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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

     
(Mark one)
     
[X]   QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended November 1, 2003

OR

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

For the transition period from                      to                     

Commission file number 000-21543

WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.


(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
     
MINNESOTA   41-1839933

 
(State or other jurisdiction of   (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)   Identification No.)
     
7401 BOONE AVE. N    
BROOKLYN PARK, MN   55428

 
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

(763) 391-4000


(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

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 [X] No [ ]

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes [X] No [ ]

As of December 1, 2003, there were 20,786,625 shares of the Registrant’s common stock, $0.01 par value per share, outstanding.

 


TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I- FINANCIAL INFORMATION
ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
ITEM 3. QUANTITIATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORT ON FORM 8-K
SIGNATURE
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EX-31.1 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
EX-31.2 Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification
EX-32.1 Section 906 Certifications


Table of Contents

WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.
INDEX

             
        Page
       
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
 
Item 1. Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
   
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of November 1, 2003 and February 1, 2003
  3
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three months ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002
  4
   
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the year to date period ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002
  5
   
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the year to date period ended November 1, 2003 and November 2, 2002
  6
   
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
  7
 
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
  13
 
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
  22
 
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
  22
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds
  23
 
Item 6. Exhibits and Report on Form 8-K
  23
 
Signature
  26

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PART I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION

     ITEM 1. CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share amounts)

                         
            November 1,   February 1,
            2003   2003 (1)
           
 
            (Unaudited)        
ASSETS
CURRENT ASSETS:
               
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 30,442  
 
Accounts receivable, net
    6,296       5,162  
 
Inventories
    174,520       118,701  
 
Prepaid expenses
    9,128       3,812  
 
Assets of discontinued operations
    40       3,379  
 
Deferred income taxes
          3,777  
 
Refundable income taxes
          3,064  
 
   
     
 
   
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS
    189,984       168,337  
Property and equipment, net
    67,578       73,974  
Goodwill and other assets, net
    3,000       3,315  
Deferred income taxes
    19,865       865  
 
   
     
 
   
TOTAL ASSETS
  $ 280,427     $ 246,491  
 
   
     
 
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
CURRENT LIABILITIES:
               
 
Accounts payable
  $ 47,354     $ 19,492  
 
Notes payable
    61,633        
 
Current portion of long-term debt
    30,635        
 
Accrued expenses
    24,343       25,219  
 
Liabilities of discontinued operations
    814       15,075  
 
Income taxes payable
    1,529        
 
Deferred income taxes
    2,245        
 
   
     
 
   
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES
    168,553       59,786  
Long-term debt
    25,075       55,695  
Other long-term liabilities
    14,073       13,782  
 
   
     
 
   
TOTAL LIABILITIES
    207,701       129,263  
 
   
     
 
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
               
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
               
Common stock, $.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 20,768,490 and 20,473,033 shares issued and outstanding on November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, respectively
    208       205  
Additional paid-in capital
    100,477       99,010  
Retained earnings (accumulated deficit)
    (27,160 )     18,707  
Unearned compensation
    (801 )     (691 )
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)
    2       (3 )
 
   
     
 
   
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
    72,726       117,228  
 
   
     
 
   
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
  $ 280,427     $ 246,491  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
(1) — Derived from audited consolidated financial statements.

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WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

                     
        Three months ended
       
        November 1,   November 2,
        2003   2002
       
 
NET SALES
  $ 97,880     $ 110,187  
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS
    75,003       83,848  
 
   
     
 
   
Gross margin
    22,877       26,339  
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    35,124       40,504  
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
    4,226       3,939  
 
   
     
 
   
Operating loss
    (16,473 )     (18,104 )
INTEREST EXPENSE, net
    2,889       3,208  
 
   
     
 
   
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes
    (19,362 )     (21,312 )
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
    (7,744 )     (8,513 )
 
   
     
 
   
Loss from continuing operations
    (11,618 )     (12,799 )
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax
          (4,212 )
 
   
     
 
   
Net loss
  $ (11,618 )   $ (17,011 )
 
   
     
 
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE:
               
 
Loss from continuing operations
  $ (0.57 )   $ (0.63 )
 
Loss from discontinued operations
          (0.21 )
 
   
     
 
   
Basic and diluted loss per share
  $ (0.57 )   $ (0.84 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic and diluted
    20,551       20,329  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
(Unaudited)

                       
          Year to date period ended
         
          November 1,   November 2,
          2003   2002
         
 
NET SALES
  $ 252,931     $ 268,439  
COST OF GOODS SOLD, BUYING AND OCCUPANCY COSTS
    208,990       216,400  
 
   
     
 
     
Gross margin
    43,941       52,039  
SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES
    100,369       106,777  
DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION
    12,532       11,497  
 
   
     
 
     
Operating loss
    (68,960 )     (66,235 )
INTEREST EXPENSE, net
    7,631       7,289  
 
   
     
 
     
Loss from continuing operations before income taxes and cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    (76,591 )     (73,524 )
INCOME TAX BENEFIT
    (30,636 )     (29,411 )
 
   
     
 
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
    (45,955 )     (44,113 )
LOSS FROM DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS, net of tax
          (14,612 )
CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE, net of tax
          (24,567 )
 
   
     
 
     
Net loss
  $ (45,955 )   $ (83,292 )
 
   
     
 
BASIC AND DILUTED LOSS PER SHARE:
               
 
Loss from continuing operations before cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
  $ (2.24 )   $ (2.21 )
 
Loss from discontinued operations
          (0.73 )
 
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle
          (1.23 )
 
   
     
 
     
Basic and diluted loss per share
  $ (2.24 )   $ (4.17 )
 
   
     
 
Weighted average shares outstanding — basic and diluted
    20,488       19,956  
 
   
     
 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

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WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

                       
          Year to date period ended
         
          November 1,   November 2,
          2003   2002
         
 
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Net loss
  $ (45,955 )   $ (83,292 )
   
Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax
          14,612  
   
Cumulative effect of a change in accounting principle, net of tax
          24,567  
 
   
     
 
 
Loss from continuing operations
    (45,955 )     (44,113 )
 
Adjustments to reconcile loss from continuing operations to net cash used in operating activities:
               
   
Depreciation
    12,469       11,468  
   
Amortization
    63       29  
   
Amortization of deferred financing costs
    1,277       767  
   
Loss on disposal of assets
    95       269  
   
Restricted stock compensation expense
    250       258  
   
Deferred income taxes
    (12,978 )     (8,078 )
 
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
               
   
Accounts receivable, net
    (1,134 )     1,904  
   
Inventories
    (55,819 )     (112,497 )
   
Prepaid expenses
    (5,316 )     (9,535 )
   
Refundable income taxes
    3,064       (22,700 )
   
Accounts payable and accrued expenses
    27,031       28,239  
   
Income taxes payable and other liabilities
    2,072       (9,253 )
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash used in operating activities of continuing operations
    (74,881 )     (163,242 )
 
   
     
 
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Additions to property and equipment
    (6,348 )     (6,791 )
 
Net proceeds from sale/leaseback
          12,546  
 
Changes in other assets
          (79 )
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities of continuing operations
    (6,348 )     5,676  
 
   
     
 
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
               
 
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net
    946       12,781  
 
Change in notes payable
    56,770       123,787  
 
Checks written in excess of cash balance
    4,863       10,216  
 
Debt acquisition costs
    (1,025 )     (1,458 )
 
Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt
          150  
 
Repayments of long-term debt
    (30 )     (4,800 )
 
Other financing
    5       8  
 
   
     
 
     
Net cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations
    61,529       140,684  
 
   
     
 
NET CASH USED IN DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS
    (10,742 )     (22,071 )
 
   
     
 
NET DECREASE IN CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
    (30,442 )     (38,953 )
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning of period
    30,442       38,953  
 
   
     
 
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, end of period
  $     $  
 
   
     
 
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
               

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WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1. NATURE OF ORGANIZATION

     Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. (“Wilsons Leather” or the “Company”), a Minnesota corporation, is the leading specialty retailer of quality leather outerwear, accessories and apparel in the United States. As of November 1, 2003, Wilsons Leather operated 607 permanent retail stores located in 45 states and the District of Columbia, including 473 mall stores, 114 outlet stores and 20 airport stores. The Company, which regularly supplements its permanent mall stores with seasonal stores during its peak selling season from October through January, operated 284 seasonal stores in 2002 and plans to operate approximately 225 seasonal stores in 2003.

2. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     BASIS OF PRESENTATION

     The accompanying consolidated financial statements include those of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. All material intercompany balances and transactions between the entities have been eliminated in consolidation. At November 1, 2003, Wilsons Leather operated in one segment: selling leather outerwear, accessories and apparel. The Company’s chief operating decision-maker evaluates revenue and profitability performance on an enterprise basis to make operating and strategic decisions.

     As more fully described in Note 3 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements in its 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K, El Portal Group, Inc., Bentley’s Luggage Corp. and Florida Luggage Corp. (the “Travel Subsidiaries”) were liquidated during 2002 and were presented as discontinued operations effective November 19, 2002. The consolidated financial statements have been reclassified to segregate the net investment in, and the liabilities and operating results of, the Travel Subsidiaries for all prior periods presented. Prior to the liquidation, the Travel Subsidiaries were reported as a separate operating segment. See also Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) contained herein.

     The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared by the Company pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) applicable to interim financial information. Certain information and footnote disclosures, normally included in consolidated financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, have been condensed or omitted in these interim statements pursuant to such rules and regulations. Although management believes that the accompanying disclosures are adequate so as not to make the information presented misleading, it is recommended that these interim consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the Company’s most recent audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in its 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (which include normal recurring adjustments) necessary for a fair presentation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows for the interim periods presented have been made. The Company’s business is highly seasonal, and accordingly, interim operating results are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 31, 2004.

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     CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

     On February 3, 2002, new accounting rules for business combinations and accounting for goodwill and other intangibles, Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 141, Business Combinations (“SFAS No. 141”), and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (“SFAS No. 142”), became effective for the Company. As a result and from that day forward, goodwill is no longer amortized against earnings and goodwill balances are subject to impairment review on at least an annual basis. As of November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, the amount of goodwill was de minimis.

     Under the transitional provisions of SFAS No. 142, the Company’s goodwill related to the Travel Subsidiaries was tested for impairment during the second quarter of 2002 using a February 2, 2002 measurement date. Each of the Company’s reporting units was tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. A reporting unit is the same as, or one level below, an operating segment. The Company defined its reporting units as Wilsons and the Travel Subsidiaries. Fair value was determined based on a valuation study performed by an independent third party which primarily considered the discounted cash flow method, “guideline company” (comparable companies) and similar transaction methods. As a result of the Company’s impairment test, the Company recorded a pretax impairment loss to reduce the carrying value of goodwill of the Travel Subsidiaries by $26.3 million to its implied fair value. Impairment was due to a combination of factors including acquisition price, post-acquisition capital expenditures and operating performance. The cumulative effect of this accounting change, net of a $1.7 million tax benefit, was originally reported in the Company’s statement of operations for the year to date period ended August 3, 2002.

     FISCAL YEAR

     Wilsons Leather’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. The periods that will end or have ended January 31, 2004, February 1, 2003, February 2, 2002, February 3, 2001, January 29, 2000, and January 30, 1999, are referred to herein as 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999, and 1998, respectively.

     USE OF ESTIMATES

     The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Matters of significance in which management relies on these estimates relate primarily to the realizability of assets such as accounts receivable, property and equipment, inventories, tax assets related to net operating losses, and the adequacy of certain accrued liabilities and reserves. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates.

     INVENTORIES

     The Company values its inventories, which consist primarily of finished goods held for sale that have been purchased from domestic and foreign vendors, at the lower of cost or market value, determined by the retail inventory method on the last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) basis. As of November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, the LIFO cost of inventories approximated the first-in, first-out cost of inventories. The inventory cost includes the cost of merchandise and freight. A periodic review of inventory quantities on hand is performed in order to determine if the inventory value is properly

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stated at the lower of cost or market value. Factors related to current inventories such as future consumer demand, fashion trends, current aging, current and anticipated retail markdowns and class or type of inventory are analyzed to determine estimated net realizable values. A provision is recorded to reduce the cost of inventories to the estimated net realizable values, if required. Any significant unanticipated changes in the factors noted above could have a significant impact on the value of the Company’s inventories and its reported operating results.

     STORE CLOSING AND IMPAIRMENT OF LONG-LIVED ASSETS

     The Company continually reviews its stores’ operating performance and assesses plans for store closures. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets (“SFAS No. 144”), losses related to the impairment of long-lived assets are recognized when expected future cash flows are less than the asset’s carrying value. When a store is closed or when a change in circumstances indicates the carrying value of an asset may not be recoverable, the Company evaluates the carrying value of the asset in relation to its expected future cash flows. If the carrying value is greater than the expected future cash flows, a provision is made for the impairment of the asset to write the asset down to estimated fair value. Fair value is determined by estimating net future cash flows, discounted using a risk-adjusted rate of return. These impairment charges are recorded as a component of selling, general and administrative expenses.

     When a store under a long-term lease is to be closed, the Company records a liability for any lease termination or broker fees at the time an agreement related to such closing is signed. At November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, the Company had $0.3 and $0.4 million, respectively, accrued for store lease terminations.

     REVENUE RECOGNITION

     The Company recognizes sales upon customer receipt of the merchandise generally at the point of sale. Shipping and handling revenues are excluded from net sales as a contra-expense and the related costs are included in costs of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs. Revenue for gift certificate or gift card sales and store credits is recognized at redemption. A reserve is provided at the time of sale for projected merchandise returns based upon historical experience. The Company recognizes revenue for on-line sales at the time goods are received by the customer. An allowance for on-line sales is recorded to cover in-transit shipments, as product is shipped to these customers Free on Board destination.

     INCOME TAXES

     Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

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     LOSS PER SHARE

     Basic loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted loss per share is computed by dividing the net loss by the sum of the weighted average number of common shares outstanding plus all additional common shares that would have been outstanding if potentially dilutive common shares related to stock options had been issued (calculated using the treasury stock method). The following table reconciles the number of shares utilized in the loss per share calculations (in thousands):

                                 
    For the three months ended   For the year to date period ended
   
 
    November 1, 2003   November 2, 2002   November 1, 2003   November 2, 2002
   
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — basic
    20,551       20,329       20,488       19,956  
Effect of dilutive securities: stock options
                       
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding — diluted
    20,551       20,329       20,488       19,956  
 
   
     
     
     
 

     STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

     As permitted by SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation (“SFAS No. 123”), the Company uses the intrinsic-value method for employee stock-based compensation pursuant to Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, under which no compensation cost has been recognized. The Company adopted the disclosure provisions for employee stock-based compensation and the fair-value method for non-employee stock-based compensation of SFAS No. 123. Had compensation cost for the stock option plans been determined consistent with SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net loss and basic and diluted loss per share would have been the following pro forma amounts (in thousands, except per share amounts):

