LIMITED INC
10-K, 1994-04-25
WOMEN'S CLOTHING STORES
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<PAGE>
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D. C.  20549

                                  -----------

                                   FORM 10-K

(Mark One)
[X]  ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE
     ACT OF 1934 [FEE REQUIRED]
For the fiscal year ended January 29, 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 1-8344
                                                ------

                               THE LIMITED, INC.
              ---------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

          Delaware                           31-1029810
- - ----------------------------------    -------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S.Employer Identification No.) 
incorporation or organization)                                             

Three Limited Parkway, P.O. Box 16000, Columbus, Ohio    43230
- - -----------------------------------------------------  ----------
     (Address of principal executive offices)                 (Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (614) 479-7000
                                                   --------------

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
     Title of each class            Name of each exchange on which registered
     --------------------------     ----------------------------------------- 
     Common Stock, $.50 Par Value   The New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:  None.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required
to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during
the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to the 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.  [X]
            ---

Aggregate market value of the registrant's Common Stock held by non-affiliates
of the registrant as of March 25, 1994: $5,877,912,414.

Number of shares outstanding of the registrant's Common Stock as of March 25,
1994:  357,869,632.

                      DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE:

Portions of the registrant's annual report to shareholders for the fiscal year
ended January 29, 1994 are incorporated by reference into Part I and Part II,
and portions of the registrant's proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders scheduled for May 23, 1994 are incorporated by reference into Part
III.
<PAGE>
 
                                     PART I

ITEM 1.  BUSINESS.

General.

          The Limited, Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Company"), is
principally engaged in the purchase, distribution and sale of women's apparel.
The Company operates an integrated distribution system which supports the
Company's retail activities.  These activities are conducted under various trade
names through the retail stores and catalogue divisions of the Company.
Merchandise is targeted to appeal to customers in specialty markets who have
distinctive consumer characteristics, and includes regular and special-sized
fashion apparel available at various price levels.  The Company's merchandise
includes shirts, blouses, sweaters, pants, skirts, coats, dresses, lingerie and
accessories and, to a lesser degree, men's apparel, children's apparel,
fragrances, bed, bath, personal care products and specialty gift items.  The
Company's wholly-owned credit card bank, World Financial Network National Bank,
provides credit services to customers of the retail and catalogue divisions of
the Company.

Description of Operations.

          General.
          ------- 

          As of January 29, 1994, the Company operated twelve retail divisions
and one catalogue division (Victoria's Secret Catalogue).  The following chart
reflects the retail divisions and the number of stores in operation in each
division at January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          NUMBER OF STORES       
                                      ------------------------   
                                      January 29,  January 30,   
          RETAIL DIVISION                1994         1993       
          ---------------                ----         ----       
          <S>                           <C>          <C>         
          Express                         673          640       
          Lerner New York                 877          915       
          The Limited                     746          759       
          Victoria's Secret Stores        570          545       
          Lane Bryant                     817          809       
          Structure                       394          330       
          The Limited Too                 184          185       
          Bath & Body Works               194          121       
          Abercrombie & Fitch              49           40       
          Henri Bendel                      4            4       
          Cacique                         108           71       
          Penhaligon's                      7            6       
                                        -----        -----       
          Total                         4,623        4,425       
                                        =====        =====        
</TABLE>

                                       1
<PAGE>
 
          The following table shows the changes in the number of retail stores
operated by the Company for the past five fiscal years:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Fiscal        Beginning
Year           of Year   Acquired  Opened  Closed     Sold    End of Year
- - ------        ---------  --------  ------  -------  --------  -----------
<S>           <C>        <C>       <C>     <C>      <C>       <C>
  1989        3,497      -         296     (65)     (384)/1/  3,344
  1990        3,344      7         456     (47)       -       3,760
  1991        3,760      -         484     (50)       -       4,194
  1992        4,194      -         323     (92)       -       4,425
  1993        4,425      -         322     (124)      -       4,623
</TABLE>

- - ------------------
  /1/  This figure represents the sale of the Lerner Woman stores
       effective April 30, 1989.

          The Company also operates Mast Industries, Inc., a contract
manufacturer and apparel importer, and Gryphon Development, Inc. ("Gryphon").
Gryphon creates, develops and contract manufactures most of the bath and
personal care products sold by the Company.

          During fiscal year 1993, the Company purchased merchandise from
approximately 4,000 suppliers and factories located throughout the world.
Approximately 57% of the Company's merchandise is purchased in foreign markets
and a portion of merchandise purchased in the domestic market is manufactured
overseas.  Company records, however, do not allocate between foreign and
domestic sources for merchandise purchased domestically.  No more than 5% of
goods purchased originated from any single manufacturer.

          Most of the merchandise and related materials for the Company's stores
is shipped to the Company's distribution centers in the Columbus, Ohio area,
where the merchandise is received and inspected.  The Company uses common and
contract carriers to distribute merchandise and related materials to its stores.
The Company's divisions generally have independent distribution capabilities and
no division receives priority over any other division.  There are no
distribution channels between the divisions.

          The Company's policy is to maintain sufficient quantities of inventory
on hand in its retail stores and distribution centers so that it can offer
customers a full selection of current merchandise.  The Company emphasizes rapid
turnover and takes markdowns where required to keep merchandise fresh and
current with fashion trends.

          The Company views the retail apparel market as having two principal
selling seasons, Spring and Fall.  As is generally the case in the apparel
industry, the Company experiences its peak sales activity during the Fall
season.  This seasonal sales pattern results in increased inventory and accounts
receivable during the Fall and Christmas selling periods.  During fiscal year
1993, the highest inventory level approximated $1.167 billion at the November,
1993 month-end and the lowest inventory level approximated $760 million at the
January, 1994 month-end.

          Merchandise sales are paid for in cash, personal check or by credit
cards issued by the Company's wholly-owned credit card bank, World Financial
Network National Bank ("WFNNB"), for customers of Express, Lerner New York,
Limited Stores, Lane Bryant, Structure, Victoria's Secret Catalogue and Henri
Bendel, as well as credit cards issued by third party banks and other financial
institutions.  Further information related to WFNNB's loan balances and
allowance for uncollectible accounts is contained in Note 3 of the Notes To
Consolidated Financial Statements included in The Limited, Inc. 1993 Annual
Report to Shareholders, portions of which are annexed hereto as Exhibit 13 (the
"1993 Annual Report") and Financial Statement Schedule VIII to this Form 10-K,
and is incorporated herein by reference.

                                       2
<PAGE>
 
          The Company offers its customers a liberal return policy stated as "No
Sale is Ever Final."  The Company believes that certain of its competitors offer
similar credit card and service policies.

          The following is a brief description of each of the Company's
operating divisions, including their respective target markets.

          Express

          Express brings international women's sportswear and accessories with a
distinctive European point of view to fashion forward women in a spirited
continental store environment.

          Lerner New York

          Lerner New York is  a moderate-priced specialty retailer of
conventional women's sportswear, ready-to-wear and coats.

          The Limited

          The Limited offers a full range of fashion forward private label
sportswear, ready-to-wear and accessories for women.

          Victoria's Secret Stores

          Victoria's Secret Stores offers lingerie, beautiful fragrances and
romantic gifts in an atmosphere of "pure indulgence".

          Lane Bryant

          Lane Bryant focuses on sportswear, ready-to-wear, coats and intimate
apparel for the fashion-conscious large size woman.

          Victoria's Secret Catalogue

          Victoria's Secret Catalogue sells women's lingerie, sportswear and
ready-to-wear via catalogue.

                                       3
<PAGE>
 
          Structure

          Structure offers a men's sportswear collection with a distinct
international flavor.  The store environment mixes classic Palladian and modern
architectural styles to appeal to men with a good sense of fine design.

          The Limited Too

          The Limited Too offers fashionable casual sportswear for girls
wearing sizes 6 to 14.

          Bath & Body Works

          Bath & Body Works provides personal care products for women and men.

          Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

          Abercrombie & Fitch provides spirited traditional sportswear for
young-thinking men and women.

          Henri Bendel

          Henri Bendel offers glamorous and sophisticated women's fashions in
an exclusive shopping environment.

          Cacique

          Cacique offers fashion lingerie and gifts in an European shopping
environment.

          Penhaligon's

          Penhaligon's designs, distributes, wholesales and retails a variety of
perfumes, toiletries, grooming accessories and antique silver gifts.

          Additional information about the Company's business, including its
revenues and profits for the last three years and the selling square footage and
other information about each of the Company's operating divisions, is set forth
under the caption "Management's Discussion and Analysis"  of the 1993 Annual
Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

Competition.

          The sale of apparel and personal care products through retail stores
is a highly competitive business with numerous competitors, including individual
and chain fashion specialty stores and department stores.  Design, price and
quality are the principal competitive factors in retail store sales.  The
Company's catalogue divisions compete with numerous national and regional
catalogue merchandisers in catalogue sales.  Design, price, quality and
catalogue presentation are the principal competitive factors in catalogue sales.

                                       4
<PAGE>
 
          The Company is unable to estimate the number of competitors or its
relative competitive position due to the large number of companies selling
apparel and personal care products at retail, both through stores and
catalogues.

ASSOCIATE RELATIONS.

          On January 29, 1994, the Company employed approximately 97,500
associates, 70,800 of whom were part-time.  In addition, temporary associates
are hired during peak periods, such as the Christmas season.

ITEM 2.   PROPERTIES.

          The Company's business is principally conducted from office,
distribution and shipping facilities located in the Columbus, Ohio area.
Additional facilities are located in New York City and Andover, Massachusetts.

          The distribution and shipping facilities owned by the Company consist
of seven buildings located in Columbus, Ohio, comprising approximately 5.2
million square feet.  The operations of WFNNB are located in two leased
facilities in the Columbus area, which, in the aggregate, cover approximately
200,000 square feet.

          Substantially all of the retail stores operated by the Company are
located in leased facilities, primarily in shopping centers throughout the
continental United States.  The leases expire at various dates between 1994 and
2014 and generally do not have renewal options.

          Typically, when space is leased for a retail store in a shopping
center, all improvements, including interior walls, floors, ceilings, fixtures
and decorations, are supplied by the tenant.  In certain cases, the landlord of
the property may provide a construction allowance to defray a portion of the
cost of improvements.  The cost of improvements varies widely, depending on the
size and location of the store.  Rental terms for new locations usually include
a fixed minimum rent plus a percentage of sales in excess of a specified amount.
Certain operating costs such as common area maintenance, utilities, insurance,
and taxes are typically paid by tenants.

ITEM 3.      LEGAL PROCEEDINGS.

             Not applicable.

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

             Not applicable.

                                       5
<PAGE>
 
SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

          Set forth below is certain information regarding the executive
officers of the Company as of January 29, 1994.

          Leslie H. Wexner, 56, has been Chairman of the Board of Directors of
the Company for more than five years and its President and Chief Executive
Officer since he founded the Company in 1963.

          Kenneth B. Gilman, 47, was promoted to Vice Chairman and Chief
Financial Officer of the Company in June 1993.  Mr. Gilman was the Executive
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company for more than five
years prior thereto.

          Michael Weiss, 52, was promoted to Vice Chairman of the Company in
June 1993.  Mr. Weiss was the Chief Executive Officer of the Company's Express
division  for more than five years prior thereto.

          Bella Wexner, over 65 years of age, has been the Secretary of the
Company for more than five years.

          Martin Trust, 59, has been President of Mast Industries, Inc., a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, for more than five years.

          Arnold F. Kanarick, 51, has been Executive Vice President and Director
of Human Resources since October 1992.  Mr. Kanarick was Vice President, Human
Resources of Analog Devices, a manufacturer of semiconductors, from 1985 to
1992.

          Wade H. Buff, 59, has been Vice President-Internal Audit for more
than five years.

          Alfred S. Dietzel, 62, has been Vice President-Financial and Public
Relations of the Company for more than five years.

          Barry Erdos, 50, was promoted to Vice President and Corporate
Controller of the Company in August 1993.  Mr. Erdos was Executive Vice
President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company's Henri Bendel division for
more than five years prior thereto.

          Samuel Fried, 42, has been Vice President and General Counsel of the
Company since November 1991.  Mr. Fried was Vice President and General Counsel
of Exide Corporation, a manufacturer of automotive and industrial batteries,
from February 1987 to October 1991.

          William K. Gerber, 40, was promoted to Vice President of Finance of
the Company in August 1993.  Mr. Gerber was Vice President and Corporate
Controller of the Company for more than five years prior thereto.

          Patrick C. Hectorne, 41, was promoted to Treasurer of the Company in
August 1993.  Mr. Hectorne was Assistant Treasurer of the Company for more than
five years prior thereto.

                                       6
<PAGE>
 
          Charles W. Hinson, 57, has been President-Store Planning of the
Company for more than five years.

          Timothy B. Lyons, 48, has been Vice President of Taxes of the
Company for more than five years.

          Edward Razek, 45, was promoted to Vice President and Director of
Marketing of the Company in November 1993.  Mr. Razek was the Executive Vice
President of Marketing for Limited Stores for more than five years prior
thereto.

          George R. Sappenfield, III, 43, was promoted to President-Real Estate
of the Company in July 1993.   Mr. Sappenfield was Vice President-Real Estate
for more than five years prior thereto.

          Bruce A. Soll, 36, has been Vice President of the Company since
October 1991. Mr. Soll was Counselor/Director of Policy Planning for the U.S.
Department of Commerce from February 1989 to September 1991, Counselor for the
Bush-Quayle campaign and Presidential Inaugural Committee from 1988 to 1989
and Director of Finance of President Reagan's Foundation and Library from 1985
to 1988.

          All of the above officers serve at the pleasure of the Board of
Directors of the Company.


                                    PART II

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

          Information regarding markets in which the Company's common stock was
traded during fiscal years 1993 and 1992, approximate number of holders of
common stock, and quarterly cash dividend per share information of the Company's
common stock for the fiscal years 1993 and 1992 is set forth under the caption
"Market Price and Dividend Information" of the 1993 Annual Report and is
incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 6.   SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA.

          Selected financial data is set forth under the caption "Financial
Summary" of the 1993 Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

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

          Management's discussion and analysis of financial condition and
results of operations is set forth under the caption "Management's Discussion
and Analysis" of the 1993 Annual Report and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 8.   FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA.

                                       7
<PAGE>
 
          The Consolidated Financial Statements of the Company and subsidiaries,
the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements and the Report of Independent
Accountants are set forth in the 1993 Annual Report and are incorporated herein
by reference.

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

          Not applicable.

                                       8
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART III

ITEM 10.  DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE REGISTRANT.

          Information regarding directors of the Company is set forth under the
captions "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Nominees and Directors", "- Business
Experience" and "- Information Concerning the Board of Directors" on pages 1
through 4 of the Company's proxy statement for the Annual Meeting of
Shareholders to be held May 23, 1994 (the "Proxy Statement")and is incorporated
herein by reference.  Information regarding executive officers is set forth
herein under the caption "SUPPLEMENTAL ITEM.  EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE
REGISTRANT" in part I.  Information regarding family relationships is set forth
under the caption "PRINCIPAL HOLDERS OF VOTING SECURITIES" on page 13 of the
Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 11.  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

          Information regarding executive compensation is set forth under the
caption "EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION" on pages 6 through 8 of the Proxy Statement and
is incorporated herein by reference.  Such incorporation by reference shall not
be deemed to specifically incorporate by reference the information referred to
in Item 402(a)(8) of Regulation S-K.

ITEM 12.  SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT.

          Information regarding the security ownership of certain beneficial
owners and management is set forth under the caption "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS -
Security Ownership of Directors and Management" on pages 4 and 5 of the Proxy
Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

ITEM 13.  CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS.

