UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
      
FORM 10-Q
      
(Mark One)
 
⌧ | QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended November 2, 2013
Or
 
☐ | TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Commission File Number | | Registrant, State of Incorporation Address and Telephone Number | | I.R.S. Employer Identification No.
333-175075 | | | | 22-2894486
      
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
(Incorporated in Delaware)
      
770 Broadway
New York, New York 10003
Telephone: (212) 209-2500
      
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 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    ☐      No    ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     Yes    ⌧      No    ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large Accelerated Filer | | ☐ | | Accelerated Filer | | ☐
Non-Accelerated Filer | | ⌧ | | Smaller Reporting Company | | ☐
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     Yes    ☐      No    ⌧
Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Common Stock | | Outstanding at November 29, 2013
Common Stock, $.01 par value per share | | 1,000 shares

* | The Registrant has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, but is not required to file such reports under such sections.

   

 

   
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS – FORM 10-Q

Page
Number

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited): |
| Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013 | 3
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 | 4
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 | 5
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and the fifty-three weeks ended February 2, 2013 | 6
| Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 | 7
| Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements | 8
Item 2. | Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations | 15
Item 3. | Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk | 24
Item 4. | Controls and Procedures | 24
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION |
Item 1. | Legal Proceedings | 25
Item 1A. | Risk Factors | 25
Item 6. | Exhibits | 26

 
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PART I – FINANCIAL INFORMATION
   
ITEM 1. CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except share data)

| November 2, 2013 | | | February 2, 2013 |
ASSETS | | | | | | |
Current assets: | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | $ | 77,893 | | | $ | 68,399 |
Merchandise inventories | | 418,401 | | | | 265,628 |
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | 82,478 | | | | 65,791 |
Prepaid income taxes | | — | | | | 11,620 |
Total current assets | | 578,772 | | | | 411,438 |
Property and equipment, net | | 369,054 | | | | 324,111 |
Favorable lease commitments, net | | 28,612 | | | | 35,104 |
Deferred financing costs, net | | 44,396 | | | | 51,851 |
Intangible assets, net | | 968,500 | | | | 975,517 |
Goodwill | | 1,686,915 | | | | 1,686,915 |
Other assets | | 3,507 | | | | 1,778 |
Total assets | $ | 3,679,756 | | | $ | 3,486,714 |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | | | |
Current liabilities: | | | | | | |
Accounts payable | $ | 243,374 | | | $ | 141,119 |
Other current liabilities | | 150,137 | | | | 153,743 |
Interest payable | | 10,036 | | | | 18,812 |
Income taxes payable | | 2,424 | | | | — |
Current portion of long-term debt | | 12,000 | | | | 12,000 |
Total current liabilities | | 417,971 | | | | 325,674 |
Long-term debt | | 1,558,000 | | | | 1,567,000 |
Unfavorable lease commitments and deferred credits, net | | 91,741 | | | | 71,146 |
Deferred income taxes, net | | 397,087 | | | | 392,984 |
Other liabilities | | 33,268 | | | | 38,419 |
Total liabilities | | 2,498,067 | | | | 2,395,223 |
Stockholders’ equity: | | | | | | |
Common stock $0.01 par value; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding | | — | | | | — |
Additional paid-in capital | | 1,006,980 | | | | 1,003,184 |
Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | (15,994 | ) | | | (20,189 | )
Retained earnings | | 190,703 | | | | 108,496 |
Total stockholders’ equity | | 1,181,689 | | | | 1,091,491 |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | $ | 3,679,756 | | | $ | 3,486,714 |

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 3 

   

J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

| Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | Thirteen Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Revenues: | | | | | | |
Net sales | $ | 610,029 | | | $ | 548,506 |
Other | | 8,798 | | | | 7,302 |
Total revenues | | 618,827 | | | | 555,808 |
Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs | | 347,332 | | | | 292,738 |
Gross profit | | 271,495 | | | | 263,070 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 188,583 | | | | 188,569 |
Income from operations | | 82,912 | | | | 74,501 |
Interest expense, net of interest income | | 26,467 | | | | 24,089 |
Income before income taxes | | 56,445 | | | | 50,412 |
Provision for income taxes | | 21,017 | | | | 17,233 |
Net income | $ | 35,428 | | | $ | 33,179 |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | |
Reclassification of realized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax, to earnings | | 1,917 | | | | — |
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax | | (289 | ) | | | (436 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | 647 | | | | — |
Comprehensive income | $ | 37,703 | | | $ | 32,743 |

   

   

   

   
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
 4 

   

J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

| Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Revenues: | | | | | | |
Net sales | $ | 1,717,329 | | | $ | 1,563,936 |
Other | | 24,711 | | | | 20,882 |
Total revenues | | 1,742,040 | | | | 1,584,818 |
Cost of goods sold, including buying and occupancy costs | | 988,537 | | | | 845,223 |
Gross profit | | 753,503 | | | | 739,595 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | 541,207 | | | | 527,357 |
Income from operations | | 212,296 | | | | 212,238 |
Interest expense, net of interest income | | 78,386 | | | | 74,860 |
Income before income taxes | | 133,910 | | | | 137,378 |
Provision for income taxes | | 51,703 | | | | 51,496 |
Net income | $ | 82,207 | | | $ | 85,882 |
Other comprehensive income (loss): | | | | | | |
Reclassification of realized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax, to earnings | | 5,052 | | | | — |
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax | | (527 | ) | | | (1,692 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | (330 | ) | | | — |
Comprehensive income | $ | 86,402 | | | $ | 84,190 |

   

   

   

See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
 
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J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity
(unaudited)
(in thousands, except shares)

| Common Stock | | | Additional paid-in capital | | | Retained earnings | | | Accumulated other comprehensive loss | | | Total stockholders’ equity |
| Shares | | | Amount | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Balance at January 28, 2012 | | 1,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,183,606 | | | $ | 12,409 | | | $ | (18,963 | ) | | $ | 1,177,052 |
Net income | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 96,087 | | | | — | | | | 96,087 |
Share-based compensation | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,284 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,284 |
Contribution from Parent, net | | — | | | | — | | | | 11,744 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 11,744 |
Dividend | | — | | | | — | | | | (197,450 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (197,450 | )
Net loss on cash flow hedges, net of tax | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (1,226 | ) | | | (1,226 | )
Balance at February 2, 2013 | | 1,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,003,184 | | | $ | 108,496 | | | $ | (20,189 | ) | | $ | 1,091,491 |
Net income | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 82,207 | | | | — | | | | 82,207 |
Share-based compensation | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,359 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 4,359 |
Contribution to Parent | | — | | | | — | | | | (563 | ) | | | — | | | | — | | | | (563 | )
Reclassification of realized losses on cash flow hedges, net of tax, to earnings | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | 5,052 | | | | 5,052 |
Unrealized gain (loss) on cash flow hedges, net of tax | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | (527 | ) | | | (527 | )
Foreign currency translation adjustments | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — | | | | (330 | ) | | | (330 | )
Balance at November 2, 2013 | | 1,000 | | | $ | — | | | $ | 1,006,980 | | | $ | 190,703 | | | $ | (15,994 | ) | | $ | 1,181,689 |

   

   

   