                                 
    For the three months ended   For the year to date period ended
   
 
    November 1, 2003   November 2, 2002   November 1, 2003   November 2, 2002
   
 
 
 
Net Loss:
                               
   As reported
  $ (11,618 )   $ (17,011 )   $ (45,955 )   $ (83,292 )
   Stock option and purchase plans
    (355 )     (443 )     (1,201 )     (1,266 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
   Pro forma loss
  $ (11,973 )   $ (17,454 )   $ (47,156 )   $ (84,558 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Basic and diluted loss per share:
                               
   As reported
  $ (0.57 )   $ (0.84 )   $ (2.24 )     (4.17 )
   Stock option and purchase plans
    (0.01 )     (0.02 )     (0.06 )     (0.07 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
   Pro forma basic and diluted loss per share
  $ (0.58 )   $ (0.86 )   $ (2.30 )     (4.24 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Weighted average fair value of options granted
    N/A     $ 4.03     $ 2.04     $ 6.52  

     The pro forma amounts shown above may not be indicative of the effects on reported net loss. The fair value of each option granted is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following assumptions used for grants in 2003 and 2002:

                                 
    Weighted average   Dividend   Expected   Expected
    risk free rate   yield   lives   volatility
   
 
 
 
2003
    3.0 %     0.0 %     5.0       55.8 %
2002
    2.0 %     0.0 %     6.5       52.6 %

     NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     In January 2003, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Interpretation (“FIN”) No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN No. 46”). FIN No. 46 states that companies that have exposure to economic risks and potential rewards from another entity’s assets and activities have a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity and should consolidate the entity, despite the absence of clear control through a voting equity interest. The consolidation requirements apply to all variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities that existed prior to February 1, 2003, FASB Staff Position No. 46-6 delayed the consolidation requirements until annual or interim periods ending after December 15, 2003. Disclosure of significant variable interest entities is required in all financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest was created. FIN No. 46 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity (“SFAS No. 150”). SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. The Company does not have any financial instruments

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outstanding to which the provisions of SFAS No. 150 apply and therefore SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

     In December 2002, the Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) issued EITF 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables (“EITF 00-21”). EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting for arrangements under which a company will perform multiple revenue generating activities. In some arrangements, the different revenue generating activities (deliverables) are sufficiently separable, and there exists sufficient evidence of their fair values to separately account for some or all of the deliverables (that is, there are separate units of accounting). In other arrangements, some or all of the deliverables are not independently functional, or there is not sufficient evidence of their fair values to account for them separately. EITF 00-21 addresses the circumstances under which an arrangement involving multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting. EITF 00-21 does not change otherwise applicable revenue recognition criteria. The provisions of EITF 00-21 were effective beginning in the third quarter of 2003. The adoption of EITF 00-21 did not have an impact on revenue recognition.

3. DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

     In November 2002, the Company liquidated the Travel Subsidiaries, which consisted of 135 stores, due to their large operating losses. In accordance with SFAS No. 144, the Travel Subsidiaries have been presented as a discontinued operation effective November 19, 2002, and the consolidated financial statements were reclassified to segregate the assets, liabilities and operating results of the Travel Subsidiaries for all periods presented.

     Beginning on November 19, 2002, and continuing through the fourth quarter of 2002, the Company liquidated the inventory and fixed assets of the Travel Subsidiaries. The Travel Subsidiaries and certain of their affiliates entered into an Agency Agreement with a joint venture comprised of Hilco Merchant Resources, LLC and Hilco Real Estate, LLC (collectively “Hilco”) to liquidate the inventory in such stores and exit the store leases. Pursuant to the Agency Agreement, Hilco paid the Company a guaranteed amount of 85% of the cost value of the inventory, subject to certain adjustments. Hilco was responsible for all expenses related to the sale. In addition, Hilco assisted in negotiations to exit certain leases.

     The following represents the summary operating results of the Travel Subsidiaries presented as discontinued operations (in thousands):

                                 
    For the three months ended   For the year to date period ended
   
 
    November 1, 2003   November 2, 2002   November 1, 2003   November 2, 2002
   
 
 
 
Net sales
  $     $ 22,428     $     $ 72,819  
 
   
     
     
     
 
Loss before income taxes
          (7,040 )           (24,352 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Loss from discontinued operations
  $     $ (4,212 )   $     $ (14,612 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Loss before income taxes, per share
  $     $ (0.35 )   $     $ (1.22 )
 
   
     
     
     
 
Loss from discontinued operations, per share
  $     $ (0.21 )   $     $ (0.73 )
 
   
     
     
     
 

     The current assets and liabilities of the Travel Subsidiaries as of November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, were as follows (in thousands):

                 
    November 1, 2003   February 1, 2003
   
 
Cash and cash equivalents
  $     $ 882  
Accounts receivable, net
    40       104  
Other current assets
          2,393  
 
   
     
 
Current assets of discontinued operations
  $ 40     $ 3,379  
 
   
     
 
Total assets of discontinued operations
  $ 40     $ 3,379  
 
   
     
 
Accounts payable
  $     $ 590  
Accrued expenses
    814       14,485  
 
   
     
 
Current liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 814     $ 15,075  
 
   
     
 
Total liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 814     $ 15,075  
 
   
     
 
Net liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ (774 )   $ (11,696 )
 
   
     
 

     In May 2003, the Company sold its Miami, Florida distribution center for net proceeds of $2.5 million. This facility was an asset acquired in the Bentley’s Luggage Corp. acquisition. The $2.4 million in net assets held for sale was reported as “current assets of discontinued operations” at February 1, 2003. The net proceeds from the sale decreased cash used by discontinued operations for the period.

     The following summarizes the Travel Subsidiaries’ disposal reserve activity during the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, (in thousands):

Discontinued operations reserves

                                 
    February 1, 2003   Usage   Transfers   November 1, 2003
   
 
 
 
Store closing*
  $ 12,653     $ (12,256 )   $ 286     $ 683  
Taxes
    720       (589 )           131  
Severance
    600       (590 )     (10 )      
Miscellaneous
    512       (374 )     (138 )      
Accounts payable
    590       (452 )     (138 )      
 
   
     
     
     
 
Total liabilities of discontinued operations
  $ 15,075     $ (14,261 )   $ 0     $ 814  
 
   
     
     
     
 


*   Includes primarily lease termination costs and vendor chargebacks associated with the liquidation of the Travel Subsidiaries.

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4. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)

     The Company reports accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate item in the shareholders’ equity section of the consolidated balance sheet. Other comprehensive income (loss) consists of foreign currency translation adjustments. For the quarters ending November 1, 2003, and November 2, 2002, the amounts were de minimis.

5. LONG-TERM DEBT

     Long-term debt at November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, consisted of the following (in thousands):

                 
    November 1, 2003   February 1, 2003
   
 
Senior notes
  $ 30,590     $ 30,590  
Term B promissory note
    25,000       25,000  
Senior credit facility
    56,770        
Checks written in excess of cash balances
    4,863        
Note payable
    120       150  
 
   
     
 
Total debt
  $ 117,343     $ 55,740  
Less: current portion
    (92,268 )     (45 )
 
   
     
 
Total long-term debt
  $ 25,075     $ 55,695  
 
   
     
 

     SENIOR NOTES

     On August 18, 1997, the Company issued $75.0 million of 11 1/4% Senior Notes due August 15, 2004, (the “11 1/4% Senior Notes”). Interest on the 11 1/4% Senior Notes is payable semiannually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The Company repurchased an aggregate of $44.4 million of the 11 1/4% Senior Notes in 1998, 1999 and 2000. As of February 1, 2003, and November 1, 2003, the outstanding balance on the 11 1/4% Senior Notes was $30.6 million. As of November 1, 2003, the 11 1/4% Senior Notes were classified as current. The terms and conditions for these notes are more fully discussed in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

     TERM B PROMISSORY NOTE AND REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

     General Electric Capital Corporation and a syndicate of banks have provided the Company with a senior credit facility (the "credit facility" or the "facility"), which was amended on April 11, 2003, that provides for borrowings of up to $205 million in aggregate principal amount, including a $25 million Term B promissory note and a $75 million letter of credit subfacility. The terms and conditions of this facility and the Term B promissory note are more fully discussed in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

     At November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, there were $56.8 million in borrowings and no borrowings, respectively, under the revolving portion of the credit facility. At November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, there were $24.0 and $15.2 million in letters of credit outstanding, respectively. The Term B promissory note had a balance of $25.0 million on November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003.

6. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

     In January 2003, a class action was brought on behalf of current and former store managers of Wilsons Leather in California regarding their classification as exempt from overtime pay. In July 2003, the Company reached a confidential settlement of the class action through mediation. In October 2003, the court granted preliminary approval of the settlement, with the hearing on the final approval scheduled for January 2004. A charge of $1.9 million related to this settlement was taken during the second quarter of 2003.

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7. SUPPLEMENTAL BALANCE SHEET INFORMATION

                     
        November 1,   February 1,
(in thousands)   2003   2003

 
 
Accounts receivable, net:
               
 
Trade receivables
  $ 4,802     $ 3,851  
 
Other receivables
    1,640       1,524  
 
   
     
 
   
Total
    6,442       5,375  
 
Less — Allowance for doubtful accounts
    (102 )     (145 )
 
Less — Deferred sales
    (44 )     (68 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total accounts receivable, net
  $ 6,296     $ 5,162  
 
   
     
 
Inventories:
               
 
Raw materials
  $ 3,896     $ 2,872  
 
Finished goods
    170,624       115,829  
 
   
     
 
   
Total inventories
  $ 174,520     $ 118,701  
 
   
     
 
Property and equipment, net:
               
 
Land
  $ 200     $ 200  
 
Equipment and furniture
    93,798       90,111  
 
Leasehold improvements
    33,709       32,934  
 
   
     
 
   
Total
    127,707       123,245  
 
Less — Accumulated depreciation
    (60,129 )     (49,271 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total property and equipment, net
  $ 67,578     $ 73,974  
 
   
     
 
Goodwill and other assets, net:
               
 
Goodwill
  $ 72     $ 72  
 
Debt issuance costs
    7,002       5,977  
 
Other assets
    186       245  
 
   
     
 
   
Total
    7,260       6,294  
 
Less — Accumulated amortization
    (4,260 )     (2,979 )
 
   
     
 
   
Total goodwill and other assets, net
  $ 3,000     $ 3,315  
 
   
     
 

8. SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     On December 4, 2003, the Company reported a comparable store sales decrease for the month of November 2003 of 16.5%. In December the Company negotiated a waiver to the credit facility which waived compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant as of November 29, 2003. As a result of the waiver, as of November 29, the Company was in compliance with all covenants related to the credit facility. Comparable store sales trends for the month of December 2003 continue to decline in the high teens.

     The Company anticipates that all outstanding indebtedness on the revolving line of credit will be paid in full in December despite comparable store sales in November and December. However, the Company anticipates that they will need to seek an amendment to, or waiver of, the minimum EBITDA and other covenants in the existing credit agreement to avoid a default at the end of January 2004 under those covenants. The Company continues to work with their lenders, but there is no assurance that they will be able to obtain such an amendment or waiver. If such an amendment to, or waiver under, the credit agreement is not received by the end of January 2004, the Company will be in default under the credit agreement. In that event, General Electric Capital Corporation would be entitled to suspend the Company’s right to borrow under the credit agreement and could accelerate payment of the $25 million Term B promissory note.

     In addition, the Company’s $30.6 million of 11 1/4% Senior Notes become due in August 2004. The credit agreement requires the Company to amend, refund, renew, extend or refinance such 11 1/4% Senior Notes on or before June 15, 2004, and to deliver a plan with respect to such amendment, refunding, renewal, extension or refinancing by April 30, 2004. The credit agreement also places limitations on the interest rate and covenants applicable to such amendment, refunding, renewal, extension or refinancing. For the reasons set forth above, it could be difficult for the Company to obtain additional capital on permitted terms in sufficient time to avoid a default under the credit agreement or even if such default were waived, to pay the 11 1/4% Senior Notes when due.

     As a result of the November and December sales trends, it is likely that the Company will need to re-evaluate their estimates related to certain reserves. The Company may need to record a valuation allowance for deferred income tax assets and increase their markdown reserve due to higher inventory levels. The Company will re-evaluate their reserves during the fourth quarter of 2003.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

     The following discussion of the financial condition and results of operations of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and wholly owned subsidiaries should be read in conjunction with our most recent audited consolidated financial statements and related notes included in our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. When we refer to “we,” “our,” “us” or “Wilsons Leather,” we mean Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and its subsidiaries, including its predecessor companies.

     The consolidated financial statements for all periods present the Travel Subsidiaries segment as discontinued operations. See Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) contained herein. Unless otherwise indicated, the following discussion relates only to the continuing operations of Wilsons Leather.

     OVERVIEW

     We are the leading specialty retailer of quality leather outerwear, accessories and apparel in the United States. Our multiple store formats are designed to reach a broad customer base with a superior level of customer service. Utilizing our integrated worldwide leather sourcing network and in-house design capabilities, we are consistently able to provide our customers high-quality, fashionable merchandise at attractive prices and minimize fashion risk by reacting quickly to popular and emerging fashion trends and customer preferences and by rapidly replenishing fast-selling merchandise.

     We kicked off a creative marketing campaign during the second quarter. The campaign is called “Discover,” and is a platform to communicate the quality, value, and features of our products. This campaign, which has a four-pronged approach to build brand awareness and to communicate merchandise attributes, will reach our customers through store signage and product tags, external media such as newspaper inserts, and direct mail.

     As of November 1, 2003, we operated a total of 607 permanent retail stores located in 45 states and the District of Columbia, including 473 mall stores, 114 outlet stores and 20 airport stores. Each year we supplement our permanent stores with seasonal stores during our peak selling season, which totaled 284 in 2002. We plan to open approximately 225 seasonal stores in 2003.

     Our Wilsons Leather mall stores average approximately 2,600 total leased square feet and feature a large assortment of both classic and fashion-forward leather outerwear, accessories and apparel. Our outlet stores are operated primarily under the Wilsons Leather Outlet name, average approximately 3,900 total leased square feet, and offer a combination of clearance-priced merchandise from our mall stores, special outlet-only merchandise and key in-season goods. Our airport stores average approximately 700 total leased square feet, feature travel products as well as leather accessories, and provide us the opportunity to showcase our products and the Wilsons Leather brand to millions of potential customers each year in some of the world’s busiest airports. Our proprietary labels, including M. Julian®, Maxima®, Pelle Studio® and Wilsons Leather™, are positioned to appeal to identified customer lifestyle segments.

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     Comparable store sales decreased 9.0% in the three months ended November 1, 2003, compared to a decrease of 6.8% in the same period of the prior year. Comparable store sales decreased 4.9% in the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, compared to a 5.5% decrease in the same period of the prior year. A store is included in the comparable store sales calculation after it has been opened and operated by us for more than 52 weeks. The percentage change is computed by comparing total net sales for comparable stores as thus defined at the end of the applicable reporting period with total net sales from comparable stores for the comparable period in the prior year.

     CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

     We consider our critical accounting policies to be those related to inventories and property and equipment impairment as discussed in the section with this title in Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations that appears on page 22 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003. No material changes occurred to these policies in the periods covered by this report.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2003, COMPARED TO THE THREE MONTHS ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 2002

     Net sales decreased 11.2% to $97.9 million in the three months ended November 1, 2003, from $110.2 million in the comparable period last year. The $12.3 million sales decrease was due to reduced sales volumes and a decline in comparable store sales, primarily due to the unseasonably warm October weather throughout most of the country, the general state of the economy, and the delayed opening of and fewer total number of seasonal stores opened in 2003.

     We opened 8 stores and closed 8 stores in the three months ended November 1, 2003, compared to opening 15 stores and closing 4 stores in the comparable period last year. As of November 1, 2003, we operated 607 permanent and 172 seasonal stores compared to 628 permanent and 245 seasonal stores at November 2, 2002.

     Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs increased to 76.6% as a percentage of net sales in 2003, from 76.1% of net sales in 2002, primarily due to a decrease in sales volume. Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs increased 0.5% as a percentage of sales despite an $8.8 million decrease in total cost as compared to 2002. This $8.8 million decrease from 2002 was due to: (1) $5.1 million in lower cost of goods sold due to both the lower sales volume and higher margin goods being sold in 2003 as compared to 2002, (2) a $1.6 million decrease in markdowns, (3) $1.6 million in savings in occupancy costs due to fewer stores open this year versus the prior year, and (4) a $0.5 million decrease in delivery and buying costs.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $35.1 million in 2003 from $40.5 million in 2002, and decreased as a percentage of net sales to 35.9% from 36.8% primarily due to year-over-year cost savings. The $5.4 million decrease was primarily due to cost savings realized as a result of reduced staff levels at our headquarters and continued expense control at the store level.

     Depreciation and amortization increased to $4.2 million in 2003 from $3.9 million in 2002, and increased as a percentage of net sales to 4.3% from 3.6%. The increase resulted primarily from accelerated depreciation of $0.2 million related to the assets of stores we plan to close later in 2003.

     As a result of the above, the operating loss decreased to a net loss of $16.5 million, or 16.8% of net sales, in 2003 from a loss of $18.1 million, or 16.4% of net sales, in 2002.

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     Net interest expense decreased to $2.9 million in 2003 from $3.2 million in 2002 due to reduced short-term borrowings.

     The income tax benefit was $7.7 million in 2003 compared to $8.5 million in 2002. The effective rate of 40% remained constant from 2002 to 2003.

     Net loss from continuing operations for 2003 was $11.6 million compared to $12.8 million in 2002.

     There was no loss from discontinued operations in 2003 compared to a $4.2 million loss in 2002.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE YEAR TO DATE PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 1, 2003, COMPARED TO THE YEAR TO DATE PERIOD ENDED NOVEMBER 2, 2002

     Net sales decreased 5.8% to $252.9 million in the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, from $268.4 million in the comparable period last year. The $15.5 million sales decrease was due to reduced sales volumes, a decline in comparable store sales and the general state of the economy.

     We opened 16 stores and closed 27 stores in the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, compared to opening 30 stores and closing 21 stores in the comparable period last year.

     Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs increased to 82.6% as a percentage of net sales in 2003, from 80.6% of net sales in 2002, primarily due to a decrease in sales over the prior year. Cost of goods sold, buying and occupancy costs increased 2.0% as a percentage of sales despite a $7.4 million decrease in total cost as compared to 2002. This $7.4 million decrease from 2002 was primarily due to: (1) $8.6 million in lower cost of goods sold due to both the lower sales volume and higher margin goods being sold in 2003 as compared to 2002, and (2) $1.4 million in lower buying and occupancy costs, resulting primarily from a reduction in store counts, offset by (3) $2.6 million in higher markdowns to clear fall 2002 merchandise.

     Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased to $100.4 million in 2003 from $106.8 million in 2002, and decreased as a percentage of net sales to 39.7% from 39.8%, primarily due to year-over-year expense reductions. The $6.4 million decrease was primarily due to: (1) a $6.4 million decrease in store selling expenses, of which payroll expense savings account for $4.5 million, (2) $0.9 million in savings in recruiting and relocation expenses due to less hiring activity, (3) $1.0 million in payroll expense savings for severance benefits accrued in 2002, (4) $0.7 million in miscellaneous general administrative cost savings, and (5) $2.1 million in general cost savings resulting from lower headcount at our headquarters location and cost savings initiatives throughout the selling and support functions at the store level, offset by (6) a $2.0 million increase in legal fees related to the settlement of a class action, (7) a $1.7 million increase in employee benefit and insurance costs due to increased levels of claims and rate increases, and (8) a $1.0 million increase in professional service fees compared to 2002, primarily for Sarbanes-Oxley internal controls implementation, tax-related projects, and required audits under our senior credit facility and inventory appraisals.

     Depreciation and amortization increased to $12.5 million in 2003 from $11.5 million in 2002, and increased as a percentage of net sales to 5.0% from 4.3%. The increase primarily resulted from accelerated depreciation of $0.7 million related to the assets of stores we plan to close later in 2003.

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     As a result of the above, the operating loss increased to a net loss of $69.0 million, or 27.3% of net sales, in 2003 from a loss of $66.2 million, or 24.7% of net sales, in 2002.

     Net interest expense increased to $7.6 million in 2003 from $7.3 million in 2002 due to amortization of higher debt acquisition costs related to the April 2003 refinancing of our senior credit facility discussed below, offset by decreased short-term borrowings.

     The income tax benefit was $30.6 million in 2003 compared to $29.4 million in 2002. The effective rate of 40% remained constant from 2002 to 2003.

     Net loss from continuing operations for 2003 was $46.0 million compared to $44.1 million in 2002.

     There was no loss from discontinued operations in 2003 compared to a $14.6 million loss in 2002.

     SUBSEQUENT EVENT

     As discussed in Note 8 to the consolidated financial statements included herein, we have experienced comparable store sales decreases in the high teens during both November and December. As a result, it is likely that we will need to re-evaluate our estimates related to certain reserves. We may need to record a valuation allowance for our deferred income tax assets and increase our markdown reserve due to higher inventory levels. We will be re-evaluating our reserves during the fourth quarter of 2003.

     CUMULATIVE EFFECT OF A CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLE

     On February 3, 2002, new accounting rules for business combinations and accounting for goodwill and other intangibles, SFAS No. 141, Business Combinations, and SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, became effective. As a result and from that day forward, goodwill is no longer amortized against earnings and goodwill balances are subject to impairment review on at least an annual basis. As of November 1, 2003, and February 1, 2003, the amount of goodwill was de minimis.

     Under the transitional provisions of SFAS No. 142, our goodwill related to the Travel Subsidiaries was tested for impairment during the second quarter of 2002 using a February 2, 2002 measurement date. Each of our reporting units was tested for impairment by comparing the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying value. A reporting unit is the same as, or one level below, an operating segment. We defined our reporting units as Wilsons and the Travel Subsidiaries. Fair value was determined based on a valuation study performed by an independent third party which primarily considered the discounted cash flow method, “guideline company” (comparable companies) and similar transaction methods. As a result of the impairment test, we recorded a pretax impairment loss to reduce the carrying value of goodwill of the Travel Subsidiaries by $26.3 million to its implied fair value. Impairment was due to a combination of factors including acquisition price, post-acquisition capital expenditures and operating performance. The cumulative effect of this accounting change, net of a $1.7 million tax benefit, was originally reported in our statement of operations for the year to date period ended August 3, 2002.

     LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

     Our capital requirements are primarily driven by our seasonal working capital needs, investments in new stores, remodeling existing stores, enhancing information systems and increasing capacity for our distribution centers. Our peak working capital needs typically occur during the period from August through early December as inventory levels are increased in advance of our peak selling season from October through January.

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     Our future capital requirements depend on the sustained demand for our leather products. Many factors affect the level of consumer spending on our products, including, among others, general business conditions, interest rates, the availability of consumer credit, weather, the outbreak of war, acts of terrorism or the threat of either, other significant national and international events, taxation and consumer confidence in future economic conditions. Consumer purchases of discretionary items, such as our leather products, tend to decline during recessionary periods when disposable income is lower. The general slowdown in the United States economy and the uncertain economic outlook have shifted consumer spending habits toward large discount retailers, which has decreased mall traffic, resulting in lower net sales on a quarterly and annual basis.

     Our ability to meet our debt service obligations will be dependent upon our future performance, which will be subject to general economic conditions and financial, business and other factors affecting our operations. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash flow from operations in the future to service our debt, we may be required to refinance all or a portion of existing debt or to obtain additional financing. There can be no assurance that any such refinancing or additional financing would be possible or could be obtained on terms that are favorable to us.

     General Electric Capital Corporation and a syndicate of banks have provided us with a senior credit facility, which was amended on April 11, 2003, (the “senior credit facility” or the “credit agreement”) that provides for borrowings of up to $205 million in aggregate principal amount, including a $25 million Term B promissory note and a $75 million letter of credit subfacility. The maximum amount available under the revolving credit portion of the senior credit facility is limited to:

     •     85% of net inventories, provided that such percentage at no time may exceed 85% of the then applicable discount rate applied in appraising such inventories to reflect their value as if sold in an orderly liquidation, except that the discount rate is gradually increased from August 17 to October 1 of each year and gradually decreased from December 17 to February 1 of each year;

     •     plus 85% of outstanding and undrawn trade letters of credit, provided that such percentage at no time may exceed 85% of the discount rate applied in appraising the future inventories related to such letters of credit to reflect their value as if sold in an orderly liquidation;

     •     plus 85% of credit card receivables;

     •     plus, during the months of September, October and November and the first fifteen days of December, 2003 (or until we receive our anticipated tax refund, whichever is earlier), 85% of the amount we expect to receive as a tax refund, provided that prior to the filing of our tax return, such amount cannot exceed $2 million during the first week of September, $4 million during the second week of September or $6 million at any time after the second week of September; and provided further that after we file our tax return such amount cannot exceed $15.0 million;

     •     minus $10 million ($5 million from July 2003 through December 15, 2003, and during the months of August, September, October and November of 2004 and 2005).

In addition, borrowings under the senior credit facility are subject to the further limitations that:

     •     the revolving credit portion of such borrowings cannot exceed the sum of 85% of credit card receivables, plus 85% of the appraised value of inventory (including inventory subject to trade letters of credit) as if sold on a going-out-of business basis; and

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     •     the total borrowings (i.e. the revolving credit portion of the facility and the Term B promissory note) cannot exceed the sum of 85% of the book value of credit card receivables, plus 95% (100% during August, September and October) of the appraised value of inventory (including inventory subject to trade letters of credit) as if sold on a going-out-of business basis;

     •     from December 31, 2003, through March 31, 2004, we must have no borrowings under the revolving credit portion of the facility and outstanding letters of credit must be no greater than $20 million;

     •     from April 1, 2004, through May 15, 2004, borrowings under the revolving credit portion of the facility must be no greater than $15 million, and outstanding letters of credit must be no greater than $20 million; and

     •     from December 31, 2004, through March 31, 2005, we must have no borrowings under the revolving credit portion of the facility and outstanding letters of credit must be no greater than $40 million.

     Peak borrowings typically occur from October through December and outstanding letters of credit typically peak from August through September. As of November 1, 2003, we had $56.8 million in borrowings under the revolving portion of the credit facility, $25.0 million under the Term B promissory note, and $24.0 million in outstanding letters of credit.

     Interest is payable on revolving credit borrowings at variable rates determined by LIBOR plus 3.25%, except as noted in the next sentence, or the “prime” rate plus 2.0% (commercial paper rate plus 3.25% if the loan is made under the “swing line” portion of the revolver). Borrowings in an amount that is available to us only because we have included our anticipated tax refund in determining availability will bear interest at the “prime” rate plus 5%. Interest is payable on the $25 million Term B promissory note at a variable rate equal to the “prime” rate plus 4%, plus an additional 5% payable pursuant to a separate letter agreement with General Electric Capital Corporation. We pay monthly fees on the unused portion of the senior credit facility and on the average daily amount of letters of credit outstanding during each month. If we have any borrowings that are only available to us because we have included our anticipated tax refund in determining availability, we will pay a fee of $150,000. The senior credit facility expires in June 2005, at which time all borrowings, including the Term B promissory note, become due and payable. Prepayment of the Term B promissory note is subject to a 2% prepayment fee if prepaid on or after July 1, 2002, but on or prior to November 30, 2003, and a 1% prepayment fee thereafter. The revolving credit portion of the facility is subject to a 1% prepayment fee under most circumstances. The Term B promissory note is prepayable only with the consent of the senior lenders under the senior credit facility.

     The senior credit facility contains certain restrictions and covenants which, among other things, restrict our ability to make capital expenditures; acquire or merge with another entity; make investments, loans or guarantees; incur additional indebtedness; prepay, repurchase or pay any principal on any 11 1/4% Senior Notes, referred to below, except pursuant to a permitted refinancing; create liens or other encumbrances; or pay cash dividends or make other distributions.

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     The senior credit facility also contains a requirement that we either amend, refund, renew, extend or refinance the outstanding 11 1/4% Senior Notes on or before June 15, 2004, so that no principal payment with respect to any such amended, refunded, renewed, extended or refinanced notes is due on or before September 1, 2005. We are required to provide our lenders a plan for achieving such amendment, refunding, renewal, extension or refinancing by April 30, 2004. The terms of any refunded, renewed, extended or refinanced notes cannot be more burdensome than the terms of the 11 1/4% Senior Notes and the rate of interest with respect to any such notes cannot exceed the sum of the rate of interest on United States treasury obligations of like tenor at the time of such refunding, renewal, refinancing or extension plus 7% per annum.

     In our December 4, 2003 sales release, we reported a comparable store sales decrease for the month of November 2003 of 16.5%. In December we negotiated a waiver to the credit facility which waived compliance with the minimum EBITDA covenant as of November 29, 2003. As a result of the waiver, as of November 29, we were in compliance with all covenants related to our credit agreement. Comparable store sales trends for the month of December 2003 continue to decline in the high teens.

     We anticipate that we will pay all outstanding indebtedness on our revolving line of credit in full in December despite our comparable store sales in November and December. However, we anticipate that we will need to seek an amendment to, or waiver of, the minimum EBITDA and other covenants in our existing credit agreement to avoid a default at the end of January 2004 under those covenants. We will continue to work with our lenders, but there is no assurance that we will be able to obtain such an amendment or waiver. If we do not receive such an amendment to, or waiver under, our credit agreement by the end of January 2004, we will be in default under our credit agreement. In that event, General Electric Capital Corporation would be entitled to suspend our right to borrow under our credit agreement and could accelerate payment of our $25 million Term B promissory note.

