock options and SARs is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of grant with maturity dates that coincide with the expected life of the options and SARs. The expected life represents the weighted average period the stock options and SARs are expected to remain outstanding and is based primarily on industry averages due to the Company's limited historical data for employee exercises. The Company's assumption for volatility is based on its historical volatility calculated on the grant date of an award for a period of time that coincides with the expected life of the options.

        The following table summarizes the restricted stock and unit awards outstanding at February 1, 2020 and activity for fiscal year 2019:

 
  Shares   Weighted Average
Grant Date Fair Value
 
 
  (Amounts
in thousands)

   
 

Non-vested at February 2, 2019

    1,247   $ 3.97  

Granted

    683     1.88  

Vested

    (279 )   3.29  

Forfeited

    (530 )   4.25  

Non-vested at February 1, 2020

    1,121   $ 2.74  

        The fair value of restricted stock and units is based on the closing stock price of an unrestricted share of the Company's common stock on the grant date. Each vested stock unit is convertible into one share of the Company's common stock. Of the non-vested shares outstanding at February 1, 2020, including restricted stock and units, 1,023,691 shares vest subject to the passage of time through fiscal year 2022, and 97,150 shares vest subject to the Company achieving fiscal year earnings targets for fiscal years 2019 through 2021.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

10. Share-Based Compensation (Continued)

        The following table summarizes the performance-based awards activity for the last two fiscal years:

Performance-based Awards
  # of shares  
 
  (Amounts
in thousands)

 

Non-vested at February 3, 2018

    95,149  

Granted

    497,150  

Vested

    95,149  

Forfeited

     

Non-vested at February 2, 2019

    497,150  

Granted

     

Vested

     

Forfeited

    (400,000 )

Non-vested at February 1, 2020

    97,150  

        Total share-based compensation expense attributable to all share-based awards was $2.1 million and $2.3 million in fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively. The Company recognizes share-based compensation expense in the consolidated statements of operations over the requisite service period for each share-based payment award adjusted for actual forfeitures as they occur. For performance-based awards, share-based compensation expense is reduced based on the Company's estimate of forfeitures resulting from the performance target not being achieved. The Company recognized a tax benefit in the consolidated statements of operations related to share-based compensation expense of $17,800 and $0.5 million in fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively. The tax benefit recognized in fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018 consolidated statements of operations was offset by corresponding adjustments to the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company recognized $126,000 and $29,000 of excess tax benefits in the consolidated statements of operations related to share-based awards during fiscal year 2019 and fiscal year 2018, respectively. For further information related to the deferred tax valuation allowance, please refer to Note 13, "Income Taxes." Unamortized share-based compensation expense at February 1, 2020 was $2.9 million and will be recognized in the consolidated statements of operations over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

11. Accrued Expenses

        Accrued expenses consist of the following:

 
  February 1,
2020
  February 2,
2019
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Gift cards and merchandise credits

  $ 11,457   $ 12,206  

Sourcing and distribution

    19,100     11,419  

Compensation and benefits

    7,048     8,587  

Loyalty rewards programs

    4,557     6,389  

Deferred revenue—ADS Agreement

    4,000     4,000  

Other taxes

    3,354     4,195  

Legal settlement and fees

    866     3,805  

Other accrued expenses

    20,161     17,984  

Total accrued expenses

  $ 70,543   $ 68,585  

12. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities

        For further information regarding the Company's material subsequent event affecting the availability and classification of debt and credit facilities, please refer to Note 15, "Subsequent Events."

        On October 24, 2019, RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc., Lerner New York Outlet, LLC, Lerner New York FTF, LLC, Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company Stores, Inc., Lerner New York GC, LLC and FTF GC, LLC entered into Amendment No. 1 to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder (the "Amendment") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender, which amends that certain Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 24, 2014 (the "Existing Agreement", as amended by the Amendment, the "Loan Agreement"). The Existing Agreement was scheduled to mature on October 24, 2019. All capitalized terms used herein without definition have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the Loan Agreement.