   
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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J.CREW GROUP, INC.
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(unaudited)
(in thousands)

| Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 82,207 | | | $ | 85,882 |
Adjustments to reconcile to cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | |
Depreciation of property and equipment | | 57,538 | | | | 52,363 |
Realized hedging losses | | 8,635 | | | | — |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | 7,455 | | | | 7,201 |
Amortization of intangible assets | | 7,017 | | | | 7,354 |
Amortization of favorable lease commitments | | 6,492 | | | | 10,860 |
Share-based compensation | | 4,359 | | | | 3,213 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | | |
Merchandise inventories | | (152,905 | ) | | | (105,942 | )
Prepaid expenses and other current assets | | (16,663 | ) | | | (3,623 | )
Other assets | | (1,702 | ) | | | 649 |
Accounts payable and other liabilities | | 103,346 | | | | 40,136 |
Federal and state income taxes | | 16,038 | | | | (4,514 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities | | 121,817 | | | | 93,579 |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Capital expenditures | | (102,637 | ) | | | (109,588 | )
Net cash used in investing activities | | (102,637 | ) | | | (109,588 | )
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | | |
Repayment of debt | | (9,000 | ) | | | (9,000 | )
Costs incurred in refinancing debt | | — | | | | (650 | )
Contribution to Parent | | (563 | ) | | | (518 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | | (9,563 | ) | | | (10,168 | )
Effect of changes in foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents | | (123 | ) | | | — |
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | | 9,494 | | | | (26,177 | )
Beginning balance | | 68,399 | | | | 221,852 |
Ending balance | $ | 77,893 | | | $ | 195,675 |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | | |
Income taxes paid | $ | 38,821 | | | $ | 56,179 |
Interest paid | $ | 76,550 | | | $ | 81,351 |

   
See notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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J.CREW GROUP, INC.
NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the thirteen and thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012
(Dollars in thousands, unless otherwise indicated)
   
1. Basis of Presentation
J.Crew Group, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company” or “Group”) was acquired (the “Acquisition”) on March 7, 2011 through a merger with a subsidiary of Chinos Holdings, Inc. (the “Parent”). The Parent was formed by investment funds affiliated with TPG Capital, L.P. (“TPG”) and Leonard Green & Partners, L.P. (“LGP” and together with TPG, the “Sponsors”). Subsequent to the Acquisition, Group became an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Parent, which is owned by affiliates of the Sponsors, co-investors and members of management. Prior to March 7, 2011, the Company operated as a public company with its common stock traded on the New York Stock Exchange.
The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements were prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP have been condensed or omitted. Therefore, these financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013.
In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring adjustments, necessary to present fairly in all material respects the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the applicable interim periods. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to current period presentation. The results of operations for these periods are not necessarily comparable to, or indicative of, results of any other interim period or for the fiscal year as a whole.
Management is required to make estimates and assumptions about future events in preparing financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. These estimates and assumptions affect the amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of loss contingencies at the date of the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements. While management believes that past estimates and assumptions have been materially accurate, current estimates are subject to change if different assumptions as to the outcome of future events are made. Management evaluates estimates and judgments on an ongoing basis and predicates those estimates and judgments on historical experience and on reasonable factors. Since future events and their effects cannot be determined with absolute certainty, actual results may differ from the estimates used in preparing the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.
   
2. Management Services Agreement
Pursuant to a management services agreement entered into in connection with the Acquisition, and in exchange for on-going consulting and management advisory services, the Sponsors receive an aggregate annual monitoring fee prepaid quarterly equal to the greater of (i) 40 basis points of consolidated annual revenues or (ii) $8 million. The Sponsors also receive reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with services provided pursuant to the agreement. The Company recorded an expense of $7.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 for monitoring fees and out-of-pocket expenses, included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the statements of operations and comprehensive income.

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3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The significant components of our intangible assets and goodwill are as follows:

| Loyalty Program and Customer Lists | | | Favorable Lease Commitments | | | Madewell Brand Name | | | J.Crew Brand Name | | | Goodwill |
Balance at February 2, 2013 | $ | 16,075 | | | $ | 35,104 | | | $ | 74,142 | | | $ | 885,300 | | | $ | 1,686,915 |
Amortization expense | | (1,342 | ) | | | (2,356 | ) | | | (1,025 | ) | | | — | | | | — |
Balance at May 4, 2013 | $ | 14,733 | | | $ | 32,748 | | | $ | 73,117 | | | $ | 885,300 | | | $ | 1,686,915 |
Amortization expense | | (1,300 | ) | | | (2,102 | ) | | | (1,025 | ) | | | — | | | | — |
Balance at August 3, 2013 | $ | 13,433 | | | $ | 30,646 | | | $ | 72,092 | | | $ | 885,300 | | | $ | 1,686,915 |
Amortization expense | | (1,300 | ) | | | (2,034 | ) | | | (1,025 | ) | | | — | | | | — |
Balance at November 2, 2013 | $ | 12,133 | | | $ | 28,612 | | | $ | 71,067 | | | $ | 885,300 | | | $ | 1,686,915 |
Total accumulated amortization at November 2, 2013 | $ | (14,877 | ) | | $ | (32,398 | ) | | $ | (10,933 | ) | | | | | | | |

4. Share-Based Compensation
Chinos Holdings, Inc. 2011 Equity Incentive Plan
During the first nine months of fiscal 2013, the Parent issued 10,431,000 options to certain members of management, including (i) 5,170,500 options with a weighted average exercise price of $1.10 that become exercisable over a period of up to seven years and (ii) 5,260,500 options with a weighted average exercise price of $1.10 that only become exercisable when certain owners of the Parent receive a specified level of cash proceeds, as defined in the equity incentive plan, from the sale of their initial investment. The options have terms of up to ten years. The weighted average grant-date fair value of the time-based awards granted in the first nine months was $0.49 per share. Expense associated with the options exercisable when certain owners of the Parent receive a specified level of cash proceeds will not be recognized until that event occurs.
A summary of share-based compensation recorded in the statements of operations and comprehensive income is as follows:

| For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Share-based compensation | $ | 4,359 | | | $ | 3,213 |
A summary of shares available for grant as stock options or other share-based awards is as follows:

| Shares |
Available for grant at February 2, 2013 | | 24,790,408 |
Granted | | (10,467,750 | )
Forfeited and available for reissuance | | 2,192,400 |
Available for grant at November 2, 2013 | | 16,515,058 |

