SHOE CARNIVAL INC
8-K, 1997-06-09
SHOE STORES
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                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

                              Washington, DC 20549

                                    FORM 8-K

                                 CURRENT REPORT

                       Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
                       the Securities Exchange Act of 1934


Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported):  June 9, 1997 (May 15, 1997)
                                                                


                               Shoe Carnival, Inc.
             (Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)



         Indiana                          0-21360               35-1736614
(State or other jurisdiction            (Commission           (IRS Employer
    of incorporation)                   File Number)        Identification No.)
                                                              



8233 Baumgart Road, Evansville, Indiana                                 47711
(Address of principal executive offices)                             (Zip Code)



Registrant's telephone number, including area code:             (812) 867-6471
                                                                 

<PAGE>


Item 5.  Other Events

      Shoe  Carnival,  Inc.  announced on May 15, 1997 that its founder and Vice
Chairman,  David H. Russell, retired from the Company effective May 1, 1997. Mr.
Russell will continue to serve on the Board of Directors.  In  conjunction  with
his  retirement  the Company made a lump-sum  payment of $420,000 to Mr. Russell
and has forgiven a loan and other  receivables  totaling  $209,140.  Mr. Russell
will serve as a consultant to the Company's management for a term of three years
and will receive compensation of $50,000 per year. Other terms of the consulting
agreement  include a  non-compete  clause for the 60 month period  following Mr.
Russell's  retirement and  restrictions on the sale or transfer of shares of the
Company's common stock acquired  pursuant to a stock option granted on April 24,
1997 for 142,000  shares of Shoe Carnival,  Inc.  Attached as an exhibit to this
report is a copy of the agreement,  which  agreement is  incorporated  herein by
reference.


Item 7(c).  Exhibits

    Exhibit No.               Description of Exhibit

        10-M               Consulting Agreement dated May 28, 1997, between
                           Registrant and David H. Russell


<PAGE>



                                   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 hereunto duly authorized.


                                                         Shoe Carnival, Inc.
                                                             (Registrant)

Date:  June 9, 1997                            By:   /s/ W. Kerry Jackson
                                                     W. Kerry Jackson
                                                     Vice President
                                                     Chief Financial Officer 
                                                     and Treasurer



<PAGE>



                                INDEX TO EXHIBITS


Exhibit No.                Exhibit

   10-M *                  Consulting Agreement dated May 28, 1997, between 
                           Registrant and David H. Russell.




*  The  indicated  exhibit  is  a  management  contract,  compensatory  plan  or
   arrangement required to be filed by Item 601 of Regulation S-K.


<PAGE>

      
                                   AGREEMENT


     This  Agreement is entered into by David H.  Russell  ("Russell")  and Shoe
Carnival, Inc. ("Shoe Carnival").

                                R E C I T A L S:
                 
     A.  Russell is the  founder  and  former  chief  executive  officer of Shoe
Carnival,  and is currently employed by Shoe Carnival as its Vice Chairman.  The
geographic scope of Russell's employment with Shoe Carnival has been coextensive
with the scope of Shoe Carnival's operations. 

     B.  During his  employment  with Shoe  Carnival,  Russell  has become  well
acquainted  with the affairs of Shoe Carnival,  its officers and employees,  its
services and business practices, the needs and requirements of its customers and
prospective customers, its trade secrets, and other proprietary and confidential
information,  and Russell has developed business  relationships and good will in
the retail footwear industry. 

     C.  Russell  and  Shoe  Carnival  have  mutually   decided  that  Russell's
employment  with Shoe  Carnival  will  terminate  effective  May 1,  1997.  Shoe
Carnival  desires to have the  continuing  benefit of Russell's  experience  and
expertise relating to certain aspects of Shoe Carnival's  business,  and to that
end,  desires  to  retain  Russell  as  a  business  consultant   following  the
termination  of his  employment,  and  Russell is willing to serve as such,  all
pursuant to the terms and conditions of this Agreement.  The geographic scope of
Russell's  duties as a consultant for Shoe Carnival will be coextensive with the
geographic scope of Shoe Carnival's operations.


