GENERAL HOST CORP
10-K, 1994-04-15
BUILDING MATERIALS, HARDWARE, GARDEN SUPPLY
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<PAGE>   1

                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                                               
                                   FORM 10-K

/X/  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES
     EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]

For the fiscal year ended January 30, 1994

                                       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 number 1-1066


                           GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


        New York State                          13-0762080
    -----------------------                ----------------------
  (State or other jurisdiction               (I.R.S. employer
of incorporation or organization)           identification no.)


One Station Place, P.O. Box 10045, Stamford, CT     06904
- ------------------------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices)          (Zip code)


Registrant's telephone number including area code: (203) 357-9900


Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

                                       Name of each exchange on
Title of each class                        which registered    
- -------------------                    ------------------------
Common Stock, $1.00 Par Value        New York Stock Exchange
                                     and Pacific Stock Exchange

Common Stock Purchase Rights         New York Stock Exchange
                                     and Pacific Stock Exchange

8% Convertible Subordinated          New York Stock Exchange
Notes due February 15, 2002

11 1/2% Senior Notes due             New York Stock Exchange
  February 15, 2002




                          [Cover page 1 of 2 pages]
<PAGE>   2
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

                                      None

  Indicate by check mark whether General Host Corporation, the Registrant, (1)
has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such
shorter period that the Registrant was required to file such reports), and (2)
has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

                             Yes   X    No 


  Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item
405 of Regulation S-K is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to
the best of 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. [ ]

  Aggregate market value of General Host Corporation's Common Stock, $1.00 par
value, held by non-affiliates of General Host as of March 15, 1994:
$113,826,855*

  Number of voting shares of General Host Corporation's Common Stock
outstanding as of March 15, 1994:  20,015,758.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

                                      None

General Host Corporation Proxy               Part III, Items 10, 11, 12 and 13
Statement for Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held on
May 19, 1994 (hereinafter "the
Company's 1994 Proxy Statement")

* Does not include market value of Common Stock held by directors and officers
who may be deemed to be affiliates of General Host which aggregates
$13,773,602.





                          [Cover page 2 of 2 pages]
<PAGE>   3
                                    PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS

  General Host Corporation ("General Host", the "Company" or the "Registrant")
operates a chain of specialty retail stores devoted to the sale of lawn and
garden products, crafts, Christmas merchandise and pet food and supplies.
Measured by sales and number of stores, the Company believes it is the largest
chain in the United States concentrating on the sale of such products.  As of
January 30, 1994, the Company operated 280 stores in 38 metropolitan markets in
17 states under the name Frank's Nursery & Crafts(R) and two stores in the
Detroit, Michigan metropolitan area under the name Frank's Super Crafts(R). 
Unless otherwise stated, all statistics in this Item were compiled as of 
January 30, 1994.

  The Company's executive offices are located at One Station Place, Stamford,
Connecticut.  The Company's mailing address is Post Office Box 10045, Stamford,
Connecticut 06904, and its telephone number is (203) 357-9900.

  General Host was incorporated under the laws of the State of New York in 1911
as General Baking Company.  The Company has engaged in a number of businesses
since its organization.

  With the acquisition of Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc. ("Frank's") in 1983,
the Company began focusing its resources on developing the first national chain
of garden and crafts stores.  At the time of its acquisition, Frank's had 95
stores principally located in the Midwest.  In 1984, through the acquisition of
Flower Time, Inc., the Company obtained 17 stores in the New York metropolitan
area.  In 1986, the Company further expanded into the eastern United States
when it acquired Scott's Seaboard Corporation, adding 14 stores in the
Washington, D.C. and Baltimore markets.  In early 1989, the Company increased
its presence in the Philadelphia metropolitan area through the acquisition of
12 store leases.  Since 1983, the Company has built, leased or acquired a net
of 187 stores in existing and new markets.

  In April 1993, the Company acquired a 49.5% interest in Sunbelt Nursery, Inc.
from Pier Imports, Inc.  Sunbelt is a specialty retailer of nursery and garden
products, operating 93 stores primarily in the six major metropolitan areas of
Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio-Austin, Phoenix, San Diego and Los
Angeles. Sunbelt conducts its business through three subsidiaries, each
operating under its own trade name: Wolfe Nursery in Texas and Oklahoma,
Nurseryland Garden Center in California, and Tip Top Nursery in Arizona.

  During the fourth quarter of 1993 the Company approved a plan to exit 26
unprofitable Frank's stores primarily in the Nashville, South Florida and
Orlando markets and to dispose of certain other properties.  The intent of the
plan is to focus on improving the Company's long-term profitability.  All
stores were closed as of February 7, 1994, with the exception of one store
which closed March 7, 1994.

                                      1
<PAGE>   4
  The national lawn and garden market is highly fragmented, consisting of
thousands of local garden centers plus mass merchandisers who sell lawn and
garden products as part of their overall product lines.  In fiscal 1993, the
Company's lawn and garden and nursery sales averaged approximately one million
dollars per store in its 282 stores.  In addition to approximately $284 million
in lawn and garden and nursery sales, the Company generated approximately $273
million in revenues in the last fiscal year from the sale of crafts and
Christmas products and $12 million from the sale of pet food and supplies.

  Although no single company directly competes with the Company's overall
product lines, many retailers and mass merchandisers provide competition with
respect to certain of the Company's lines of business.  The Company competes
with mass merchandisers, home center chains and many local and regional garden
centers in the lawn and garden and nursery business.  The Company competes in
the crafts business with mass merchandisers, crafts store chains and local
crafts stores.  The Company competes with major department stores, mass
merchandisers, local garden centers and other retailers in the Christmas
business.  The Company competes with mass merchandisers, supermarkets, pet
supply chains and local pet supply stores in the pet supply business.

  The Company's business is highly seasonal and subject to the impact of
weather conditions, which may affect consumer purchasing patterns.  In fiscal
1993, approximately 37% of the Company's sales occurred during the spring
season (late March to mid-June) and 25% occurred at Christmas time (November to
late December).  Normally, spring is the most profitable season, and Christmas
is the next most profitable season.  Losses usually are experienced during the
other periods of the year.  The Company's slowest selling season is typically 
the period from the beginning of the calendar year until the start of the spring
selling season, with the next slowest period being early July to Labor Day.

  Live nursery goods, which constitute a significant portion of the Company's
products, have limited shelf lives in some cases.  If customer purchases of
live nursery goods are delayed because of adverse weather conditions, such
goods may remain unsold past their shelf life and require markdowns or
disposal.

  Lawn and garden and nursery sales are highest in the spring with the largest
impact being in the first fiscal quarter and the early part of the second
fiscal quarter.  There is an early fall season in these products that is of
less importance than the spring season, and sales during middle and late summer
are slow.  In the winter months, sales of such products are minimal.





                                       2
<PAGE>   5
  Crafts and pet supplies sell at a fairly even pace throughout the year.
Craft sales are stimulated by fall and late winter promotions.  During the
winter months (other than the Christmas season) crafts constitute the majority
of the Company's sales.

  Christmas merchandise is sold almost entirely in November and December.

  The Company's most significant capital requirements are for seasonal buildup
of Christmas and crafts inventories, technology improvements and modernization
of existing stores.

  Capital expenditures of the Company totalled $30 million in fiscal 1993.
Expenditures for fiscal 1993 included the addition of new stores and remodeling
of existing stores.  The Company anticipates spending approximately $10 million
for capital expenditures in fiscal 1994.

  The Company opened seven new stores in fiscal 1993 and plans to open
approximately three new stores in fiscal 1994.  Expansion in the near future
is expected to be minimal.  The seven store openings in 1993 were all in
existing markets.  Expansion in existing markets improves the Company's
operating margins by decreasing advertising costs on a per store basis,
permitting more efficient distribution of products to stores and increasing the
utilization of existing supervisory and managerial staff.

  The three stores scheduled to open in fiscal 1994 will be crafts-only
"superstores".  These stores, approximately 22,000 square feet in size, will
supplement the crafts business of the Company's full-line stores and will allow
the Company to better compete with crafts store chains by offering an expanded
line of craft merchandise and specialized, in-store services such as customized
framing and silk floral arrangements.  This concept will also allow the Company
to enter new markets and further penetrate existing markets which may not
accommodate full-line stores requiring an outdoor sales area.

  The aggregate cost of any future expansion is dependent upon the method of
financing new stores.  Such methods include build-to-suit leases, conversion of
existing buildings, and land purchases with Company-funded construction.  The
cost of these methods range from approximately $500,000 per store for
build-to-suit leases to $2.5 million per store for land purchases with
Company-funded construction.

  The Company has begun to place greater strategic emphasis on the Christmas
products market by operating temporary Christmas shops for about eight weeks
during the holiday season.  These smaller shops, typically 3,000 to 5,000
square feet, will supplement the Christmas business of the Company's full-line
stores and offer substantially the same Christmas merchandise,





                                       3
<PAGE>   6
except live trees.  In 1990, the Company experimented with three Christmas
shops and, encouraged by the results, opened 100 for the 1991 Christmas season
and 137 for the 1992 Christmas season.  In fiscal 1993, the Company operated
104 Christmas shops with an emphasis on mall locations which provided a higher
concentration of shoppers than strip shopping centers or stand-alone shops.
The success of the Company's Christmas shop business will depend upon the
Company's ability from year to year to obtain favorable short-term locations in
various malls that are in close proximity to existing stores.  It is
anticipated that favorable economic conditions will adversely affect the
availability of these locations because they will be leased to long-term
tenants.

  The principal products sold at the Company's retail garden and crafts stores
are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                           Percentage of
                                             Sales In
Product Line                             Fiscal Year 1993                            Description
- ------------                             ----------------                            -----------
<S>                                            <C>                       <C>
Lawn and garden                                26%                       Fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides, seeds
                                                                         and bulbs, mulches, bird feed, pet food and
                                                                         supplies, plant accessories, hoses and garden
                                                                         tools and equipment

Live nursery                                   24                        Trees, shrubs, roses, potted plants, annual
                                                                         and perennial flowering plants and indoor
                                                                         plants

Crafts                                         32                        Yarns, macrame, art supplies, needlework and
                                                                         boutique crafts, wood crafts, ribbon,  and
                                                                         artificial and silk flowers and arrangements

Christmas                                      16                        Artificial and live Christmas trees,
                                                                         decorations and trimmings and Christmas
                                                                         plants

Pet                                             2                        Pet food and supplies
                                                                         
                                              100%
                                              ----
                                              ----
</TABLE>

  Substantially all of the plants and products the Company sells are purchased
from approximately 1,300 outside vendors.  Alternative sources of supply are
generally available for all products sold by the Company.





                                       4
<PAGE>   7
  As of January 30, 1994, 144 of the Company's stores were leased and 138 were
owned.  All store leases are long-term; 42 will terminate prior to December 31,
2004.

  Stores are generally located on three-acre sites.  A prototype store in which
the overhang area leading to the yard has been enclosed includes 18,500 square
feet of indoor space (16,000 square feet of sales area and 2,500 square feet of
storage area), 17,000 square feet of outdoor selling area and ample offstreet
parking.  The stores are designed in a "supermarket" format familiar to
customers, and shopping is done with carts in wide aisles with attractive
displays.  Traffic design is intended to enhance the opportunity for impulse
purchases.  Most stores are free-standing and located adjacent to or near
shopping centers; some stores are part of strip centers.

  Typically, stores are open 80 hours per week.  The average store has
approximately 20-25 employees, including a store manager and department
managers for (i) live goods and related products; (ii) crafts; (iii) office 
and cashier supervision; and  at larger stores, (iv) customer service.  The
in-store staff is supplemented at seasonal  peak selling periods by temporary
employees.  Overall, the Company had 7,216 employees at January 30, 1994,
including seasonal employees. Approximately 32 warehouse and distribution
center employees in Detroit are members of the Teamsters Union under a contract
which expires January 1, 1995.

  The Company operates distribution centers in Detroit, Michigan; Chicago,
Illinois; and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.  The Company owns the Detroit center
which also contains Frank's headquarters, and leases the Chicago and Harrisburg
centers.  These centers delivered approximately 50% of all merchandise to the
stores in 1993, primarily using contract carriers.  The balance of the products
are delivered directly to stores by vendors.





                                       5
<PAGE>   8
ITEM 2.  PROPERTIES

  Principal operating facilities owned or leased by the Company are described
in Item 1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.  General Host leases its
executive offices.  No material adverse effect is foreseen as a result of the
expiration of leases of the Company's facilities.



ITEM 3.  LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

  In the normal course of business the Company is subject to various claims.
In the opinion of management, any ultimate liability arising from or related to
these claims should not have a material adverse affect on future results of
operations or the consolidated financial position of the Company.

  The Company has certain lease obligations which extend to the year 2001 for
businesses sold.  In the opinion of management, any ultimate liability arising
from or related to these obligations, to the extent not otherwise provided for,
should not have a material adverse effect on future operations or the
consolidated financial position of the Company.



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

  Not applicable.





                                       6
<PAGE>   9


                                    PART II

ITEM 5.   MARKET FOR REGISTRANT'S COMMON EQUITY AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

  The New York Stock Exchange is the principal market on which the Company's
Common Stock is traded.  The high and low sales prices per share of Common
Stock as traded on the New York Stock Exchange and cash dividends paid per
share of Common Stock during each quarter of the last two fiscal years are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Cash Dividends
                       High        Low      Per Share
                       ----        ---      ---------
<S>                   <C>        <C>         <C>
Fiscal 1993
  First Quarter       $10-5/8    $ 8-7/8     $ .095
  Second Quarter      $ 9-1/4    $ 7-5/8     $ .095
  Third Quarter       $ 8-1/4    $ 6-7/8     $ .095
  Fourth Quarter      $ 7-3/4    $ 5-7/8     $ .095

Fiscal 1992
  First Quarter       $ 9-7/8    $ 8         $ .09
  Second Quarter      $ 9-3/8    $ 7-3/4     $ .09
  Third Quarter       $10-1/2    $ 8-3/8     $ .09
  Fourth Quarter      $ 9-5/8    $ 8-1/8     $ .09
</TABLE>

  A description of the most restrictive provisions in the Company's loan
agreements which may limit the payment of dividends is as follows:

  Under the most restrictive provisions of any of the debt and bank agreements,
total shareholders' equity available to pay cash dividends or purchase treasury
stock was below the required minimum level by $14,763,000 at January 30, 1994.

