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

FORM 10-K

[X ] Annual Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2003
or
[ ] Transition Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15 (d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934

Commission File Number 1 - 9482

HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware 64-0740905
(State or other jurisdiction (I. R. S. Employer
of incorporation or organization) Identification No.)

3406 West Main Street, Tupelo, MS 38801
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)


Registrant's telephone number, including area code
(662) 842-2834

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 (b) of the Act:

Name of each exchange
Title of each class on which registered

Common stock ($.01 par value) New York Stock Exchange

Rights New York Stock Exchange

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 (g) of the Act:

None

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 if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405
of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the
best of the registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information
1

statements incorporated by reference in Part III of the Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ X ]

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

The aggregate market value of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. $.01 par value stock held by
non-affiliates as of August 2, 2002 was $263,957,710. As of April 15, 2003,
there were 18,489,492 shares of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. $.01 par value common
stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the 2002 Annual Report
to shareholders Parts I, II and IV
Portions of the Proxy Statement
for the 2003 Annual Meeting of shareholders Part III

2

2002 ANNUAL REPORT ON FORM 10-K

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1 Page

Item 1. Business.......................................................... 4
Item 2. Properties....................................................... 6
Item 3. Legal Proceedings................................................ 6
Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders.............. 6

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant's Common Stock and Related
Stockholder Matters.......................................... 6
Item 6. Selected Financial Data......................................... 7
Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations.................................... 7
Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk....... 7
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.................... 7
Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting
and Financial Disclosure................................. 7

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant............... 8
Item 11. Executive Compensation........................................... 8
Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management
and Related Stockholders Matters............................... 9
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions................... 9
Item 14. Controls and Procedures.......................................... 9


PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K.. 10

Signatures................................................................. 13

Certification of Chief Executive Officer................................... 14

Certification of Chief Financial Officer .................................. 15

3

PART 1

Item 1. BUSINESS

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. ("Hancock" or the "Company," which may be referred to as
we, us or our) was incorporated in 1987 as a successor to the retail and
wholesale fabric business of Hancock Textile Co., Inc., a Mississippi
corporation and a wholly owned subsidiary of Lucky Stores, Inc., a Delaware
Corporation ("Lucky").

Founded in 1957, we operated as a private company until 1972 when we were
acquired by Lucky. We became a publicly owned company as a result of the
distribution of shares of common stock to the shareholders of Lucky on May 4,
1987.

The Company is engaged in the retail and wholesale fabric business, selling
fabrics and related accessories to the sewing and home decorating markets and at
wholesale to independent retailers. We are one of the largest fabric retailers
in the United States. At February 2, 2003, we operated 430 stores in 42 states.
As a wholesaler of fabrics and related items, we sell to independent retail
fabric stores through our wholesale distribution facility in Tupelo,
Mississippi.

Operations

Our stores offer a wide selection of apparel fabrics, home decorating products
(which include drapery and upholstery fabrics and home accent pieces), notions
(which include sewing aids and accessories such as zippers, buttons, threads and
ornamentation), sewing machines, patterns, quilting materials and supplies and
related items. Each of our retail stores maintains an inventory that includes
cotton, woolen and synthetic staple fabrics such as broadcloth, poplin,
gabardine, unbleached muslin and corduroy, as well as seasonal and current
fashion fabrics.

Our stores are primarily located in strip shopping centers. During 2002, we
opened 27 stores and closed 36.

As a wholesaler, we sell to independent retailers in markets in which the
Company has elected not to open our own stores. These wholesale customers
accounted for approximately 1% of our total sales for the fiscal year ended
February 2, 2003.

Marketing

We principally serve the sewing and home decorating markets, which largely
consist of women who make clothing for their families and decorations for their
homes or who hire professional seamstresses to sew for them. Quilters and
hobbyists also compromise a portion of the base of customers, as do consumers of
bridal, party, prom and special occasion merchandise.

We offer our customers a wide selection of products at prices that we believe
are generally lower than the prices charged by our competitors. In addition to
staple fabrics and notions for clothing and home decoration, we provide a
variety of seasonal and current fashion apparel merchandise.

We use promotional advertising, primarily through direct mail, newspapers and
television, to reach target customers. We mail fourteen to seventeen direct mail
promotions each year to approximately 1.2 million households. We also publish
three in-house magazines to our customer list that contain sewing instructions
and fashion, home decorating and holiday craft ideas. We advertise on cable and
networks nationally for corporate image and promotions.

4

Distribution and Supply

Our retail stores and wholesale customers are served by our 550,000 square foot
warehouse, distribution and headquarters facility in Tupelo, Mississippi. In the
first quarter of 2002, Hancock announced the acquisition of a 473,000 square
foot warehouse/distribution facility on 64 acres north of the Tupelo
headquarters in Baldwyn, Mississippi. The Tupelo warehouse, distribution and
headquarters operations will move to the Baldwyn facility over the next twelve
months, after which the Tupelo facility and property will be sold.

Contract trucking firms, common carriers and parcel delivery are used to deliver
merchandise from our warehouse and vendors to our retail stores and wholesale
customers.

Bulk quantities of fabric are purchased from domestic and foreign mills, fabric
jobbers and importers. We have no long-term contracts for the purchase of
merchandise and did not purchase more than 5% of our merchandise from any one
supplier during the fiscal year ended February 2, 2003. We have experienced no
difficulty in maintaining satisfactory sources of supply.

Competition

We are among the largest fabric retailers in the United States. We principally
compete with one national fabric/craft store chain, a few small fabric chains
and numerous independent fabric stores on the basis of price, selection,
quality, service and location.

Our competition has changed significantly in recent years due to rapid expansion
that began in the fabric industry in the late 1980's, which ultimately led to
financial difficulties for many of our competitors and to significant industry
contraction and consolidation.

Seasonality

Hancock's business is slightly seasonal. Peak sales periods occur during the
fall and pre-Easter weeks, while the lowest sales periods occur during the
summer and the month of January.

Employees

At February 2, 2003, we employed approximately 6,500 people on a full-time and
part-time basis. Approximately 6,200 work in our retail stores. The remainder
work in the Tupelo warehouse, distribution and headquarters facility.

Government Regulation

The Company is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act, which governs such
matters as minimum wages, overtime and other working conditions. A significant
number of our employees are paid at rates related to Federal and state minimum
wages and, accordingly, any increase in the minimum wage would affect our labor
cost.

Available Information

The Company's Internet address is www.hancockfabrics.com. Our reports, made
pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as
amended, are made available free of charge on our website as soon as practical
after their filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We provide
copies of such filings free of charge upon request.

5

Item 2. PROPERTIES

The Company's 430 retail stores average approximately 13,400 square feet and are
located principally in strip shopping centers.

With the exception of 5 owned locations, our retail stores are leased. The
original lease terms generally range from 10 to 20 years and most leases contain
one or more renewal options, usually of five years in length. At February 2,
2003, the remaining terms of leases for stores in operation including renewal
options averaged approximately 12 years. During 2003, 58 store leases will
expire. We are currently negotiating renewals on certain of these leases.

The 550,000 square foot warehouse, distribution and headquarters facility in
Tupelo, Mississippi is owned by the Company and is not subject to any mortgage
or similar encumbrances. This facility is located on approximately 59 acres of
land.

The recently acquired 473,000 square foot warehouse/distribution facility in
Baldwyn, Mississippi is located on 64 acres. The Baldwyn facility is owned by
the Company and is not subject to any mortgage or similar encumbrances.

Reference is made to the information contained in Note 7 to the Consolidated
Financial Statements included in the accompanying 2002 Annual Report to
Shareholders for information concerning our long-term obligations under leases.

Item 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is a party to several legal proceedings and claims. Although the
outcome of such proceedings and claims cannot be determined with certainty, we
are of the opinion that it is unlikely that these proceedings and claims will
have a material effect on the financial condition or operating results of the
Company.


Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

Not applicable.

PART II

Item 5. MARKET FOR THE REGISTRANT'S COMMON SHARE AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The Company's common stock and the associated common stock purchase rights are
listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trade under the symbol HKF. Additional
information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the table
"Quarterly Financial Data" on page 23 and the table "Market Information" on page
25 of the 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders.

6

Item 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

Historical financial information is incorporated by reference from the table
"Five-Year Summary of Significant Financial Information" on page 23 of the 2002
Annual Report to Shareholders.


Item 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS
OF OPERATIONS

Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of
operations is incorporated by reference from pages 8 to 11 of the 2002 Annual
Report to Shareholders.

Item 7a. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk

The Company does not hold derivative financial or commodity instruments at
February 2, 2003.

Interest Rate Risk

The Company is exposed to financial market risks, including changes in interest
rates. All borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Agreement bear
interest at a negotiated rate, a floating rate (the higher of the federal funds
rate plus 1/2% or the prime rate), a rate derived from the money market rate, or
a rate derived from the London Interbank Offered Rate. An increase in interest
rates of 100 basis points would not significantly affect the Company's results.
As of February 2, 2003, we did not have any borrowings outstanding under this
agreement.

Foreign Currency Risk

All of the Company's business is transacted in U. S. dollars and, accordingly,
foreign exchange rate fluctuations have not had a significant impact on the
Company, and none is expected in the foreseeable future. As of February 2, 2003
we had no financial instruments outstanding that were sensitive to changes in
foreign currency rates.

Item 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

Information required by this item is incorporated by reference from the "Report
of Independent Accountants" found on page 22 and from the Consolidated Financial
Statements on pages 12-22 of the 2002 Annual Report to Shareholders.

Item 9. CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND
FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.

7

PART III

Item 10. DIRCTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

Information about the Directors of the Company is incorporated by reference from
the discussion under Item 1 of our Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting
of Shareholders.

Office Presently Held and Business
Name Age Experience During the Last Five Years
- ---- --- -------------------------------------
Larry G. Kirk 56 Chairman of the Board from June 1997
and Chief Executive Officer from June
1996. Director from 1990.

Jack W. Busby, Jr. 60 President, Chief Operating Officer
and Director from June 1997.

James A. Austin 49 Executive Vice President from June
2001. Prior to June 2001, Division
Merchandise Manager-Linens, Domestics
And Window Fashions for Wards.

Bruce D. Smith 44 Senior Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer from March 1997.

The term of each of the officers expires June 12, 2003.

There are no family relationships among the executive officers.

There are no arrangements or understandings pursuant to which any person was
selected as an officer.

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely upon a review of Forms 3 and 4 and amendments thereto furnished to
the Company during its most recent fiscal year and Forms 5 and amendments
thereto furnished to the Company with respect to its most recent fiscal year and
certain written representations of the Company's directors and executive
officers, no director, officer or beneficial owner of more than ten percent of
the company's common stock failed to file on a timely basis reports required by
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Item 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Information about executive compensation is incorporated by reference from the
discussion under the heading "Compensation of Executive Officers and Directors"
in our Proxy Statement for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

8

Item 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND
RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

Information about security ownership of certain beneficial owners and management
is incorporated by reference from the table on pages 2-3 of the Proxy Statement
for the 2003 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, which will be filed with the
Commission within 120 days of the end of the fiscal year.

Item 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

None.

Item 14. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

(a) Hancock's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, after
evaluating the effectiveness of the Company's "disclosure controls and
procedures" (as defined in Rules 13a - 14(c) and 15d - 14(c) promulgated under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended ("the Exchange Act") a date (the
"Evaluation Date") within 90 days before the filing date of this annual report,
have concluded that as of the Evaluation Date, Hancock's disclosure controls and
procedures were adequate and designed to ensure that material information
relating to Hancock and its consolidated subsidiaries would be made known to
them by others within those entities. There were no significant changes in
Hancock's internal controls or in other factors that could significantly affect
those controls subsequent to the Evaluation Date.

(b) Hancock has formed a Disclosure Committee ("Committee") as part of its
governance under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The Committee is comprised of
financial and operating personnel.


The purpose of the Committee is to assure that information required to be
disclosed by the Company in the reports that it files or submits under the
Exchange Act is properly recorded, processed, summarized and reported to
senior management of Hancock as appropriate to allow timely decisions
regarding required disclosure. The Committee will also evaluate the
adequacy of Hancock's disclosure controls and procedures with respect to
its periodic reports and quarterly earnings releases.

Each quarter, the Committee shall review and evaluate the effectiveness of
Hancock's procedures for recording, processing, summarizing and reporting
of information required to be disclosed by Hancock in its Exchange Act
filings. As part of this review and evaluation, in connection with the
preparation of Hancock's financial reports, the Committee will assess the
effectiveness of Hancock's internal control structure and procedures for
financial reporting and submit written reports thereof.

9

PART IV

Item 15. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

Pages in the 2002
Annual Report to
Shareholders

Financial Statements

Report of Independent Accountants................. 22
Consolidated Statement of Income.................. 12
Consolidated Balance Sheet........................ 13
Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.............. 14
Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity.... 15
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements........ 16-22

Consolidated Financial Statement Schedules

All schedules omitted are not applicable or included in the consolidated
financial statements.

Supplementary data:
Selected Quarterly Financial Data.............. 23

Exhibits

3.1 e Certificate of Incorporation.
3.2 f By-Laws.
4.1 l Amended and restated Rights Agreement with Continental Stock
and Transfer Company dated March 23, 1987 and amended and
restated most recently on March 4, 2001.
4.2 d Agreement with Continental Stock and Transfer Company (as
Rights Agent) dated July 16, 1992.
10.1 i Credit Agreement with Wachovia Bank as Agent and Lenders as
Signatories Hereto ("Revolving Credit Agreement") dated April 16,
1999.
10.2 o Credit Agreement with SouthTrust Bank as Lender as Signatories
Hereto ("SouthTrust Credit Agreement") dated March 26, 2002.
10.3 o Amendment to Revolving Credit Agreement dated March 26, 2002.
10.4 f Form of Indemnification Agreement dated June 8, 1995 for each
of Jack W. Busby, Jr., Don L. Fruge', Larry G. Kirk and Donna L.
Weaver.
10.5 f Form of Indemnification Agreement dated June 8, 1995 for each
of Dean W. Abraham, Bradley A. Berg, Larry D. Fair, James A.
Gilmore, David A. Lancaster, Billy M. Morgan, James A. Nolting,
William D. Smothers and Carl W. Zander.
10.6 g Form of Indemnification Agreement dated June 13, 1996 for each
of Jeffie L. Gatlin, Ellen J. Kennedy, Bruce E. Rockstad and
William A. Sheffield, Jr.
10.7 g Indemnification Agreement for Bruce D. Smith dated December 10,
1996.
10.8 h Indemnification Agreement for Phil L. Munie dated March 13,
1997.
10.9 i #Agreement (deferred compensation) with Jack W. Busby dated June
9, 1998.
10.10 i #Agreement to Secure Certain Contingent Payments with Jack W.
Busby dated June 9, 1998.