 
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5. Long-Term Debt and Credit Agreements
A summary of the components of the Company’s long-term debt is as follows:

| November 2, 2013 | | | February 2, 2013 |
Term Loan | $ | 1,170,000 | | | $ | 1,179,000 |
Notes | | 400,000 | | | | 400,000 |
Less: current portion of Term Loan | | (12,000 | ) | | | (12,000 | )
Long-term debt | $ | 1,558,000 | | | $ | 1,567,000 |
Borrowings under ABL Facility | $ | — | | | $ | — |
In connection with the Acquisition, we entered into debt financing comprised of (i) $1,450 million of senior secured credit facilities (the “Senior Credit Facilities”) consisting of (a) a $250 million, 5-year asset-based revolving credit facility (the “ABL Facility”) and (b) a $1,200 million, 7-year term loan credit facility due 2018 (the “Term Loan Facility”), and (ii) $400 million of 8.125% senior notes due 2019 (the “Notes”).
Term Loan
On December 18, 2012, the Term Loan Facility was amended to, among other things, (i) permit a one-time dividend to Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (and by Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. to any of its direct or indirect parents) in an amount up to $200 million and (ii) modify certain exceptions to the restrictive covenants in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility that restrict the ability of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., Group and its subsidiaries to pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay certain indebtedness and make investments.
On February 4, 2013, the Company further amended the Term Loan Facility to, among other things, replace the $1,179 million in term loans outstanding immediately prior to the amendment with a new class of term loans, and reduce the applicable margin and LIBOR floor with respect to the new class of term loans. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at Group’s option, either (a) LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs (subject to a floor) or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%. Following the amendment, the applicable margin with respect to base rate borrowings is 2.00% and the LIBOR floor and applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings are 1.00% and 3.00%, respectively. In addition, the Term Loan Facility provides for an incremental 0.25% step-down in applicable margin at any time on and after May 6, 2013 when Group’s corporate family rating, as publicly announced by Moody’s, is B1 or better.
The Company is required to make principal repayments equal to 0.25% of the original $1,200 million principal amount of the Term Loan, or $3 million, on the last business day of January, April, July, and October. The Company is also required to repay the Term Loan based on annual excess cash flow as defined in the agreement, under certain circumstances. Borrowings under the Term Loan mature on March 7, 2018.
The interest rate on the $1,170 million in outstanding LIBOR borrowings pursuant to the Term Loan Facility was 4.00% on November 2, 2013.
ABL Facility
On October 11, 2012, the Company entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility (the “First Amendment”) that extended the maturity date to October 11, 2017. The First Amendment also (i) reduced the pricing on loans, letters of credit and fees paid on unutilized commitments and (ii) modified certain financial and negative covenants.
 
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Average short-term borrowings under the ABL Facility were $3.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Outstanding standby letters of credit were $5.7 million and excess availability, as defined, was $244.3 million at November 2, 2013. Additionally, the Company has an unsecured demand letter of credit facility with HSBC which provides for the issuance of up to $35 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. Outstanding letters of credit under this facility were $15.9 million and availability was $19.1 million at November 2, 2013.
Interest expense
A summary of the significant components of interest expense is as follows:

| For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Term Loan | $ | 36,935 | | | $ | 42,796 |
Notes | | 24,375 | | | | 24,375 |
Realized hedging losses | | 8,635 | | | | — |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | 7,455 | | | | 7,201 |
Other, net of interest income | | 986 | | | | 488 |
Interest expense, net | $ | 78,386 | | | $ | 74,860 |

6. Derivative Financial Instruments
Interest Rate Swaps
In April 2011, the Company entered into floating-to-fixed interest rate swap agreements for an aggregate notional amount of $600 million, which will be reduced by $100 million annually for the term of the agreements. These instruments limit exposure to interest rate increases related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness through the expiration of the agreements in March 2016. As a result of the agreements, the Company’s effective fixed interest rate on the notional amount of floating rate indebtedness is 3.56% plus the applicable margin.
During the first nine months of fiscal 2013, the Company realized hedging losses of $8.6 million pursuant to the interest rate hedging agreements. Such losses were included in interest expense, net in the statement of operations and comprehensive income.
The Company expects to reclassify unrealized losses of approximately $8 million, net of tax, previously recorded in accumulated other comprehensive loss, thereby increasing interest expense by $13 million in the next 12 months.
Fair Value
As of the effective date, the Company designated the interest rate swap agreements as cash flow hedges. As cash flow hedges, unrealized gains are recognized as assets while unrealized losses are recognized as liabilities. The interest rate swap agreements are highly correlated to the changes in interest rates to which the Company is exposed. Unrealized gains and losses on these instruments are designated as effective or ineffective. The effective portion of such gains or losses is recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, while the ineffective portion of such gains or losses will be recorded as a component of interest expense. Future realized gains and losses in connection with each required interest payment will be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income or loss to interest expense.
The fair values of the interest rate swap agreements are estimated using industry standard valuation models using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves (level 2 inputs). The fair value of the interest rate swaps, recorded in other liabilities, was $26,985 and $33,266 at November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013, respectively.

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7. Fair Value Measurements
The Company uses a three-level fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs used to measure fair value. This hierarchy requires entities to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The three levels of inputs used to measure fair value are as follows:
 
• | Level 1 – Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
 
• | Level 2 – Observable inputs, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, such as quoted prices for markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
• | Level 3 – Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
Financial assets and liabilities
The fair value of the Company’s debt is estimated to be $1,601 million and $1,617 million at November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013 based on quoted market prices of the debt (level 1 inputs).
In April 2011, the Company entered into interest rate swap agreements in order to hedge the variability of cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness, which are measured in the financial statements at fair value on a recurring basis. See note 6 for more information regarding the fair value of this financial liability.
The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and other current liabilities approximate fair value because of their short-term nature.
Non-financial assets and liabilities
Except for certain leasehold improvements, the Company does not have any non-financial assets or liabilities as of November 2, 2013 or February 2, 2013 that are measured in the financial statements at fair value.
The Company performs impairment tests of certain long-lived assets whenever there are indicators of impairment. These tests typically contemplate assets at a store level (e.g. leasehold improvements). The Company recognizes an impairment loss when the carrying value of a long-lived asset is not recoverable in light of the undiscounted future cash flows and measures an impairment loss as the difference between the carrying amount and fair value of the asset based on discounted future cash flows. The Company has determined that the future cash flow approach (level 3 inputs) provides the most relevant and reliable means by which to determine fair value in this circumstance.
A summary of the impact of the impairment of certain long-lived assets on financial condition and results of operations is as follows:

| For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Carrying value of long-term assets written down to fair value | $ | 673 | | | $ | 160 |
Impairment charge | $ | 673 | | | $ | 160 |

8. Income Taxes
The Parent files a consolidated federal income tax return, which includes Group and all of its wholly owned subsidiaries. Each subsidiary files separate, or combined where required, state or local tax returns in required jurisdictions.
 
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During the second quarter of fiscal 2013, the Internal Revenue Service concluded its examination of tax returns for periods ended January 2010 through March 7, 2011. No adjustments were made to the tax returns as a result of the examination. The tax return for the period ended January 2012 is currently under examination. Various state and local jurisdiction tax authorities are in the process of examining income tax returns or hearing appeals for certain tax years ranging from 2008 to 2011. The results of these audits and appeals are not expected to have a significant effect on the results of operations or financial position.
The differences between the U.S. statutory income tax rate of 35% and the effective tax rates for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012 of 38.6% and 37.5%, respectively, are primarily driven by state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit, offset by certain federal tax credits.
While the Company expects the amount of unrecognized tax benefits to change in the next twelve months, the change is not expected to have a significant effect on the estimated effective annual tax rate, the results of operations or financial position. However, the outcome of tax matters is uncertain and unforeseen results can occur.
   
