Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 27, 2014	Sep. 28, 2013
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income	$ 12,226	$ 19,037
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	13,378	11,117
Share-based compensation	2,376	2,511
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	(223)	(874)
Deferred income taxes	(603)	2,903
Provision for doubtful accounts	82	10
Lower of cost or market inventory adjustments	1,112	1,519
Loss on asset disposals	325	105
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Trade receivables	(2,101)	(1,192)
Merchandise inventories	(13,308)	(28,821)
Other current assets	2,990	(239)
Other assets	(261)	45
Accounts payable	12,594	11,099
Accrued expenses and other	9,104	8,607
Deferred items and other non-current liabilities	1,180	1,645
Net cash provided by operating activities	38,871	27,472
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment	36	4,330
Purchases of property and equipment	(20,832)	(22,255)
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,796)	(17,925)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Borrowings on line of credit	2,087	3,552
Repayments on line of credit	(2,087)	(3,552)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	1,314	3,112
Proceeds from sale of common stock pursuant to Associates Stock Buying Plan	318	383
Excess tax benefit from share-based compensation	223	874
Treasury shares acquired	(4,766)	(549)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(2,911)	3,820
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	31	26
NET INCREASE IN CASH	15,195	13,393
CASH AT BEGINNING OF PERIOD	48,408	56,542
CASH AT END OF PERIOD	63,603	69,935
Other cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	227	220
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds of $1,391 and $37	2,067	3,059
Non-cash investing activities
Change in property and equipment additions in accounts payable	$ (129)	$ (746)