10

10.11 i #Agreement (deferred compensation) with Larry G. Kirk dated
June 9, 1998.
10.12 i #Agreement to Secure Certain Contingent Payments with Larry G.
Kirk dated June 9, 1998.
10.13 f #Form of Amendment, Extension and Restatement of Severance
Agreement for each of Jack W. Busby, Jr. and Larry G. Kirk dated
March 14, 1996.
10.14 g #Amendment of Deferred Compensation Agreement, Severance
Agreement and Agreement to Secure Contingent Payments with Larry
G. Kirk dated June 13, 1996.
10.15 g #Amendment of Deferred Compensation Agreement and Agreement to
Secure Contingent Payments with Jack W. Busby, Jr. dated June 13,
1996.
10.16 g #Agreement (deferred compensation) with Bruce D. Smith dated
December 10, 1996.
10.17 g #Severance Agreement with Bruce D. Smith dated December 10,
1996.
10.18 g #Agreement to Secure Certain Contingent Payments with Bruce D.
Smith dated December 10, 1996.
10.19 e #Supplemental Retirement Plan, as amended.
10.20 g #1996 Stock Option Plan.
10.21 c #Extra Compensation Plan.
10.22 j Indemnification Agreement for Roger T. Knox dated June 21,
1999.
10.23 j Indemnification Agreement for Clayton E. Stallings dated March
15, 2000.
10.24 j #Form of Agreement and Renewal of Severance Agreement for each
of Larry G. Kirk, Jack W. Busby, Jr. and Bruce D. Smith dated May
4, 1999.
10.25 k #2000 Stock Compensation Plan for Non-Employee Directors.
10.26 n #2001 Stock Incentive Plan.
10.27 n #Agreement (deferred compensation) with James A. Austin dated
June 14, 2001.
10.28 n Indemnification Agreement for James A. Austin dated June 14,
2001.
10.29 n #Severance Agreement with James A. Austin dated June 14, 2001.
10.30 n #Agreement to Secure Certain Contingent Payments with James A.
Austin dated June 14, 2001.
10.31 p Indemnification Agreement for John R. McCord dated June 13,
2002.
10.32* Indemnification Agreement for David A. Eversmann dated March
25, 2003.
10.33* #Officer Incentive Compensation Plan as amended.
10.34* #Amended and Restated 1995 Restricted Stock Plan and Deferred
Stock Unit Plan.
13* Portions of the Hancock Fabrics, Inc. 2002 Annual Report to
Shareholders (for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2003)
incorporated by reference in this filing.
21* Subsidiaries of the Registrant.
23* Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP.
99.1* Certification of the Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350.
99.2* Certification of the Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18
U.S.C. Section 1350.

* Filed herewith.

Incorporated by reference to (Commission file number for Section 13
reports is 001-9482):

a Form 10-K dated April 26, 1990.
b Form 10-K dated April 26, 1991.
c Form 10-K dated April 27, 1992.
d Form 10-K dated April 26, 1993.
e Form 10-K dated April 24, 1995.
11

f Form 10-K dated April 22, 1996.
g Form 10-K dated April 22, 1997.
h Form 10-K dated April 27, 1998.
i Form 10-K dated April 30, 1999.
j Form 10-K dated April 25, 2000.
k Form S-8 dated December 27, 2000 and amended on April 26, 2001.
l Form 8-K dated April 6, 2001.
m Form S-8 dated September 7, 2001.
n Form 10-Q dated September 12, 2001.
o Form 10-K dated April 29, 2002.
p Form 10-Q dated June 19, 2002.

# Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

(b) Reports on Form 8-K

The registrant filed no reports on Form 8-K during the last quarter of the
period covered by this report.

12


Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15 (d) 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, on the 25th day of April
2003.


HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.

By:/s/Larry G. Kirk
------------------------------
Larry G. Kirk
Chairman of the Board, Director
and Chief Executive Officer

By:/s/Bruce D. Smith
------------------------------
Bruce D. Smith
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial and
Accounting Officer)



Signature Title



/s/Jack W. Busby Jr. President, Chief Operating Officer, Director
- ---------------------------
Jack W. Busby, Jr.

/s/Don L. Fruge' Director
- ---------------------------
Don L. Fruge'


/s/Roger T. Knox Director
- ---------------------------
Roger T. Knox


/s/Donna L. Weaver Director
- ---------------------------
Donna L. Weaver



13


Certification of Chief Executive Officer


I, Larry G. Kirk, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hancock Fabrics, Inc.

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual 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 annual report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I am responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report
is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls.

6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.

Date: April 25, 2003

/s/Larry G. Kirk
- ---------------------------
Larry G. Kirk
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

14


Certification of Chief Financial Officer


I, Bruce D. Smith, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Hancock Fabrics, Inc.

2. Based on my knowledge, this annual report does not contain any untrue
statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to
make the statements, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by
this annual report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this annual 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 annual report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I am responsible for
establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined
in Exchange Act Rules 13a-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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 annual report
is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls
and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the filing date of
this annual report (the "Evaluation Date"); and

c) presented in this annual report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on our
evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on
our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the audit
committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the
equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of internal
controls which could adversely affect the registrant's ability to
record, process, summarize and report financial data and have
identified for the registrant's auditors any material weaknesses in
internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other
employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal
controls.

6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in this
annual report whether or not there were significant changes in internal
controls or in other factors that could significantly affect internal
controls subsequent to the date of our most recent evaluation, including
any corrective actions with regard to significant deficiencies and material
weaknesses.

Date: April 25, 2003

/s/Bruce D. Smith
- ---------------------------
Bruce D. Smith
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

15

Exhibit 10.32

INDEMNIFICATION AGREEMENT


This Agreement is made as of March 25, 2003, by and between Hancock
Fabrics, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), and David A. Eversmann
("Officer").


W I T N E S S E T H :
---------------------


WHEREAS, the Company understands that there can be no assurance that
directors' and officers' liability insurance will continue to be available to
the Company and Officer, and believes that it is possible that the cost of such
insurance, if obtainable, may not be acceptable to the Company or the coverage
of such insurance, if obtainable, may be reduced below what has historically
been afforded; and

WHEREAS, Officer is unwilling to serve, or continue to serve, the Company
as a director without assurances that adequate liability insurance,
indemnification or a combination thereof will be provided; and

WHEREAS, the Company, in order to induce Officer to continue to serve the
Company, has agreed to provide Officer with the benefits contemplated by this
Agreement, which benefits are intended to supplement or, if necessary, replace
directors' and officers' liability insurance; and

WHEREAS, as a result of the provision of such benefits Officer has agreed
to serve or to continue to serve as a director of the Company;

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the promises, conditions,
representations and warranties set forth herein, including Officer's service to
the Company, the Company and Officer hereby agree as follows:

1. Definitions. The following terms, as used herein, shall have the
following respective meanings:

"Covered Amount" means Loss and Expenses which, in type or amount, are
not insured under directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by the
Company from time to time.

"Covered Act" means any breach of duty, neglect, error, misstatement,
misleading statement, omission or other act done or wrongfully attempted by
Officer or any of the foregoing alleged by any claimant or any claim against

16

Officer by reason of Officer's serving as or being a director, officer,
employee, or agent of the Company, or by reason of Officer's serving at the
request of the Company as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee,
employee or agent of another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or
other enterprise.

"D&O Insurance" means a policy or policies of the directors' and
officers' liability insurance issued to the Company and its directors and
officers.

"Determination" means a determination, based on the facts known at the
time, made by:

(i) A majority of the directors who are not parties to the action,
suit or proceeding for which indemnification is considered or being considered,
even though less than a quorum; or

(ii) Independent legal counsel in a written opinion if there be no
such directors, or if such directors so direct; or

(iii) A majority of the shareholders of the Company; or

(iv) A final adjudication by a court of competent jurisdiction.

"Determined" shall have a correlative meaning.

"Excluded Claim" means any payment for Losses or Expenses in connection
with any claim:

(i) Based upon or attributable to Officer gaining in fact any
personal profit or advantage to which Officer is not entitled; or

(ii) For the return by Officer of any remuneration, for which prior
approval of the shareholders of the Company was required but not obtained; or

(iii) For an accounting of profits in fact made from the purchase or
sale by Officer of securities of the Company within the meaning of Section 16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 as amended, or similar provisions of any
state law; or

(iv) Resulting from Officer's knowingly fraudulent, dishonest or
willful misconduct; or

(v) The payment of which by the Company under this Agreement is not
permitted by applicable law; or

(vi) Which are not within the Covered Amount.

"Expenses" means any reasonable expenses incurred by Officer as a
result of a claim or claims made against Officer for Covered Acts including,
without limitation, counsel fees and costs of investigative, judicial or
administrative proceedings or appeals, but, where prohibited by law or public
policy, shall not include fines.

17


"Loss" means any amount which Officer is legally obligated to pay as a
result of a claim or claims made against Officer for Covered Acts including,
without limitation, damages and judgments and sums paid in settlement of a claim
or claims, but, where prohibited by law or public policy, shall not include
fines.

2. Maintenance of D&O Insurance.

(a) The Company represents that it presently has in force and effect
policies of D&O Insurance. The Company hereby covenants that it will use its
best efforts to maintain a policy or policies no less beneficial to the Company
and Officer than the policies in effect on the date hereof. The Company shall
not be required, however, to maintain such policy or policies if such insurance
is not reasonably available or if, in the reasonable business judgment of the
then directors of the Company, either (i) the premium cost for such insurance is
disproportionate to the amount of coverage, or (ii) the coverage provided by
such insurance is so limited by exclusions that there is insufficient benefit
from such insurance.

(b) In all policies of D&O Insurance, Officer shall be named as an
insured in such a manner as to provide Officer the same rights and benefits,
subject to the same limitations, as are accorded to the Company's directors or
officers most favorably insured by such policy.

3. Indemnification. The Company shall indemnify Officer against, and
hold Officer harmless from, the Covered Amount of any and all Losses and
Expenses subject, in each case, to the further provisions of this Agreement.

4. Excluded Coverage.

(a) The Company shall have no obligation to indemnify Officer against,
and hold Officer harmless from, any Loss or Expense which has been Determined to
constitute an Excluded Claim.

(b) The Company shall have no obligation to indemnify Officer against,
and hold Officer harmless from, any Loss or Expenses to the extent that Officer
is indemnified by the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation or is otherwise in fact indemnified.

5. Indemnification Procedures.

(a) Promptly after receipt by Officer of notice of the commencement or
the threat of commencement of any action, suit or proceeding, Officer shall
notify the Company of the commencement thereof if indemnification with respect
thereto may be sought from the Company under this Agreement; but the omission so
to notify the Company shall not relieve it from any liability that it may have
to Officer otherwise than under this Agreement. Such notice may be given by
mailing the same by United States mail, registered or certified, return receipt

18

requested, postage prepaid, addressed to the Company at: P.O. Box 2400, Tupelo,
Mississippi 38803-2400, Attention: Secretary (or to such other address as the
Company may from time to time designate by written notice to Officer).

(b) If, at the time of the receipt of such notice, the Company has D&O
Insurance in effect, the Company shall give prompt notice of the commencement of
such action, suit or proceeding to the insurers in accordance with the
procedures set forth in the respective policies in favor of Officer. The Company
shall thereafter take all necessary or desirable action to cause such insurers
to pay, on behalf of Officer, all Losses and Expenses payable as a result of
such action, suit or proceeding in accordance with the terms of such policies.

(c) To the extent the Company does not, at the time of the commencement
or the threat of commencement of such action, suit or proceeding, have
applicable D&O Insurance, or if a Determination is made that any Expenses
arising out of such action, suit or proceeding will not be payable under the D&O
Insurance then in effect, or if for any reason a D&O insurer does not timely pay
such Expenses, the Company shall be obligated to pay the Expenses of any such
action, suit or proceeding in advance of the final disposition thereof and the
Company, if appropriate, shall be entitled to assume the defense of such action,
suit or proceeding, with counsel satisfactory to Officer, upon the delivery to
Officer of written notice of its election so to do. After delivery of such
notice, the Company will not be liable to Officer under this Agreement for any
legal or other Expenses subsequently incurred by Officer in connection with such
defense other than reasonable Expenses incurred at the request of the Company
provided that Officer shall have the right to employ its counsel in any such
action, suit or proceeding but the fees and expenses of such counsel incurred
after delivery of notice from the Company of its assumption of such defense
shall be at Officer's expense, provided further that if (i) the employment of
counsel by Officer has been previously authorized by the Company, (ii) Officer
shall have reasonably concluded that there may be a conflict of interest between
the Company and Officer in the conduct of any such defense or (iii) the Company
shall not, in fact, have employed counsel to assume the defense of such action,
the fees and expenses of counsel shall be at the expense of the Company.

(d) All payments on account of the Company's indemnification
obligations under this Agreement shall be made within thirty (30) days of
Officer's written request therefore unless a Determination is made that the
claims giving rise to Officer's request are Excluded Claims or otherwise not
payable under this Agreement, provided that all payments on account of the
Company's obligations under Paragraph 5(c) of this Agreement prior to the final
disposition of any action, suit or proceeding shall be made within twenty (20)
days of Officer's written request therefore and such obligation shall not be
subject to any such Determination but shall be subject to Paragraph 5(e) of this
Agreement.

(e) Officer agrees to reimburse the Company for all Losses and Expenses
paid by the Company in connection with any action, suit or proceeding against
Officer in the event and only to the extent that a Determination shall have been
made that Officer is not entitled to be indemnified by the Company because the
claim is an Excluded Claim or because Officer is otherwise not entitled to
payment under this Agreement.

6. Settlement. The Company shall have no obligation to indemnify
Officer under this Agreement for any amounts paid in settlement of any action,
suit or proceeding effected without the Company's prior written consent. The
Company shall not settle any claim in any manner which would impose any fine or

19

any obligation on Officer without Officer's written consent. Neither the Company
nor Officer shall unreasonably withhold consent to any proposed settlement.

7. Subrogation. To the extent of any payment under this Agreement, the
Company shall be subrogated to all of the rights of recovery of Officer. Officer
shall execute all papers required and shall do everything that may be necessary
to secure such rights, including the execution of such documents as are
necessary to enable the Company effectively to bring suit to enforce such
rights.

8. Rights Not Exclusive. The rights provided hereunder shall not be
deemed exclusive of any other rights to which Officer may be entitled under any
provision of the Delaware General Corporation Law or any other provisions of
law, the Company's Certificate of Incorporation, its by-laws, or any agreement,
vote of shareholders or of disinterested directors or otherwise, both as to
action in an official capacity and as to action in any other capacity by holding
such office, and shall continue after Officer ceases to serve the Company as a
director.

9. Enforcement.

(a) An adverse Determination shall not foreclose an action to enforce
Officer's rights under this Agreement to the extent allowed by law. If a prior
adverse Determination has been made, the burden of proving that indemnification
is required under this Agreement shall be on Officer. The Company shall have the
burden of proving that indemnification is not required under this Agreement if
no prior adverse Determination shall have been made.

(b) In the event that any action is instituted by Officer under this
Agreement, or to enforce or interpret any of the terms of this Agreement,
Officer shall be entitled to be paid all court costs and expenses, including
reasonable counsel fees, incurred by Officer with respect to such action, unless
the court determines that each of the material assertions made by Officer as a
basis for such action was not made in good faith or was frivolous.

10. Continuation of Agreement. All agreements and obligations of the
Company contained herein shall continue during the period Officer is a director,
officer, employee or agent of the Company (or serving at the request of the
Company as a director, officer, partner, member, trustee, employee or agent of
another corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust or other enterprise) and
shall continue thereafter so long as Officer shall be subject to any possible
demand, claim or threatened, pending or completed proceeding, whether civil,
criminal, administrative or investigative, by reason of the fact that Officer
was a director of the Company or serving in any other capacity referred to in
this paragraph.

11. Severability. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is
determined by a court to require the Company to do or to fail to do an act which
is in violation of applicable law, such provision shall be limited or modified
in its application to the minimum extent necessary to avoid a violation of law,
and such provision, as so limited or modified, and the balance of this Agreement
shall be enforceable in accordance with their terms.

20

12. Choice of Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed
and enforced in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware.

13. Consent to Jurisdiction. The Company and Officer each hereby
irrevocably consents to the jurisdiction of the courts of the State of Delaware
for all purposes in connection with any action or proceeding which arises out of
or relates to this Agreement and agrees that any action instituted under this
Agreement shall be brought only in the state courts of the State of Delaware.

14. Successor and Assigns. This Agreement shall be (i) binding upon all
successors and assigns of the Company (including any transferee of all or
substantially all of its assets and any successor by, merger or otherwise by
operation of law) and (ii) shall be binding on and inure to the benefit of the
heirs, personal representatives and estate of Officer.

15. Amendment. No amendment, modification, termination or cancellation
of this Agreement shall be effective unless made in a writing signed by each of
the parties hereto.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company and Officer have executed this
agreement as of the day and year first above written.

HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.,
a Delaware corporation


By:
----------------------------
Its:
----------------------------
"Company"

----------------------------
David A. Eversmann
"Officer"

21

Exhibit 10.33

HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
OFFICER INCENTIVE COMPENSATION PLAN
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION

I. PURPOSE:

To align compensation with business performance and the interest of
shareholders, and to enable the Company to attract, motivate and retain
management that can contribute to the Company's long-term success.