        The amendment to the Existing Agreement provides for, but is not limited to: (i) an extension of the term of the revolving credit facility to October 24, 2024; (ii) a reduction of interest rates related to the revolving credit facility (see below); (iii) a reduction of certain fees related to the revolving credit facility (see below); and (iv) a release of certain intangible assets as collateral.

        The maximum revolving credit facility commitment remains unchanged, providing the Company with up to $100 million of credit, consisting of a $75 million revolving credit facility (which includes a sub-facility for issuance of letters of credit up to $45 million), and a fully committed accordion option that allows the Company to increase the revolving credit facility up to $100 million in the aggregate or decrease it to a minimum of $60 million in the aggregate, subject to certain restrictions. Borrowing availability under the Company's revolving credit facility is determined by a monthly borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets. Under the Loan Agreement, the Company continues to be subject to a Minimum Excess Availability covenant equal to the greater of (i) 10% of the revolving credit facility commitment and

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

12. Long-Term Debt and Credit Facilities (Continued)

(ii) $7.5 million. The Loan Agreement contains other covenants and conditions, including restrictions on the Company's ability to pay dividends on its common stock, incur additional indebtedness and to prepay, redeem, defease or purchase other debt. Subject to such restrictions, the Company may incur more debt for working capital, capital expenditures, stock repurchases, acquisitions and for other purposes.

        Under the terms of the Loan Agreement, the interest rates applicable to Revolving Loans have been reduced by 25 basis points. At the Company's option, Revolving Loans now bear interest at either (i) a floating rate equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of between 1.25% and 1.50% per year for LIBOR Rate Loans or (ii) a floating rate equal to the Base Rate plus a margin of between 0.25% and 0.50% per year for Base Rate Loans, with each such margin determined based upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability. The fees the Company pays to the Lenders under the Loan Agreement have also been reduced and now the Company pays a monthly fee on outstanding commercial letters of credit at a rate of between 0.625% and 0.75% per year and on standby letters of credit at a rate of between 1.25% and 1.50% per year, with each such rate determined upon the Company's Average Compliance Excess Availability, plus a monthly fee on a proportion of the unused commitments under the Loan Agreement, which has been reduced to a rate of 0.20% per year.

        On April 5, 2018, the Company used cash on-hand to prepay in full the $11.5 million outstanding balance of a $15 million, 5-year term loan under the Existing Agreement.

        The Company can no longer borrow funds under the term loan. The maximum borrowing availability under the Loan Agreement is determined by a monthly borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets. As of February 1, 2020, the Company had availability under the Loan Agreement of $43.5 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $8.2 million, as compared to availability of $35.0 million, net of letters of credit outstanding of $11.9 million, as of February 2, 2019. The $8.2 million of letters of credit outstanding at February 1, 2020 represent $8.1 million of standby letters of credit primarily related to the Company's corporate headquarters and certain insurance contracts and $0.1 million of commercial letters of credit. As of February 1, 2020, the Company had no borrowings outstanding under the Loan Agreement.

        The lender has been granted a pledge of the common stock of Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries, and a first priority security interest in substantially all other tangible assets of RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and its subsidiaries, as collateral for the Company's obligations under the Loan Agreement. In addition, RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and certain of its subsidiaries have fully and unconditionally guaranteed the obligations under the Loan Agreement, and such guarantees are joint and several.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

13. Income Taxes

        Income tax expense consists of:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Federal:

             

Current

  $   $  

Deferred

         

State and Local:

             

Current

    531     2,815  

Deferred

         

  $ 531   $ 2,815  

        The components of items giving rise to the net deferred income tax assets (liabilities) recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets are as follows:

 
  February 1,
2020
  February 2,
2019
 
 
  Non-current   Non-current  
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Deferred income tax assets:

             

Accrued expenses

  $ 12,491   $ 21,107  

Inventory

    711     790  

Fixed assets and intangible assets

    2,542     3,290  

Net operating loss

    45,680     25,021  

Lease obligation

    61,524      

Other assets

    9,829     9,057  

Subtotal

    132,777     59,265  

Valuation allowance

    (79,959 )   (55,980 )

