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United States
Securities and Exchange Commission
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 10-K
(Mark One)
[X] ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [NO FEE REQUIRED, EFFECTIVE
OCTOBER 7, 1996].
For the Fiscal Year ended: January 25, 1997
OR
[ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (No Fee Required)
For the transition period from __________________ to ________________.
Commission File No. 0-21597
MAZEL STORES, INC.
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(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Ohio 34-1830097
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(State or other jurisdiction of (I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization) Identification No.)
31000 Aurora Road
Solon, Ohio 44139
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(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
216-248-5200
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(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class Name of each exchange on which registered
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None Not Applicable
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:
Common Stock, No par Value
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(Title of Class)
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 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.
[X] Yes [ ] 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
statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any
amendment to this Form 10-K. [ ]
The aggregate market value of voting stock held by nonaffiliates of the
Registrant was approximately $66,162,000 at April 1, 1997. The number of common
shares outstanding at April 1, 1997 was 9,170,100.
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DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the registrant's definitive Proxy Statement to be mailed to
stockholders in connection with the registrant's 1997 Annual Meeting of
Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part III, Items 10-13.
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PART 1
ITEM 1. BUSINESS
GENERAL
The Company consists of two complementary operations: (i) a major
regional closeout retail business; and (ii) one of the nation's largest closeout
wholesale businesses. The Company sells quality, value-oriented consumer
products at a broad range of price points offered at a substantial discount to
the original retail or wholesale price. The Company's merchandise primarily
consists of new, frequently brand-name products that are available to the
Company for a variety of reasons, including overstock positions of a
manufacturer, wholesaler or retailer, the discontinuance of merchandise due to a
change in style, color, shape or repackaging; a decrease in demand for a product
through traditional channels; or the termination of business by a manufacturer,
wholesaler or retailer. The Company operates a chain of 23 closeout retail
stores, including 14 in New York (five of which are in Manhattan) and nine in
New Jersey. The Company had, on a pro forma basis, fiscal 1996 sales of $179.9
million, including retail sales of $84.2 million and wholesale sales (excluding
intercompany sales between the Company's Odd Job retail business and the
Company's wholesale operation) of approximately $95.7 million.
The Company was founded in 1975 as a wholesaler of closeout
merchandise. Management's business strategy has expanded from a primary focus on
wholesale operations to an emphasis on growth of its Odd Job stores acquired in
1995. The Company's goal is to establish itself as the leading closeout retailer
in its Northeast, Mid-Atlantic and Midwest targeted markets, which are easily
serviced from the Company's retail distribution and warehouse facility in
Englewood, New Jersey.
In furtherance of its retail growth strategy, in 1995 the Company
acquired the Odd Job stores and hired Messrs. Churches and Sommers. Mr. Churches
was employed by Consolidated Stores, Inc. ("Consolidated") for approximately 19
years, the last two of which were as President. Mr. Sommers worked closely with
Mr. Churches at Consolidated for approximately 12 years, the last two of which
were as its Executive Vice President-Merchandising. Following the hiring of its
retail management team, the Company completed the acquisition of Odd Job Trading
Corp.'s 12 stores (the "Odd Job Acquisition").
The Company believes that the combination of its existing wholesale
operations and the Odd Job retail operations will result in significant
synergies that will enable the Company to expand its retail operations and
increase sales and net income of both the wholesale and retail operations.
INDUSTRY OVERVIEW
Closeout retailing is one of the fastest-growing segments of the
retailing industry in the United States. Closeout retailers and wholesalers
provide a valuable service to manufacturers by
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purchasing excess products. Closeout merchandisers also take advantage of
generally lower prices in the off-season by buying and warehousing seasonal
merchandise for future sale. As a result of acquiring merchandise at a deeper
discount, closeout merchandisers can offer merchandise at prices significantly
lower than those offered by traditional retailers and wholesalers.
The closeout sector has benefited from several recent industry trends.
Consolidation in the retail industry and the expansion of just-in-time inventory
requirements have generally had the effect of shifting inventory risk from
retailers to manufacturers. In addition, a trend toward shorter product cycles,
particularly in the consumer goods sector, has increased the frequency of new
product and new product packaging introductions. These factors have increased
the reliance of manufacturers on closeout retailers and wholesalers like the
Company, who frequently are able to purchase larger quantities of excess
inventory and successfully control the distribution of such goods.
RETAIL OPERATIONS
GENERAL. The Company's chain of 23 retail stores operating under the
"Odd Job" name are located in Manhattan (5), New Jersey (9), Westchester County,
N.Y. (3), Staten Island (3), Long Island (2), and Rockland County, N.Y. (1). Odd
Job opened its first store in 1974.
EXPANSION PLANS. The Company plans to expand upon the 23 stores
currently operating by opening new stores in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and
Midwest targeted markets, which are serviceable from the Company's Englewood,
New Jersey warehouse and distribution facility. Stores may be opened in other
geographic areas if favorable conditions exist. The Company anticipates opening
or acquiring approximately 40 new stores through the end of fiscal 1999.
In choosing specific sites for expansion, the Company considers
numerous factors including demographics, traffic patterns, location of
competitors and overall retail activity. The Company's standards for evaluating
these factors are flexible and are based on the nature of the market. The
Company will seek to expand in both suburban and urban markets. Due to its
broader selection of closeout merchandise than other closeout retailers, the
Company seeks areas with a concentration of upper middle-class households for
its suburban store locations, such as Westchester County, New York.
In addition, the Company may add stores through the acquisition of
other closeout businesses if favorable opportunities are presented. The Company
has successfully integrated two outlets acquired in March 1996 and a third
outlet acquired in December 1996 into the Odd Job organization and believes that
it can continue to do so with future acquisitions.
MERCHANDISING AND MARKETING. The Company believes that its customers
are attracted to its stores principally because of the availability of a large
assortment of quality consumer items, which are frequently brand-name, at
attractive prices. The Company offers certain general categories of merchandise
on a continual basis, although specific lines, products and manufacturers change
frequently. Inventories depend primarily on the types of merchandise which the
Company is able
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to acquire at any given time. The Company believes that this changing variety of
merchandise from one day to the next results in customers shopping at the stores
more frequently than they might otherwise. The Company refers to such frequent
shoppers as "treasure hunters" due to their regular visits to the Company's
stores in an effort to seek out bargains. Historically, the Company's stores
have offered substantial savings on merchandise categories, including
housewares, stationery, books, party supplies, health and beauty aids, food,
toys, hardware, electronics and garden supplies. Brands carried by the Company's
stores may include, at any given time, Black and Decker, Enesco, Farberware,
Hershey, Keebler, Mars, Mattel, Mikasa, Rubbermaid and Sony.
Following the Odd Job Acquisition, the Company has developed and
implemented a new merchandising approach. As a result of the purchasing
expertise and vendor contacts of Messrs. Dessler, Churches, Sommers and the
Company's senior purchasing executives, the Company has increased the number of
brand-name products which it offers, particularly toys, books, greeting cards,
health and beauty aids, party supplies and food. In addition, the Company has
increased the breadth and quality of its seasonal merchandise and has sought to
promote these items through in-store displays designed around specific holidays.
The Company believes its large selection of brand-name products often
attracts a customer seeking a particular brand or product, who will check the
Company's stores in search of the lowest price before resorting to a large
discount store where the customer assumes the product is in stock. In addition,
Odd Job stores carry, on a consistent basis, selected goods manufactured to the
Company's specifications. The Company is able to negotiate competitive prices
with manufacturers of these products, many of whom are located outside the
United States. Such products provide cost-effective merchandise on certain items
for which continuity is important to customers.
Management believes the presentation of its merchandise is critical to
communicating value and quality to its customers. The Company uses a variety of
adaptable merchandising fixtures and displays, including mobile racks that allow
flexibility in the presentation of a merchandise mix which changes daily. Some
merchandise is displayed in its initial packaging, stacked floor-to-ceiling. A
message board appears in every store, indicating both new arrivals and coming
merchandise, in an effort to appeal to "treasure hunters." The Company relies
on attractive exterior signage and in-store merchandising as its primary form of
advertising. While Odd Job historically had not utilized other forms of
advertising, the Company has initiated an advertising program, particularly for
the Company's suburban locations, using mailers and in-paper circulars, on a
periodic basis, to promote up to 40 value-oriented, easily recognizable items.
As a result of its merchandise mix, visual merchandising methods and
high-traffic store locations, the Company's average inventory turn rate is
approximately four times per year, which the Company believes is greater than
the average for other major closeout retailers.
PURCHASING. The Company believes that the primary factor contributing
to the success of its business is its ability to locate and take advantage of
opportunities to purchase large quantities of quality brand-name merchandise at
prices which allow the Company to resell the merchandise at prices that are
substantially below traditional retail prices. Its retail operations maintain a
buying
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staff of ten individuals under the direction of Messrs. Churches and Sommers in
Columbus, Ohio and New York City. The retail purchasing staff works closely with
the wholesale operation to identify the most attractive closeout purchasing
opportunities available. The Company believes its acquisition of the retail
operations has created significant synergies in purchasing. The combined buying
power and expertise of the retail and wholesale purchasing staffs enable the
Company to identify and purchase large quantities of quality, brand-name
closeout merchandise and then sell the merchandise through its retail stores,
its wholesale distribution channels or both. The Company believes the
combination of wholesale and retail operations has enabled the Odd Job buying
staff to broaden the scope and the quantities of quality merchandise that it
purchases and offer better value to its customers. For example, the Odd Job
stores historically purchased seasonal items through importers or other
middlemen. Following the Odd Job Acquisition, such items are now purchased
primarily from manufacturers, at substantial savings. The Company's retail
buyers purchase merchandise from more than 1,300 suppliers throughout the world.
STORE OPERATIONS. Each store is staffed with section managers who have
primary responsibility for helping customers and monitoring sales floor
inventory in several merchandise categories. Section managers continually
replenish the shelves, communicate information as to fast-selling items to
store managers and identify slow-moving products for clearance. Each store has
between six and 14 check-out stations and provides sales personnel for customer
assistance. Sales are primarily for cash, although personal checks and bank
credit cards are accepted. The Company's Manhattan stores offer free daily
storage, which enables customers to pick up items purchased during the day on
their way home from work. Following the Odd Job Acquisition, the Odd Job stores
moved to expanded weekend hours and seven-day-a-week operations. As the number
of stores increase, the Company intends to create an infrastructure consisting
of regional managers responsible for the operations of approximately 20 stores,
reporting directly to the Vice President-Retail Operations.
STORE LOCATIONS. The Company's 18 suburban stores are each located in
strip shopping centers. The five Manhattan stores are each located in
high-traffic urban corridors (e.g., near Grand Central Station, Rockefeller
Center and Wall Street) which provide access to large numbers of commuters. As a
result, the Manhattan stores generate higher volumes during the work week. The
Company's suburban stores are generally in close proximity to shopping malls,
department stores and other retail operations and in most cases are near a major
highway or thoroughfare, making them easily accessible to customers. The
suburban stores generate higher sales volumes during the weekends. The Company
attempts to tailor its merchandising and marketing strategies to respond to the
differences in its urban and suburban stores. The Company's stores range in size
from 6,500 to 25,000 square feet. On average, approximately 60% of the area of
each store represents selling space. All of the stores are located in leased
facilities.
In selecting its new store locations, the Company seeks suitable
existing structures which it can refurbish in a manner consistent with its
merchandising concept. This strategy, which requires minimal leasehold
improvements by the Company, enables the Company to open stores in new locations
generally within six to ten weeks following execution of a lease.