9. Legal Proceedings
On June 20, 2013, a purported class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts by an individual claiming that the Company collected her ZIP code unlawfully in connection with a retail purchase she made at a Massachusetts store. That action, captioned Miller v. J.Crew Group, Inc., 13-cv-11487 (the “Miller Action”), purports to be brought on behalf of a class of customers whose ZIP codes were collected and recorded at Company stores in Massachusetts in connection with credit card purchases, and claims that the Company used the collected ZIP code data to obtain customers’ addresses for purposes of mailing them unwanted advertising material. The Miller Action seeks money damages pursuant to a claim under Chapter 93A of the General Laws of Massachusetts and a claim for unjust enrichment. The Company believes the complaint is without merit and intends to defend against the Plaintiff’s claims. However, it is reasonably possible that the Company may incur a loss in connection with the Miller Action. The amount of such loss, if any, cannot be estimated as of the date these financial statements are issued.
The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not expect that the results of any of these legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
   
10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In December 2011, a pronouncement was issued that amended the guidance related to the disclosure of recognized financial instruments and derivative instruments that are either offset on the balance sheet or subject to an enforceable master netting arrangement or similar agreement. The amended provisions are effective for fiscal years beginning on or after January 1, 2013, and are required to be applied retrospectively for all prior periods presented. As this pronouncement relates to disclosure only, the adoption of this amendment did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.
In February 2013, a pronouncement was issued that clarified the guidance relating to the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income depending on the significance of the reclassifications and whether they are required by U.S. GAAP. The pronouncement is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this pronouncement on February 3, 2013. The adoption of this guidance required changes in presentation only and therefore did not have a significant impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 
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11. Subsequent Event
On November 4, 2013 in a private transaction, Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc. (the “Issuer”), an indirect parent holding company of Group, issued $500 million aggregate principal of 7.75/8.50% Senior PIK Toggle Notes due May 1, 2019 (the “PIK Notes”).  The PIK Notes pay interest semi-annually on May 1 and November 1 of each year.  Interest for the first and final interest periods is required to be paid in cash at the cash interest rate of 7.75%.  For each other interest period, the Issuer is required to pay interest in cash, unless certain conditions are satisfied, in which case the Issuer may elect to pay PIK interest either by increasing the principal amount or issuing new notes.  The PIK interest rate is equal to the cash interest rate plus 75 basis points, or 8.50%.          
The PIK Notes are: (i) senior unsecured obligations of the Issuer, (ii) structurally subordinated to all of the liabilities of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, and (iii) not guaranteed by any of the Issuers’ subsidiaries, including Group, and therefore are not recorded in the financial statements of the Company.  The PIK Notes provide for redemption at certain prices, including with respect to a change in control or equity offering.  While not required, the Company intends to pay dividends to the Issuer to fund interest payments.  If interest on the PIK Notes is paid in cash, the semi-annual interest payments will be $19 million, or $213 million through the maturity date.  The dividends will be recorded as a reduction of stockholders’ equity in the consolidated financial statements of Group.                      
The net proceeds of $490 million from this offering were used by the Issuer to fund a cash dividend of $484 million to equity holders, and dividend equivalent compensation payments of $6 million to certain equity-award holders.  Additionally, the exercise prices of certain equity-awards were reduced by an amount equal to the dividend of $0.53 per share.          
Forward-Looking Statements
This report contains “forward-looking statements,” which include information concerning our plans, objectives, goals, strategies, future events, future revenues or performance, capital expenditures, financing needs and other information that is not historical information. When used in this report, the words “estimate,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “plan,” “intend,” “believe” and variations of such words or similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, our examination of operating trends, are based upon our current expectations and various assumptions. We believe there is a reasonable basis for our expectations and beliefs, but there can be no assurance that we will realize our expectations or that our beliefs will prove correct.
There are a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements contained in this report. Important factors that could cause our actual results to differ include, but are not limited to, our substantial indebtedness and lease obligations, the strength of the global economy, declines in consumer spending or changes in seasonal consumer spending patterns, competitive market conditions, our ability to anticipate and timely respond to changes in trends and consumer preferences, our ability to successfully develop, launch and grow our newer concepts and execute on strategic initiatives, products offerings, sales channels and businesses, material disruption to our information systems, our ability to implement our real estate strategy, our ability to implement our international expansion strategy, our ability to attract and retain key personnel, interruptions in our foreign sourcing operations, and other factors which are set forth in the section entitled “Risk Factors” and elsewhere in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 filed with the SEC. There may be other factors of which we are currently unaware or deem immaterial that may cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements.
All forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf apply only as of the date they are made and are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements included in this report. Except as may be required by law, we undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date they were made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

 
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ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This document should be read in conjunction with the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 filed with the SEC. When used herein, the terms “J.Crew,” “Group,” “Company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to J.Crew Group, Inc., including its wholly-owned consolidated subsidiaries.
Executive Overview
J.Crew is a nationally recognized apparel and accessories retailer that differentiates itself through high standards of quality, style, design and fabrics with consistent fits and authentic details. We are an integrated multi-channel, multi-brand specialty retailer that operates stores and websites to consistently communicate with our customers. We design, market and sell our products, including those under the J.Crew ^® , crewcuts ^®  and Madewell ^®  brands, offering complete assortments of women’s, men’s and children’s apparel and accessories. We believe our customer base consists primarily of affluent, college-educated, professional and fashion-conscious women and men.
We conduct our business through two primary sales channels: (1) Stores, which consists of our retail, factory and Madewell stores, and (2)  Direct , which consists of our websites and catalogs. As of November 2, 2013, we operated 320 retail stores (including eight crewcuts and 63 Madewell stores), 116 factory stores (including three crewcuts factory stores), and two clearance stores, throughout the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom; compared to 290 retail stores (including eight crewcuts and 43 Madewell stores), 102 factory stores (including four crewcuts factory stores), and three clearance stores as of October 27, 2012.
A summary of revenues for the third quarter is as follows:

(Dollars in millions) | | For the Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirteen Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Stores | | $ | 420.2 | | | $ | 391.7 |
Direct | | | 189.8 | | | | 156.8 |
Net sales | | | 610.0 | | | | 548.5 |
Other, primarily shipping and handling fees | | | 8.8 | | | | 7.3 |
Total revenues | | $ | 618.8 | | | $ | 555.8 |
A summary of highlights for the third quarter is as follows:
 
• | Revenues increased 11.3% to $618.8 million.
 
• | Comparable company sales increased 4.4%.
 
• | Direct net sales increased 21.1% to $189.8 million.
 
• | Income from operations increased $8.4 million to $82.9 million.
 
• | We opened five J.Crew retail stores, four J.Crew factory stores, and seven Madewell stores and closed one J.Crew retail store.
 
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A summary of revenues for the first nine months is as follows:

(Dollars in millions) | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Stores | | $ | 1,199.5 | | | $ | 1,129.8 |
Direct | | | 517.8 | | | | 434.1 |
Net sales | | | 1,717.3 | | | | 1,563.9 |
Other, primarily shipping and handling fees | | | 24.7 | | | | 20.9 |
Total revenues | | $ | 1,742.0 | | | $ | 1,584.8 |
A summary of highlights for the first nine months is as follows:
 
• | Revenues increased 9.9% to $1,742.0 million.
 
• | Comparable company sales increased 3.1%.
 
• | Direct net sales increased 19.3% to $517.8 million.
 
• | Income from operations increased to $212.3 million.
 