<PAGE>



     D. Shoe Carnival desires to induce Russell to agree, and Russell is willing
to agree, that, except as specifically  provided in this Agreement,  he will not
engage in  competition  with,  nor serve as a  consultant  for or  employee of a
business  enterprise that is in competition  with, the business of Shoe Carnival
during the term of his  consulting  relationship  with Shoe  Carnival  and for a
period  of 24  months  thereafter,  all as more  specifically  provided  in this
Agreement.  

     E. Russell's  employment  relationship  with Shoe Carnival has been covered
by,  among other  things,  the Age  Discrimination  Employment  Act of 1967 (the
"ADEA").  To obtain certain special  severance  benefits,  Russell is willing to
waive any rights or claims  against  Shoe  Carnival  that may have arisen or may
arise under the ADEA on or before the date he signs this Agreement and any other
claims he may have against  Shoe  Carnival.  

     F. The parties  desire that Russell keep the terms and  conditions  of this
Agreement  strictly  confidential.  

     NOW,  THEREFORE,  in  consideration of the premises and in consideration of
the covenants and  agreements  recited and made in this  Agreement,  the parties
hereby agree as follows:

                               A G R E E M E N T:

     1. Termination of Employment.  Russell's employment with Shoe Carnival will
terminate  effective May 1, 1997.  Russell and Shoe Carnival agree that from the
time  Russell  signs  this  Agreement,  he will  have no  other  job  duties  or
responsibilities with Shoe Carnival outside of the consulting function described
in Paragraph 3. The preceding sentence is


                                       -2-

<PAGE>



not  intended to prohibit  Russell from  continuing  to serve as a member of the
Board of Directors of Shoe Carnival.
                  
     (a)  Automobile  Lease.  Shoe Carnival  currently  leases an automobile for
Russell's  use and has  procured  and pays the  premiums  for  insurance on that
automobile.  Russell and Shoe Carnival agree that, on or before the date Russell
executes this  Agreement,  the lease for that vehicle will be canceled,  and the
vehicle will be returned to the lessor.  Shoe  Carnival  agrees that it will pay
the  lease  cancellation   charges,   but  Russell  agrees  that  if  the  lease
cancellation  charges exceed  $15,000,  the lump sum payment  payable to Russell
under Subparagraph 3(a) of the Agreement shall be reduced by the amount by which
the lease cancellation charges exceed $15,000.

     (b) Club Memberships.  Shoe Carnival currently  maintains and pays the cost
of club  memberships  for  Russell at Oak Meadow and the  Petroleum  Club.  Shoe
Carnival  and  Russell  agree  that,  effective  May 1,  1997,  the  Oak  Meadow
membership  shall revert to Shoe  Carnival.  Shoe  Carnival and Russell  further
agree that, prior to May 1, 1997, Russell shall make arrangements, acceptable to
Shoe Carnival,  to assume  responsibility  for and pay all costs associated with
the  Petroleum  Club  membership.  Russell  hereby  agrees to indemnify and hold
harmless Shoe Carnival for any and all costs  associated with the Petroleum Club
membership  incurred  on or after  May 1,  1997.  

     2. Severance  Benefits.  Shoe Carnival will provide the following severance
benefits to Russell.  

     (a) Lump Sum Payment.  Subject to Subparagraph 1(a)of this Agreement,  Shoe
Carnival will provide severance pay to Russell in the form of a lump sum payment


                                       -3-

<PAGE>



in the amount of $430,000,  less applicable tax  withholding,  to be paid on the
later  of (1)  May 1,  1997,  or (2) the  expiration  of the  revocation  period
described in Subparagraph 5(c).
                 

     (b) Forgiveness of Indebtedness.  Shoe Carnival agrees that, effective upon
Russell's  execution of this Agreement,  it will forgive its account  receivable
from Russell in the amount of $38,046.  Shoe Carnival  further agrees that, upon
Russell's execution of this Agreement,  Shoe Carnival will forgive the principal
amount of $158,220 and all interest  (which totals $12,874  through May 1, 1997)
on that certain  promissory note from Russell to Shoe Carnival dated November 1,
1992. 

     (c) COBRA  Continuation  Coverage.  Russell will be given health  insurance
continuation  coverage rights under the federal law known as COBRA. In the event
Russell  elects  COBRA  continuation  coverage,  for  himself  or  any  eligible
dependent of Russell,  Russell will be  responsible  for paying the cost of that
continuation coverage.