          Information regarding certain relationships and related transactions
is set forth under the caption "ELECTION OF DIRECTORS - Business Experience" on
pages 2 and 3 of the Proxy Statement and is incorporated herein by reference.

                                       9
<PAGE>
 
                                    PART IV

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

  (a)(1)  List of Financial Statements.
          ---------------------------- 

          The following consolidated financial statements of The Limited, Inc.
and subsidiaries and the related notes are filed as a part of this report
pursuant to ITEM 8:

          Consolidated Statements of Income for the fiscal
            years ended January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February 1, 1992.
 
          Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 29, 1994
            and January 30, 1993.
          Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
            for the fiscal years ended  January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and
            February 1, 1992.
          Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
            fiscal years ended January 29, 1994, January 30, 1993 and February
            1, 1992.
          Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.
          Report of Independent Accountants.

  (a)(2)  List of Financial Statement Schedules.
          ------------------------------------- 

          The following consolidated financial statement schedules of The
Limited, Inc. and subsidiaries are filed as part of this report pursuant to ITEM
14(d):

      V.  Property, Plant and Equipment.
     VI.  Accumulated Depreciation and Amortization of Property, Plant and
          Equipment.
   VIII.  Valuation and Qualifying Accounts.
     IX.  Short-term Borrowings.

          All other schedules are omitted because the required information is
either presented in the financial statements or notes thereto, or is not
applicable, required or material.  Columns omitted from schedules filed have
been omitted because the information is not applicable.

                                       10
<PAGE>
 
(a)(3)    List of Exhibits.
          ---------------- 

3.   Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws.

     3.1.  Certificate of Incorporation of the Company incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 3.4 to the Company's Annual Report on Form
           10-K for the fiscal year ended January 30, 1988.

     3.2.  Restated Bylaws of the Company incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
           fiscal year ended February 2, 1991 (the "1990 Form 10-K").

4.   Instruments Defining the Rights of Security Holders.

     4.1.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's 7
           1/2% Debentures due 2023, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 1
           to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 4, 1993.
 
     4.2.  $900,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of August 30, 1990 (the
           "Credit Agreement") among the Company, Morgan Guaranty Trust
           Company of New York and certain other banks (collectively, the
           "Banks"), incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.7 to the
           Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
           August 4, 1990, as amended by Amendment No. 1 dated as of
           December 4, 1992, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.8 to the
           Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
           October 31, 1992.

     4.3.  $280,000,000 Credit Agreement dated as of December 4, 1992 among
           the World Financial Network National Bank, the Company, the Banks
           and Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
           Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 31, 1992.

     4.4.  Conformed copy of the Indenture dated as of March 15, 1988
           between the Company and The Bank of New York, incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 4.1(a) to the Company's Current Report on
           Form 8-K dated March 21, 1989.

     4.5.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's 8
           7/8% Notes due August 15, 1999, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
           August 14, 1989.

     4.6.  Copy of the form of Global Security representing the Company's 9
           1/8% Notes due February 1, 2001, incorporated by reference to
           Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K dated
           February 6, 1991.

     4.7.  Proposed form of Debt Warrant Agreement for Warrants attached to
           Debt Securities, with proposed form of Debt Warrant Certificate
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's
           Registration Statement on Form S-3

                                       11
<PAGE>
 
           (File no. 33-53366) originally filed with the Securities and
           Exchange Commission (the "Commission") on October 16, 1992, as
           amended by Amendment No. 1 thereto, filed with the Commission on
           February 23, 1993 (the "1993 Form S-3").

     4.8.  Proposed form of Debt Warrant Agreement for Warrants not attached
           to Debt Securities, with proposed form of Debt Warrant
           Certificate incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the 1993
           Form S-3.

     The Company undertakes to furnish to the Commission, upon request, a
     copy of each instrument defining the rights of holders of certain
     privately placed long-term debt securities aggregating $100,000,000 of
     the Company not filed herewith.  The total amount of debt securities
     issued under such instruments does not exceed 10% of the total
     consolidated assets of the Company.

 10. Material Contracts.

     10.1. The Restated 1981 Stock Option Plan of The Limited, Inc.,
           incorporated by reference to Exhibit 28(b) to the Company's
           Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-18533) (the "Form
           S-8").

     10.2. The 1987 Stock Option Plan of The Limited, Inc., incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 28(a) to the Form S-8.

     10.3. Officers' Benefits Plan incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.4
           to the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year
           ended January 28, 1989 (the "1988 Form 10-K").

     10.4. The Limited Deferred Compensation Plan incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 10.4 to the 1990 Form 10-K.

     10.5. Form of Indemnification Agreement between the Company and the
           directors and officers of the Company, incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit A to the Company's definitive proxy statement dated
           April 18, 1988 for the Company's 1988 Annual Meeting of
           Shareholders held May 23, 1988.

     10.6. Schedule of directors and officers who became parties to
           Indemnification Agreements effective May 23, 1988, incorporated
           by reference to Exhibit 19.1 to the Company's Quarterly Report on
           Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 29, 1988.

     10.7. Supplemental schedule of officer who became a party to an
           Indemnification Agreement effective May 23, 1988 incorporated by
           reference to Exhibit 10.7 to the 1988 Form 10-K.

     10.8. Supplemental schedule of directors and officers who became
           parties to Indemnification Agreements incorporated by reference
           to Exhibit 19.1 to the

                                       12
<PAGE>
 
           Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended
           August 1, 1992.

     10.9. Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
           Indemnification Agreement effective November 16, 1992.

     10.10 Supplemental schedule of officer who became party to an
           Indemnification Agreement effective June 3, 1993, incorporated by
           reference to the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
           quarter ended July 31, 1993.

     10.11 The 1993 Stock Option and Performance Incentive Plan of the
           Company, incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4 to the Company's
           Registration Statement on Form S-8 (File No. 33-49871).

 11. Statement re Computation of Per Share Earnings.

 12. Statement re Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges.

 13. Excerpts from the 1993 Annual Report to Shareholders.

 22. Subsidiaries of the Registrant.

 23. Consent of Independent Accountants.

 24. Powers of Attorney.

 99.  Annual Report of The Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan.

 (b)   Reports on Form 8-K.
       ------------------- 

       No reports on Form 8-K were filed during the fourth quarter of fiscal
year 1993.

 (c)   Exhibits.
       -------- 

       The exhibits to this report are listed in section (a)(3) of Item 14
above.

 (d)   Financial Statement Schedules.
       ----------------------------- 

       The financial statement schedules filed with this report are listed in
section (a)(2) of Item 14 above.
 

                                       13
<PAGE>
 
                                   SIGNATURES

         Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or l5(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.

Date:  April __, 1994

                                    THE LIMITED, INC.
                                    (registrant)



                                    By /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN
                                      -------------------------------
                                     Kenneth B. Gilman,
                                     Vice Chairman and
                                     Chief Financial 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 indicated on April __, 1994:

     Signature                         Title
     ---------                         -----

/s/ LESLIE H. WEXNER*                  Chairman of the Board of Directors,
- - ----------------------------                            
Leslie H. Wexner                       President and Chief Executive Officer


/s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN                  Director, Vice Chairman,
- - ----------------------------                                   
Kenneth B. Gilman                      Chief Financial Officer and 
                                       Principal Accounting Officer    
                                                                 

/s/ MICHAEL A. WEISS *                 Director and Vice Chairman
- - -----------------------------                                  
Michael A. Weiss

/s/BELLA WEXNER*                       Director
- - -----------------------------                             
Bella Wexner

/s/ MARTIN TRUST*                      Director
- - -----------------------------                           
Martin Trust

/s/ E. GORDON GEE*                     Director
- - -----------------------------                           
E. Gordon Gee

/s/ THOMAS G. HOPKINS*                 Director
- - -----------------------------                 
Thomas G. Hopkins

                                       14
<PAGE>
 
/s/ DAVID T. KOLLAT*                   Director
- - -----------------------------                         
David T. Kollat

/s/ CLAUDINE MALONE*                   Director
- - -----------------------------                            
Claudine Malone

/s/ JOHN K. PFAHL*                     Director
- - -----------------------------                
John K. Pfahl

/s/ DONALD B. SHACKELFORD*             Director
- - -----------------------------                                
Donald B. Shackelford

/s/ ALLAN R. TESSLER*                  Director
- - -----------------------------                         
Allan R. Tessler

/s/ RAYMOND ZIMMERMAN*                 Director
- - -----------------------------                                 
Raymond Zimmerman



*The undersigned, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign this report on
behalf of each of the above-indicated directors of the registrant pursuant to
powers of attorney executed by such directors.



By /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN
  ---------------------------
  Kenneth B. Gilman
  Attorney-in-fact

                                       15
<PAGE>
 
================================================================================



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                                ----------------



                                   FORM 10-K

                ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                                ----------------



                               THE LIMITED, INC.
             (exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


                                ----------------


                         FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

                                ----------------



================================================================================
                                        
<PAGE>
 
(LOGO OF COOPERS & LYBRAND 
      APPEARS HERE)

                       REPORT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
                                        


To the Board of Directors
and Shareholders of
The Limited, Inc.

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of The Limited, Inc. and
Subsidiaries as of January 29, 1994, and January 30, 1993, and for each of the
three fiscal years in the period ended January 29, 1994, which financial
statements are included on pages 72 through 84 of the 1993 Annual Report to
Shareholders of The Limited, Inc. and incorporated by reference herein.  We have
also audited the financial statement schedules for each of the three fiscal
years in the period ended January 29, 1994, listed in Item 14(a)(2) of this Form
10-K.  These financial statements and financial statement schedules are the
responsibility of the Company's management.  Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements and financial statement schedules based on
our audits.

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

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in
all material respects, the consolidated financial position of The Limited, Inc.
and Subsidiaries as of January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993, and the
consolidated results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the
three fiscal years in the period ended January 29, 1994 in conformity with
generally accepted accounting principles.  In addition, in our opinion, the
financial statement schedules for each of the three fiscal years in the period
ended January 29, 1994 referred to above, when considered in relation to the
basic financial statements taken as a whole, present fairly, in all material
respects, the information required to be included therein.


                                                       /s/ Coopers & Lybrand

                                                           COOPERS & LYBRAND

Columbus, Ohio
February 14, 1994
<PAGE>
 
                                                                      Schedule V
                                                                      ----------
                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 29, 1994,
                     JANUARY 30, 1993 AND FEBRUARY 1, 1992
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                               Balance at                                 Balance at
                                              Beginning of    Additions    Retirements      end of
                                               Fiscal year     at Cost      and Sales     Fiscal Year
                                              ------------    ---------    -----------    -----------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>          <C>            <C>
Fiscal year ended January 29, 1994
     Land, buildings and improvements          $  512,283      $ 23,705     $  24,990      $  510,998
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment          1,476,081       230,536       135,049       1,571,568 
     Leaseholds and improvements                  677,115        33,902       204,759         506,258
     Construction in progress                      55,491         7,660        13,778          49,373
                                               ----------      --------     ---------      ----------
 
                                               $2,720,970      $295,803     $ 378,576      $2,638,197
                                               ==========      ========     =========      ==========
 
Fiscal year ended January 30, 1993
     Land, buildings and improvements          $  358,501      $153,795     $      13      $  512,283 
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment          1,225,293       314,110        63,322       1,476,081
     Leaseholds and improvements                  716,974        60,200       100,059         677,115
     Construction in progress                     154,966       (98,560)          915          55,491
                                               ----------      --------      --------       --------- 
 
                                               $2,455,734      $429,545     $ 164,309      $2,720,970
                                               ==========      ========      ========      ==========
 
Fiscal year ended February 1, 1992
     Land, buildings and improvements          $  237,466      $121,158     $     123      $  358,501
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment            982,397       314,190        71,294       1,225,293
     Leaseholds and improvements                  643,177       116,658        42,861         716,974
     Construction in progress                     185,019       (28,924)        1,129         154,966
                                               ----------      --------      --------       --------- 
 
                                               $2,048,059      $523,082      $115,407      $2,455,734
                                               ==========      ========      ========      ==========
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Schedule VI
                                                                     -----------
                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                  ACCUMULATED DEPRECIATION AND AMORTIZATION OF
                         PROPERTY, PLANT AND EQUIPMENT
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 29 1994,
                     JANUARY 30, 1993 AND FEBRUARY 1, 1992
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
 
                                              Balance at                                  Balance at
                                             Beginning of     Additions     Retirements     end of
                                              Fiscal year      at Cost       and Sales    Fiscal Year
                                             ------------     ---------     -----------   -----------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>           <C>           <C>
Fiscal year ended January 29, 1994
     Land, buildings and improvements          $ 62,811        $ 19,219       $  7,692      $ 74,338 
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment          541,520         178,121         66,036       653,605 
     Leaseholds and improvements                302,691          60,444        119,469       243,666
                                             ------------     ---------     -----------   -----------
 
                                               $907,022        $257,784       $193,197      $971,609
                                             ============     =========     ===========   ===========
 
Fiscal year ended January 30, 1993
     Land, buildings and improvements          $ 47,617        $ 15,205       $     11      $ 62,811  
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment          458,079         141,215         57,774       541,520 
     Leaseholds and improvements                292,954          80,480         70,743       302,691
                                             ------------     ---------     -----------   -----------
 
                                               $798,650        $236,900       $128,528      $907,022
                                             ============     =========     ===========   ===========
 
Fiscal year ended February 1, 1992
     Land, buildings and improvements          $ 35,302        $ 12,315       $    -        $ 47,617 
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment          363,189         137,897         43,007       458,079 
     Leaseholds and improvements                254,495          70,252         31,793       292,954
                                             ------------     ---------     -----------   ------------
 
                                               $652,986        $220,464       $ 74,800      $798,650
                                             ============     =========     ===========   ============
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
                                                                   Schedule VIII
                                                                   -------------
                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 29, 1994,
                     JANUARY 30, 1993 AND FEBRUARY 1, 1992
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
 
                                                            
                                               
                                              Balance at     Charged to   Charged to                  Balance at         
                                            Beginning  of     Costs and     Other                       End of    
                                             Fiscal Year       Expenses    Accounts    Deductions     Fiscal Year          
                                           ----------------  -----------  -----------  -----------   -------------
 
ALLOWANCE FOR UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS 
<S>                                         <C>              <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>
Fiscal year ended January 29, 1994              $24,973         50,803         -         40,879(A)     34,897
                                           ================  ===========  ===========  ===========   =============
 
Fiscal year ended January 30, 1993              $24,678         40,026         -         39,731(A)     24,973
                                           ================  ===========  ===========  ============  =============
 
Fiscal year ended February 1, 1992              $24,167         50,609       (11)        50,087(A)     24,678
                                           ================  ===========  ===========  ============  =============
 
</TABLE> 
 
(A) - Write-offs, net of recoveries
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     Schedule IX
                                                                     -----------
                       THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                             SHORT-TERM BORROWINGS
                  FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JANUARY 29, 1994,
                     JANUARY 30, 1993 AND FEBRUARY 1, 1992
                                 (IN THOUSANDS)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
 
                                                                    Maximum       Average        Weighted  
                                                       Weighted      Amount       Amount         Average   
                                             Balance    Average   Outstanding   Outstanding   Interest rate
        Category of Aggregate               at End of  Interest   During the    During the      During the 
        Short-term Borrowings                Period      Rate       Period       Period(1)      Period (2) 
- - ----------------------------------        -----------  --------   -----------   -----------   --------------
<S>                                        <C>         <C>        <C>           <C>           <C>   
Fiscal year ended January 29, 199
     Commercial paper                             -         -      $294,300      $102,192          3.18%
     Certificates of deposit               $ 15,700      3.44%     $ 19,100      $ 12,745          3.51%
                                                                                                   
Fiscal year ended January 30, 1993                                                                 
     Commercial paper                      $ 29,439      3.11%     $851,031      $592,210          3.64%
     Certificates of deposit               $ 12,200      3.65%     $ 14,100      $  1,513          4.19%
                                                                                                   
Fiscal year ended February 1, 1992                                                                 
     Commercial paper                      $363,758      4.05%     $794,035      $486,170          5.77%
</TABLE> 

(1)  The average amount outstanding during the period was computed by dividing 
     the sum of the daily principal balances by the number of days outstanding.

(2)  The weighted average interest rate during the period was computed by 
     dividing the actual interest expense by the related average short-term 
     borrowings outstanding.
<PAGE>
 
                                 EXHIBIT INDEX
                                 -------------

 
 
Exhibit No.        Document
- - -----------        ------------------------------------------------

        11         Statement re Computation of
                   Per Share Earnings.

        12         Statement re Computation of Ratio of
                   Earnings to Fixed Charges.

        13         Excerpts from the 1993 Annual Report to Shareholders.

        21         Subsidiaries of the Registrant      

        23         Consent of Independent Accountants.

        24         Powers of Attorney.

        99         Annual Report of The Limited, Inc. Savings and
                   Retirement Plan.

<PAGE>
 
================================================================================



                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                            Washington, D.C.  20549


                               ----------------



                                   FORM 10-K

               ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

                      THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934


                                ----------------



                               THE LIMITED, INC.
            (exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)


                                ----------------


                                    EXHIBITS

                                ----------------



================================================================================
<PAGE>
 
                                                                     EXHIBIT 11 
                      THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                       COMPUTATION OF PER SHARE EARNINGS
                     (Thousands except per share amounts)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
  
                                               Quarter Ended
                                         ---------------------------
                                         January 29,   January 30,
                                             1994          1993
                                         ------------  -------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>
Net Income                                 $196,327      $243,904
                                         ===========   =============
 
Common Shares outstanding:
 
   Weighted average                         379,454       379,454
 
   Dilutive effect of stock options             617         1,762
 
   Weighted average treasury shares         (18,920)      (16,921)
                                         ------------  -------------
 
   Weighted average used to calculate
       net income per share                 361,151       364,295
                                         ============  =============
 
Net Income per share                       $   0.54      $   0.67
                                         ============  =============
<CAPTION> 
                                                 Year Ended
                                         ---------------------------
                                         January 29,     January 30, 
                                                     
                                             1994          1993
                                         ------------  -------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>
Net Income                                 $390,999      $455,497
                                         ============  =============
 
Common Shares outstanding:
 
    Weighted average                        379,454       379,454
 
    Dilutive effect of stock options            957         1,503
 
    Weighted average treasury shares        (17,177)      (17,219)
                                         ------------  -------------
 
    Weighted average used to calculate
       net income per share                 363,234       363,738
                                         ============  =============
 
Net Income per share                       $   1.08      $   1.25
                                         ============  =============
 
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                    EXHIBIT 12

                     THE LIMITED, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
                               (in thousands)

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
 
                                                                              Year Ended                                           
                                      --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      January 29, 1994   January 30, 1993   February 1, 1992   February 2, 1991   February 3, 1990
                                      ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ---------------- 
Adjusted Earnings
- - -----------------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>               <C>                 <C>               <C>
Pretax earnings                           $644,999           $745,497          $660,302            $653,438          $573,926
 
Portion of minimum rent ($572,278          190,759            170,181           139,675             111,102            91,705  
in 1993, $510,544 in 1992, $419,025 
     in 1991, $333,306 in 1990 and 
     $275,116 in 1989) representative 
     of interest
 
Interest on indebtedness                    63,865             62,398            63,927              56,609            58,059
 
Amortization of debt                             -                  -                 -                   -             2,523
 expense                              ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ---------------- 
 
Total Earnings as Adjusted                $899,623           $978,076          $863,904            $821,149          $726,213
                                      ================   ================   ================   ================   ================
<CAPTION>  
 
Fixed Charges
- - -------------
<S>                                       <C>                <C>               <C>                 <C>               <C>
Portion of minimum rent 
     representative of 
     interest                             $190,759           $170,181          $139,675            $111,102          $91,705
 
Interest on indebtedness                    63,865             62,398            63,927              56,609           58,059
 
Amortization of debt expense                     -                  -                 -                   -            2,523
                                      ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------   ----------------
 
Total Fixed Charges                       $254,624           $232,579          $203,602            $167,711         $152,287
                                      ================   ================   ================   ================   ================
 
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges           3.53x              4.21x             4.24x               4.90x            4.77x
                                      ================   ================   ================   ================   ================
</TABLE>

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 13

            EXCERPTS FROM THE 1993 ANNUAL REPORT TO SHAREHOLDERS

FINANCIAL SUMMARY
================================================================================
(thousands except per share amounts, ratios and store and associate data)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
================================================================================
Fiscal Year                     1993**        1992          1991*         1990*
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C> 
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sales                   $7,245,088    $6,944,296    $6,149,218    $5,253,509
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Income                 1,958,835     1,990,740     1,793,543     1,630,439
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income               701,556       788,698       712,700       697,537
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes     644,999       745,497       660,302       653,438
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                    $390,999      $455,497      $403,302      $398,438
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income as a Percentage
 of Sales                         5.4%          6.6%          6.6%          7.6%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE RESULTS           
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                       $1.08         $1.25         $1.11         $1.10
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends                         $.36          $.28          $.28          $.24
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Value                       $6.82         $6.25         $5.19         $4.33
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Average Shares
 Outstanding                   363,234       363,738       363,594       362,044
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets                $4,135,105    $3,846,450    $3,418,856    $2,871,878
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working Capital             $1,513,181    $1,063,352    $1,084,205      $884,004
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Ratio                      3.1           2.5           3.1           2.8
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Debt                $650,000      $541,639      $713,758      $540,446
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt-to-Equity Ratio               27%           24%           38%           35%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity        $2,441,293    $2,267,617    $1,876,792    $1,560,052
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on Average
 Shareholders' Equity              17%           22%           23%           28%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STORES AND ASSOCIATES
 AT END OF YEAR
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Number of Stores Open      4,623         4,425         4,194         3,760
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling Square Feet         24,426,000    22,863,000    20,355,000    17,008,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Associates            97,500       100,700        83,800        72,500
================================================================================
</TABLE> 
+  Fifty-three week fiscal year.
*  Includes the results of companies acquired subsequent to the date of 
   acquisition.
** Includes the results of companies disposed of up to the disposition date.



                            [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                       See Appendix A attached hereto
                   for a description of graphic material.
64

               CONTROLLED INVENTORIES AND EXPENSES, IS A MUST.
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
=======================================================================================================================
Fiscal Year                    1989+**         1988*          1987          1986       1985*        1984+          1983
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>         <C>            <C>         <C>  
SUMMARY OF OPERATIONS                 
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sales                   $4,647,916    $4,070,777    $3,527,941    $3,142,696  $2,387,110     $1,343,134  $1,085,890
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Income                 1,446,635     1,214,703       992,775       961,827     718,843        404,321     327,616 
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating Income               625,254       467,418       408,872       438,229     276,212        173,102     135,377
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Before Income Taxes     573,926       396,136       378,188       394,780     239,317        157,495     134,939
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                    $346,926      $245,136      $235,188      $227,780    $145,317        $92,495     $70,939
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income as a Percentage
 of Sales                         7.5%          6.0%          6.7%          7.2%        6.1%           6.9%        6.5%
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PER SHARE RESULTS           
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                        $.96          $.68          $.62          $.60        $.40          $.26         $.20
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends                         $.16          $.12          $.12          $.08        $.05          $.04         $.02 
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Book Value                       $3.45         $2.64         $2.04         $2.07       $1.13          $.77         $.54
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Weighted Average Shares
 Outstanding                   361,288       360,186       376,626       376,860     365,638       361,262      360,372
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER FINANCIAL INFORMATION
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Assets                $2,418,486    $2,145,506    $1,929,477    $1,726,544  $1,494,313      $657,242     $425,240
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working Capital               $685,524      $567,639      $629,783      $586,827    $419,706      $180,960     $101,665
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Current Ratio                      2.4           2.2           2.9           2.7         2.2           2.0          1.8
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Long-Term Debt                $445,674      $517,952      $681,000      $417,420    $670,744      $150,139      $68,763
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt-to-Equity Ratio               36%           55%           93%           53%        166%           55%          36%
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Shareholders' Equity        $1,240,454      $946,207      $729,171      $781,542    $404,075      $275,403     $192,576
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Return on Average
 Shareholders' Equity              32%           29%           31%           38%         43%           40%          45%
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STORES AND ASSOCIATES
 AT END OF YEAR
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total Number of Stores Open      3,344         3,497         3,115         2,682       2,353         1,412          937
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Selling Square Feet         14,374,000    14,296,000    12,795,000    11,320,000  10,460,000     5,166,000    3,667,000
- - -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of Associates            63,000        56,700        50,200        43,200      33,600        17,700       15,300 
=======================================================================================================================
</TABLE> 

                            [GRAPH APPEARS HERE]

                       See Appendix A attached hereto
                   for a description of graphic material.

                                                                      65

<PAGE>

Management's Discussion and Analysis 
- - ------------------------------------
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Net sales for the fourth quarter grew to $2.421 billion, an increase of 4% 
from $2.319 billion a year ago (excluding Brylane sales in each period).  Net
income was $196 million, compared to $244 million last year, and earnings per 
share were $0.54 versus $0.67 in 1992.  
     Net sales for the 52-week fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 were $7.245 
billion, an increase in excess of $500 million from sales of $6.733 billion 
last year (excluding Brylane sales in each comparable period).  Net income 
was $391 million compared to $455 million a year ago.  Earnings per share were
$1.08 compared to $1.25 last year.
     The women's apparel businesses (Express, Limited Stores, Lerner, Lane 
Bryant and Henri Bendel) had a disappointing year, as their total sales were 
flat for the year, comparable store sales declined 5% and operating income 
declined in the fourth quarter and full year (with the exception of Henri 
Bendel for the full year).
     In contrast, for the Company's non-women's apparel businesses (Victoria's 
Secret Stores, Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Structure, The Limited Too, 
Abercrombie & Fitch Co., Bath & Body Works, Cacique and Penhaligon's), 1993 
was a particularly successful year as they increased their total sales by 27% 
and contributed in excess of 40% of the Company's pre-tax earnings.
     Divisional highlights include the following:
     .  Victoria's Secret Stores delivered the highest operating income 
        dollars in the Company and the best in their history.
     .  Victoria's Secret Catalogue produced the best fourth quarter and full 
        year operating income in their history.
     .  Bath & Body Works had record profitability in the fourth quarter, and 
        the year's largest increase in comparable store sales and operating   
        income rate of the Company's businesses.
     .  The Limited Too more than doubled their profitability and had record 
        comparable store sales in the fourth quarter, and delivered record 
        comparable store sales and their first ever profit for the full year.
     .  Abercrombie & Fitch Co. more than doubled their profitability in the 
        fourth quarter, and also delivered their first ever profit for the 
        full year.

- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCIAL SUMMARY

The following summarized financial data compares 1993 to the comparable 
periods for 1992 and 1991:

- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               % Change
                                                           ----------------
 (Sales in millions)         1993       1992      1991     1993-92  1992-91
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 <S>                       <C>        <C>       <C>        <C>      <C> 
 Retail Sales              $6,567     $6,153    $5,388          7%      14%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Catalogue Sales              678        791       761        (14%)      4%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Total Net Sales           $7,245     $6,944    $6,149          4%      13%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Increase (Decrease) in 
  Comparable Store Sales     (1%)         2%        3%      
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Retail Sales Increase 
  Attributable to New and
  Remodeled Stores             8%        12%       14%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Retail Sales per Average
  Selling Square Foot        $278       $285      $288         (2%)     (1%)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Retail Sales per Average
  Store (thousands)        $1,452     $1,428    $1,355           2%       5%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Average Store Size at
  End of Year (square 
  feet)                     5,284      5,167     4,853           2%       6%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Retail Selling Square 
  Feet (thousands)         24,426     22,863    20,355           7%      12%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Number of Stores:
  Beginning of Year         4,425      4,194     3,760

  Opened                      322        323       484

  Closed                     (124)       (92)      (50)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 End of Year                4,623      4,425     4,194
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

66

 >OUR NON-WOMEN'S APPAREL BUSINESSES HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE MORE PROFITABLE 
                          THAN THE WOMEN'S DIVISIONS.
<PAGE>
 
NET SALES

Fourth quarter 1993 sales of $2.421 billion were flat to last year due primarily
to the sale of a 60% interest in the Brylane division on August 30, 
1993. Excluding Brylane sales from last year, fourth quarter sales would have 
increased 4% due to an 8% increase in sales attributable to new and remodeled 
stores. Fourth quarter 1992 sales increased 18% primarily due to the 
productivity of comparable stores which increased 8%, combined with the 9% 
increase in sales attributed to new and remodeled stores.

     The 1993 retail sales increase is attributable to the net addition of new 
and remodeled stores. The Company added 322 new stores in 1993, remodeled 239 
stores and closed 124 stores for a net addition of 198 stores and in excess of 
1.5 million square feet of new retail selling space. However, average sales 
productivity declined slightly to $278 per square foot. 
 
     Catalogue sales decreased 14% in 1993, reflecting the sale of Brylane and 
the resulting elimination of their sales in the third and fourth quarters. Had 
last year's catalogue sales excluded Brylane, catalogue sales would have 
increased 19% as the number of books mailed during the year increased while the 
average demand per book decreased slightly.

     In 1992, retail sales increased as a result of the 2% increase in 
comparable store sales combined with the net addition of 231 stores and 
approximately 2.5 million selling square feet. Average store size in 1992 
increased 6% to 5,167 square feet, while sales per average store increased 5%, 
resulting in a slight decline in average sales productivity to $285 per square 
foot.

     Catalogue sales increased 4% in 1992, reflecting a 3% increase in the 
number of books mailed, and a slight increase in customer demand per book.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS INCOME

Gross income decreased as a percentage of sales to 29.1% for the fourth quarter
of 1993 from 32.2% for the same period in 1992. Merchandise margins, expressed
as a percentage of sales, decreased 1.4% reflecting a higher level of
promotional activity (particularly in the women's apparel businesses) to
liquidate seasonal inventories. In addition, buying and occupancy costs as a
percentage of sales, increased 1.6% primarily as a result of lower sales
productivity associated with several of the Company's women's apparel
businesses.

     The fourth quarter 1992 gross income rate of 32.2% was flat when compared 
to 1991. Buying and occupancy costs, expressed as a percentage of sales, 
declined 1.0%, reflecting the favorable leveraging of these largely fixed costs 
by the 8% gain in comparable store sales. Merchandise margins, expressed as 
a percentage of sales, decreased by approximately the same amount, reflecting a 
generally higher level of promotional activity.

     The 1993 gross income rate of 27.0% was 1.7% below the rate for 1992.
Merchandise margins, expressed as a percentage of sales, decreased .4%
reflecting higher promotional activity, notably in the fourth quarter. Buying
and occupancy costs were not sufficiently leveraged (particularly at the
Company's women's apparel businesses) and as a result, these costs increased
approximately 1.2%, expressed as a percentage of sales.

     The 1992 gross income rate of 28.7% was 0.5% below the rate for 1991. 
Buying and occupancy costs, as a percentage of sales, increased 0.5% during
the year principally as a result of lower sales productivity associated with
new and remodeled stores. Selling productivity, expressed in terms of sales
per average selling square foot, is typically lower in new and remodeled
stores during the initial years of operation because these stores are
typically larger than average existing stores. Merchandise margins were about
flat compared to the prior year.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GENERAL, ADMINISTRATIVE AND STORE OPERATING EXPENSES

General, administrative and store operating expenses, expressed as a percentage 
of sales, were 15.1% in both the fourth quarter of 1993 and 1992. Management 
continues to emphasize selling payroll management and expense control.

     These costs, expressed as a percentage of sales, were 17.4%, 17.3% and
17.6% for fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991. The major component of these costs
is store payroll which for the last three years has increased at a comparable or
lower rate than sales for the respective period. The Company anticipates this
trend will continue in fiscal year 1994.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SPECIAL AND NONRECURRING ITEMS

During 1993, management approved a restructuring plan which focused on the 
enhancement of core retail operations and the utilization of underperforming 
retail assets of the businesses. The specifics of the plan, as described more 
fully in Note 2 to the consolidated financial statements,

                                                                              67
<PAGE>
 
included the following: the sale of a 60% interest in the Brylane mail order 
business; the acceleration of the store remodeling, downsizing and closing 
program at the Limited Stores and Lerner divisions; and the refocusing of the 
merchandise strategy at the Henri Bendel division. 

     The 60% sale of Brylane allows management to increase their focus on 
growing core retail operations as well as to improve the operations at 
underperforming divisions. In an effort to improve the performance of the 
Company's Limited Stores and Lerner divisions, management developed an action 
plan that focused on underperforming store assets, with the objective of 
properly sizing these stores and remodeling them in an up-to-date format by 
the end of 1995. In addition, the plan also included the closing of 
approximately 100 underperforming stores (primarily in the Lerner and Limited 
Stores retail businesses) and a writedown of underperforming assets to net 
realizable value.

     The net impact of the restructuring plan, including the sale of the 
Company's interest in Brylane, is anticipated to be immaterial to future 
operations. The Company's reduced share of Brylane's operating income is 
expected to be offset by improved sales productivity and reduced depreciation 
and amortization costs resulting from the restructuring.

     The Company also announced a program to repurchase up to $500 million of 
the Company's common stock over time as market conditions warrant. As of the 
end of the year, the Company had repurchased 5,287,600 shares at a cost of 
$93.3 million. Market conditions will dictate any future purchases.

- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST EXPENSE

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                              Fourth Quarter             Year-to-Date
                           ----------------------------------------------------
                              1993      1992      1993       1992       1991
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  <S>                        <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>         <C> 
  Average Daily Borrowings
   (in millions)             $848.2    $993.7    $822.5    $1,046.3    $877.4
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
  Average Effective
   Interest Rate               7.62%     6.07%     7.76%       5.96%     7.29%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Interest expense increased slightly in the fourth quarter and for all 1993 as 
compared to the comparable periods in 1992. Higher interest rates increased 
costs approximately $3.3 million and $14.8 million respectively during the 
fourth quarter and all of 1993. The average effective interest rate increased 
primarily due to the Company's decision to capitalize on favorable long-term 
interest rates by issuing $250 million principal amount of 7 1/2% Debentures 
on March 15, 1993. The effective interest rate increase was offset by lower 
borrowing levels during the fourth quarter and all of 1993 which resulted in 
lower interest costs of approximately $2.2 million and $13.3 million, 
respectively.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME

Operating income, as a percentage of sales, was 9.6%, 11.4% and 11.6% for 
fiscal years 1993, 1992 and 1991. The decrease in 1993 was principally due to 
the 1.7% decline in gross income rate as discussed in more detail above.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GAIN ON ISSUANCE OF UNITED RETAIL GROUP, INC. STOCK

The 1992 results include a $9 million pre-tax gain which resulted from the 
March, 1992 initial public offering of United Retail Group, Inc. (URGI), a 
specialty retailer of large-size woman's apparel. URGI sold approximately 3.7 
million shares of common stock at $15 per share and received total 
consideration of approximately $55.6 million. Prior to the initial public 
offering, the Company owned approximately a 33% equity interest; subsequent to
the initial public offering, the Company's ownership was diluted to 
approximately 20%. See Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements for 
further discussion of this matter.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ACQUISITIONS

Gryphon Development, L.P. (Gryphon) creates, develops and manufactures most of
the bath and personal care products sold by the Company. Prior to June 1, 
1991, the Company owned approximately 50% of Gryphon and accounted for such 
investment using the equity method. Effective June 1, 1991, the Company 
acquired an additional 15% of Gryphon for $18.75 million and began including 
Gryphon in its consolidated financial statements.

     Effective April 10, 1992, the Company acquired the remaining 35% of 
Gryphon for approximately $60 million and separately entered into a 
non-compete agreement with certain of the former Gryphon partners in return 
for warrants to purchase 1.5 million shares of the Company's common stock. 
This acquisition had no material effect on the Company's results of operations
or financial condition.

68

>EARNING 10% AFTER-TAXES WILL BE ACHIEVED BY GROWING ALL OF OUR BUSINESSES TO 
                               THEIR POTENTIAL.
<PAGE>
 
Management's Discussion and Analysis
==============================================================================
Financial Condition

The Company's balance sheet at January 29, 1994 provides continuing evidence 
of financial strength and flexibility. The Company's debt-to-equity ratio was 
only 27% at the end of 1993 and the current ratio exceeded 3.1. A more 
detailed discussion of liquidity, capital resources and capital expenditures 
follows:
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Cash provided from operating activities, commercial paper backed by funds  
available under committed long-term credit agreements and the Company's 
capital structure continue to provide the resources to support operations, 
including projected growth, seasonal requirements and capital expenditures. A 
summary of the Company's working capital position and capitalization follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(thousands)                                     1993         1992         1991
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>          <C>          <C> 
Cash provided by operating activities       $448,139     $754,128     $475,637
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Working capital                           $1,513,181   $1,063,352   $1,084,205
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capitalization:
 Long-term debt                             $650,000     $541,639     $713,758

 Deferred income taxes                       275,101      274,844      267,315

 Shareholders' equity                      2,441,293    2,267,617    1,876,792
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total capitalization                      $3,366,394   $3,084,100   $2,857,865
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Additional amounts available
 under long-term credit agreements          $840,000     $811,000     $536,000
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
The Company considers the following to be several measures of liquidity and 
capital resources:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   1993    1992   1991
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                <C>     <C>    <C> 
Debt-to-equity ratio (long-term debt
 divided by shareholders' equity)                    27%     24%    38%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Debt-to-capitalization ratio (long-term
 debt divided by total capitalization)               19%     18%    25%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest coverage ratio (income before interest
 expense, depreciation, amortization and
 income taxes divided by interest expense)           15x     17x    15x
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash flow to capital investment (net cash
 provided by operating activities
 divided by capital expenditures)                   151%    176%    91%
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
Net cash provided by operating activities totalled $448.1 million, $754.1 
million and $475.6 million for 1993, 1992 and 1991 and continues to serve as 
the Company's primary source of liquidity. During 1993 and 1992, cash provided
by operating activities and the proceeds from the sale of a 60% interest in 
the Brylane division exceeded cash requirements for capital additions, 
business acquisitions and dividend payments.
     Depreciation and amortization have increased as a result of the Company's
continued investment in new and remodeled stores. Cash requirements for 
accounts receivable grew from the introduction of proprietary credit cards at 
the Limited Stores, Structure and Victoria's Secret Catalogue divisions during
1993. Cash requirements for inventories and accounts payable and accrued 
expenses have varied during the three year period based on sales volumes.
     Investing activities included capital expenditures, primarily new and 
remodeled stores, the sale of 60% of the Company's interest in Brylane, 
reduced by income taxes on the gain on sale, and the two-step acquisition of 
Gryphon.
     Financing activities included $93.3 million of common stock the Company 
repurchased in the fourth quarter, representing approximately 5.3 million 
shares. Cash dividends paid by the Company in 1993 increased 29% over cash 
dividends paid in both 1992 and 1991.
     At January 29, 1994, the Company had available $840 million under their 
long-term credit agreements. In addition, the Company currently has the 
ability to offer up to $250 million of debt securities and warrants to 
purchase debt securities under a shelf registration

                                                                            69




<PAGE>
 
statement after giving effect to the sale by the Company, in March 1993, of 
$250 million 7 1/2% Debentures due 2023.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CAPITAL EXPENDITURES

Capital expenditures amounted to $295.8 million, $429.5 million and $523.1 
million for 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively, of which $198.1 million, $258.2
million and $311.6 million were for new stores and remodeling and expanding 
existing stores.  Approximately $29 million was expended in 1992 for the 
completion of the fulfillment center and office facility in Columbus, Ohio for
Victoria's Secret Catalogue. In addition, office facilities previously 
committed under a long-term lease were acquired in 1992 for approximately $101
million.  
     The Company anticipates spending $375-$400 million for capital 
expenditures in 1994, of which $275-$300 million will be for new stores, the 
remodeling of existing stores and related improvements for the retail 
businesses.  The Company expects that substantially all 1994 capital 
expenditures will be funded by net cash provided by operating activities.
     The Company has announced its intention to add approximately 2.1 million 
selling square feet in 1994 which will result in a 9% increase over year-end 
1993.  It is anticipated the increase will result from the net addition of 
approximately 380 new stores and the remodeling of approximately 250 stores.  
A summary of stores and selling square feet by division for 1992 and 1993, and
goals for 1994, follows:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                              Change From
                                                        ----------------------- 
                        Goal-1994      1993     1992     1994-1993    1993-1992 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                     <C>            <C>      <C>      <C>          <C> 
EXPRESS
Stores                      751         673         640          78           33
Selling Sq. Ft.       4,746,000   3,902,000   3,470,000     844,000      432,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LERNER NEW YORK
Stores                      848         877         915         (29)        (38)
Selling Sq. Ft.       6,542,000   6,802,000   6,963,000    (260,000)   (161,000)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LIMITED
Stores                      716         746         759         (30)        (13)
Selling Sq. Ft.       4,402,000   4,482,000   4,257,000     (80,000)     225,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VICTORIA'S SECRET 
STORES
Stores                      610         570         545          40           25
Selling Sq. Ft.       2,676,000   2,346,000   2,029,000     330,000      317,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LANE BRYANT
Stores                      827         817         809          10            8
Selling Sq. Ft.       3,954,000   3,852,000   3,755,000     102,000       97,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
STRUCTURE
Stores                      499         394         330         105           64
Selling Sq. Ft.       1,942,000   1,409,000   1,076,000     533,000      333,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
THE LIMITED TOO
Stores                      234         184         185          50          (1)
Selling Sq. Ft.         747,000     566,000     567,000     181,000      (1,000)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BATH & BODY WORKS
Stores                      319         194         121         125           73
Selling Sq. Ft.         496,000     248,000     132,000     248,000      116,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ABERCROMBIE & FITCH
CO.
Stores                       72          49          40          23            9
Selling Sq. Ft.         581,000     405,000     332,000     176,000       73,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HENRI BENDEL
Stores                        4           4           4           0            0
Selling Sq. Ft.          93,000      93,000      93,000           0            0
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CACIQUE
Stores                      115         108          71           7           37
Selling Sq. Ft.         344,000     318,000     186,000      26,000      132,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PENHALIGON'S
Stores                        7           7           6           0            1
Selling Sq. Ft.           3,000       3,000       3,000           0            0
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL RETAIL 
DIVISIONS
Stores                    5,002       4,623       4,425         379          198
Selling Sq. Ft.      26,526,000  24,426,000  22,863,000   2,100,000    1,563,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

70

>WE WILL MAINTAIN THE FINANCIAL STRENGTH NECESSARY TO EMBRACE CHANGE AND GROW 
                                 THE BUSINESS.
<PAGE>
 
IMPACT OF INFLATION

The Company's results of operations and financial condition are presented 
based upon historical cost.  While it is difficult to accurately measure the 
impact of inflation due to the imprecise nature of the estimates required, the
Company believes that the effects of inflation, if any, on the results of 
operations and financial condition have been minor.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ACCOUNTING FOR INCOME TAXES

Effective January 31, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standard (SFAS) 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes."  No cumulative 
effect adjustment was required as the difference in deferred income taxes 
under SFAS 109 and APB Opinion 11 was immaterial.  The impact of adoption on 
the current year was also immaterial.
     On August 10, 1993, the Federal income tax rate was retroactively 
increased 1% to 35% for 1993.  As a result, it is estimated that the Company's
effective tax rate will increase to 40% from 39% in future periods.  There was
no material impact from adjusting tax liabilities as a result of this 
retroactive increase.  The Company believes this increase will not have a 
significant impact on future earnings.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

SFAS 112, "Employer's Accounting for Postemployment Benefits," was issued by 
the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in January, 1993.  The 
Statement essentially requires, beginning in 1994, use of the accrual method 
of accounting for postemployment benefits such as salary continuation, 
severance pay, supplemental unemployment and disability related benefits if 
certain conditions are met.  The Company believes that this pronouncement will
have no material impact on the Company's financial statements under its 
current benefit structure.









                      [PICTURE OF GRAPH APPEARS HERE]  

                       See Appendix A attached hereto
                   for a description of graphic material.

                                                                          71

<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statements of Income
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(thousands except per share amounts)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                           1993            1992           1991
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                  <C>             <C>            <C> 
NET SALES                            $7,245,088      $6,944,296     $6,149,218
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Costs of Goods Sold,                                                          
 Occupancy and Buying Costs          (5,286,253)     (4,953,556)    (4,355,675)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GROSS INCOME                          1,958,835       1,990,740      1,793,543
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
General, Administrative                                                       
 and Store Operating Expenses        (1,259,896)     (1,202,042)    (1,080,843)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special and Nonrecurring Items, net       2,617               -              -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OPERATING INCOME                        701,556         788,698        712,700
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Interest Expense                        (63,865)        (62,398)       (63,927)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Income, net                         7,308          10,080         11,529
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gain on Issuance of United                                                    
 Retail Group Stock                           -           9,117              -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES              644,999         745,497        660,302
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Provision for Income Taxes              254,000         290,000        257,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME                             $390,999        $455,497       $403,302
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE                      $1.08           $1.25          $1.11 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

                      [PICTURES OF GRAPHS APPEAR HERE]

                    See Appendix A attached hereto for a
                      description of graphic material.

72

 >OUR CUSTOMERS HELP TAKE OUR BUSINESSES IN NEW DIRECTIONS-TO NEW AVENUES OF 
                      DELIVERING MERCHANDISE AND SERVICE.
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Balance Sheets
===============================================================================
(thousands)
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS                                   JAN. 29,1994            JAN. 30, 1993
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>                     <C> 
CURRENT ASSETS
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Equivalents                         $320,558                 $41,235
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Receivable                         1,056,911                 837,377
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventories                                   733,700                 803,707
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other                                         109,456                 101,811
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT ASSETS                        2,220,625               1,784,130
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT, NET                 1,666,588               1,813,948
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER ASSETS                                  247,892                 248,372
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL ASSETS                               $4,135,105              $3,846,450
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT LIABILITIES
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Payable                             $250,363                $309,092
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accrued Expenses                              347,892                 274,220
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certificates of Deposit                        15,700                       -
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Taxes                                   93,489                 137,466
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL CURRENT LIABILITIES                     707,444                 720,778
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT                                650,000                 541,639
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED INCOME TAXES                         275,101                 274,844
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OTHER LONG-TERM LIABILITIES                    61,267                  41,572
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Common Stock                                  189,727                 189,727
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paid-in Capital                               128,906                 127,776
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retained Earnings                           2,397,112               2,136,794
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                            2,715,745               2,454,297
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Less: Treasury Stock, at cost                (274,452)               (186,680)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY                  2,441,293               2,267,617
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY $4,135,105              $3,846,450
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
Statements.


(PICTURE OF GRAPH APPEARS HERE)

See Appendix A attached hereto for a
description of graphic material.
                                                                            73

<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                         Common Stock
                                       -----------------------------------------
                                                    Shares                 Par
                                               Outstanding               Value
                                       -----------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>                    <C> 
BALANCE, FEBRUARY 2, 1991                          360,598            $189,727
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                               -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Dividends                                           -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise of Stock Options & Other                    1,188                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, FEBRUARY 1, 1992                          361,786             189,727
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                               -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Dividends                                           -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise of Stock Options & Other                      862                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Warrants Issued for Acquisition                          -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, JANUARY 30, 1993                          362,648             189,727
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                               -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Dividends                                           -                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase of Treasury Stock                          (5,288)                  -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Exercise of Stock Options & Other                      441                   -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
BALANCE, JANUARY 29, 1994                          357,801            $189,727
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

                      (PICTURES OF GRAPHS APPEAR HERE)

                    See Appendix A attached hereto for a 
                      description of graphic material.

74
<PAGE>

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           Total 
    Paid-in       Retained     Treasury Stock,     Shareholders'
    Capital       Earnings             at Cost            Equity
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
    <S>         <C>            <C>                 <C> 
    $99,237     $1,480,866          $(209,778)        $1,560,052
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -        403,302                  -            403,302 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -       (101,141)                 -           (101,141) 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
      1,692              -             12,887             14,579
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
    100,929      1,783,027           (196,891)         1,876,792
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -        455,497                  -            455,497
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -       (101,730)                 -           (101,730)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
      6,598              -             10,211             16,809 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
     20,249              -                  -             20,249
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
    127,776      2,136,794           (186,680)         2,267,617 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -        390,999                  -            390,999    
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -       (130,681)                 -           (130,681)   
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
          -              -            (93,328)           (93,328)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
      1,130              -              5,556              6,686 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
   $128,906     $2,397,112          $(274,452)        $2,441,293     
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 



                   [GRAPH OF WORKING CAPITAL APPEARS HERE]

              See Appendix A attached hereto for a description
                            of graphic material.


                                                                            75

 >WE'VE CLEARLY LEARNED THAT TEAMWORK IS KEY TO RESPONDING TO THE MARKETPLACE.
<PAGE>
 
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(thousands)

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    1993        1992       1991
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                             <C>         <C>        <C> 
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                                      $390,999    $455,497   $403,302
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
IMPACT OF OTHER OPERATING
 ACTIVITIES ON CASH FLOWS
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Depreciation and Amortization                    271,353     246,977    222,695
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Special and Nonrecurring Items                    (2,617)          -          -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHANGE IN ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Receivable                             (219,534)   (101,545)   (65,536)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Inventories                                       70,006     (73,657)  (144,884)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses             14,943     118,289      8,792
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Income Taxes                                      20,773      82,369     30,371
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other Assets and Liabilities                     (97,784)     26,198     20,897
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY 
 OPERATING ACTIVITIES                            448,139     754,128    475,637
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Capital Expenditures                            (295,804)   (429,545)  (523,082)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Businesses Acquired                                    -     (60,043)   (18,750)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds from Sale of Business                   285,000           -          -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tax Effect of Gain on Sale of Business           (64,750)          -          -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH USED FOR INVESTING ACTIVITIES               (75,554)   (489,588)  (541,832)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net (Repayments) Proceeds of
 Commercial Paper Borrowings
 and Certificates of Deposit                     (25,939)   (322,119)   223,312
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Repayments of Long-Term Debt                    (100,000)          -    (50,000)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Proceeds from Issuance
 of Unsecured Notes                              250,000     150,000          -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dividends Paid                                  (130,681)   (101,730)  (101,141)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Purchase of Treasury Stock                       (93,328)          -          -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stock Options and Other                            6,686      16,809     14,579
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET CASH (USED) PROVIDED
 BY FINANCING ACTIVITIES                         (93,262)   (257,040)    86,750
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND EQUIVALENTS             279,323       7,500     20,555
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and Equivalents, Beginning of Year           41,235      33,735     13,180
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS, END OF YEAR               $320,558     $41,235    $33,735
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

*The accompanying Notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial 
 Statements.

76
<PAGE>
 
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(thousands except per share amounts)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1 SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of The Limited, 
Inc. (the Company) and all significant subsidiaries which are more than 50 
percent owned and controlled. All significant intercompany balances and 
transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

     Investments in other entities (including joint ventures), which are more 
than 20 percent owned, are accounted for on the equity method.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL YEAR

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal 
years are designated in the financial statements and notes by the calendar 
year in which the fiscal year commences. The results for fiscal year 1993, 
1992 and 1991 represent the 52-week periods ended January 29, 1994, January 
30, 1993 and February 1, 1992.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CASH AND EQUIVALENTS

Cash and equivalents include amounts on deposit with financial institutions 
and money market investments with original maturities of less than 90 days.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVENTORIES

Inventories are principally valued at the lower of average cost or market, on 
a first-in first-out basis, utilizing the retail method.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

Depreciation and amortization of property and equipment are computed for 
financial reporting purposes on a straight-line basis, using service lives 
ranging principally from 10-30 years for buildings and improvements and 3-10 
years for other property and equipment. The cost of assets sold or retired and
the related accumulated depreciation or amortization are removed from the 
accounts with any resulting gain or loss included in net income. Maintenance 
and repairs are charged to expense as incurred. Major renewals and betterments
which extend service lives are capitalized.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GOODWILL AMORTIZATION

Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of 
the net assets of acquired companies and is amortized on a straight-line basis
principally over 30 years.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS

The difference between the amount of interest to be paid and the amount of 
interest to be received under interest rate swap agreements due to changing 
interest rates is charged or credited to interest expense over the life of the
swap agreement. Gains and losses from the disposition of swap agreements are 
deferred and amortized over the term of the related agreements.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INCOME TAXES

Effective January 31, 1993, the Company adopted Statement of Financial 
Accounting Standards (SFAS) 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes." SFAS 109 
requires a change from the deferred method of accounting for income taxes to 
the liability method. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities 
are recognized based on the difference between the financial statement 
carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax 
bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax 
rates in effect in the years in which those temporary differences are expected
to reverse. Under SFAS 109, the effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax 
rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. 
Under the deferred method, which was applied in 1992 and prior years, deferred
income taxes are recognized for income and expense items that are reported in 
different years for financial reporting purposes and income tax purposes using
the tax rate applicable for the year of calculation. Under the deferred 
method, deferred taxes are not adjusted for subsequent changes in tax rates.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

Five hundred million shares of $.50 par value common stock are authorized, of 
which 357.8 million and 362.6 million were outstanding, net of 21.7 million 
shares and 16.8 million

                                                                              77

  >FINANCIAL STRENGTH AND STABILITY GIVE US FREEDOM TO IMPLEMENT WHAT WE'VE 
                     LEARNED IN RESPONSE TO OUR CUSTOMERS.
<PAGE>
 
shares held in treasury at January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993. Ten million 
shares of $1.00 par value preferred stock are authorized, none of which has 
been issued.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NET INCOME PER SHARE

Net income per share is computed based upon the weighted average number of 
outstanding common shares, including the effect of stock options. There were 
363.2 million, 363.7 million and 363.6 million weighted average outstanding 
shares for 1993, 1992 and 1991.
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ISSUANCE OF SUBSIDIARY STOCK

Gains or losses resulting from stock issued by a subsidiary of the Company are
recognized in current year's income. In 1992, the Company recognized a $9 
million pre-tax gain which resulted from the March, 1992 initial public
offering of the United Retail Group, Inc. A more detailed discussion of this
matter is included under the heading "Gain on Issuance of United Retail Group,
Inc. Stock" in Management's Discussion and Analysis on page 68 of this Annual
Report.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 SPECIAL AND NONRECURRING ITEMS

During 1993, the Company approved a restructuring plan which includes the 
following components: the sale of a 60% interest in the Brylane mail order 
business; the acceleration of store remodeling, downsizing and closing program
at the Limited Stores and Lerner divisions; and the refocusing of the 
merchandise strategy at the Henri Bendel division.
     On August 31, 1993, the Company sold 60% of its interest in the Brylane 
mail order business, receiving $285 million in cash proceeds. The transaction
resulted in a pre-tax gain of approximately $203 million. Brylane distributes 
apparel through Lane Bryant Direct, Roaman's and Lerner Direct Catalogs.
     To improve the underperforming divisions and expedite their turnaround, 
the Company decided to remodel and downsize a number of Limited and Lerner 
stores. The store remodels include both the expansion of store size and 
relocation of stores to other locations within the same mall. In either case, 
a remodel involves the destruction of certain existing assets. The downsizing 
of stores reduces the size of stores with substandard productivity and profit 
performance. The provision for remodels and downsizing aggregates 
approximately $35 million and includes the net book value of fixed asset 
writeoffs and lease termination payments.
     In addition, the Company decided to close underperforming stores, 
primarily in the Lerner and Limited Stores retail businesses. These closings 
have been identified based on the profit performance of the store and an 
assessment of the quality of the real estate. The provision for store closings
aggregates approximately $22 million and includes the operating losses through
the date of closing, the net book value of abandoned fixed assets and lease 
termination payments.
     This program includes the remodeling, downsizing and closing of 
approximately 360 Limited and Lerner stores by the end of 1995. The Company 
has closed approximately 60 of these stores and remodeled approximately 50 
stores as of year-end.
     The Company also estimated that, based on expected future cash flows, 
there was no expectation of realizing through future operations the existing 
carrying value of certain fixed and intangible assets at Lerner, Limited 
Stores and Henri Bendel, and other assets, and accordingly recorded a charge 
of approximately $143 million to reduce their net book value to an amount 
considered realizable in future periods.
     The charges for these actions totalled approximately $200 million, of 
which approximately $173 million relates to non-cash charges for asset 
impairments, remodels and store closings.
     A further discussion of this matter is included under the heading 
"Special and Non-recurring Items" in Management's Discussion and Analysis on 
page 67 of this Annual Report.
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable consisted of:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                          1993            1992
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                 <C>               <C> 
Deferred payment accounts                           $1,013,276        $755,822
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Trade and other                                         78,532         106,528
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Allowance for uncollectible accounts                   (34,897)        (24,973)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    $1,056,911        $837,377
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

78
<PAGE>
 
Finance charge revenue on the deferred payment accounts amounted to $174.5 
million, $141.8 million and $131.5 million in 1993, 1992 and 1991, and the 
provision for uncollectible accounts amounted to $50.8 million, $40.0 million 
and $50.6 million in 1993, 1992 and 1991. These amounts are classified as 
components of the cost to administer the deferred payment program and are 
included in general, administrative and store operating expenses.

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4 PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
Property and equipment, at cost, consisted of:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1993          1992
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                  <C>           <C>   
     Land, buildings and improvements                  $510,998      $512,283
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Furniture, fixtures and equipment                1,571,568     1,476,081  
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Leaseholds and improvements                        506,258       677,115
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Construction in progress                            49,373        55,491  
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      2,638,197     2,720,970 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization    971,609       907,022
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Property and equipment, net                     $1,666,588    $1,813,948   
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 5 LEASED FACILITIES AND COMMITMENTS

 Annual store rent is comprised of a fixed minimum amount, plus contingent 
 rent based upon a percentage of sales exceeding a stipulated amount. Store  
 lease terms generally require additional payments covering taxes, common area 
 costs and certain other expenses.
     A summary of rent expense for 1993, 1992 and 1991 follows:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Store Rent:                             1993          1992          1991
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                      <C>           <C>           <C> 
      Fixed minimum                      $540,381      $498,607      $380,291 
  
      Contingent                           19,727        19,043        22,555
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total store rent                     560,108       517,650       402,846
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Equipment and other                   31,897        37,228        38,734  
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Total rent expense                  $592,005      $554,878      $441,580
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

At January 29, 1994, the Company was committed to noncancelable leases with 
remaining terms of one to forty years. A substantial portion of these 
commitments are store leases with initial terms ranging from ten to twenty 
years. Accrued rent expense was $99.1 million and $67.7 million at January 
29, 1994 and January 30, 1993.
     A summary of minimum rent commitments under noncancelable leases follows:
<TABLE> 
<S>                                                                <C> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1994                                                            $568,338
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1995                                                             559,356
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1996                                                             542,072
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1997                                                             523,249
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     1998                                                             503,816
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Thereafter                                                    $2,695,394
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 6 LONG-TERM DEBT

 Long-term debt consisted of:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                           1993          1992
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C> 
     Commercial Paper                                  $      -       $29,439
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     Certificates of Deposit                                  -        12,200
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     7 1/2% Debentures due March, 2023                  250,000             -
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
     7.80% Notes due May, 2002                          150,000       150,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    9 1/8% Notes due February, 2001                     150,000       150,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    8 7/8% Notes due August, 1999                       100,000       100,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    8.61% Notes due December, 1993                            -       100,000 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $650,000      $541,639
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
                                                                              79
<PAGE>
 
The Company maintains two revolving credit agreements (the "Agreements") 
totalling $840 million. One Agreement provides the Company available 
borrowings of up to $560 million. The other Agreement provides World Financial
Network National Bank, a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary, available 
borrowings of up to $280 million. Borrowings outstanding under the Agreements 
are due December 4, 1997. However, the revolving terms of each of the 
Agreements may be extended an additional two years upon notification by the 
Company on the second and fourth anniversaries of the Effective Date, subject to
the approval of the lending banks. Both Agreements have similar borrowing 
options, including interest rates which are based on either the lenders' "Base
Rate," as defined, LIBOR, CD-based options or at a rate submitted under a bid-
ding process. Aggregate commitment and facility fees for the Agreements 
approximate 0.15% of the total commitment. Both Agreements and certain of the 
Company's other debt agreements place restrictions on the amount of the 
Company's working capital, debt and net worth. No amounts were outstanding
under the Agreements at January 29, 1994.

     Both Agreements support the Company's commercial paper program which funds
working capital and other general corporate requirements. No commercial paper 
was outstanding at January 29, 1994.

     In February, 1993, the Company amended its shelf registration statement
enabling it to issue up to $500 million of debt securities and warrants to 
purchase debt securities. Following the $250 million issuance of 7 1/2%
Debentures due 2023 on March 15,1993, the Company has $250 million remaining 
under its shelf registration statement authorization.

     At January 30, 1993, the 8.61% Notes, the commercial paper and the 
certificates of deposit were classified as long-term based on the Company's
intention and ability to refinance the obligations on a long-term basis.
Following the $250 million issuance of 7 1/2% Debentures in March, 1993, the
Company retired the 8.61% Notes upon their maturity in December, 1993 and now
classifies commercial paper and certificates of deposit as current liabilities
based on their maturity.

     All long-term debt outstanding at January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993 
is unsecured.

     The Company periodically enters into interest rate swap agreements with 
the intent to manage the interest rate exposure of its debt portfolio. At
January 29, 1994, the Company had two interest rate swap positions outstanding,
each having a $100 million notional principal amount. One contract effectively
changed the Company's interest rate exposure on $100 million of variable rate 
debt to a fixed rate of 8.09% through July, 2000. The counterparty to the swap
contract has an option to cancel the remaining term of the contract in July, 
1995. The second contract effectively changes the interest rate on $100 million
of fixed rate debt to a variable rate through November, 1995.

     No long-term debt matures in years 1994-1998. Interest paid approximated
$57.4 million, $60.0 million and $58.2 million in 1993, 1992 and 1991. 

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
7 INCOME TAXES

As discussed in Note 1, the Company adopted SFAS 109 effective January 
31,1993. No cumulative effect adjustment was required for the adoption as the 
difference in deferred income taxes under SFAS 109 and APB Opinion 11 was 
immaterial. The impact of adoption on the current year was also immaterial.
     The provision for income taxes consisted of:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
CURRENTLY PAYABLE:      1993         1992         1991
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
<S>                 <C>          <C>          <C> 
Federal             $249,400     $174,900     $173,700
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
State                 35,100       28,700       27,000
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
Foreign                6,400        6,400        4,500
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
                     290,900      210,000      205,200
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
DEFERRED:   
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
Federal              (41,800)      62,700       41,800   
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
State                  4,900       17,300       10,000
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
                     (36,900)      80,000       51,800
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
Total Provision     $254,000     $290,000     $257,000  
- - ---------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

80

  >OUR FINANCIAL GOALS REQUIRE US TO STRETCH BEYOND OUR INDIVIDUAL "COMFORT 
                                    ZONES."
<PAGE>
 
The foreign component of pre-tax income, arising principally from overseas 
sourcing operations, was $54.8 million, $58.7 million and $44.5 million in 
1993, 1992 and 1991.
     A reconciliation between the statutory Federal income tax rate and the 
effective income tax rate follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
===============================================================================
                                        1993             1992            1991
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                     <C>              <C>              <C> 
Federal income tax rate                 35.0%            34.0%           34.0%
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State income tax, net of
 Federal income tax effect               4.0              4.0             3.7
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other items, net                          .4               .9             1.2
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                        39.4%            38.9%           38.9%
================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Income taxes payable included current deferred tax assets of $41.1 million and
$19.6 million at January 29, 1994 and January 30, 1993.  The effect of 
temporary differences which gives rise to deferred income tax balances at 
January 29,1994 was as follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
================================================================================
                                        Assets         Liabilities      Total
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                    <C>            <C>           <C> 
Excess of tax over book 
depreciation                                          $(123,539)    $(123,539)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Undistributed earnings of
foreign affiliate                                      (103,485)     (103,485)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Investment in affiliate                                 (39,171)      (39,171)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
State income taxes                     $8,681                           8,681
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bad debt reserve                       11,022                          11,022
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Restructuring                          25,092                          25,092
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other                                  23,163           (35,735)      (12,572)
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                      $67,958         $(301,930)    $(233,972)
================================================================================
</TABLE> 

For the years 1992 and 1991, deferred income tax expense resulted from timing 
differences in the recognition of income and expense.  The components of the 
deferred tax provision follow:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
================================================================================
                                                          1992           1991
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                                    <C>            <C> 
Excess of tax over book depreciation                   $45,400        $17,200
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other items, net                                        34,600         34,600
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                       $80,000        $51,800
================================================================================
</TABLE> 

Income tax payments approximated $291.3 million, $199.8 million and $212.4 
million for 1993, 1992 and 1991.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

8 STOCK OPTIONS AND RESTRICTED STOCK

Stock options are granted to officers and key associates based upon fair 
market value at the date of grant.  Option activity for 1991, 1992 and 1993 
follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
================================================================================
                                           Number of           Weighted Average
                                              Shares     Option Price Per Share
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                        <C>                           <C> 
Outstanding Options, February 2, 1991      5,796,000                     $14.26
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity during 1991:  Granted               707,000                     $26.56
                       Exercised          (1,187,000)                     10.12
                       Cancelled            (194,000)                     18.05
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding Options, February 1, 1992      5,122,000                     $16.49
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Activity during 1992:  Granted            1,476,000                     $23.91
                        Exercised           (772,000)                     12.73
                        Cancelled           (312,000)                     22.99
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding Options, January 30, 1993      5,514,000                     $18.57
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Activity during 1993:  Granted             2,457,000                     $21.74
                       Exercised            (431,000)                     12.22
                       Cancelled            (357,000)                     22.32
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Outstanding Options, January 29,1994       7,183,000                     $19.87
================================================================================
</TABLE> 

The Company had approximately 5.3 million shares available for grant at 
January 29, 1994 as compared to 7.4 million shares available at January 30, 
1993 and 8.5 million shares available at February 1, 1992.  Approximately 7.2 
million shares of the Company's common stock were reserved for outstanding 
options, of which 3.3 million were exercisable as of January 29, 1994.

                                                                              81
<PAGE>
 
In 1993, 590,000 restricted shares of the Company's common stock were granted 
to certain officers and key associates. The market value of the shares at the 
date of grant amounted to $12.7 million and is recorded within treasury stock 
in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. The market value is 
being amortized as compensation expense over the vesting period which ranges 
from four to ten years. Compensation expense of $1.3 million was recorded in 
1993.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 RETIREMENT BENEFITS

The Company sponsors a defined contribution retirement plan. Participation in
this plan is available to all associates who have completed 1,000 or more 
hours of service with the Company during certain 12 month periods and attained
the age of 21. Company contributions to this plan are based on a percentage of
the associates' annual compensation. The cost of this plan was $25.9 million 
in 1993, $20.1 million in 1992 and $16.3 million in 1991.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 FINANCE SUBSIDIARY

World Financial Network National Bank, a wholly-owned consolidated finance 
subsidiary, provides private label credit card lines to the customers of 
certain retail affiliates. Condensed financial information of the finance 
subsidiary follows:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ASSETS                                         Jan. 29, 1994    Jan. 30, 1993
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                            <C>              <C> 
Credit card receivables, net of
  allowance for uncollectible accounts            $978,500         $731,000
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other assets, net                                   40,300           20,500
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                $1,018,800         $751,500
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LIABILITIES AND INVESTMENT
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Certificates of deposit                            $15,700          $12,200
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Payable to wholly-owned subsidiaries 
  and affiliates of The Limited, Inc.               18,200            6,400
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INVESTMENT OF THE LIMITED, INC.:
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Subordinated debt                                  902,700          665,200
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Equity investment                                   82,200           67,700
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                $1,018,800         $751,500
- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

Holders of credit cards issued by the finance subsidiary are located 
throughout the United States, and have various available lines of credit which
are subject to change by the finance subsidiary. The credit cards are used to 
purchase merchandise offered for sale by affiliates.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11 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:

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CURRENT ASSETS AND CURRENT LIABILITIES

The fair value of cash and equivalents, short-term borrowings, accounts 
payable and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of their short 
maturity. The carrying amount of the credit card receivables approximates fair
value due to the short maturity and because the average interest rate 
approximates current market origination rates.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LONG-TERM DEBT

The fair value of the Company's long-term debt is estimated based on 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.

- - --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INTEREST RATE SWAP AGREEMENTS

The fair value of interest rate swaps (used for hedging purposes) is the 
estimated amount that the Company would receive or pay to terminate the swap 
agreements at the reporting date, taking into account current interest rates 
and the current credit-worthiness of the swap counterparties.

82

>OUR DEBT-TO-EQUITY RATIO IS 27%, INDICATING THAT OUR DEBT IS SMALL, RELATIVE TO
                               OUR SHAREHOLDERS'
<PAGE>
 
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are as 
follows:
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                     1993                  1992
                           ----------------------------------------------------
                             Carrying       Fair     Carrying          Fair
                               Amount      Value       Amount         Value
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                         <C>         <C>         <C>           <C> 
Long-term debt              $(650,000)  $(712,078)  $(541,639)    $(584,472)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net interest rate swaps          $(13)   $(13,289)       $374       $(5,334)
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 
- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12 QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (UNAUDITED)

Summarized quarterly financial results for 1993 and 1992 follow:

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1993 QUARTER                First       Second        Third        Fourth
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                    <C>          <C>          <C>           <C> 
Net Sales              $1,518,561   $1,689,055   $1,616,667    $2,420,805
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Income              380,727      427,710      447,048       703,350
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                 44,225       68,232       82,215       196,327
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income Per Share        $0.12        $0.19        $0.23         $0.54
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1992 QUARTER
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Sales              $1,415,625   $1,489,393   $1,611,320    $2,427,958
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross Income              357,938      410,932      440,421       781,449
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income                 51,525       80,073       79,995       243,904
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net Income Per Share        $0.14        $0.22        $0.22         $0.67
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 



Market Price and Dividend Information
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                         Cash
                                                                     Dividend
                                      Market Price                  Per Share
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL YEAR 1993                   High         Low
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                <C>          <C>                 <C> 
4th Quarter                         $23 1/4     $16 5/8                  $.09
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Quarter                          24          20                       .09
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Quarter                          24 7/8      19 3/4                   .09
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Quarter                         $30         $21 1/4                  $.09
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FISCAL YEAR 1992
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
4th Quarter                         $29 5/8     $22 7/8                  $.07
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3rd Quarter                          25 1/2      19 3/4                   .07
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2nd Quarter                          24 5/8      19 1/4                   .07
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Quarter                         $32 7/8     $22                      $.07
- - ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE> 

The Company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange ("LTD") 
and the London Stock Exchange. On January 29, 1994, there were 68,025 
shareholders of record. However, when including active associates who 
participate in the Company's stock purchase plan, associates who own shares 
through Company sponsored retirement plans and others holding shares in broker
accounts under street name, the Company estimates the shareholder base at 
approximately 131,000.


                                                                            83

<PAGE>
 
                              The Limited, Inc.
                           Appendix A to the 1993
                                Annual Report


Page #                      Description of Graph
- - ------                      --------------------

64-65          Three connecting polaroid pictures spanning pages 64 and 65 of an
               individual holding a chart titled "Number of Stores."  The chart
               is a horizontal bar chart with the following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Year      # Stores
                          ----      --------
                          <S>        <C>     
                          1973          30
                          1978         258
                          1983         937
                          1988       3,497
                          1993       4,623
</TABLE>

71             A polaroid picture of an individual holding a bar chart titled
               "Selling Square Feet (in thousands)."  The chart is a horizontal
               bar chart with the following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                     Selling
                                     Square
                          Year        Feet
                          ----        ----  
                          <S>       <C>
                           83        3,667
                           84        5,166
                           85       10,460
                           86       11,320
                           87       12,795
                           88       14,296
                           89       14,374
                           90       17,008
                           91       20,355
                           92       22,863
                           93       24,426
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
Page #                      Description of Graph
- - ------                      --------------------

72             Two polaroid pictures appear on this page:  The top polaroid is
               of an individual holding a chart titled "Net Income (in millions)
               CAGR 19%."  The chart is a horizontal bar chart with the
               following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Net
                          Year    Income
                          ----    ------
                          <S>     <C>
                           83     $  71
                           84        92
                           85       145
                           86       228
                           87       235
                           88       245
                           89       347
                           90       398
                           91       403
                           92       455
                           93     $ 391
</TABLE>

               The bottom polaroid is an individual holding a chart titled "Net
               Sales (in millions) CAGR 21% (Compounded Annual Growth Rate, last
               ten years)."  The chart is a horizontal bar chart with the
               following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                          Year    Net Sales
                          ----    ---------
                          <S>     <C>
                           83     $1,086
                           84      1,343
                           85      2,387
                           86      3,143
                           87      3,528
                           88      4,071
                           89      4,648
                           90      5,254
                           91      6,149
                           92      6,944
                           93      7,245
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
Page #                      Description of Graph
- - ------                      --------------------

73             A polaroid picture of an individual holding a line chart
               depicting the year end balance of equity from 1983 through 1993
               plotted against the year end balance of debt from 1983 through
               1993.  The plot points are:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   Debt      Year         Equity
                   ----      ----         ------
              <S>            <C>       <C>
              $  68,763       83       $  192,576
                150,139       84          275,403
                670,744       85          404,075
                417,420       86          781,542
                681,000       87          729,171
                517,952       88          946,207
                445,674       89        1,240,454
                540,446       90        1,560,052
                713,758       91        1,876,792
                541,639       92        2,267,617
               $650,000       93       $2,441,293
</TABLE>

74             Two polaroid pictures appear on this page.  The top polaroid is
               of an individual holding a chart titled "Shareholders' Equity (in
               millions) CAGR 29%."  The chart is a horizontal bar chart with
               the following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                 
                                   Shareholders'
                          Year        Equity   
                          ----        ------    
                          <S>      <C>
                           83         $  193
                           84            275
                           85            404
                           86            782
                           87            729
                           88            946
                           89          1,240
                           90          1,560
                           91          1,877
                           92          2,268
                           93         $2,441
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
 
               The bottom polaroid is of an individual holding a chart titled
               "Net Income per Share CAGR 18%."  The chart is a horizontal bar
               chart with the following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Net Income
                          Year      Per Share
                          ----      ---------
                          <S>       <C>
                           83           $0.20
                           84            0.26
                           85            0.40
                           86            0.60
                           87            0.62
                           88            0.68
                           89            0.96
                           90            1.10
                           91            1.11
                           92            1.25
                           93           $1.08
</TABLE>

75             A polaroid picture of an individual holding a chart titled
               "Working Capital."  The chart is a horizontal bar chart with the
               following points:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Working
                          Year      Capital
                          ----      -------
                          <S>       <C>
                           83    $  101,665
                           84       180,960
                           85       419,706
                           86       586,827
                           87       629,783
                           88       567,639
                           89       685,524
                           90       884,004
                           91     1,084,205
                           92     1,063,352
                           93    $1,513,181
</TABLE>

<PAGE>
 
                                                                      EXHIBIT 21


                        SUBSIDIARIES OF THE REGISTRANT

                                                          Jurisdiction
       Subsidiaries (a)                                   of Incorporation
       ------------                                       ----------------

Express, Inc. (b)                                         Delaware
The Limited London-Paris-New York, Inc. (c)               Delaware
Lerner New York, Inc. (d)                                 Delaware
Lane Bryant, Inc. (e)                                     Delaware
Victoria's Secret Stores, Inc. (f)                        Delaware
Structure, Inc. (g)                                       Delaware
Limited Too, Inc. (h)                                     Delaware
Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc. (i)                             Delaware
Henri Bendel, Inc. (j)                                    Delaware
Bath & Body Works, Inc. (k)                               Delaware
Cacique, Inc. (l)                                         Delaware
Penhaligon's Limited (m)                                  United Kingdom
Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Inc. (n)                     Delaware
Mast Industries, Inc. (o)                                 Delaware
Mast Industries (Far East) Limited (p)                    Hong Kong
Gryphon Development, Inc. (q)                             Delaware
World Financial Network National Bank (r)                 United States
Limited Distribution Services, Inc. (s)                   Delaware
Limited Service Corporation (t)                           Delaware

- - -------------------

(a)  The names of certain subsidiaries are omitted since such unnamed
     subsidiaries, considered in the aggregate as a single subsidiary, would not
     constitute a significant subsidiary as of January 29, 1994.

(b)  Express, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Express Holding Corporation,
     a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

(c)  The Limited London-Paris-New York, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LIM
     Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary
     of the registrant.

(d)  Lerner New York, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lerner Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(e)  Lane Bryant, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Lane Bryant Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(f)  Victoria's Secret Stores, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Victoria's
     Secret Stores Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-
     owned subsidiary of the registrant.


(g)  Structure, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Structure Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(h)  Limited Too, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Limited Too Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.
<PAGE>
 
(i)  Abercrombie & Fitch, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abercrombie &
     Fitch Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of the registrant.

(j)  Henri Bendel, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Henri Bendel Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(k)  Bath & Body Works, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bath and Body Works
     Holding Corporation, Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned
     subsidiary of the registrant.

(l)  Cacique, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Cacique Holding Corporation,
     a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

(m)  Penhaligon's Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of PENHAL Investments,
     Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(n)  Victoria's Secret Catalogue, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of
     Victoria's Secret Catalogue Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and
     a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

(o)  Mast Industries, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mast Holding
     Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(p)  Mast Industries (Far East) Limited is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mast
     Industries, Inc.

(q)  Gryphon Development, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Gryphon
     Holding Corporation, a Delaware corporation and a wholly-ownded subsidiary
     of the registrant.

(r)  World Financial Network National Bank is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(s)  Limited Distribution Services, Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of LTDSP,
     Inc., a Delaware corporation and a wholly-owned subsidiary of the
     registrant.

(t)  Limited Service Corporation is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the registrant.

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 23
 
(LOGO OF COOPERS & LYBRAND 
      APPEARS HERE)


                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of
The Limited, Inc. on Form S-8, Registration Nos. 33-18533, 33-25005, 2-92277,
33-24829, 33-24507, 33-24828, 2-95788, 2-88919, 33-24518, 33-6965, 33-14049, 33-
22844, 33-44041, 33-49871 and the registration statements on Form S-3,
Registration Nos. 33-20788, 33-31540, 33-43832 and 33-53366 of our report dated
February 14, 1994, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules of The Limited, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of
January 29, 1994, and January 30, 1993, and for the fiscal years ended January
29, 1994, January 30, 1993, and February 1, 1992, which report is included in
this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


                                                       /s/ Coopers & Lybrand

                                                           COOPERS & LYBRAND


Columbus, Ohio
April 22, 1994

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 24

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ KENNETH B. GILMAN
                                         ---------------------
                                         Kenneth B. Gilman
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ LESLIE H. WEXNER
                                         --------------------
                                         Leslie H. Wexner
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 27th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ BELLA WEXNER
                                         ----------------
                                         Bella Wexner
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ MICHAEL A. WEISS
                                         --------------------
                                         Michael A. Weiss
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ MARTIN TRUST
                                         ----------------
                                         Martin Trust
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 28th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ E. GORDON GEE
                                         -----------------
                                         E. Gordon Gee
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ THOMAS G. HOPKINS
                                         ---------------------
                                         Thomas G. Hopkins
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ DAVID T. KOLLAT
                                         -------------------
                                         David T. Kollat
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ CLAUDINE MALONE
                                         -------------------
                                         Claudine Malone
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ JOHN K. PFAHL
                                         -----------------
                                         John K. Pfahl
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ DONALD B. SHACKELFORD
                                         -------------------------
                                         Donald B. Shackelford
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ ALLAN R. TESSLER
                                         --------------------
                                         Allan R. Tessler
<PAGE>
 
                              POWER OF ATTORNEY
                          OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS OF
                              THE LIMITED, INC.



     The undersigned officer and/or director of The Limited, Inc., a Delaware
corporation, which anticipates filing an Annual Report on Form 10-K for its
fiscal year ended January 29, 1994 under the provisions of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934 with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Washington,
D.C., hereby constitutes and appoints Leslie H. Wexner and Kenneth B. Gilman,
and each of them, with full powers of substitution and resubstitution, as
attorney to sign for the undersigned in any and all capacities such Annual
Report on Form 10-K and any and all amendments thereto, and any and all
applications or other documents to be filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission pertaining to such Annual Report on Form 10-K with full power and
authority to do and perform any and all acts and things whatsoever required and
necessary to be done in the premises, as fully to all intents and purposes as
the undersigned could do if personally present.  The undersigned hereby ratifies
and confirms all that said attorney-in-fact and agent or his substitute or
substitutes may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.


          EXECUTED as of the 25th day of February, 1994.



                                         /s/ RAYMOND ZIMMERMAN
                                         ---------------------
                                         Raymond Zimmerman

<PAGE>

                                                                    EXHIBIT 99

            [LETTERHEAD OF ARY, EARMAN AND ROEPCKE APPEARS HERE]


                    REPORT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
                    ----------------------------------------



To the Plan Administrator of The Limited,
Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan:


    We have audited the accompanying statements of net assets available for plan
benefits of The Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan as of December 31,
1993 and 1992, and the related statements of changes in net assets available for
plan benefits for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1993.
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Plan's management.  Our
responsi- bility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on
our audits.

    We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing stan-
dards.  Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement.  An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.  An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
manage- ment, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement
presentation.  We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our
opinion.

    In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the net assets available for plan benefits of the Plan
as of December 31, 1993 and 1992, and the changes in net assets available for
plan benefits for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1993,
in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.


                                                   /s/ ARY, EARMAN AND ROEPCKE


Columbus, Ohio,
March 24, 1994.
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

              STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
              ---------------------------------------------------

                               DECEMBER 31, 1993
                               -----------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               Limited           Fixed       
ASSETS                                         TOTAL          Stock Fund       Income Fund      Indexed Fund         World Fund
- - ------                                      ------------     ------------      ------------     ------------        -------------
<S>                                         <C>              <C>               <C>              <C>                 <C> 
Investments, at Fair Value:                                                                                   
 Determined by Quoted Market Price                                                                            
   Common Stock of The Limited, Inc.                                                              
     (Cost $28,548,294)                     $ 76,924,612     $ 76,924,612      $      --        $      --           $      --   
   Vanguard Indexed Mutual Fund                                                                                                 
     (Cost $15,690,019)                       17,288,449            --                --          17,288,449               --   
   Vanguard World Mutual Fund                                                                                                   
     (Cost $13,532,146)                       13,799,287            --                --               --             13,799,287
 Determined By Contract Value:                                                                                                  
   Guaranteed Investment Contracts:                                                                                             
     Vanguard Investment Contract Trust       46,129,637            --           46,129,637            --                  --   
     Metropolitan Life Insurance              11,929,738            --           11,929,738            --                  --   
     John Hancock Life Insurance               1,693,809            --            1,693,809            --                  --   
 Temporary Investments (Cost                                                                                                    
   approximates fair value)                      351,056            2,390           312,905           17,880              17,881
                                            ------------     ------------      ------------     ------------        ------------
     Total Investments                       168,116,588       76,927,002        60,066,089       17,306,329          13,817,168
                                                                                                                                
Contribution Receivable from Employers        16,654,367        2,961,061         8,853,901        2,637,242           2,202,163
Receivable from Employers for Withheld                                                                                
 Participants' Contributions                     884,649          111,468           381,942          227,114             164,125
Due from Brokers                                 531,601          531,601             --               --                  --   
Interfund Transfers                                --            (856,847)          373,730          340,564             142,553
Accrued Interest and Dividends                     1,373              621               358              143                 251
Other Assets                                         780            --                  368            --                    412 
                                            ------------     ------------      ------------     ------------        ------------
     Total Assets                            186,189,358       79,674,906        69,676,388       20,511,392          16,326,672   
                                            ------------     ------------      ------------     ------------        ------------
LIABILITIES                                                                                                         
- - -----------                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Other Liabilities                                  1,218            1,218             --               --                  --  
Administrative Fees Payable                      699,365          320,641           249,463           71,876              57,385
                                            ------------     ------------      ------------     ------------        ------------
     Total Liabilities                           700,583          321,859           249,463           71,876              57,385
                                            ------------     ------------      ------------     ------------        ------------   
                                                                                                                                
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS      $185,488,775     $ 79,353,047      $ 69,426,925     $ 20,439,516        $ 16,269,287
                                            ============     ============      ============     ============        ============   
</TABLE> 

    The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-1
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

              STATEMENT OF NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
              ---------------------------------------------------

                               DECEMBER 31, 1992
                               -----------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                               Limited          Fixed
ASSETS                                         TOTAL          Stock Fund      Income Fund     Indexed Fund      World Fund
- - ------                                      ------------     ------------     ------------    ------------     ------------
<S>                                       <C>               <C>             <C>              <C>               <C> 
Investments, at Fair Value:
 Determined by Quoted Market Price:
   Common Stock of The Limited, Inc.
     (Cost $24,610,491)                     $142,525,467     $142,525,467     $    --          $    --           $     --
   Vanguard Indexed Mutual Fund
     (Cost $13,008,597)                       14,049,457          --               --           14,049,457             --
   Vanguard World Mutual Fund
     (Cost $13,168,311)                       13,908,741          --               --               --             13,908,741
 Determined By Contract Value:
   Guaranteed Investment Contracts:
     Vanguard Investment Contract Trust       49,987,244          --            49,987,244          --                 --
     Metropolitan Life Insurance              10,852,749          --            10,852,749          --                 --
     John Hancock Life Insurance               3,190,512          --             3,190,512          --                 --
 Temporary Investments (Cost
   approximates fair value)                       76,655           76,655          --               --                 --
                                            ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     Total Investments                       234,590,825      142,602,122       64,030,505       14,049,457        13,908,741

Contribution Receivable from Employers        14,554,945        3,643,073        7,739,884        1,487,099         1,684,889
Receivable from Employers for Withheld
 Participants' Contributions                     853,266          289,201          286,968          133,213           143,884
Due from Brokers                               1,557,031        1,454,170           --               21,387            81,474
Interfund Transfers                               --             (121,760)         168,224           14,396           (60,860)
Accrued Interest and Dividends                     3,147            2,812              294               13                28
Other Assets                                         368           --                  368           --                --
                                            ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     Total Assets                            251,559,582      147,869,618       72,226,243       15,705,565        15,758,156
                                            ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
LIABILITIES
- - -----------
Other Liabilities                                  1,218            1,218           --               --                --
Administrative Fees Payable                      187,534          106,152           57,675           12,247            11,460
                                            ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
     Total Liabilities                           188,752          107,370           57,675           12,247            11,460
                                            ------------     ------------     ------------     ------------      ------------
NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS      $251,370,830     $147,762,248     $ 72,168,568     $ 15,693,318      $ 15,746,696
                                            ============     ============     ============     ============      ============
</TABLE> 
   The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-2
<PAGE>
 
                THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                ---------------------------------------------

       STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
       --------------------------------------------------------------

                    FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1993
                    ------------------------------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 
                                                                 Limited          Fixed
                                                   Total        Stock Fund     Income Fund       Indexed Fund       World Fund
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
<S>                                            <C>             <C>            <C>                <C>               <C>  
Investment Income:
 Increase (Decrease) in Net
   Unrealized Appreciation                     $(51,165,802)   $(51,222,621)  $      --          $    537,811      $   (480,992)
 Realized gain on Sale of Securities              4,073,977       3,367,169          --               636,926            69,882
 Interest                                         4,439,846           6,689      4,429,569              1,880             1,708
 Dividends                                        1,783,025       1,783,025          --                  --                --
 Mutual Funds' Earnings                             657,135           --             --               464,994           192,141
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
   Total Investment Income (Loss)               (40,211,819)    (46,065,738)     4,429,569          1,641,611          (217,261)
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Contributions:
 Employers                                       23,371,564       5,561,152     11,270,178          3,496,942         3,043,292
 Participants                                    10,428,961       3,098,271      3,790,368          1,934,509         1,605,813
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
   Total contributions                           33,800,525       8,659,423     15,060,546          5,431,451         4,649,105
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account
 Balances from Affiliated Plans                   1,140,371           --           514,198            422,367           203,806
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account
 Balances to Former Affiliate's Plan            (20,815,838)     (5,390,244)   (10,483,032)        (3,227,343)       (1,715,219)
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Interfund Transfers                                   --         (4,461,978)     1,028,778          3,401,455            31,745
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Administrative Expense                             (752,234)       (354,091)      (261,967)           (75,921)          (60,255)
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Benefits to Participants                        (39,043,060)    (20,796,573)   (13,029,735)        (2,847,422)       (2,369,330)
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
 Available for Plan Benefits                    (65,882,055)    (68,409,201)    (2,741,643)         4,746,198           522,591

Beginning Net Assets Available for Plan
 Benefits                                       251,370,830     147,762,248     72,168,568         15,693,318        15,746,696
                                               ------------    ------------   ------------       ------------      ------------
Ending Net Assets Available for Plan
 Benefits                                      $185,488,775    $ 79,353,047   $ 69,426,925       $ 20,439,516      $ 16,269,287
                                               ============    ============   ============       ============      ============

</TABLE> 


   The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-3
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

        STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
        --------------------------------------------------------------

                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1992
                     ------------------------------------

<TABLE> 
<CAPTION> 

                                                             Limited          Fixed                                     Balanced
                                          Total            Stock Fund      Income Fund   Indexed Fund     World Fund      Fund
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
<S>                                    <C>                <C>            <C>             <C>             <C>           <C> 
Investment Income:
  Increase (Decrease) in Net
    Unrealized Appreciation            $(35,113,811)      $(30,558,791)  $       --      $  1,040,860    $    740,430  $ (6,336,310)

  Realized Gain on Sale of
    Securities                           14,724,409         14,621,430           --            76,279          26,700         --
  Master Trusts' Earnings                 5,079,699               --            410,088          --              --       4,669,611
  Interest                                3,339,282             20,979        3,317,745           273             285         --
  Dividends                               1,656,283          1,656,283           --              --              --           --
  Mutual Funds' Earnings                    569,200               --             --           336,311         232,889         --
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
    Total Investment Income (Loss)       (9,744,938)       (14,260,099)       3,727,833     1,453,723       1,000,304    (1,666,699)
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Contributions:
  Employers:
    Cash                                 21,629,777          6,331,664       10,291,305     2,211,975       2,391,300       403,533
    The Limited, Inc. Common Stock        2,252,884          2,252,884           --              --              --           --
  Participants                            9,745,785          3,664,723        3,776,604       846,944         877,007       580,507
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
    Total Contributions                  33,628,446         12,249,271       14,067,909     3,058,919       3,268,307       984,040
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account
  Balances from Affiliated Plans        121,306,985         61,642,002       12,602,071          --              --      47,062,912
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Interfund Transfers                           --            (4,110,765)      46,737,477    12,081,798      12,305,257   (67,013,767)
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Administrative Expense                     (386,007)          (225,205)        (113,686)      (23,692)        (23,424)        --
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Benefits to Participants                (43,518,434)       (29,018,749)     (12,495,636)     (877,430)       (803,748)     (322,871)
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Increase (Decrease) in Net Assets
  Available for Plan Benefits           101,286,052         26,276,455       64,525,968    15,693,318      15,746,696   (20,956,385)


Beginning Net Assets Available for
  Plan Benefits                         150,084,778        121,485,793        7,642,600         --               --      20,956,385
                                       ------------       ------------   --------------  ------------    ------------  ------------
Ending Net Assets Available for
  Plan Benefits                        $251,370,830       $147,762,248   $   72,168,568  $ 15,693,318    $ 15,746,696  $      --
                                       ============       ============   ==============  ============    ============  ============

</TABLE> 

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-4
<PAGE>
 
                 THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                 ---------------------------------------------

        STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN NET ASSETS AVAILABLE FOR PLAN BENEFITS
        --------------------------------------------------------------

                     FOR THE YEAR ENDED DECEMBER 31, 1991
                     ------------------------------------
<TABLE> 
<CAPTION>

                                                               Limited          Fixed          Balance
                                                Total         Stock Fund     Income Fund        Fund
                                             ------------    ------------    -----------     ------------
<S>                                         <C>              <C>              <C>           <C> 
Investment Income:                         
  Increase in Net Unrealized Appreciation   $ 54,875,493     $ 52,992,078     $   --         $  1,883,415
  Realized gain on Sale of Securities          2,192,097       2,192,097          --              --
  Master Trusts' Earnings                      1,594,746          --             555,102       1,039,644
  Dividends                                    1,315,315       1,315,315          --              --
  Interest                                         4,085           4,085          --              --
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------

    Total Investment Income                   59,981,736      56,503,575         555,102       2,923,059
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Contributions: 
  Employers                                    4,315,801       1,040,171         555,793       2,719,837
  Participants                                 2,964,282       1,510,956         775,582         677,744
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
    Total contributions                        7,280,083       2,551,127       1,331,375       3,397,581
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Transfer of Participants' Account Balance   
 from Affiliated Plans                        (3,012,346)     (2,511,535)        (75,506)       (425,305)
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Forfeitures                                       --            (914,897)         --             914,897
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
Interfund Transfers                               --          (1,098,251)        305,647         792,604
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------

Benefits to Participants                     (27,355,442)    (24,823,105)       (545,585)     (1,986,752)
                                            -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                            
Increase in Net Assets Available for Plan     36,894,031      29,706,914       1,571,033       5,616,084
 Benefits                                   
                                            
Beginning Net Assets Available for Plan      113,190,747      91,778,879       6,071,567      15,340,301
 Benefits                                   -------------    ------------    ------------    ------------
                                           
Ending Net Assets Available for Plan        $150,084,778     $121,485,793    $  7,642,600    $ 20,956,385
 Benefits                                   =============    ============    ============    ============

</TABLE> 

   The accompanying notes are an integral part of this financial statement.

                                      F-5
<PAGE>
 
                THE LIMITED, INC. SAVINGS AND RETIREMENT PLAN
                ---------------------------------------------

                        NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                        -----------------------------



(1)  DESCRIPTION OF THE PLAN
     -----------------------

     General
     -------

     The Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan (the "Plan"), formerly The
        Limited Stores Savings and Retirement Plan, is a defined contribution
        plan covering certain employees of The Limited, Inc. and its
        affiliates (the "Employers") who are at least 21 years of age and have
        completed 1,000 or more hours of service during their first
        consecutive twelve months of employment or any calendar year beginning
        in or after their first consecutive twelve months of employment.
        Certain employees of the Employers, who are covered by a collective
        bargaining agreement, are not eligible to participate in the Plan. At
        December 31, 1993, there were 20,446 participants in the Plan.

     Effective January 1, 1992, the plans of affiliates, except Fulcrum
        Management Group Savings and Retirement Plan, were merged and all
        assets and liabilities of the affiliate plans were pooled into the
        Plan. Effective January 1, 1993, the Fulcrum Management Group Savings
        and Retirement Plan was merged into the Plan.

     On August 31, 1993, The Limited, Inc. sold 60% of its interest in
        Brylane, Inc. and the assets and liabilities allocated to the
        employees of Brylane, Inc. and its affiliates were transferred to the
        Brylane L.P. Savings and Retirement Plan.

     The following description of the Plan provides only general information.
        Participants should refer to the Plan document for a more complete
        description of the Plan's provisions. The Plan is subject to the
        provisions of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974
        (ERISA) as amended.

     Amendments
     ----------

     Effective May 1, 1991, the Plan was amended and restated to restrict
        certain transactions for participants defined by the Plan to have
        insider information.

     Effective January 1, 1992, the Plan was amended and restated to, among
        other things, (1) change the sponsorship of the Plan to the Limited
        Service Corporation from The Limited, Inc., (2) rename the Plan The
        Limited, Inc. Savings and Retirement Plan from The Limited Stores
        Savings and Retirement Plan and (3) change the Employers' retirement
        contributions as noted under "Employer Contributions" below.

     Effective April 1, 1992, the Plan was amended and restated to, among
        other things, (1) allow participants to change investment directions
        quarterly and in 1% increments from semi-annually and 10%, (2) allow
        participants to direct the investment of the Employers' retirement
        contribution and (3) allow the payment of benefits as noted under
        "Payment of Benefits" below.

     Contributions
     -------------

     Employer Contributions:

     The Employers may provide a non-service related retirement contribution
        of 4% of annual compensation up to the Social Security wage base and
        7% of annual compensation after that and a service related retirement
        contribution of 1% of annual compensation for participants who have
        completed five or more years of vesting service as of the last day of
        the Plan year. Participants who complete 500 hours of service during
        the Plan year and are participants on the last day of the Plan year
        are eligible. The annual compensation of each participant taken into
        account under the Plan is limited to the first $200,000 adjusted
        annually based on the cost of living adjustment. The annual
        compensation limit for the Plan year ended December 31, 1993, was
        $235,840. Prior to the amendments effective January 1, 1992 there was
        no service related retirement contribution.

                                     F-6
<PAGE>
 
     The Employers may provide a matching contribution of 100% of the
        participant's voluntary contributions up to 3% of the participant's
        total annual compensation.

     Participant Voluntary Contributions:

     A participant may elect to make a voluntary tax-deferred contribution of
        1% to 6% of his or her annual compensation up to the maximum permitted
        under Section 402(g) of the Internal Revenue Code adjusted annually
        ($8,994 at December 31, 1993). This voluntary tax-deferred
        contribution may be limited by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue
        Code and, if so limited, a participant may elect to make up the
        difference through an additional voluntary non-tax-deferred cash
        contribution.

     A participant earning annually more than $64,245, $62,345 and $60,535,
        for the years ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991, respectively,
        may be limited to voluntary contributions to the Plan of less than 6%
        due to requirements by Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code
        based on the current levels of participant voluntary contributions.

     Vesting
     -------

     A participant is fully and immediately vested for voluntary and rollover
        contributions. A summary of vesting percentages in the Employers'
        contributions follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
        Years of Vested Service                     Percentage
        -------------------------                   -----------
        <S>                                         <C>
        Less than 3 years                                  0%
        3 years                                           20
        4 years                                           40
        5 years                                           60
        6 years                                           80
        7 years                                          100
</TABLE>

     Payment Of Benefits
     -------------------

     The full value of participants' accounts becomes payable upon retirement,
        disability, or death. Upon termination of employment for any other
        reason, participants' accounts, to the extent vested, become payable.
        Those participants with vested account balances greater than $3,500
        have the option to leave their accounts invested in the Plan until age
        65. All benefits shall be paid as a lump-sum distribution. Those
        participants holding greater than 100 shares of Employer Securities
        will be distributed in shares. Prior to the amendment effective April
        1, 1992, participants had the option to receive cash in lieu of
        shares. Effective January 1, 1993, participants have the option to
        have their benefit paid directly to an eligible retirement plan
        specified by the participant.

     A participant who is fully vested in his or her account and who has
        participated in the Plan for a least five years may obtain an in-service
        withdrawal from their account based on the percentage amounts designated
        by the Plan. A participant may also request a hardship distribution due
        to an immediate and heavy financial need based on the terms of the Plan.

     Amounts Allocated Participants Withdrawn from the Plan
     ------------------------------------------------------

     The vested portion of net assets available for plan benefits allocated to
        participants withdrawn from the plan as of December 31, 1993, is set
        forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                   Fixed
                                     Limited      Income     Indexed    World
                          Total     Stock Fund     Fund        Fund      Fund
                        ----------  ----------  ----------  ---------  ---------
     <S>                <C>         <C>         <C>         <C>        <C>
                                                           
     December 31, 1993  $2,746,868  $  964,773  $1,332,112  $ 280,308  $ 169,675
</TABLE>

                                      F-7
<PAGE>
 
     Forfeitures
     -----------

     Forfeitures are used to reduce the Employers' required contributions. In
        1993, 1992 and 1991, forfeitures utilized amounted to $2,362,621,
        $2,937,347 and $2,065,217, respectively.


     Expenses and Unallocated Earnings
     ---------------------------------

     Administrative expenses of the Plan may be paid from the Plan unless the
        Employers elect to pay such expenses. Prior to July 1, 1992, expenses
        of the Plan were paid by the Employers. Since July 1, 1992, the Plan
        has been paying these expenses from earnings not allocated to
        participants' accounts. Unallocated earnings being held as of December
        31, 1993 and 1992 are set forth below:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                    Limited    Fixed
                                     Stock     Income   Indexed    World
                           Total     Fund      Fund       Fund     Fund
                          --------  --------  --------  --------  --------
     <S>                  <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
 
     December 31, 1993    $974,367  $402,278  $289,298  $149,361  $133,430
 
     December 31, 1992    $279,153  $ 93,288  $ 51,649  $ 67,801  $ 66,415
</TABLE>

     Tax Determination
     -----------------

     The Plan obtained its latest determination letter on June 26, 1991, in
        which the Internal Revenue Service stated that the Plan, as amended and
        restated July 1, 1990, was in compliance with the applicable
        requirements of the Internal Revenue Code. The Plan has been amended
        subsequent to July 1, 1990, but no request for a new determination
        letter has been made. However, the Employers and the Plan's tax counsel
        believe that the Plan is currently designed and being operated in
        compliance with the applicable requirements of the Internal Revenue
        Code. Therefore, they believe that the Plan was qualified and the
        related trust was tax exempt as of the financial statement date.
        Accordingly, the following Federal income tax rules will apply to the
        Plan:

           Voluntary tax-deferred contributions made under the Plan by a
           participant and contributions made by the Employers to participant
           accounts are generally not taxable until such amounts are
           distributed.

           The participants are not subject to Federal income tax on interest,
           dividends, or gains in their particular accounts until distributed.

     The foregoing is only a brief summary of certain tax implications and
        applies only to Federal tax regulations currently in effect.


(2)  SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
     ------------------------------

     The Plan's financial statements are prepared on the accrual basis of
        accounting. Assets of the Plan are valued at fair value. If available,
        quoted market prices are used to value investments. The amounts for
        investments that have no quoted market price are shown at their
        estimated fair value, which is determined based on yields equivalent for
        such securities or for securities of comparable maturity, quality, and
        type as obtained from market makers. Guaranteed investment contracts
        issued by insurance companies are valued at contract value. Contract
        value represents contributions made under the contract, plus interest at
        the contract rate, less Plan withdrawals and administration expenses
        charged by the insurance companies. Master trusts are valued at the
        total fair value of the investments held by the master trust.

     Realized gains or losses on the distribution or sale of securities
        represent the difference between the average cost of such securities
        held and the fair value on the date of distribution or sale.

                                      F-8
<PAGE>
 
(3)  INVESTMENTS
     -----------

     Net unrealized appreciation, equal to the difference between cost and fair
        value of all investments held at the applicable valuation dates, is
        recognized in determining the value of each fund. The unrealized
        appreciation as of December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991 follows:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                Unrealized Appreciation
                                                -----------------------
 
                                           Limited        Fixed
                                            Stock        Income       Indexed         World       Balanced
                              Total         Fund          Fund          Fund           Fund         Fund
                          ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------  ------------
     <S>                  <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C>           <C> 
     December 31, 1993    $ 50,241,889  $ 48,376,318  $       -     $  1,598,430  $    267,141  $       -
 
     December 31, 1992    $119,696,266  $117,914,976  $       -     $  1,040,860  $    740,430  $       -
 
     December 31, 1991    $116,927,475  $115,270,437  $       -     $       -     $       -     $  1,657,038
</TABLE>

     The following is a summary of the net gain on securities sold during the
        periods ended December 31, 1993, 1992 and 1991:

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                          Limited         Fixed
                                           Stock         Income         Indexed         World
                            Total          Fund           Fund           Fund           Fund
                         -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------    -----------
   <S>                   <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>            <C>
   Period Ended                                                                   
   December 31, 1993                                                              
    Proceeds             $47,420,114    $ 4,627,603    $29,287,560     $7,187,529     $6,317,422
    Cost                  43,346,137      1,260,434     29,287,560      6,550,603      6,247,540
                         -----------    -----------    -----------     ----------     ----------
    Net Realized Gain    $ 4,073,977    $ 3,367,169    $      -        $  636,926     $   69,882
                         ===========    ===========    ===========     ==========     ==========
                                                                                  
   Period Ended                                                                   
   December 31, 1992                                                              
    Proceeds             $33,651,152    $17,863,464    $13,045,550     $1,662,911     $1,079,227
    Cost                  18,926,743      3,242,034     13,045,550      1,586,632      1,052,527
                         -----------    -----------    -----------     ----------     ----------
    Net Realized Gain    $14,724,409    $14,621,430    $      -        $   76,279     $   26,700
                         ===========    ===========    ===========     ==========     ==========
                                                                                  
   Period Ended                                                                   
   December 31, 1991                                                              
    Proceeds             $ 2,328,032    $ 2,328,032    $      -       $      -       $      -
    Cost                     135,935        135,935           -              -              -
                         -----------    -----------    -----------     ----------     ----------
    Net Realized Gain    $ 2,192,097    $ 2,192,097    $      -       $      -       $      -
                         ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========    ===========
</TABLE>

     Contributions under the Plan are invested in one of four investment funds:
        (1) The Limited Stock Fund, consisting of common stock of The Limited,
        Inc., a Delaware corporation (the "Issuer") and parent company of the
        Employers, (2) the Fixed Income Fund, which is invested in the Vanguard
        Investment Contract Trust and other guaranteed investment contracts
        issued by insurance companies, (3) the Indexed Fund, which is invested
        in the Vanguard Indexed Fund, and (4) the World Fund, which is invested
        in the Vanguard World Fund.

     Prior to April 1, 1992, the Fixed Fund was invested through a master trust
        consisting of guaranteed investment contracts issued by insurance
        companies and the Plan provided for a Balanced Fund, which was invested
        through a master trust consisting of stocks, bonds, notes, investment
        contracts, cash and cash equivalents. Effective April 1, 1992, the
        Balanced Fund was eliminated as an investment election when the Indexed
        and World Funds were offered.

     Participants' voluntary and Employers' contributions may be invested in any
        one or more of the funds, at the election of the participant. There are
        6,824 participants in the Limited Stock Fund, 14,351 in the Fixed Income
        Fund, 3,524 in the Indexed Fund, and 3,151 in the World Fund at December
        31, 1993.

                                      F-9
<PAGE>
 
     The Balanced Fund was held in The Limited, Inc. Balanced Fund Master Trust
        (the "Balanced Fund Trust") along with other balanced funds of other
        employee benefit plans of the Employers' affiliates. Effective April 1,
        1992, the Balanced Fund Trust was terminated with the assets being sold
        and cash distributed to the participating plans. The Plan's
        participation in the Balanced Fund Trust assets was based on fair value
        and monthly earnings in the Balanced Fund Trust were allocated based on
        the respective Plan's investment as of the 15th of the month.

     The Fixed Income Fund was held in The Limited Fixed Income Fund Master
        Trust (the "Fixed Income Fund Trust") along with other fixed income
        funds of other employee benefit plans of the Employers' affiliates.
        Effective April 1, 1992, the Fixed Income Fund Trust was terminated and
        the assets distributed to the respective participating plans. The Plan's
        participation in the Fixed Income Fund Trust assets was based on fair
        value and monthly earnings in the Fixed Income Fund Trust were allocated
        based on the respective Plan's investment as of the 15th of the month in
        each of the investment pools within the Fixed Income Fund Trust.

 
(4)  PLAN ADMINISTRATION
     -------------------

     The Plan is administered by a Committee, the members of which are appointed
        by the Board of Directors of the Employers.


(5)  PLAN TERMINATION
     ----------------

     Although the Employers have not expressed any intent, the Employers have
        the right under the Plan to discontinue their contributions at any time.
        The Limited, Inc. has the right any time, by action of its Board of
        Directors, to terminate the Plan subject to provisions of ERISA. Upon
        Plan termination or partial termination, participants will become fully
        vested in their accounts.

                                      F-10


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