• | We opened 11 J.Crew retail stores, 10 J.Crew factory stores, and 15 Madewell stores and closed one J.Crew retail store.
How We Assess the Performance of Our Business
In assessing the performance of our business, we consider a variety of performance and financial measures. A key measure used in our evaluation is comparable company sales, which includes (i) net sales from stores that have been open for at least twelve months, (ii) direct net sales, and (iii) shipping and handling fees.
A complete description of the measures we use to assess the performance of our business appears in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 filed with the SEC.
Results of Operations – Third Quarter of Fiscal 2013 compared to Third Quarter of Fiscal 2012

| | Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | Thirteen Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 | | | Variance Increase /(Decrease) |
(Dollars in millions) | | Amount | | | Percent of Revenues | | | Amount | | | Percent of Revenues | | | Dollars | | | Percentage |
Revenues | | $ | 618.8 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 555.8 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 63.0 | | | | 11.3 | %
Gross profit | | | 271.5 | | | | 43.9 | | | | 263.1 | | | | 47.3 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 3.2 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 188.6 | | | | 30.5 | | | | 188.6 | | | | 33.9 | | | | — | | | | NM |
Income from operations | | | 82.9 | | | | 13.4 | | | | 74.5 | | | | 13.4 | | | | 8.4 | | | | 11.3 |
Interest expense, net | | | 26.5 | | | | 4.3 | | | | 24.1 | | | | 4.3 | | | | 2.4 | | | | 9.9 |
Provision for income taxes | | | 21.0 | | | | 3.4 | | | | 17.2 | | | | 3.1 | | | | 3.8 | | | | 22.0 |
Net income | | $ | 35.4 | | | | 5.7 | % | | $ | 33.2 | | | | 6.0 | % | | $ | 2.2 | | | | 6.8 | %
Revenues
Revenues increased $63.0 million, or 11.3%, to $618.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $555.8 million in the third quarter last year, driven primarily by an increase in sales of (i) women’s apparel, specifically sweaters, knits, and shirts and (ii) men’s apparel, specifically woven shirts, pants, and sweaters. Comparable company sales increased 4.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013. Comparable company sales increased 10.4% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
 
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Stores sales increased $28.5 million, or 7.3%, to $420.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $391.7 million in the third quarter last year. Stores sales increased 17.1% in the third quarter of fiscal 2012. Sales from stores that have been open for less than twelve months were $53.9 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013.
Direct sales increased $33.0 million, or 21.1%, to $189.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $156.8 million in the third quarter last year. Direct sales increased $18.2 million, or 13.2%, in the third quarter of fiscal 2012.
The approximate percentage of our sales by product category, based on our internal merchandising system, is as follows:

| For the Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirteen Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Apparel: | | | | | | |
Women’s | | 57 | % | | | 58 | %
Men’s | | 23 | | | | 22 |
Children’s | | 7 | | | | 7 |
Accessories | | 13 | | | | 13 |
| | 100 | % | | | 100 | %
Other revenues increased $1.5 million to $8.8 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $7.3 million in the third quarter last year.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $8.4 million to $271.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $263.1 million in the third quarter last year. This increase resulted from the following factors:

(Dollars in millions) | | Increase/ (decrease) |
Increase in revenues | | $ | 36.8 |
Decrease in merchandise margin | | | (17.0 | )
Increase in buying and occupancy costs | | | (11.4 | )
Increase in gross profit | | $ | 8.4 |
Gross margin decreased to 43.9% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from 47.3% in the third quarter last year. The decrease in gross margin was driven by: (i) a 270 basis point deterioration in merchandise margin primarily due to increased markdowns and (ii) a 70 basis point increase in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses were flat in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 compared to $188.6 million in the third quarter last year. A summary of offsetting increases and decreases is as follows:

(Dollars in millions) | | Increase/ (decrease) |
Increase in operating expenses, primarily Stores and payroll | | $ | 5.9 |
Decrease in share-based and incentive compensation | | | (6.8 | )
Other, net | | | 0.9 |
Change in selling, general and administrative expenses | | $ | — |
As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 30.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from 33.9% in the third quarter last year.
 
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Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $2.4 million to $26.5 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $24.1 million in the third quarter last year. A summary of interest expense is as follows:

(Dollars in millions) | | For the Thirteen Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirteen Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Term Loan | | $ | 11.9 | | | $ | 14.2 |
Notes | | | 8.1 | | | | 8.1 |
Realized hedging losses | | | 3.5 | | | | — |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 2.5 | | | | 2.4 |
Other, net of interest income | | | 0.5 | | | | (0.6 | )
Interest expense, net | | $ | 26.5 | | | $ | 24.1 |
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rates for the third quarter of fiscal 2013 and 2012 were approximately 37% and 34%, respectively. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate of 37% was driven primarily by state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit, offset by certain federal tax credits. The effective rate in the third quarter last year reflected a reduction in uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of statute of limitations.
Net Income
Net income increased $2.2 million to $35.4 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2013 from $33.2 million in the third quarter last year. This increase was due to: (i) an increase in gross profit of $8.4 million, offset by (ii) an increase in the provision for income taxes of $3.8 million and (iii) an increase in interest expense of $2.4 million.
Results of Operations – First Nine Months of Fiscal 2013 compared to First Nine Months of Fiscal 2012

| | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 | | | Variance Increase /(Decrease) |
(Dollars in millions) | | Amount | | | Percent of Revenues | | | Amount | | | Percent of Revenues | | | Dollars | | | Percentage |
Revenues | | $ | 1,742.0 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 1,584.8 | | | | 100.0 | % | | $ | 157.2 | | | | 9.9 | %
Gross profit | | | 753.5 | | | | 43.3 | | | | 739.6 | | | | 46.7 | | | | 13.9 | | | | 1.9 |
Selling, general and administrative expenses | | | 541.2 | | | | 31.1 | | | | 527.4 | | | | 33.3 | | | | 13.8 | | | | 2.6 |
Income from operations | | | 212.3 | | | | 12.2 | | | | 212.2 | | | | 13.4 | | | | 0.1 | | | | NM |
Interest expense, net | | | 78.4 | | | | 4.5 | | | | 74.9 | | | | 4.7 | | | | 3.5 | | | | 4.7 |
Provision for income taxes | | | 51.7 | | | | 3.0 | | | | 51.5 | | | | 3.2 | | | | 0.2 | | | | 0.4 |
Net income | | $ | 82.2 | | | | 4.7 | % | | $ | 85.9 | | | | 5.4 | % | | $ | (3.7 | ) | | | (4.3 | )%
Revenues
Revenues increased $157.2 million, or 9.9%, to $1,742.0 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $1,584.8 million in the first nine months last year, driven primarily by an increase in sales of (i) men’s apparel, specifically woven shirts, pants, and suiting and (ii) women’s apparel, specifically sweaters, knits, and shirts. Comparable company sales increased 3.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. Comparable company sales increased 13.2% in the first nine months of fiscal 2012.
Stores sales increased $69.8 million, or 6.2%, to $1,199.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $1,129.8 million in the first nine months last year. Stores sales increased 21.9% in the first nine months of fiscal 2012. Sales from stores that have been open for less than twelve months were $158.9 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013.
 