     (d)  Treatment of  Termination  under Stock Option Plan.  Shoe Carnival and
Russell  hereby agree that,  in light of  Russell's  age and years of service to
Shoe  Carnival,  Russell's  termination  of  employment  shall be  deemed  to be
retirement for purposes of Shoe Carnival's 1993 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.

     3. Consulting Arrangement. Shoe Carnival hereby agrees to retain Russell as
a business consultant,  and Russell hereby agrees to serve as such, for a period
of 36 months commencing May 1, 1997 (the "Consulting Term"), upon and subject to
the terms and conditions of this Agreement.


                                       -4-


<PAGE>



     (a) Nature and Extent of Consulting Services. The consulting services to be
provided  by Russell  shall  consist of  consultation  with,  and advice to, the
officers  and  managerial  employees  of Shoe  Carnival,  as  requested  by Shoe
Carnival,   on  subjects  related  to  Shoe  Carnival's  business  affairs.  The
consulting  services  of Russell  under this  Agreement  shall be  performed  at
reasonable times when and as needed, as determined by Shoe Carnival. The parties
understand  and agree that all of the  services to be provided by Russell  under
this Paragraph 3 shall be performed by him as an independent  consultant and not
as an employee of Shoe Carnival.  Russell shall not have any authority to act as
an agent or  representative  of Shoe  Carnival,  except to the extent  expressly
authorized in writing by Shoe Carnival.
                 
     (b)  Consulting  Fees.   Conditional  upon  Russell's  performance  of  his
obligations  under  this  Paragraph  3 and his  continued  compliance  with  his
obligations  under  Paragraphs 4 and 7, Shoe Carnival  agrees to pay  consulting
fees to Russell at the annual rates  specified  below:  
  
           12 month  period  ending April 30       Annual Rate
          -----------------------------------     -------------

                       1998                          $50,000
                       1999                          $50,000
                       2000                          $50,000

Such  consulting fees shall be paid in annual  installments,  on the last day of
each twelve month period shown above,  unless  Russell and Shoe  Carnival  agree
otherwise in writing.  In the event that Russell breaches any of his obligations
under this Paragraph 3 or Paragraphs 4 or 7 of this  Agreement,  all payments to
Russell under this subparagraph 3(b) shall cease.


                                       -5-

<PAGE>



     (c) Stock  Restrictions.  Shortly  before his execution of this  Agreement,
Russell was granted stock options (the  "Options") to acquire  142,000 shares of
Shoe  Carnival,  Inc.  common  stock at fair market  value on the date of grant,
pursuant to the terms of Shoe  Carnival's  1993 Stock Option and Incentive Plan.
Russell  and Shoe  Carnival  hereby  agree that any shares of stock  acquired by
Russell  through the exercise of the Options  ("Shares")  will be subject to the
restrictions  described in the following  subparagraph (i) (the  "Restrictions")
for the period described in the following  subparagraph  (ii) (the  "Restriction
Period"): 

          (i) During the Restriction Period, Russell is prohibited from selling,
     assigning,  transferring,  or otherwise disposing of the Shares,  except as
     provided in the following sentence.  In the event that Russell breaches any
     of his  obligations  under this  Paragraph  3 or  Paragraph  4 or 7 of this
     Agreement during the Restriction Period,  Russell shall be required to sell
     to Shoe Carnival,  at the exercise price,  any Shares that are then subject
     to the Restrictions.

          (ii) The  Restriction  Period  shall be until  April  30,  1998,  with
     respect to Shares attributable to one-third of the Options; until April 30,
     1999, with respect to the Shares  attributable to one-third of the Options;
     and until  April 30,  2000,  with  respect  to the Shares  attributable  to
     one-third of the Options.

Russell and Shoe Carnival  further agree that in the event that Russell breaches
any of his  obligations  under  this  Paragraph  3 or  Paragraph  4 or 7 of this
Agreement,  any  Options  not  yet  exercised  shall  be  forfeited  by  Russell
immediately upon the breach.
                  