Total deferred income tax assets

  $ 52,818   $ 3,285  

Deferred income tax liabilities:

             

Right-of-use assets

  $ (50,879 ) $  

Prepaid costs

    (1,939 )   (3,285 )

Total deferred income tax liabilities

  $ (52,818 ) $ (3,285 )

Net deferred tax assets (liabilities)

  $   $  

        The Company continues to maintain a valuation allowance against its deferred tax assets until the Company believes it is more likely than not that these assets will be realized in the future. If sufficient positive evidence arises in the future indicating that all or a portion of the deferred tax assets meet the more-likely-than-not standard under ASC 740, the valuation allowance would be reversed accordingly in the period that such determination is made.

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

13. Income Taxes (Continued)

        As of February 1, 2020, the Company had $801.7 million of various state net operating loss carryforwards and $125.4 million of federal net operating loss carryforwards.

        The state net operating loss carryforwards are reported on a pre-apportioned basis that applies to various states with varying tax laws and expiration dates. Below is a summary of the Company's loss carryforwards and when they expire:

Tax Year Ended
  State NOL Carryover
(Amounts in thousands)
  The Earliest Expiration
Starts at the Beginning
of Fiscal Year
  Years
Remaining

2/3/2007

  $ 4,914     FY2012   7

2/2/2008

    50,698     FY2013   8

1/31/2009

    48,738     FY2014   9

1/30/2010

    67,229     FY2015   10

1/29/2011

    78,728     FY2016   11

1/28/2012

    66,164     FY2017   12

2/2/2013

    30,185     FY2018   13

2/1/2014

    44,850     FY2019   14

1/31/2015

    76,337     FY2020   15

1/30/2016

    64,619     FY2021   1 to 16

1/28/2017

    65,389     FY2022   2 to 17

2/3/2018

    47,635     FY2023   3 to 18

2/2/2019

    80,321     FY2024   4 to 19

2/1/2020

    75,905     FY2025   5 to 20

  $ 801,712          

 

Tax Year Ended
  Federal NOL Carryover
(Amounts in thousands)
  The Earliest Expiration
Starts at the Beginning
of Fiscal Year
  Years
Remaining
 

1/28/2012

  $ 20,036     FY2032     12  

1/31/2015

    21,549     FY2035     15  

1/30/2016

    10,019     FY2036     16  

1/28/2017

    3,866     FY2037     17  

2/1/2020

    69,952          

  $ 125,422              

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

13. Income Taxes (Continued)

        A reconciliation of the statutory federal income tax expense is as follows:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Statutory federal tax (21%—2019, 21%—2018)

  $ (12,829 ) $ 1,480  

State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

    (3,713 )   (981 )

Federal tax credit

    (340 )   (515 )

Permanent difference

    111     146  

Excess tax benefits on share-based compensation

    126     29  

Executive compensation limitation

    60     654  

Reserve for uncertain tax position

        518  

State audit settlement

        1,643  

Valuation allowance

    15,757     (886 )

True-ups

    1,402     717  

Other, net

    (43 )   10  

Income tax expense

  $ 531   $ 2,815  

        The Company files U.S. federal income tax returns and income tax returns in various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal income tax examinations for tax years through 2015. With limited exception, the Company is no longer subject to state and local income tax examinations for tax years through 2015.

        A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amounts of unrecognized tax benefits in accordance with ASC 740 is as follows:

 
  Fiscal Year
2019
  Fiscal Year
2018
 
 
  (Amounts in thousands)
 

Unrecognized tax benefits at beginning of period

  $ 2,371   $ 1,951  

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

    11     10  

Additions for tax positions of prior years

    83     809  

Reductions for tax positions of prior years

    (557 )   (184 )

Settlements

    (164 )   (215 )

Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations

         

Unrecognized tax benefits at end of period

  $ 1,744   $ 2,371  

        The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense. During fiscal year 2019, the Company recorded interest and penalties in the consolidated statements of operations of $0.1 million. During fiscal year 2018, the Company recorded a net benefit for interest and penalties in the consolidated statements of operations of $0.1 million. At February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, the Company had accrued $0.8 million and $0.8 million respectively, for the potential payment of interest and penalties. The Company does not anticipate any significant increases or decreases to the balance of unrecognized tax benefits during the next twelve

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

13. Income Taxes (Continued)

months. Of the total $1.7 million of unrecognized tax benefits at February 1, 2020, approximately $1.3 million, if recognized, would affect the Company's effective tax rate.