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Direct sales increased $83.6 million, or 19.3%, to $517.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $434.1 million in the first nine months last year. Direct sales increased $59.3 million, or 15.8%, in the first nine months of fiscal 2012.
The approximate percentage of our sales by product category, based on our internal merchandising system, is as follows:

| For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Apparel: | | | | | | |
Women’s | | 57 | % | | | 59 | %
Men’s | | 24 | | | | 22 |
Children’s | | 6 | | | | 6 |
Accessories | | 13 | | | | 13 |
| | 100 | % | | | 100 | %
Other revenues increased $3.8 million to $24.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $20.9 million in the first nine months last year.
Gross Profit
Gross profit increased $13.9 million to $753.5 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $739.6 million in the first nine months last year. This increase resulted from the following factors:

(Dollars in millions) | | Increase/ (decrease) |
Increase in revenues | | $ | 91.4 |
Decrease in merchandise margin | | | (48.4 | )
Increase in buying and occupancy costs | | | (29.1 | )
Increase in gross profit | | $ | 13.9 |
Gross margin decreased to 43.3% in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from 46.7% in the first nine months last year. The decrease in gross margin was driven by: (i) a 280 basis point deterioration in merchandise margin primarily due to increased markdowns and (ii) a 60 basis point increase in buying and occupancy costs as a percentage of revenues.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $13.8 million to $541.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $527.4 million in the first nine months last year. This increase primarily resulted from the following:

(Dollars in millions) | | Increase/ (decrease) |
Increase in operating expenses, primarily Stores and payroll | | $ | 20.3 |
Increase in advertising and catalog costs | | | 6.8 |
Increase in depreciation | | | 3.9 |
Decrease in share-based and incentive compensation | | | (23.4 | )
Insurance proceeds | | | (3.7 | )
Other, net | | | 9.9 |
Increase in selling, general and administrative expenses | | $ | 13.8 |
As a percentage of revenues, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to 31.1% in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from 33.3% in the first nine months last year.
 
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Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net of interest income, increased $3.5 million to $78.4 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $74.9 million in the first nine months last year. A summary of interest expense is as follows:

(Dollars in millions) | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Term Loan | | $ | 36.9 | | | $ | 42.8 |
Notes | | | 24.4 | | | | 24.4 |
Realized hedging losses | | | 8.6 | | | | — |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 7.5 | | | | 7.2 |
Other, net of interest income | | | 1.0 | | | | 0.5 |
Interest expense, net | | $ | 78.4 | | | $ | 74.9 |
Provision for Income Taxes
The effective tax rates for the first nine months of fiscal 2013 and 2012 were approximately 39% and 38%, respectively. The difference between the statutory rate of 35% and the effective rate of 39% was driven primarily by state and local income taxes, net of federal benefit, offset by certain federal tax credits. The effective rate in the third quarter last year reflected a reduction in uncertain tax positions due to the expiration of statute of limitations.
Net Income
Net income decreased $3.7 million to $82.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 from $85.9 million in the first nine months last year. This decrease was due to: (i) an increase in selling, general and administrative expenses of $13.8 million and (ii) an increase in interest expense of $3.5 million, (iii) an increase in the provision for income taxes of $0.2 million, offset by (iv) an increase in gross profit of $13.9 million.
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Our primary sources of liquidity are our current balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flows from operations and borrowings available under the ABL Facility. Our primary cash needs are capital expenditures in connection with opening new stores and remodeling our existing stores, investments in our distribution network, making information technology system enhancements, meeting debt service requirements (including paying dividends to an indirect parent company for the purposes of servicing debt – see note 11 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements) and funding working capital requirements. The most significant components of our working capital are cash and cash equivalents, merchandise inventories, accounts payable and other current liabilities. See “—Outlook” below.
 
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Operating Activities

(Dollars in millions) | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Net income | | $ | 82.2 | | | $ | 85.9 |
Adjustments to reconcile to cash flows from operating activities: | | | | | | | |
Depreciation of property and equipment | | | 57.5 | | | | 52.4 |
Realized hedging losses | | | 8.6 | | | | — |
Amortization of deferred financing costs | | | 7.5 | | | | 7.2 |
Amortization of intangible assets | | | 7.0 | | | | 7.3 |
Amortization of favorable lease commitments | | | 6.5 | | | | 10.9 |
Share-based compensation | | | 4.4 | | | | 3.2 |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities | | | (51.9 | ) | | | (73.3 | )
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 121.8 | | | $ | 93.6 |
Cash provided by operating activities of $121.8 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 was driven by: (i) net income of $82.2 million, (ii) non-cash expenses of $91.5 million, offset by (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $51.9 million due to seasonal working capital fluctuations and working capital management.
Cash provided by operating activities of $93.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 was driven by: (i) net income of $85.9 million, (ii) non-cash expenses of $81.0 million, offset by (iii) changes in operating assets and liabilities of $73.3 million due to seasonal working capital fluctuations.
Investing Activities

| For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Capital expenditures: | | | | | | |
New stores | $ | 48.8 | | | $ | 43.1 |
Information technology | | 34.3 | | | | 29.0 |
Other(1) | | 19.5 | | | | 37.5 |
Net cash used in investing activities | $ | 102.6 | | | $ | 109.6 |

(1) | Includes capital expenditures for warehouse and corporate office improvements, store renovations and general corporate purposes.
Capital expenditures are planned at approximately $135 million for fiscal year 2013, including $55 to $60 million for new stores, $45 to $50 million for information technology enhancements, $15 to $20 million for warehouse and corporate office improvements, and the remainder for store renovations and general corporate purposes.
 
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Financing Activities

| For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended November 2, 2013 | | | For the Thirty-nine Weeks Ended October 27, 2012 |
Repayment of debt | $ | (9.0 | ) | | $ | (9.0 | )
Costs incurred in refinancing debt | | — | | | | (0.7 | )
Contribution to Parent | | (0.6 | ) | | | (0.5 | )
Net cash used in financing activities | $ | (9.6 | ) | | $ | (10.2 | )
Cash used in financing activities was $9.6 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013 resulting primarily from quarterly principal repayments of debt under the Term Loan Facility.
Cash used in financing activities was $10.2 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2012 resulting primarily from quarterly principal repayments of debt under the Term Loan Facility.
Financing Arrangements
ABL Facility
In connection with the Acquisition, on March 7, 2011, we entered into the ABL Facility, governed by an asset-based credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto, that provides senior secured financing of $250 million (which may be increased by up to $75 million in certain circumstances), subject to a borrowing base limitation. On October 11, 2012, we entered into an amendment to the ABL Facility (the “First ABL Amendment”), with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, and the other lenders party thereto. The borrowing base under the ABL Facility equals the sum of: 90% of the eligible credit card receivables; plus, 85% of eligible accounts; plus, 90% (or 92.5% for the period of August 1 through December 31 of any fiscal year) of the net recovery percentage of eligible inventory multiplied by the cost of eligible inventory; plus, 85% of the net recovery percentage of eligible letters of credit inventory, multiplied by the cost of eligible letter of credit inventory; plus, 85% of the net recovery percentage of eligible in-transit inventory, multiplied by the cost of eligible in-transit inventory; plus, 100% of qualified cash; minus, all availability and inventory reserves. The ABL Facility includes borrowing capacity in the form of letters of credit up to the entire amount of the facility, and up to $25 million in U.S. dollars for loans on same-day notice, referred to as swingline loans, and is available in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars and Euros. Any amounts outstanding under the ABL Facility are due and payable in full on October 11, 2017.
Loans drawn under the ABL Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to, at Group’s option, any of the following, plus, in each case, an applicable margin: (a) in the case of loans in U.S. dollars, a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%; (b) in the case of loans in U.S. dollars or in Euros, a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for deposits in the relevant currency for the interest period relevant to such loan adjusted for certain additional costs; (c) in the case of loans in Canadian dollars, the average offered rate for Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptances having an identical term of the applicable loan; and (d) in the case of loans in Canadian dollars, a fluctuating rate determined by reference to the higher of (1) the average offered rate for 30 day Canadian dollar bankers’ acceptances plus 0.50% and (2) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A. for loans in Canadian dollars. The applicable margin for loans under the ABL Facility varies based on Group’s average historical excess availability and ranges from 0.50% to 1.00% with respect to base rate loans and loans in Canadian dollars bearing interest at the rate described in the immediately preceding clause (d), and from 1.50% to 2.00% with respect to LIBOR loans and loans in Canadian dollars bearing interest at the rate described in the immediately preceding clause (c). In addition, Group is required to pay a commitment fees of 0.25% per annum, in respect of the unused commitments as well as customary letter of credit and agency fees.
Average short-term borrowings under the ABL Facility were $3.3 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2013. On November 2, 2013, outstanding standby letters of credit were $5.7 million, excess availability, as defined, was $244.3 million, and there were no borrowings outstanding.
 