     (d) Health  Insurance  Coverage.  Subject  to the  condition  of  Russell's
continuing  compliance  with all of his  obligations  under this Paragraph 3 and
Paragraphs 4 and 7 of this  Agreement,  upon the  expiration of Russell's  COBRA
continuation  right under The Shoe Carnival,  Inc. Group Health  Insurance Plan,
(1) Shoe Carnival will assist


                                       -6-

<PAGE>



Russell in  procuring  health  insurance  coverage  for Russell (but not for any
dependents  of  Russell)  from  the  Indiana   Comprehensive   Health  Insurance
Association  ("ICHIA"),  a health insurance  association similar to ICHIA in the
state where Russell then resides,  or a another health insurance issuer mutually
agreeable  to Russell and Shoe  Carnival;  (2) Shoe  Carnival  will  provide all
documentation  within its control that is required to establish to the issuer of
that health insurance coverage that Russell is an "eligible  individual," within
the meaning of the federal regulations at 45 CFR Part 148; and (3) Shoe Carnival
will  pay or  reimburse  Russell  for the  premiums  for that  health  insurance
coverage, to the extent that those premiums do not exceed $7,000 per year, until
Russell becomes  eligible for Medicare.  All payments to or on behalf of Russell
pursuant to this Paragraph 3(d) shall cease,  however, in the event that Russell
breaches any of his  obligations  under this Paragraph 3 or Paragraphs 4 or 7 of
this  Agreement.  Russell  further  agrees that all  payments to or on behalf of
Russell  pursuant to this  Paragraph  3(d) shall cease in the event that Russell
becomes  eligible  for  group  health  insurance  coverage  by  reason  of other
employment  obtained by Russell.  Russell  hereby agrees to notify Shoe Carnival
promptly of his eligibility for such group health insurance coverage.

     4. Restrictive Covenant.  Russell acknowledges that the consulting services
he is to  render  pursuant  to  this  Agreement  are of a  special  and  unusual
character  with a unique  value  to Shoe  Carnival,  the  loss of  which  cannot
adequately be  compensated by damages in an action at law. In view of the unique
value to Shoe  Carnival of the services  that Russell is to provide  pursuant to
this  Agreement,  because of the  confidential  information to be obtained by or
disclosed to Russell,  and as a material  inducement  to Shoe  Carnival to enter
into a consulting


                                       -7-


<PAGE>



arrangement  with  Russell and to pay Russell the  compensation  provided for in
Paragraph 3, Russell covenants and agrees as follows:
                 
     (a)  Noncompetition  During Consulting Term. Russell agrees that during the
Consulting  Term,  he will not,  directly  or  indirectly,  whether as an owner,
stockholder  (except as the holder of 5% or less of the stock of a publicly-held
corporation),  director,  officer, partner, employee,  consultant, or otherwise,
compete or assist a third party in  competing  with Shoe  Carnival in the retail
footwear  industry within any city or town (1) in which Shoe Carnival operates a
retail location or has definitive  plans to operate a retail  location,  and (2)
with respect to which Russell renders or has rendered  services to Shoe Carnival
at any time during his  employment  with Shoe Carnival or the  Consulting  Term.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, the parties agree that Russell shall be permitted
to (1)  establish  and operate his own,  independent  retail  footwear  store in
Destin, Florida, and (2) operate retail kiosk shoe outlets of Fever, Inc. at the
following  locations:  Tyson's Corner in McLean, VA; Pentagon City in Arlington,
VA; Roosevelt Field in Long Island, NY; Garden State Plaza in Paramus,  NJ; King
of Prussia  Mall in King of  Prussia,  PA;  South  Shore  Plaza in  Boston,  MA;
Oakbrook Mall in Chicago, IL; Mall of America in Bloomington,  MN; Dadeland Mall
in Miami,  FL;  Boca Raton  Towne  Centre in Boca  Raton,  FL;  Broward  Mall in
Plantation, FL; Galleria in Dallas, TX; Galleria in Houston, TX; Fashion Mall in
Las Vegas,  NV;  University Town Center in San Diego,  CA; Fashion Valley in San
Diego,  CA;  Sherman Oaks  Galleria in Los Angeles,  CA;  Beverly Town Center in
Beverly Hills, CA; Topanga Mall in Topanga, CA; and such other locations as are,
from time to time, approved by Shoe Carnival in writing.