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WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION. Merchandise is distributed to the retail
stores from the Company's Englewood, New Jersey warehouse and distribution
facility. The Englewood facility has recently been expanded to approximately
253,000 square feet. The Company believes the expanded Englewood facility has
the capacity to support the warehousing and distribution needs of approximately
60 stores.
Substantially all of the Company's retail inventory is shipped directly
from suppliers to the Company's Englewood, New Jersey warehouse and distribution
facility or the Company's Solon, Ohio warehouse and distribution facility. Since
the Englewood, New Jersey warehouse and distribution facility maintains back-up
inventory and provides delivery several times per week to each store, in-store
inventory requirements are reduced and the Company is able to operate with
smaller stores. Off-hours stocking and off-site storage space are utilized to
support the store's inventory turnover, particularly during the busy fourth
quarter. The majority of the Company's inventory is delivered to the stores by a
contract carrier, as well as by direct vendor shipments.
Distribution to the stores is controlled by the Company's buyers and
senior management. The Company's merchandise is distributed based on variables
such as store volume and certain demographic and physical characteristics of the
stores. Each store has monthly budgeted inventory levels based on its projected
sales for the year and its existing inventory levels. Stores receive shipments
of merchandise several times per week from distribution centers based on their
anticipated inventory requirements and communications between store managers and
the distribution group.
WHOLESALE OPERATIONS
GENERAL. The Company is one of the nation's largest wholesalers of
closeout merchandise, with 1996 wholesale sales of approximately $95.7 million
(excluding intercompany sales to Odd Job). The Company's wholesale operations
purchase and resell many of the same lines of merchandise sold through the
Company's retail operations. The wholesale operations acquire closeout
merchandise at prices substantially below traditional wholesale prices and sell
such merchandise through a variety of channels. In general, the Company does not
have long-term or exclusive arrangements with any manufacturer or supplier for
the wholesale distribution of specified products. Rather, the Company's
wholesale inventory, like its retail inventory, consists primarily of
merchandise obtained through specific purchase opportunities.
PURCHASING. The Company's wholesale buyers purchase merchandise from
more than 900 suppliers throughout the world and continually seek opportunities
created by manufacturers and other closeout circumstances (e.g., packaging
changes), the overstock inventory of wholesalers and retailers, buybacks,
receiverships, bankruptcies and financially distressed businesses, as well as
other sources. The Company's experience and expertise in buying merchandise from
such suppliers has enabled it to develop relationships with many manufacturers
and wholesalers who offer some or all of their closeout merchandise to the
Company prior to attempting to dispose of it through other channels. By selling
their inventories to the Company, suppliers can reduce warehouse expenses and
avoid the sale of products at concessionary prices through their normal
distribution channels. In
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addition to closeout merchandise purchased from suppliers, approximately 25% of
the Company's wholesale purchases for fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996, consisted of
selected items manufactured to the Company's specifications by domestic and
foreign suppliers.
The Company's primary sources of merchandise are manufacturers, barter
agents, distributors and retailers. The Company accommodates the needs of its
vendors by (i) making rapid purchasing decisions; (ii) taking immediate delivery
of larger quantities of closeout merchandise than many of its competitors;
(iii) purchasing the entire product assortment offered by a particular vendor,
(iv) minimizing disruption to the supplier's ordinary distribution channels;
and (v) making prompt and reliable payments. The Company believes that its
flexibility and expertise has established the Company as a preferred
customer of many key sources of closeout merchandise. In many cases, the
Company has developed valuable sources from which it obtains certain lines of
merchandise on a continuing basis.
The Company's wholesale and retail buyers work closely together to
identify attractive purchasing opportunities and negotiate and complete the
purchase of significant quantities of closeout consumer items. The Company
believes the expertise and resources of the retail operations have enabled the
wholesale operations to broaden the categories and quantities of merchandise
offered to its customers.
SALES AND MARKETING. The Company maintains a direct sales force of 16
persons in its wholesale operations and also sells its merchandise through 22
independent representatives. In addition to a showroom at its Solon, Ohio
facility, the Company or its representatives maintain showrooms in New York
City, Columbus, Boston and Philadelphia. The Company sells to over 1,500
wholesale customers, which include a wide range of major regional and national
retailers as well as smaller retailers and other wholesalers and distributors.
Sales to the Company's single largest wholesale customer accounted for
approximately 18.6% of total sales on a pro forma basis in fiscal 1995 and
20.0% of total sales in fiscal 1996. No other customer accounted for more than
10% of total sales in either period.
WAREHOUSING AND DISTRIBUTION. The Company conducts its wholesale
operations primarily from a leased, single-story office, warehouse and
distribution facility in Solon, Ohio. The Solon facility has been expanded to
approximately 740,000 square feet. From time to time, the Company leases space
at public warehouses. Generally, the Company does not have a prospective
customer prior to purchasing merchandise, although in some cases a customer
willing to purchase part or all of the goods will be found immediately prior to,
or soon after, a purchase. In the latter case, the Company attempts, whenever
possible, to drop ship the goods directly to the customer from the point of
purchase. In other cases, the Company ships the merchandise to its warehouse and
distribution facility via back haulers and common carriers. For fiscal 1996,
approximately 60.1% of the Company's wholesale sales were of merchandise shipped
through its warehouse and distribution facility, and approximately 39.9% of such
sales were of merchandise drop shipped directly to customers.
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MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS
The Company's wholesale operations is currently supported by an IBM
AS400-based computer system, which system has been upgraded to support the
Company's combined operations. The system utilizes proprietary software which
allows the Company to monitor and integrate its distribution, order entry,
showroom, product management, purchasing, inventory control, shipping and
accounting systems. The Company is exploring the use of radio frequency
equipment in its warehouse and showrooms.
The Company is in the process of installing an IBM AS400-based software
package for use in its retail operations. The Company intends to install a
point-of-sale (POS) system to fully capture store transactions and provide
updated data to its purchasing staffs and other corporate personnel, and for
transfer into the Company's accounting, merchandising and distribution systems.
The Company intends to fully integrate such retail system with its wholesale
computer system. The Company spent $800,000 in fiscal 1996 and estimates that it
will spend approximately $1.4 million in fiscal 1997 in implementing and
integrating its retail management information systems. Such installation,
including the addition of POS scanning, is scheduled to be completed in 1998.
COMPETITION
In its retail operations, the Company competes with other closeout
retailers, discount stores, deep discount drugstore chains, supermarkets and
other value-oriented specialty retailers. In its wholesale operations, the
Company competes with numerous national and regional wholesalers, retailers,
jobbers, dealers and others which sell many of the items sold by the Company.
Certain of these competitors have substantially greater financial resources and
wider distribution capabilities than those of the Company, and competition is
often intense. Competition is based primarily on product selection and
availability, price and customer service. The Company believes that by reason of
its ability to make purchases of closeout, bulk and surplus items, its prices
compare favorably with those of its competitors.
In addition to competition in the sale of merchandise at wholesale and
retail, the Company encounters significant competition in locating and obtaining
closeout, overproduction and similar merchandise for its operations. There is
increasing competition for the purchase of such merchandise. However, the
Company believes that it will have sufficient sources to enable it to continue
purchasing such merchandise in the future. Furthermore, the Company believes
that as the number and capacity of its stores grow, its ability to take
advantage of purchase opportunities of larger quantities of merchandise at
favorable prices will increase accordingly.
TRADEMARKS
The Company has registered "Odd Job" as a trademark in the United
States. The Company has registered or has filed registration applications for
certain other trademarks and trade names.
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EMPLOYEES
At January 25, 1997, the Company had 910 employees, including 718 in
direct retail operations, 114 in direct wholesale operations and 78 in general
management and administrative positions. The Company considers its relationship
with its employees to be good. Approximately 68 of the Company's Solon, Ohio
hourly warehouse employees are subject to a five year collective bargaining
agreement expiring December 31, 1999. In April 1997, the National Labor
Relations Board certified the petition of the warehouse employees in Englewood,
N.J. to be represented by a union. The Company is not a party to any other labor
agreements.
ITEM 2. PROPERTIES
The Company leases its offices, and warehouse and distribution facility
in Solon, Ohio from a partnership in which certain of the Company's shareholders
are partners. The Company currently occupies approximately 740,000 square feet
at such facility, of which approximately 22,000 square feet is used as office
and showroom space and the remainder of which is used as warehouse space for the
Company's wholesale operations. The lease for the facility, as amended, expires
December 31, 2008. The Company leases its warehouse and distribution facility in
Englewood, New Jersey which was recently expanded to 253,000 square feet. The
lease for the facility as amended, expires October 31, 2001. In addition, the
Company leases space at several pubic warehouses depending on its needs at a
particular point in time. The Company believes that the office and warehouse
facilities described above are generally adequate for the present and reasonably
foreseeable requirements of its present retail stores and wholesale business. As
the number of stores expands, additional warehouse and distribution facilities
will be required for the Company's retail operations.
The Company leases its offices and showrooms in Columbus, Ohio and New
York City, with the Columbus lease renewing on a month to month basis and the
New York lease expiring on December 31, 2001.
The Company leases all of its stores. Store leases generally provide for
fixed monthly rental payments, plus the payment, in most cases, of real estate
taxes, utilities, liability insurance and common area maintenance. In certain
locations, the leases provide formulas requiring the payment of a percentage of
sales as additional rent. Such payments are generally only required when sales
reach a specified level. The typical store lease is for an initial term of five
or ten years, with certain leases having renewal options.
ITEM 3. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
The Company is also subject to various legal proceedings and claims
that arise in the ordinary course of business. The Company believes that the
amount of any ultimate liability with respect to these actions will not have a
material adverse effect on the Company's liquidity or results of operations.
ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS
None
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ITEM 4A. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The executive officers and directors of the Company and their ages as
of April 25, 1997 are as follows:
NAME AGE POSITION
---- --- --------
Reuven D. Dessler 49 Chairman of the Board and Chief
Executive Officer
Brady Churches 38 President, Director
Jacob Koval 49 Executive Vice President-Wholesale,
Director
Jerry Sommers 46 Executive Vice President-Retail,
Director
Susan Atkinson 45 Senior Vice President - Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer
Charles Bilezikian 60 Director
Phillip Cohen 78 Director
Robert Horne 38 Director
Ned L. Sherwood 47 Director
Marc H. Morgenstern 47 Secretary
Reuven Dessler is Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of
the Company since November 1996. Mr. Dessler co-founded the Company in 1975 and
served as its President until November 1996.
Brady Churches has served as the Company's President and a Director
since November 1996 and served as President - Retail from August 1995 until such
date. From 1978 until April 1995, Mr. Churches held various senior management
positions at Consolidated, including President from August 1993 until April
1995. Mr. Churches is currently a member of the Board of Directors of Sun
Television & Appliance, Inc.
Jacob Koval is Executive Vice President - Wholesale and a Director of
the Company. Mr. Koval co-founded the Company in 1975.
Jerry Sommers has served as Executive Vice President - Retail of the
Company since November 1995, and as a Director since November 1996. From 1984
through April 1995, Mr. Sommers held various senior management positions with
Consolidated, including Executive Vice President from August 1993 until April
1995.
Susan Atkinson has served as Senior Vice President-Chief Financial
Officer and Treasurer of the Company since January 1993. From August 1988
through December, 1992, she was employed by Harris Wholesale Company, a
pharmaceutical wholesaler, serving as Chief Financial Officer and Vice President
Finance/Administration from January 1991 until December 1992.
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Charles Bilezikian, is the President and founder of Christmas Tree
Shops, Inc., a specialty retailer of housewares, gourmet foods and other
consumer items. Founded in 1971, Christmas Tree Shops operates 17 stores in the
New England region.