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Demand Letter of Credit Facility
The Company has an unsecured demand letter of credit facility with HSBC which provides for the issuance of up to $35 million of documentary letters of credit on a no fee basis. On November 2, 2013, outstanding documentary letters of credit were $15.9 million and availability was $19.1 million under this facility.
Term Loan
In connection with the Acquisition, on March 7, 2011, we entered into the Term Loan Facility, governed by a $1,200 million term loan credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent and the other agents and lenders party thereto.
On December 18, 2012, the Term Loan Facility was amended to, among other things, (i) permit a one-time dividend to Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. (and by Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. to any of its direct or indirect parents) in an amount up to $200 million and (ii) modify certain exceptions to the restrictive covenants in the credit agreement governing the Term Loan Facility that restrict the ability of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., Group and its subsidiaries to pay dividends on, or redeem or repurchase capital stock, prepay certain indebtedness and make investments.
On February 4, 2013, we further amended the Term Loan Facility to, among other things, replace the $1,179 million in term loans outstanding immediately prior to the amendment with a new class of term loans, and reduce the applicable margin and LIBOR floor with respect to the new class of term loans. Borrowings under the Term Loan Facility bear interest at a rate per annum equal to an applicable margin plus, at Group’s option, either (a) LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs (subject to a floor) or (b) a base rate determined by reference to the highest of (1) the prime rate of Bank of America, N.A., (2) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.50% and (3) a LIBOR determined by reference to the costs of funds for U.S. dollar deposits for an interest period of one month adjusted for certain additional costs, plus 1.00%. Following the amendment, the applicable margin with respect to base rate borrowings is 2.00% and the LIBOR floor and applicable margin with respect to LIBOR borrowings are 1.00% and 3.00%, respectively. In addition, the Term Loan Facility provides for an incremental 0.25% step-down in applicable margin at any time on and after May 6, 2013 when Group’s corporate family rating, as publicly announced by Moody’s, is B1 or better.
We are required to make principal repayments equal to 0.25% of the original $1,200 million principal amount of the Term Loan, or $3 million, on the last business day of January, April, July, and October. We are also required to repay the Term Loan based on annual excess cash flow as defined in the agreement, under certain circumstances. Borrowings under the Term Loan mature on March 7, 2018.
The interest rate on the $1,170 million in outstanding LIBOR borrowings pursuant to the Term Loan Facility was 4.00% on November 2, 2013.
Outlook
Our short-term and long-term liquidity needs arise primarily from (i) capital expenditures, (ii) debt service requirements, including quarterly principal payments and repayments based on annual excess cash flows as defined and paying dividends to an indirect parent company for the purposes of servicing debt, and (iii) working capital needs. Management anticipates that capital expenditures in fiscal 2013 will be approximately $135 million, including $55 to $60 million for new stores, $45 to $50 million for information technology enhancements, $15 to $20 million for warehouse and corporate office improvements, and the remainder for store renovations and general corporate purposes. Management believes that our current balances of cash and cash equivalents, cash flow from operations and amounts available pursuant to the ABL Facility will be adequate to fund our debt service requirements, planned capital expenditures and working capital needs for the next twelve months. Our ability to make planned capital expenditures, to fund our debt service requirements and to remain in compliance with the financial covenants, and to fund our operations depends on our future operating performance, which in turn, may be impacted by prevailing economic conditions and other financial and business factors, some of which are beyond our control.
 
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Off Balance Sheet Arrangements
We enter into documentary letters of credit to facilitate the international purchase of merchandise. We also enter into standby letters of credit to secure reimbursement obligations under certain insurance programs and lease obligations. As of November 2, 2013, we had the following obligations under letters of credit in future periods:

| Total | | | Within 1 Year | | | 2-3 Years | | | 4-5 Years | | | After 5 Years |
| (amounts in millions) |
Letters of Credit | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Standby | $ | 5.7 | | | $ | 5.7 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — |
Documentary | | 15.9 | | | | 15.9 | | | | — | | | | — | | | | — |
| $ | 21.6 | | | $ | 21.6 | | | $ | — | | | $ | — | | | $ | — |
Cyclicality and Seasonality
The industry in which we operate is cyclical, and consequently our revenues are affected by general economic conditions. Purchases of apparel and accessories are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the levels of consumer spending, including economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates and consumer confidence.
Our business is seasonal. As a result, our revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter. We have four distinct selling seasons that align with our four fiscal quarters. Revenues are usually higher in our fourth fiscal quarter, particularly December, as customers make holiday purchases. Our working capital requirements also fluctuate throughout the year, increasing substantially in September and October in anticipation of holiday season inventory requirements.
Critical Accounting Policies
A summary of our critical accounting policies is included in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 filed with the SEC.
   
ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURE ABOUT MARKET RISK
Borrowings under the Senior Credit Facilities are at variable rates of interest and expose us to interest rate risk. If interest rates increase, our debt service obligations on our variable rate indebtedness will increase even though the amount borrowed would remain the same, and our net income and cash flow, including cash available for servicing our indebtedness, will correspondingly decrease. If LIBOR increases above 1.00%, a 0.125% increase in the floating rate applicable to the $1,170 million outstanding under the Term Loan Facility would result in a $1.5 million increase in our annual interest expense. Assuming all revolving loans are drawn under the $250 million ABL Facility, a 0.125% change in the floating rate would result in a $0.3 million change in our annual interest expense. We have entered into interest rate swaps in order to hedge the volatility of cash flows related to a portion of the Company’s floating rate indebtedness (see note 6 to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements). These hedges may not fully mitigate our interest rate risk, or may not be effective.
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer, carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and our Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in SEC rules and forms.
There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