     In addition, our $30.6 million of 11 1/4% Senior Notes become due in August 2004. Our credit agreement requires us to amend, refund, renew, extend or refinance such 11 1/4% Senior Notes on or before June 15, 2004, and to deliver a plan with respect to such amendment, refunding, renewal, extension or refinancing by April 30, 2004. Our credit agreement also places limitations on the interest rate and covenants applicable to such amendment, refunding, renewal, extension or refinancing. For the reasons set forth above, it could be difficult for us to obtain additional capital on permitted terms in sufficient time to avoid a default under our credit agreement or even if such default were waived, to pay the 11 1/4% Senior Notes when due.

      We are dependent on the senior credit facility to fund our future working capital and letter of credit needs. We believe that borrowing capacity under the senior credit facility, together with current and anticipated cash flow from operations, will be adequate to meet our working capital and capital expenditure requirements during the term of the senior credit facility, provided that we are able to obtain the waivers of amendments to the credit agreement referred to above and we either amend, refund, renew, extend or refinance the outstanding 11 1/4% Senior Notes on or before June 15, 2004, so that no principal payment with respect to any such amended, refunded, renewed, extended or refinanced notes is due on or before September 1, 2005.

     On August 18, 1997, we completed a private offering of $75.0 million of 11 1/4% Senior Notes to certain institutional buyers. Interest on the 11 1/4% Senior Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on February 15 and August 15 of each year. The 11 1/4% Senior Notes mature on August 15, 2004, and are currently callable at par. The 11 1/4% Senior Notes are our general unsecured obligations and rank senior in right of payment to all of our existing and future subordinated indebtedness and rank on equal terms in right of payment with all of our other current and future unsubordinated indebtedness. The Company repurchased an aggregate of $44.4 million of the 11¼% Senior Notes in 1998, 1999 and 2000. As of November 1, 2003, we had $30.6 million of our 11 1/4% Senior Notes outstanding, all of which was classified as current.

     In January 2002, we sold 1,900,000 shares of common stock to an institutional investor in a private placement for a price of $11.00 per share for net proceeds of approximately $20.0 million. In April 2002, affiliates of the institutional investor exercised the option to purchase 100,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $11.00 per share. The sale was completed on April 12, 2002, for net proceeds of approximately $1.0 million.

     On April 30, 2002, we sold 900,000 shares of our common stock in a private placement at a purchase price of $11.00 per share, for net proceeds of approximately $9.9 million. On June 10, 2002, the purchasers in the April private placement exercised the option to purchase an additional 100,000 shares of our common stock at a purchase price of $11.00 per share. The sale was completed on June 13, 2002, for net proceeds of approximately $1.1 million.

     On June 21, 2002, we completed a sale/leaseback transaction for our headquarters facility and distribution center in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, for net proceeds of $12.5 million. A portion of the net proceeds from the sale/leaseback, $4.8 million, was used to pay down the Term B promissory note from $25.0 million to $20.2 million. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes.

     On November 4, 2002, we reborrowed $4.8 million of the Term B promissory note, which brought the outstanding balance to $25.0 million.

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     On November 19, 2002, we announced the liquidation of the stores operated by our Travel Subsidiaries, as described in Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements on page F-14 of our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K. See also Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements (unaudited) contained herein.

     CASH FLOW ANALYSIS

     Operating activities of continuing operations for the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, resulted in cash used of $74.9 million compared to cash used of $163.2 million in the corresponding period of 2002.

     The $74.9 million of cash used in operating activities for the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, was comprised of: (1) a $13.0 million increase in deferred income tax, (2) a net loss from continuing operations of $46.0 million, (3) a $55.8 million increase in inventories due to the receipt of merchandise for the holiday season, (4) a $5.3 million increase in prepaids due to timing of rent payments and an increase in prepaid insurance due to a policy renewal during the second quarter, and (5) a $1.1 million increase in accounts receivable from construction allowances for new stores, offset by (6) a $27.0 million increase in accrued expenses and accounts payable due to the seasonality of the business, (7) a $13.8 million non-cash adjustment for depreciation and amortization expense, (8) $5.1 million provided by decreased refundable taxes and increased income taxes payable and other liabilities, and (9) $0.4 million in cash provided by various other operating activities.

     We had $163.2 million in cash used by operating activities during the same period last year as a result of: (1) a $112.5 million increase in inventories, (2) a net loss from continuing operations of $44.1 million, (3) a $9.5 million increase in prepaid expenses due to the timing of November 2002 rent payments, and an increase in prepaid insurance due to a policy renewal during the second quarter, (4) a $31.9 million change in income taxes refundable/payable and other liabilities due to reduced income, and (5) an $8.1 million change in deferred taxes, offset by (6) $12.5 million in non-cash adjustments for depreciation and amortization and loss on disposal of assets, (7) a $28.2 million increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses, (8) a $1.9 million decrease in accounts receivable, and (9) $0.3 million in cash provided by various other operating activities.

     Investing activities of continuing operations for the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, were comprised of $6.3 million in capital expenditures and additions to other assets used primarily for the construction of new stores and the renovation of and improvements to existing stores. Investing activities during the same period last year were comprised of $6.9 million in capital expenditures and additions to other assets used primarily for the construction of new stores and the renovation of and improvements to existing stores, offset by $12.5 million in cash provided by the sale/leaseback of the headquarters facility. For 2003, capital expenditures cannot exceed $10.0 million.

     Cash provided by financing activities of continuing operations for the year to date period ended November 1, 2003, was $61.5 million, which was primarily $61.6 million provided by revolver financing and checks written in excess of cash balances and $0.9 million from the issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options, offset by $1.0 million used for debt acquisition costs. Cash provided by financing activities during the same period last year was $140.7 million. This included $134.0 million provided by revolver financing and checks written in excess of cash balances, $12.8 million from the issuance of common stock and exercise of stock options, and $0.2

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million from the issuance of long-term debt, offset by $4.8 million used for repayment of long-term debt, and $1.5 million used for debt acquisition costs.

     OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

     We have no off-balance-sheet sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources that are material to investors.

     SEASONALITY AND INFLATION

     A majority of our net sales and operating profit is generated in the peak selling period from October through January, which includes the holiday selling season. As a result, our annual operating results have been, and will continue to be, heavily dependent on the results of our peak selling period. Net sales are generally lowest during the period from April through July, and we typically do not become profitable, if at all, until the fourth quarter of a given year. Most of our stores are unprofitable during the first three quarters. Conversely, in a typical year nearly all of our stores are profitable during the fourth quarter, even those that may be unprofitable for the full year. Historically, we have opened most of our stores during the last half of the year. As a result, new mall stores opened just prior to the fourth quarter produce profits in excess of their annualized profits since the stores typically generate losses in the first nine months of the year.

     We do not believe that inflation has had a material effect on the results of operations during the past three years, however, there can be no assurance that our business will not be affected by inflation in the future.

     RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

     In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. FIN No. 46 states that companies that have exposure to economic risks and potential rewards from another entity’s assets and activities have a controlling financial interest in a variable interest entity and should consolidate the entity, despite the absence of clear control through a voting equity interest. The consolidation requirements apply to all variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. For variable interest entities that existed prior to February 1, 2003, FASB Staff Position No. 46-6 delayed the consolidation requirements until annual or interim periods ending after December 15, 2003. Disclosure of significant variable interest entities is required in all financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest was created. FIN No. 46 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

     In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of both Liabilities and Equity. SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. We do not have any financial instruments outstanding to which the provisions of SFAS No. 150 apply and therefore SFAS No. 150 did not have an impact on our consolidated financial statements.