II. ELIGIBILITY:

- Chief Executive Officer, President, all Executive Vice Presidents, all
Senior Vice Presidents, and all Vice Presidents

- Must be employed by the Company at the time ofpayout, except that in the
event ofretirement under the Company's retirement plan, death or
disability, the Management Review and Compensation Committee (MRCC) may
pay all or a portion ofthe incentive compensation for the year ifthe
performance goals have been met. Payouts in the event of a change in
control of the Company will be made as provided for by the officers'
Severance Agreements.

- If hired or promoted to a bonus-eligible position after the beginning of
a fiscal year, the individual will be eligible to receive a prorated
bonus based upon the number of months served in the position.

III. BONUS PAYOUT:

- As shown by Exhibit A, incentive compensation as a percentage of salary
increases for various levels of increases in earnings before interest
and taxes, computed using the first-in, first-out method of accounting
for inventories. Such earnings (FIFO EBIT) will be compared to the
previous year's FIFO EBIT for the purpose of determining the percentage
increase.

- The percentages shown in Exhibit A will be used to compute each
officer's incentive compensation, except that the Regional Operations
Managers will have another element of performance goals to meet related
to their specific areas of oversight.

- Payments are typically made in late February or early March following
fiscal year end, once the MRCC has certified that that the performance
goals have been met.

- This plan is effective for the fiscal year ending January 30, 2000, and
the Company expects that the plan will continue to be a part of officer
compensation; however, the Company does not guarantee that the plan will
not be terminated or that the terms will not be amended in the future.

- For the officers included in this plan, participation in compensation
from the previously existing Extra Compensation Plan will be limited to
that earned on increases in FIFO EBIT up to 10%. Incentive compensation
for increases in FIFO EBIT equal to or higher than 10% are then covered
by this plan.
22


EXHIBIT A

RATES FOR VARIOUS LEVELS OF EBIT INCREASE
(subject to each officer's individual performance)

CEO and EVP Senior V-P V-P
President Incentive Incentive Incentive
Incentive Comp as Comp as Comp as
Increase Comp as a % of a % of a % of
in a % of Salary Salary Salary
FIFO EBIT Salary (90% of CEO) (80% of CEO) (60% of CEO)
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10.0% 10.0% 9.0% 8.0% 6.0%
11.0% 11.0% 9.9% 8.8% 6.6%
12.0% 12.0% 10.8% 9.6% 7.2%
13.0% 13.0% 11.7% 10.4% 7.8%
14.0% 14.0% 12.6% 11.2% 8.4%
15.0% 15.0% 13.5% 12.0% 9.0%
16.0% 16.0% 14.4% 12.8% 9.6%
17.0% 17.0% 15.3% 13.6% 10.2%
18.0% 18.0% 16.2% 14.4% 10.8%
19.0% 19.0% 17.1% 15.2% 11.4%
20.0% 20.0% 18.0% 16.0% 12.0%
21.0% 21.0% 18.9% 16.8% 12.6%
22.0% 22.0% 19.8% 17.6% 13.2%
23.0% 23.0% 20.7% 18.4% 13.8%
24.0% 24.0% 21.6% 19.2% 14.4%
25.0% 25.0% 22.5% 20.0% 15.0%

Up through a 25% increase in EBIT, the CEO and President incentive comp, as a
percent of salary, increases 1 % for every additional 1% improvement in EBIT
(.9% for EVP's; .8% for Senior V-P's; .6% for V-P's). After 25%, the incentive
comp increase rate doubles (2% for the CEO and the President; 1.8% for EVP's;
1.6% for Senior V-P's and 1 .2% for V-P's).

26.0% 27.0% 24.3% 21.6% 16.2%
27.0% 29.0% 26.1% 23.2% 17.4%
28.0% 31.0% 27.9% 24.8% 18.6%
29.0% 33.0% 29.7% 26.4% 19.8%
30.0% 35.0% 31.5% 28.0% 21.0%
31.0% 37.0% 33.3% 29.6% 22.2%
32.0% 39.0% 35.1% 31.2% 23.4%
33.0% 41.0% 36.9% 32.8% 24.6%
34.0% 43.0% 38.7% 34.4% 25.8%
35.0% 45.0% 40.5% 36.0% 27.0%
36.0% 47.0% 42.3% 37.6% 28.2%
37.0% 49.0% 44.1% 39.2% 29.4%
38.0% 51.0% 45.9% 40.8% 30.6%
39.0% 53.0% 47.7% 42.4% 31.8%
40.0% 55.0% 50.0% 44.0% 33.0%

23


Exhibit 10.34

HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
AMENDED AND RESTATED
1995 RESTRICTED STOCK
AND
DEFERRED STOCK UNIT
PLAN



TABLE OF CONTENTS
Article Page
- ------- ----

ARTICLE I
INTRODUCTION...................................................................1
1.1 Name of Plan.......................................................1
1.2 Purpose of Plan....................................................1
1.3 "Top Hat" Pension Benefit Plan.....................................1
1.4 Funding............................................................1
1.5 Effective Date.....................................................2
1.6 Administration.....................................................2
1.7 SCOPE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN.....................................3

ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION...................................................3
2.1 Definitions........................................................3
2.2 Number and Gender..................................................5
2.3 Headings...........................................................5

ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY..................................................6
3.1 Participation......................................................6
3.2 Commencement of Participation......................................6
3.3 Cessation of Active Participation..................................6

ARTICLE IV
RESTRICTED STOCK...............................................................6
4.1 Restrictions.......................................................6
4.2 Removal of Restrictions............................................7
4.3 Participant's Service..............................................7
4.4 Nontransferability.................................................7
4.5 Stock Certificates.................................................7
4.6 Termination of Employment..........................................7
4.7 Retirement or Death of Participant.................................8
4.8 Adjustments........................................................8
4.9 Approval of Shareholders...........................................8
4.10 Effectiveness of Awards............................................8
4.11 Listing and Registration of Shares.................................9
4.12 Change of Control..................................................9

ARTICLE V
DEFERRALS ...................................................................9
5.1 Deferrals by Participants..........................................9
5.2 Effective Date of Deferral Agreement...............................9
5.3 Deferral Periods...................................................9




ARTICLE VI
ACCOUNTS ..................................................................10
6.1 Establishment of Bookkeeping Accounts.............................10
6.2 Subaccounts.......................................................10
6.3 Hypothetical Nature of Accounts...................................10
6.4 Vesting...........................................................10
6.5 Dividends.........................................................11

ARTICLE VII
PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT............................................................11
7.1 Timing of Distribution of Benefits................................11
7.2 Form of Payment...................................................11
7.3 Change of Control.................................................11
7.4 Designation of Beneficiaries......................................11
7.5 Unclaimed Benefits................................................11

ARTICLE VIII
DETERMINATION OF BENEFITS, CLAIMS PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION................12
8.1 Claims............................................................12
8.2 Claim Decision....................................................12

ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS.................................................................12
9.1 Not Contract of Employment........................................12
9.2 Non-Assignability of Benefits.....................................12
9.3 Withholding Tax...................................................13
9.4 Amendment and Termination.........................................13
9.5 No Trust Created..................................................13
9.6 Unsecured General Creditor Status of Employee.....................13
9.7 Severability......................................................14
9.8 Governing Laws....................................................14
9.9 Binding Effect....................................................14
9.10 Entire Agreement..................................................14
9.11 Funding Upon Change In Control....................................14




hancock fabrics, inc.
amended and restated
1995 restricted stock and deferred stock unit plan


INTRODUCTION
1.1 Name of Plan.

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. (the "Company") hereby amends the 1995 Restricted
Stock Plan (the "Plan") by changing the name of the Plan to the Hancock
Fabrics, Inc. Amended and Restated 1995 Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock
Unit Plan.

1.2 Purpose of Plan.

The Hancock Fabrics, Inc. 1995 Restricted Stock Plan ("Plan") is intended
to provide an incentive for key employees to contribute to the growth of
the Company's business by providing opportunities for their ownership of
shares of the Company's common stock and to retain them in the employ of
the Company or its Subsidiaries. The provisions of this Plan and all
actions and transactions under and pursuant to this Plan are intended to
comply with all applicable conditions of Rule l6(b)-3 promulgated under
Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 ("Exchange Act") , or its
successors, with respect to persons subject to such Section ("Section 16
reporting persons") . To the extent any provision of, or action or
transaction pursuant to, this Plan fails to so comply, it shall be deemed
null and void to the extent permitted by law and deemed advisable by the
Plan administrators.

Additional purposes of the Plan are to provide certain eligible employees
of the Company the opportunity to defer elements of their compensation
which might not otherwise be deferrable under the other Company plans.

1.3 "Top Hat" Pension Benefit Plan.

The deferred stock unit portion of the Plan is an "employee pension benefit
plan" within the meaning of ERISA. The plan is maintained, however, for a
select group of management or highly-compensated employees and therefore,
it is intended that the Plan is exempt from Parts 2, 3 and 4 of Title 1 of
ERISA. The Plan is not intended to qualify under Code section 401 (k).

1.4 Funding.

The Plan is unfunded. All benefits will be paid from the general assets of
the Company.


1.5 Effective Date.

The Plan as herein amended is effective as of the date of execution hereof.

1.6 Administration.

The Board shall appoint a Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock Unit
Committee, which shall consist of two or more members of the Board who are
not eligible to receive awards under the Plan and who shall otherwise be
"disinterested" as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16
of the Exchange Act. The Committee may be the Board's Management Review and
Compensation Committee. The Committee shall be responsible for the general
operation and administration of the Plan and for carrying out the
provisions thereof. The Committee may delegate to others certain aspects of
the management and operational responsibilities of the Plan including the
employment of advisors and the delegation of ministerial duties to
qualified individuals, provided that such delegation is in writing. The
Committee shall have full authority in its discretion, but subject to the
express provisions of the Plan: to determine the key employees to whom, and
the time or times at which, Shares shall be awarded; to determine the
number of Shares to be covered by each award; to determine the terms,
conditions and restrictions of the respective award agreements (which need
not be identical), of any legend on any certificate representing Shares
awarded pursuant to the Plan, and of any other instrument or document
relating to the Plan, except that each such document respecting awards to
Section 16 reporting persons shall be written so as to comply with Section
16 of the Exchange Act; to determine whether and to what extent adjustments
shall be made pursuant to the provisions of Paragraph 12; to interpret the
Plan; to prescribe, amend and rescind rules and regulations relating to the
Plan; and to make any other determinations, deemed necessary to or
advisable for the administration of the Plan. The Committee may delegate
all or any part of such authority to members of the Board who are not
"disinterested" as defined in the regulations promulgated under Section 16
of the Exchange Act in the case of awards to persons who are not Section 16
reporting persons. All determinations, decisions, interpretations and other
actions of the Committee and the Board shall be conclusive and binding upon
all persons. No member of the Committee or of the Board shall have any
liability in respect of anything done or omitted to be done by such member
or any other member, except for a member's own willful misconduct or as
expressly provided for by law. The Company shall indemnify, hold harmless,
and defend the members of the Committee against any and all claims, losses,
damages, expenses, including attorney's fees, incurred by them, and any
liability, including any amounts paid in settlement with their approval,
arising from their action or failure to act, except when the same is
judicially determined to be attributable to their gross negligence or
willful misconduct.

2


1.7 SCOPE AND DURATION OF THE PLAN.

Shares may be awarded from time to time during the life of the Plan. Unless
sooner terminated pursuant to Section 9.4, the Plan shall terminate on
December 5, 2005 and thereafter no Shares shall be awarded under the Plan.
Termination of the Plan shall have no effect on awards then outstanding.
The aggregate number of Shares that may be issued or reserved for issuance
pursuant to awards under the Plan (including awards to Section 16 reporting
persons) shall not exceed 1,000,000 Shares (subject to adjustment as
provided in the Plan) . Awards may consist, in whole or in part, of
authorized but unissued Shares or Shares reacquired by the Company and not
reserved for any other purpose and Shares subject to any previous awards
under the Plan that are forfeited.

ARTICLE II
DEFINITIONS AND CONSTRUCTION
2.1 Definitions.

For purposes of the Plan, the following words and phrases shall have the
respective meanings set forth below, unless their context clearly requires
a different meaning:

(a) "Account" means the bookkeeping account maintained by the Company on
behalf of each Participant pursuant to Article VI. As of any Valuation
Date, a Participant's benefit under the Plan shall be equal to the
amount credited to his Account as of such date.

(b) "Committee" means the Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock Unit
Committee as may be established by the Board, which shall administer
the Plan in accordance with Section 1.6.

(c) "Beneficiary" means the person or persons designated by the
Participant in accordance with Section 7.4.

(d) "Board" means the Board of Directors of the Company.

(e) "Change in Control" means a change of control of the Company of a
nature that would be required to be reported in response to Item 1(a)
of the Current Report on Form 8-K, as in effect on the effective date
of the Plan, pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act;
provided that, without limitation a change of control shall be deemed
to have occurred if: (i) a third person, including a "group" as
defined in Section 13(d) (3) of the Exchange Act, becomes the
beneficial owner, directly or indirectly, of 20% or more of the
combined voting power of the Company's outstanding voting securities
ordinarily having the right to vote for the election of directors of
the Company; or (ii) individuals who constitute the Board as of the
effective date of the Plan ("incumbent Board") cease for any reason to

3



constitute at least two-thirds thereof, provided that any person
becoming a director subsequent to the effective date of the Plan whose
election, or nomination for election by the Company's shareholders,
was approved by a vote of at least three-quarters of (or if less, all
but one of) the directors constituting the incumbent Board (other than
an election or nomination in connection with an actual or threatened
election contest relating to the election of directors of the Company,
as such terms are used in Rule 14a-11 of Regulation 14A promulgated
under the Exchange Act) shall be, for purposes of the Plan, considered
as though such person were a member of the incumbent Board.

As used in this subsection (e), the term "person" means natural person,
corporation, partnership, joint venture, trust, government, or
instrumentality of a government.

(f) "Code" means the U.S. Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.

(g) "Company" means Hancock Fabrics, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its
successors and assigns.

(h) "Shares" means the common stock of the Company.

(i) "Deferral Agreement" means the written agreement, in the form attached
hereto as Attachment 1, entered into between the Company and a
Participant pursuant to which the Participant elects the amount of his
Deferred Stock Unit to be deferred into the Plan and the Deferral
Period, and the time of payment for such amounts.

(j) "Deferral Period" means the period of time for which a Participant
elects to defer receipt of the Deferred Stock Unit Deferrals credited
to such Participant's Account. Deferral Periods shall be measured on
the basis of whole Plan Years, beginning with the Plan Year that
commences immediately following the Plan Year for which the applicable
Deferred Stock Unit Deferrals are credited to the Participant's
Account

(k) "Deferred Stock Unit" means a unit representing the Company's
obligation to deliver or issue to a Participant one Share in
accordance with the Terms of the Plan. The Deferred Stock Unit shall
be evidenced by a certificate containing such rights, restrictions and
limitations as may be determined by the Committee.

(l) "Early Retirement" means termination of employment after having
attained age 55 and under circumstances entitling the participant to
elect immediate payment of retirement benefits under the Hancock
Fabrics, Inc. Consolidated Retirement Plan or any successor plan
thereto ("Hancock Retirement Plan").

(m) "Effective Date" means the Effective Date of this Amended and Restated
Plan: March 24, 2003.

(n) "Employee" means a person employed by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries.

4


(o) "Employment" means employment by the Company or any of its
subsidiaries.

(p) "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as
amended.

(q) "Normal Retirement" means termination of employment after having
attained age 65 and under circumstances entitling the participant to
elect immediate payment of retirement benefits under the Hancock
Fabrics, Inc. Consolidated Retirement Plan or any successor plan
thereto ("Hancock Retirement Plan")

(r) "Participant" means an employee to whom Shares have been awarded
pursuant to the Plan.

(s) "Plan Year" means the twelve-consecutive month period commencing
January 1 of each year ending on December 31.