 
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PART II – OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
On June 20, 2013, a purported class action complaint was filed in the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts by an individual claiming that the Company collected her ZIP code unlawfully in connection with a retail purchase she made at a Massachusetts store. That action, captioned Miller v. J.Crew Group, Inc., 13-cv-11487 (the “Miller Action”), purports to be brought on behalf of a class of customers whose ZIP codes were collected and recorded at Company stores in Massachusetts in connection with credit card purchases, and claims that the company used the collected ZIP code data to obtain customers’ addresses for purposes of mailing them unwanted advertising material. The Miller Action seeks money damages pursuant to a claim under Chapter 93A of the General Laws of Massachusetts and a claim for unjust enrichment. The Company believes the complaint is without merit and intends to defend against the Plaintiff’s claims. However, it is reasonably possible that the Company may incur a loss in connection with the Miller Action. The amount of such loss, if any, cannot be estimated at the date of this report.
Also, the Company is subject to various legal proceedings and claims arising in the ordinary course of business. Management does not expect that the results of any of these legal proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, would have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS
The Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2013 includes a detailed discussion of certain risks that could materially adversely affect our business, our operating results, or our financial condition. There have been no material changes to the risk factors previously disclosed other than the risk factor set forth below:
Neither Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., Group nor any of our subsidiaries have guaranteed the debt of Chinos Intermediate Holdings A, Inc. (the “Issuer”) and as such do not have any obligations with respect to the Issuer’s debt obligations. Repayment of the Issuer’s debt, including the PIK Notes, is dependent on cash flow generated by us and our subsidiaries, and restrictions in our and our subsidiaries’ debt instruments and under applicable law limit our, and our subsidiaries’, ability to provide funds to the Issuer. The Issuer’s dependence on cash flow generated by us and our subsidiaries may result in the Issuer’s interests conflicting with yours.
The Issuer is a holding company and its only material assets are the capital stock of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. The Issuer has no operations of its own.  Accordingly, repayment of the Issuer’s indebtedness is dependent, to a significant extent, on the generation of cash flow by us and our subsidiaries and our ability to make such cash available to the Issuer, by dividend, debt repayment or otherwise. Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc. is a direct subsidiary of the Issuer, and Group is a direct subsidiary of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc.
We and our subsidiaries are separate and distinct legal entities and have no obligation, contingent or otherwise, to pay amounts due under the Issuer’s indebtedness or to make any funds available to pay those amounts, whether by dividend, distribution, loan or otherwise. Our, and our subsidiaries’, ability to generate sufficient cash from operations to make distributions to the Issuer will depend upon our future operating performance, which will be affected by general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory, business and other factors beyond our control. The Issuer’s dependence upon our, and our subsidiaries’, generation of cash flow may cause its interests to conflict with yours. For example, we expect that the Issuer will cause us to make cash available to it in order to fund payments under the PIK Notes, which would result in a decrease in cash available to us for use in connection with our operations, including the servicing of our indebtedness (including the Notes). In addition, if we encounter financial difficulties, the Issuer may choose to pursue transactions that, in its judgment, could enhance its equity investments, even though such transactions may involve risk to you as a holder of the Notes. 
Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Company and our subsidiaries may not be able to, or may not be permitted to, make distributions to the Issuer in order to enable the Issuer to make payments in respect of its indebtedness. The terms of the Senior Credit Facilities and the Notes significantly restrict, and any future indebtedness of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Company and our subsidiaries will likely significantly restrict, the ability of Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Company and our subsidiaries to make dividends or other distributions to the Issuer in order to pay interest or make any other payments with respect to its indebtedness.
 
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In addition, under certain circumstances, legal restrictions may limit the Issuer’s ability to obtain cash from its subsidiaries. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”), the Issuer’s subsidiaries organized in the State of Delaware may only make dividends (i) out of their “surplus” as defined in the DGCL or (ii) if there is no such surplus, out of their net profits for the fiscal year in which the dividend is declared and/or the preceding fiscal year. Under fraudulent transfer laws, Chinos Intermediate Holdings B, Inc., the Company and our subsidiaries may not pay dividends if the relevant entity is insolvent or is rendered insolvent thereby. The measures of insolvency for purposes of these fraudulent transfer laws vary depending upon the law applied in any proceeding to determine whether a fraudulent transfer has occurred. Generally, however, an entity would be considered insolvent if:
•     the sum of its debts, including contingent liabilities, was greater than the fair saleable value of all of its assets;
•     the present fair saleable value of its assets was less than the amount that would be required to pay its probable liability on its existing debts, including contingent liabilities, as they become absolute and mature; or
•     it could not pay its debts as they became due.
While we believe that we and our relevant subsidiaries currently have surplus and are not insolvent, there can otherwise be no assurance that we and these subsidiaries will not become insolvent or will be permitted to make dividends in the future in compliance with these restrictions in amounts needed to service the Issuer’s indebtedness.
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Exhibit No. | | Document
3.1 | | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of J.Crew Group, Inc., adopted March 7, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2011.
3.2 | | Amended and Restated By-laws of J.Crew Group, Inc., adopted March 7, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2011.
Certifications

Exhibit No. | | Document
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
Interactive Data Files

Exhibit No. | | Document
101 | | Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and the fifty-three weeks ended February 2, 2013, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*

* | Filed herewith.

** | Furnished herewith.

   
 
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

| | | J.CREW GROUP, INC. (Registrant)
Date: December 4, 2013 | By: | /S/ MILLARD DREXLER
| | | Millard Drexler
| | | Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
Date: December 4, 2013 | By: | /S/ STUART C.  HASELDEN
| | | Stuart C. Haselden
| | | Chief Financial Officer

   
 
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EXHIBIT INDEX
Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Exhibit No. | | Document
3.1 | | Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of J.Crew Group, Inc., adopted March 7, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2011.
3.2 | | Amended and Restated By-laws of J.Crew Group, Inc., adopted March 7, 2011. Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Form 8-K filed on March 10, 2011.
Certifications

Exhibit No. | | Document
31.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
31.2 | | Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.*
32.1 | | Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.**
Interactive Data Files

Exhibit No. | | Document
101 | | Interactive data files pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T: (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at November 2, 2013 and February 2, 2013, (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the thirteen weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and the fifty-three weeks ended February 2, 2013, (v) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirty-nine weeks ended November 2, 2013 and October 27, 2012, and (vi) the Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.*

* | Filed herewith.

** | Furnished herewith.
 
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Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Millard Drexler, certify that:
 
1. | I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of J.Crew Group, Inc.;
 
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 4, 2013

/S/ MILLARD DREXLER
Millard Drexler
Chief Executive Officer

Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
I, Stuart C. Haselden, certify that:
 
1. | I have reviewed this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q of J.Crew Group, Inc.;
 
2. | Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
 
3. | Based on my knowledge, the financial statements and other financial information included in this report fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
 
4. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:
 
a) | Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
 
b) | Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, 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;
 
c) | Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
 
d) | Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
 
5. | The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):
 
a) | All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
 
b) | Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: December 4, 2013

/S/ STUART C. HASELDEN
Stuart C. Haselden
Chief Financial Officer

Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 906
OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with the quarterly report of J.Crew Group, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended November 2, 2013 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), we, Millard Drexler, Chief Executive Officer of the Company, and Stuart C. Haselden, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:
 
1. | The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and
 
2. | The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.
Date: December 4, 2013

/S/ MILLARD DREXLER
Millard Drexler
Chief Executive Officer
/S/ STUART C. HASELDEN
Stuart C. Haselden
Chief Financial Officer
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (18 U.S.C. Section 1350) and is not being filed as part of the Report or as a separate disclosure document.
A signed original of this written statement required by Section 906 has been provided to the Company and will be retained by the Company and furnished to the Securities and Exchange Commission or its staff upon request.