                                       -8-


<PAGE>



     (b)  Noncompetition  After  Consulting Term. For a period of 24 months from
the end of the Consulting  Term,  Russell agrees that he shall not,  directly or
indirectly, whether as an owner, stockholder (except as the holder of 5% or less
of the  stock  of a  publicly-held  corporation),  director,  officer,  partner,
employee,  consultant,  or  otherwise,  compete  with or assist a third party in
competing with Shoe Carnival in the retail footwear  industry within any city or
town in the United  States  (1) in which Shoe  Carnival  is  operating  a retail
location at the end of the Consulting Term or has definitive  plans to operate a
retail location within 12 months  following the end of the Consulting  Term, and
(2) with  respect to which  Russell  renders or has  rendered  services  to Shoe
Carnival at any time during his employment  with Shoe carnival or the Consulting
Term.  Notwithstanding  the  foregoing,  the parties agree that Russell shall be
permitted to (1)  establish  and operate his own,  independent  retail  footwear
store in Destin,  Florida,  and (2) operate  retail kiosk shoe outlets of Fever,
Inc. at the following locations:  Tyson's Corner in McLean, VA; Pentagon City in
Arlington,  VA;  Roosevelt  Field in Long  Island,  NY;  Garden  State  Plaza in
Paramus,  NJ; King of Prussia Mall in King of Prussia,  PA; South Shore Plaza in
Boston,  MA; Oakbrook Mall in Chicago,  IL; Mall of America in Bloomington,  MN;
Dadeland Mall in Miami,  FL; Boca Raton Towne Centre in Boca Raton,  FL; Broward
Mall in Plantation, FL; Galleria in Dallas, TX; Galleria in Houston, TX; Fashion
Mall in Las Vegas,  NV;  University Town Center in San Diego, CA; Fashion Valley
in San Diego, CA; Sherman Oaks Galleria in Los Angeles,  CA; Beverly Town Center
in Beverly Hills,  CA; Topanga Mall in Topanga,  CA; and such other locations as
are, from time to time, approved by Shoe Carnival in writing .


                                       -9-

<PAGE>



     (c) Extension of Restrictions.  If a court of competent  jurisdiction finds
that Russell has violated any of the restrictions set forth in this Paragraph 4,
then the parties agree that all such  restrictions set forth in this Paragraph 4
automatically  shall be extended  by the number of days that a court  determines
Russell  to  have  been in  violation  of such  restrictions.  

     (d)  Confidential  Information.   As  used  in  this  Agreement,  the  term
"Confidential  Information"  means any and all of Shoe Carnival's trade secrets,
confidential proprietary  information,  and all information and data that is not
generally  known to third persons not associated  with Shoe Carnival and/or that
provides  Shoe  Carnival  with  competitive  advantages.  The parties agree that
Confidential  Information  shall not cease to be  Confidential  Information  for
purposes of this Agreement  simply  because  another  individual  with a duty to
maintain the  confidentiality  of the Confidential  Information  discloses it in
violation of that duty. Russell hereby agrees that he will not at any time after
termination of his  employment  with Shoe Carnival use or disclose to any others
any of the  Confidential  Information,  except as  authorized in writing by Shoe
Carnival.  Russell  agrees  that  Shoe  Carnival  owns  all of the  Confidential
Information  and  Russell  has  no  rights,  title,  or  interest  in any of the
Confidential  Information.  Russell  agrees  that  upon the  termination  of his
employment  with Shoe  Carnival on May 1, 1997, he shall  surrender  promptly to
Shoe Carnival any and all trade secrets, internal memoranda, and other documents
in his possession disclosing any Confidential Information.