(t) "Retirement Date" means the date the Participant is eligible for and
retires under any qualified retirement plan maintained by the Company.

(u) "Shares" means the Company's Common Stock.

(v) "Subsidiary" means a corporation of which the Company owns stock
having fifty percent (50%) or more of the total voting power.

(w) "Valuation Date" means the last business day of each calendar month
and each special valuation date designated by the Administrative
Committee.

2.2 Number and Gender.

Wherever appropriate herein, words used in the singular shall be considered
to include the plural and words used in the plural shall be considered to
include the singular. The masculine gender, where appearing in the Plan,
shall be deemed to include the feminine gender.

2.3 Headings.

The headings of Articles and Sections herein are included solely for
convenience, and if there is any conflict between such headings and the
text of the Plan, the text shall control.

5

ARTICLE III
PARTICIPATION AND ELIGIBILITY
3.1 Participation.

Shares may be awarded only to full-time key Employees (including officers)
of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, who are responsible for, and
shall be considered by the Committee to be contributing significantly to,
the growth of the Company's business. A director of the Company who is not
also an Employee shall not be eligible to receive an award. In determining
the Employees to whom Shares shall be awarded, the number of Shares to be
covered by each award, and the terms, conditions and restrictions of each
award, the Committee may take into account any factors it may deem relevant
in connection with accomplishing the purpose of the Plan. An award of
Shares under the Plan to an employee shall not disqualify that employee for
a further award or awards.

Participants in the Plan who shall be eligible to exchange Shares pursuant
to Article V shall be limited to those employees who are (a) subject to the
income tax laws of the United States, (b) determined by the Company to be
members of a select group of highly compensated or management Employees of
the Company, and (c) selected by the Committee, in its sole discretion, as
Participants. The Administrative Committee shall notify each Participant of
eligibility under this paragraph. Subject to the provisions of Section 3.3,
a Participant shall remain eligible to continue participation in the Plan
for each Plan Year following his initial year of participation in the Plan,
provided the Participant continues to satisfy the requirements of this
Section 3.1.

3.2 Commencement of Participation.

An Employee shall become a Participant effective as of the date the
Administrative Committee determines.

3.3 Cessation of Active Participation.

Notwithstanding any provision herein to the contrary, an individual who has
become a Participant in the Plan shall cease to be a Participant hereunder
effective as of any date determined by the Administrative Committee.

ARTICLE IV
RESTRICTED STOCK
4.1 Restrictions.

The Committee may impose such restrictions on any award or any Shares
awarded pursuant to the Plan as it deems advisable (including restrictions
on transferability).

6


4.2 Removal of Restrictions.

Except as provided in Sections 4.7 and 4.12, the restrictions imposed by
the Committee on any award or any Shares awarded pursuant to the Plan shall
lapse as the Committee shall determine at the time of the award. Shares as
to which restrictions have lapsed shall not thereafter be forfeitable under
any circumstances.

4.3 Participant's Service.

Awards under the Plan shall not be affected by any change of duties or
position so long as the Participant continues to be a key Employee of the
Company or any of its subsidiaries. The agreement respecting each award may
contain such provisions as the Committee shall approve with reference to
the effect of approved leaves of absence. Nothing in the Plan or any
agreement pursuant to the Plan (whether written or unwritten) shall confer
upon any Employee any right to continue in the employment of the Company or
any of its Subsidiaries, shall interfere in any way with the right of the
Company or any of its Subsidiaries to terminate that Employment at any
time, or shall affect in any way the terms or conditions of employment.

4.4 Nontransferability.

Shares subject to restrictions shall not be transferable other than by will
or the laws of descent and distribution. In no event shall a Section 16
reporting person be entitled to sell or otherwise dispose of Shares awarded
under the Plan for period of six (6) months from the time of award without
the written consent of the Committee.

4.5 Stock Certificates.

The Committee may at any time require the placement of appropriate legends
on any certificate or certificates representing the Shares subject to
restrictions. The Committee may also require the retention by the Company
or the placement in escrow of any such certificate or certificates until
such certificate or certificates shall become deliverable following the
lapse of the restrictions. The Committee may require, as a condition of any
award, that the participant deliver to the Company a stock power relating
to Shares subject to an award, endorsed in blank and in all other ways
satisfactory to the Company (including, without limitation, as to a valid
and appropriate signature guaranty ensuring transferability of the Shares).

4.6 Termination of Employment.

Except as provided in Sections 4.7 and 4.12, effective as of the date of
termination of a Participant's Employment, for whatever reason, all or any
portion of an award for Shares still subject to restrictions (including
restrictions on transferability) shall automatically be forfeited. A
Participant shall have no rights or privileges as a shareholder or
otherwise with respect to Shares that have been forfeited. Shares no longer

7

subject to restrictions (including restrictions on transferability) shall
be fully vested and nonforfeitable.

4.7 Retirement or Death of Participant.

(a) In the event that Employment shall be terminated by the Normal
Retirement or death of a participant, the restrictions imposed by the
Committee on any Shares awarded pursuant to the Plan shall lapse upon
such termination.

(b) In the event that employment shall be terminated by the Early
Retirement of a Participant, the Committee may, but shall not be
obligated to, determine that the restrictions imposed by the Committee
on any Shares awarded pursuant to the Plan shall lapse upon such
termination.

4.8 Adjustments.

The Committee may make such adjustment, as the Committee determines to be
appropriate, in the number of Shares subject to outstanding awards and in
the number of Shares available for awards in order to compensate for the
effect of any change in the Company's capitalization or structure or in the
Shares or outstanding awards (including without limitation any change
arising through the declaration of a stock dividend or stock split or
through a spin-off, spin-out or other distribution of assets of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries to shareholders, whether payable in Shares or
other shares of stock of the Company or any of its subsidiaries, or through
reorganization, recapitalization, partial liquidation, merger,
consolidation or similar event, or through the sale or exchange of all or
substantially all of the Company's assets, or through stock splitups or
combinations or exchanges of Shares or other shares of stock of the Company
or any of its subsidiaries) or of any stock purchase pursuant to a tender
offer by the Company or any other party.

4.9 Approval of Shareholders.

No award may be made hereunder to any Section 16 reporting person prior to
the approval of the Plan by the Company's shareholders in accordance with
the Exchange Act.

4.10 Effectiveness of Awards.

Subject to Section 4.9, the date of the Committee's approval of the
awarding of Shares shall constitute the date of the award; provided that
the effectiveness of any award hereunder shall also be subject to the
execution of a restricted stock agreement and such other documentation as
the Committee may require.

8

4.11 Listing and Registration of Shares.

The Plan shall be subject to the requirement that if at any time the
Committee shall determine in its discretion that the listing, registration
or qualification of the Shares upon any securities exchange or under any
state or federal law, or the consent or approval of any governmental
regulatory body, is necessary or desirable as a condition of or in
connection with the issuance or delivery of the Shares or related
certificate pursuant to the Plan, no Shares may be issued and no
certificate representing any Shares may be delivered unless and until the
listing, registration, qualification, consent or approval shall have been
effected or obtained, and maintained, free of any conditions not acceptable
to the Committee.

4.12 Change in Control.

Immediately upon the occurrence of a Change in Control, the restrictions
imposed by the Committee on any Shares previously awarded pursuant to the
Plan shall lapse.

ARTICLE V
DEFERRALS
5.1 Deferrals by Participants.

Subject to the Agreement of the Committee, before the December 31
immediately preceding the first day of the Plan Year in which the
restrictions on Shares previously awarded lapse, a Participant may file
with the Committee one or more Deferral Agreements pursuant to which such
Participant elects to exchange Shares previously awarded for an equal
number of Deferred Stock Units, and defer payment of such Deferred Stock
Units for the Deferral Period(s) elected pursuant to Section 5.2. Deferred
Stock Units will be credited to the Account of each Participant as of the
day determined by the Committee.

5.2 Effective Date of Deferral Agreement.

Each Deferral Agreement shall become effective no later than the last day
of the Plan Year preceding the Plan Year in which the restrictions on
Shares deferred shall lapse.

5.3 Deferral Periods.

A Participant may elect on his Deferral Agreement, a Deferral Period of any
period of one (1) Plan Year or more. The Deferral Period must end no sooner
than the Participant's completion of at least one (1) year of
Participation. The Deferral Period shall in any event end upon termination

9

of employment, death, and disability. A Participant must specify, on the
Deferral Agreement, the Deferral Period for the Deferred Stock Units to
which the Deferral Agreement relates, subject to such rules as may be
established by the Administrative Committee from time to time. A
Participant may change an election of a Deferral Period, to either extend,
or shorten (subject to the second sentence of this Section 5.3) the
Deferral Period, at any time prior to the first day of the calendar year in
which the Deferral Period would otherwise end. The Deferral Period may not
be shortened to end in the then current taxable year of the Participant, or
the subsequent taxable year. In the event the Participant shortens the
Deferral Period, he shall forfeit an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of
the amount of his Account to which the shortened Deferral Period applies.

ARTICLE VI
ACCOUNTS

6.1 Establishment of Bookkeeping Accounts.

A separate bookkeeping account shall be maintained for each Participant's
Account. Such account shall be credited with the Deferred Stock Units made
by the Participant pursuant to Section 5.1.

6.2 Subaccounts.

Within each Participant's bookkeeping account, separate subaccounts shall
be maintained to the extent necessary for the administration of the Plan.
For example, it may be necessary to maintain separate subaccounts where the
Participant has specified different Deferral Periods, methods of payment
for different Plan Years.

6.3 Hypothetical Nature of Accounts.

The account established under this Article VI shall be hypothetical in
nature and shall be maintained for bookkeeping purposes only so that the
number and value of Deferred Stock Units can be determined. Neither the
Plan nor any of the accounts (or subaccounts) established hereunder shall
hold any actual funds or assets. The right of any person to receive one or
more payments under the Plan shall be only an unsecured claim against the
general assets of the Company. Any liability of the Company to any
Participant, former Participant, or Beneficiary with respect to a right to
payment shall be based solely upon contractual obligations created by the
Plan. Neither the Company, the Board, nor any other person shall be deemed
to be a trustee of any amounts to be paid under the Plan. Nothing contained
in the Plan, and no action taken pursuant to its provisions, shall create
or be construed to create a trust of any kind, or a fiduciary relationship,
between the Company and a Participant or any other person.

6.4 Vesting.

A Participant's Account shall become 100% vested and nonforfeitable upon
the maturity of the Deferred Stock Units credited to the Account, provided
the Participant's employment with the Company has not then terminated for
reasons other than stated in Section 4.7.

10

6.5 Dividend Equivalents

The Company shall pay to each Participant with respect to each Deferred
Stock Unit an amount equivalent to the dividends paid on each share of
Company Stock.

ARTICLE VII
PAYMENT OF ACCOUNT

7.1 Timing of Distribution of Benefits.

Distribution of Accounts to a Participant shall be made or commence
following the date the Deferral Period for such amounts ends, in accordance
with the Participant's election on his Deferral Agreement.

7.2 Form of Payment.

Accounts shall be distributed in accordance with the form of Shares.

7.3 Change in Control.

Upon termination of a Participant's employment following a Change in
Control, a Participant's Account shall be distributed in a single lump sum
payment.

7.4 Designation of Beneficiaries.

Each Participant shall have the right to designate the beneficiary or
beneficiaries to receive payment of his benefit in the event of his death.
A beneficiary designation shall be made by executing a beneficiary
designation form in the form attached hereto as Attachment 2, and filing
the same with the Committee. Any such designation may be changed at any
time by execution of a new designation in accordance with this Section. If
no such designation is on file with the Committee at the time of the death
of the Participant, or for any reason such designation is not effective, as
determined by the Committee, then the designated beneficiary or
beneficiaries to receive such benefit shall be the Participant's surviving
spouse, if any, or if none, the Participant's executor or administrator, or
his heirs at law if there is no administration of such Participant's
estate.

7.5 Unclaimed Benefits.

In the case of a benefit payable on behalf of such Participant, if the
Committee is unable to locate the Participant or beneficiary to whom such
benefit is payable, such benefit may be forfeited to the Company, upon the
Committee's determination. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if subsequent to
any such forfeiture but no later than six (6) years following such
forfeiture, the Participant or beneficiary to whom such benefit is payable
makes a valid claim for such benefit, such forfeited benefit shall be paid
by the Company or restored to the Plan by the Company.

11

ARTICLE VIII
DETERMINATION OF BENEFITS, CLAIMS
PROCEDURE AND ADMINISTRATION
8.1 Claims.

A person who believes that he is being denied a benefit to which he is
entitled under the Plan (hereinafter referred to as a "Claimant") may file
a written request for such benefits with the Committee, setting forth his
claim. The request must be addressed to the Committee at the Company at its
then principal place of business.

8.2 Claim Decision.

Upon receipt of a claim, the Committee shall make a determination of the
claim and reply to the claimant within ninety (90) days. The Company may,
however, extend the reply period for an additional ninety (90) days if
special circumstances require. If the claim is denied, the denial shall
explain the reason for the denial with specific reference to the provisions
of the Plan on which the denial is based. The Claimant may within (60) days
request a review of the denial and may submit comments or other material in
writing. The Company shall review the denial and render a decision within
sixty (60) days after receipt of the request for review, unless special
circumstances require an extension of such time to no more than one-hundred
twenty (120) days.

ARTICLE IX
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 Not Contract of Employment.

The adoption and maintenance of the Plan shall not be deemed to be a
contract between the Company and any person or to be consideration for the
employment of any person. Nothing herein contained shall be deemed to give
any person the right to be retained in the employ of the Company or to
restrict the rights of the Company to discharge any person at any time nor
shall the Plan be deemed to give the Company the right to require any
person to remain in the employ of the Company or to restrict any person's
right to terminate his employment at any time.

9.2 Non-Assignability of Benefits.

No Participant, Beneficiary or distributee of benefits under the Plan shall
have any power or right to transfer, assign, anticipate, hypothecate or
otherwise encumber any part or all of the amounts payable hereunder, which
are expressly declared to be unassignable and nontransferable. Any such
attempted assignment or transfer shall be void. No amount payable hereunder
shall, prior to actual payment thereof, be subject to seizure by any
creditor of any such Participant, Beneficiary or other distributee for the
payment of any debt, judgment or other obligation, by a proceeding at law
or in equity, nor transferable by operation of law in the event of the
bankruptcy, insolvency or death of such Participant, Beneficiary or other
distributee hereunder.
12


9.3 Withholding Tax.

The Committee shall have the right to require, prior to the issuance or
delivery of any Shares or any certificates representing any Shares awarded
pursuant to the Plan, that the participant pay to the Company the amount of
any taxes which the Company is required to withhold with respect to such
Shares in such manner as the Committee shall determine, including without
limitation by requiring the Company to retain a sufficient number of Shares
to cover the amount or any portion thereof required to be withheld.

9.4 Amendment and Termination.

The Company may from time to time, in its discretion, amend , in whole or
in part, any or all of the provisions of the Plan; provided, however, that
no amendment may be made that would impair the rights of a Participant with
respect to Shares, or to Deferred Stock Units or dividends allocated to his
Account, without the Participant's consent. The Company may terminate the
Plan at any time. In the event that the Plan is terminated, any balance in
the Participant's Account shall be paid to such Participant or his
Beneficiary in a single lump sum, in full satisfaction of all such
Participant's or Beneficiary's benefits hereunder.

9.5 No Trust Created.

Nothing contained in this Agreement, and no action taken pursuant to its
provisions by either party hereto, shall create, nor be construed to
create, a trust of any kind or a fiduciary relationship between the Company
and the Participant, his beneficiary, or any other person.

