FREDS INC
10-Q, 1995-09-08
VARIETY STORES
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                                   FORM 10-Q


                      SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                            Washington, D.C.  20549


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

For the quarterly period ended July 29, 1995.

                                      OR

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

For the transition period from                 to                .


Commission file number 000-19288


                                 FRED'S, INC.
            (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


              Tennessee                          62-0634010
    (State or other jurisdiction of           (I.R.S. Employer
    incorporation or organization)           Identification No.)

4300 New Getwell Rd., Memphis, Tennessee            38118
(Address of principal executive offices)          (zip code)

                                (901) 365-8880
             (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all
reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or
for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file
such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements
for the past 90 days.  Yes      X     .  No            .

The registrant had 9,335,359 shares of common stock outstanding as
of July 29, 1995.

<PAGE>
                                 FRED'S, INC.

                                     INDEX

                                                                      Page No.

Part I - Financial Information

Item 1 - Financial Statements:

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of
   July 29, 1995 and January 28, 1995                                        3

Consolidated Statements of Operations
   for the Thirteen Weeks Ended and the
   Twenty-Six Weeds Ended July 29, 1995
   and July 30, 1994                                                         4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
   for the Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July
   29, 1995 and July 30, 1994                                                5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements                                   6

Item 2 - Management's Discussion and
         Analysis of Financial Condition and
         Results of Operations                                           7 - 9

Part II - Other Information                                            10 - 11

Signatures                                                                  12

<PAGE>
                                          FRED'S, INC.

                                   CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

                                           (unaudited)

                           (in thousands, except for number of shares)

                                                    JULY 29,        JANUARY 28,
                                                     1995             1995    

ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents                         $  1,598         $  5,944
  Receivables, less allowance for 
    doubtful accounts                                  5,179            4,033
  Inventories                                         86,731           82,163
  Deferred income taxes                                1,490            1,590
  Other current assets                                   882              756
    Total current assets                              95,880           94,486

Property and equipment, at depreciated cost           51,154           49,550
Equipment under capital leases, less
 accumulated amortization                                680              951
Deferred income taxes                                  5,050            5,170
Other noncurrent assets                                1,433            1,428
                                                    $154,197         $151,585


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Accounts payable                                  $ 27,839         $ 24,324
  Current portion of indebtedness                      1,609            1,629
  Current portion of capital lease obligations           272              408
  Accrued liabilities                                  4,901            5,030
  Income taxes payable                                   339            1,042
    Total current liabilities                         34,960           32,433

Indebtedness                                           2,044            2,938
Capital lease obligations                                660              802
Other noncurrent liabilities                           1,039              955
    Total liabilities                                 38,703           37,128

Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders' equity:
   Common stock, Class A voting, no par value,
    9,335,367 shares at April 29, 1995 and
    9,307,373 shares at January 28, 1995
    issued and outstanding                            63,458          63,185
   Retained earnings                                  52,451          51,555
   Loan to ESOP                                         (142)           (283)
   Deferred compensation on
    restricted stock incentive plan                     (273)             - 
      Total shareholders' equity                     115,494         114,457
                                                    $154,197        $151,585

                   See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>
                                          FRED'S, INC.

                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

                                           (unaudited)

                            (in thousands, except per share amounts)



                               THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED      TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                               JULY 29,    JULY 30,       JULY 29,    JULY 30,
                                 1995        1994          1995         1994

Net sales                      $ 93,295    $ 88,108       $190,345    $179,012
Cost of goods sold               70,353      63,995        141,865     130,676
  Gross profit                   22,942      24,113         48,480      48,336
Selling, general and 
  administrative expenses        23,520      22,026         45,372      41,872
  Operating income (loss)          (578)      2,087          3,108       6,464
Interest expense, net               (98)         34            216          62
  Income (loss) before taxes       (676)      2,053          2,892       6,402
Provision (benefit) for 
  income taxes                     (249)        741          1,064       2,311
Net income (loss)              $   (427)   $  1,312       $  1,828    $  4,091


Net income (loss) per share    $   (.05)   $    .14       $    .20    $    .44


Weighted average number of 
 common shares and common 
 equivalent shares outstanding    9,335       9,307          9,330       9,307



                   See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>
                                          FRED'S, INC.

                              CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

                                           (unaudited)

                                         (in thousands)

                                                      TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                                                      JULY 29,       JULY 30,
                                                       1995           1994

Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net income                                         $  1,828       $  4,091
  Adjustments to reconcile net income
   to net cash flows from operating
   activities:
    Depreciation and amortization                       2,611          2,026
    Contribution to ESOP to reduce 
     ESOP loan balance                                    141            142
    Deferred income taxes                                 220          1,206
    (Increase) decrease in assets:
      Receivables                                      (1,146)          (810)
      Inventories                                      (4,568)       (13,477)
      Other current assets                               (126)           680
      Other noncurrent assets                              29            (82)
    Increase (decrease) in liabilities:
      Accounts payable                                  3,515          2,976
      Accrued liabilities                                (129)        (1,066)
      Income taxes payable                               (703)          (251)
      Other noncurrent liabilities                         84             73
       Net cash (used in) provided by
        operating activities                            1,756         (4,492)

Cash flows from investing activities:
  Additions to property, equipment and
   equipment under capital leases                      (3,978)        (5,371)
       Net cash (used in) provided by
        investing activities                           (3,978)        (5,371)

Cash flows from financing activities:
  Proceeds from borrowings and
   increase in capital lease obligations                   -           5,350
  Reduction of indebtedness and
   capital lease obligations                           (1,192)        (1,136)
  Cash dividends paid                                    (932)          (930)
       Net cash (used in) provided by
        financing activities                           (2,124)         3,284
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents       (4,346)        (6,579)
Cash and cash equivalents:
  Beginning of period                                   5,944          8,070
  End of period                                      $  1,598       $  1,491

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
  Interest paid                                      $    213       $    129
  Income taxes paid                                  $  1,547       $  1,356


                   See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements
<PAGE>
                                 FRED'S, INC.

                  NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


                                                                  
NOTE 1:  BASIS OF PRESENTATION
                                                                  

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements of
Fred's, Inc. ("Fred's" or the "Company") have been prepared in
accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and therefore do not
include all information and notes necessary for a complete
presentation of financial position, results of operations and cash
flows in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles. 
The statements do reflect all adjustments (consisting of only
normal recurring accruals) which are, in the opinion of management,
necessary for a fair presentation of financial position in
conformity with generally accepted accounting principles.  The
statements should be read in conjunction with the Notes to the
Consolidated Financial Statements for the fiscal year ended January
28, 1995 included in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K.

The results of operations for the thirteen week and twenty-six week
periods ended July 29, 1995 are not necessarily indicative of the
results to be expected for the full fiscal year.

                                                                  
NOTE 2:  NET INCOME PER SHARE
                                                                  

Net income per share is based on the weighted average number of
common shares and common equivalent shares outstanding.  See
Exhibit 11.


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

                                                                  
FINANCIAL CONDITION
                                                                  

Fred's operates 188 discount general merchandise stores in nine
states in the southeastern United States.  Eighty-five of the
stores have full service pharmacies, and there are three Fred's
Xpress stand-alone pharmacies.

Due to the seasonality of Fred's business and the continued
increase in the number of stores and pharmacies, inventories are
generally lower at year end than at each quarter end of the
following year.  As shown on the consolidated statement of cash
flows, inventories increased $4,568,000 during the twenty-six week
period ended July 29, 1995.  In addition, cash was used to fund
accounts receivable ($1,146,000), capital expenditures ($3,978,000)
incurred primarily in connection with opening new stores and
pharmacies and purchasing enhanced point-of-sale cash registers,
and cash dividends ($932,000).  The increased inventory levels and
other cash outlays were financed from net income, increased
accounts payable ($3,515,000) and existing cash.  The Company
believes that sufficient capital resources are available in both
the short-term and long-term through currently available cash and
cash generated from future operations and, if necessary, the
ability to obtain additional financing.

The Company has a $12,000,000 revolving credit commitment and a
$4,500,000 term loan.  At July 29, 1995, there were no borrowings
outstanding under the revolving credit agreement and there was
$3,515,000 outstanding under the term loan.