Phillip Cohen, is a Vice President of P-C Sales, Inc., a wholesaler and
importer of closeout and other merchandise. From 1947 to his retirement in 1989,
Mr. Cohen was Chairman and CEO of Wisconsin Toy and Novelty, Inc., a Midwest
distributor of closeout toy and novelty items.
Robert Horne has served as a Director of the Company since November
1996. Mr. Horne has been a principal of ZS Fund L.P., a Company engaged in
making private investments, since March 1992. Prior to joining ZS Fund, Mr.
Horne was employed by Salomon Brothers Inc as a Vice President in its Mergers
and Acquisitions Group.
Ned L. Sherwood has served as a Director of the Company since November
1996. Mr. Sherwood has been a principal and President of ZS Fund L.P., for more
than the past five years. Mr. Sherwood is currently a member of the Boards of
Directors of Sun Television & Appliance, Inc., Kaye Group, Inc., and Market
Facts, Inc.
Marc H. Morgenstern has served as Secretary of the Company since
November 1996. He has been a principal in the Cleveland, Ohio law firm of Kahn,
Kleinman, Yanowitz & Arnson Co., L.P.A. for more than five years, and has been
President of the law firm and Chairman of its Executive Committee since June
1992.
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PART II
ITEM 5. MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON STOCK AND RELATED
STOCKHOLDER MATTERS
The Company's Common Stock trades on the Nasdaq National Market tier of
the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol "MAZL". The following table shows the
high and low closing sale prices of the Common Stock since the Common Stock
began trading publicly on November 21, 1996, as reported through January 24,
1997. The price to the public in the initial public offering which occurred on
November 21, 1996 was $16.00 per share.
Common Stock
High Low
---- ---
Quarter ended January 25, 1997
(From November 21, 1996) 25.125 19.00
As of April 1997, the Company believes that there were 2,000 beneficial
owners of the Company's Common Stock.
Dividend Policy
The Company has never declared or paid any cash dividends on its Common
Stock. The Company currently intends to retain its future earnings, if any, to
finance the expansion of its business and for general corporate purpose and
currently does not anticipate paying any cash dividends on its Common Stock in
the foreseeable future. Any payment of cash dividends in the future will be at
the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon, among other
things, the Company's earnings, financial condition, capital requirements, level
of indebtedness, contractual restrictions with respect to the payment of
dividends and other factors that the Company's Board of Directors deems
relevant. In addition, the Company's credit facility with The Provident Bank
prohibits the Company from declaring or paying any dividends without the prior
written consent of The Provident Bank.
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ITEM 6. SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
The selected historical financial data of the Company presented under
the captions Statement of Operations Data and Balance Sheet Data as of and for
the years ended December 31, 1992 and January 31,1994, 1995 and 1996 (fiscal
years 1992, 1993, 1994 and 1995, respectively) have been derived from the
financial statements of Mazel Company L.P. ("Partnership"), which during 1996
was restructured as the Company. The financial statements of the Partnership
include the operations of the Peddlers Mart retail store from December 9, 1994
and the Odd Job operations from December 7, 1995. The selected historical
financial data presented under the captions Statement of Operations Data and
Balance Sheet Data as of and for the fiscal year ended January 25, 1997 (fiscal
year 1996) was derived from the financial statements of the Company. Such
financial statements of the Partnership and the Company were audited by KPMG
Peat Marwick LLP, independent certified public accountants. The selected data
referred to above and the Pro Formas as Adjusted Data should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements and related notes thereto and
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" included elsewhere in this filing. The Pro Forma as Adjusted Data
and the information under the caption Selected Operating Data shown in the table
are unaudited.
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<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA
----------------------------
FISCAL YEAR
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRO FORMA,
AS ADJUSTED
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1996(1)
------ ------ ------ ------ ------ --------
(IN THOUSANDS EXCEPT PER SHARE AND OPERATING DATA)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $71,156 $74,954 $76,254 $98,106 $179,877 $179,877
Cost of sales 52,111 54,201 55,183 70,208 121,382 121,382
--------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Gross profit 19,045 20,753 21,071 27,898 58,495 58,495
SG & A expense 13,703 15,094 15,317 20,753 45,802 44,567
Special charges 8,100 1,285 0 2,203 4,243 0
--------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Operating profit (loss) (2,758) 4,374 5,754 4,942 8,450 13,928
Interest expense (income) 650 1,130 894 1,265 2,254 (205)
Other expense (income) (459) 43 (26) 559 (34) (34)
--------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Income (loss) before
income taxes (2,949) 3,201 4,886 3,118 6,230 14,168
Income taxes 63 21 71 19 (1,987) 5,667
Extraordinary loss 0 (455) 0 0 0 0
--------- --------- --------- -------- --------- ---------
Net income (loss) $(3,012) $2,725 $4,815 $3,099 $8,217 $8,501
========= ========= ========= ======== ========= =========
Pro forma as adjusted
earnings per share $0.93
Pro forma shares outstanding 9,170
BALANCE SHEET DATA:
Working capital $20,469 $18,373 $17,439 $26,193 $44,473 $44,473
Total assets 30,589 28,450 31,129 56,634 86,361 86,644
Long term debt 17,168 12,303 10,649 27,382 70 70
Total liabilities 22,848 18,997 19,567 43,764 21,599 21,599
Shareholders' equity and
partners' capital 7,741 9,453 11,562 12,870 64,762 65,045
SELECTED OPERATING DATA:
Number of stores 10 11 12 13 23
Total square footage 139,718 153,718 164,386 188,361 336,905
Total store sales growth 0.8% 5.4% 12.8% 6.3% 40.2%
Comparable store net sales 0.8% -2.6% 7.9% -4.4% 15.8%
Avg. net sales per gross sq. ft $340 $326 $344 $319 $354
<FN>
(1) Pro forma as adjusted data gives effect to the Company's initial public
offering as of the beginning of all periods presented, and includes the
combination of: (i) the Mazel wholesale operations; (ii) the Odd Job
retail operations; and (iii) the Peddlers Mart retail store, as if the
combination of entities had occurred at the beginning of all periods
presented. Pro forma as adjusted data exclude certain non-recurring
charges, and give effect to the use of proceeds resulting from the
Company's 2,960,100 share initial public offering, as well as certain
adjustments to compensation expense.
</TABLE>
15
<PAGE> 16
ITEM 7. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULT
OF OPERATION
OVERVIEW
Mazel Stores, Inc. consists of two complementary operations: (i) a
major regional closeout retail business; and (ii) one of the nation's largest
closeout wholesale businesses.
Mazel was founded as a wholesaler of closeout merchandise in 1975. In
1981, the Company initiated its Just Closeouts retail operations in Ohio, which
were subsequently sold in October 1995. In 1992, Mazel Company L.P. (a
predecessor to the Company), a general partner of which was an affiliate of ZS
Fund, a private investment firm, acquired substantially all of the assets of
Mazel's wholesale and retail businesses. In December 1995, Odd Job Holdings,
Inc. wholly-owned by another affiliate of ZS Fund, acquired Odd Job, which
operated a chain of 12 retail stores in the New York metropolitan area, and
acquired Peddlers Mart, which operated one store. In connection with a
restructuring that occurred immediately prior to the Offering in November
1996, the Company acquired all of the assets of Mazel Company L.P. and the
stock of Odd-Job Holdings. The Company (including its predecessors) has opened
or acquired ten (10) stores in fiscal 1996; it plans to open nine stores in
fiscal 1997, 12 stores in fiscal 1998 and 15 stores in fiscal 1999.
The Combined Financial Statements of Mazel Company L.P. and Odd-Job
Holdings, Inc. represent the historical assets, liabilities and results of
operations of the Company.
In the fourth quarter fiscal 1996, the Company took a one-time, pre-tax
charge of $4.2 million representing compensation and other charges arising in
connection with the Company's initial public offering. Included as part of the
charge are the effects of the issuance of a total of 206,898 shares of Common
Stock to certain employees of the Company in return for ongoing reductions in
their salaries and potential bonuses. The Company also realized a one-time
$1.5 million tax benefit in fiscal 1996 arising from cumulative differences
between the net book and tax basis of Mazel Company L.P.'s assets and
liabilities.
The Company believes that it generally requires approximately $600,000
to open a new store of 17,000 square feet, including the cost of leasehold
improvements, store equipment and fixtures and inventory (net of associated
accounts payable) and pre-opening costs. The Company anticipates that new stores
generally become profitable (excluding the store's share of interest carrying
charges or corporate overhead) within the first six to nine months of operation,
with stores opened in the third and fourth quarters achieving profitability more
quickly than stores opened in the first and second quarters.
16
<PAGE> 17
On a continuous basis, the Company remodels and refurbishes stores at a
modest cost. Because the first full year of operations includes unusually strong
sales in the opening quarter associated with grand opening promotions, second
year net sales may be lower than first year net sales, but generally increase
thereafter. Store opening expenses are charged to operations as incurred. The
timing of store openings and the number of stores in the maturation process will
have an effect on quarter-to-quarter comparisons. Comparable store net sales
means a comparison of net sales from all stores open at the beginning of both
fiscal periods compared.
Wholesale net sales reflect both warehouse and drop shipment sales.
Drop shipment sales generally have lower gross margins than sales requiring
distribution from the Company's warehouses; however, they also have lower
associated selling, general and administrative costs.
The Company's wholesale operations have grown from $57.4 million in
fiscal 1992 to $95.7 million in fiscal 1996. The Company anticipates that net
sales of the retail operations should grow more quickly than those of its
wholesale operations because of an emphasis on opening and acquiring new stores
and anticipated increases in comparable store sales. As the Company's retail
operations grow, the wholesale operations will sell a larger percentage of its
products to the Company's retail stores. Because the gross margin on sales from
the wholesale to retail operations are below the margin on sales to third
parties, to the extent that sales to the retail operations becomes a higher
percentage of wholesale's net sales, wholesale's margin will be negatively
affected. The wholesale operations gross margin on sales to the Company's retail
operations of inventory remaining on the retail operations books at the end of a
reporting period is eliminated in the combined statements. Consequently, the
wholesale operations gross margins will be slightly affected on a
quarter-to-quarter basis based on the level of any changes to retail inventory.
In the past two years, the Company has made a substantial investment in
executive personnel and infrastructure to accommodate the Company's anticipated
growth, particularly with respect to its retail operations. The Company has
hired three senior executives and six buyers, and has expanded its Solon, Ohio
and Englewood, NJ warehouse and distribution facilities. The Company believes
that this level of investment in senior management and distribution facilities
will be sufficient to support its growth until the Company's retail operations
expands to approximately 60 stores.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
The results of operations set forth below describe: (i) the Company's
retail operations; and (ii) its wholesale operations. Retail operations include
the results of the Odd Job and Peddlers Mart operations both prior and
subsequent to their acquisitions by the Company. Wholesale operations include
the results of Mazel Company L.P. for each of the periods presented. The Ohio
stores, sold in October 1995, are treated as a discontinued operation. Although
the presentation of retail operation results prior to its acquisition in
December 1995 ("predecessor") is not required, the Company believes that
presentation of such data assist the reader in a better understanding of the
business.