  At March 18, 1994, there were approximately 3,701 holders of record of the
Company's Common Stock.                       


ITEM 6.  SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

  Five Year Financial Data concerning the Company is listed in Item 14 of this
Report.





                                       7
<PAGE>   10


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


Results of Operations

Sales increased 1.9% to $568.6 million for the 52-week 1993 fiscal year
compared to $557.8 million for the 53-week 1992 fiscal year.  The addition of
seven new stores in 1993 and twelve new stores in 1992, and the sales from the
temporary Christmas boutiques of $11.2 million in 1993 compared to $9.8 million
in 1992 contributed to the sales increase.  Same-store sales (stores open for a
full year in both years) for 1993 compared to 1992 on a comparative 52-week
basis decreased 1% due to extremely hot early summer weather and excessive
winter snows (in both the first and fourth quarters) in most of the Company's
major eastern markets, and excessive rain and flooding in the Midwest.  Sales
increased 7.3% for the 53-week 1992 fiscal year compared to sales for the
52-week 1991 fiscal year.  Sales at Frank's were $557.8 million, representing
an 11.3% increase compared to 1991.  Same-store sales for 1992 compared to 1991
on a comparative 53-week basis increased 7.1%.  The addition of twelve new
stores in 1992 and ten new stores in 1991, and the sales from the temporary
Christmas boutiques of $9.8 million in 1992 compared to $6.2 million in 1991
also contributed to the sales increase.  The 1991 sales included $18.9 million
from Calloway's Nursery, Inc.  ("Calloway's"), an 80% owned subsidiary, sold in
an initial public offering in July 1991.

  Other income decreased by $5.7 million to $1.3 million in 1993.  The decrease
was due to a decline in interest earned on marketable securities resulting from
lower levels of short-term investments in 1993.  Also in 1992 the Company had
income from non-competition agreements and dividends.  Other income decreased
by $12.3 million to $7 million in 1992 compared to 1991.  The decrease was due
mainly to the 1991 gain from the sale of the Company's interest in Calloway's
of $13.5 million offset by increased interest income due to higher levels of
short-term investments.

  Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy, increased $33.7 million to
$425.7 million or 74.9% of sales in 1993.  This compares to $392 million or
70.3% of sales in 1992.  The increase of 4.6 percentage points results from
lower merchandise margins due to the Company's inventory reduction program in
January 1994, the liquidation sales related to the closing of 26 unprofitable
stores and the adverse weather conditions which affected sales throughout the
entire year.  In addition, increases in occupancy costs related primarily to
the 1993 and 1992 new store openings and depreciation contributed to the cost
of sales increase in 1993.  Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy,
increased $30 million, to $392 million in 1992 compared to $362 million in
1991, which included $12 million related to Calloway's.  As a percentage of
sales, cost of sales increased .7 of a percentage point to 70.3%.  Eliminating





                                       8
<PAGE>   11
the effect of Calloway's in 1991 would have resulted in an increase in cost of
sales, as a percentage of sales, by .5 of a percentage point, which was due to
increased occupancy costs of the new stores opened in 1992 and lower
merchandise margins compared to 1991 partially offset by reduced shrinkage
expenses.

  Selling, general and administrative expenses in 1993 increased by $3.4
million to $152 million compared to $148.6 million in 1992.  The increase was
due mainly to increased expenses for new stores opened in 1993 and 1992 and
increased advertising expenses in the 1993 fourth quarter.  As a percentage of
sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased .1 of a
percentage point to 26.7% of sales in 1993 compared to 26.6% in 1992.  Selling,
general and administrative expenses in 1992 increased by $3.9 million to $148.6
million compared to $144.7 million in 1991.  The increase was due principally
to the increased expenses for new stores and the increase in the number of
temporary Christmas boutiques from 100 in 1991 to 137 in 1992.  As a percentage
of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses decreased 1.2 percentage
points to 26.6% of sales in 1992 compared to 27.8% in 1991.

  During the fourth quarter of 1993 the Company approved a plan to exit 26
unprofitable Frank's stores primarily in the Nashville, South Florida and
Orlando markets and to dispose of certain other properties.  The intent of the
plan is to focus on improving the Company's long-term profitability.  The
decision resulted in the Company recording a reserve of $22.9 million ($15.1
million, net of tax benefit) in the 1993 fourth quarter comprised primarily of
$20 million for the closing of the 26 stores and $2.9 million primarily for
expected losses on the sale of the other properties.  The $20 million store
closing reserve includes a provision for termination of lease agreements,
brokers fees and legal costs of $12.9 million representing expected future cash
outflows; a provision of $3.5 million for expected losses from the sale of real
estate and the write-off of leasehold improvements and equipment of the closed
stores (sale of real estate is expected to generate $3.9 million of proceeds
over the next two years); and a provision of $3.6 million representing
operating losses for January 1994 through closure date and employee severance
for the closed stores.  All stores were closed as of February 7, 1994, with the
exception of one store which closed March 7, 1994.  The reserve of $2.9 million
primarily for expected losses on the sale of other properties is estimated to
bring future cash flows of $1.5 million over the next two years.

  Interest and debt expense was $23.3 million in 1993 compared to $23.2 million
in 1992.  Interest and debt expense increased $5.1 million to $23.2 million in
1992 compared to $18.1 million in 1991.  The increase was directly related to
the February 1992 issuance of $78 million of Senior Notes and $65 million of
Convertible Subordinated Notes. The increase was partially offset by the
redemption of the 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes totalling $37.6





                                       9
<PAGE>   12
million in April 1992 and lower interest rates on the $84.3 million of mortgage
notes compared to 1991.

  In 1993 the Company provided a valuation allowance to the extent of net
deferred tax assets ($8.6 million), accordingly, full tax benefit of the 1993
loss was not recognized.  Income taxes included the elimination of income tax
reserves of $1.9 million in 1992.

  In April 1993 the Company acquired a 49.5% interest in Sunbelt Nursery Group,
Inc. ("Sunbelt") by exchanging 1.94 million shares of its common stock for 4.2
million shares of common stock of Sunbelt held by Pier 1 Imports, Inc.  Since
the third quarter of 1993, the Company has been reviewing its equity interest
in Sunbelt because of Sunbelt's lack of long-term financing.  As of late March
1993, Sunbelt still had been unable to secure such financing.  Consequently,
the Company decided to reduce to zero the carrying value of its investment in
Sunbelt as of fiscal year end 1993.  This resulted in an additional charge of
$15.7 million which, when combined with the net equity losses recognized
through the 1993 third quarter of $2 million, amounts to $17.7 million for
fiscal 1993.

  The loss from continuing operations in 1993 was $55.2 million, a decline of
$58.1 million over 1992.  Income from continuing operations was $2.9 million in
1992, a decline of $5.8 million over 1991.

  Discontinued operations and extraordinary losses included (A) a loss reserve
of $.8 million in 1993 and $.4 million in 1992, net of taxes, for lease
obligations of businesses sold in prior years, (B) elimination of income tax
reserves no longer required of $5.9 million in 1991 that were related to
businesses sold, (C) original issue discount and unamortized debt
extinguishment losses of $.9 million in 1991, net of tax, related to the
retirement of the Company's 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes from the proceeds
of the public offering concluded in February 1992, and (D) income of $2.9
million representing the cumulative effect for the adoption of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" in 1992.  These
items combined with the respective income or loss from continuing operations
resulted in a net loss of $56.1 million in 1993 and net income of $5.3 million
in 1992 and $13.8 million in 1991.

  The Company adopted Statement of Accounting Standards No. 106, "Employers'
Accounting for Postretirement Benefits Other Than Pensions" in 1993.  The
adoption was not material to the results of operations or the consolidated
financial position of the Company.





                                       10
<PAGE>   13
Liquidity and Capital Resources

Continuing operations provided $27.6 million of net cash in 1993 compared to
net cash used of $18.1 million in 1992.  The increase was due primarily to the
reduction in inventory purchases in 1993 compared to 1992.  In 1993 the
decrease in inventory was $33.4 million compared to an increase in inventory of
$37.2 million in 1992.  This was due mainly to an inventory reduction program
in January 1994 and the closing of the 26 stores.  In 1992 the inventory
increase was due to: the addition of new product lines, particularly pet food
and supplies; an increase in craft and floral inventory resulting from a 20%
aisle space addition for crafts and the installation of new fixtures for floral
displays; and the twelve new stores added during the second half of 1992.

  Effective April 2, 1993, the Company acquired a 49.5% interest in Sunbelt.
The noncash acquisition was completed by issuing 1.94 million shares of the
Company's common stock having a market value of $17.7 million in exchange for
4.2 million shares of Sunbelt held by Pier 1 Imports, Inc.  The 4.2 million
shares of Sunbelt have been pledged as security for payment of a $12 million
revolving credit facility between Sunbelt and Pier 1 Imports Inc., which
matures in April 1994.  The Company has reduced to zero the carrying value of
its investment in Sunbelt because there is no assurance that Sunbelt will be
able to repay this facility, however, the Company believes that it may be able
to recover part or all of its investment in the future.

  Discontinued operations used net cash of $1.3 million in 1993 and $2.3
million in 1992 related to payments for operations disposed of in prior years
and in 1992 included payments made to fund a defined benefit pension plan which
covers former hourly employees of several discontinued operations.

  Net cash used for investing activities was $2.8 million in 1993 which
included $29.9 million for property, plant and equipment for the addition of
new stores offset by the reduction of marketable securities.  Net cash used for
investing activities was $74.1 million in 1992 which included $47.4 million for
property, plant and equipment for the addition of new stores, remodeling of
existing stores, installation of new store fixtures, the enclosure of the area
beneath 112 store overhangs and the installation of the satellite
communications system and radio frequency units.  In addition the Company
increased its investment in marketable securities utilizing the proceeds
received from the debt offerings early in fiscal 1992.

  Net cash used for financing activities was $11.8 million in 1993 which
represented payment of long-term debt and dividends.  Net cash provided by
financing activities was $84 million in 1992 which included net proceeds of
$137.7 million from the issuance of $78 million of 11 1/2% Senior Notes and $65
million of 8%





                                       11
<PAGE>   14
Convertible Subordinated Notes offset by the redemption of the $37.6 million of
11 7/8% Senior Subordinated Notes from the net proceeds.

  The weighted average interest rate on debt outstanding at January 30, 1994
was 8.4%.  The Company had a $25 million unsecured credit agreement with a bank
on January 30, 1994.  The revolving credit agreement is committed through July
19, 1996.  In September 1993 the Company borrowed $25 million under the
agreement and repaid the full amount in November 1993.  In February 1994 there
was an amendment to the agreement which reduced the available credit to $15
million.  The Company subsequently borrowed $15 million.  In addition, the
Company has available $15 million of short-term lines of credit.  No amounts
were borrowed under the lines of credit during 1993.


  The bank agreement requires the Company, among other things, to maintain
minimum levels of earnings, tangible net worth and certain minimum financial
ratios.  Effective January 30, 1994 the Company obtained a waiver of the
required minimum level of earnings, tangible net worth and required financial
ratios.  The waiver enabled the Company to comply with the aforementioned bank
loan covenants at January 30, 1994.  It is likely that the Company will not be
in compliance with the bank loan covenants at the end of the 1994 first
quarter.  There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain a
waiver at that time.  But the Company anticipates repayment of all outstanding
sums prior to that date.

  Under the most restrictive provisions of any of the debt and bank agreements,
total shareholders' equity available to pay cash dividends or purchase treasury
stock was below the required minimum level by $14.8 million at January 30,
1994.  On March 3, 1994 the Company declared a 5% stock dividend for
shareholders of record on March 18, 1994.  The stock dividend is payable on
April 8, 1994.

  Total shareholders' equity in 1993 decreased $45.7 million to $108.7 million
from $154.4 million in 1992, due primarily to the 1993 net loss which included
$15.1 million, net of tax benefit, for the reserve for store closings and other
costs and a $17.7 million loss from the Company's investment in Sunbelt.
Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization increased from 63% in
1992 to 70% in 1993.

  In December 1988 the Board of Directors authorized the repurchase, in open
market transactions, of up to 2,000,000 additional shares of the Company's
common stock.  As of January 30, 1994 the total remaining authorization was for
628,750 shares.  The Company did not repurchase any shares in fiscal 1993 or
1992.





                                       12
<PAGE>   15
Working Capital

Working capital amounted to $51 million at January 30, 1994 compared to $131
million at January 31, 1993.  The ratio of current assets to current
liabilities was 1.4 in 1993 compared to 2.4 in 1992.  Working capital included
$63 million of cash and cash equivalents at January 30, 1994 compared to $51
million of cash and cash equivalents and $27 million of marketable securities
at January 31, 1993.

  The Company has sufficient cash and cash equivalents and plans to generate
sufficient cash flow from operations to meet its seasonal working capital
needs, pay approximately $22.5 million in fixed interest charges and to fund
capital expenditures of approximately $10 million for 1994.  The Company
anticipates opening three new SUPERCRAFT stores in 1994.

Inflation

Inflation has been modest in recent years and has not had a significant effect
on the Company.  If merchandise costs were to increase because of inflation,
management believes such increases could be recovered through higher selling
prices, since virtually all retailers would be similarly affected.



ITEM 8.  FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

  Financial Statements

  The Company's consolidated financial statements and supplementary data are
listed in Item 14 of this Report.


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

  Not applicable.





                                       13
<PAGE>   16
                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT

   (a)   Directors      
         Information on Nominee and Incumbent Directors, which
         appears on pages 4, 5 and 6 of the Company's 1994 Proxy Statement, is
         incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.