                                                                  
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
                                                                  

Thirteen Weeks Ended July 29, 1995 and July 30, 1994

Net sales increased from $88.1 million in 1994 to $93.3 million in
1995, an increase of $5.2 million or 5.9%.  The increase was
attributable to comparable store sales increases of 2.5% ($1.9
million) and sales by stores not yet included as comparable stores
($3.0 million).  Wholesale sales to franchisees and independents
increased $.3 million or 3.5% in 1995.

Gross profit decreased from 27.4% of sales in 1994 to 24.6% in
1995.  The Company's merchandising strategy is in a state of
transition as Fred's is simultaneously implementing an everyday
competitive pricing strategy, introducing the new Fred's Super
Dollar Store concept, and eliminating certain advertising
circulars.  Fred's has also added a new Executive Vice President of
Merchandising.  The everyday competitive pricing strategy
implemented in December 1994 included an initial wave of price
reductions primarily on highly recognizable items.  The first
quarter results reflected a 30 basis point decline in gross margins
and only minimal sales increases.  In an effort to stimulate
customer traffic and meet intense price competition during the
second quarter, Fred's initiated a substantial number of additional
price reductions and was very assertive in applying its competitive
pricing strategy to back-to-school supplies and apparel.  In
addition, more markdowns were taken during this year's second
quarter due to an aggressive clearance of spring and summer
merchandise and efforts to reduce the number of items in various
departments that are being de-emphasized.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $22.0
million in 1994 to $23.5 million in 1995 due primarily to expenses
associated with new stores and pharmacies.  As a percentage of
sales, expenses increased from 25.0% to 25.2%.

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 29, 1995 and July 30, 1994

Net sales increased from $179.0 million in 1994 to $190.3 million
in 1995, an increase of $11.3 million or 6.3%.  The increase was
attributable to comparable store sales increases of 2.7% ($4.2
million) and sales by stores not yet included as comparable stores
($6.6 million).  Wholesale sales to franchisees and independents
increased $.5 million or 2.6% in 1995.

Gross profit decreased from 27.0% of sales in 1994 to 25.5% in 1995
for the aforementioned reasons.

Selling, general and administrative expenses increased from $41.9
million in 1994 to $45.4 million in 1995 due primarily to expenses
associated with new stores and pharmacies.  As a percentage of
sales, expenses increased from 23.4% to 23.8%.


                                                                  
EFFECT OF INFLATION
                                                                  

The impact of inflation on labor and occupancy costs can
significantly affect Fred's operations.  Many of Fred's employees
are paid hourly rates related to the federal minimum wage and,
accordingly, any increase affects Fred's.  In addition, payroll
taxes, employee benefits and other employee-related costs continue
to increase.  Occupancy costs, including rent, maintenance, taxes
and insurance, also continue to rise.  Fred's believes that
maintaining adequate operating margins through a combination of
price adjustments and cost controls, careful evaluation of
occupancy needs, and efficient purchasing practices is the most 
effective tool for coping with increasing costs and expenses.


                                                                  
SEASONALITY
                                                                  

Fred's business is subject to seasonal influences, but the Company
has tended to experience less seasonal fluctuation than many other
retailers due to the Company's mix of everyday basic merchandise. 
The fourth quarter is typically the most profitable quarter because
it includes the Christmas selling season.  The overall strength of
the fourth quarter is partially mitigated, however, by the
inclusion of the month of January, which is generally the least
profitable month of the year.


                          PART II.  OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.     Legal Proceedings

              Not Applicable.

Item 2.     Changes in Securities

              Not Applicable.

Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities

              Not Applicable.

Item 4.     Submission of Matters to a Vote of Securities Holders

              The Annual Meeting of the Shareholders of Fred's, Inc.
              was held on June 15, 1995.  Michael J. Hayes, David A.
              Gardner, John R. Eisenman and Roger T. Knox were
              elected to continue as directors of the Company.  The
              shareholders also ratified the appointment of Price
              Waterhouse, LLP as independent public accountants for
              the fiscal year ending February 3, 1996.

              The results of the voting were as follows:

                                                         ABSTAIN
                                                         BROKER
                          FOR     AGAINST    WITHHELD   NON-VOTE

Election of Directors:
  Michael J. Hayes     7,450,012              86,392   1,798,963
  David A. Gardner     7,448,580              87,824   1,798,963
  John R. Eisenman     7,446,147              90,257   1,798,963
  Roger T. Knox        7,443,376              93,028   1,798,963

Appointment of Price
  Waterhouse, LLP      7,518,953  10,022       7,429   1,798,963


Item 5.     Other Information

              Not Applicable.

Item 6.     Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

              Exhibits:

                  Exhibit 10.21 -         Modification Agreement between
                                          Fred's, Inc. and Union Planters
                                          National Bank dated as of May
                                          31, 1995 (modifies the
                                          Revolving Loan and Credit
                                          Agreement included as Exhibit
                                          10.17)

                  Exhibit 10.22 -         Second Modification Agreement
                                          between Fred's, Inc. and Union
                                          Planters National Bank dated as
                                          of July 31, 1995 (modifies the
                                          Revolving Loan and Credit
                                          Agreement included as Exhibit
                                          10.17)

                  Exhibit 10.23 -         Seasonal Overline Revolving
                                          Credit Agreement between
                                          Fred's, Inc. and Union Planters
                                          National Bank dated as of July
                                          31, 1995

                  Exhibit 11 -            Computation of Net Income
                                          (Loss) Per Share

                  Exhibit 27 -            Financial Data Schedule


              Reports on Form 8-K:

                  Not Applicable.


                                  SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act
of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on
its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                    FRED'S, INC.

                                     /s/ Michael J. Hayes         
                                    Michael J. Hayes
Date:  September 6, 1995            Chief Executive Officer


                                     /s/ Bruce D. Smith           
                                    Bruce D. Smith  
Date:  September 6, 1995            Chief Financial Officer



                          EXHIBIT 10.21



                     MODIFICATION AGREEMENT

     THIS MODIFICATION AGREEMENT made and entered into this 31st
day of May 1995 to be effective as of the first day of May 1, 1995
by and between UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK, a national banking
association with its principal offices in Memphis, Tennessee
("Lender") and FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee corporation having its
offices at 4300 New Getwell Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38118
(referred to herein as "Borrower").

                           WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, Borrower is indebted to Lender for Advances made to
Borrower pursuant to a Revolving Loan made pursuant to that certain
Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement dated May 15, 1992 (herein the
"Agreement") providing for advances up to a maximum amount of
$12,000,000.00 (the "Commitment"); and,

     WHEREAS, Borrower has requested and Lender has agreed to
modify and extend the terms of the Revolving Loan.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of other
good and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:

     1.   The Agreement is amended and modified as follows:

          a.   Section 3.3 is deleted and replaced by the
          following:

                    3.3  Financial Conditions.  The consolidated
               financial statements of Borrower for the fiscal
               year ending January 28, 1995 as audited by Price
               Waterhouse including any related information
               heretofore furnished to Lender (collectively
               hereinafter the "Financial Statements"), are true,
               correct and complete and fairly present the
               financial condition of the Borrower as of the date
               of such statements.  Other than as reflected on
               such Financial Statements, Borrower has no direct
               or contingent obligations or liabilities which are
               or would be material to the financial condition of
               the Borrower, nor any material unrealized or
               unanticipated losses from any commitment of the
               Borrower.  All such Financial Statements furnished
               to Lender have been prepared in accordance with
               generally accepted accounting principles
               consistently applied throughout the periods
               involved.  Since January 28, 1995 there has been no
               material adverse change in the business or assets,
               or in the condition or prospects, financial or
               otherwise, of the Borrower from that set forth in
               said Financial Statements.

          b.   Section 3.4 is amended by adding the following:
          Except as heretofore disclosed to Lender, there are no
          suits or proceedings pending, or to the knowledge of the
          Borrower, threatened, before any court or by or before
          any governmental or regulatory authority, commission,
          bureau or agency or public regulatory body against or
          affecting the Borrower which, if adversely determined
          might have a material adverse effect on the financial
          condition or business of Borrower.

          c.   Section 3.15 is amended by adding the following:  No
          financial statement or other written document furnished
          to Lender by Borrower in connection with the Loan
          contains any untrue statement of a material fact or omits
          a material fact necessary to make the information
          contained therein not misleading.  There is no fact that
          the Borrower has not disclosed to Lender in writing that
          materially adversely affects or, so far as Borrower knows
          or can now foresee, will materially adversely affect the
          properties, business, prospects, profits or condition
          (financial or otherwise) of Borrower or the ability of
          the Borrower to perform the Agreement or pay the Note.