14. Stockholders' Equity

Dividends

        The Company has not declared or paid any dividends on its common stock since the acquisition of the Company by Irving Place Capital in November 2002. The Company currently expects to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of its business and does not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. The Company's ability to pay dividends on its common stock is limited by the covenants of its credit facility and may be further restricted by the terms of any of its future debt or preferred securities.

Redeemable Preferred Stock

        The Company is authorized to issue 5,000,000 shares of preferred stock, $0.001 par value. At February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019, there were no shares of preferred stock outstanding.

15. Subsequent Events

        As previously announced in March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak in the United States initially led to reduced store traffic and the temporary reduction of operating hours for the Company's brick-and-mortar stores. As the impact of COVID-19 evolved, the Company took decisive action to temporarily close all of the Company's brick-and-mortar stores to ensure the health and safety of its employees, customers, and communities. During that time, RTW's eCommerce platforms and third party fulfillment center remained operational and continued to serve customers online and through social media. As of the date of this filing, in accordance with the federal and state guidelines and the adoption of new health and safety recommendations resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Company began re-openings its brick-and-mortar stores during the first week of June 2020. The Company will re-open stores utilizing a staggered approach, with the goal of a majority of its brick-and-mortar stores re-opened by the last week of June 2020. Effective April 27, 2020, the Company permanently reduced its corporate headquarters headcount by over 50%. In addition to furloughing a substantial number of the Company's personnel and terminating certain corporate personnel, the Company has taken steps to reduce operating costs and improve efficiency, including targeted reductions in capital expenditures, and engaging in conversations with landlords and vendors to defer payments until the Company's brick-and-mortar stores reopen.

        The Company has not paid rent to its landlords for its store locations for the months of April 2020 and May 2020. In addition, the Company has not made recent payments to many of its vendors. As of the date of this filing, the Company has received default notices from many landlords and vendors for non-payment. The Company may be in default of all of its store lease agreements as of the date of this filing, but has not yet received default notification from all landlords.

        The Company cannot reasonably estimate the length or severity of COVID-19. The Company's revenues, results of operations, and cash flows have been materially adversely impacted, and are expected to be further materially adversely impacted, which raises substantial doubt about the

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

15. Subsequent Events (Continued)

Company's ability to continue as a going concern. The Company has already experienced substantial and recurring losses from operations, and such losses have caused a retained deficit of $164.6 million as of February 1, 2020. As such, the Company has retained an investment bank to assist in evaluating strategic alternatives and has been considering available options, including restructuring its obligations or seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws, in which case there will likely not be any value distributed to its shareholders and its shares could be cancelled for no consideration. The Company believes that seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws is probable.

        As previously announced, on March 20, 2020 the Company drew down $40 million under its loan agreement with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association ("Wells Fargo") (the "Loan Agreement"), at an interest rate equal to the LIBOR plus a margin of 1.25% as a precautionary measure and to preserve financial flexibility. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and steps the Company took in response thereto, subsequent to February 1, 2020 and prior to June 3, 2020, the Company was in default under the Loan Agreement, although the Company did not receive any default notices from Wells Fargo, administrative agent and lender. Borrowing availability under the Loan Agreement is determined by a borrowing base calculation based on applying specified advance rates against inventory and certain other eligible assets and may be limited if there are existing defaults. As the borrowing base is reduced, the Company plans to repay amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement. The Company's does not have any other credit facilities it can borrow under. The Company believes without seeking protection under the bankruptcy laws it does not have ability to raise additional capital at this time.