   (b)   Executive Officers

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                       POSITION AND OFFICE WITH
                 NAME                                       AGE                              THE COMPANY       
                 ----                                       ---                        ------------------------
                 <S>                                        <C>              <C>
                 Harris J. Ashton                           61               Chairman of the Board of Directors, President and
                                                                             Chief Executive Officer

                 William C. Boyd                            64               Executive Vice President - Frank's

                 John R. Ficarro                            42               Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

                 Robert M. Lovejoy, Jr.                     50               Vice President and Treasurer

                 James R. Simpson                           42               Vice President and Controller
</TABLE>


  Mr. Ashton has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Executive
Officer of the Company since 1970, and President of the Company since 1974.
Prior thereto he was President and Chief Executive Officer from October 1969 to
June 1970, President and Chief Administrative Officer from December 1967 to
October 1969, Secretary from May 1965 to December 1967 and a Director of the
Company since May 1965.  He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors of
Sunbelt Nursery Group, Inc.

  Mr. Boyd has been Executive Vice President of Frank's since June 1987 and
prior thereto was employed by Frank's in various capacities since 1949.

  Mr. Ficarro was named Vice President and General Counsel on February 22,
1991.  He was Associate General Counsel of the Company from May 1989 to
February 1991 and has been Counsel for several of the Company's retail
businesses since 1981.  He is currently a director of Sunbelt Nursery Group,
Inc.





                                       14
<PAGE>   17
  Mr. Lovejoy was named Vice President on February 22, 1991.  He has been
Treasurer of the Company since September 1988 and previously he had been
employed by Bankers Trust Company since 1977, most recently as Vice President,
Corporate Finance and Global Markets.  He is currently a director of Sunbelt
Nursery Group, Inc.

  Mr. Simpson was named Vice President on February 22, 1991.  He has been
Controller of the Company since July 1989.  He was Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer of Consumers Distributing, Inc., from January 1988 to
July 1989 and was employed by Herman's Sporting Goods, Inc. since 1973, most
recently as Vice President and Controller.  He is currently a director of
Sunbelt Nursery Group, Inc.



ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

  Executive Compensation and Other Information which appears on pages 8 to 16
of the Company's 1994 Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K.



ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT

  Information on the ownership of Company securities by certain beneficial
owners and management, which appears on pages 2 and 3 of the Company's 1994
Proxy Statement, is incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form
10-K.



ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS

  Information on transactions with management and others, which appears on
pages 6 and 7 and pages 15 and 16 of the Company's 1994 Proxy Statement, is 
incorporated by reference in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.





                                       15
<PAGE>   18
                                    PART IV

ITEM 14.  EXHIBITS, FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES, AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

  A. List of documents filed as part of this report:

   1.  Financial Statements
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                        Page No.
                                                                        --------
  <S>                                                                     <C>
  -  Report of Independent Accountants.                                    F-1

  -  Consolidated Balance Sheet - for the years                            F-2
     ended January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993.

  -  Consolidated Statement of Income - for the                            F-3
     years ended January 30, 1994, January 31, 1993
     and January 26, 1992.

  -  Consolidated Statement of Changes in                                  F-4
     Shareholders' Equity - for the years ended
     January 30, 1994, January 31, 1993 and
     January 26, 1992.

  -  Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - for the                        F-5
     years ended January 30, 1994, January 31, 1993 
     and January 26, 1992.

  -  Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.                           F-6

  
</TABLE>

   2.  Financial Statement Schedules

     Schedules not included have been omitted because they are not applicable
or the required information is shown in the financial statements or notes
thereto.  Financial statements for Sunbelt Nursery Group, Inc.  will be filed as
an amendment to this report when such statements have been filed by Sunbelt.  It
should be noted that the registrant wrote down its investment in Sunbelt to
zero.  Refer to page F-8, Note 3 for further discussion.





                                       16
<PAGE>   19
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                Page No.
                                                                                --------
  <S>                                                                              <C>
  II - Amounts receivable from related                                             F-23
       parties, underwriters, promoters
       and employees other than related
       parties - years ended January 30,
       1994, January 31, 1993 and January
       26, 1992.

   V - Property, plant and equipment - years                                       F-24
       ended January 30, 1994, January 31, 1993
       and January 26, 1992.

  VI - Accumulated depreciation of property,                                       F-24
       plant and equipment - years ended
       January 30, 1994, January 31, 1993 and
       January 26, 1992.

VIII - Valuation and qualifying accounts -                                         F-27
       years ended January 30, 1994, January
       31, 1993 and January 26, 1992.

   X - Supplementary income statement                                              F-30
       information - years ended January 30,
       1994, January 31, 1993 and January 26,
       1992.
</TABLE>


   3.  Exhibits

       (3)  Articles of Incorporation and By-Laws:

            (a)  Restated Certificate of Incorporation of the Company, filed
                 November 13, 1968.  Incorporated by reference to the Company's
                 Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended January 
                 31, 1993, Exhibit 3(a).

            (b)  Certificate of Amendment, filed January 24, 1969, of the 
                 Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation, Exhibit 3(b).
                 Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on 
                 Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended January 31, 1993, Exhibit 
                 3(b).

            (c)  Certificate of Amendment, filed October 30, 1969, of the 
                 Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation.  Incorporated 
                 by reference to the





                                       17
<PAGE>   20
                Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended
                January 31, 1993, Exhibit 3(c).

           (d)  Certificate of Change, filed June 15, 1977, of the
                Company's Restated Certificate of Incorporation.  Incorporated
                by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
                fiscal year ended January 31, 1993, Exhibit 3(d).

           (e)  Composite Certificate of Incorporation of the
                Company, as amended. Incorporated by reference to the Company's
                Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended January 31,
                1993, Exhibit 3(e).

           (f)  Certificate of Amendment, filed June 27, 1985, of the Company's 
                Restated Certificate of Incorporation.  Incorporated by 
                reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its 
                fiscal year ended January 26, 1992, Exhibit 3(f).

           (g)  By-Laws of the Company, amended as of November 6, 1986. 
                Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on 
                Form 10-K for its fiscal year ended January 31, 1993, Exhibit
                3(g).

      (4)  Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders, Including
           Indentures:

           (a)  Rights Agreement, dated as of March 7, 1990, by and
                between the Company and Manufacturers Hanover Trust Company. 
                Incorporated by reference to the Company's Form 8-A Registration
                Statement, dated March 28, 1990, Exhibits 1 and 2.

           (b)  Form of Note Purchase Agreement between Frank's Nursery & 
                Crafts, Inc., Flower Time, Inc., and various Purchasers, dated 
                September 1, 1988.  Incorporated by reference to the Company's 
                current report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 1988, Exhibit 
                10(a).  A copy of this Exhibit can be obtained from the Public 
                Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange





                                       18
<PAGE>   21
                Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
                Washington, DC 20549, File No. 1-1066.

           (c)  Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust and Security
                Agreement from Frank's Nursery & Crafts, Inc., to the 
                Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, N.A., Lese Amato and Bank of
                New England Trust Company, N.A., as  trustees, dated as of
                September 1, 1988.  Incorporated by reference to the Company's
                current report on Form 8-K dated September  28, 1988, Exhibit
                10(b).  A copy of this Exhibit can be obtained from the Public
                Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission at
                Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549,
                File No. 1-1066.

           (d)  Indenture of Mortgage, Deed of Trust and Security
                Agreement from Flower Time, Inc., to the Connecticut Bank and
                Trust Company, N.A., and Lese Amato, as trustees, dated as of
                September 1, 1988. Incorporated by  reference to the Company's
                current report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 1988, Exhibit
                10(c).  A copy of this Exhibit can be obtained from the Public
                Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange Commission at
                Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549,
                File No. 1-1066.

           (e)  Guaranty from General Host Corporation to the
                Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, N.A., and Lese Amato, as
                trustees, dated as of September 1, 1988, relating to Frank's
                Nursery & Crafts, Inc., notes.  Incorporated by reference to the
                Company's current report on Form 8-K dated September 28, 1988,
                Exhibit 10(d).  A copy of this Exhibit can be obtained from the
                Public Reference Section of the Securities and Exchange
                Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth Street, N.W.,
                Washington, DC 20549, File No. 1-1066.

           (f)  Guaranty from General Host Corporation to the
                Connecticut Bank and Trust Company, N.A., and Lese Amato, as
                trustees, dated as of September 1, 1988, relating to Flower
                Time, Inc., notes. Incorporated





                                       19
<PAGE>   22
                by reference to the Company's current report on Form 8-K
                dated September 28, 1988, Exhibit 10(e).  A copy of this Exhibit
                can be obtained from the Public Reference Section of the
                Securities and Exchange Commission at Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
                Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20549, File No. 1-1066.


     (10) Material Contracts:

           (a)  Employment Agreement, dated as of January 1, 1992
                between the Company and Harris J. Ashton.  Incorporated by
                reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
                fiscal year ended January 31, 1993, Exhibit 10(a).

           (b)  Agreement between the Company and a Trust
                established for the benefit of Mr. and Mrs. Ashton's
                beneficiaries dated November 1, 1989.  Incorporated by reference
                to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for its fiscal year
                ended January 27, 1991, Exhibit 10(b).

           (c)  1994 Executive Compensation Program.

           (d)  Amended and Restated 1986 Stock Incentive Plan
                dated April 8, 1992. Incorporated by reference to the Company's
                Form S-8 Registration Statement dated July 24, 1992, Exhibit
                28(a).

           (e)  Directors' Stock Option Plan dated March 20, 1986. 
                Incorporated by reference to the Company's Annual Report on Form
                10-K for its fiscal year ended January 26, 1992, Exhibit 10(e).

      (11) Computation of Primary Earnings Per Share.
 
      (21) Subsidiaries.

      (23) Consent of Price Waterhouse 





                                       20
<PAGE>   23
     (24) Powers of Attorney:

          (a)  C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr.           Director

          (b)  Christopher A. Forster           Director

          (c)  S. Joseph Fortunato              Director
 
          (d)  Weston E. Hamilton               Director
  
          (e)  Philip B. Harley                 Director

          (f)  Richard W. Haskel                Director

          (g)  Edward H. Hoornstra              Director

          (h)  Charles B. Johnson               Director

     Documents referred to in the list of Exhibits will be furnished upon
     receipt by the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of the
     Company, at the Company's principal executive offices referred to on the
     cover of this Form 10-K, of written requests accompanied by a fee covering
     the Company's reasonable expenses of $3.00 for handling and postage, plus
     $.25 per page for photocopying.



 B. Reports on Form 8-K

     During the last quarter of the period covered by this report, the
     Company did not file a report on Form 8-K.





                                       21
<PAGE>   24
                                   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.

                                                    GENERAL HOST CORPORATION


  Date:  April 15, 1994                             By  /s/Harris J. Ashton
                                                      ----------------------
                                                            Harris J. Ashton
                                                        Chairman of the Board of
                                                        Directors, President 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 the dates indicated.


   Date:  April 15, 1994                                 /s/Harris J. Ashton 
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                         Harris J. Ashton
                                                  Chairman of the Board of 
                                                  Directors, President and
                                                  Chief Executive Officer
                                                  (Principal Executive and
                                                  Financial Officer)



   Date:  April 15, 1994                                 /s/James R. Simpson   
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                         James R. Simpson
                                                             Controller
                                                  (Principal Accounting Officer)


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               C. WHITCOMB ALDEN, JR.*
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr.
                                                               Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               CHRISTOPHER A. FORSTER*
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       Christopher A. Forster
                                                                Director





                                       22
<PAGE>   25
   Date:  April 15, 1994                               S. JOSEPH FORTUNATO*     
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       S. Joseph Fortunato
                                                              Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               WESTON E. HAMILTON*     
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       Weston E. Hamilton
                                                            Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               PHILIP B. HARLEY*      
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       Philip B. Harley
                                                           Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               RICHARD W. HASKEL*     
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       Richard W. Haskel
                                                           Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               EDWARD H. HOORNSTRA*    
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       Edward H. Hoornstra
                                                            Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                               CHARLES B. JOHNSON*     
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                       Charles B. Johnson
                                                            Director


   Date:  April 15, 1994                        *By      /s/John R. Ficarro 
                                                  ------------------------------
                                                        (Attorney-in-Fact)





                                       23
<PAGE>   26





                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS





To the Directors and Shareholders of
General Host Corporation


In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements listed in the index
appearing under Item 14(A)(1) and (2) on pages 16 and 17 present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of General Host Corporation and its
subsidiaries at January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993, and the results of their
operations and their cash flows for the fiscal years ended January 30, 1994,
January 31, 1993 and January 26, 1992 in conformity with generally accepted
accounting principles.  These financial statements are the responsibility of
the Company's management; our responsibility is to express an opinion on these
financial statements based on our audits.  We conducted our audits of these
statements in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards which
require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about
whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement.  An audit
includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and
disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles
used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall
financial statement presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a
reasonable basis for the opinion expressed above.

  As discussed in Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company
changed its method of accounting for income taxes in the fiscal year ended
January 31, 1993.