9.6 Unsecured General Creditor Status of Employee.

The payments to Participant, his Beneficiary, or any other distribute
hereunder shall be made from assets which shall continue, for all purposes,
to be a part of the general, unrestricted assets of the Company; no person
shall have nor acquire any interest in any such assets by virtue of the
provisions of this Agreement. The Company's obligation hereunder shall be
an unfunded and unsecured promise to pay money in the future. To the extent
that the Participant, Beneficiary, or other distribute acquires a right to
receive payments from the Company under the provisions hereof, such right
shall be no greater than the right of any unsecured general creditor of the
Company, no such person shall have nor require any legal or equitable
right, interest or claim in or to any property or assets of the Company. In
the event that, in its discretion, the Company purchases an insurance
policy, or policies, insuring the life of the Employee (or any other
property) to allow the Company to recover the cost of providing the
benefits, in whole, or in part, hereunder, neither the Participant,
Beneficiary or other distributee shall have nor acquire any rights
whatsoever therein or in the proceeds therefrom. The Company shall be the
sole owner and beneficiary of any such policy or policies and, as such,
shall possess and, may exercise all incidents of ownership therein. No such
policy, policies or other property shall be held in any trust for a
Participant, Beneficiary or other distribute or held as collateral security
for any obligation of the Company hereunder.

13

9.7 Severability.

If any provision of this Plan shall be held illegal or invalid for any
reason, said illegality or invalidity shall not affect the remaining
provisions hereof; instead, each provision shall be fully severable and the
Plan shall be construed and enforced as if said illegal or invalid
provision had never been included herein.

9.8 Governing Laws.

All provisions of the Plan shall be construed and enforced in accordance
with the laws of the State of Delaware, and in the courts situated in that
State, to the extent not preempted by Federal law, regardless of the law
which might otherwise govern under applicable Delaware conflicts of law
principles.

9.9 Binding Effect.

This Plan shall be binding on each Participant and his heirs and legal
representatives and on the Company and its successors and assigns.

9.10 Entire Agreement.

This document and any amendments contain all the terms and provisions of
the Plan and shall constitute the entire Plan, any other alleged terms or
provisions being of no effect.

9.11 Funding Upon Change In Control.

Upon a Change in Control, the Company shall immediately and fully fund the
value of all Accounts by contribution of such funds as may be necessary to
the Hancock Fabrics, Inc. Deferred Stock Unit Trust.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Plan to be properly
executed on the _______ day of ___________________, 2003.

ATTEST: HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.

By: ---------------------------------
- ---------------------------------
Title: Title: ---------------------------------
---------------------------

14


DEFERRAL AGREEMENT

To the Plan Administrator of the Hancock Fabrics, Inc. Amended and Restated
1995 Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock Unit Plan ("Plan").

In accordance with the Section 5.1 of the Plan, I enter into this Deferral
Agreement ("Agreement) with Hancock Fabrics, Inc. (the "Employer"). I elect
to exchange ____ Shares for ______ Deferred Stock Units.

(1) The Employer will establish a bookkeeping account on my behalf for the
Deferred Stock Units.

(2) This Agreement remains in effect until I revoke the Agreement. I may revoke
this Agreement by filing a new Agreement at any time.

(3) I am not vested in my Deferred Stock Units until they reach their maturity
date or an event described in Section 4.7 of the Plan occurs.

(4) The Deferred Stock Units, or shares converted from such Deferred Stock
Units, will not be paid to me until the date(s) determined in accordance
with the terms of the Plan and no earlier than ________________.


Dated this _____ day of ___________________, 200__, by the Participant and
the Employer.

EMPLOYER: PARTICIPANT:

HANCOCK FABRICS, INC.
----------------------------------
Signature

By: ----------------------------- ----------------------------------
Printed Name

----------------------------------
Social Security Number

Attachment 1


DESIGNATION OF BENEFICIARY

To the Plan Administrator of the Hancock Fabrics, Inc. Amended and Restated 1995
Restricted Stock and Deferred Stock Unit Plan (the "Plan"):

RE:
--------------------------------------------, Participant
Social Security Number:
---------------------

Pursuant to the provisions of the Plan permitting the designation of a
beneficiary or beneficiaries by a participant, I hereby designate the following
person or persons as primary and contingent beneficiaries of my Account under
the Plan payable by reason of my death:

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Primary Beneficiary(ies) [Include address and relationship):


- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Contingent Beneficiary(ies) [Include address and relationship]:

I RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REVOKE OR CHANGE ANY BENEFICIARY DESIGNATION. I
HEREBY REVOKE ALL PRIOR DESIGNATIONS (IF ANY) OF PRIMARY BENEFICIARIES AND
CONTINGENT BENEFICIARIES.

The Plan Administrator will pay all sums payable under the Plan by reason
of my death to the primary beneficiary, if he or she survives me, and if no
primary beneficiary survives me, then to the contingent beneficiary, and if no
named beneficiary survives me, then the Plan Administrator shall pay all amounts
in accordance with the terms of the Plan.

- --------------------------------- -------------------------------------
Date of this Designation Signature of Participant

Attachment 2


Exhibit 13

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

Overview

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. is a retail and wholesale merchant of fabric and related
home sewing and decorating accessories.

Critical Accounting Policies and 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 recorded amount of assets and
liabilities at the date of the financial statements and revenues and expenses
during the period. Significant accounting policies employed by Hancock,
including the use of estimates and assumptions, are presented in the Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements. Management bases its estimates on its
historical experience, together with other relevant factors, in order to form
the basis for making judgments, which will affect the carrying values of assets
and liabilities. On an ongoing basis, management evaluates its estimates and
makes changes to carrying values as deemed necessary. Hancock believes that
estimates related to the following areas involve a higher degree of judgment
and/or complexity:

Inventories. Inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market;
cost is determined by the LIFO method. As with other retailers, it is
not practical to perform physical inventory counts for all stores on
the last day of a period; therefore, certain assumptions must be made
in order to record cost of sales and the related change in inventory
for the period of time from each store's most recent physical count to
the end of the period. Although, under certain circumstances, actual
results could prove to be materially different from the estimates used,
Hancock has consistently used the same methodology throughout its
existence with dependable results, and management believes that it
provides an inventory valuation which results in carrying inventory at
the lower of cost or market.

Insurance Reserves. Workers' compensation, general liability and
employee medical insurance programs are largely self-insured. It is
Hancock's policy to record its self-insurance liabilities using
estimates of claims incurred but not yet reported or paid, based on
historical trends and other relevant factors. Actual results can vary
from estimates for many reasons including, among others, future
inflation rates, claim settlement patterns, litigation trends and legal
interpretations.

Store Closing Reserves. Store closing reserves are based on estimates
of net lease obligations and other store closing costs, including
assumptions about anticipated future subleases of properties. If real
estate leasing markets change, the reserves will have to be adjusted.

Pension and Postretirement Benefit Obligations. The value of assets and
liabilities associated with pension and postretirement benefits is
determined on an actuarial basis. These values are affected by the
market value of plan assets, estimates of the expected return on plan
assets and the discount rates. Hancock determines the discount rates
using changes in the rates of high quality, fixed income investments.
Actual changes in the fair market value of plan assets, differences
between the actual return and the expected return on plan assets and
changes in the discount rate used affect the amount of pension expense
recognized.

Valuation of Long-Lived Assets. Hancock periodically reviews the net
realizable value of long-lived assets whenever events and circumstances
indicate impairment has occurred. In the event that the carrying values
of long-lived assets are in excess of estimated gross future cash flows
for those assets, the values of the assets are written down to a level
commensurate with a discounted cash flow analysis of the estimated
future cash flows.

1


Goodwill. Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the
fair value of the net assets acquired. In accordance with the
provisions of SFAS 142, Hancock ceased amortizing goodwill effective
February 4, 2002. On an annual basis, the fair value of Hancock's
reporting units are compared with their carrying values. If the
carrying value of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value, Hancock
would recognize the difference as an impairment charge. The fair value
of the reporting unit is estimated using the discounted present value
of future cash flows.


Results of Operations

The following table presents the percentage of sales for the periods indicated
and percentage changes from period to period of certain items included in the
Consolidated Statement of Income:



Percent Change
Percent of Net Sales from Prior Year
-------------------------- ------------------------
2002 2001 2000 2002 2001 2000
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----

Sales 100.0% 100.0% 100.0% 6.4% 6.9% 1.0%
Comparable store sales 8.3% 6.3% 2.0%
Gross margin 51.1% 51.1% 50.8%

Selling, general and
administrative expense 42.6% 43.9% 44.5% 3.4% 5.5% 1.9%
Pretax earnings 7.1% 5.6% 4.4% 35.9% 35.0% 60.1%
Net earnings 4.5% 3.6% 2.8% 35.9% 34.9% 59.4%


(Page 8 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

2

2002 vs. 2001

Sales in 2002 increased $26.4 million from 2001, due to an 8.3% increase in
comparable store sales, partially offset by having one fewer week in 2002 which
added $8 million to sales in 2001 and a decrease in the number of stores.
Hancock closed 36 stores and opened 27 in 2002, resulting in 430 stores at year
end.

Comparable store sales benefited from the continued repositioning of the store
base, the remerchandising of Hancock's product mix and efforts to appeal to a
more diverse customer base. The store repositioning strategy has consisted of
closing smaller, low potential stores that were often located too close
together, while opening or acquiring larger stores spaced farther apart to
better support an expanded product offering within Hancock's core merchandise
competency. The store-within-a-store home decorating concept introduced in late
2000 has now reached 285 stores, and the decorating category increased to 27% of
sales in 2002, up from 24% in 2001.

Gross margins were 51.1% in both 2002 and 2001. The effects of adjustments to
the LIFO (last-in, first-out) reserve, reflecting inflation in inventories, were
to increase pretax earnings by $1.5 million in 2002 compared to a reduction in
2001 of $125 thousand.

Total selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of sales
decreased to 42.6% from 43.9% in 2001 due to leverage from comparable store
sales increases, improved store labor controls and a third-quarter gain of $690
thousand (pretax) on the sale of real estate. Such improvements were partially
offset by rising employee health insurance and higher pension costs resulting
from a three-year weakness in investment returns. During 2002, pension expense
was $1.2 million higher than in the previous year due to the negative returns on
plan assets and a reduction in the discount rate assumption. It is likely that
pension expense will increase by an additional $1.2 million in 2003.

Interest expense decreased due to a reduced level of outstanding debt and lower
interest rates throughout 2002. At year end, no borrowings were outstanding
under Hancock's credit facilities. Income tax expense increased by $3.0 million
in 2002 due to the improvement in pretax earnings over 2001. The effective tax
rate was 36.3% in both years.

2001 vs. 2000

Sales in 2001 increased $26.6 million from 2000, primarily due to a 6.3%
increase in comparable store sales and an extra week during the 53-week fiscal
year, which added approximately $8 million of sales. These increases were
partially offset by a reduction in sales of $4.9 million from net store opening
and closing activity. Hancock closed 32 stores and opened 28 in 2001, resulting
in a total of 439 stores at year end.

Comparable store sales benefited from the continuing efforts to reposition
Hancock's store base and to remerchandise its product mix to attract a broader
group of consumers, while better serving the existing customer base. The
store-within-a-store home decorating concept was first introduced in Hancock's
stores in late 2000 and was rapidly expanded in 2001, growing from 37 units to
161 at year end. In addition, a home accents product line added in 1999 has
continued to grow steadily as a logical extension of the home decorating
business. During 2001, home decorating sales increased to 24% of total sales
from 22% in 2000 as a result of the merchandising enhancements. Improvements in
the productivity of advertising also contributed to higher comparable store
sales in 2001. Despite spending over $1.0 million less in advertising, sales
increased $26.6 million over the previous year.

Hancock's gross margin improved in 2001 due to growth in the higher-margin home
decorating categories, together with changes in advertising promotions, which
stressed value more than price. The effects of adjustments to the LIFO (last-in,
first-out) reserve, reflecting inflation in inventories, were to reduce pretax
earnings by $125 thousand in 2001 and by $650 thousand in 2000.

Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased as a percentage of sales
in 2001 as a result of more efficient advertising and the leverage of fixed
expenses created by the comparable store sales increase. Advertising expense
decreased to 3.7% of sales in 2001 from 4.2% in 2000.

Interest expense decreased by $1.1 million in 2001 due to a declining interest
rate environment and a reduction in average outstanding borrowings from $25

3

million to $18 million. At year end, no borrowings were outstanding under
Hancock's unsecured credit facility. Income tax expense increased by $2.2
million in 2001 due to the improvement in pretax earnings over 2000. The
effective tax rate was 36.3% in both years.


Financial Position

Hancock traditionally maintains a strong financial position as evidenced by the
following information as of the end of fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000 (dollars
in thousands):

2002 2001 2000
-------- -------- ---------

Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,589 $ 6,914 $ 3,891
Net cash flows provided (used):
Operating activites $ 11,714 $ 27,984 $ 22,848
Investing activities $(16,042) $(10,395) $ (3,635)
Financing activites $ 2,003 $(14,566) $(22,226)
Working capital $ 80,239 $ 79,368 $ 79,877
Long-term indebtedness to total
capitalization 0.0% 0.0% 16.2%

Historically, Hancock has financed its operations with internally generated cash
flow. Cash flows from operating activities were lower in 2002 than in recent
years as a result of voluntary contributions totaling $17.4 million to the
Hancock's pension plan made to improve the funding status of the plan and to
reduce pension expense in the future. Cash flows used in investing activities
increased as a result of the purchase of a new distribution facility for $7.7
million. Cash flows were provided by financing activities due to $14.1 million
in stock option proceeds, partially offset by $6.2 million of treasury stock
purchases and $6.1 million of cash dividends.

(Page 9 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

4

Over the past three years, cash flows from operations were sufficient to allow
Hancock to repay $31 million of debt, purchase over $31 million of property and
equipment, pay almost $11 million of dividends and purchase over $12 million of
treasury stock.

In prior years and continuing in 2002, Hancock has repurchased 12.4 million
shares, or almost 40% of its outstanding stock. Hancock plans to use future cash
in excess of operating needs and capital investment, for the payment of cash
dividends and the purchase of treasury stock as market and financial conditions
dictate. As of February 2, 2003, 1,039,693 shares were available for repurchase
under Hancock's most recent authorization.


Liquidity and Capital Resources

Hancock's primary capital requirements are for the financing of inventories and,
to a lesser extent, for capital expenditures relating to store locations and its
distribution facility. Funds for such purposes are generated from Hancock's
operations and, if necessary, supplemented by borrowings from commercial
lenders.

Capital expenditures amounted to $17.1 million in 2002, $10.5 million in 2001
and $4.0 million in 2000. The capital costs associated with remodeling 244
stores and opening 64 new stores during the three-year period, the acquisition
of a new distribution center, normal capital maintenance for stores and the
distribution center and the purchase of the land and buildings for two new
stores accounted for the majority of these expenditures.

Hancock estimates that capital expenditures for 2003 will approximate $25 to $30
million. Anticipated expenditures include approximately $16 to $18 million
related to additions to be made to the new distribution center and construction
of new corporate offices, together with the costs for approximately 35 to 40
planned new stores, the remodeling of approximately 60 to 70 stores and
maintenance capital expenditures in the existing retail stores and distribution
center. Internally generated funds supplemented by borrowings are expected to be
sufficient to finance anticipated capital requirements in the near term.

In addition to its operating cash flows, Hancock has two revolving credit
facilities available with three banks, which provide a total of $50 million of
borrowing capacity. Management believes the total of $50 million is adequate for
Hancock's foreseeable needs in the near term. As of February 2, 2003, Hancock
had no debt outstanding under its revolving credit agreements.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Hancock has no off-balance sheet financing arrangements. However, Hancock does
finance the use of its retail fabric locations under noncancelable operating
leases. Since the terms of these arrangements meet the definition of operating
leases, the sum of the future lease payments is not reflected on Hancock's
balance sheet. Such minimum rental payments are reflected in the table below.

Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
(in thousands)

Less More
than 1 1-3 3-5 than 5
Contractual Obligations Total Year Years Years Years
------------------------------------------------
Minimum rental payments $146,546 $28,775 $48,975 $34,449 $34,347
Standby LC for insuarance 3,520 3,520
Trade LC's 2,966 2,966
------------------------------------------------
Total $153,032 $35,261 $48,975 $34,449 $34,347
================================================
5


As disclosed in Note 6 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Hancock has two
arrangements with a bank that provide for up to $8.5 million in letters of
credit.

The Company has no standby repurchase obligations or guarantees of other
entities' debt.