        On June 3, 2020, RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and its wholly-owned direct and indirect subsidiaries, including Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc., Lerner New York Outlet, LLC, Lerner New York FTF, LLC, Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company Stores, Inc., Lerner New York GC, LLC and FTF GC, LLC entered into Amendment No. 2 to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder ("Amendment No. 2") with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent and lender, which amends the Loan Agreement. The provisions of the Loan Agreement amended by Amendment No. 2 include, among other things: (i) reduction to the sub-facility for issuance of letters of credit; (ii) increased interest rates applicable to Revolving Loans to LIBOR plus a margin of 2.5%; (iii) a current repayment of $20 million of amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement; (iv) full repayment of the amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement by August 15, 2020; (v) starting June 13, 2020, the sweep of cash in excess of $40 million to pay down amounts outstanding under the Loan Agreement; (vi) revised reporting requirements; (vii) reduction in advance rates used for the Borrowing Base calculation; and (viii) forbearance until June 30, 2020 of certain specified potential defaults. These conditions have caused the Company, subsequent to February 1, 2020, to classify this debt obligation as a current liability, further worsening its working capital and liquidity. Please refer to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 4, 2020 for a further description and copy of Amendment No. 2.

        As a result of COVID-19, all of the Company's retail stores have been closed since March 19, 2020, which has led to a subsequent impairment of the carrying values of the Company's inventory, right-of-use assets, fixed assets and other long-term assets, which the Company expects to be substantial and material. The carrying values of all of the Company's assets as of February 1, 2020 do not reflect the impairments of such assets as of the filing date. The Company is unable to estimate the current or future carrying values of its inventory, right-of-use assets, fixed assets, intangible assets and other assets

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RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

February 1, 2020

15. Subsequent Events (Continued)

as of the date of this filing due to the uncertainty in the macro economic environment and customer spending behavior as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and the impact resulting from the Company's determination that it is probable that they will seek protection under the bankruptcy laws.

        Since the Company's stores have been closed since mid-March 2020, the inventory located in its stores and distribution center is aged and has been significantly impaired. If the Company seeks protection under the bankruptcy laws, this inventory may be sold at substantial discount to the values reflected on the February 1, 2020 balance sheet. Due to COVID-19 overlapping the important holiday season selling period of Easter and Mother's Day, the Company was left with significant unsold inventory during Spring 2020.

        The Company's right-of-use assets primarily consist of its store leases, which at February 1, 2020 were $189.8 million. As a result of the above-mentioned store closures, and the material adverse effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had and is expected to continue to have on mall traffic and consumer spending on the Company's merchandise, the Company believes that its right-of-use assets are materially impaired as of the filing date. If the Company seeks protection under the bankruptcy laws, it could be determined that these right-of-use assets may have little to no value. In addition, the related non-current lease liabilities were $189.2 million at February 1, 2020, and are expected to be classified as current liabilities of the Company.

        The Company's fixed assets primarily consist of store fixtures, equipment, leasehold improvements and office equipment, which at February 1, 2020 were $44.9 million. As a result of store closures, and the material adverse effect the COVID-19 pandemic has had and is expected to continue to have on mall traffic and consumer spending on the Company's merchandise, the Company believes that its fixed assets have been materially impaired as of this filing date. If the Company seeks protection under the bankruptcy laws, it could be determined that the Company's fixed assets in stores and corporate headquarters may have little to no value.

        On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") was signed into law. The CARES Act provides relief to taxpayers affected by COVID-19 and includes several business provisions that may impact a company's accounting for income taxes. In addition, the impact of COVID-19 itself on businesses draws attention to certain provisions in ASC 740. The Company analyzed the business provisions in the CARES Act and determined that the Act does not have a significant impact on its income tax provision.