                                      -10-


<PAGE>



     (e) Remedies and Enforcement.  Russell  acknowledges  that any violation of
this Paragraph 4 by him will cause  irreparable  damage to Shoe  Carnival,  that
such damage will be incapable  of precise  measurement,  and that,  as a result,
Shoe Carnival  will not have an adequate  remedy at law to redress the harm that
such  violation  will  cause.  Therefore,  in  addition  to any other  rights or
remedies Shoe Carnival may have as a result of the violation of this Paragraph 4
by Russell,  Russell  agrees that Shoe Carnival  shall be entitled to injunctive
relief, including but not limited to temporary restraining order and preliminary
and  permanent  injunction,  to restrain any  violation  of this  Paragraph 4 by
Russell.  Russell hereby agrees and consents that such injunctive  relief may be
entered in any state or federal court of record in Vanderburgh County,  Indiana,
or in the state and county in which such  violation  may occur,  or in any other
court having jurisdiction,  at the election of Shoe Carnival,  without security.
Russell agrees and hereby does submit to personal  jurisdiction  before each and
every such court for that  purpose.  In addition to any other relief to which it
shall be entitled,  Shoe Carnival  shall be entitled to recover from Russell the
costs and  reasonable  attorneys'  fees  incurred  by Shoe  Carnival  in seeking
enforcement  of this Paragraph 4 or relief from any violation by Russell of this
Paragraph 4. 

     5.  Russell's  Waiver/Release  of ADEA  Rights and  Claims.  

     (a) Waiver and  Release.  By signing  this  Agreement,  Russell  waives any
rights or  claims  against  Shoe  Carnival  and each and all of its  affiliates,
directors, officers, agents, employees, representatives, and attorneys and their
successors,  heirs,  administrators,  and  assigns,  and all persons  acting by,
through, under, or in concert with


                                      -11-

<PAGE>



any of them  (collectively  referred to as "Releasees")  that have arisen or may
arise under the ADEA on or before the date that  Russell  signs this  Agreement.
Russell and Shoe  Carnival  specifically  agree that because  Russell  knows and
agrees that his  employment  with Shoe Carnival will end on May 1, 1997, any and
all claims concerning that event,  including but not limited to any claims under
the  ADEA,  presently  are  in  existence  and  are  hereby  being  waived.  

     (b)  Consideration  Period.  Russell  acknowledges  that Shoe  Carnival has
advised him, and he understands, that he has 21 days to consider and accept this
Agreement  by  signing  and  returning  this  Agreement  to Shoe  Carnival.  

     (c) Revocation Period.  Russell acknowledges that Shoe Carnival has advised
him, and he  understands,  that for a period of seven days  following  Russell's
signing of this  Agreement,  Russell may revoke this  Agreement.  This Agreement
shall not be  effective  or  enforceable  against  Russell  if he  revokes it by
written  notice to Shoe  Carnival  not later  than seven days after he signs it.
Russell  acknowledges  that Shoe  Carnival has advised him, and he  understands,
that this Agreement will not become binding and enforceable  until the seven day
revocation  period  referred  to in  this  subparagraph  (c)  has  expired.  

     (d) Consultation With Attorney. Russell acknowledges that Shoe Carnival has
advised him to consult with an attorney prior to signing this Agreement.

     (e) Claims Not  Released.  By executing  this  Agreement,  Russell does not
waive or release  any rights or claims  under the ADEA that may arise  after the
date Russell executes this Agreement.


                                      -12-

<PAGE>



     (f) Nonadmission.  Russell acknowledges that this Agreement and the actions
taken  pursuant to this  Agreement do not  constitute  an  acknowledgment  or an
admission on the part of Shoe  Carnival of any  liability  to Russell  under the
ADEA.
                  
     6. Russell's Waiver/Release Of All Other Claims. By signing this Agreement,
Russell  waives any rights or claims  against any and all of the Releasees  that
have  arisen or may arise on or before the date  Russell  signs this  Agreement.
Russell, for himself and his heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, also
releases and discharges  each and all of the Releasees from any and all charges,
complaints,  claims, demands,  liabilities,  obligations,  actions, or causes of
action  of  any  kind  or  nature,  whether  known  or  unknown,   suspected  or
unsuspected,  that he has asserted or could have  asserted in any form,  whether
administrative or judicial, arising out of, connected with, or incidental to any
act, omission, or event occurring in whole or in part on or prior to the date he
signs this Agreement,  including, but not limited to, any and all claims arising
from his employment  with Shoe Carnival or the  termination  of that  employment
relationship.  The  parties  intend  that the claims  released  pursuant to this
Agreement be construed as broadly as possible. Russell understands and expressly
agrees that the claims released  pursuant to this Agreement include any claim or
claims he may have for costs or attorneys'  fees in  connection  with any action
arising from or  attributable  to the matters  covered by this Agreement or this
Agreement itself. 