Related Party Transactions

Hancock has no balances with any related parties, nor has it had any material
transactions with related parties during the three-year period reflected in the
Consolidated Statement of Income.

Effects of Inflation

The impact of inflation on labor and occupancy costs can significantly affect
Hancock's operations. Many of Hancock's employees are paid hourly rates related
to Federal and State minimum wage requirements; accordingly, any increases will
affect Hancock. In addition, payroll taxes, employee benefits and other employee
costs continue to increase. Health insurance costs, in particular, continue to
rise at an unsettling rate in the United States each year, and higher employer
contributions to the Hancock's pension plan have been necessary recently in
light of weaker investment returns. Costs of leases for new store locations
remain stable, but renewal costs of older leases continue to increase. Property
and casualty insurance premiums are now increasing substantially after several
years of soft pricing in the insurance industry. Hancock believes the practice
of maintaining adequate operating margins through a combination of price
adjustments and cost controls, careful evaluation of occupancy needs and
efficient purchasing practices are the most effective tools for coping with
increased costs and expenses.

Inflation is one of the key factors used in the calculation of the LIFO charge
or credit to Cost of Sales. In 2000 and 2001, increases in the PPI, which more
than offset the effect of inventory reductions, resulted in a LIFO charge in
both years. A deflationary trend in product costs in 2002 caused a LIFO credit.

(Page 10 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
6

Seasonality

Hancock's business is slightly seasonal. Peak sales periods occur during the
fall and pre-Easter weeks, while the lowest sales periods occur during the
summer and the month of January.

Forward-Looking Statements

From time to time, Hancock may publish forward-looking statements relating to
such matters as anticipated financial performance, financial items and results,
plans for future expansion, store closures and other business development
activities, capital spending or financing sources, capital structure and similar
matters. The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides a safe
harbor for forward-looking statements. In order to comply with the terms of the
safe harbor, Hancock notes that a variety of factors could cause Hancock's
actual results and experience to differ materially from the anticipated results
or other expectations expressed in Hancock's forward-looking statements. The
risks and uncertainties that may affect the operations, performance, development
and results of Hancock's business include, but are not limited to, stability of
interest rates during periods of borrowings and the effects of regulation,
general economic trends, changes in consumer demand or purchase patterns, delays
or interruptions in the flow of merchandise between Hancock's suppliers and/or
its distribution center and its stores, disruption in Hancock's data processing
services, and competitive changes, including, but not limited to, liquidations
of inventory in Hancock's markets in connection with a competitor's store
closings or need to dispose of old inventory.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 143, Accounting for Asset Retirement
Obligations. SFAS 143 requires that obligations associated with the retirement
of a tangible long-lived asset be recorded as a liability when those obligations
are incurred, with the amount of the liability initially measured at fair value.
Upon initially recognizing a liability for an asset retirement obligation
("ARO"), an entity must capitalize the cost by recognizing an increase in the
carrying amount of the related long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is
accreted to its present value each period, and the capitalized cost is
depreciated over the useful life of the related asset. Upon settlement of the
liability, an entity either settles the obligation for its recorded amount or
incurs a gain or loss upon settlement. The Statement will be effective for
financial statements for fiscal years beginning after June 15, 2002. Hancock
does not believe that the adoption of this statement will have a material impact
on its financial statements.

In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4,
44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections as of
April 2002. This statement eliminates an inconsistency between the required
accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for
certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to
sale-leaseback transactions. This Statement also amends other existing
authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify
meanings, or describe their applicability under changed conditions, and it
eliminates the treatment of early extinguishments of debt as extraordinary
items. The provisions of this Statement related to the rescission of SFAS 4
shall be applied in fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions
related to SFAS 13 shall be effective for transactions occurring after May 15,
2002. All other provisions of this Statement shall be effective for financial
statements issued on or after May 15, 2002. Hancock does not believe that
adoption of this statement will have a material impact on its financial
statements.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities. This Statement addresses financial accounting and
reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies
Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for
Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity
(including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). This Statement requires
that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be
recognized when the liability is incurred rather than at the date of an entity's

7

commitment as provided under Issue 94-3. This Statement also establishes that
fair value is the objective for initial measurement of the liability. The
provisions of this Statement are effective for exit or disposal activities that
are initiated after December 31, 2002. Hancock does not believe adoption of the
provisions of this statement will have a material impact on its financial
statements.

On December 31, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation - Transitional and Disclosure - an amendment of FAS 123, which is
intended to encourage the adoption of the accounting provisions of SFAS 123.
Under the provisions of SFAS 148, companies that choose to adopt the accounting
provisions of SFAS 123 will be permitted to select from three transition
methods. SFAS 148 also mandates certain new disclosures that are incremental to
those required by SFAS 123. The transition and annual disclosure provisions of
SFAS 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. Hancock
adopted the disclosure provisions of this statement as of February 2, 2003.
Because Hancock did not adopt the accounting provisions of SFAS 148, there was
no financial impact associated with this adoption.

On November 25, 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, or FIN 45,
Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and Interpretation of FASB
Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. FIN
45 clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies,
relating to the guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of
certain types of guarantees. The disclosure provisions of FIN 45 are effective
for financial statements of interim or annual periods that end after December
15, 2002. Hancock adopted FIN 45 as of February 2, 2003 and there was no
financial impact associated with the adoption.

During January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities. FIN 46 provides guidance for companies having ownership of
variable interest entities, typically referred to as special purpose entities,
in determining whether to consolidate such variable interest entities. FIN 46
has immediate applicability for variable interest entities created after January
31, 2003 or interests in variable interest entities obtained after that date.
For interests in variable interest entities obtained prior to February 1, 2003,
FIN 46 becomes effective on July 1, 2003. Because Hancock does not hold an
interest in an entity governed by the pronouncement, Hancock does not believe
the adoption will have a significant effect on its consolidated financial
position or results of operations.

(Page 11 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
8


Consolidated Statement of Income
Years Ended February 2, 2003, February 3, 2002 and
January 28, 2001
(in thousands, except per share amounts)



2002 2001 2000
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales $438,287 $411,857 $ 385,245
Costofgoodssold 214,374 201,315 189,411
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gross profit 223,913 210,542 195,834
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Selling, general and administrative expense 186,908 180,731 171,269
Depreciation and amortization 5,456 5,628 5,289
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Operating income 31,549 24,183 19,276

Other expense (income)
Interest expense 372 1,283 2,410
Interest income (108) (116) (187)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings before income taxes Incometaxes 31,285 23,016 17,053
11,357 8,357 6,186
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net earnings and comprehensive income $ 19,928 $ 14,659 $ 10,867
=======================================================================================================

Earnings per share
Basic $ 1.12 $ .87 $ .65
Diluted $ 1.06 $ .85 $ .65
=======================================================================================================

Weighted average shares outstanding
Basic 17,847 16,763 16,810
Diluted 18,889 17,187 16,815
=======================================================================================================

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Page 12 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
9

Consolidated Balance Sheet


------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 2, 2003 and February 3, 2002
(in thousands, except for share and per share amounts) 2002 2001
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Assets
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents $ 4,589 S 6,914
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts 1,100 1,339
Inventories 144,061 135,672
Prepaid expenses 2,570 1,317
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 152,320 145,242

Property and equipment, at depreciated cost 41,853 30,607
Deferredtaxasset 3,921 7,654
Pension payment in excess ofrequired contribution 18,829 3,424
Goodwill 4,480 4,480
Other assets 3,563 4,142
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total assets $224,966 S195,549
======================================================================================================

Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity
Current liabilities:
Accountspayable $ 44,357 $ 40,147
Accrued liabilities 19,557 18,395
Deferred tax liabilities 3,078 2,969
Income taxes 5,089 4,363
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 72,081 65,874
Postretirement benefits other than pensions 21,976 21,871
Reserve for store closings 878 2,056
Other liabilities 4,862 5,145
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities 99,797 94,946
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Commitments and contingencies (See Notes 7 and 12)

Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, $.Ol par value; 80,000,000 shares authorized;
31,481,715 and 30,246,101 issued and outstanding, respectively 315 302
Additional paid-in capital 63,805 47,487
Retained earnings 209,597 195,738
Treasury stock, at cost, 12,431,937 and 12,010,594
shares held, respectively (142,545) (136,311)
Deferred compensation on restricted stock incentive plan (6,003) (6,613)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders'equity 125,169 100,603
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $224,966 $195,549
======================================================================================================


See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Page 13 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
10

Consolidated Statement of Cash flows


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Years Ended February 2, 2003, February 3, 2002 and January 28, 2002 2001 2000
2001 (in thousands)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net earnings and comprehensive income $ 19,928 $ 14,659 $ 10,867
Adjustments to reconcile net eamings to cash
provided by (used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 5,456 5,628 5,289
LIFO charge (credit) (1,525) 125 650
Deferred income taxes 3,842 1,075 893
Amortization of deferred compensation on
restricted stock incentive plan 2,241 2,006 2,173
Closed stores reserve charges (credits) (284) 128 -
(Gain) loss on disposition ofproperty and equipment (660) 159 60
Imputed interest expense on closed stores reserve 159 198 253
Issuance of shares as compensation for professional services 25 15 95
(Increase) decrease in assets
Receivables and prepaid expenses (1,014) (390) 1,677
Inventory at current cost (6,864) 2,860 1,443
Pension payment in excess ofrequired contribution (15,405) (346) (3,078)
Other noncurrent assets 579 (270) (2,191)
Increase (decrease) in liabilities
Accounts payable 4,210 1 ,482 (407)
Accrued liabilities 1,119 3,265 3,350
Current income tax obligations 1,095 (1,879) 3,123
Postretirement benefits other than pensions 105 593 383
Payments against closed stores reserve (1,010) (1,518) (2,729)
Other liabilities (283) 194 997
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by operating activities 11,714 27,984 22,848
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to property and equipment (17,089) (10,478) (4,041)
Proceeds from the disposition of property and equipment 1,047 83 138
Acquisition of Mae's stores - - 268
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (16,042) (10,395) (3,635)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flows from financing activities:
Repayments on revolving credit agreement - (16,000) (15,000)
Purchase of treasury stock (6,234) (728) (5,497)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options 14,127 4,829 -
Issuance of shares under directors' stock plan 179 171 36
Cash dividends paid (6,069) (2,838) (1,765)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 2,003 (14,566) (22,226)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (2,325) 3,023 (3,013)
Cash and cash equivalents:
Beginning of period 6,914 3,891 6,904
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
End of period $ 4,589 $ 6,914 $ 3,891
==============================================================================================================
Supplemental disclosures:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest $ 372 $ 1,293 $ 2,407
Income taxes $ 3,590 $ 8,112 $ 3,029
==============================================================================================================

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Page 14 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
11

Consolidated Statement of Shareholders' Equity



Years Ended February 2, 2003, February 3, 2002 and Jaunuary 28, 2001 (in
thousands, except number of shares)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock Additional Treasury Stock Total
----------------- Paid-in Retained --------------------- Deferred Shareholders'
Shares Amount Capital Earnings Shares Amount Compensation Equity
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance January 30, 2000 29,139,726 $ 291 $ 39,142 $174,815 (10,487,738) $(130,086) (7,295) $ 76,867
Net earnings and comprehensive income 10,867 10,867
Cash dividends ($10 per share) (1,765) (1,765)
Issuance of restricted stock 21,500 64 (64)
Cancellation ofrestricted stock (2,700) (18) 18
Amortization and vesting of deferred
compensation on restricted stock
incentive plan (224) 2,173 1,949
Issuance of shares under
directors'stockplan 9,521 36 36
Issuance of shares as compensation for 22,288 1 94 95
professional services
Purchase of treasury stock (1,418,000) (5,497) (5,497)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance January 28, 2001 29,190,335 292 39,094 183,917 (11,905,738) (135,583) (5,168) 82,552
Net earnings and comprehensive income 14,659 14,659
Cash dividends ($16 per share) (2,838) (2,838)
Issuance ofrestricted stock 459,100 5 3,477 (3,482)
Cancellation ofrestricted stock (4,100) (31) 31
Amortization and vesting of deferred
compensation on restricted stock
incentive plan (63) 2,006 1,943
Issuance of shares under
directors'stockplan 20,189 171 171
Issuance of shares as compensation for 1,527 15 15
professional services
Purchase oftreasury stock (104,856) (728) (728)
Stock options exercised 579,050 5 4,824 4,829
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance February 3, 2002 30,246,101 302 47,487 195,738 (12,010,594) (136,311) (6,613) 100,603
Net earnings and comprehensive income 19,928 19,928
Cash dividends (5.32 per share) (6,069) (6,069)
Issuance ofrestricted stock 97,600 1 1,764 (1,765)
Cancellation ofrestricted stock (16,400) (134) 134
Amortization and vesting of deferred
compensation on restricted stock
incentive plan 369 2,241 2,610
Issuance of shares under directors'
stock plan 10,911 179 179
Issuance of shares as compensation for
professional services 1,528 25 25
Purchase oftreasury stock (421,343) (6,234) (6,234)
Stock options exercised 1,141,975 12 14,115 14,127
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance February 2, 2003 31,481,715 $ 315 $63,805 $209,597 $(12,431,937) (142,545) (6,003) $ 125,169
===================================================================================================================================

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

(Page 15 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

12

Notes to consolidated Financial Statements

Note 1 - Description of Business

Hancock Fabrics, Inc. ("Hancock") is a retail and wholesale merchant of fabric
and related home sewing and decorating accessories. Hancock operates 430 stores
in 42 states, supplies various independent wholesale customers and operates an
internet store under its two domain names, hancockfabrics.com and
homedecoratingaccents.com. Hancock conducts business in one business segment and
follows the requirements of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS")
No. 131, Disclosures about Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information.

Note 2 - Summary of Accounting Policies

Consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Hancock and its wholly
owned subsidiaries. All intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated.
Hancock maintains its financial records on a 52-53 week fiscal year ending on
the Sunday closest to January 31. Fiscal years 2002, 2001 and 2000, as used
herein, refer to the years ended February 2, 2003, February 3, 2002 and January
28, 2001, respectively. Fiscal year 2001 contained 53 weeks and fiscal years
2002 and 2000 each contained 52 weeks.

Use of estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amount of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amount of revenues and expenses during
the reporting period is required by management in the preparation of the
financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted
in the United States of America. Actual results could differ from those
estimates.

Revenue recognition occurs at the time of sale of merchandise to Hancock's
customers. Sales include the sale of merchandise from Company-owned stores, net
of returns and exclusive of sales taxes. Sales to independent wholesale
customers are recorded based on the shipping terms with customers.

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, amounts due from banks and
repurchase agreements having original maturities of three months or less and are
reflected as such for purposes of reporting cash flows.

Inventories consist of fabrics, sewing notions and related accessories held for
resale and are valued at the lower of cost or market; cost is determined by the
last-in, first-out ("LIFO") method. The current cost of inventories exceeded the
LIFO cost by approximately $38 million at February 2, 2003 and $40 million at
February 3, 2002.

Depreciation is computed by use of the straight-line method over the estimated
useful lives of buildings, fixtures and equipment. Leasehold costs and
improvements are amortized over the lesser of their estimated useful lives or
the remaining lease term. Average depreciable lives are as follows: buildings
and improvements 15-30 years; fixtures and equipment 3-8 years; and
transportation equipment 3-5 years.

Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred and major
improvements are capitalized.

Advertising, including production costs, is charged to expense the first day of
the advertising period. Advertising expense for 2002, 2001 and 2000, was $15.5
million, $15.2 million and $16.2 million, respectively.

Pre-opening costs of new stores are charged to expense as incurred in accordance
with Statement of Position 98-5, Reporting on the Costs of Start-up Activities.

Long-term investments are recorded using the equity method of accounting.

Earnings per share is presented for basic and diluted earnings per share. Basic
earnings per share excludes dilution and is computed by dividing income
available to common shareholders by the weighted-average number of common shares
outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential

13

dilution that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock
were exercised or converted into common stock or resulted in the issuance of
common stock that then shared in the earnings of Hancock (see Note 11).