Stamford, Connecticut
March 18, 1994



                                      F-1


<PAGE>   27
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
JANUARY 30, 1994 AND JANUARY 31, 1993                                       


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                       1993         1992   
                                                    ----------   ----------
<S>                                                 <C>          <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                         $   62,855   $   51,185
  Marketable securities                                    120       26,808
  Accounts and notes receivable                          4,924        6,451
  Federal income tax receivable                          2,185        3,160
  Merchandise inventory                                 87,807      121,161
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets             10,005       13,656
                                                    ----------   ----------
       Total current assets                            167,896      222,421
                                                    ----------   ----------

Property, plant and equipment, less accumulated
  depreciation of $133,756 and $113,255                280,210      273,588
Intangibles, less accumulated amortization
  of $7,881 and $6,941                                  18,038       18,978
Other assets and deferred charges                       12,061       16,032
                                                    ----------   ----------
                                                    $  478,205   $  531,019
                                                    ----------   ----------
                                                    ----------   ----------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                  $   49,551   $   52,788
  Accrued expenses                                      37,365       33,404
  Provision for store closings
    and other costs                                     11,575
  Current portion of long-term debt                     18,880        5,687
                                                    ----------   ----------
       Total current liabilities                       117,371       91,879
                                                    ----------   ----------
Long-term debt:
  Senior debt                                          172,995      178,418
  Subordinated debt, less original
    issue discount                                      65,000       77,909
                                                    ----------   ----------
       Total long-term debt                            237,995      256,327
                                                    ----------   ----------

Deferred income taxes                                                20,496
Other liabilities and deferred credits                  14,125        7,959
Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:
  Common stock $1.00 par value, 100,000,000
    shares authorized, 31,752,450 shares issued         31,752       31,752
  Capital in excess of par value                        85,145       88,937
  Retained earnings                                     95,543      165,405
                                                    ----------   ----------
                                                       212,440      286,094

  Cost of 10,735,904 and 13,676,692 shares of
    common stock in treasury (less
    1,000,788 shares declared as a stock
    dividend)                                         (101,765)    (129,640)
  Notes receivable from exercise of
    stock options                                       (1,961)      (2,096)
                                                    ----------   ---------- 
       Total shareholders' equity                      108,714      154,358
                                                    ----------   ----------
                                                    $  478,205   $  531,019
                                                    ----------   ----------
                                                    ----------   ----------
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.


                                      F-2

<PAGE>   28
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, JANUARY 31, 1993, AND JANUARY 26, 1992 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                       1993         1992         1991        
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------     
<S>                                 <C>          <C>          <C>
  Revenues:
    Sales                           $  568,602   $ 557,818    $ 520,072
    Other income                         1,338       6,970       19,248
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
                                       569,940     564,788      539,320
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------

Costs and expenses:
  Cost of sales, including
    buying and occupancy               425,724     391,955      361,991
  Selling, general and
    administrative                     151,995     148,596      144,665
  Provision for store closings
    and other costs                     22,876
  Interest and debt expense             23,251      23,232       18,063
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
                                       623,846     563,783      524,719
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------

Income (loss) from continuing
  operations before income taxes,                                              
  net equity loss and investment
  write-down and minority interest     (53,906)      1,005       14,601
Income taxes                           (16,389)     (1,848)       5,460
Net equity loss and write-down of
  investment in an unconsolidated
  affiliate                            (17,703)
Minority interest                                                   438
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------


Income (loss) from continuing                                                  
  operations                           (55,220)      2,853        8,703
Income (loss) from
  discontinued operations                 (840)       (381)       5,940
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
Income (loss) before extraordinary
  loss and cumulative effect of
  change in accounting principle       (56,060)      2,472       14,643
Extraordinary loss                                                 (860)
Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle
  for income taxes                                   2,850             
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
Net income (loss)                   $  (56,060)  $   5,322    $  13,783
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------

Earnings per share:
  Income (loss) from continuing
    operations                      $    (2.67)  $     .15    $     .46
  Income (loss) from
    discontinued operations               (.04)       (.02)         .31
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
  Income (loss) before
    extraordinary loss and
    cumulative effect of
    change in accounting principle       (2.71)        .13          .77
  Extraordinary loss                                               (.05)
  Cumulative effect of change
    in accounting principle for
    income taxes                                       .15             
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
  Net income (loss)                 $    (2.71)  $     .28    $     .72
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------

Average shares outstanding              20,697      18,989       19,021
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
                                    ----------   ---------    ---------
</TABLE>


See accompanying notes.

                                      F-3

<PAGE>   29
           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
             FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, JANUARY 31, 1993
                             AND JANUARY 26, 1992
                            (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                     
                                                                                                              Notes
                                                                                                            Receivable   
                                                                                                  Cost of      from    
                                      Shares of Common Stock    Common    Capital in              Common     Exercise    Total
                                     -----------------------     Stock     Excess of   Retained   Stock in   of Stock  Shareholders'
                                       Issued    In Treasury    Issued     Par Value   Earnings   Treasury    Options   Equity   
                                     ----------  -----------   --------   ----------  ---------  ---------   ----------  ----------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>        <C>        <C>         <C>
Balance at January 27, 1991          31,752,450  (13,866,517)  $ 31,752   $   89,819  $ 158,913  $(131,738) $    (114)  $   148,632

Net income                                                                               13,783                              13,783
Cash dividends                                                                           (6,138)                             (6,138)
Treasury stock purchases                            (187,175)                                       (1,480)                  (1,480)
Stock options exercised                              276,000                    (799)                2,621     (1,381)          441
Income tax benefit from stock
  options exercised                                                               37                                             37
Note repayments                                                                                                   114           114
                                     ----------  -----------   --------   ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------   -----------
Balance at January 26, 1992          31,752,450  (13,777,692)    31,752       89,057    166,558   (130,597)    (1,381)      155,389

Net income                                                                                5,322                               5,322
Cash dividends                                                                           (6,475)                             (6,475)
Stock options exercised                              101,000                    (160)                  957       (715)           82
Income tax benefit from stock
  options exercised                                                               40                                             40
                                     ----------  -----------   --------   ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------   -----------
Balance at January 31, 1993          31,752,450  (13,676,692)    31,752       88,937    165,405   (129,640)    (2,096)      154,358

Net loss                                                                                (56,060)                            (56,060)
Cash dividends                                                                           (7,422)                             (7,422)
Stock dividend declared on
  March 3, 1994                                   1,000,788                   (3,106)    (6,380)     9,486
Acquisition of equity interest
  in Sunbelt Nursery Group, Inc.                  1,940,000                     (686)               18,389                   17,703
Note repayments                                                                                                   135           135
                                     ----------  -----------   --------   ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------   -----------
Balance at January 30, 1994          31,752,450  (10,735,904)  $ 31,752   $   85,145  $  95,543  $(101,765) $  (1,961)  $   108,714
                                     ----------  -----------   --------   ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------   -----------
                                     ----------  -----------   --------   ----------  ---------  ---------  ---------   -----------
</TABLE>

See accompanying notes.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>   30



CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, JANUARY 31, 1993, AND JANUARY 26, 1992

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                          1993         1992         1991   
                                                       ----------   ----------   ----------
<S>                                                    <C>         <C>           <C>
Operations
  Income (loss) from continuing operations             $  (55,220)  $   2,853    $    8,703
  Noncash charges (credits) included in results:
    Depreciation and amortization                          24,610      21,179        20,325
    Net gain from sale of interest in Calloway's
      Nursery, Inc.                                                                  (7,775)
    Provision for store closings and other costs           22,876
    Deferred income taxes                                 (15,983)       (635)        1,328
    Net equity loss and write-down of investment
      in an unconsolidated affiliate                       17,703
    Other                                                     129       1,447         1,002
                                                      -----------   ---------     ---------
                                                           (5,885)     24,844        23,583
  Changes in current assets and current liabilities,
    excluding the effects of Calloway's:
    (Increase) decrease in accounts and
      notes receivable                                      3,683        (840)          121
    (Increase) decrease in federal income tax receivable      975      (3,160)        3,341
    (Increase) decrease in inventory                       33,354     (37,183)       (7,393)
    Increase in prepaid expenses                             (931)        (47)       (1,707)
    Increase (decrease) in accounts payable                (3,020)      4,087         2,448
    Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses                 3,034      (5,791)       (3,844)
    Decrease in provision for store
      closings and other costs                             (3,655)                         
                                                       ----------   ---------      --------
  Net cash provided by (used for) continuing
    operations                                             27,555     (18,090)       16,549
  Net cash used for discontinued operations                (1,286)     (2,271)       (2,142)
                                                       ----------   ---------      -------- 
                                                           26,269     (20,361)       14,407
                                                       ----------   ---------      --------

Investing activities
  Additions to property, plant and equipment              (29,946)    (47,396)      (19,347)
  Proceeds from sales of property, plant and equipment        430          38         2,166
  Proceeds from sales of businesses                                                  17,492
  Proceeds from the sales of marketable securities         26,690      94,407
  Purchases of marketable securities                                 (121,104)             
                                                       ----------   ---------     ---------
  Net cash provided by (used for) investing activities     (2,826)    (74,055)          311
                                                       ----------   ---------     ---------


Financing Activities
  Net proceeds from issuance of long-term debt                        137,714
  Payment of long-term debt and capital lease
    obligations                                            (4,486)     (6,745)       (7,342)
  Repurchase of long-term debt                                        (40,545)       (4,100)
  Cash dividends paid on common stock                      (7,422)     (6,475)       (6,138)
  Treasury stock purchases                                                           (1,480)
  Stock options exercised                                     135          82           441
                                                       ----------   ---------     ---------
  Net cash provided by (used for) financing activities    (11,773)     84,031       (18,619)
                                                       ----------   ---------     --------- 
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents           11,670     (10,385)       (3,901)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year             51,185      61,570        65,471
                                                       ----------   ---------     ---------
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year               $   62,855   $  51,185     $  61,570
                                                       ----------   ---------     ---------
                                                       ----------   ---------     ---------
</TABLE>



See accompanying notes.


                                      F-5
<PAGE>   31
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


NOTE 1: ACCOUNTING POLICIES

THE FISCAL YEAR ends on the last Sunday in January. Fiscal year 1993 consisted
of 52 weeks and ended on January 30, 1994.  Fiscal year 1992 consisted of 53
weeks and ended on January 31, 1993.  Fiscal year 1991 consisted of 52 weeks
and ended on January 26, 1992.

  THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS include the accounts of General Host
Corporation and its subsidiaries (the "Company").  Intercompany balances and
transactions are eliminated.

  CASH EQUIVALENTS are highly liquid investments, such as U.S. government
securities and bank certificates of deposit having original maturities of three
months or less, and are carried at cost plus accrued interest.

  MARKETABLE SECURITIES are carried at the lower of cost or market.  Declines
in market value below cost that are other than temporary are charged to
operations in the period that the determination is made.

  MERCHANDISE INVENTORIES are valued at the lower of first-in, first-out cost
or market.

  PRE-OPENING COSTS are costs incurred in the opening of new stores (primarily
payroll costs) which are capitalized prior to the opening of a new store and
amortized over a one year period commencing with the first period after the new
store opens.

  STORE CLOSING COSTS include provisions for estimated future net lease
obligations, nonrecoverable investments in fixed assets, and other expenses
directly related to discontinuance of operations and estimated operating losses
through expected closing dates.  Provisions for store closings are charged to
operations in the period when the decision is made to close a retail unit.

  PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT, including significant improvements thereto,
are recorded at cost.  Expenditures for repairs and maintenance are charged to
expense as incurred.  The cost of plant and equipment is depreciated over the
estimated useful lives using the straight-line method.  Leasehold improvements
are depreciated over the terms of the respective leases, or if shorter, the
estimated useful lives.

  INTANGIBLES, including costs in excess of net assets of acquired businesses,
are amortized over the estimated periods of related benefit, ranging from 10 to
40 years, using the straight-line method.  On an annual basis the Company
reviews the recoverability of intangibles, specifically goodwill.  The

                                      F-6
<PAGE>   32
measurement of possible impairment is based primarily on the ability to recover
the balance of the goodwill from expected future operating cash flows on an
undiscounted basis.

  OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS are recognized in the financial statements
during the period in which service is provided to the Company under Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 106 (SFAS No. 106).  See Note 13 for
further description.

  LEASES which meet the accounting criteria for capital leases are recorded as
property, plant and equipment, and the related capital lease obligations (the
aggregate present value of minimum future lease payments, excluding executory
costs such as taxes, maintenance and insurance) are included in long-term debt.
Depreciation and interest are charged to expense, and rent payments are treated
as payments of long-term debt, accrued interest and executory costs.  All other
leases are accounted for as operating leases, and rent payments are charged to
expense as incurred.

  INCOME TAX EXPENSE is based on the asset and liability method under Statement
of Financial Accounting Standards No. 109 (SFAS No. 109).  

  PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE is based on the weighted average number of common 
shares outstanding, which includes 1,000,788 shares representing the 5% stock 
dividend without regard to rounding.

  FULLY DILUTED EARNINGS PER SHARE is based on the assumed conversion of all of
the 8% Convertible Subordinated Notes into common stock.  Interest expense on
the 8% Convertible Subordinated Notes is added back to net earnings.  Fully
diluted earnings per share impacted only the first quarter of 1993 and 1992.

  SUBSEQUENT TO FISCAL 1993 a 5% stock dividend was declared by the Board of
Directors for shareholders of record on March 18, 1994.  The stock dividend is
payable on April 8, 1994 and all stock related data in the consolidated
financial statements reflect the stock dividend for all periods presented.


NOTE 2: PROVISION FOR STORE CLOSINGS

During the fourth quarter of 1993 the Company approved a plan to exit 26
unprofitable Frank's stores primarily in the Nashville, South Florida and
Orlando markets and to dispose of certain other properties.  The intent of the
plan is to focus on improving the Company's long-term profitability.  The
decision resulted in the Company recording a reserve of $22,876,000
($15,098,000 net of tax benefit) in the 1993 fourth quarter comprised primarily
of $19,944,000 for the closing of the 26 stores and $2,932,000 primarily for
expected losses on the sale of the other properties.  The $19,944,000 store
closing reserve includes a provision for termination of lease agreements,
brokers fees and


                                      F-7
<PAGE>   33
legal costs of $12,862,000 representing expected future cash outflows; a
provision of $3,518,000 for expected losses from the sale of real estate and
the write-off of leasehold improvements and equipment of the closed stores
(sale of real estate is expected to generate $3,938,000 of proceeds over the
next two years); and a provision of $3,564,000 representing operating losses
for January 1994 through closure date and employee severance for the closed
stores.  All stores were closed as of February 7, 1994, with the exception of
one store which closed March 7, 1994.  The reserve of $2,932,000 primarily for
expected losses on the sale of other properties is estimated to bring future
cash flows of $1,526,000 over the next two years.


  NOTE 3:  EQUITY INTEREST IN SUNBELT NURSERY GROUP, INC.