     7. Russell's  Covenant Not to Sue. Russell agrees and covenants not to sue,
file any complaint or charge, or bring any administrative or other kind of legal
action  whatsoever  against the  Releasees or any of them based on any claims or
facts in existence as of the date Russell signs this Agreement, whether known or
unknown, suspected or unsuspected, including


                                      -13-

<PAGE>



but not limited to any claims involving his employment with Shoe Carnival or the
termination of that employment  relationship,  and Russell expressly agrees that
if he does so, he will be in breach of this  Agreement and will pay, in addition
to any of the other remedies to which Shoe Carnival may be entitled, any and all
expenses, including legal fees, that Shoe Carnival incurs in defense of any such
action.
                 
     8.  Confidentiality.  Russell agrees to keep completely  confidential  and,
unless required by law or any lawful  authority to do so, not to disclose any of
the terms and  conditions  of this  Agreement to any person except his attorney,
accountant, or tax preparer.
             
     9.  Nonadmission.  By entering into this Agreement,  Shoe Carnival does not
admit any  liability  to Russell on any basis,  and Shoe  Carnival  specifically
denies  that it has  violated  any law,  duty,  or  contract,  or engaged in any
wrongful conduct.
         
     10.  Benefit  and  Nonassignability.  The  rights and  obligations  of Shoe
Carnival under this Agreement will inure to the benefit of Shoe Carnival and its
successors and assigns.  The rights of Russell hereunder shall not be assignable
by  Russell  but in the event of his death  shall  inure to the  benefit  of the
executor or other personal representative of his estate.
                  
     11.  Negotiated  Agreement;  Construction.  This Agreement is the result of
negotiations  among the parties,  and no party shall be deemed to be the drafter
of this  Agreement.  The  language of all parts of this  Agreement  shall in all
cases be construed as a whole,  according to its fair meaning,  and not strictly
for or against any party.
                  
     12.  Governing  Law. The terms and  conditions  of this  Agreement  and the
parties'  rights  and  obligations  hereunder  shall be  construed  under and be
governed  by the  internal  laws of the  State of  Indiana,  without  regard  to
principles of choice of law.


                                      -14-

<PAGE>



     13.  Captions.  The captions in this Agreement are for  convenience and for
identification purposes only, are not integral parts of this Agreement,  and are
not to be considered in the interpretation of any part of this Agreement.
                 
     14. Severability. The parties agree that if any provision of this Agreement
or any construction or application of any provision of this Agreement is held to
be  unenforceable  or invalid  for any reason,  then the  validity of all of the
remaining  provisions  shall not be affected,  and the rights and obligations of
each of the parties  shall be construed and enforced as if the Agreement did not
contain such invalid  provision or, as the case may be, invalid  construction or
application of such provision;  provided,  however,  that the economic and legal
substance of this Agreement is not affected in any manner materially  adverse to
any party.
                
     15. Consultation with Counsel;  Voluntary  Agreement.  Russell acknowledges
that he has had  ample  opportunity  to  consult  with an  attorney  and to make
suggestions  or changes to the terms and  language  of this  Agreement.  Russell
further acknowledges that he has read this Agreement,  knows and understands its
terms and contents, and is voluntarily entering into it.
                  
     16.  Entire  Agreement.  This  Agreement  sets forth the  entire  agreement
between  the  parties  and  fully  supersedes  any and all prior  agreements  or
understandings,  written or oral,  between the parties pertaining to the subject
matter of this Agreement.  No amendment or modification of any provision of this
Agreement pertaining to Russell shall be effective unless and until agreed to in
writing by both  Russell and Shoe  Carnival.  To be  effective,  a waiver of any
right under this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the waiving parties.


                                      -15-


<PAGE>


                  IN WITNESS WHEREOF,  this Agreement is executed as of the date
stated below.



Date: 05/28/97                                /S/ David H. Russell
                                              David H. Russell




                                              SHOE CARNIVAL, INC.


Date: 05/29/97                                By:/s/ Mark L. Lemond

                                              Title: President & CEO



                                      -16-

<PAGE>




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