     In December 2002, the EITF issued EITF 00-21, Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. EITF 00-21 addresses certain aspects of the accounting for arrangements under

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which a company will perform multiple revenue generating activities. In some arrangements, the different revenue generating activities (deliverables) are sufficiently separable, and there exists sufficient evidence of their fair values to separately account for some or all of the deliverables (that is, there are separate units of accounting). In other arrangements, some or all of the deliverables are not independently functional, or there is not sufficient evidence of their fair values to account for them separately. EITF 00-21 addresses the circumstances under which an arrangement involving multiple deliverables should be divided into separate units of accounting. EITF 00-21 does not change otherwise applicable revenue recognition criteria. The provisions of EITF 00-21 were effective beginning in the third quarter of 2003. The adoption of EITF 00-21 did not have an impact on revenue recognition.


     Except for historical information, matters discussed in Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may be materially different. Because actual results may differ, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include: unseasonable weather; seasonality of the business; economic downturns; failure of results of operations to meet expectations of research analysts; risks associated with estimates made in our critical accounting policies; risks associated with future growth; risks associated with our debt service; changes in customer shopping patterns; change in consumer preferences and fashion trends away from leather; risks associated with foreign sourcing and international business; disruptions in product supplies; decreased availability and increased cost of leather; competition in our markets; loss of key members of our management team; reliance on third parties for maintaining our management information systems; concentration of our common stock; anti-takeover effects of classified board provisions in our articles of incorporation and by-laws; volatility of our common stock; war, acts of terrorism or the threat of either; and interruption in the operation of our corporate offices and distribution centers. Certain of these risk factors are more fully discussed in our 2002 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 1, 2003.

ITEM 3. QUANTITIATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

     Our senior credit facility carries interest rate risk that is generally related to LIBOR, the commercial paper rate or the “prime” rate. If any of those rates were to change while we were borrowing under the senior credit facility, interest expense would increase or decrease accordingly. As of November 1, 2003, we had $56.8 million in borrowings under the revolving portion of the credit facility, $25.0 million under the Term B promissory note, and $24.0 million in outstanding letters of credit.

     We have no earnings or cash flow exposure due to market risks on our fixed-rate debt obligations. However, interest rate changes would affect the fair market value of the debt. At November 1, 2003, we had fixed rate debt of $30.6 million maturing in August 2004.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

     As of the end of the period covered by this report, we conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and
15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”). Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information we are required to disclose in reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission rules and forms. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting during our most recently completed fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

     See Part I., Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations-Liquidity and Capital Resources contained herein for a description of working capital restrictions and limitations upon the payment of dividends.

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORT ON FORM 8-K

A. Exhibits

         
Exhibit        
No.   Description   Method of Filing

 
 
3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. adopted June 16, 1998, as amended by the Articles of Amendment dated February 17, 2000, and the Articles of Amendment dated May 23, 2002. (1)   Incorporated by
Reference
3.2   Restated Bylaws of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. as amended June 16, 1998, January 25, 2000, and May 23, 2002. (1)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.1   Specimen of common stock certificate. (2)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.2   Indenture dated as of August 18, 1997, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc., the other corporations listed on the signature pages thereof, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association (formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association), including specimen Certificate of 11 1/4% Series A Senior Notes due 2004 and specimen Certificate of 11 1/4% Series B Senior Notes due 2004. (3)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.3   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 25, 1996, by and among CVS New York, Inc. (formerly known as Melville Corporation), Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc., the Managers listed on the signature pages thereto, Leather Investors Limited Partnership I and the Partners listed on the signature pages thereto. (4)   Incorporated by
Reference

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Exhibit        
No.   Description   Method of Filing

 
 
4.4   Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 12, 1999, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Shareholders listed on the attachments thereto. (5)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.5   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 10, 2002, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors signatory thereto. (6)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.6   Letter Amendment to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement dated January 14, 2002, by and between Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and Bricoleur Capital Management LLC. (7)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.7   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 24, 2002, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors signatory thereto. (8)   Incorporated by
Reference
10.1   Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended on August 24, 2000, March 21, 2002, June 11, 2003, and September 18, 2003. (9)   Incorporated by
Reference
10.2   Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on June 11, 2003. (10)   Incorporated by
Reference
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.   Electronic Transmission
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.   Electronic Transmission
32.1   Section 1350 Certifications.   Electronic Transmission

(1)   Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 3, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).

(2)   Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-13967) filed with the Commission on December 24, 1996.

(3)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 1997, filed with the Commission.

(4)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-13967) filed with the Commission on October 11, 1996.

(5)   Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, filed with the Commission (File No. 0-21543).

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(6)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 23, 2002.

(7)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 23, 2002.

(8)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 3, 2002.

(9)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-109977) filed with the Commission on October 24, 2003.

(10)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-109976) filed with the Commission on October 24, 2003.

B. Report on Form 8-K: The Company filed one Report on Form 8-K during the third quarter ended November 1, 2003: On August 19, 2003, the Company announced its second quarter earnings for the period ended August 2, 2003.

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SIGNATURE

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.

             
             
WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.    
             
By:   /s/   Peter G. Michielutti    
   
   
        Peter G. Michielutti
Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
   

Date:  December 16, 2003

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INDEX TO EXHIBITS

         
Exhibit        
No.   Description   Method of Filing

 
 
3.1   Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. adopted June 16, 1998, as amended by the Articles of Amendment dated February 17, 2000, and the Articles of Amendment dated May 23, 2002. (1)   Incorporated by
Reference
3.2   Restated Bylaws of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. as amended June 16, 1998, January 25, 2000, and May 23, 2002. (1)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.1   Specimen of common stock certificate. (2)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.2   Indenture dated as of August 18, 1997, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc., the other corporations listed on the signature pages thereof, and Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association (formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association), including specimen Certificate of 11 1/4% Series A Senior Notes due 2004 and specimen Certificate of 11 1/4% Series B Senior Notes due 2004. (3)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.3   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of May 25, 1996, by and among CVS New York, Inc. (formerly known as Melville Corporation), Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc., the Managers listed on the signature pages thereto, Leather Investors Limited Partnership I and the Partners listed on the signature pages thereto. (4)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.4   Amendment to Registration Rights Agreement dated as of August 12, 1999, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Shareholders listed on the attachments thereto. (5)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.5   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 10, 2002, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors signatory thereto. (6)   Incorporated by
Reference
4.6   Letter Amendment to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement and the Registration Rights Agreement dated January 14, 2002, by and between Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and Bricoleur Capital Management LLC. (7)   Incorporated by
Reference

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Exhibit        
No.   Description   Method of Filing

 
 
4.7   Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 24, 2002, by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors signatory thereto. (8)   Incorporated by
Reference
10.1   Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended on August 24, 2000, March 21, 2002, June 11, 2003, and September 18, 2003. (9)   Incorporated by
Reference
10.2   Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan, as amended on June 11, 2003. (10)   Incorporated by
Reference
31.1   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Executive Officer.   Electronic Transmission
31.2   Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a) Certification of Chief Financial Officer.   Electronic Transmission
32.1   Section 1350 Certifications.   Electronic Transmission

(1)   Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 3, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).

(2)   Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to Amendment No. 1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-13967) filed with the Commission on December 24, 1996.

(3)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended August 2, 1997, filed with the Commission.

(4)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-1 (333-13967) filed with the Commission on October 11, 1996.

(5)   Incorporated by reference to the same numbered exhibit to the Company’s Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 29, 2000, filed with the Commission (File No. 0-21543).

(6)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 23, 2002.

(7)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on January 23, 2002.

(8)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company’s Report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on May 3, 2002.

(9)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-109977) filed with the Commission on October 24, 2003.

(10)   Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 99.1 to the Company’s Registration Statement on Form S-8 (333-109976) filed with the Commission on October 24, 2003.

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