17
<PAGE> 18
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
RETAIL SEGMENT STATEMENT OF OPERATION DATA
RETAIL SEGMENT
(IN THOUSANDS)
Successor Predecessor
------------------------------- ---------------------
Fiscal Year Fiscal Year
1996 Fiscal Year 1995 1994
------------- ---------------------------- ----------
December 7, February 1
Year Ended 1995 to 1995 to Year Ended
January 25, January 27, December 7, January 31,
1997(1) 1996(2) 1995 1995(3)
------------- ------------ ------------- ----------
(in thousands of dollars)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $84,202 $14,775 $45,289 $56,511
Cost of sales 51,299 9,637 27,904 35,481
------- ------- ------- -------
Gross profit 32,903 5,138 17,385 21,030
SG & A expense 29,086 4,658 16,199 18,907
Special charges 0 300 0 0
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating profit-retail $3,817 $180 $1,186 $2,123
======= ======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
--------------------------------------
FISCAL YEAR
--------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- --------- --------
Net sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Cost of sales 60.92 62.50 62.79
------ ------ ------
Gross margin 39.08 37.50 37.21
SG & A expense 34.54 34.72 33.46
Special charges 0.00 0.50 0.00
------ ------ ------
Operating profit-retail 4.53% 2.27% 3.76%
====== ====== ======
<FN>
(1) Reflects a reclassification of $312 for the year ended January 25, 1997
from selling, general and administrative expense retail, to corporate.
(2) As a result of the purchase accounting method applied to the Odd Job
Acquisition, the financial information for the periods after the Odd
Job Acquisition is presented on a different cost basis than for the
periods before the Odd Job Acquisition. The Company information
post-acquisition includes the results of Peddlers Mart for the 12
months ended January 27, 1996 and Odd Job for the period from December
7, 1995 to January 27, 1996.
(3) Reflects a freight reclassification of $839 for the year ended January
31, 1995, from cost of sales to selling, general and administrative
expense.
</TABLE>
18
<PAGE> 19
FISCAL 1996 RESULTS VERSUS FISCAL 1995 (COMBINED PREDECESSOR AND SUCCESSOR)
Net sales increased $24.1 million, or 40.2%, to $84.2 million in fiscal
1996 from $60.1 million for fiscal 1995. Comparable store net sales increased
approximately 15.8%, contributing $9.5 million of the increase in net sales.
Comparable store net sales increased primarily due to expanded store hours
including seven-day-a-week operations following the Odd Job acquisition, as well
as an expanded product mix and enhanced merchandising techniques. The remaining
$14.6 million increase is attributable to two stores acquired March 1, 1996,
one store acquired in December 1996, and seven additional stores opened during
fiscal 1996. Net sales in fiscal 1995 were marginally negatively affected by
the relocation of one of the Company's Manhattan stores during August of that
year.
Gross profit increased $10.4 million, or 46.1%, to $32.9 million in
fiscal 1996, from $22.5 million in fiscal 1995. Gross margin increased to 39.1%
in fiscal 1996, from 37.5% in fiscal 1995. The increase was due to increased
purchasing opportunities resulting from the ability to buy for both the retail
and wholesale operations, as well as the efforts of the Company's eight new
senior buyers in acquiring higher margin products.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $8.2 million, or
39.5%, to $29.1 million in fiscal 1996, from $20.9 million in fiscal 1995.
Selling, general and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales,
decreased slightly to 34.5% in fiscal 1996 from 34.7% in the comparable 1995
year. The $8.2 million increase primarily resulted from $4.7 million of
increased store level expenses. Approximately $1.7 million of the increase
resulted primarily from an increase in administrative cost, principally
attributable to costs associated with the new buying and advertising personnel
and costs associated with store management trainees. In addition, warehouse and
store delivery costs increased $1.7 million due to costs associated with
increased inventory levels, new store opening support costs, and costs
associated with setup of the expanded warehouse square footage. A more
aggressive advertising program, including periodic circulars, resulted in an
increase of approximately $173,000 in advertising costs.
Operating profit increased to $3.8 million for fiscal 1996, from $1.4
million for fiscal 1995. As a percentage of net sales, operating profit
increased to 4.5% from 2.3%. This increase was primarily due to the factors
described above.
FISCAL 1995 (COMBINED PREDECESSOR AND SUCCESSOR) VERSUS FISCAL 1994
Net sales increased $3.6 million, or 6.3%, to $60.1 million in fiscal
1995, from $56.5 million in fiscal 1994. Comparable store net sales decreased
4.4%, or $2.2 million. Comparable store net sales decreased primarily due to the
Company carrying lower levels of inventory in anticipation of a difficult retail
environment in the last half of fiscal 1995 and additionally reflects the impact
of the predecessor management's focus on the Odd Job Acquisition. Fiscal 1995
net sales include $5.2 million of sales attributable to Peddlers Mart.
19
<PAGE> 20
Gross profit increased $1.5 million, or 7.1%, to $22.5 million in fiscal
1995, from $21.0 million in fiscal 1994. Gross margin remained relatively
constant, increasing modestly to 37.5% in fiscal 1995, from 37.2% in fiscal
1994.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $2.0 million, or
10.3%, to $20.9 million in fiscal 1995, from $18.9 million in fiscal 1994.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales
increased to 34.7% in fiscal 1995, from 33.5% in fiscal 1994. The increase in
selling, general and administrative expenses was due primarily to $1.7 million
of increased store operating expenses due to the inclusion of Peddlers Mart in
fiscal 1995, a $300,000 increase in Odd Job store payroll due in part to the
relocation of one Manhattan store, and a $200,000 legal expense.
Special charges were $300,000 in fiscal 1995, reflecting signing bonuses
paid to former owners of Odd Job payable upon completion of the Odd Job
Acquisition. There were no special charges in fiscal 1994.
Operating profit decreased $757,000, or 35.7% in fiscal 1995, to $1.4
million versus $2.1 million in fiscal 1994. As a percentage of net sales,
operating margin decreased to 2.3% in fiscal 1995, versus 3.8% in fiscal 1994.
This decrease was a result of all of the factors described above.
20
<PAGE> 21
WHOLESALE SEGMENT
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF OPERATION DATA
WHOLESALE SEGMENT AND CORPORATE EXPENSES
(IN THOUSANDS)
Fiscal Years
---------------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales(1) $95,675 $73,817 $62,748
Cost of sales 70,083 53,476 45,790
------- ------- -------
Gross profit 25,592 20,341 16,958
SG & A expense 11,577 9,689 10,478
Special charges 0 332 0
------- ------- -------
Operating profit - wholesale $14,015 $10,320 $ 6,480
======= ======= =======
Corporate expenses(2) $ 5,139 $ 3,342 N/A
======= ======= =======
<FN>
(1) Sales between Mazel and Odd Job have been eliminated in fiscal years
1996 and 1995 in the amounts of $9,057,000 and $3,496,000,
respectively. Wholesale gross profit remaining in retail inventory as
a result of the previously mentioned sales has been eliminated for
fiscal years 1996 and 1995 in the amounts of $336,000 and $95,000,
respectively. The combination of Mazel and Odd Job occurred in fiscal
1995 and, accordingly, intercompany sales and profit in inventory have
not been eliminated in fiscal 1994.
(2) Corporate expenses consist of shared administrative costs between
retail and wholesale.
</TABLE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PERCENTAGE OF NET SALES
----------------------------------------------
Fiscal Years
----------------------------------------------
1996 1995 1994
-------- -------- --------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales 100.00% 100.00% 100.00%
Cost of sales 73.25 72.44 72.97
------ ------ ------
Gross margin 26.75 27.56 27.03
SG & A expense 12.10 13.13 16.70
Special charges 0.00 0.45 0.00
------ ------ ------
Operating profit - wholesale 14.65% 13.98% 10.33%
====== ====== ======
Corporate expenses 2.86% 2.50% N/A
====== ====== ======
</TABLE>
21
<PAGE> 22
FISCAL 1996 VERSUS FISCAL 1995
Net sales increased $21.9 million, or 29.6%, to $95.7 million in fiscal
1996, from $73.8 million in fiscal 1995. Fiscal 1996 net sales were positively
affected by a higher levels of sales to existing customers, including one key
customer whose secondary distribution center had been damaged early in the
second quarter of 1996. The Company also benefited from the addition of new
customers.
Gross profit increased $5.3 million, or 25.8%, to $25.6 million in
fiscal 1996, from $20.3 million in fiscal 1995. Gross margin decreased to 26.7%
in fiscal 1996, from 27.6% in fiscal 1995. The increase in gross profit was
driven by the large increase in sales volume, while the gross margin decline
resulted from a change in merchandise mix and a reduced gross margin on stock
sales in fiscal year 1996.
Selling, general and administrative expenses increased $1.9 million, or
19.5%, to $11.6 million in fiscal 1996, from $9.7 million in fiscal 1995. The
increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was principally due to
increases in variable expense (such as sales commission and travel). As a
percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased
to 12.1% in fiscal 1996, from 13.1% in fiscal 1995.
Special charges of $332,000 in fiscal 1995 resulted from one-time
contractual obligations relating to hiring of senior executives. There were no
special charges in 1996.
Wholesale operating profit increased to $14.0 million in fiscal 1996,
from $10.3 million in fiscal 1995. As a percentage of net sales, operating
margin increased to 14.6 % in the 1996 fiscal year from 14.0% in the comparable
1995 year due to the factors described above.
FISCAL 1995 VERSUS FISCAL 1994
Net sales increased $11.1 million, or 17.6% to $73.8 million in fiscal
1995, from $62.7 million in fiscal 1994, which included $2.2 million of sales to
Odd Job. Fiscal 1995 net sales were positively affected by a $4.5 million
increase in levels of inventory available for sale, and higher levels of sales
to existing customers, as well as the addition of new customers.
Gross profit increased $3.4 million, or 19.9%, to $20.3 million in
fiscal 1995, from $17.0 million in fiscal 1994. Gross margin increased slightly
to 27.6% in fiscal 1995, from 27.0% in fiscal 1994. Gross margin increase
slightly due to changes in product mix sold.
Selling, general and administrative expenses decreased $789,000 or
7.5%, to $9.7 million in fiscal 1995, from $10.5 million in fiscal 1994.
Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of net sales
decreased to 13.1% in fiscal 1995 from 16.7% in fiscal 1994. The decrease in
expenses and percentages are reflective of a reclassification in 1995 of certain
expenses relating to key executives and shared administrative services to
Corporate expenses.
Special charges of $332,000 in fiscal 1995 resulted from one-time
contractual obligations relating to the hiring of senior executives. There were
no special charges in 1994.
22
<PAGE> 23
Operating profit increased $3.8 million or 59.3%, in fiscal 1995, to
$10.3 million, versus $6.5 million in fiscal 1994. Operating margin increased to
14.0% in fiscal 1995, versus 10.3% in fiscal 1994. This increase was primarily a
result of the exclusion and reclassification of corporate expenses in 1995.
CORPORATE EXPENSES
FISCAL YEAR 1996 VERSUS FISCAL YEAR 1995
Corporate expenses consist of the cost of senior management and shared
administrative resources which are utilized by both segments of the business.
Corporate expense increased $1.8 million or 53.8% to $5.1 million during fiscal
1996 from $3.3 million fiscal 1995. The increase is primarily due to the
addition of two key executives, their respective signing bonuses, expenses
associated with the opening of a Columbus, Ohio office and increases in other
expenses, including insurance expense. Corporate expense in 1995 includes a
$600,000 special charge for legal fees. As a result, corporate expense increased
as a percentage of total Company's sales to 2.9% in 1996 from 2.5% in 1995.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
The Company's primary requirements for capital consist of purchases of
inventory, expenditures related to new store openings and the working capital
requirements for new and existing stores. The Company takes advantage of
closeout and other special situation purchasing opportunities which frequently
result in large volume purchases, and, as a consequence, its cash requirements
are not constant or predictable during the year and can be affected by the
timing and size of its purchases. The Company maintains a high level of
committed credit, so that it can take immediate advantage of special situation
purchasing opportunities. Having such credit availability provides the Company
with a competitive advantage measured against many of its competitors.