Financial instruments are evaluated pursuant to SFAS No. 107, Disclosures about
Fair Value of Financial Instruments. The following methods and assumptions were
used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument: cash and
receivables - the carrying amounts approximate fair value because of the short
maturity of those instruments; long-term debt - the fair value of Hancock's
long-term debt is estimated based on the current borrowing rates available to
Hancock for bank loans with similar terms and average maturities. There was no
long-term debt outstanding at February 2, 2003 or February 3, 2002. Throughout
all years presented, Hancock did not have any financial derivative instruments
outstanding.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the difference
between the financial statement and tax bases of assets and liabilities, using
enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected
to reverse.

Stock options are accounted for using the methods prescribed by Accounting
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.
Compensation cost for stock options is measured as the excess, if any, of the
quoted market price of Hancock's stock at the date of grant over the amount an
employee must pay to acquire the stock. Pro forma information regarding net
income and earnings per share as calculated under the provisions of SFAS No.
123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, is presented below (in thousands,
except for per share amounts):



2002 2001 2000
--------- -------- --------

Net earnings, as reported $19,928 $14,659 $10,867
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation
expense determined under fair value based method
for all awards, net of related tax effects (604) (515) (629)
--------- -------- --------
Pro forma net earnings $19,324 $14,144 $10,238
========= ======== ========
Earnings per share:
Basic - as reported $ 1.12 $ .87 $ .65
========= ======== ========
Basic - pro forma $ 1.08 $ .84 $ .61
========= ======== ========
Diluted - as reported $ 1.06 $ .85 $ .65
========= ======== ========
Diluted - pro forma $ 1.02 $ .82 $ .61
========= ======== ========

(Page 16 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

14

Comprehensive income is reported in accordance with SFAS No. 130, Reporting
Comprehensive Income. Hancock did not have any comprehensive income items as
defined by SFAS 130 in any of the three fiscal years in the period ended
February 2, 2003.

Treasury stock is repurchased periodically by Hancock. These treasury stock
transactions are recorded using the cost method.

Recently Adopted Accounting Pronouncements include SFAS No. 141, Business
Combinations, issued in July 2002 by the Financial Accounting Standards Board
("FASB"). SFAS 141 requires that the purchase method of accounting be used for
all business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001. Goodwill and certain
intangible assets will remain on the balance sheet and not be amortized. Hancock
implemented SFAS 141 on July 1, 2002. This statement had no effect on Hancock's
consolidated financial position or results of operations.

In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible
Assets. SFAS 142 changes the accounting for goodwill and other indefinite-lived
intangible assets from an amortization method to an impairment-only approach.
Amortization of goodwill and other indefinite-lived intangible assets cease upon
adoption of this statement. Hancock adopted SFAS 142 in 2002. The transitional
impairment test of goodwill was performed in the fourth quarter and no
impairment was noted. The only change in the carrying amount of goodwill in 2001
resulted from amortization expense of $383,000. The following table presents net
earnings and earnings per share as adjusted for goodwill amortization, net of
income tax expense, recognized in periods prior to the adoption of SFAS 142 (in
thousands, except per share amounts):

2001 2000
------- -------
Reported net earnings $14,659 $10,867
Add: Goodwill amortization, net of
income taxes 244 244
------- -------
Adjusted net earnings 14,903 11,111
======= =======
Basic net earnings per share $ .89 $ .66
======= =======
Diluted net earnings per share $ .87 $ .66
======= =======

In October 2001, the FASB issued SFAS No. 144, Accounting for the Impairment or
Disposal of Long-Lived Assets, effective for years beginning after December 15,
2001. This Statement supersedes SFAS No. 121, Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed of, but retains the fundamental provision of
SFAS 121 for recognition and measurement of the impairment of long-lived assets
to be held and used and measurement of long-lived assets to be held for sale.
The statement requires that whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that a long-lived asset's carrying value may not be recoverable, the asset
should be tested for recoverability. The statement also requires that a
long-lived asset classified as held for sale should be carried at the lower of
its carrying value or fair value, less cost to sell. Hancock's adoption of the
provisions of SFAS 144 did not have a material effect on the financial
statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements not fully implemented include SFAS No.
143, Accounting for Asset Retirement Obligations. SFAS 143 requires that
obligations associated with the retirement of a tangible long-lived asset be
recorded as a liability when those obligations are incurred, with the amount of
the liability initially measured at fair value. Upon initially recognizing a
liability for an asset retirement obligation ("ARO"), an entity must capitalize
the cost by recognizing an increase in the carrying amount of the related
long-lived asset. Over time, the liability is accreted to its present value each
period, and the capitalized cost is depreciated over the useful life of the
related asset. Upon settlement of the liability, an entity either settles the
obligation for its recorded amount or incurs a gain or loss upon settlement. The
Statement will be effective for financial statements for fiscal years beginning
after June 15, 2002. Hancock does not believe that the adoption of this
statement will have a material impact on its financial statements.

15

In May 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 145, Rescission of FASB Statements No. 4,
44, and 64, Amendment of FASB Statement No. 13 and Technical Corrections as of
April 2002. This statement eliminates an inconsistency between the required
accounting for sale-leaseback transactions and the required accounting for
certain lease modifications that have economic effects that are similar to
sale-leaseback transactions. This Statement also amends other existing
authoritative pronouncements to make various technical corrections, clarify
meanings, or describe their applicability under changed conditions, and it
eliminates the treatment of early extinguishments of debt as extraordinary
items. The provisions of this Statement related to the rescission of SFAS 4
shall be applied in fiscal years beginning after May 15, 2002. The provisions
related to SFAS 13 shall be effective for transactions occurring after May 15,
2002. All other provisions of this Statement shall be effective for financial
statements issued on or after May 15, 2002. Hancock does not believe that
adoption of this statement will have a material impact on its financial
statements.

In July 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with
Exit or Disposal Activities. This Statement addresses financial accounting and
reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies
Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for
Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity
(including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). This Statement requires
that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be
recognized when the liability is incurred rather than at the date of an entity's
commitment as provided under Issue 94-3. This Statement also establishes that
fair value is the objective for initial measurement of the liability. The
provisions of this Statement are effective for exit or disposal activities that
are initiated after December 31, 2002. Hancock does not believe adoption of the
provisions of this statement will have a material impact on its financial
statements.

On December 31, 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation - Transitional and Disclosure - an amendment of FAS 123, which is
intended to encourage the adoption of the accounting provisions of SFAS 123.
Under the provisions of SFAS 148, companies that choose to adopt the accounting
provisions of SFAS 123 will be permitted to select from three transition
methods. SFAS 148 also mandates certain new disclosures that are incremental to
those required by SFAS 123. The transition and annual disclosure provisions of
SFAS 148 are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. Hancock
adopted the disclosure provisions of this statement as of February 2, 2003.
Because Hancock did not adopt the accounting provisions of SFAS 148, there was
no financial impact associated with this adoption.

On November 25, 2002, the FASB issued Interpretation No. 45, or FIN 45,
Guarantor's Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, including
Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others, and Interpretation of FASB
Statements No. 5, 57 and 107 and Rescission of FASB Interpretation No. 34. FIN
45 clarifies the requirements of SFAS No. 5, Accounting for Contingencies,
relating to the guarantor's accounting for, and disclosure of, the issuance of
certain types of guarantees. The disclosure provisions of FIN 45 are effective
for financial statements of interim or annual periods that end after December
15, 2002. Hancock adopted FIN 45 as of February 2, 2003 and there was no
financial impact associated with the adoption.

During January 2003, the FASB issued FIN No. 46, Consolidation of Variable
Interest Entities. FIN 46 provides guidance for companies having ownership of
variable interest entities, typically referred to as special purpose entities,
in determining whether to consolidate such variable interest entities. FIN 46
has immediate applicability for variable interest entities created after January
31, 2003 or interests in variable interest entities obtained after that date.
For interests in variable interest entities obtained prior to February 1, 2003,
FIN 46 becomes effective on July 1, 2003. Hancock does not believe the adoption
will have a significant effect on its consolidated financial position or results
of operations.

(Page 17 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

16

Note 3 - Acquisitions of Mae's Fabrics and Heilig-Meyers' Leases

In 1999, Hancock acquired certain operating leases of Mae's Fabrics' stores for
a cash payment of approximately $2.8 million. During fiscal year 2000, Hancock
received approximately $300,000 in connection with the escrow settlement
associated with this acquisition resulting in a total purchase price of $2.5
million. Twenty-nine lease assignments were made for stores operating in the
Mid-Atlantic States. This acquisition was accounted for as a purchase.

Beginning in 2000 and continuing through 2001, Hancock acquired certain
operating leases of Heilig-Meyers' stores for cash payments of approximately
$1.2 million. Fourteen lease assignments have been made for stores operating
across the United States. These acquisitions were accounted for as purchases. As
no tangible assets were acquired, the entire purchase price was assigned to
intangible assets. Aggregate amortization expense for these intangibles for the
next five years totals $300,000. Operating results for former Heilig-Meyers'
locations have been included with those of Hancock as these stores were opened
during 2000 and 2001.

Note 4 - Property and Equipment (in thousands)

2002 2001
---------- ---------

Buildings and improvements $ 14,025 $ 13,145
Leasehold improvements 9,847 7,872
Fixtures and equipment 55,867 50,850
Transportation equipment 1,775 1,743
Construction in progress 10,083 2,547
---------- ---------
91,597 76,157
Accumulated depreciation and amortization (53,409) (48,770)
---------- ---------
38,188 27,387
Land 3,665 3,220
---------- ---------
$ 41,853 30,607
========== =========

Note 5 - Accrued Liabilities (in thousands)

2002 2001
--------- ---------

Payroll and benefits $ 7,161 $ 6,516
Property taxes 4,172 3,987
Sales taxes 2,341 2,709
Current portion of reserve for closed stores (Note 13) 871 828
Other 5,012 4,355
--------- ---------
$ 19,557 $ 18,395
========= =========
Note 6 - Long-Term Debt Obligations

Hancock has two uncollateralized revolving credit arrangements totaling $50
million with a group of banks. These agreements provide for an annual facility
fee, which was .20% of the total facility amount as of February 2, 2003.
Borrowings under the revolving credit agreements bear interest at a negotiated
rate, a floating rate (the higher of the federal funds rate plus 1/2% or the
prime rate), a rate derived from the Money Market Rate or a rate derived from
the London Interbank Offered Rate. These credit arrangements extend through
March 26, 2006.

At February 2, 2003 and February 3, 2002, there were no outstanding borrowings.
Under the most restrictive covenants of these agreements, Hancock is required to
maintain a specified consolidated tangible net worth, a debt to cash flow ratio
and a fixed charge coverage ratio.

17

Hancock has an arrangement that provides for up to $5 million in letters of
credit. At February 2, 2003, Hancock had commitments under this arrangement of
$3.0 million on issued letters of credit which support purchase orders for
merchandise to be imported. Hancock also has a $3.5 million standby letter of
credit to guarantee payment of potential future workers' compensation claims.

Note 7 - Long-Term Leases

Hancock leases its retail fabric store locations under noncancelable operating
leases expiring at various dates through 2022. Certain of the leases for store
locations provide for additional rent based on sales volume.

Rent expense consists of the following (in thousands):

2002 2001 2000
-------- -------- --------

Minimum rent $31,661 $31,070 $30,780
Additional rent based on sales 342 342 222
-------- -------- --------
$32,003 $31,412 $31,002
======== ======== ========

Minimum rental payments as of February 2, 2003 are as follows (in thousands):

Fiscal Year
2003 $ 28,775
2004 25,764
2005 23,211
2006 19,772
2007 14,677
Thereafter 34,347
---------
Total minimum lease payments $146,546
=========

(Page 18 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

18

Note 8 - Income Taxes

The components of income tax expense (benefit) are as follows (in thousands):

2002 2001 2000
--------- --------- ----------
Currently payable
Federal $ 7,097 $ 6,877 $ 4,965
State 418 405 328
7,515 7,282 5,293
--------- --------- ----------
Deferred
Current 110 (1,757) 1,288
Noncurrent 3,732 2,832 (395)
--------- --------- ----------
3,842 1,075 893
--------- --------- ----------
$11,357 $ 8,357 $ 6,186
========= ========= ==========

Deferred income taxes are provided in recognition of temporary differences in
reporting certain revenues and expenses for financial statement and income tax
purposes.

The current deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the following (in
thousands):


2002 2001
----------- -----------
Current deferred tax assets
Inventory valuation methods $ 868 $ 1,225
Accrual for medical insurance 729 727
Accrual for workers' compensation 473 359
Other items 555 807
----------- -----------
Gross current deferred tax assets 2,625 3,118
Current deferred tax liabilities
Inventory markup (5,703) (6,087)
----------- -----------
$(3,078) $ (2,969)
=========== ===========

The net noncurrent deferred tax assets (liabilities) are comprised of the
following (in thousands):


2002 2001
--------- --------
Noncurrent deferred tax assets
Postretirement benefits other than pensions $ 7,643 $ 7,939
Accrual for store closing costs 319 436
Difference in recognition of restricted
stock expense 1,422 1,047
Deferred compensation liability 1,036 994
Other deferred deduction items 482 47
--------- --------
Gross noncurrent deferred tax assets 10,902 10,463

Noncurrent deferred tax liabilities
Depreciation (715) (670)
Pension payment in excess of required
contribution (6,266) (2,139)
--------- --------
$ 3,921 $ 7,654
========= ========

The ultimate realization of a significant portion of this asset is dependent
upon the generation of future taxable income sufficient to offset the related
deductions.

19

A reconciliation of the statutory Federal income tax rate to the effective tax
rate is as follows:

2002 2001 2000
-------- -------- --------

Statutory Federal income tax rate 35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
State income taxes, net of Federal 1.3 1.3 1.5
income tax effect
Other - - (.2)
-------- -------- --------
Effective tax rate 36.3% 36.3% 36.3%
======== ======== ========

Note 9 - Shareholders' Interest

Authorized Capital. Hancock's authorized capital includes five million shares of
$.01 par value preferred stock, none of which have been issued.

Common Stock Purchase Rights. Hancock has entered into a Common Stock Purchase
Rights Agreement, as amended (the "Rights Agreement"), with Continental Stock
Transfer & Trust Company as Rights Agent. The Rights Agreement, in certain
circumstances, would permit shareholders to purchase common stock at prices
which would be substantially below market value. These circumstances include the
earlier of (i) the tenth day after an announcement that a person or group has
acquired beneficial ownership of 20% or more of Hancock's shares, with certain
exceptions such as a tender offer that is approved by a majority of Hancock's
Board of Directors, or (ii) the tenth day, or such later date as set by
Hancock's Board of Directors, after a person or group commences, or announces
its intention to commence, a tender or exchange offer, the consummation of which
would result in beneficial ownership of 30% or more of Hancock's shares.

Stock Repurchase Plan. In prior years and continuing in fiscal 2002, repurchases
of over 12,400,000 shares have been made. As of February 2, 2003, 1,039,693
shares are available for repurchase under the most recent authorization.


Note 10 - Employee Benefit Plans
Stock Options. In 1996, Hancock adopted the 1996 Stock Option Plan (the "1996
Plan") which authorized the granting of options to employees for up to 2,000,000
of common stock at an exercise price of no less than 50% of fair market value on
the date the options are granted. The exercise price of all options granted
under this Plan have equaled the fair market value on the grant date. The 1996
Plan expired on September 30, 2001 and a preceding plan, the 1987 Stock Option
Plan (the "1987 Plan") expired on March 22, 1997. Both plans prohibit grants
after the expiration date.

In 2001, Hancock adopted the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan (the "2001 Plan") which
authorizes the granting of options or restricted stock to key employees for up
to 2,800,000 shares of common stock in total with no more than 1,000,000 of
those shares being allocated to restricted stock. The 2001 Plan also provides
for the granting of options to directors as specified in the plan document. The
options granted under the 2001 Plan can have an exercise price of no less than
100% of fair market value on the date the options are granted. As of February 2,
2003, 1,464,550 shares remain available for grant under the 2001 Plan, including
450,150 shares which can be issued as restricted stock.