          d.   Section 4.3 is deleted and replaced by the
          following:  4.3 Selection of Interest Rate.  A separate
          rate shall be assigned to each individual Advance
          (excluding Credits issued and not drawn upon, but
          including any Advance made to honor a draft presented
          under any Credit) based upon the Borrower's selection of
          Interest Rate at the time of funding each individual
          Advance, between the following:

               1.   one percent (1%) less than Lender's Prime Rate
                    (which rate of interest is referred to herein
                    as the "Adjusted Prime Rate"), or
               2.   150 basis points (1.50%) in excess of LIBOR

               Selection of the Interest Rate by the Borrower shall
          result in the accrual of interest on the subject Advance
          (excluding Credits issued and not drawn upon) at the rate
          so selected for a period of thirty days, at the
          termination of which period all rates shall be calculated
          upon the basis of the Adjusted Prime Rate.  By notice to
          Lender made at least 3 days prior to the end of any
          calendar month, Borrower may select the LIBOR based rate
          to apply to all or any portion of the outstanding
          Advances (not including any Credits issued and not drawn
          upon) then subject to the Adjusted Prime Rate for the
          following calendar month (not to extend the maturity date
          of the loan facility).  Absent selection of interest rate
          by the Borrower as provided herein and notice thereof
          given to Lender, the interest rate shall be the Adjusted
          Prime Rate.

          e.   Section 4.6.1 is amended by deleting "June 1, 1992"
          and replacing said date with "June 1, 1995".

          f.   Section 4.8 is amended by deleting "$3,000,000.00"
          in the first sentence of the section and replacing said
          amount with $7,000,000.00".

          g.   Section 4.11.1 is amended by deleting "May 1, 1995"
          and replacing said date with May 1, 1998.

          h.   Section 6.1 is amended by adding the following:

               6.1.6  Promptly after the sending or filing
               thereof, copies of all financial statements and
               reports which the Borrower sends to its
               stockholders, and copies of all regular, periodic,
               and special reports and all registration statements
               which the Borrower files with the Securities and
               Exchange Commission or any governmental authority
               which may be substituted therefor, or with any
               national securities exchange.

          i.   Section 6.4.2 is amended by deleting
          "$70,000,000.00" and replacing said amount with
          "$100,000,000.00."

          j.   Section 8.2 is amended by adding the following:
          Borrower agrees not to sign a security agreement granting
          or constituting a security interest in any of its
          inventory or sign any financing statement giving notice
          of any of the foregoing nor grant, convey, or permit any
          lien, encumbrance on or pledge of its inventory.

          k.   The term "Costs" as defined in section 2.1 is
          amended to read: "Costs" shall mean all the expenses
          required by section 6.9 to be paid by Borrower.

     2.   Continuation of Terms.  Except as amended and modified
herein, the Agreement and the Loan Documents remain in full force
and effect and enforceable according to their terms; and all
Advances made by Lender and all other actions taken by Lender
pursuant to the Agreement prior to the date hereof are approved,
ratified and confirmed by Borrower.  Borrower promises to pay the
Revolving Credit Note according to its terms.

     3.   Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.  To
induce Lender to enter into this Modification Agreement and to make
the loans and extend the credit contemplated to be made pursuant to
the Agreement as modified by this Modification Agreement, Borrower
hereby makes the representations and warranties to Lender set forth
in sections 3.1 through 3.15 of the Agreement (as the same have
been and are modified and amended by this Modification Agreement),
all of which representations and warranties are incorporated herein
by reference and all of which shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Modification Agreement.

     4.   Terms.  The term "Agreement" as used in the Agreement
shall mean the Agreement as modified by this Modification
Agreement.  The Agreement and the Loan Documents constitute the
complete and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

     5.   Successors in Interest.  This Modification Agreement
shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties
hereto, their respective successors, assigns, transferee and
grantees.

     6.   Governing Law.  The interpretation and performance of
this Modification Agreement shall be governed in all respects in
accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.

     7.   Undefined Terms.  All capitalized terms not defined
herein shall have the same definitions as set forth in the
Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunto have executed this
Modification Agreement as of the day and year first above written.

                                   BORROWER:

                                   FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee
                                   Corporation

                                   By:
                                      Name:________________________

                                      Title:Chief Financial Officer


                                   LENDER:

                                   UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK


                                   By:
                                      Name:________________________

                                      Title: Vice President       


                          EXHIBIT 10.22


                  SECOND MODIFICATION AGREEMENT

     THIS SECOND MODIFICATION AGREEMENT made and entered into this
31st day of July, 1995 to be effective as of the first day of May
1, 1995 by and between UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK, a national
banking association with its principal offices in Memphis,
Tennessee ("Lender") and FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee corporation
having its offices at 4300 New Getwell Road, Memphis, Tennessee
38118 (referred to herein as "Borrower").

                           WITNESSETH:

     WHEREAS, Borrower is indebted to Lender for Advances made to
Borrower pursuant to a Revolving Loan made pursuant to that certain
Revolving Loan and Credit Agreement dated May 15, 1992 as amended
and modified by a Modification Agreement dated May 31, 1995 (herein
the "Agreement") providing for advances up to a maximum amount of
$12,000,000.00 (the "Commitment"); and,

     WHEREAS, Borrower has requested and Lender has agreed to again
modify the terms of the Revolving Loan.

     NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the premises and of other
good and valuable consideration, the adequacy and receipt of which
are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto hereby agree as
follows:

     1.   The Agreement is amended and modified as follows:

          Section 9 is amended by adding the following section:

          9.1.8 The occurrence of a Default or Event of Default
          under a Seasonal Overline Revolving Credit Agreement
          dated July 31, 1995 between Borrower and Lender.

     2.   Continuation of Terms.  Except as amended and modified
herein, the Agreement and the Loan Documents remain in full force
and effect and enforceable according to their terms; and all
Advances made by Lender and all other actions taken by Lender
pursuant to the Agreement prior to the date hereof are approved,
ratified and confirmed by Borrower.  Borrower promises to pay the
Revolving Credit Note according to its terms.

     3.   Representations and Warranties of the Borrower.  To
induce Lender to enter into this Modification Agreement and to make
the loans and extend the credit contemplated to be made pursuant to
the Agreement as modified by this Modification Agreement, Borrower
hereby makes the representations and warranties to Lender set forth
in sections 3.1 through 3.15 of the Agreement (as the same have
been and are modified and amended by this Modification Agreement),
all of which representations and warranties are incorporated herein
by reference and all of which shall survive the execution and
delivery of this Modification Agreement.

     4.   Terms.  The term "Agreement" as used in the Agreement
shall mean the Agreement as modified by this Second Modification
Agreement.  The Agreement and the Loan Documents constitute the
complete and entire understanding and agreement between the parties
with regard to the subjects hereof and thereof.

     5.   Successors in Interest.  This Second Modification
Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the
parties hereto, their respective successors, assigns, transferee
and grantees.

     6.   Governing Law.  The interpretation and performance of
this Second Modification Agreement shall be governed in all
respects in accordance with the laws of the State of Tennessee.

     7.   Undefined Terms.  All capitalized terms not defined
herein shall have the same definitions as set forth in the
Agreement.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereunto have executed this
Second Modification Agreement as of the day and year first above
written.

                                   BORROWER:

                                   FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee
                                   Corporation

                                   By:
                                      Name:________________________

                                      Title:Chief Financial Officer


                                   LENDER:

                                   UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK


                                   By:
                                      Name:________________________

                                      Title: Vice President       



                          EXHIBIT 10.23


          SEASONAL OVERLINE REVOLVING CREDIT AGREEMENT

     This Seasonal Overline Revolving Credit Agreement is made and
entered into this 31st day of July 1995 by and between

                  UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK

a national banking association which has an address at 6200 Poplar
Avenue, Memphis, Tennessee, 38119, (the "Lender"), and

              FRED'S, INC., a Tennessee corporation

having its corporate offices at 4300 New Getwell Road, Memphis,
Tennessee, 38118, (the "Borrower").


1    RECITALS

     1.1  Borrower's Operations.  The Borrower is engaged in the
general retail merchandising of goods through company-owned and
franchised stores located in the south and southeast United States. 
Included in the Borrower's operations are the import of inventory
from manufacturers outside of the United States against import
letters of credit issued for the Borrower's account.

     1.2  Application for Credit.  The Borrower has requested that
the Lender make available to it certain credit facilities described
below in order to finance its acquisition of inventory for the
acquisition of imported inventory and to generally finance the
business operations of the Borrower which request is in addition to
credit facilities made available to Borrower by Lender pursuant to
a $12,000,000.00 Commitment made pursuant to a Revolving Loan and
Credit Agreement dated May 15, 1992 as amended and modified by a
Modification Agreement dated May 31, 1995 (said Revolving Loan and
Credit Agreement and said Modification Agreement being referred to
herein collectively for convenience as "Credit Facility No. 1");
and

     1.3  Agreement of Lender.  The Lender is willing to extend the
credit facilities described below for the account of the Borrower
from time to time on the terms and conditions hereinafter set
forth;

     1.4  Agreement.  Now, therefore, in consideration of the
premises and of other good and valuable consideration, the adequacy
and receipt of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto
hereby agree as follows:


2    DEFINITIONS

     2.1  Definitions.  In addition to terms defined elsewhere in
this Agreement, the following terms shall have the meanings
indicated, which meanings shall be equally applicable to both the
singular and plural forms of such terms:

     "Advance" shall mean the drawing down by the Borrower of funds
from the Lender on any given Advance Date.

     "Advance Date" shall mean the date as of which the Bank
advances funds to or for the account of the Borrower.

     "Affiliate" of any Person shall mean any other Person which,
directly or indirectly, controls, or is controlled by, or is under
common control with, such Person.  For purposes of this definition,
"control" of any Person shall mean the power, directly or
indirectly, either to (i) vote 50% or more of the securities having
ordinary voting power for the election of directors of such Person
or (ii) direct the management and policies of such Person, whether
by contract or otherwise.  The term "Affiliate" shall include,
without limitation, any partnership of which the Borrower or any
Affiliate of the Borrower are a general partner or is a limited
partner with more than a fifty percent (50%) interest.

     "Agreement" shall mean this Credit Agreement. 

     "Borrowing Base" shall mean 50% of the Borrower's total cost
of inventory.

     "Borrowing Limit" shall mean the lesser of (a) the applicable
Commitment Limit as determined below or (b) the Borrowing Base.

     "Business Day" shall mean a day on which federally chartered
commercial banks are required to be open for business in Memphis,
Tennessee.

     "Closing Date" shall mean the date upon which this Agreement
is executed.

     "Commitment" means $9,000,000.00 which Commitment shall be
made available to Borrower in increments during periods in 1995,
both as indicated below, the total of all of such increments during
said periods being limited to the amounts ("Commitment Limit") as
indicated:

COMMITMENT INCREMENT     1995 PERIOD    COMMITMENT LIMIT

$5,000,000.00            September      $5,000,000.00
$2,000,000.00            October        $7,000,000.00
$2,000,000.00            November &     $9,000,000.00
                           December

     "Costs" shall mean all expenses required by Section 6.9 to
be paid by Borrower.

     "Default" shall mean any event which, with the lapse of
time, the giving of notice, or both, would become an Event of
Default hereunder.

     "Event of Default" shall have the meaning defined in Section
9.1.

     "Indebtedness" shall mean, for any Person, (a) all
indebtedness or other obligations of such Person for borrowed
money or for the deferred purchase price of property or services,
(b) all indebtedness or other obligations of any other Person the
payment or collection of which such Person has guaranteed (except
by reason of endorsement for collection in the ordinary course of
business) or in respect of which such Person is liable,
contingently or otherwise, including without limitation liable by
way of agreement to purchase, to provide funds for payment, to
supply funds to or otherwise to invest in such other Person, or
otherwise to assure a creditor against loss, (c) all indebtedness
or other obligations of any other Person for borrowed money or
for the deferred purchase price of property or services secured
by (or for which the holder of such indebtedness has an existing
right, contingent or otherwise, to be secured by) any mortgage,
deed of trust, pledge, lien, security interest or other charge or
encumbrance upon or in property (including without limitation
accounts and contract rights) owned by such Person, whether or
not such Person has assumed or become liable for the payment of
such indebtedness or obligations, and (d) capitalized lease
obligations of such Person.

     "Interest Rate" means with respect to any Advance the
interest rate so selected by the Borrower to be applicable
thereto or the rate otherwise applicable under the procedure set
forth in Section 4.3.

     "Inventory" shall mean finished work, replacement parts, and
any other tangible personal property held for lease or sale.

     "LIBOR" shall mean the London Inter-Bank Offering Rate as
published in the southwest edition of the Wall Street Journal on
the date of any determination of Interest Rates for a 30 day
period.  Effective on any applicable LIBOR change date the LIBOR
based Interest Rates charged the Borrower with respect to such
portion of the Loan affected shall be adjusted upwards or
downwards by a number of percentage points (and fractional parts
thereof) equal to the adjustment upward or downward in the LIBOR,
and calculated on the basis of a 360 day year; provided, however,
that the rate, as adjusted shall not exceed the maximum rate of
interest from time to time during the term hereof which Lender is
permitted by law to contract for and charge.

     "Loan" shall refer to the loan facility governed by this
Agreement.

     "Loan Account" shall mean an account on the books of the
Lender in the name of the Borrower in which shall be recorded
loans and Advances made by the Lender to and for the account of
the Borrower pursuant to this Agreement; all other charges,
expenses and other items properly chargeable to the Borrower on
account of indebtedness evidenced by the Loan Account; all Costs;
all payments made by the Borrower on account of indebtedness
evidenced by the Loan Account; all proceeds of Collateral which
are finally paid to the Lender; and other appropriate debits and
credits.

     "Loan Documents" shall mean each of this Agreement, the
Note, and each other document or instrument executed by the
Borrower in favor of the Lender in connection with the
transaction contemplated hereby, and shall include any other
supporting documentation for the Note.

     "Maturity" means January 1, 1996.

     "Note" shall mean the promissory note of Borrower in
substantially the form of the note attached hereto as Exhibit 4.7
attached hereto.

     "Net Income" of the Borrower for any period shall mean the
net income, determined in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, but in any event by deducting from the
amount of its gross income for such period all operating expenses
and other proper charges to income for such period, including
(without in any respect limiting the generality of the foregoing)
interest on all outstanding Indebtedness, amortization of debt
discount and expense, amortization of all other deferred charges
properly subject to amortization, provisions for all taxes
including taxes based on or measured by income, provisions for
all contingency reserves whether general or special, made in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (but, to
the extent that any such provision is subsequently determined to
have been unnecessary and is reversed on the books of such
Person, the amount thereof (less the amount of taxes, if any,
with respect thereto) may be included in computations of "Net
Income" subsequently made for the period in which such provision
was created), and provisions for depreciation, retirements and
obsolescence in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles and in amounts not less than those actually deducted
on the books of such Person, provided, however, that profits
realized or losses sustained from the sale or other disposition
of capital assets shall be excluded and the deduction for income
taxes shall be determined as though such profits had not been
realized and such losses had not been sustained.

     "Obligations" include, without limitation, any and all
liabilities, debts, and obligations of the Borrower to the
Lender, of each and every kind, nature and description, under
this Agreement, under any other Loan Document or under any other
agreement between the Borrower and the Lender.  "Obligations"
also includes, without limitation, any and all obligations of the
Borrower to act or to refrain from acting in accordance with the
terms, provisions, and covenants of this Agreement or of any
other agreement between the Borrower and the Lender or any other
instrument furnished by the Borrower to the Lender.  The Lender's
books and records shall be prima facie evidence of the amount of
the Borrower's Indebtedness to the Lender hereunder.

     "Person" shall mean any natural person, corporation,
unincorporated organization, trust, joint-stock company, joint
venture, association, company, partnership or government, or any
agency or political subdivision of any government.

     "Prime Rate" shall mean the Union Planters National Bank's
published reference rate in effect from time to time for
commercial loans.  Effective on the first day of each calendar
month the Prime Rate based Interest Rates charged the Borrower
shall be adjusted upward or downward by a number of percentage
points (and fractional parts thereof) equal to the adjustment
upward or downward in Union Planters National Bank's Prime Rate,
and calculated on the basis of a 360-day year; provided, however,
that the rate, as adjusted, shall not exceed the maximum rate of
interest from time to time during the term hereof, which Lender
is permitted by law to contract for and charge.

     2.2  Accounting Terms.  Accounting terms not specifically
defined in this Agreement shall have the meanings given to them
under accounting principles and practices generally accepted in
the United States, applied on a basis consistent with prior
periods.

     2.3  Other Definitional Provisions.  The words "hereof",
"herein" and "hereunder", and words of similar import when used
in this Agreement shall refer to this Agreement as a whole and
not any particular provision of this Agreement.  Any Section,
Exhibit or Schedule references are to this Agreement unless
otherwise specified.


3    REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES OF THE BORROWER

     In order to induce the Lender to enter into this Agreement
and to make the loans provided for herein, the Borrower makes the
following representations and warranties to the Lender, all of
which shall survive the execution and delivery of this Agreement
and the Note.

     3.1  Corporate Existence and Power.  The Borrower is a
corporation duly incorporated, validly existing and in good
standing under the laws of the jurisdiction of its incorporation
and is duly qualified or licensed to transact business in all
places where the nature of the properties owned by it or the
business conducted by it makes such qualification necessary or
where the failure to be so qualified or licensed might have a
material adverse effect upon the financial condition, business or
properties of the Borrower.

     3.2  Corporate Authority.  Neither the authorization,
execution, delivery, nor performance by the Borrower of this
Agreement or of the other Loan Documents, nor the performance of
the transactions contemplated hereby or thereby will violate any
provision of the corporate charter or by-laws of the Borrower,
and none of the foregoing do or will with the passage of time or
the giving of notice, result in a breach of, or result in a
default or require any consent under or result in the creation of
any lien, charge or encumbrance upon any property or assets of
the Borrower pursuant to, any instrument or agreement to which
the Borrower is a party or by which Borrower or its respective
properties may be bound or affected.

     3.3  Financial Condition.  The consolidated financial
statements of Borrower for the fiscal year ending January 28,
1995 as audited by Price Waterhouse including any related
information heretofore furnished to Lender (collectively
hereinafter the "Financial Statements"), are true, correct and
complete and fairly present the financial condition of the
Borrower as of the date of such statements.  Other than as
reflected on such Financial Statements, Borrower has no direct or
contingent obligations or liabilities which are or would be
material to the financial condition of the Borrower, nor any
material unrealized or unanticipated losses from any commitment
of the Borrower.  All such Financial Statements furnished to
Lender have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles consistently applied throughout the periods
involved.  Since January 28, 1995 there has been no material
adverse change in the business or assets, or in the condition or
prospects, financial or otherwise, of the Borrower from that set
forth in said Financial Statements.

     3.4  Pending Litigation.  Except as heretofore disclosed in
the Financial Statements provided to Lender, there are no suits
or proceedings pending, or to the knowledge of the Borrower,
threatened, before any court or by or before any governmental or
regulatory authority, commission, bureau or agency or public
regulatory body against or affecting the Borrower which if
adversely determined might have a material adverse effect on the
financial condition or business of the Borrower.

     3.5  Payment of Taxes.  The Borrower has properly prepared
and filed or caused to be properly prepared and filed all
federal, state and local tax returns which are required to be
filed and has paid all taxes shown thereon to be due.  No
extensions of any statute of limitations are in effect with
respect to any tax liability of the Borrower.

     3.6  Certain Agreements.  Borrower is not a party to any
agreement or instrument or subject to any court order or
governmental decree materially and adversely affecting its
business properties or assets, operations or condition (financial
or otherwise) in any material respect.

     3.7  Authorization, Etc.  All authorizations, consents,
approvals and licenses required under the corporate charter or
by-laws of the Borrower or under applicable law or regulation for
the ownership or operation of the property owned or operated by
the Borrower or the conduct of any business or activity conducted
by the Borrower have been duly issued and are in full force and
effect, and the Borrower is not in default, nor has any event
occurred which with the passage of time or the giving of notice,
or both, would constitute a default under any of the terms or
provisions thereof, or under any order, decree, ruling,
regulation or other decision or instrument of any governmental
commission, bureau or other administrative agency or public
regulatory body having Jurisdiction over the Borrower, which
default might have a material adverse effect on the financial
condition or business of the Borrower.  No approval, consent or
authorization of or filing or registration with any governmental
commission, bureau or other regulatory authority or agency is
required with respect to the execution, delivery or performance
of any of the Loan Documents.

     3.8  Use of Loans.  The proceeds of the Advances shall be
used exclusively for the purpose of funding the day to day
operations of the Borrower in the normal course of Borrower's
business and for the import of Inventory.

     3.9  No Violation.  The execution, delivery and performance
by the Borrower of the Loan Documents do not and will not result
in the breach of or constitute a default, which default
materially affects the financial condition of the Borrower, under
any indenture or loan or credit agreement or any other agreement
in effect as of the date hereof or any lease or instrument to
which the Borrower is a party or by which it or its properties
may be bound or affected, and do not and will not violate any
provision of law or regulation applicable to the Borrower, or any
writ, order or decree of any court or governmental or regulatory
authority or agency applicable to the Borrower.  The Borrower is
not in default, which default materially affects the financial
condition of the Borrower, in the performance, observance or
fulfillment of any of the obligations, covenants or conditions
contained in any agreement or instrument to which the Borrower is
a party, or any law, regulation, decree or order.

     3.10 Binding Effect.  Each of the Loan Documents constitutes
the legal, valid and binding obligation of the Borrower,
enforceable against the Borrower, in accordance with its
respective terms.

     3.11 Transactions With Affiliates, Officers, Directors and
Shareholders.  Except as heretofore disclosed to Lender, the
Borrower has no indebtedness to or contractual arrangement or
understanding, with any of its Affiliates, officers, directors or
shareholders.

     3.12 Ownership of Properties, Liens.  The Borrower has good
and marketable title to all its properties and assets, real and
personal, which are now carried on its books and reflected on the
Financial Statements, and has valid leasehold interests in its
properties and assets, real and personal, which it purports to
lease, subject to no mortgage, security interest, pledge, lien,
charge, encumbrance or title retention or other security
agreement or arrangement of any nature whatsoever, excluding
those liens and encumbrances previously disclosed to the Lender
in the Financial Statements and otherwise.

     3.13 Indebtedness.  Except as previously disclosed to
Lender, the Borrower has no outstanding Indebtedness.

     3.14 Capitalization.  Except as disclosed in the Financial
Statements (i) all of the issued shares of the common stock of
the Borrower have been duly authorized and validly issued, are
fully paid and non-assessable and (ii) there are no outstanding
preemptive, conversion or other rights, options, warrants or
agreements granted or issued by or binding upon the Borrower for
the purchase or acquisition of any shares of its capital stock
except any existing or contemplated Employee Stock Ownership
Plans ("ESOP").

     3.15 Accuracy of Information.  All information furnished to
the Lender by the Borrower for purposes of this Agreement or any
Loan document or any transaction contemplated hereby or thereby
is, and all such information hereinafter furnished will be, true
and accurate on the date furnished and will not omit any material
fact necessary to make such information not misleading at such
time.  No financial statement or other written document furnished
to Lender by Borrower in connection with the Loan contains any
untrue statement of a material fact or omits a material fact
necessary to make the information contained therein not
misleading.  There is no fact that the Borrower has not disclosed
to Lender in writing that materially adversely affects or, so far
as Borrower knows or can now foresee, will materially adversely
affect the properties, business, prospects, profits or condition
(financial or otherwise) of Borrower or the ability of the
Borrower to perform the Agreement or pay the Note.


4    AMOUNTS AND TERMS OF LOANS

     4.1  The Revolving Credit Loan.  The Lender agrees, upon
terms and conditions of this Agreement, to make Advances from
time to time to the Borrower in an aggregate outstanding amount
not to exceed at any time the Borrowing Limit.

     4.2  Requesting the Revolving Credit Loans.  Each Advance
shall be made either: (i) on written notice given by the Borrower
to the Lender; or (ii) in a telephonic request from Borrower,
which request shall be followed by written notice from Borrower
to Lender within five days from the telephonic request; or (iii)
by delivery of a signed check or draft against Borrower's account
with Lender (all of which written documents are referred to
herein as a "Notice of Advance"); and in any event not later than
11:00 A.M. on the day upon which the Advance is to be made.  A
Notice of Advance received by Lender after 11:OO A.M. shall be
deemed received on the next succeeding Business Day.

     4.3  Selection of Interest Rate.  A separate rate of
interest shall be assigned to each individual Advance based upon
the Borrower's selection of Interest Rate at the time of funding
each individual Advance, between the following:

          4.3.1     One percent (1%) less than Lender's Prime
                    Rate (which rate of interest is referred to
                    herein as the "Adjusted Prime Rate"), or

          4.3.2     150 basis points (1.50%) in excess of LIBOR.

     Selection of the Interest Rate by the Borrower shall result
in the accrual in interest on the subject Advance at the rate so
selected for a period of thirty days, at the termination of
which, all interest rates thereon shall be calculated upon the
basis of the Adjusted Prime Rate.  By notice to the Lender made
at least 3 days prior to the end of any calendar month, the
Borrower may elect to apply the LIBOR based rate to all or any
portion of the outstanding Advances then subject to the Prime
Rate for the following calendar month (not to extend beyond any
maturity date of the loan facility).  Absent selection of an
interest rate by the Borrower, the interest rate shall be the
Adjusted Prime Rate.

     4.4  Payment of LIBOR Based Advances.  The Borrower shall
have no privilege to repay any Advance during any period in which
the interest rate charged therein is LIBOR based unless the
Borrower agrees to reimburse the Lender for any charges imposed
upon the Lender in liquidating its position in LIBOR funds to the
extent of such repayment.  Borrower shall reimburse and indemnify
Lender for all charges imposed upon Lender to liquidate its
position in LIBOR funds with respect to any part of the Loan as
to which Borrower has selected a LIBOR based interest rate if
Lender accelerates payment of the Note for any cause.

     4.5  Payment of Interest and Charges.  The Borrower promises
to pay interest on the outstanding principal balance of all
Advances from the date of their respective fundings until the
same are repaid at a per annum rate equal to the selected
Interest Rate, subject to adjustment with any fluctuation in the
Prime Rate or LIBOR.  In addition, the Borrower promises to pay
interest on the entire outstanding principal balance of all
Advances from the date of maturity or extension hereof, whether
such maturity occurs as a result of a default or for any cause
other than or in addition to demand, at the maximum rate which
the Lender may contract for or charge on the date hereof, or on
such date, whichever is greater.

     4.6  Repayment of Principal and Interest.  The aggregate
principal amount of all Advances and interest accrued thereon
shall be due and payable in full on demand, or if no demand is
made, then as follows:

          4.6.1     Interest, in the full amount thereof accruing
     shall be due and payable in arrears monthly, on the first
     day of each calendar month (with notice to Borrower by
     Lender of the amount due and method of computation)
     commencing October 1, 1995.

          4.6.2     Principal shall be payable in full at the end
     of the term of this Agreement, whether by maturity, demand,
     or otherwise.

     4.7  Funding of Revolving Credit Loans.  Upon fulfillment of
the conditions set forth in Section 5 hereof, the Lender shall on
each Advance Date make available to the Borrower the amount of
the requested Advance (provided that the aggregate amount of all
Advances outstanding at any one time shall not exceed the
Borrowing Limit) by transfer of immediately available funds to an
account maintained by the Borrower with the Lender.  The
revolving loan Advances made by the Lender from time to time to
the Borrower under this Agreement shall be made against,
evidenced by and repaid with interest thereon in accordance with
the Note of the Borrower, a copy of which is attached hereto as
Exhibit 4.7, in an aggregate principal amount equal to the
outstanding loan balance.

     4.8  Loan Account.  Advances and payments on a Note shall be
recorded by the Lender in the Loan Account of the Borrower.  A
statement of interest due and the debit balance of the Loan
Account, disclosing the amount of Borrower's indebtedness to the
Lender from time to time by reason of Advances, loans and other
appropriate charges hereunder and showing the selected Interest
Rates, shall be delivered to the Borrower by the Lender monthly. 
The Borrower agrees to review each such statement promptly after
receipt and to bring any errors or discrepancies to the Lender's
attention promptly.

     4.9  Fees.  In addition to the Interest Rate charged the
Borrower, the Borrower shall pay to the Lender the following
fees:

          One quarter of one percent (.25%) on an annualized
          basis, applied to the average daily difference between
          the Commitment and the aggregate of all Advances
          outstanding on each day, payable monthly.

     4.10 Term.  The term of this Agreement and Lender's
Commitment hereunder shall continue until demand, or if no
demand, until Maturity at which time this Agreement shall be
terminated, and the entire principal balance of the Revolving
Loan, together with interest, fees and charges thereon shall be
due and payable in full.


5    CONDITIONS TO ADVANCE

     The Lender shall not be obligated to make any Loan or
Advance to the Borrower hereunder unless the following conditions
have been satisfied, in the reasonable opinion of Lender and its
counsel:

     5.1  Each Advance.  The obligation of the Lender to make
each Advance hereunder is subject to the following conditions
precedent, each of which shall have been met or performed on or
before the Advance Date:

          5.1.1     Borrower's Use of Other Credit Facility.  The
     Borrower shall have received loans from Lender pursuant to
     Credit Facility No. 1 and, in consequence thereof, no
     further Advances pursuant thereto are available to Borrower;
     and, no Event of Default shall have occurred and be
     continuing under Credit Facility No. 1.  (In this section
     5.1.1 all defined terms shall have the meanings set forth in
     Credit Facility No. 1.)

          5.1.2     No Default.  No Default or Event of Default
     shall have occurred and be continuing or will occur upon the
     making of the Advance.

          5.1.3     Correctness of Representations.  The
     representations and warranties made by the Borrower in this
     Agreement (with the exception of Section 3.12 and 3.13)
     shall be with the same force and effect as though such
     representations and warranties had been made on and as of
     the Advance Date.

          5.1.4     Notice of Advance.  The Borrower shall have
     delivered to the Lender the Notice of Advance provided for
     in Section 4.2 hereof.

          5.1.5     No Litigation; Certain Other Conditions. 
     There shall be no suit or proceeding pending or threatened
     before any court or by or before any governmental or
     regulatory authority, commission, bureau or agency or public
     regulatory body which suit or proceeding which, if
     determined adversely to the Borrower, could reasonably be
     expected to have a material adverse effect on the financial
     condition or business of the Borrower.

          5.1.6     No Material Adverse Change.  There shall have
     been no material adverse change in the financial condition,
     business or prospects of the Borrower since the date of the
     Financial Statements, other than disclosed in the Financial
     Statements and which change has not or cannot be remedied by
     Borrower within ninety (90) days.

          5.1.7     Borrowing Limit.  No Advance shall be made
     which would result in the total Advances exceeding the
     applicable Commitment Limit.


6    AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER

     Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of
execution of this Agreement and until the payment in full of the
principal of and interest upon the Note and all other Obligations
of Borrower to Lender hereunder:

     6.1  Reporting Requirements.  Unless the Lender shall
otherwise consent in writing, the Borrower shall prepare and
deliver to the Lender:

          6.1.1     A company prepared quarterly income statement
     and balance sheet together with year to date summaries and a
     copy of Borrower's Form 10-Q filed with the Securities
     Exchange Commission for the same quarter within 45 days of
     the end of each quarter, or as soon as the information is
     reasonably available.

          6.1.2     Audited annual financial statements including
     balance sheets and income statements prepared by a certified
     public accounting firm of national recognition within ninety
     (90) days of the end of each fiscal year.

          6.1.3     Promptly after the commencement thereof,
     notice of all actions, suits and proceedings of the type
     described in Section 5.1.5 before any court or governmental
     department, commission, board, bureau, agency or
     instrumentality, domestic or foreign, affecting the
     Borrower.

          6.1.4     As soon as possible and in any event within
     ten days after the occurrence of each Default or Event of
     Default, the statement of the chief financial officer or
     Treasurer of the Borrower setting forth details of such
     Default or Event of Default and action which the Borrower
     proposes to take with respect thereto.

          6.1.5     As soon as possible and in any event within
     ten days after the occurrence thereof, notice as to any
     other event which with the passage of time, the giving of
     notice or otherwise, could reasonably be expected to result
     in a material adverse change in the financial condition,
     business or prospects of the Borrower.

          6.1.6     Promptly after the sending or filing thereof,
     copies of all financial statements and reports which the
     Borrower sends to its stockholders, and copies of all
     regular, periodic, and special reports and all registration
     statements which the Borrower files with the Securities and
     Exchange Commission or any governmental authority which may
     be substituted therefor, or with any national securities
     exchange.

     6.2  Loan Proceeds.  The Borrower will use the proceeds of
the Loans only for the purposes set forth in this Agreement, and
will furnish the Lender with all evidence that it may reasonably
require with respect to such use.