On November 21, 1996 the Company completed an initial public offering of
2,960,100 shares of Common Stock, no par value, at $16 per share. The offering
generated net proceeds of approximately $43.0 million, after deducting
underwriting fees and offering expenses. The net proceeds were used to repay
$33.4 million of indebtedness to a senior institutional lender and $4.0 million
of Partners' notes, to fund approximately $2.9 million in tax loans to certain
executives and former shareholders of the Company, $900,000 in compensation
buyouts to certain executives and the remaining $1.9 million was used for
general corporate purpose.
Historically, the Company's growth has been financed through cash flow
from operations, borrowings under its bank credit facility and the extension of
trade credit. Prior to the Company's initial public offering, the Company
maintained a $38.5 million Credit Facility secured by a lien on substantially
all of the Company's assets. As a result of the offering, in December 1996, the
Company entered into a new $40 million credit facility. Loans under the new
facility are secured by liens only on the Company's receivables and warehouse
inventories. The facility has a maturity date of April 30, 1999. Borrowings
under the new facility bear interest, at the Company's option, at either LIBOR
plus 200 basis points or prime less 50 basis points. The credit facility
contains restrictive covenants which require minimum net worth levels,
maintenance of certain financial ratios and limitations on capital expenditures
and investments.
23
<PAGE> 24
For fiscal year 1996, cash provided by consolidated operating activities
was $878,000 as compared to cash used in fiscal 1995 of $2.2 million. Net income
and increases in trade payables, offset by increases in inventory and trade
receivables, accounted for the cash provided in fiscal 1996. In fiscal year 1995
increased inventory levels and decreased trade payables accounted for the
majority of cash used in operations. Cash used in investing activities increased
slightly to $7.1 million in fiscal 1996 from $7.0 million in fiscal 1995. The
majority of the cash used in fiscal 1995 was related to the acquisition of the
assets of Odd Job Holdings. Capital expenditures in 1995 were offset by the
proceeds of the sale of fixtures and equipment used in the Ohio retail operation
which was sold in October 1995. Cash was used in 1996 primarily for capital
expenditures related to corporate growth and loans to related parties made in
connection with the Company's public offering completed in November 1996. Cash
provided by financing activities increased to $12.7 million in fiscal 1996 from
$10.5 million in fiscal 1995. The majority of financing provided was from the
Company's public offering, offset by the payment of corporate debt and partner
distributions. In fiscal 1995 the cash provided was from borrowings on the
Company's revolving line of credit and term loans. Capital expenditures for
fiscal 1996 were $3.9 million. Fiscal 1997 capital expenditures are budgeted at
approximately $5.6 million, primarily for new stores, the management information
systems upgrade and the warehouse and distribution facilities' expansion.
The Company currently anticipates opening new stores in each of the next
few years. In addition to new store openings, the Company may increase the
number of stores it operates through acquisitions. Management believes that from
time to time acquisition opportunities will arise. Possible acquisitions will
vary in size and the Company will consider larger acquisitions that could be
material to the Company. In order to finance any such possible acquisitions, the
Company may use cash flow from operations, may borrow additional amounts under
its revolving credit facility, may seek to obtain additional debt or equity
financing or may use its equity securities as consideration. The availability
and attractiveness of any outside sources of financing will depend on a number
of factors, some of which will relate to the financial condition and performance
of the Company, and some of which will be beyond the Company's control, such as
prevailing interest rates and general economic conditions.
Management believes that the proceeds of its initial public offering,
together with cash flow from operations and borrowings under its new loan
facility, will be adequate to fund the operations and internal expansion plans
of the Company for at least the next twelve months.
24
<PAGE> 25
INFLATION
During fiscal year 1996, lease expense and salaries and wages have
increased modestly. The increases have not had a significant effect on the
Company's results of operations because the impact of rising costs has been
offset by price increases. As a result, inflation has not had nor is it expected
to have a significant impact on the Company's operations.
GENERAL ECONOMIC TREND, SEASONALITY AND QUARTERLY FLUCTUATION
Historically, the Company's retail stores have experienced their
highest net sales and operating income levels during the fourth quarter, which
includes the holiday selling season.
The Company's results of operations may also fluctuate from
quarter to quarter as a result of the amount and timing of sales contributed by
new stores, the level of advertising and pre-opening expenses associated with
the opening of new stores, the integration of new stores into the operations of
the Company and the timing of large opportunistic purchases and sales in the
Company's wholesale operations as well as other factors.
During the first quarter of fiscal 1997, the Company has experienced an
increase of approximately 25% in total retail sales, but a 4-5% decrease in
comparable store sales compared with the 1996 quarter, when the Company's
comparable store sales were up 14.7% from 1995 levels. Comparable store sales
are based on a small platform of only 13 stores, and the Company believes the
10 new stores added in fiscal 1996 have siphoned and are expected to continue
to siphon some sales from the 13 mature stores located in the same market. The
Company believes that the softness in its retail operation was also due to the
results of lower shipments to the stores in the early portion of the quarter
versus prior year's levels and the later timing of Passover, which impacted
sales in the Company's New York and New Jersey markets. The Company made an
unusually large, opportunistic purchase late in the 1997 first quarter, whereas
a comparable size purchase occurred earlier in the 1996 first quarter. As a
consequence of the timing of the 1997 purchase, the Company did not begin
recognizing the benefit of retail or wholesale sales from this opportunistic
purchase until late in the 1997 first quarter when retail sales strengthened to
previously anticipated levels.
The Company's wholesale operations have also experienced an
approximately 14% decline in sales (exclusive of intercompany sales) for the
first quarter of 1997 versus sales for the comparable 1996 period, when the
wholesale operations experienced a 50% increase from the 1995 comparable
quarter. Management believes that a portion of the decline is due to additional
sales from the wholesale business to the retail business, which is consistent
with management's longer term plan.
QUARTERLY RESULTS (UNAUDITED)
The following table represents certain selected financial information of
the Company's wholesale and retail operations for the quarters indicated. For
purposes of analysis, the wholesale operations consists of Mazel Company L.P.
and the retail operations consists of Odd Job for each of the quarters presented
in the fiscal years 1996 and 1995, as if the Odd Job operation had been acquired
at the beginning of fiscal 1995. Sales and profits between Mazel and Odd Job
have been eliminated from wholesale results in both years.
25
<PAGE> 26
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
QUARTERLY STATEMENTS OF OPERATION
FISCAL 1996 1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER
----------- ------------ ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Sales
Retail $16,882 $18,157 $19,785 $29,378
Wholesale 25,572 24,554 24,602 20,947
------- ------- ------- -------
Total sales 42,454 42,711 44,387 50,325
Gross profit
Retail 6,501 7,170 7,768 11,464
Wholesale 6,398 6,582 6,950 5,662
------- ------- ------- -------
Total gross profit 12,899 13,752 14,718 17,126
Operating income before
corporate and special charges
Retail 609 469 510 2,229
Wholesale 3,574 3,714 3,929 2,798
------- ------- ------- -------
Total 4,183 4,183 4,439 5,027
Corporate 1,183 1,355 1,282 1,319
Special charges 0 0 0 4,243
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) $3,000 $2,828 $3,156 $(535)
======= ======= ======= =======
<CAPTION>
FISCAL 1995 1ST QUARTER 2ND QUARTER 3RD QUARTER 4TH QUARTER
----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(IN THOUSANDS)
Sales
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Retail $13,975 $14,238 $13,249 $18,602
Wholesale 16,903 15,209 20,858 20,847
------- ------- ------- -------
Total sales 30,878 29,447 34,107 39,449
Gross Profit
Retail 5,324 5,423 4,970 6,806
Wholesale 4,825 4,668 5,619 5,229
------- ------- ------- -------
Total gross profit 10,149 10,091 10,589 12,035
Operating income before
corporate and special charges
Retail 385 439 (239) 1,081
Wholesale 2,391 2,177 3,066 3,018
------- ------- ------- -------
Total 2,776 2,616 2,827 4,099
Corporate 533 533 1,233 1,043
Discontinued operations 235 220 1,748 0
Special charges 0 0 0 632
------- ------- ------- -------
Operating income (loss) $2,008 $1,863 $(154) $ 2,424
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
26
<PAGE> 27
RECENT ACCOUNTING DEVELOPMENTS
During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of", which provides
guidance for recognition of impairment losses to long-lived assets. The
Statement is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The
Company recognized no impairment loss as a result of adoption.
During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation", which provides a basis for measurement and recognition of all
stock-based employee compensation plans. The disclosure requirements of this
Statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The
Company chose to maintain its current accounting method for stock-based
compensation and disclose the pro forma effects on net income and earnings per
share of the fair market value method as permitted by the Statement.
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT
Forward looking statements in this report are made pursuant to the safe
harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such
forward looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that
could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers
are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward looking statements
which speak only as of the date hereof. Such risks and uncertainties include,
but are not limited to, the successful implementation of the Company's retail
expansion plans, the ability to purchase quality closeout merchandise at prices
that allow the Company to maintain or exceed expected margins on sales, the
effect on comparable store sales of the small platform of stores and the
disproportionate impact caused by individual buying transactions, growth into
new geographic areas, availability of appropriate retail locations, the lack of
any unanticipated problems at the Company's distribution facilities or in
transportation of merchandise, in general, and general economic conditions.
Please refer to the Company's subsequent SEC filings under the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, for further information.
27
<PAGE> 28
ITEM 8. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
Reference is made to Part IV, Item 14 of this Form 10-K for the
information required by Item 8.
ITEM 9. CHANGES AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL
DISCLOSURE
None.
PART III
ITEM 10. DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY
The information required by this Item (other than the information
regarding executive officers set forth at the end of Item 4A of Part I of this
Form 10-K) will be contained in the Company's definitive Proxy Statement for its
1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and is incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 11. EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 12. SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
ITEM 13. CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS
The information required by this Item will be contained in the Company's
definitive Proxy Statement for its 1997 Annual Meeting of Stockholders, and is
incorporated herein by reference.
28
<PAGE> 29
PART IV
ITEM 14. EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K
(a) (1) Financial Statements:
Independent Auditors' Report
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 25, 1997 and
January 31, 1996
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended
January 25, 1997, January 31, 1996 and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Partners'
Capital for the Years Ended January 25, 1997, January 31,
1996 and 1995
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended
January 25, 1997, January 31, 1996 and 1995
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(a) (2) Financial Statement Schedules:
All schedules are omitted because they are not applicable or
because required information is included in the financial
statements or notes thereto.
(a) (3) Exhibits
See the Index to Exhibits included on page 31.
(b) Reports on Form 8-K
None
29
<PAGE> 30
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
---------------------------
The Board of Directors and Stockholders
Mazel Stores, Inc.:
We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Mazel Stores, Inc. as
listed in the accompanying index. These consolidated financial statements are
the responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to
express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our
audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards 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 examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mazel Stores, Inc.
as of January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period
ended January 25, 1997, in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
/s/ KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
Cleveland, Ohio
March 21, 1997
F-1
<PAGE> 31
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 25, January 31,
Assets 1997 1996
------ ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C>
Current assets
Cash and cash equivalents $ 8,010 $ 1,470
Accounts receivable - trade, less allowance for doubtful
accounts of $195 in both years presented 10,565 10,067
Notes and other receivables 96 352
Inventories 40,399 29,212
Prepaid expenses 1,186 440
Deferred income tax asset (note 8) 3,006 314
------- -------
Total current assets 63,262 41,855
Equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements, net (note 4) 6,251 3,097
Other assets 1,107 987
Notes receivable - related parties (note 6) 2,936 --
Goodwill, net (note 1[g]) 10,876 9,000
Deferred income tax asset (note 8) 1,929 1,695
------- -------
$86,361 $56,634
======= =======
Liabilities, Stockholders' Equity and Partners' Capital
-------------------------------------------------------
Current liabilities
Long-term debt, current portion (note 5) $ 17 $ 1,361
Accounts payable 15,447 11,732
Accrued expenses 3,050 2,376
Other current liabilities 275 193
------- -------
Total current liabilities 18,789 15,662
Revolving line of credit (note 5) -- 13,496
Long-term debt, net of current portion (note 5) 53 12,525
Other liabilities (note 9[a]) 2,091 2,037
Deferred income tax liability (note 8) 666 44
------- -------
Total liabilities 21,599 43,764
Stockholders' equity and partners' capital
Common stock, no par value; 14,000,000 shares authorized;
9,170,100 shares issued and outstanding -- --
Preferred stock, no par value; 2,000,000 shares authorized;
no shares issued or outstanding -- --
Additional paid-in capital 64,742 100
Retained earnings (deficit) 20 (204)
Partners' capital -- 12,974
------- -------
Total stockholders' equity and partners' capital 64,762 12,870
Commitments and contingencies (notes 5 and 9)
------- -------
$86,361 $56,634
======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-2
<PAGE> 32
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Operations
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
---------------------------------------------
January 25, January 31, January 31,
1997 1996 1995
------------- ------------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $ 179,877 $ 98,106 $ 76,254
Cost of sales 121,382 70,208 55,183
----------- ----------- -----------
Gross profit 58,495 27,898 21,071
Selling, general, and administrative expense 45,802 20,753 15,317
Special charges (note 11) 4,243 2,203 --
----------- ----------- -----------
Operating profit 8,450 4,942 5,754
Other income (expense)
Interest expense, net (2,254) (1,265) (894)
Other 34 (559) 26
----------- ----------- -----------
Income before income taxes 6,230 3,118 4,886
Income tax expense (benefit) (note 8) (1,987) 19 71
----------- ----------- -----------
Net income $ 8,217 $ 3,099 $ 4,815
=========== =========== ===========
Pro forma as adjusted data (unaudited) (note 13)
Income before income taxes $ 6,230 $ 3,118
Supplemental pro forma adjustments
Income of Odd Job retail operation -- 1,365
Loss on discontinued Ohio retail operation -- 2,210
Management compensation adjustments 1,235 1,404
Special charges 4,243 600
Reduction in interest expense, net 2,460 2,040
Provision for income taxes (5,667) (4,295)
----------- -----------
Pro forma as adjusted
net income (unaudited) $ 8,501 $ 6,442
=========== ===========
Pro forma as adjusted net income per
share (unaudited) $ 0.93 $ 0.70
Pro forma as adjusted shares outstanding 9,170,100 9,170,100
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-3
<PAGE> 33
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity and Partners' Capital
Years ended January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996 and 1995
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Mazel
Additional Retained Company L.P.
Paid-In Earnings Partners'
Capital (Deficit) Capital Total
---------- -------- ------------ -------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Balance as of January 31, 1994 $ -- $ -- $ 9,453 $ 9,453
ZS Peddlers Mart, Inc. common stock 100 -- -- 100
Partners' withdrawals -- -- (2,806) (2,806)
Partnership net income -- -- 4,809 4,809
ZS Peddlers Mart, Inc. net income -- 6 -- 6
------- ------- ------- -------
Balance as of January 31, 1995 100 6 11,456 11,562
Capital contributed -- -- 92 92
Partners' withdrawals -- -- (1,773) (1,773)
Dividends paid -- (110) -- (110)
Partnership net income -- -- 3,199 3,199
Odd-Job Holdings, Inc. net loss -- (100) -- (100)
------- ------- ------- -------
Balance as of January 31, 1996 100 (204) 12,974 12,870
Capital contributed -- -- 4,000 4,000
Net proceeds from issuance and sale of
2,960,100 shares of common stock
in connection with the initial public
offering, net of issuance costs of
$1,038 (note 2) 43,008 -- -- 43,008
Stock issued pursuant to compensation
arrangements 3,646 -- -- 3,646
Conversion of debt (note 5) 1,000 -- -- 1,000
Partners' withdrawals -- -- (7,979) (7,979)
Net income -- 224 7,993 8,217
Exchange of partnership equity for stock 16,988 -- (16,988) --
------- ------- ------- -------
Balance as of January 25, 1997 $64,742 $ 20 $ -- $64,762
======= ======= ======= =======
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-4
<PAGE> 34
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
(Dollars in thousands)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
---------------------------------------
January 25, January 31, January 31,
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income $ 8,217 $ 3,099 $ 4,815
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by
(used in) operating activities
Depreciation and amortization 1,075 646 475
Deferred income taxes (2,304) (12) 5
Allowance for doubtful accounts -- -- (55)
Loss on sale of Ohio retail operations -- 1,571 --
Noncash charges on sale of Ohio retail operations -- (3,038) --
Noncash compensation expense 2,928 -- --
Changes in operating assets and liabilities
Accounts receivable - trade (2,077) (672) (1,077)
Notes and other receivables 256 (196) 31
Inventories (10,735) (1,686) (57)
Prepaid expenses (704) 266 (135)
Other assets (31) 113 (82)
Accounts payable 3,627 (2,107) 1,668
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 626 (178) 86
-------- -------- --------
Total adjustments (7,339) (5,293) 859
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 878 (2,194) 5,674
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital expenditures (3,923) (450) (497)
Cash paid for acquisitions, net of cash acquired (266) (8,395) 23
Cash received at acquisition, net of cash expenses 70 -- --
Issuance of notes receivable - related parties (2,936) -- --
Security deposits -- -- (16)
Proceeds from sale of Ohio retail operations -- 1,818 --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash used in investing activities (7,055) (7,027) (490)
-------- -------- --------
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from term loan -- 10,925 4,000
Repayment of debt (33,414) (4,151) (12,636)
Net borrowings under credit facility 7,102 6,220 6,858
Repayment of subordinated notes payable -- (500) (500)
Equity contributions 4,000 92 100
Partners' withdrawals (7,979) (1,773) (2,806)
Dividends paid -- (110) --
Loan fees -- (155) (75)
Net proceeds of initial public offering 43,008 -- --
-------- -------- --------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 12,717 10,548 (5,059)
-------- -------- --------
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 6,540 1,327 125
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 1,470 143 18
-------- -------- --------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 8,010 $ 1,470 $ 143
======== ======== ========
Supplemental disclosures
Cash paid for interest $ 2,503 $ 1,225 $ 887
======== ======== ========
</TABLE>
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.
F-5
<PAGE> 35
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996 and 1995
(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
------------------------------------------
(a) Description of Business
-----------------------
The Company consists of two complementary operations: (i) a major
regional closeout retail business; and (ii) one of the nation's
largest closeout wholesale businesses. The Company sells quality,
value-oriented consumer products at a broad range of price points
offered at a substantial discount to the original retail or
wholesale price. The Company's merchandise primarily consists of
new, frequently brand-name products that are available to the
Company for a variety of reasons, including overstock positions of a
manufacturer, wholesaler, or retailer; the discontinuance of
merchandise due to a change in style, color, shape, or repackaging;
a decrease in demand for a product through traditional channels; or
the termination of business by a manufacturer, wholesaler, or
retailer. The Company operates a chain of 23 closeout retail stores,
including 14 in New York (5 of which are in Manhattan) and 9 in New
Jersey.
(b) Organization
------------
The Company was incorporated as a wholly owned subsidiary of Mazel
Company L.P. ("Partnership") in preparation for an initial public
offering that occurred as of November 21, 1996 (see note 2). The
Partnership was controlled by ZS Mazel L.P. ("ZS"), a limited
partnership that was also the sole stockholder of Odd-Job Holdings,
Inc. ("Holdings"), which owned all of the outstanding common stock
of Odd Job Acquisition Corp., which had been organized to acquire
the retail businesses of a commonly owned group of corporations and
partnerships (collectively, "Odd Job"). On December 9, 1994, ZS
acquired Peddler's Mart, Inc. ("Peddlers"), which was merged with
Odd Job upon the acquisition of Odd Job on December 7, 1995.
Immediately prior to the initial public offering, the Partnership
contributed all of its assets and liabilities to the Company in
exchange for 5,690,602 shares of common stock. The Company then
exercised its option to acquire the stock of Holdings from ZS for
$1,400,000, which included the cancellation of a $1,350,000 note
from ZS.
(c) Basis of Presentation
---------------------
The financial statements of the Company give effect to the common
control of the Partnership, Peddlers, and Odd Job prior to the
initial public offering and, accordingly, are comprised of the
operations of the Partnership for all years presented, including the
Peddlers and Odd Job operations as of December 9, 1994 and December
7, 1995, respectively. The transfer of assets and liabilities among
these commonly controlled entities has been accounted for at
historical cost in a manner similar to a pooling of interests. All
significant balances and transactions between these entities and
among the consolidated group have been eliminated in the
consolidated financial statements.
F-6
<PAGE> 36
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(d) Cash and Cash Equivalents
-------------------------
For financial reporting purposes, the Company considers all
investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.
(e) Inventories
-----------
Wholesale inventories are valued at the lower of cost or market,
with cost determined by the first-in, first-out (FIFO) method.
Retail inventories are valued by use of the retail method.
(f) Equipment, Furniture, and Leasehold Improvements
------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and amortization are provided for the cost of
depreciable properties at rates based on their estimated useful
lives, which range from 3 to 10 years for furniture and equipment
or, for leasehold improvements, over the life of the related lease.
The rates so determined are applied on a straight-line basis.
Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred.
(g) Goodwill
--------
Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net
assets acquired and is amortized using the straight-line method over
periods not exceeding 40 years. The Company assesses the
recoverability of this intangible asset by determining whether the
amortization of the goodwill balance over its remaining life can be
recovered through undiscounted future operating cash flows of the
acquired businesses.
During the most recent fiscal year goodwill increased by $934,000
due to the settlement of pre-acquisition contingencies related to
the Odd Job acquisition and by $1,248,000 as a result of the
acquisition of three retail stores. At January 25, 1997 and January
31, 1996, accumulated amortization amounted to $393,000 and $87,000,
respectively.
(h) Income Taxes
------------
The Company accounts for income taxes in accordance with Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the
estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences
between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets
and liabilities and their respective tax bases and any operating
loss, deduction, or tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets
and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to
apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary
differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on
deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is
recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.
F-7
<PAGE> 37
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Income taxes attributable to the operations of the Partnership were
obligations of the individual partners and have not been reflected
in the historical amounts shown in the accompanying consolidated
financial statements. The consolidated financial statements reflect
a one-time tax benefit of $1,489,000 arising from cumulative
differences between the net book and tax basis of the Partnership's
assets and liabilities upon their transfer to the Company.
(i) Advertising
-----------
The Company expenses advertising costs as incurred. Advertising
expense was approximately $598,000 in the year ended January 25,
1997 and $470,000 and $464,000 in the years ended January 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively.
(j) Fiscal Year
-----------
Effective February 1, 1996, the Company changed its fiscal year end
from January 31 to a 52- or 53-week year ending on the Saturday
nearest to January 31. Accordingly, the current fiscal year ended on
January 25, whereas the two previous fiscal years ended on January
31.
(k) New Accounting Pronouncements
-----------------------------
During 1995, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB")
issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 121,
Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for
Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of, which provides guidance for
recognition of impairment losses to long-lived assets. The Statement
is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The
Company recognized no impairment loss as a result of adoption.
During 1995, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, which
provides a basis for measurement and recognition of all stock-based
employee compensation plans. The disclosure requirements of this
Statement are effective for fiscal years beginning after December
15, 1995. The Company chose to maintain its current accounting
method for stock-based compensation and disclose the pro forma
effects on net income and net income per share of the fair market
value method, if material, as permitted by the Statement.
(l) Use of Estimates in the Preparation of Financial Statements
-----------------------------------------------------------
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates
and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities
at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results
could differ from those estimates.
(m) Reclassifications
-----------------
Certain reclassifications were made to the Company's prior period
financial statements to conform to the January 25, 1997
presentation.
F-8
<PAGE> 38
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(2) Initial Public Offering
-----------------------
On November 21, 1996, the Company completed its initial public offering
of 2,574,000 shares of common stock, no par value, at $16 per share,
generating net proceeds of approximately $37.3 million, after deducting
underwriting fees and offering expenses. On December 13, 1996, the
underwriters exercised their over-allotment option to purchase an
additional 386,100 common shares, generating an additional $5.7 million
of cash proceeds to the Company. The net proceeds were used to repay
approximately $33.4 million of indebtedness to a senior institutional
lender and $4.0 million of partners' notes and to fund $2.9 million in
tax loans and $900,000 in compensation buyouts to certain executives; the
remaining $1.9 million was used for the Company's general corporate
purposes.
(3) Odd Job Acquisition
-------------------
On December 7, 1995, Odd Job was acquired by ZS for $10,500,000 and an
additional $1,013,000 in related expenses, in a transaction accounted for
by the purchase accounting method. In connection with the acquisition,
the purchase price allocation and liabilities assumed were as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Current assets $12,197
Equipment, furniture, and leasehold improvements 1,568
Goodwill 8,801
Other noncurrent assets 1,866
Expenses incurred in connection with the acquisition (1,013)
Cash paid for stock and partnership units (9,050)
--------
Liabilities assumed $14,369
========
</TABLE>
The following unaudited pro forma combined results of operations assume
that the combination had occurred at the beginning of fiscal year 1995
(in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
-----------------------------
January 31, January 31,
1996 1995
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C>
Net sales $133,881 $120,860
Net income 4,054 6,324
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma information is presented for comparative purposes
and is not necessarily indicative of results of operations that would
have occurred had the combination been made at the beginning of fiscal
year 1995.
F-9
<PAGE> 39
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(4) Equipment, Furniture, and Leasehold Improvements
------------------------------------------------
The major classes of equipment, furniture, leasehold improvements, and
construction in progress are summarized at cost, as follows (in
thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 25, January 31,
1997 1996
---------- ----------
<S> <C> <C>
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment $4,620 $2,687
Leasehold improvements 3,177 2,203
Construction in progress 1,016 --
------ ------
8,813 4,890
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization 2,562 1,793
------ ------
$6,251 $3,097
====== ======
</TABLE>
(5) Long-Term Debt
--------------
As of January 25, 1997, the Company's debt consists of a $136,000
subordinated note related to the acquisition of Peddlers, payable in
quarterly installments of $4,250 with a final payment due on
September 30, 2002, to be reduced by payments made under one of the
contingent subordinated notes (see note 9[c]), as defined. As of
January 25, 1997, $93,500 was outstanding on this note. The present value
of the outstanding amount, discounted at a rate of 10 percent, is
$69,411, consisting of a current portion of $17,000 and long-term portion
of $52,411.
The Company has a revolving line of credit with The Provident Bank
("Provident"), secured by substantially all of its assets. The revolving
credit facility has a maturity date of April 30, 1999, bears interest at
the prime rate less 50 basis points as published by Provident or a "LIBOR
Rate" as defined plus 200 basis points, and is subject to a commitment
fee on the unused portion. Availability on the revolving credit facility
is the lesser of $40,000,000 or a borrowing base computation based on
accounts receivable and inventories. As of January 25, 1997, there were
no outstanding borrowings on the revolving line of credit.
At January 31, 1996, the Partnership was obligated to Provident under a
term loan and revolving line of credit in the amounts of $5,342,000 and
$12,084,000, respectively. At January 31, 1996, Odd Job was also
obligated to Provident under a term loan and revolving line of credit in
the amounts of $7,000,000 and $1,412,000, respectively. Obligations of
the Partnership and Odd Job under these arrangements were repaid from the
proceeds of the initial public offering. The senior subordinated note in
the amount of $1,000,000 issued in conjunction with the Odd Job
acquisition and outstanding at January 31, 1996 was converted into 62,500
shares of common stock in conjunction with the initial public offering.
F-10
<PAGE> 40
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(6) Related Party Transactions
--------------------------
As of January 25, 1997, notes receivable consists principally of
$2,932,409 relating to tax loans provided to certain key executives
related to stock issued in lieu of compensation reductions, and to former
shareholders of the Company in payment of indebtedness, at the time of
the Company's initial public offering. Such amount includes accrued
interest of $14,773 accrued at a rate of 6.6 percent.
Prior to the acquisition of Odd Job, the Partnership conducted
transactions with Odd Job as both vendor and customer. During the years
ended January 31, 1996 and 1995, sales by the Partnership to Odd Job
amounted to approximately $1,835,000 and $2,051,000, respectively, and
purchases from Odd Job approximated $909,000 and $2,653,000,
respectively, for such pre-acquisition periods.
During the years ended January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996 and 1995,
the Partnership paid its managing partner a management fee of $289,444,
$100,000 and $100,000, respectively. The management fee paid for the year
ended January 25, 1997 included a one-time management fee buyout of
$200,000.
(7) Financial Instruments
---------------------
The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable,
notes and other receivables, accounts payable, and accrued expenses is
considered to approximate their fair value due to their short maturity.
The interest rates on debt instruments and notes receivable are
considered to approximate market rates, and accordingly, their cost is
reflective of fair value.
(8) Income Taxes
------------
Prior to the public offering, the portion of the Company's income that
was attributable to the Partnership was passed through to the respective
partners, and no federal or state tax liability was recorded.
Income tax expense (benefit) attributable to income from continuing
operations is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
----------------------------------------
January 25, January 31, January 31,
1997 1996 1995
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Federal
Current $ -- $-- $--
Deferred (1,975) (12) 5
------- --- ---
(1,975) (12) 5
State and local
Current 316 31 66
Deferred (328) -- ---
------- --- ---
(12) 31 66
------- --- ---
$(1,987) $19 $71
======= === ===
</TABLE>
F-11
<PAGE> 41
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
The income tax benefit attributable to income from continuing operations
for the fiscal year ended January 25, 1997 was $1,987,000, which differed
from the "expected" amount computed by applying the U.S. federal tax rate
of 35 percent to pretax income from continuing operations as a result of
the following (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Computed "expected" tax expense $ 2,181
Nonrecurring tax benefit (1,489)
Corporate state and local taxes, net of federal benefit 159
Partnership period earnings taxed to respective partners (2,797)
Partnership local taxes 72
Other (113)
-------
$(1,987)
=======
</TABLE>
Pretax income for the years ended January 31, 1996 and 1995, was
attributable principally to the Partnership, and accordingly, the income
tax expense recorded for those years reflects local taxes for which the
Partnership was liable.
The tax effects of the temporary differences that give rise to
significant portions of the deferred tax assets and liabilities are
presented below (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
January 25, January 31,
1997 1996
----------- -----------
Deferred tax assets
<S> <C> <C>
Current
Inventory capitalization and reserve $ 1,741 $ 235
Accrued expenses 352 --
Net operating loss carryforward 827 72
Other 86 7
------- ------
3,006 314
Noncurrent
Equipment, furniture, and leasehold
improvements basis differences 1,296 1,035
Accrued lease obligations 747 660
------- ------
2,043 1,695
------- ------
Total gross deferred tax assets 5,049 2,009
Deferred tax liabilities
Noncurrent
Goodwill (643) --
Amortizable asset (137) --
Other -- (44)
------- ------
Total gross deferred tax liabilities (780) (44)
------- ------
Net deferred tax asset $ 4,269 $1,965
======= ======
</TABLE>
A net operating loss of approximately $2,067,000 is available to offset
future taxable income. This loss carryforward expires in 15 years.
F-12
<PAGE> 42
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
Under Statement 109, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the
deferred tax asset if it is more likely than not that the related tax
benefit will not be realized. In management's opinion, it is more likely
than not that the tax benefits will be realized; consequently, no
valuation allowance has been established as of January 25, 1997.
(9) Commitments and Contingencies
-----------------------------
(a) Leases
------
The Company is obligated for office, warehouse, and retail space
under operating lease agreements which expire at various dates
through fiscal 2009. Some of these leases are subject to certain
escalation clauses based upon real estate taxes and other
occupancy expense, and several leases provide for additional rent
based on a percentage of sales. One of the lessors is a
corporation in which certain executives of the Company have a
minority ownership interest.
At January 25, 1997, minimum annual rental commitments under
noncancelable leases for the Company as a whole are as follows (in
thousands), for the fiscal year ending:
<TABLE>
<S> <C>
1998 $ 6,512
1999 5,538
2000 5,503
2001 4,983
2002 4,421
Thereafter 13,047
------
Total minimum lease payments $40,004
======
</TABLE>
Rent expense for the aforementioned operating leases was
approximately $5,815,000 for the year ended January 25, 1997 and
$2,469,000, and $1,345,000 for the years ended January 31, 1996
and 1995, respectively. Rent paid to the related party lessor was
approximately $1,471,000 in fiscal 1997, $1,330,000 in fiscal
1996, and $1,241,000 in fiscal 1995.
In conjunction with the Odd Job acquisition, a portion of the
purchase price was assigned to leases based on the excess of the
contractual lease payments over the estimated current market
rentals in the amount of approximately $1,891,000. This amount is
shown with other liabilities and is reduced as lease payments are
made.
(b) Letters of Credit
-----------------
Included in the $40,000,000 revolving line of credit is a letter
of credit facility totaling $15,000,000 for use in the normal
operations of the business. At January 25, 1997, the Company had
outstanding letters of credit issued to various parties
aggregating approximately $2,461,000.
F-13
<PAGE> 43
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(c) Contingent Subordinated Notes
-----------------------------
The Company has two subordinated notes due to Peddlers' former
owner, both of which mature on December 31, 2002. Payments are to
be made annually to a maximum of $675,000 and $275,000, based on
Peddlers' distribution profits, as defined. No amounts have been
paid or are payable on these notes through January 25, 1997.
(d) Litigation
----------
At January 25, 1997, the Company was a party to certain lawsuits
incurred in the normal course of business, none of which
individually or in the aggregate is considered material by
management in relation to the Company's consolidated financial
position or results of operations.
(e) Retail Lease Obligations
------------------------
In connection with the sale of the Ohio retail stores in October
1995 (see note 11), the Company remains contingently liable for
the retail store lease obligations in the event that the buyer
should default on its lease payments. The lease obligations for
the remaining fiscal years are as follows: 1998 - $575,000; 1999 -
$418,000; 2000 - $212,000; 2001 - $157,000; and 2002 - $214,000.
(10) Retirement and Savings Plan
---------------------------
The Company maintains a contributory savings plan under Section 401(k) of
the Internal Revenue Code for the benefit of all collectively bargained
employees who meet certain age and service requirements. The Company is
required to make contributions under the savings plan, up to 25 percent
of the employee contributions to an annual maximum of $250 per employee.
Contributions to the plan by the Company have not been significant.
(11) Special Charges
---------------
Special charges for the fiscal year ended January 25, 1997 resulted from
compensation and other charges arising in connection with the Company's
initial public offering. Special charges for the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1996 resulted from a loss of $1,571,000 on the Partnership's
disposal of the 12 closeout stores comprising the Ohio retail business
and $632,000 relating to executive signing bonuses.
(12) Compensatory Plans
------------------
(a) Stock Option Plan
-----------------
The Mazel Stores, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan ("Stock Option
Plan") was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the
shareholders of the Company effective October 1, 1996. Pursuant to
the provisions of the Stock Option Plan, employees of the Company
may be offered the opportunity to acquire common stock by the
grant of stock options ("Options"), including both incentive stock
options ("ISOs") and nonqualified stock options ("NQSOs").
Consultants may receive only NQSOs under the Stock Option Plan.
Non-employee directors automatically receive, upon
F-14
<PAGE> 44
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
the date they first become directors, a grant of Options to
purchase 15,000 shares of common stock of the Company. The
purchase price of a share of common stock pursuant to an Option
shall not be less than the fair market value of a share of common
stock at the grant date. As of January 25, 1997, options for a
total of 734,250 shares of common stock have been granted to
employees and non-employee directors of the Company, of which
15,900 have been canceled and 18,750 are exercisable. The Options
outstanding as of January 25, 1997 have an exercise price equal to
$16 per share, vest in five equal annual installments of 20
percent of the grant, and have a term of 10 years.
The effect of applying the fair value method as prescribed by
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123 to the
Company's stock option awards results in net income and pro forma
net income per share that are not materially different from
amounts reported.
(b) Restricted Stock Plan
---------------------
The Company's Restricted Stock Plan ("Restricted Stock Plan") was
adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the Company's
shareholders effective October 1, 1996. The Restricted Stock Plan
serves as the successor to the Partnership's Employee Equity Plan
("Equity Plan"). The Restricted Stock Plan relates to 220,090
unvested shares of common stock issued, initially as partnership
units under the Equity Plan. Shares have the same vesting terms
as provided in the Equity Plan.
The Equity Plan provided for the purchase of partnership units by
key executives of the Company, with exercisability subject to
vesting restrictions, generally over a five-year period. Employees
of the Company purchased a total of 1,660 units (representing
528,428 shares of common stock) under the Equity Plan during the
year ended January 31, 1996, resulting in a total of 1,730 units
outstanding. A total of 588 units were vested at such date, and an
additional 450 units vested upon the effectiveness of the initial
public offering. In conjunction with the public offering, all
vested units (aggregating 330,295 shares of common stock) were
distributed to Equity Plan participants and all unvested units
(aggregating 220,090 shares of common stock) are being held
pursuant to the Restricted Stock Plan. The Company has recorded
compensation expense in accordance with the vesting provisions of
the Restricted Stock Plan at a value of $225 per unit, which
represents the difference between the purchase price and fair
value of each unit at the grant date as established by an
independent appraisal.
F-15
<PAGE> 45
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(13) Pro Forma Information (Unaudited)
---------------------------------
The following unaudited pro forma net income per share information
assumes that the Company was subject to income taxes at the beginning of
the current fiscal year at an effective rate of 40 percent. The
supplemental net income per share information is calculated in accordance
with Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 15, Earnings Per Share, to
give effect to the number of shares from the public offering used to
repay debt ($33,410,000/$16 per share) and the related elimination of
interest expense at the Company's weighted average borrowing rate of 8.68
percent.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal Year Ended
January 25, 1997
-----------------------------------
Net
Net Income
Shares Income per Share
---------- ------- ------
(in thousands)
<S> <C> <C>
Shares issued with respect to existing capital
and debt holders' pretax income 6,210,000 $6,230
Pro forma income taxes 2,492
--------- -----
Pro forma net income per share information
after taxes 6,210,000 3,738 .60
===
Adjustment for debt repayment from proceeds 2,088,375 1,476
--------- ------
Supplemental net income per share information 8,298,375 $5,214 .63
========= ====== ===
</TABLE>
The unaudited pro forma as adjusted data, as shown on the accompanying
consolidated statements of operations, gives effect to the public
offering as of the beginning of the two most recent fiscal years and as
if the combination of the Partnership, Odd Job, and Peddlers had
occurred at the beginning of such periods. Such data excludes
certain one-time charges (principally compensation adjustments) incurred
in connection with the public offering and organization of the Company,
provides for income taxes at an effective rate of 40 percent, and
excludes the one-time tax benefit of $1,489,000 attributable to the
change in the Company's tax status.
F-16
<PAGE> 46
12
MAZEL STORES, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
(14) Business Segment Information
----------------------------
The Company operates in two business segments: wholesale and retail. The
retail segment is comprised of the operations of the Ohio retail business
sold in October 1995 and the Peddlers and Odd Job business as of their
respective acquisition dates. Wholesale operating profit for the year
ended January 25, 1997 is shown net of corporate expenses and other
special charges of $5,139 and $4,243, respectively. Summarized
financial information by business segment as of and for the years ended
January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996 is as follows (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Capital Depreciation
Operating Total Expen- and
Net Sales Profit Assets ditures Amortization
--------- --------- ------ ------- ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
January 25, 1997
Wholesale $ 95,675 $4,633 $65,735 $1,197 $ 369
Retail 84,202 3,817 20,626 2,726 706
-------- ------ ------- ------ ------
$179,877 $8,450 $86,361 $3,923 $1,075
======== ====== ======= ====== ======
January 31, 1996
Wholesale $ 75,652 $3,830 $35,185 $ 435 $ 497
Retail 22,454 1,112 21,449 15 149
-------- ------ ------- ------ ------
$ 98,106 $4,942 $56,634 $ 450 $ 646
======== ====== ======= ====== ======
</TABLE>
Sales to the Company's largest customer accounted for approximately 20.0
percent and 18.6 percent of total sales during the years ended January
25, 1997 and January 31, 1996, respectively.
(15) Unaudited Quarterly Financial Data
----------------------------------
The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations
for the years ended January 25, 1997 and January 31, 1996 (in thousands):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Quarter
-------------------------------------------
First Second Third Fourth
----- ------ ----- ------
Year ended January 25, 1997
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net sales $42,454 $42,711 $44,387 $50,325
Gross profit 12,899 13,752 14,718 17,126
Net income 2,338 2,194 2,416 1,269
Year ended January 31, 1996
Net sales 21,419 19,888 24,850 31,949
Gross profit 6,189 6,081 6,828 8,800
Net income (loss) 1,465 1,274 (249) 609
</TABLE>
F-17
<PAGE> 47
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.
MAZEL STORES, INC.
By: /s/ Reuven D. Dessler
------------------------------------
Reuven D. Dessler
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934,
this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the
registrant and in the capacities and on April 24, 1997
SIGNATURES TITLE
---------- -----
/s/ Reuven D. Dessler Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
- -------------------------------- (Principal Executive Officer) and
Reuven D. Dessler Director
/s/ Susan Atkinson Chief Financial Officer (Principal
- -------------------------------- Financial and Accounting Officer)
Susan Atkinson
/s/ Charles Bilezikian Director
- --------------------------------
Charles Bilezikian
/s/ Brady Churches Director
- --------------------------------
Brady Churches
/s/ Phillip Cohen Director
- --------------------------------
Phillip Cohen
/s/ Robert Horne Director
- --------------------------------
Robert Horne
/s/ Jacob Koval Director
- --------------------------------
Jacob Koval
/s/ Ned L. Sherwood Director
- --------------------------------
Ned L. Sherwood
/s/ Jerry Sommers Director
- --------------------------------
Jerry Sommers
30
<PAGE> 48
EXHIBIT INDEX
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
NUMBER DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT
- ------ -----------------------
<S> <C>
3.1 Form of Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation*
3.2 Form of Amended and Restated Code of Regulations*
4.1 Loan and Security Agreement dated as of December 4, 1996 by and between The
Provident Bank and the Registrant, as amended**
10.1 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Reuven Dessler dated
September 30, 1996*
10.2 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Jacob Koval dated September
30, 1996*
10.3 Employment Agreement of Brady Churches dated November 1, 1995*
10.4 Amendment to Brady Churches Employment Agreement dated
September 30, 1996*
10.5 Employment Agreement of Jerry D. Sommers dated November 1, 1995*
10.6 Amendment to Jerry D. Sommers Employment Agreement dated September 30,
1996*
10.7 Amended and Restated Employment Agreement of Susan Atkinson dated
September 30, 1996*
10.8 Option to Purchase Stock of Odd Job, dated December 5, 1995*
10.9 Form of Capital Contribution Agreement*
10.10 1996 Stock Option Plan*
10.11 Restricted Stock Plan*
10.12 Solon, Ohio Facility Lease, dated as of January 1, 1998, including three
amendments thereto*
10.13 Englewood, NJ Facility Lease*
10.15 Form of Registration Rights Agreement*
10.16 Odd Job Stock Purchase Agreement*
11 Statement re: Computation of Per Share Earnings*
21 List of Subsidiaries*
24.1 Powers of Attorney
27 Financial Data Schedule
<FN>
* Incorporated by reference to exhibit with same exhibit number included in
the Registrant's Registration Statement on Form S-1 (File #333-11739) as
amended.
** Incorporated by reference to an exhibit included in the Quarterly
Statement on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 26, 1996.
</TABLE>
31
<PAGE> 1
EXHIBIT 24.1
POWERS OF ATTORNEY
MAZEL STORES, INC.
KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that MAZEL STORES, INC., an Ohio
corporation, and each person whose name is signed below hereby constitutes and
appoints Reuven Dessler, Brady Churches and Susan Atkinson, and each of them,
their attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and
resubstitution, for and on behalf of Mazel Stores, Inc. and the undersigned
directors and/or officers of Mazel Stores, Inc., and each of such directors and
officers, to sign the Mazel Stores, Inc.'s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
fiscal year ended January 25, 1997, and any and all amendments thereto, and
related documents, and to file the same, with Exhibits thereto and other
documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
granting such attorneys-in-fact and agents full power and authority to do and
perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary in connection with
such matters and herby ratifying and confirming all that such attorneys-in-fact
and agents or their substitute or substitutes may do or cause to be done by
virtue hereof.
This Power of Attorney of Mazel Stores, Inc., and the directors and
officers of Mazel Stores, Inc. may be executed in multiple counterparts, each
of which shall be deemed an original with respect to the person executing it.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Power of Attorney has been signed this 25th
day of April, 1997.
MAZEL STORES, INC.
By: /s/ Reuven Dessler
-------------------
Reuven Dessler,
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS:
/s/ Reuven Dessler /s/ Brady Churches
- ------------------ -------------------
Reuven Dessler, Brady Churches
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer
/s/ Jacob Koval /s/ Jerry Sommers
- --------------- -----------------
Jacob Koval Jerry Sommers
/s/ Ned L. Sherwood /s/ Charles G. Bilezikian
- ------------------- --------------------------
Ned L. Sherwood Charles G. Bilezikian
/s/ Robert Horne /s/ Phillip Cohen
- ---------------- -----------------
Robert Horne Phillip Cohen
/s/ Susan Atkinson
------------------
Susan Atkinson,
Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
(Principal Accounting Officer)
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<MULTIPLIER> 1,000
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> YEAR
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> JAN-25-1997
<PERIOD-START> FEB-01-1996
<PERIOD-END> JAN-25-1997
<CASH> 8,010
<SECURITIES> 0
<RECEIVABLES> 10,661
<ALLOWANCES> 195
<INVENTORY> 40,399
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 63,262
<PP&E> 0
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 86,361
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 18,789
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 0
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 64,762
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 83,361
<SALES> 179,877
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 179,877
<CGS> 121,382
<TOTAL-COSTS> 121,382
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 50,045
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 2,254
<INCOME-PRETAX> 6,230
<INCOME-TAX> (1,987)
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 8,217
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 8,217
<EPS-PRIMARY> .93
<EPS-DILUTED> 0
</TABLE>