(Page 19 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

20

A summary of activity in the plans for the years ended February 2, 2003,
February 3, 2002 and January 28, 2001 follows:




2002 2001 2000
----------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Average Average Average
Exercise Exercise Exercise
Options Price Options Price Options Price
----------------------------- ----------------------------------- -----------------------------------

Outstanding at
beginning of year 2,926,450 $ 9.09 3,121,500 $ 8.83 2,669,500 $ 9.84

Granted 461,900 $18.04 488,200 $ 7.50 588,100 $ 4.25

Canceled (50,125) $ 9.80 (104,200) $ 8.13 (136,100) $ 8.91

Exercised (1,141,975) $ 9.30 (579,050) $ 6.53 - -
--------------- -------------- --------------
Outstanding
at end of year 2,196,250 $10.82 2,926,450 $ 9.07 3,121,500 $ 8.83
=============== ============== ==============
Exercisable
at end of year 1,400,600 $ 9.30 2,182,600 $ 10.00 2,317,150 $10.25
=============== ============== ==============

The weighted average remaining contractual life of all outstanding options was
6.41 years at February 2, 2003.

The weighted average grant-date fair value of options granted during 2002, 2001
and 2000 was $6.75, $2.85 and $1.50, respectively. The fair value of each option
grant is estimated on the date of the grant using the Black-Scholes option
pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions for 2002, 2001 and
2000, respectively: dividend yields of 1.64%, 1.37% and 1.82%; average expected
volatility of .48, .48 and .43; risk-free interest rates of 2.54%, 4.19% and
4.68%; and an average expected life of 4.5 years in 2002 and 4.0 years in 2001
and 2000.



Options Outstanding Options Exercisable
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------
Weighted Weighted Weighted
Number Average Average Number Average
Range of Outstanding Remaining Exercise Exercisable Exercise
Exercise Prices at 2/2/03 Life (Years) Price at 2/2/03 Price
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------

$4.25 to $5.81 378,950 7.01 $ 4.78 378,950 $ 4.78
$7.50 to $8.13 659,650 6.23 7.72 316,300 7.96
$9.18 to $12.63 398,350 4.33 11.68 397,950 11.68
$13.13 to $14.25 307,000 4.37 13.16 307,000 13.16
$15.05 to $18.09 452,300 9.36 18.04 400 18.09
------------ --------------
2,196,250 1,400,600
============ ==============

Restricted Stock. On December 6, 1995, Hancock adopted the 1995 Restricted Stock
Plan to provide for the issuance of restricted stock awards to employees. The
aggregate number of shares that may be issued or reserved for issuance pursuant
to the 1995 Restricted Stock Plan shall not exceed one million shares. In 2001,
Hancock adopted the 2001 Stock Incentive Plan which authorized the granting of
up to 1,000,000 shares of restricted stock (see Stock Options). During 2002,
2001 and 2000, restricted shares totaling 97,600, 459,100 and 21,500,
respectively, were issued to officers and key employees under the Plans. As of
February 2, 2003, 1,069,800 shares are outstanding for which restrictions have
not been lifted. Compensation expense related to restricted shares issued is
recognized over the period for which restrictions apply. This expense totaled
$2,242,000, $2,006,000 and $2,173,000 in 2002, 2001 and 2000, respectively.

Retirement Plans. Substantially all full-time employees are covered by a
trusteed, noncontributory defined benefit retirement plan maintained by Hancock.
The retirement benefits provided by this plan are primarily based on years of
service and employee compensation. Pension costs are funded by annual
contributions to the trust.

21


The following table sets forth changes in the projected benefit obligation and
changes in the fair value of plan assets (in thousands):

2002 2001
------------ ------------
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $48,435 $43,745
Service costs 2,214 1,955
Interest costs 3,542 3,238
Benefits paid (2,346) (2,263)
Actuarial adjustments 4,837 1,760
------------ -------------
Benefit obligation at end of year $56,682 $48,435
============ =============

Change in plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of
Year $44,792 $48,503
Actual return on plan assets (5,681) (2,664)
Employer contributions 17,428 1,216
Benefits paid (2,346) (2,263)
------------ -------------
Fair value of plan assets at end of year $54,193 $44,792
============ =============

The funded status and the amounts recognized in Hancock's consolidated balance
sheet for defined benefit plans based on an actuarial valuation as of the
measurement dates of December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in thousands):

2002 2001
----------- -------------

Funded status $(2,489) $ (3,643)
Prior service cost 328 403
Actuarial adjustment 20,990 6,664
----------- -------------
Prepaid benefit cost $18,829 $ 3,424
=========== =============

(Page 20 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
22

Plan assets include fixed income and equity funds, comprising corporate and
government debt securities as well as common stock. The unrecognized net
transition asset was amortized over 15 years beginning in 1986.

Net periodic pension costs include the following components (in thousands):



2002 2001 2000
-------- --------- ---------

Service cost $ 2,214 $ 1,955 $ 1,898
Interest cost 3,542 3,238 2,985
Expected return on plan assets (4,112) (4,430) (4,485)
Amortization and deferrals 101 107 (399)
Net loss 279 - -
-------- --------- ---------
Net periodic pension cost $ 2,024 $ 870 $ (1)
======== ========= =========

Actuarial assumptions used in the period-end valuations were as follows:


2002 2001 2000
------- -------- --------

Discount rate 6.75% 7.25% 7.50%
Rate of increase in compensation levels 4.00% 4.00% 4.25%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets 8.75% 9.25% 9.25%

Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions. Certain health care benefits are
provided by Hancock to substantially all retired employees hired before January
1, 2003 with more than 15 years of credited service while insured under the
Company's insurance program. The following table sets forth the changes in the
projected benefit obligation (in thousands):


2002 2001
--------- --------
Change in projected benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year $11,874 $13,792
Service costs 485 635
Interest costs 852 1,027
Benefits paid (500) (549)
Actuarial adjustments 1,020 (3,031)
--------- ---------
Benefit obligation at end of year $13,731 $11,874
========= ==========

The Company currently contributes to the plan as benefits are paid. The funded
status and the amounts recognized in Hancock's consolidated balance sheet for
other postretirement benefits based on an actuarial valuation as of the
measurement dates of December 31, 2002 and 2001 are as follows (in thousands):



2002 2001
---------- ---------
Funded status $(13,731) $(11,874)
Prior service cost (2,173) (2,423)
Actuarial adjustments (6,072) (7,574)
---------- ---------
Accrued benefit cost $(21,976) $(21,871)
========== =========

The medical care cost trend rate used in determining this obligation for
employees before age 65 is 7.75%, decreasing by .50% annually before leveling at
4.75%. For individuals 65 and over, the rate is 9.75%, decreasing by .75%
annually before leveling at 4.75%. This trend rate assumption has a significant
effect on the amounts reported. To illustrate, increasing the combined health
care cost trend by 1% would increase the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation by $1.6 million and $1.2 million in 2002 and 2001, respectively.

23

The discount and salary scale rates used in calculating the obligations are
6.75% and 4.00%, and 7.25% and 4.00%, respectively, at December 31, 2002 and
December 31, 2001.

Net periodic postretirement benefit costs included the following (in thousands):

2002 2001 2000
---------- --------- --------

Service cost $ 485 $ 635 $ 598
Interest cost 852 1,027 940
Amortization and deferrals (732) (520) (551)
---------- --------- --------
Net periodic postretirement costs $ 605 $1,142 $ 987
========== ========= ========

Hancock's policy is to fund claims as incurred. Claims paid in 2002, 2001 and
2000 totaled $500,000, $549,000 and $568,000, respectively.

Note 11 - Earnings per Share

A reconciliation of basic earnings per share to diluted earnings per share
follows (in thousands, except per share data):



Years Ended
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 2, 2003 February 3, 2002 January 28, 2001
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Per Share Net Per Share Net Per Share
Earnings Shares Amount Earnings Shares Amount Earnings Shares Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic EPS
Earnings available
to common
shareholders $19,928 17,847 $1.12 $14,659 16,763 $ .87 $10,867 16,810 $.65

Effect of Dilutive
Securities
Stock options 607 354 5
Restricted stock 435 70 -
--------- --------- --------

Diluted EPS
Earnings available to
common shareholders
plus conversions $19,928 18,889 $1.06 $14,659 17,187 $ .85 $10,867 16,815 $.65
========= ========= ======= ========= ========= ======== ======== ======== =========


Certain options to purchase shares of Hancock's common stock totaling 289,974,
1,291,988 and 2,740,396 shares were outstanding during the years ended February
2, 2003, February 3, 2002 and January 28, 2001, respectively, but were not
included in the computation of diluted EPS because the exercise price was
greater than the average price of common shares.

(Page 21 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

24

Note 12 - Commitments and Contingencies

Concentration of Credit Risk. Financial instruments which potentially subject
Hancock to concentrations of risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents.
Hancock places its cash and cash equivalents in various insured depository
institutions which limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution.

Litigation. Hancock is a party to several pending legal proceedings and claims.
Although the outcome of such proceedings and claims cannot be determined with
certainty, Hancock's management is of the opinion that it is unlikely that these
proceedings and claims will have a material effect on the financial condition or
operating results of Hancock.

Note 13 - Store Closing Reserves

Store closing reserves are established based on estimates of net lease
obligations and other store closing costs. During the fourth quarter of 1998,
Hancock recorded a charge of $8,604,000 for net lease obligations for stores
closed at January 31, 1999 and stores committed to be closed in fiscal 1999.

During the fourth quarter of 2001, Hancock recorded an addition to the reserve
of $128,000 for the remaining cost of net lease obligations for stores closed
during 2001.

During 2002, Hancock recorded a reduction in the reserve of $550,000 for
sub-lease arrangements reached during the year that were not anticipated in the
original reserve. In addition, Hancock recorded an addition to the reserve of
$266,000 for the remaining cost of net lease obligations for stores closed
during 2002.

The 2001 and 2002 activity in the reserve is as follows (in thousands):

Addition to Addition to
Beginning (Reduction in) Imputed End of
of Year Reserve Interest Payments Year
--------- -------------- ------------ -------- -------
2001
Lease obligations $4,076 128 198 (1,518) 2,884
========= ============== ============ ======== =======
2002
Lease obligations $2,884 (284) 159 (1,010) 1,749
========= ============== ============ ======== =======

Report of Independent Accountants

To the Board of Directors and
Shareholders of Hancock Fabrics, Inc.

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheet and the related
consolidated statement of income, shareholders' equity and cash flows present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Hancock Fabrics,
Inc. and its subsidiaries at February 2, 2003 and February 3, 2002, and the
results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three fiscal
years in the period ended February 2, 2003, in conformity with accounting
principles generally accepted in the United States of America. These financial
statements are the responsibility of the Company's management; our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits. We conducted our audits of these statements in accordance with

25

auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit
includes the examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for our opinion.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 142, Goodwill and Other
Intangible Assets, on February 4, 2002.

PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP

Memphis, Tennessee
March 7, 2003

(Page 22 in Annual Report to Shareholder)
26

Five-Year Summary of Significant Financial Information


- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(in thousands, except per
share and store amounts 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sales $438,287 $411,857 $385,245 $381,572 $392,303
Earnings before income taxes 31,285 23,016 17,053 10,650 5,590
Net earnings 19,928 14,659 10,867 6,816 3,556
Earnings per common share
Basic 1.12 .87 .65 .38 .18
Diluted 1.06 .85 .65 .38 .18
Total assets 224,966 195,549 192,729 195,562 192,404
Capital expenditures 17,089 10,478 4,041 8,017 8,839
Long- and short-term indebtedness - - 16,000 31,000 29,000
Common shareholders' equity 125,169 100,603 82,552 76,867 77,152
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common shares outstanding, net 19,050 18,236 17,285 18,652 18,595
Stores in operation 430 439 443 453 462

Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)



Years ended February 2, 2003 and February 3, 2002
(in thousands, except per share amounts)

Per Common Share
------------------------------------------
Net Earnings*
Gross Net ---------------------------- Cash
Sales Profit Earnings Basic Diluted Dividend
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2002
First Quarter $104,054 $ 52,535 $ 3,741 .21 .20 .08
Second Quarter 92,676 47,551 1,535 .09 .08 .08
Third Quarter 112,933 57,290 5,806 .33 .31 .08
Fourth Quarter 128,624 66,537 8,846 .49 .47 .08
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$438,287 $223,913 $19,928 $1.12 $1.06 $.32
==================================================================================================================

2001
First Quarter $ 97,616 $ 48,419 $ 2,488 $ .15 $ .15 $.04
Second Quarter 86,815 43,723 590 .04 .03 .04
Third Quarter 103,753 52,074 3,728 .22 .22 .04
Fourth Quarter 123,673 66,326 7,853 .46 .44 .04
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$411,857 $210,542 $14,659 $ .87 $ .85 $.16
==================================================================================================================


* Per share amounts are based on average shares outstanding during each quarter
and may not add to the total for the year.


27




Eleven-Year Summary Earnings
(dollars in thousands) Before
LIFO Interest Net Number
Gross Credit and Interest Net of
Year Sales Profit (Charge) Taxes Expense Earnings Stores
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

2002 $438,287 $223,913 $ 1,525 $31,549 $ 264 $19,928 430
2001 411,857 210,542 (125) 24,183 1,167 14,659 439
2000 385,245 195,834 (650) 19,276 2,223 10,867 443
1999 381,572 185,871 475 13,030 2,380 6,816 453
1998 392,303 190,782 300 6,863 1,273 3,556(1) 462
1997 381,910 186,764 700 25,004 162 15,324 481
1996 378,218 183,325 (2,505) 21,239 957 12,481 462
1995 364,192 172,169 (3,016) 16,658 1,937 8,951 498
1994 366,816 171,387 (500) 19,056 2,230 10,139 500
1993 367,745 161,491 (6,600) 10,741 2,076 5,438 500
1992 380,375 173,075 (6,998) 21,472 2,367 12,118 482


(1) Net earnings in 1998 included a net charge of $6,349,000 related principally
to net lease obligations for stores closed at January 31, 1999 and stores
committed to closing in fiscal 1999.

(Page 23 in Annual Report to Shareholder)

28


Exhibit 21

Subsidiaries of the Registrant


State of Names Under Which
Name Incorporation Subsidiary Does Business
- ------------------------ ------------- ------------------------
HF Enterprises, Inc. Delaware HF Enterprises

HF Resources, Inc. Delaware HF Resources

HF Merchandising Delaware HF Merchandising

Hancock Fabrics of MI, Inc. Delaware Hancock Fabrics

Hancock Fabrics, LLC Delaware Hancock Fabrics

hancockfabrics.com, Inc. Delaware hancockfabrics.com

Sewing Centers, LLC Delaware Singer Sewing Center



Exhibit 23

Consent of Independent Accountants


We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 33-17215, 33-29138, 33-55419, 333-32295, 333-32299,
333-52788, and 333-69086) of our report dated March 7, 2003, relating to the
financial statemetns, which appears in the Annual Report to Shareholders, which
is incorporated in this Annual Report of Form 10-K.


PricewaterhouseCoopers

Memphis, Tennessee
April 25, 2003


Exhibit 99.1

Certification of Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1850

I, Larry G. Kirk, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1850, that: (1)
The annual report on Form 10-K of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. ("Hancock") for the year
ended February 2, 2003 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 annual report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial
condition and results of operations of Hancock.

Date: April 25, 2003 /s/Larry G. Kirk
---------------------------
Larry G. Kirk
Chairman of the Board
and Chief Executive Officer




Exhibit 99.2

Certification of Chief Financial Officer
Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1850

I, Bruce D. Smith, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1850, that:
(1) The annual report on Form 10-K of Hancock Fabrics, Inc. ("Hancock") for the
year ended February 2, 2003 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 annual report fairly presents, in all material respects, the
financial condition and results of operations of Hancock.

Date: April 25, 2003 /s/Bruce D. Smith
--------------------------
Bruce D. Smith
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer