Restructuring and Strategic Charges

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2014, we initiated a restructuring program, including the acceleration of domestic store closures and an organizational realignment, to ensure that resources align with long-term growth initiatives. In fiscal 2015, in connection with the restructuring program, we completed an evaluation of the Boston Proper brand, completed the sale of the Boston Proper direct-to-consumer business and closed its stores.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2016, we expanded our restructuring program to include components of our strategic initiatives that further align the organizational structure with long-term growth initiatives and to reduce cost of goods sold ("COGS") and selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") through strategic initiatives. These strategic initiatives include realigning marketing and digital commerce, improving supply chain efficiency, reducing non-merchandise expenses, optimizing marketing spend and transition of executive leadership. In connection with this program, during the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we recorded pre-tax restructuring and strategic charges of $10.8 million, primarily related to outside services and continuing employee-related costs, which are included in restructuring and strategic charges in the accompanying condensed statement of income. Effective in the third quarter of fiscal 2016, we substantially completed charges related to our previously announced restructuring program. We have closed 132 stores in connection with this restructuring program through the third quarter of fiscal 2017, including 20 Boston Proper stores.

A summary of the pre-tax restructuring and strategic charges is presented in the table below:



	Thirteen Weeks Ended		Thirty-Nine Weeks Ended
	October 29, 2016		October 29, 2016

	(in thousands)
Impairment charges	$	—	$	1,453
Continuing employee-related costs	781		1,796
Severance charges	65		9,485
Proxy solicitation costs	108		5,697
Lease termination charges	79		427
Outside Services	9,779		12,013
Other charges	8		156
Total restructuring and strategic charges, pre-tax	$	10,820	$	31,027

As of October 28, 2017, a reserve of $0.6 million related to restructuring and strategic activities was included in other current and deferred liabilities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. A roll-forward of the reserve is presented as follows:



	Continuing Employee-related Costs			Severance Charges			Lease Termination Charges			Outside Services & Other			Total

	(in thousands)
Beginning Balance, January 28, 2017	$	671		$	2,413		$	846		$	7,299		$	11,229
Payments	(671		)	(2,413		)	(292		)	(7,299		)	(10,675		)
Ending Balance, October 28, 2017	$	—		$	—		$	554		$	—		$	554