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EXHIBIT INDEX

Exhibit No.   Description
  3.1   Restated Certificate of Incorporation.†

 

3.2

 

Certificate of Amendment of Restated Certificate of Incorporation.(i)

 

3.3

 

Second Amended and Restated By-laws.††

 

9.1

 

Stockholders Agreement by and among New York & Company, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto, dated August 25, 2004.**

 

9.2

 

Amendment No. 4 to Stockholders Agreement by and among New York & Company, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto, dated May 22, 2006.†††

 

9.3

 

Amendment No. 5 to Stockholders Agreement by and among New York & Company, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto, dated August 16, 2006.+

 

9.4

 

Amendment No. 6 to Stockholders Agreement by and among New York & Company, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto, dated May 10, 2011.(c)

 

9.5

 

Amendment No. 7 to Stockholders Agreement by and among New York & Company, Inc. and the stockholders party thereto, dated March 13, 2012.(d)

 

10.1

 

Employment Letter, dated as of April 28, 2010, between New York & Company, Inc. and Gregory Scott. TTT

 

10.2

 

Employment Letter, dated as of November 3, 2008, between New York & Company, Inc. and Sheamus Toal.††††

 

10.3

 

Employment Letter, dated as of November 9, 2011, between New York & Company, Inc. and Faeth Bradley.(d)

 

10.4

 

Offer Letter and Employment Letter, dated as of April 18, 2019, between RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Traci Inglis.(k)

 

10.5

 

Retention Agreement, dated as of April 10, 2020, by and between RTW Retailwinds, Inc. and Sheamus Toal.(m)

 

10.6

 

Transition Services Agreement by and between Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., dated as of November 27, 2002.*

 

10.7

 

Amendment No. 1 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on April 19, 2006. T

 

10.8

 

Amendment No. 2 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on October 11, 2007.††††

 

10.9

 

Amendment No. 3 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on July 17, 2008.††††

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Exhibit No.   Description
  10.10   Amendment No. 4 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding,  Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on April 6, 2009.††††

 

10.11

 

Amendment No. 5 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on March 16, 2010.†††††

 

10.12

 

Amendment No. 6 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on September 14, 2010.(a)

 

10.13

 

Amendment No. 7 to Transition Services Agreement, dated as of November 27, 2002, between Lerner New York Holding, Inc., New York & Company, Inc. as successor-in-interest to NY & Co. Group, Inc. and Limited Brands, Inc., as amended on December 26, 2016.(g)

 

10.14

 

Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement made by and among Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc. and Lerner New York Outlet, Inc., wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of New York & Company, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent and Sole Lender, dated as of October 24, 2014.(e)

 

10.15

 

Post-Closing Letter to the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement made by and among Lerner New York,  Inc., Lernco, Inc. and Lerner New York Outlet, Inc., wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of New York & Company, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent and Sole Lender, dated as of October 24, 2014.(e)

 

10.16

 

Amendment No. 1 to Second Amended and Restated Collateral Assignment of Trademarks made among Lernco, Inc. and Lerner New York Outlet, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent for itself and Sole Lender named in the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2014.(e)

 

10.17

 

Amendment No. 1 to Amended and Restated Collateral Assignment of Trademarks made among Lerner New York, Inc. in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent for itself and Sole Lender named in the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 24, 2014.(e)

 

10.18

 

Copyright Collateral Assignment and Security Agreement made by and among Lernco Inc. and New York & Company, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent for itself and Sole Lender named in the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 24, 2014.(e)

 

10.19

 

Patent Collateral Assignment and Security Agreement made by and among Lerner New York, Inc. and New York & Company, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. as Agent for itself and Sole Lender named in the Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 24, 2014.(e)

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Exhibit No.   Description
  10.20   Third Amended and Restated Guarantee, made by New York & Company, Inc., Lerner New York Holding, Inc., Nevada Receivable Factoring, Inc., New York & Company Stores, Inc. (formerly known as Associated Lerner Shops of America, Inc.), and Lerner New York GC, LLC, in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent and Sole Lender named in the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2011.(b)

 

10.21

 

Collateral Assignment of Transition Services Documents, made by Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and New York & Company, Inc., in favor of Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent and Sole Lender named in the Third Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 10, 2011.(b)

 

10.22

 

Second Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement by and between Lerner New York, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for itself and the other Lender named in the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2007. TT

 

10.23

 

Second Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement by and between Lerner New York Holding, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for itself and the other Lender named in the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2007. TT

 