In April 1993 the Company acquired a 49.5% interest in Sunbelt Nursery Group,
Inc. ("Sunbelt") by exchanging 1,940,000 shares of its common stock for
4,200,000 shares of common stock of Sunbelt held by Pier 1 Imports, Inc.  The
Sunbelt investment was recorded on the General Host consolidated balance sheet
at the time of acquisition based upon fair value.  The 4,200,000 shares of
Sunbelt have been pledged as security for payment of a $12,000,000 revolving
credit facility, between Sunbelt and Pier 1 Imports, Inc., which matures in
April 1994.  Since the third quarter of 1993, the Company has been reviewing
its equity interest in Sunbelt because of Sunbelt's lack of long-term
financing.  As of late March 1994, Sunbelt still had been unable to secure such
financing.  Consequently, the Company decided to reduce to zero the carrying
value of its investment in Sunbelt as of fiscal year end 1993.  This resulted
in an additional charge of $15,746,000 which, when combined with the net equity
losses recognized through the 1993 third quarter of $1,957,000, amounts to
$17,703,000 for fiscal 1993.


NOTE 4: DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In prior years' the Company has sold businesses which have been treated as
discontinued operations for financial statement presentation.

  As of January 30, 1994 and January 31, 1993 there were no remaining assets.
The liabilities for discontinued operations sold in prior years' were as
follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
(In thousands)                          1993         1992   
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>         <C>
Accrued expenses                     $  1,059     $  1,091
Other liabilities                       1,547        1,961
                                     --------     --------
Total                                $  2,606     $  3,052
                                     --------     --------
                                     --------     --------
</TABLE>


                                      F-8
<PAGE>   34
  The Company charged to discontinued operations losses of $840,000 or $.04 per
share in 1993 and $381,000 or $.02 per share after income tax benefit in 1992
for lease obligations which extend to the year 2001 for businesses sold in
prior years (Note 15).

  Income from discontinued operations in 1991 of $5,940,000 represented the
elimination of income tax reserves no longer required that were related to
businesses sold in 1987 which were treated as discontinued operations.


NOTE 5: OTHER INCOME                                        
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                1993       1992       1991    
- -----------------------------------------------------------
<S>                          <C>        <C>        <C>         
Interest on cash
  equivalents and
  marketable securities      $  1,046   $  3,777   $  1,981
Gain on the sale of
  Calloway's Nursery, Inc.
  (Note 17)                                          13,500
Non-competition agreement
 income                                    1,615      3,537
Dividend income                    10      1,211        174        
Miscellaneous                     282        367         56
                             --------   --------   --------
                             $  1,338   $  6,970   $ 19,248
                             --------   --------   --------
                             --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>



NOTE 6: INCOME TAXES

The Company adopted SFAS No. 109 retroactively as of January 27, 1992, the
beginning of the 1992 fiscal year.  The cumulative effect of adopting SFAS No.
109 increased net income for the 1992 fiscal year by $2,850,000.  The 1991
fiscal year was not restated for the adoption of SFAS No. 109.



                                      F-9
<PAGE>   35

         The components of the income tax provisions are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                     1993       1992        1991 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>       <C>
CONTINUING OPERATIONS:

  Current federal income taxes                  $ (1,730)   $  (166)   $ 4,085 
  Current state and other income taxes             1,324     (1,200)       163
  Deferred federal income taxes                  (13,859)     1,218      1,258
  Deferred state and other income taxes           (2,124)    (1,700)       (46)
                                                --------    -------    -------
                                                 (16,389)    (1,848)     5,460
                                                --------    -------    -------


DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

  Current federal income taxes                                 (144)
  Current state and other income taxes                                  (2,000)
  Deferred federal income taxes                                 (52)     3,060
  Deferred state and other income taxes                                 (7,000)
                                                --------    -------    -------
                                                               (196)    (5,940)
                                                --------    -------    -------

EXTRAORDINARY LOSSES:

  Current federal income taxes                                 (443)
  Deferred federal income taxes                                 443       (443)

  Deferred state and other income taxes                                    (69)
                                                --------    -------    -------
                                                                          (512)
                                                --------    -------     ------
Total income taxes (benefit)                    $(16,389)   $(2,044)   $  (992)
                                                --------    -------    -------
                                                --------    -------    -------

          Differences between income taxes of continuing operations and income
taxes based on statutory federal income tax rates applied to income before
taxes are as follows:

<CAPTION>
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                     1993       1992        1991 
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>         <C>        <C>
Federal income taxes based on 
   statutory rates                              $(18,867)   $   342    $4,964
Increases (decreases) from:                     
   Limitation on utilization
     of tax benefits                               2,262
   Dividends received deduction                                (286)

   Elimination of reserves no                       
     longer required                                (528)    (1,914)
   Effect of graduated rates                         539
   Amortization of intangibles
     and other acquisition costs                     136        136       599
   Other                                              69       (126)     (103)
                                                --------    -------    ------
                                                $(16,389)   $(1,848)   $5,460
                                                --------    -------    ------
                                                --------    -------    ------
</TABLE>


                                     F-10
<PAGE>   36
  The tax effects of the principal temporary deferred tax assets and
liabilities are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                  1993           1992   
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>            <C>
Property, plant & equipment                  $ (19,647)     $ (17,298)
Other                                                          (3,198)
                                             ---------      --------- 
Net deferred liabilities                       (19,647)       (20,496)
                                             ---------      --------- 

Inventory                                          875          1,406
Accrued expenses                                 2,943          3,107
Other                                              271            
Loss on equity investment in an
  unconsolidated affiliate                       6,019
Store closing reserve                            6,977
NOL carryforward                                11,129               
                                             ---------      ---------
Net deferred assets                             28,214          4,513
                                             ---------      ---------

Net deferred asset (liability)                   8,567        (15,983)
Valuation allowance                             (8,567)              
                                             ---------      ---------

Net deferred tax liability                   $     --       $ (15,983)
                                             ---------      --------- 
                                             ---------      --------- 
</TABLE>


  Due to the operating loss and the loss from the Company's investment in an
unconsolidated affiliate in 1993, the Company has provided a valuation
allowance against the net deferred tax asset.  The federal tax NOL carryforward
approximates $32,500,000 and will expire in January 2009.


NOTE 7: PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                           1993       1992         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>     
Land                                   $ 45,960   $ 45,258
Buildings:
  Owned                                 172,328    162,359
  Capital leases (Note 11)               23,717     25,690
Equipment                               115,550    103,004
Leasehold improvements                   52,587     44,732
Construction in progress                  3,824      5,800
                                       --------   --------
                                        413,966    386,843

Less accumulated depreciation,
  including capital lease amounts
  of $13,023 and $13,073                133,756    113,255
                                       $280,210   $273,588
                                       --------   -------- 
                                       --------   --------
</TABLE>

Interest cost capitalized as property, plant and equipment amounted to $542,000
in 1993, $1,000,000 in 1992 and $38,000 in 1991.


                                     F-11
<PAGE>   37

NOTE 8: ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

Accounts payable include amounts payable to brokers for purchases of cash
equivalents of $24,998,000 in 1993 and $14,999,000 in 1992.

  Accrued expenses are as follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                           1993       1992         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>
Income taxes                           $ 2,253    $   383
Taxes, other than income taxes           7,031      6,357
Payroll                                  4,087      5,115
Insurance                                3,899      4,164
Interest                                 8,193      7,210
Other                                   11,902     10,175
                                       -------    -------
                                       $37,365    $33,404
                                       -------    -------
                                       -------    -------
</TABLE>


NOTE 9: LONG-TERM DEBT

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                           1993       1992         
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>
SENIOR DEBT:
  Adjustable Rate First Mortgage
    Notes due December 31, 1995        $ 80,750   $ 84,313
  11 1/2% Senior Notes due
    February 15, 2002                    78,000     78,000
  Capital leases (Note 11)               19,934     21,792
                                       --------   --------
                                        178,684    184,105
Less current portion                      5,689      5,687
                                       --------   --------
                                        172,995    178,418
                                       --------   --------

SUBORDINATED DEBT:
  8% Convertible Subordinated Notes
     due February 15, 2002               65,000     65,000           
  7% Subordinated Debentures due
     February 1, 1994, less
     original issue discount of
     $282 for 1992                       13,191     12,909
                                       --------   --------
                                         78,191     77,909
Less current portion                     13,191           
                                       --------   --------
                                         65,000     77,909
                                       --------   --------

Total long-term debt                   $237,995   $256,327
                                       --------   --------
                                       --------   --------
</TABLE>


In February 1992 the Company concluded a combined public offering for
$78,000,000 of Senior Notes due 2002 and $65,000,000 of Convertible
Subordinated Notes due 2002.  The Senior Notes, issued at par, bear interest at
11 1/2%.  The Convertible



                                     F-12
<PAGE>   38
Subordinated Notes, issued at par, bear interest at 8% and are convertible into
common stock of the Company at a conversion price of $9.88 per share, subject
to adjustments in certain events.  The Company received net proceeds of
$137,714,000 after deducting fees and expenses and used $37,620,000 of the
proceeds to retire the principal balance of the 11 7/8% Senior Subordinated
Notes in April 1992.  In connection with the retirement of the 11 7/8% Notes,
the Company wrote-off the related original issue discount and unamortized debt
expenses in the 1991 fiscal year resulting in an extraordinary loss of $860,000
after income tax benefit.

  The Mortgage Notes due December 31, 1995 bear interest at 1 1/2% above the
three-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) and are repayable in
$1,187,500 quarterly installments.  At January 30, 1994 the interest rate was
4.9%.  The Mortgage Notes are secured by first mortgages of 67 nursery and
crafts retail stores having a net book value of $88,672,000 including equipment
at January 30, 1994.

  On January 30, 1994  the Company had a $25,000,000 unsecured credit agreement
with a bank.  The revolving credit agreement is committed through July 19,
1996.  There is a commitment fee of 1/2 of 1% on the unused portion.  At the
Company's option, interest under the agreement may be based on LIBOR or the
certificate of deposit rate, as defined in the agreement, instead of on the
prime rate.  The Company borrowed $25,000,000 under the agreement in September
1993 and repaid the full amount in November 1993.  In February 1994 there was
an amendment to the agreement which reduced the available credit to
$15,000,000.  The Company subsequently borrowed $15,000,000.

  The bank agreement requires the Company, among other things, to maintain
minimum levels of earnings, tangible net worth and certain minimum financial
ratios.  Effective January 30, 1994 the Company obtained a waiver of the
required minimum level of earnings, tangible net worth and required financial
ratios.  The waiver enabled the Company to comply with the aforementioned bank
loan covenants at January 30, 1994.  It is likely that the Company will not be
in compliance with the bank loan covenants at the end of the 1994 first
quarter.  There is no assurance that the Company will be able to obtain a
waiver at that time.  But the Company anticipates repayment of all outstanding
sums prior to that date.

  Under the most restrictive provisions of any of the debt and bank agreements,
total shareholders' equity available to pay cash dividends or purchase treasury
stock was below the required minimum level by $14,763,000 at January 30, 1994.

  The Company also has available unsecured short-term lines of credit under
which $15,000,000 may be borrowed at the prime rate or at other rates as
offered by various banks.  These agreements require the Company to maintain
average compensating balances of


                                     F-13
<PAGE>   39
up to 4% of the credit line.  During 1993 no amounts were borrowed under these
agreements.

  The 7% Debentures were redeemed on February 1, 1994.  Amortization of the
original issue discount was based on an effective interest rate of 9% and
amounted to $282,000 in 1993, $261,000 in 1992 and $232,000 in 1991.

  Aggregate maturities of long-term debt for the five years subsequent to 1993,
excluding capital lease obligations (Note 11), are $17,941,000 in 1994,
$76,000,000 in 1995, $-0- in 1996, $-0- in 1997 and $-0- in 1998.


NOTE 10: SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

The Company's 1986 stock incentive plan, as amended in 1992, provides for the
granting of options to purchase up to 2,500,000 shares of common stock.
Options are granted to key employees and expire no later than ten years after
grant.  The directors' stock option plan provides for the issuance of options
to members of the Board of Directors who are not employees of the Company;
options expire no later than five years after grant.  Under both plans, options
are granted at prices not less than fair market value on the date of grant.

  Changes in stock options during the three years ended January 30, 1994 are as
follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Shares     Option Prices
                                       ---------    -------------
<S>                                    <C>          <C>           
OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 27, 1991          980,500    $ 5.50-14.38

Options granted                           48,750            8.50
Options exercised                       (276,000)     5.50- 8.75   
Options cancelled                       (179,000)     5.50-14.38
                                        ---------    ------------

OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 26, 1992          574,250      5.50-14.38

Options granted                          400,000      8.25- 9.00
Options exercised                       (101,000)     7.31- 8.50
Options cancelled                        (70,000)     7.31- 8.50
                                       ---------    ------------

OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 31, 1993          803,250      5.50-14.38

Options granted                          166,150      8.38-10.06
Options cancelled                        (26,000)     8.50-10.06
                                       ---------     -----------

OUTSTANDING AT JANUARY 30, 1994          943,400    $ 5.50-14.38
                                       ---------    ------------
                                       ---------    ------------
</TABLE>


  At January 30, 1994 outstanding options for 777,750 shares are exercisable
and 1,509,100 shares are available for granting additional options.


                                     F-14
<PAGE>   40
  The Company's certificate of incorporation authorizes the issuance of
1,000,000 shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock, none of which has been
issued.

  Each share of the Company's common stock carries with it one right to
purchase one additional share of common stock from the Company for $60 upon the
occurrence of certain events, at which time the rights become exercisable.
Separate rights certificates will then be issued and the rights can be traded
separately. In the event the rights become exercisable and thereafter the
Company is acquired in a merger or other business combination, each right will
entitle the holder, upon payment of the exercise price, to receive a number of
shares of the surviving corporation's common stock equal to the exercise price
divided by 50% of the market price.  At the Company's option, the rights are
redeemable in their entirety at $.01 per right. The rights are subject to
adjustment to prevent dilution and expire March 7, 1995.


NOTE 11: LEASES

The Company's capital leases are principally for offices and retail stores, for
periods ranging up to 25 years.  The Company's operating leases are principally
for retail store locations.

  At January 30, 1994 lease obligations under capital leases, included in
long-term debt (Note 9), and operating leases with lease terms longer than one
year, are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                           Capital     Operating
(In thousands)                             Leases       Leases   
- -----------------------------------------------------------------
     <S>                                  <C>         <C>
     Payable in    1994                   $  3,128     $ 17,561
                   1995                      3,251       17,168
                   1996                      3,245       15,589
                   1997                      3,246       14,735
                   1998                      3,175       13,894
     Payable after 1998                     23,208      122,640
                                          --------     --------

     Total minimum lease obligations        39,253     $201,587
                                                       --------
                                                       --------

     Executory costs                           (73)
     Amount representing future interest   (19,246)
                                          -------- 

     Present value of net minimum lease
      obligations                         $ 19,934
                                          --------
                                          --------

     Future sublease rental income                     $  4,802
                                                       --------
                                                       --------
</TABLE>

                                     F-15
<PAGE>   41
  Rent expense was $24,602,000 in 1993, $22,976,000 in 1992 and $20,838,000 in
1991.  Rent expense includes additional rentals based on retail store sales (in
excess of the minimums specified in leases) of $804,000 in 1993, $634,000 in
1992 and $508,000 in 1991 and is reduced by sublease rental income of $824,000
in 1993, $924,000 in 1992 and $879,000 in 1991.

NOTE 12: PENSION PLAN

Retirement benefits for both salaried and hourly employees were provided
through a noncontributory, defined contribution plan.  Contributions were a
percent of each covered employee's salary.  Costs of the plan charged to
operations were $2,041,000 in 1991.  Effective September 1992 the plan was
amended and contributions are now determined by the Board of Directors based
upon assessment of the Company's fiscal year's profitability as related to
pre-established financial objectives.  There were no contributions made to the
plan for 1993 and 1992.  The plan also includes a 401(k) component, permitting
employees to invest from 1% to 10% of their salary in the employee's choice of
an equity fund, a balanced fund or a fixed income fund.  The Company does not
match employee contributions.

  The Company also sponsors a noncontributory, defined benefit pension plan
which covers former hourly employees of several discontinued operations and
provides pension benefits of stated amounts multiplied by years of service.
The Company contributes to this plan based on funding requirements determined
by consulting actuaries using the accrued benefit (unit credit) method.

  Net periodic pension cost consisted of the following:                 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                           1993       1992        1991    
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>        <C>
Interest cost on projected benefit
  obligations                          $  2,289   $  2,381   $  2,563
Actual return on plan assets             (3,342)    (4,042)    (5,729)
Net amortization and deferrals              610      1,369      3,324
                                       --------   --------   --------
Net periodic pension (income) expense  $   (443)  $   (292)  $    158
                                       --------   --------   --------
                                       --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>


                                     F-16
<PAGE>   42
  The following table summarizes the plan's funding status and the liability
recognized in the consolidated balance sheet as of January 30, 1994 and January
31, 1993:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                           1993       1992    
- ------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>        <C>
Actuarial present value of
  pension benefit obligations,
  all of which are vested              $(30,787)  $(30,266)

Plan assets at fair value                31,944     32,158

Unrecognized gain                        (1,404)    (2,582)
                                       --------   -------- 

Pension liability in the
  consolidated balance sheet           $   (247)  $   (690)
                                       --------   -------- 
                                       --------   -------- 
</TABLE>


  The above amounts were determined as of December 31 each year.  The assumed
discount rate for projected benefit obligations was 7.25% for 1993 and 8% for
1992.  The expected long-term return on plan assets was 9% for 1993 and 1992.

  The assets of the plan consist primarily of U.S. government securities and
listed stocks and bonds, including common stock of the Company with a quoted
market value of $2,461,000 at December 31, 1993 and $3,252,000 at December 31,
1992.


NOTE 13: OTHER POSTRETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company provides certain life insurance benefits to eligible retired
employees.  The cost of this benefit is not significant to the Company.  In
addition, the Company has provided for certain health care and life insurance
benefits which cover former hourly employees of several discontinued
operations.  The unfunded liability for these benefits has been previously
provided for in the consolidated financial statements of the Company.

  The Company adopted SFAS No. 106 as of February 1, 1994.  The Statement
requires that the cost of such benefits be recognized in the financial
statements during the period employees provide service to the Company.  The
Company elected to immediately recognize the accumulated liability.  At the
date of adoption, the unrecognized accumulated liability was not material to
the consolidated financial statements of the Company.  Prior years' financial
statements have not been restated.


                                     F-17
<PAGE>   43
  The accrued postretirement liability recognized in the consolidated balance
sheet as of January 30, 1994 was $1,463,000 and the net periodic postretirement
benefit cost for 1993 was $99,000.  The amounts were determined as of December
31, 1993. The discount rate used in determining the accumulated postretirement
benefit obligation was 7.25%.  The assumed health care cost trend rate used in
measuring the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation was 11% in 1993
grading down uniformly to 6% in 2005.  If the health care cost trend rate
assumptions were increased by 1%, the accumulated postretirement benefit
obligation would be increased by 7.6% for 1993.  The effect of this change on
the interest cost component of net periodic postretirement benefit cost for
1993 would be an increase of 8%.


NOTE 14: DISCLOSURES ABOUT FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of
each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate
that value:

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS
The carrying value amount approximates fair value because of the short maturity
of those investments.

MARKETABLE SECURITIES
The carrying value amount approximates fair value because they are recorded at
the lower of cost or market and declines in market below cost that are other
than temporary are charged to operations.

INVESTMENT IN UNCONSOLIDATED AFFILIATE
The carrying value represents the fair value of the Sunbelt investment at the
time of acquisition subsequently reduced by the Company's share of Sunbelt
losses and the write-down of the investment to zero.  Market value is based
upon the quoted market price of Sunbelt common stock.

OTHER INVESTMENTS
The Company's other investments represent investments in untraded companies.
Based upon the Company's review of the financial statements of these companies
the carrying amount approximates fair value.

LONG-TERM DEBT
The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based upon the
quoted market prices for the same or similar issues or on the current rates
offered to the Company for debt of the same remaining maturities.

                                     F-18
<PAGE>   44
  The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments at January
30, 1994 and January 31, 1993 are as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
(In thousands)                          1993                    1992
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 
                               CARRYING       FAIR     CARRYING      FAIR
                                AMOUNT        VALUE      AMOUNT      VALUE  
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                           <C>           <C>        <C>         <C>
Cash and cash equivalents     $  62,855     $  62,855  $  51,185   $ 51,185
Marketable securities               120           120     26,808     26,808
Investment in
  unconsolidated affiliate           --        13,650
Other investments                 2,277         2,277      3,927      3,927
Long-term debt                  256,875       256,290    262,014    276,336
</TABLE>


NOTE 15: LITIGATION AND OTHER CONTINGENCIES

In the normal course of business the Company is subject to various claims.  In
the opinion of management, any ultimate liability arising from or related to
these claims should not have a material adverse affect on future results of
operations or the consolidated financial position of the Company.


  The Company has certain lease obligations which extend to the year 2001 for
businesses sold.  In the opinion of management, any ultimate liability arising
from or related to these obligations, to the extent not otherwise provided for,
should not have a material adverse effect on future operations or the
consolidated financial position of the Company.


NOTE 16: SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Income tax payments were $922,000 in 1993, $6,409,000 in 1992 and $800,000 in
1991.  Interest payments were $20,912,000 in 1993, $17,935,000 in 1992, and
$16,950,000 in 1991.  Noncash investing and financing activities included the
issuance of 1,940,000 shares of common stock having a market value of
$17,703,000 in exchange for an equity investment in an unconsolidated
affiliate.

NET CASH USED FOR DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS:

Net cash used for discontinued operations for fiscal 1991 is primarily related
to payments made to fund a defined benefit pension plan which covers former
hourly employees of several discontinued operations (Note 12).

  Net cash used for discontinued operations for fiscal 1993 and 1992 is
primarily related to payments related to businesses sold in prior years which
were treated as discontinued operations and in 1992 included payments made to
fund a defined benefit

                                     F-19
<PAGE>   45
pension plan which covers former hourly employees of several discontinued
operations.


NOTE 17: CALLOWAY'S NURSERY, INC.

In July 1991 the Company sold, in an initial public offering, 3,200,000 shares
of common stock of Calloway's Nursery, Inc. representing all of the Company's
80% interest in Calloway's.  A gain of approximately $13,500,000 ($7,775,000
net of taxes) was recognized in other income for the 1991 fiscal year.

  Calloway's results of operations, included in the Company's Consolidated
Statement of Income, are as follows:
                                                       
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                   1991  
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Sales                                          $ 18,888
                                               --------
                                               --------

Income from
  continuing operations                        $  1,775
                                               --------
                                               --------

Earnings per share from
  continuing operations                        $    .10
                                               --------
                                               --------
</TABLE>


  Pro forma results of operations for the Company, excluding Calloway's are as
follows:

                                                       
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- -------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands)                                   1991  
- -------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>
Sales                                          $501,184
                                               --------
                                               --------

Income from
 continuing operations                         $  6,928 1
                                               --------  
                                               --------

Earnings per share from
  continuing operations                        $    .38 1
                                               --------  
                                               --------

</TABLE>

  1  Includes a gain of $7,775 on the sale of Calloway's Nursery, Inc.




                                     F-20
<PAGE>   46
QUARTERLY INFORMATION
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Fourth
                                                  Quarter         Third          Second         First
                                             (12 wks in 1993)    Quarter        Quarter        Quarter
                                             (13 wks in 1992)    (12 wks)       (12 wks)       (16 wks) 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)
<S>                                              <C>           <C>            <C>             <C> 
1993 (2)(4)

Sales                                             $166,347       $105,370       $108,882       $188,003
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy     $131,827       $ 81,240       $ 84,657       $128,000
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before income taxes and net equity
  loss and investment write-down                  $(35,796)      $(13,918)      $(12,234)      $  8,042
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Loss from discontinued operations                 $   (840)                                            
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Net income (loss)                                 $(42,678)(1)   $(11,406)      $ (8,552)      $  6,576
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Primary earnings per share (5):
  Income (loss) from continuing operations        $  (1.99)      $   (.54)      $   (.41)      $    .33
  Loss from discontinued operations                   (.04)
                                                                                                       
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
  Net income (loss)                               $  (2.03)     $    (.54)      $   (.41)      $    .33
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Fully diluted earnings per share (5):
  Income (loss) from continuing operations        $  (1.99)      $   (.54)      $   (.41)      $    .29
  Loss from discontinued operations                   (.04)                                            
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
  Net income (loss)                               $  (2.03)      $   (.54)      $   (.41)      $    .29
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

1992 (3)(4)

Sales                                             $164,677       $100,182       $120,418       $172,541
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Cost of sales, including buying and occupancy     $117,853       $ 73,448       $ 86,596       $114,058
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Income (loss) from continuing operations
  before income taxes                             $   (649)      $ (9,262)      $    200       $ 10,716
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Loss from discontinued operations                 $   (381)      
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Cumulative effect of change in
  accounting principle                                                                         $  2,850
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Net income (loss)                                 $    258       $ (4,991)      $    132       $  9,923
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Primary earnings per share (5):
   Income (loss) from continuing operations       $    .03       $   (.26)      $    .01       $    .37
   Loss from discontinued operations                  (.02)
   Cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                                                                          .15
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

   Net income (loss)                              $    .01       $   (.26)      $    .01       $    .52
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

Fully diluted earnings per share (5):
   Income (loss) from continuing operations       $    .03       $   (.26)      $    .01       $    .33
   Loss from discontinued operations                  (.02)
   Cumulative effect of change in
      accounting principle                                                                          .12
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------

   Net income (loss)                              $    .01       $   (.26)      $    .01       $    .45
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
                                                  --------       --------       --------       --------
</TABLE>

  1  Includes $22,876 ($15,098 net of tax benefit) representing a reserve for
     store closings and other costs and $15,746 representing the
     write-down of the Sunbelt investment.

  2  Had the actual annual effective tax rate been applied to the quarterly
     information, the first quarter net income would have increased by
     $3,056, or $.15 per share, and the fourth quarter net loss would have
     increased by $3,056 or $.15 per share.

  3  The 1992 quarters have been restated for the effect of the adoption of
     SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes".  The effect of this
     restatement on fiscal 1992 was to increase first quarter net income by
     $3,337 or $.18 per share, including the $2,850 or $.16 per share
     cumulative effect; decrease second quarter net income by $39 with no per
     share impact; decrease third quarter net income by $514 or $.03
     per share; and increase fourth quarter net income by $66 with no per share
     impact.

  4  Share and per share data have been restated to reflect the 5% stock
     dividend.

  5  Due to changes in the number of shares outstanding during the year,
     quarterly earnings per share do not necessarily add to the totals for
     the year.




                                     F-21
<PAGE>   47
FIVE YEAR FINANCIAL DATA

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>

- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(In thousands, except per share amounts)                       1993           1992           1991           1990          1989  
                                                             --------       --------       --------       --------      --------
<S>                                                         <C>            <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>
Sales of continuing operations                               $568,602       $557,818       $520,072       $515,470     $495,767
Income (loss) from continuing operations before
  income taxes                                               $(53,906)1     $  1,005       $ 14,601 4     $  1,757     $(12,408)7
Income (loss) from continuing operations                     $(55,220)      $  2,853 2     $  8,703       $  3,303 6   $  1,423 8
Net income (loss)                                            $(56,060)      $  5,322 3     $ 13,783 5     $  3,303     $ (2,001)
Income (Loss) per share from continuing operations 9         $  (2.67)1     $    .15 2     $    .46 4     $    .17 6   $    .07 8
Net income (loss) per share 9                                $  (2.71)      $    .28 3     $    .72 5     $    .17     $   (.10)
Cash dividends per share                                     $    .38       $    .36       $    .34       $    .32     $    .30
Average shares outstanding 9                                   20,697         18,989         19,021         19,479       20,363
Working capital                                              $ 50,525       $130,542       $ 62,278       $ 60,240     $ 92,023
Ratio of current assets to current liabilities                  1.4-1          2.4-1          1.6-1          1.6-1        1.7-1
Total year-end assets                                        $478,205       $531,019       $435,304       $445,735     $505,456
Long-term debt, including current portion                    $256,875       $262,014       $166,043       $177,743     $221,375
Shareholders' equity                                         $108,714       $154,358       $155,389       $148,632     $156,711
Long-term debt as a percentage of total capitalization            70%            63%            52%            54%          59%
Number of common shares outstanding 9                          21,017         19,077         18,976         18,887       19,999
Book value per share 9,10                                    $   5.27       $   8.20       $   8.26       $   7.88     $   7.88
Price range per share as traded on the
 New York Stock Exchange                                    $10 5/8-5 7/8  $10 1/2-7 3/4  $9 3/4-5 7/8  $7 1/2-3 7/8 $9 3/4-5 1/8 
- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>

 1    Includes $22,876 ($15,098 net of taxes) representing a reserve for store
      closings and other costs and $17,703 representing the net equity
      loss and write-down of the Sunbelt investment.

 2    Includes $1,914 of income tax reserves no longer required.

 3    Includes $2,850 representing the cumulative effect of the Company's 
      adoption of SFAS 109.

 4    Includes gain from the sale of Calloway's Nursery, Inc. of approximately
      $13,503 ($7,775 net of taxes).

 5    Includes $5,940 of income tax reserves no longer required that were 
      related to discontinued operations.

 6    Includes $2,651 of income tax reserves no longer required.

 7    Includes loss of $4,521 ($2,758 net of taxes) recognized on a noncurrent
      marketable equity security.

 8    Includes $8,628 of income tax reserves no longer required.

 9    Share and per share data have been restated to reflect the 5% stock 
      dividend described in Note 1 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial 
      Statements.

10    Includes notes receivable from exercise of stock options.




                                     F-22
<PAGE>   48
                                                                     Schedule II

                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                    AMOUNTS RECEIVABLE FROM RELATED PARTIES
                            UNDERWRITERS, PROMOTERS,
                    AND EMPLOYEES OTHER THAN RELATED PARTIES

   FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, JANUARY 31, 1993 and JANUARY 26, 1992
                                 (In thousands)




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     
                                                                           Deductions      Balance at          
                                                                           ----------      End of Year  
                                                                          Amortization    -------------
                     Interest   Year of  Beginning             Amounts      of Loan               Non-
Employees (1)          Rates   Maturity   of Year   Additions  Collected  Forgiveness  Current  Current
- -------------------  --------  --------  ---------  ---------  ---------  -----------  -------  -------
<S>                            <C>         <C>      <C>        <C>        <C>          <C>      <C>       
Year Ended January 30, 1994:

Harris J. Ashton       6%      1995/96/97  $2,505                $  25                           $2,480
C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr. 6%        1997/98      110     $    14                                       124
Philip B. Harley       6%        1997         110                  110
Robert M. Lovejoy      6%      1996/97/98      88          41                                       129

Year Ended January 31, 1993:

Harris J. Ashton       6%      1995/96/97  $2,035     $   495    $  25                           $2,505
C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr. 6%        1997                     110                                       110
Philip B. Harley       6%        1997                     110                                       110

Year Ended January 26, 1992:

Harris J. Ashton       6%       1995/96    $  831     $ 1,381    $ 177                           $2,035
Robert Ench            6%        1991         250                  250
Daniel J. Gilmartin   4%/6%      1992         178                  178
</TABLE>


 (1) Includes notes receivable arising from exercise of stock options and notes
     receivable to purchase the Company's Common Stock.



                                     F-23
<PAGE>   49
                                                                      Schedule V

                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994
                                 (In thousands)

                       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (1)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Other
                                                                 Transfers    Changes                
                                                       Sales or   Between     -------      Balance,                       
                         Beginning                     Retire-   Classifi-    Additions     End of
   Classification         of Year   Additions at Cost   ments     cations   (Deductions)     Year  
- -----------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  ------------  ---------
<S>                       <C>           <C>            <C>       <C>         <C>           <C>
Land                      $ 45,258      $    33        $   177   $    846    $             $ 45,960
Buildings                  188,049        1,203          1,973      8,766                   196,045
Equipment                  103,004        6,213            321      6,654                   115,550
Leasehold improvements      44,732        1,217            198      6,836                    52,587
Construction in progress     5,800       21,280            154    (23,102)                    3,824
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    ---------     --------
                          $386,843      $29,946        $ 2,823   $    -0-    $             $413,966
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    ---------     --------
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    ---------     --------
</TABLE>

                                                                    Schedule VI

                          ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION OF
                         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Additions                         Other
                           Balance,       Charged                         Changes         Balance,
                          Beginning     to Costs and      Sales or       Additions         End of
    Classification         of Year        Expenses       Retirements    (Deductions)        Year 
- -----------------------   ---------     ------------     -----------    ------------      -------
<S>                       <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             <C>             
Buildings                 $ 51,617        $ 7,498         $ 1,265         $               $ 57,850
Equipment                   47,399         10,478             277                           57,600
Leasehold improvements      14,239          4,209             142                           18,306
                          --------        -------         -------         --------        --------
                          $113,255        $22,185         $ 1,684         $               $133,756
                          --------        -------         -------         --------        --------
                          --------        -------         -------         --------        --------
</TABLE>


 (1) The estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation of plant and
     equipment, including capital leases, are:  buildings, 10-40 years;
     equipment, 3-20 years; or, if appropriate, for certain capital leases, the
     terms of the leases.






                                     F-24
<PAGE>   50
                                                                      Schedule V

                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993
                                 (In thousands)

                       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (1)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                               Other
                                                                 Transfers    Changes      
                                                       Sales or   Between     -------      Balance,        
                         Beginning                     Retire-   Classifi-    Additions     End of
   Classification         of Year   Additions at Cost   ments     cations   (Deductions)     Year  
- -----------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  ------------  ---------
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>        <C>       <C>           <C>
Land                      $ 40,164      $ 5,094                                            $ 45,258
Buildings                  173,054        4,635        $   168   $  9,311    $  1,217       188,049
Equipment                   81,785       10,629            178     10,437         331       103,004
Leasehold improvements      36,488        3,671                     4,227         346        44,732
Construction in progress     6,413       23,367              5    (23,975)                    5,800
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    --------      --------
                          $337,904      $47,396        $   351   $    -0-    $  1,894 (2)  $386,843
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    --------      --------
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    --------      --------
</TABLE>


                                                                     Schedule VI

                          ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION OF
                         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Additions                         Other
                           Balance,       Charged                         Changes         Balance,
                          Beginning     to Costs and      Sales or       Additions         End of
    Classification         of Year        Expenses       Retirements    (Deductions)        Year 
- -----------------------   ---------     ------------     -----------    ------------      -------
<S>                       <C>            <C>               <C>           <C>             <C>
Buildings                 $45,025        $ 6,648           $   169        $   113         $ 51,617
Equipment                  38,738          8,655               144            150           47,399
Leasehold improvements     10,985          3,191                               63           14,239
                          -------        -------           -------        -------         --------
                          $94,748        $18,494           $   313        $   326 (2)     $113,255
                          -------        -------           -------        -------         --------
                          -------        -------           -------        -------         --------
</TABLE>

 (1) The estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation of plant and
     equipment, including capital leases, are:  buildings, 10-40 years;
     equipment, 3-20 years; or, if appropriate, for certain capital leases, the
     terms of the leases.

 (2) Represents the adjustment to carrying values of plant and equipment which
     resulted from the adoption of SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for
     Income Taxes".





                                     F-25
<PAGE>   51
                                                                      Schedule V

                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 26, 1992
                                 (In thousands)

                       PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT (1)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 Transfers     Other
                                                       Sales or   Between     Changes      Balance,
                         Beginning                     Retire-   Classifi-    Additions     End of
   Classification         of Year   Additions at Cost   ments     cations   (Deductions)     Year  
- -----------------------  ---------  -----------------  --------  ---------  ------------  ---------
<S>                       <C>           <C>           <C>       <C>         <C>           <C>        
Land                      $ 41,593      $   600        $   408               $(1,621)      $ 40,164
Buildings                  175,153        1,108          1,896   $  1,079     (2,390)       173,054
Equipment                   77,400        4,539            144      1,476     (1,486)        81,785
Leasehold improvements      32,351        1,138            378      3,907       (530)        36,488
Construction in progress       913       11,962                    (6,462)                    6,413
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    -------       --------
                          $327,410      $19,347        $ 2,826   $    -0-    $(6,027)(2)   $337,904
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    -------       --------
                          --------      -------        -------   --------    -------       --------
</TABLE>


                                                                     Schedule VI

                          ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION OF
                         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                         Additions                         Other
                           Balance,       Charged                         Changes         Balance,
                          Beginning     to Costs and      Sales or       Additions         End of
    Classification         of Year        Expenses       Retirements    (Deductions)        Year 
- -----------------------   ---------     ------------     -----------    ------------      -------
<S>                       <C>           <C>              <C>             <C>            <C>           
Buildings                 $38,548        $ 6,945           $ 390           $   (78)       $45,025
Equipment                  31,769          8,260             143            (1,148)        38,738
Leasehold improvements      8,466          2,733             127               (87)        10,985
                          -------        -------           -----           -------        -------
                          $78,783        $17,938           $ 660           $(1,313)(2)    $94,748
                          -------        -------           -----           -------        -------
                          -------        -------           -----           -------        -------
</TABLE>


 (1) The estimated useful lives used in computing depreciation of plant and
     equipment, including capital leases, are:  buildings, 10-35 years;
     equipment, 4-10 years; or, if appropriate, for certain capital leases, the
     terms of the leases.

 (2) Represents the sale of property, plant and equipment relating to the sale
     of Calloway's Nursery, Inc. and the write-off of fully
     depreciated assets.





                                     F-26
<PAGE>   52

                                                                   Schedule VIII


                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Additions       
                                                         -----------------------
                                            Balance,       Charged      Charged                    Balance,
                                           Beginning       to Costs     to Other                     End
                                            of Year      and Expenses   Accounts     Deductions     of Year 
                                           ---------     ------------   --------     ----------    ---------
<S>                                         <C>           <C>             <C>         <C>          <C>
Deducted from marketable securities:
  Valuation allowance for marketable
    securities                              $    10                                   $    10      $  -0-

Deducted from accounts receivable:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts               101       $    100                          1         200

Non-current assets:
  Accumulated amortization of
    intangible assets                         6,941            940                                  7,881

  Accumulated amortization of
    deferred mortgage costs                   2,603            655                                  3,258

Other liabilities and deferred credits:
  Estimated liabilities in connection
    with discontinued operations              1,961            189                        603 (1)   1,547

  Other liabilities                           5,998          1,246                      2,312 (2)   4,932
</TABLE>




 (1) Primarily reclassification to accrued expenses.

 (2) Primarily related to the provision for store closings.





                                     F-27
<PAGE>   53
                                                                   Schedule VIII


                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 31, 1993
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Additions       
                                                         -----------------------
                                            Balance,       Charged      Charged                    Balance,
                                           Beginning       to Costs     to Other                     End
                                            of Year      and Expenses   Accounts     Deductions     of Year 
                                           ---------     ------------   --------     ----------    ---------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>           <C>          <C>          <C>
Deducted from marketable securities:
  Valuation allowance for marketable
    securities                                             $    10                                 $   10

Deducted from accounts receivable:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts           $    35            102                    $    36         101

Non-current assets:
  Accumulated amortization of
    intangible assets                         6,000            941                                  6,941

  Accumulated amortization of
    deferred mortgage costs                   1,971            632                                  2,603

Other liabilities and deferred credits:
  Estimated liabilities in connection
    with discontinued operations              2,094                      201 (1)          334 (2)   1,961

  Other liabilities                           4,327          1,934       184 (1)          447       5,998
</TABLE>


 (1) Primarily reclassification from accrued expenses.

 (2) Primarily charges related to discontinued operations.





                                     F-28
<PAGE>   54

                                                                   Schedule VIII


                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                       FISCAL YEAR ENDED JANUARY 26, 1992
                                 (In thousands)


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                Additions       
                                                         -----------------------
                                            Balance,       Charged      Charged                    Balance,
                                           Beginning       to Costs     to Other                     End
                                            of Year      and Expenses   Accounts     Deductions     of Year 
                                           ---------     ------------   --------     ----------    ---------
<S>                                         <C>            <C>          <C>          <C>           <C>
Deducted from marketable securities:
  Valuation allowance for marketable
    securities                              $     2                                  $    2        $  -0-

Deducted from accounts receivable:
  Allowance for doubtful accounts               396        $  431                       792 (1)        35

Non-current assets:
  Accumulated amortization of
    intangible assets                         5,209           959                       168 (2)     6,000

  Accumulated amortization of
    deferred mortgage costs                   1,359           612                                   1,971

Other liabilities and deferred credits:
  Estimated liabilities in connection
    with discontinued operations              3,624           226                     1,756 (3)     2,094

  Other liabilities                           4,183         1,047                       903 (3)     4,327
</TABLE>




 (1) Represents the write-off of fully amortized assets.

 (2) Represents the elimination of Calloway's Nursery, Inc. resulting from the
     sale of General Host's 80% interest in Calloway's.

 (3) Primarily reclassification to accrued expenses.





                                     F-29
<PAGE>   55
                                                                      Schedule X




                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION

                   SUPPLEMENTARY INCOME STATEMENT INFORMATION

   FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, JANUARY 31, 1993 and JANUARY 26, 1992

                                 (In thousands)



<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             1993              1992             1991  
                                           --------          --------         --------
   <S>                                     <C>               <C>              <C>
   Advertising costs                       $22,795           $19,658          $21,183

   Maintenance and repairs                   8,164             7,280            6,077

   Taxes, other than payroll
    and income:
        Property taxes                      10,709             9,530            9,325
        Other taxes                            603               802            1,063
</TABLE>


  The above amounts do not include charges related to discontinued operations.




                                     F-30

<PAGE>   1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 10(C)

                        EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION PROGRAM

I.  ELIGIBILITY AND PARTICIPATION

        Individuals eligible to participate are the following:

                .   Chief Executive Officer
                .   Operating Company Presidents
                .   Designated Corporate Staff Members

       The basis of participation for individuals who are permitted to enter
       the Program during the year will be determined at time of entry by the
       Chief Executive Officer.

II. PROGRAM DESIGN

A.  GROUP 1 - CEO AND OPERATING COMPANY PRESIDENTS

       The Program is designed to pay a bonus that ranges up to 60% of base
       salary. The amount of the bonus award will be based on three factors:

                .   Operating Profit Objective Attainment
                .   Specific Objective Achievement
                .   Corporate Target Result Attainment

       1.       Corporate Profit Objective Attainment

                The Chief Executive Officer and Operating Company
                Presidents can earn bonuses ranging up to 30% of base salary,
                based on the relationship between reported operating income and
                the operating income objectives established by the Board's
                Compensation Committee. Operating income objectives will be set
                for the 3%, 15% and 30% payment levels; (percentage achievement
                for operating income levels between the objectives established
                for the 3% and 15% levels, and the 15% and 30% levels, will be
                interpolated to the nearest percent). Reported operating income
                will, in all cases, be computed (1) before interest expense,
                (2) before provisions for Federal and State Income Taxes, (3)
                after provisions for payment of bonuses to the operating
                company president payable under this Program and to other
                operating company employees under any bonus program in effect
                for such operating company covering employees not covered by
                this Program, and (4) will be adjusted to reflect any variances
                for the year between actual and budgeted interest expense (both
                intercompany interest and outside interest expense).  In the
                case of the Chief Executive Officer, and Senior Executives of
                the corporation, profit objectives will be based on net income
                per share, as reported in the Consolidated Audited Financial
                Statements for each fiscal year, and will be after appropriate
                provisions for payment of bonuses under this Program.


<PAGE>   2

                In determining the extent to which an individual has
                met his profit objectives, the Chief Executive Officer will
                have the discretion to reduce reported operating profit
                appropriately, for purposes of this Program, where reported
                profits were achieved by actions significantly at variance with
                planned profit achievement and which actions did not receive
                prior review and approval of the Chief Executive Officer.

                In addition, at the discretion of the Chief Executive
                Officer, reported operating profit for the performance year
                will be increased or decreased by an amount equal to 20% of
                the difference between the assets employed in the business at
                the beginning and end of the current performance year.

       2.       Specific Objective Achievement

                Up to 20% of base salary will be paid for the
                achievement of specific objectives.  Operating profit levels
                will be established for each participant below which no bonus
                will be paid for specific objective achievement.

                The specific objectives will be developed between the
                participant and his immediate superior, and approved by the
                Chief Executive Officer. Objectives shall not be more than five
                (preferably four) specific items; these items will have a
                weighted value approved by the Chief Executive Officer and
                recorded with the Program Administrator.

                Within two weeks following the close of the year, each
                participant, in conjunction with the Program Administrator, is
                to submit a written summary of his degree of accomplishment of
                his specific objectives.  This statement together with a
                recommended award shall then be submitted to the Chief
                Executive Officer.

                During the year, revisions to objectives, where
                appropriate, are to be submitted and approved by the Chief
                Executive Officer.

<PAGE>   3

    B.  GROUP 2 - CORPORATE STAFF EXECUTIVES

       The Program is designed to pay a bonus that ranges up to a maximum of
       48% of base salary. The amount of the bonus award will be based on
       corporate profit objective attainment, specific objective achievement,
       and corporate target result attainment.

       1.  Corporate Profit Objective Attainment

                Participants can earn bonuses ranging up to 20% of
                base salary, based on the relationship between reported profit
                and the profit objectives established by the Chief Executive
                Officer. Profit objectives will be set for the 3%, 10% and 20%
                payment levels; (percentage achievement for profits between the
                objectives established for the 3% and 10% levels, and the 10%
                and 20% levels, will be interpolated to the nearest percent).
                Reported profits will, in all cases, be computed after
                provisions for payments of bonuses under this Program and under
                any other bonus program in effect for Corporate staff
                employees.

                For purposes of this Paragraph IIB (1), provisions will
                be made for payment of bonuses (other than to the Chief
                Executive Officer) pursuant to Paragraph IIA(1) and (2), before
                determining the extent to which the Corporate Target Result has
                been attained.

       2.    Specific Objective Achievement

                Up to 20% of base salary will be paid for the
                achievement of specific objectives (see Paragraph IIA(2)
                regarding establishment of specific objectives). Any bonus
                payable under this Paragraph is also subject to the following
                limitations: (1) if less than 75% of the Corporate Target
                Result is achieved, any bonus otherwise earned is reduced by
                50%; (2) the Chief Executive Officer will establish a profit
                objective level for the Corporate Staff below which no bonus
                will be paid.

   C.  CORPORATE TARGET RESULT ATTAINMENT

       When the Corporate Target Result is achieved, any bonus otherwise
       earned pursuant to IIA and IIB above shall be increased by 20%. The
       Corporate Target Result will be computed after provision for bonus
       payments under this Program.

       At the beginning of each year, the Chief Executive Officer determines
       the Corporate Target Result, subject to the approval of the Compensation
       Committee of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Target Result will be
       recorded with the Admimstrator along with the profit objectives and
       specific objectives of each participant.

<PAGE>   4

III.   GENERAL PROGRAM CONTROLS

   1.   No awards will be paid with respect to achievement of specific
        objectives in a year when dividends (cash or stock in lieu of cash) on
        the Company's Common Stock are not paid. If a dividend is paid for a
        portion of the year, any specific objective achievement bonus otherwise
        earned will be pro-rated.

   2.   Any bonus otherwise payable under this Program to the Chief Executive
        Officer or any Corporate Staff Member will be reduced proportionately to
        the extent necessary, if any, to prevent the Corporation from 
        reporting a loss for the fiscal year in question.

   3.   Anything herein to the contrary notwithstanding, no bonus will be paid 
        to any individual whose overall performance during the year, in the 
        judgment and discretion of his supervisor and the CEO, was 
        unsatisfactory.

   4.   In the event that profit targets are not attained, the Chief Executive
        Officer will have the discretion to recommend the payment of a 
        reasonable and appropriate bonus for performance that was otherwise 
        outstanding.

IV.    ADMINISTRATION

   1.  Individual awards will be computed on base salary as of February 1 of the
       current fiscal year.

   2.   The Program must be approved by the Compensation Committee of the Board
        of Directors. The CEO's objectives and the Corporate Target Result must
        also be approved by the Compensation Committee.

   3.   The Chief Executive Officer and the Vice President/Treasurer will be the
        Administrators of the Program.  They will prepare a report for the
        Compensation Committee by the end of February of each year, documenting
        last year's results and listing the year's:

          a.   Program Participants
          b.   Corporate Profit Objectives
          c.   Specific Objectives for Each Participant
          d.   Corporate Target Result
          e.   Bonus Possibilities for Each Participant

   4.   The Chief Executive Officer will have full and final discretion to
        determine the amount of bonus, if any, to be paid to any Participant who
        dies or retires during the year, or whose responsibilities are changed
        during the year, subject to the approval of the Board of Directors.


<PAGE>   5
      In the event there is any dispute as to the amount of any bonus payable
      under this Program, the Board of Directors will have full and final
      discretion to resolve the matter as it deems equitable and appropriate.

 5.   Any bonuses payable under this Program will be payable within a reasonable
      time after audited financial statements for the current fiscal year are
      available.  All bonuses are subject to applicable payroll taxes.

 6.   Any bonus payable under this Program may, at the Company's discretion, be
      paid in General Host's common stock in lieu of cash, which stock may be
      subject to certain restrictions in accordance with Federal Securities
      laws. In such event, the Company will consider the tax effects and either
      provide low cost tax loans or a cash payment to cover Participant's
      additional tax liability.




<PAGE>   1


                                                                    Exhibit 11  


                            GENERAL HOST CORPORATION

                   COMPUTATION OF PRIMARY EARNINGS PER SHARE

             FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 30, 1994, JANUARY 31, 1993
                              AND JANUARY 26, 1992
                    (In thousands, except per share amounts)




<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                  1993       1992       1991  
                                                --------   --------   --------
<S>                                             <C>        <C>        <C>
Earnings:
   Income (loss) from continuing operations     $(55,220)  $  2,853   $  8,703
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations       (840)      (381)     5,940
                                                --------   --------   --------
   Income (loss) before extraordinary loss
     and cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principle                        (56,060)     2,472     14,643
   Extraordinary loss                                                     (860)
   Cumulative effect of change in accounting
     principle for income taxes                               2,850           
                                                --------   --------   --------
   Net income (loss)                            $(56,060)  $  5,322   $ 13,783
                                                --------   --------   --------
                                                --------   --------   --------


Shares used for calculating
    primary earnings per share:
      Average common shares outstanding           20,697     18,989     19,021

      Additional shares resulting from
      assumed exercise of stock options                2         27          3
                                                --------   --------   --------
                                                  20,699     19,016     19,024
                                                --------   --------   --------
                                                --------   --------   --------
Primary earnings per share:
   Income (loss) from continuing operations     $  (2.67)  $    .15   $    .46
   Income (loss) from discontinued operations       (.04)      (.02)       .31
                                                --------   --------   --------
   Income (loss) before extraordinary loss
     and cumulative effect of change in
     accounting principle                          (2.71)  $    .13   $    .77
   Extraordinary loss                                                     (.05)
   Cumulative effect of change in accounting
     principle for income taxes                                 .15           
                                                --------   --------   --------
   Net income (loss)                            $  (2.71)  $    .28   $    .72
                                                --------   --------   --------
                                                --------   --------   --------
</TABLE>




                                        Note:  This calculation is submitted in
                                               accordance with Securities 
                                               Exchange Act of 1934 Release
                                               No. 9083.

<PAGE>   1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


Subsidiaries

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
COMPANY                            STATE OF                  OTHER NAMES FOR
- -------                          INCORPORATION             TRANSACTING BUSINESS
                                 -------------             --------------------
<S>                               <C>                         <C>
AMS Industries, Inc.              Delaware                    -----------
(formerly Cudahy Company)

Frank's Nursery &                 Michigan                    -----------
Crafts,  Inc.

General Host Holding              New York                    -----------
Corp.

Sunbelt Nursery Group, Inc.       Delaware                    -----------
</TABLE>




The names of all other subsidiaries are omitted since, considered in the
aggregate as a single subsidiary, they would not have constituted, as of the
fiscal year ended January 30, 1994, a "significant subsidiary," as that term is
defined Rule 1.02(v) of Regulation S-X.


<PAGE>   1


                                                                EXHIBIT 23


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS





We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statement on Form S-8 (No. 33-50020) of General Host Corporation of our report
dated March 18, 1994 appearing on page F-1 of this Form 10-K.





Price Waterhouse

Stamford, Connecticut
April 13, 1994

<PAGE>   1

                                                                   Exhibit 24(a)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr., a director of
General Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby
constitutes and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R.
Ficarro, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in
his name, place and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 22 day of
March, 1994.

                                                    /s/ C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr.
                                                        C. Whitcomb Alden, Jr.

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(b)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Christopher A. Forster, a director of
General Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby
constitutes and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R.
Ficarro, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in
his name, place and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 21st day
of March, 1994.

                                                 /s/ Christopher A. Forster
                                                     Christopher A. Forster

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(c)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that S. Joseph Fortunato, a director of
General Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby
constitutes and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R.
Ficarro, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in
his name, place and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

    IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 24th day
of March, 1994.

                                                        /s/ S. Joseph Fortunato
                                                        S. Joseph Fortunato

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(d)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Weston E. Hamilton, a director of
General Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby
constitutes and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R.
Ficarro, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in
his name, place and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 24th day
of March, 1994.

                                                        /s/ Weston E. Hamilton
                                                        Weston E. Hamilton

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(e)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Philip B. Harley, a director of General
Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby constitutes
and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R. Ficarro, and each
of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in his name, place
and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file the
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30,
1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 21st day of 
March, 1994.

                                                         /s/ Philip B. Harley
                                                             Philip B. Harley

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(f)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Richard W. Haskel, a director of General
Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby constitutes
and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R. Ficarro, and each
of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his true and lawful
attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in his name, place
and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file the
Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30,
1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 21st day
of March, 1994.



                                                        /s/ Richard W. Haskel
                                                        Richard W. Haskel

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(g)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Edward H. Hoornstra, a director of
General Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby
constitutes and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R.  Simpson and John R.
Ficarro, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in
his name, place and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if 
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said 
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be 
done by virtue hereof.

   IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 21st day 
of March, 1994.

                                                      /s/ Edward H. Hoornstra
                                                          Edward H. Hoornstra

<PAGE>   1
                                                                   Exhibit 24(h)

                               POWER OF ATTORNEY

  KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that Charles B. Johnson, a director of
General Host Corporation, a New York corporation (the "Company"), hereby
constitutes and appoints Harris J. Ashton, James R. Simpson and John R.
Ficarro, and each of them (with full power to each of them to act alone), his
true and lawful attorney-in-fact and agent, for him and on his behalf and in
his name, place and stead, to sign, execute and affix his name thereto and file
the Corporation's Annual Report on Form 1O-K for the fiscal year ended January
30, 1994 with the Securities and Exchange Commission and any other appropriate
authority, granting unto said attorneys and each of them, full power and
authority to do and perform each and every act and thing requisite and
necessary to be done in and about the premises in order to effectuate the same
as fully to all intents and purposes as he himself might or could do if
personally present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, or any of them may lawfully do or cause to be
done by virtue hereof.

 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the undersigned has hereunto set his hand this 22nd day of
March, 1994.

                                                       /s/ Charles B. Johnson
                                                           Charles B. Johnson


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