     6.3  Maintenance of Business and Properties; Insurance.  The
Borrower will continue to engage in businesses of the same
general nature as the business engaged in by the Borrower during
the present and preceding fiscal year; at all times maintain,
preserve and protect all material franchises and trade names and
preserve all the Borrower's tangible property used or useful in
the conduct of its business and keep the same in good repair,
working order and condition, ordinary wear and tear excepted, and
from time to time make all needful and proper repairs, renewals,
replacements, betterment, and improvements thereto so that the
business carried on in connection therewith may be conducted
properly and advantageously at all times.  The Borrower shall
continue all of its current operations in its name, and the
Borrower shall not commence any operation or business in
competition with the current operations and businesses of the
Borrower.

     6.4  Financial Covenants.  The Borrower agrees to observe
and fully comply with the following financial covenants:

          6.4.1     The Borrower shall maintain its Net Income
     together with depreciation and amortization equal to at
     least 2% of its revenue.

          6.4.2     The Borrower shall at all time maintain a
     minimum shareholder's equity of at least $100,000,000.00.

     6.5  Payment of Taxes.  The Borrower will pay and discharge
all taxes, assessments, and governmental charges or levies
imposed upon the Borrower or upon its income or profits, or upon
any other properties belonging to the Borrower, prior to the date
on which penalties attach thereto, and all lawful claims which,
if unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any properties of
the Borrower.

     6.6  Compliance with Laws, etc.  The Borrower will comply
with the requirements of all applicable laws, rules, regulations
and orders of any governmental authority, noncompliance with
which might have a material adverse effect on the business,
operation or credit of the Borrower, including, without
limitation, all labor laws, environmental laws, and equal access
and disability laws.

     6.7  Books and Records.  The Borrower shall keep true and
correct records and books of account, in which entries will be
made in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles
consistently applied, reflecting all financial transactions. 
Lender or its representatives (including officers or employees of
Union Planters National Bank) shall be afforded reasonable access
to and the right to examine and copy at Lender's expense any such
books and records at any time during normal business hours upon 3
Business Days prior notice.

     6.8  Repayment of Excess Borrowing.  The Borrower agrees to
pay over to the Lender forthwith and without demand any amount by
which the Borrower's total outstanding Loans hereunder may at any
time exceed the applicable Commitment Limit.

     6.9  Payment of Expenses.  The Borrower shall pay any and
all legal fees and stamp and other taxes payable or determined to
be payable in connection with the execution and delivery of any
Loan Documents.  All obligations provided for in this Section
shall survive any termination of this Agreement.  In the event of
a Default hereunder, Borrower shall indemnify Lender against all
reasonable costs and expenses (including, without limitation,
reasonable legal fees, costs and expenses and including costs of
attending and preparing for depositions and other court
proceedings) of whatsoever kind and nature incurred by Lender in
the collection, enforcement or administration of the Loan and
this Agreement or the protection of Lender's rights.

     6.10 Payment of Legal Fees.  The Borrower shall pay any and
all legal fees and expenses determined to be payable in
connection with the Commitment and with the documentation of the
Loan.  All obligations provided for in this Section shall survive
any termination of this Agreement.

     6.11 Maintenance of Account.  The Borrower shall maintain
its primary depository relationship with the Lender throughout
the term of this Agreement.


7    NEGATIVE COVENANTS OF THE BORROWER AND GUARANTORS

     The Borrower covenants and agrees that from the date of
execution of this Agreement and until the payment in full of the
principal of and interest upon the Note, the Borrower will not,
without the prior written consent of the Lender:

     7.1  Other Contractual or Contingent Obligations or
Indebtedness.  Incur any material indebtedness to any other party
except for: (i) borrowings which are made for fixed asset
purchases and (ii) borrowings which are unsecured and wither
subordinated or otherwise made subject to or equal with the
facilities granted hereunder upon terms acceptable to the Lender.

     7.2  Borrowings in Excess of the Facility Commitments. 
Borrower shall not request Advances in an aggregate at any time
exceeding the Borrowing Base.  To the extent that the aggregate
Advances at any time exceed the Borrowing Base, the Borrower
shall repay the Advance to the extent necessary to meet the
Borrowing Base requirements.


8    SECURITY INTERESTS

     8.1  Grant of Security Interest.  It is agreed by Lender and
Borrower that the loan and credit facility provided hereunder
shall be unsecured with the exception that all documents of title
to goods acquired under the terms of the Credit facility shall,
while in possession of the Bank, constitute security for the
obligation of the Borrower to fund any drafts or repay any
Advance.  To effect such security interest, the Bank shall have
the right to hold such documents including bills of lading,
warehouse receipts, or other title documents until such time the
Borrower's obligations hereunder had been met.

     8.2  No Additional Security Interests.  Borrower shall not
borrow any additional funds or purchase any inventory on credit
terms under any program whereby a substantial portion of its
inventory should become subject to the security interest of any
third party, except for goods held on consignment.  Borrower
agrees not to sign a security agreement granting or constituting
a security interest in any of its inventory or sign any financing
statement giving notice of any of the foregoing nor grant,
convey, or permit any lien, encumbrance on or pledge of its
inventory.


9    EVENTS OF DEFAULT

     9.1  Events of Default.  The occurrence of any one of the
following events ("Events of Default") shall be an event of
default hereunder:

          9.1.1     Any representation or warranty made by the
     Borrower herein, in any other Loan Document, or in any
     certificate or report furnished by the Borrower hereunder or
     thereunder, shall prove to have been incorrect in any
     material respect when or as of when made; or

          9.1.2     Default shall be made by the Borrower in the
     payment within 10 days of the due date of any principal or
     interest installment on the Note, or in the payment, when
     due, of any other instrument relating to borrowed funds, or
     there shall be any material default under any other material
     agreement from time to time in effect between the Borrower
     and the Lender; or

          9.1.3     Default shall be made by the Borrower in any
     of its obligations under Section 6.1 (relating to reporting
     requirements) or Section 6.4 (relating to financial
     covenants) and shall not be cured within ten (10) days after
     written notice thereof by the Lender to the Borrower; or

          9.1.4     Default shall be made by the Borrower in the
     due observance or performance of any other material
     covenant, condition or agreement on the part of Borrower to
     be observed or performed under the terms of this Agreement
     and shall not be cured within thirty (30) days after written
     notice thereof by the Lender to the Borrower; or

          9.1.5     The Borrower shall (1) voluntarily terminate
     operations or apply for or consent to the appointment of, or
     the taking of possession by, a receiver, custodian, trustee
     or liquidator of the Borrower, or of all or of a substantial
     part of the assets of the Borrower, (2) admit in writing its
     inability, or be generally unable, to pay its debts as the
     debts become due, (3) make a general assignment for the
     benefit of its creditors, (4) commence a voluntary case
     under the Federal Bankruptcy Code (as now or hereafter in
     effect), (5) file a petition seeking to take advantage of
     any other law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency,
     reorganization, winding-up, or composition or adjustment of
     debts, (6) fail to controvert in a timely and appropriate
     manner, or acquiesce in writing to, any petition filed
     against it in an involuntary case under the Federal
     Bankruptcy Code or applicable state bankruptcy laws or (7)
     take any corporate action for the purpose of effecting any
     of the foregoing; or

          9.1.6     Without its application, approval or consent,
     a proceeding shall be commenced, in any court of competent
     jurisdiction, seeking in respect of the Borrower:  the
     liquidation, reorganization, dissolution, winding-up, or
     composition or readjustment of debt, the appointment of a
     trustee, receiver, liquidator or the like of the Borrower or
     of all or any substantial part of the assets of the
     Borrower, or any Affiliate or other like relief in respect
     of the Borrower under any law relating to bankruptcy,
     insolvency, reorganization, winding-up, or composition or
     adjustment of debts; and, if the proceeding is being
     contested in good faith by the Borrower, as the case may be,
     the same shall continue undismissed, or unstayed and in
     effect for any period of thirty (30) consecutive days, or an
     order for relief against the Borrower shall be entered in
     any involuntary case under the Federal Bankruptcy Code or
     applicable state bankruptcy laws; or

          9.1.7     Any foreclosure or other proceedings shall be
     commenced to enforce, execute or realize upon any lien,
     encumbrance, attachment, trustee process, mortgage or
     security interest which is (or purports to be) prior to or
     on a parity with the liens, mortgages, security interests or
     other rights in the Borrower's property created under any
     Loan Document.

          9.1.8     The occurrence of a Default or Event of
     Default under Credit Facility No. 1.

     THEREUPON, in the case of any such event, the Lender may, at
its option: (A) immediately reduce to zero the Commitment and the
applicable Commitment Limit hereunder, and/or (B) immediately
declare any Obligations not otherwise due and payable at such
time to be forthwith due and payable, whereupon the same shall
become forthwith due and payable; and, in the case of any event
described in Sections 9.1.5, 9.1.6, 9.1.7 or 9.1.8, the
Commitment and the applicable Commitment Limit shall
automatically be reduced to zero, without any action on the part
of the Lender.  Upon the declaration by the Lender that the
entire Indebtedness of the Borrower to the Lender is immediately
due and payable, any Obligation not otherwise due and payable at
such time shall become immediately due and payable without
presentment, demand, protest, or other notice of any kind, all of
which are hereby expressly waived, anything contained herein or
in the Note to the contrary notwithstanding; and, further, in
each and every such occurrence the Lender may proceed to protect
and enforce its rights by suit in equity, action or law and/or
other appropriate proceedings either for specific performance of
any covenant or condition contained in this Agreement or in any
instrument or assignment delivered to the Lender pursuant to this
Agreement, or in aid of the exercise of any power granted in this
Agreement or any instrument or assignment.


10   MISCELLANEOUS

     10.1  No Waiver, Remedies Cumulative.  No failure on the
part of the Lender to exercise and no delay in exercising any
right hereunder shall operate as a waiver thereof, nor shall any
single or partial exercise of any right hereunder preclude any
other or further exercise thereof or the exercise of any other
right.  The remedies herein provided are cumulative and are not
exclusive of any remedies provided by law.

     10.2  Survival of Representations.  All representations and
warranties made herein shall survive the making of the Loans
hereunder and the delivery of the Note.

     10.3  Notices.  Unless telephonic notice is specifically
permitted pursuant to the terms of this Agreement, any notice or
other communication hereunder to any party hereto shall be by
telegram, telephone facsimile, telex or registered or certified
mail (return receipt requested) and shall be effective upon
actual receipt.  Notice shall be in the mails, postage prepaid,
addressed to the party at its address specified in the preamble
hereto (or at any other address that such party may here after
specify to the other parties in writing).

     10.4  Tennessee Law.  This Agreement and each of the Loan
Documents shall be deemed a contract made under the law of the
State of Tennessee and shall be governed by and construed in
accordance with the internal laws of said state (without regard
to its conflict of laws rules).

     10.5  Successors and Assigns.  This Agreement shall be
binding upon and shall inure to the benefit of the Borrower and
the Lender, and their respective successors and assigns; provided
that the Borrower may not assign any of its rights hereunder.

     10.6  Counterparts.  This Agreement may be executed in any
number of counterparts and by different parties hereto in
separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and
delivered shall be deemed an original and all of which when taken
together shall constitute one and the same instrument.

     10.7  Jurisdiction, Service of Process.

          10.7.1    Any suit, action or proceeding against the
     Borrower with respect to any of the Loan Documents or any
     judgment entered by any court in respect of any thereof may
     be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction as the
     Lender (in its sole discretion) may elect, and Borrower
     hereby accepts the nonexclusive jurisdiction of such courts
     for the purpose of any suit, action or proceeding.

          10.7.2    In addition, Borrower hereby irrevocably
     waives, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any
     objection which it or they may now or hereafter have to the
     laying of venue of any suit, action or proceeding arising
     out of or relating to any of the Loan Documents or any
     judgment entered by any court in respect thereof brought in
     any court of competent jurisdiction, and hereby further
     irrevocably waives any claim that any suit, action or
     proceeding brought in any such court of competent
     jurisdiction has been brought in an inconvenient forum.

     10.8  Limit on Interest.  Anything herein or in the Note to
the contrary notwithstanding, the obligations of the Borrower
under this Agreement and the Note to the Lender shall be subject
to the limitation that payments of interest to the Lender shall
not be required to the extent that receipt of any such payment by
the Lender would be contrary to provisions of law applicable to
the Lender (if any) or the Borrower which limit the maximum rate
of interest which may be charged or collected by the Lender;
provided, however, that nothing herein shall be construed to
limit the Lender to presently existing maximum legal rates of
interest, if an increased interest rate is hereafter permitted by
reason of applicable federal or state legislation.

     10.9  Amendments, Modifications, Waivers.  This Agreement
and the other Loan Documents may be amended, modified or waived
only by a writing executed by the Lender and the Borrower.

     10.10  Headings.  The headings of this Agreement are for
convenience only and are not to affect the construction of or to
be taken into account in interpreting the substance of this
Agreement.

     10.11  Waiver of Notice, Etc.  Except to the extent that
written notice is required under the express provisions of this
Agreement, Borrower waives demand, notice, protest, notice of
loans made, credit extended, collateral received or delivered or
other action taken in reliance hereon and all other demands and
notice of any description.  With respect to the Obligations, the
Borrower assents to any extension or postponement of the time of
payment or any other indulgence, to the addition or release of
any party or persons primarily or secondarily liable, to the
acceptance of partial payment thereon and the settlement,
compromising or adjusting of any thereof, all in such manner and
at such time or times as the Lender may deem ad 'sable.

     10.12  Severability.  In the event that any one or more of
the provisions contained in this Agreement shall for any reason
be held to be invalid, illegal or unenforceable in any respect,
such invalidity, illegality or unenforceability shall not affect
any other provision of this Agreement, but this Agreement shall
be construed as if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable
provision had never been contained herein.

     10.13  Entire Agreement.  This Agreement and the other Loan
Documents constitute the full and entire understanding and
agreement between the parties with regard to the subjects hereof
and thereof.

     10.14  Limitation on Obligation to Make Advances.  Other
provisions in this Agreement to the contrary notwithstanding,
Lender shall have no obligation to make an Advance hereunder at a
rate of interest determined under section 4.3 that is less than
one percent (1.00%) over LIBOR.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have caused this
Agreement to be executed as of the date first above written.

Lender:                            Borrower:

UNION PLANTERS NATIONAL BANK       FRED'S, INC.


By:_______________________         By:______________________

Its:  Vice President               Its:  Chief Financial Officer



                                           EXHIBIT 11

                                          FRED'S, INC.

                           COMPUTATION OF NET INCOME (LOSS) PER SHARE

                                           (unaudited)
                            (in thousands, except per share amounts)



                                THIRTEEN WEEKS ENDED     TWENTY-SIX WEEKS ENDED
                                     1995      1994            1995       1994


PRIMARY NET INCOME (LOSS) 
PER SHARE

  Net income (loss)                $ (427)    $1,312         $1,828     $4,091

  Weighted average number of 
   common shares outstanding 
   during the period                9,335      9,307          9,330      9,307

  Additional shares attributable 
   to common stock equivalents         -          -              -          - 

                                    9,335      9,307          9,330      9,307

  Net income (loss) per share      $ (.05)    $  .14         $  .20     $  .44


FULLY DILUTED NET INCOME (LOSS) 
PER SHARE

  Net income (loss)                $ (427)    $1,312         $1,828     $4,091

  Weighted average number of 
   common shares outstanding 
   during the period                9,335      9,307          9,330      9,307

  Additional shares attributable 
   to common stock equivalents         -          -              -          - 

                                    9,335      9,307          9,330      9,307

  Net income (loss) per share      $ (.05)    $  .14         $  .20     $  .44



<TABLE> <S> <C>

<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
THE CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF JULY 29, 1995 (UNAUDITED) AND
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JULY 29, 1995
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<RESTATED> 
<CIK> 0000724571
<NAME> FRED'S, INC.
       
<S>                             <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          FEB-03-1996
<PERIOD-END>                               JUL-29-1995
<CASH>                                       1,598,000
<SECURITIES>                                         0
<RECEIVABLES>                                5,179,000
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                 86,731,000
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                            95,880,000
<PP&E>                                      51,154,000
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             154,197,000
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       34,960,000
<BONDS>                                      2,044,000
<COMMON>                                    63,458,000
                                0
                                          0
<OTHER-SE>                                 115,494,000
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               154,197,000
<SALES>                                     93,295,000
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                            93,295,000
<CGS>                                       70,353,000
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               70,353,000
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                     0
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              98,000
<INCOME-PRETAX>                               (676,000)
<INCOME-TAX>                                  (249,000)
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                                  0
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                  (427,000)
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     (.05)
<EPS-DILUTED>                                     (.05)
        

</TABLE>


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