10.24

 

Second Amended and Restated Stock Pledge Agreement by and between New York & Company, Inc. and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for itself and the other Lender named in the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2007. TT

 

10.25

 

Second Amended and Restated Intercompany Subordination Agreement made among the Obligors, as defined in the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, and Wachovia Bank, National Association, as Agent for itself and the other Lender named in the Second Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of August 22, 2007. TT

 

10.26

 

Form of Amended and Restated 2002 Stock Option Plan that became effective immediately prior to the consummation of the Company's initial public offering.**

 

10.27

 

Form of Amended and Restated 2006 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as amended and restated on June 21, 2014, approved by the Company's Stockholders on June 21, 2014.***

 

10.28

 

Second Amended and Restated Private Label Credit Card Program Agreement By and Among Comenity Bank and New York & Company, Inc., Lerner New York, Inc., and Nevada Receivable Factoring, Inc. dated as of July 14, 2016 (confidential treatment has been requested for portions of this agreement).(f)

 

10.29

 

Amendment No 1. to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder, made by and among Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc., Lerner New York Outlet, LLC and Lerner New York FTF, LLC, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of RTW Retailwinds, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent and Sole Lender, dated as of October 24, 2019.(l)

 

10.30

 

Ratification and Assumption Agreement, dated February 4, 2019, by and among Lerner New York, Inc., Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent, and the other parties thereto.(j)

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Exhibit No.   Description
  10.31   Amendment No 2. to Fourth Amended and Restated Loan and Security Agreement and Joinder, made by and among Lerner New York, Inc., Lernco, Inc., Lerner New York Outlet, LLC and Lerner New York FTF, LLC, wholly-owned indirect subsidiaries of RTW Retailwinds, Inc., and Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., as Agent and Sole Lender, dated as of June 3, 2020.(n)

 

21.1

 

Subsidiaries of the Registrant.(j)

 

23.1

 

Consent of BDO USA, LLP, Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

 

31.1

 

Certification by the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, dated June 9, 2020.

 

32.1

 

Written Statement of the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley act of 2002, dated June 9, 2020.

 

101.INS

 

XBRL Instance Document.

 

101.SCH

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document.

 

101.CAL

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document.

 

101.DEF

 

XBRL Taxonomy Definition Linkbase Document.

 

101.LAB

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document.

 

101.PRE

 

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document.

Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2005, as filed with the SEC on April 19, 2005.

††
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 3, 2018, as filed with the SEC on December 13, 2018.

†††
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 3, 2007, as filed with the SEC on April 6, 2007.

††††
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 31, 2009, as filed with the SEC on April 7, 2009.

†††††
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 2010, as filed with the SEC on April 6, 2010.


T
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 2006, as filed with the SEC on June 8, 2006.


TT
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 4, 2007, as filed with the SEC on September 7, 2007.


TTT
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 2010, as filed with the SEC on June 10, 2010.

*
Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 1 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC on July 9, 2004.

**
Incorporated by reference from Amendment No. 3 to the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-1 as filed with the SEC on September 14, 2004.

***
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Registration Statement on Form S-8 as filed with the SEC on February 12, 2015.

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+
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on August 17, 2006.

(a)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2011, as filed with the SEC on April 11, 2011.

(b)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 2011, as filed with the SEC on September 8, 2011.

(c)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 2011, as filed with the SEC on December 8, 2011.

(d)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2012, as filed with the SEC on April 9, 2012.

(e)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 1, 2014, as filed with the SEC on December 11, 2014.

(f)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 30, 2016, as filed with the SEC on August 31, 2016

(g)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 28, 2017, as filed with the SEC on April 11, 2017.

(h)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended April 29, 2017, as filed with the SEC on June 2, 2017.

(i)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on November 20, 2018.

(j)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2019, as filed with the SEC on April 16, 2019.

(k)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2019, as filed with the SEC on June 6, 2019.

(l)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended November 2, 2019, as filed with the SEC on December 11, 2019.

(m)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on April 16, 2020.

(n)
Incorporated by reference from the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on June 5, 2020.

91