UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)


þ		QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For The Quarterly Period Ended October 1, 2011


o		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: 000-23157

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)


Pennsylvania		22-3527763

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

130 A.C. Moore Drive, Berlin, New Jersey		08009

(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (856) 768-4930

N/A

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if

changed since last report)

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 þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rue 405 of Regulation S-T (232.405 of this Chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes þ No o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “non-accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):


o Large accelerated filer	o Accelerated filer	o Non-accelerated filer	þ Smaller reporting company
		(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes o No þ

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date:


		Outstanding at November 1, 2011
Common Stock, no par value		25,431,076

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page

PART I: FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements (unaudited)

Consolidated Balance Sheets as of October 1, 2011, January 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010		3

Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010		4

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Month Periods Ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010		5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements		6

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		14

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk		21

Item 4. Controls and Procedures		21

PART II: OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings		22

Item 1A. Risk Factors		23

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds		24

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities		24

Item 4. Removed and Reserved		24

Item 5. Other Information		24

Item 6. Exhibits		24

SIGNATURES		25

Exhibit 31.1
Exhibit 31.2
Exhibit 32.1
Exhibit 32.2
EX-101 INSTANCE DOCUMENT
EX-101 SCHEMA DOCUMENT
EX-101 CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
EX-101 PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION


ITEM 1.		FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands except share data)

(unaudited)


	October 1,			January 1,			October 2,
	2011			2011			2010

ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,466		$	39,970		$	25,394
Inventories		122,822			111,266			122,233
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		8,438			9,104			8,484
Deferred tax assets		1,409			2,153			2,314

		144,135			162,493			158,425


Non-current assets:
Property and equipment, net		66,870			73,771			78,236
Other assets		1,016			1,192			1,442

	$	212,021		$	237,456		$	238,103



LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Short-term debt	$	24,000		$	19,000		$	19,000
Trade accounts payable		42,214			43,131			38,586
Accrued payroll and payroll taxes		3,409			2,224			2,011
Accrued expenses		21,900			22,815			23,519
Accrued lease liability		2,030			2,478			2,478

		93,553			89,648			85,594


Non-current liabilities:
Deferred tax liability and other		1,177			1,920			2,102
Accrued lease liability		13,055			14,475			14,620

		14,232			16,395			16,722

		107,785			106,043			102,316


Commitments and contingencies

Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; none issued		—			—			—

Common stock, no par value, 40,000,000 shares authorized; shares issued and outstanding 25,431,076; 25,346,412; and 25,106,848 at October 1, 2011, January 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010, respectively		139,512			138,105			137,671

Accumulated deficit		(35,276	)		(6,692	)		(1,884	)

		104,236			131,413			135,787

	$	212,021		$	237,456		$	238,103

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands except per share data)

(unaudited)


	Quarter Ended						Nine Months Ended
	October 1,			October 2,			October 1,			October 2,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Net sales	$	99,338		$	99,669		$	301,070		$	304,888
Cost of sales (including buying and distribution costs)		59,820			56,639			174,106			173,632

Gross margin		39,518			43,030			126,964			131,256
Selling, general and administrative expenses		52,213			50,384			153,897			153,797
Store pre-opening and closing expenses		321			562			1,256			1,645

Loss from operations		(13,016	)		(7,916	)		(28,189	)		(24,186	)
Interest expense		240			245			648			711
Interest (income)		(1	)		(14	)		(16	)		(34	)

Loss before income taxes		(13,255	)		(8,147	)		(28,821	)		(24,863	)
Provision for (benefit of) income taxes		20			—			(237	)		509

Net loss	$	(13,275	)	$	(8,147	)	$	(28,584	)	$	(25,372	)


Basic net loss per share	$	(0.54	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(1.16	)	$	(1.04	)

Diluted net loss per share	$	(0.54	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(1.16	)	$	(1.04	)

Basic weighted average shares outstanding		24,734			24,494			24,674			24,413

Diluted weighted average shares outstanding		24,734			24,494			24,674			24,413

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

(unaudited)


	Nine Months Ended
	October 1,			October 2,
	2011			2010
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(28,584	)	$	(25,372	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization		12,174			11,889
Stock based compensation expense		1,512			1,166
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Inventories		(11,556	)		(175	)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets		667			1,227
Accounts payable		(917	)		1,539
Accrued payroll, payroll taxes and accrued expenses		270			(1,023	)
Accrued lease liability		(1,868	)		(2,353	)
Other		176			812


Net cash (used in) operating activities		(28,126	)		(12,290	)


Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures		(5,273	)		(8,187	)


Net cash (used in) investing activities		(5,273	)		(8,187	)


Cash flows from financing activities:
Exercise of stock options		(105	)		(81	)
Borrowing under line of credit		5,000			—


Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		4,895			(81	)


Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents		(28,504	)		(20,558	)

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period		39,970			45,952


Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	11,466		$	25,394

See accompanying notes to financial statements.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(unaudited)

(1) Basis of Presentation

The consolidated financial statements included herein include the accounts of A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. As used herein, unless the context otherwise requires, all references to “A.C. Moore,” “the Company,” “we,” “our,” “us” and similar terms in this report refer to A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. together with its subsidiaries. The Company is a specialty retailer of arts, crafts and floral merchandise for a wide range of customers. As of October 1, 2011, the Company operated a chain of 134 stores. The stores are located in the Eastern United States. The Company also serves customers nationally via its e-commerce site, www.acmoore.com.

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of expenses during the reported period and related disclosures. Significant estimates made as of and for the three and nine month periods ended October 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010 include, among others, provisions for shrinkage, capitalized buying, freight, warehousing and distribution costs related to inventory, the net realizable value of merchandise designated for clearance or slow-moving merchandise, the future rental obligations and carrying costs of closed stores and the liability for workers compensation, general liability and health insurance claims. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to correspond to current year presentation.

These financial statements have been prepared by management without audit and should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 1, 2011 (“fiscal 2010”). The current fiscal year will end on December 31, 2011 (“fiscal 2011”). Due to the seasonality of the Company’s business, the results for the interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results for the year. The Company has included its balance sheet as of October 2, 2010 to assist in viewing the Company on a full-year basis. The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect, in the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for a fair statement of the interim financial statements. In the opinion of management, all such adjustments are of a normal and recurring nature.

(2) Fair Value Measurements

Accounting standards require disclosure of the fair value of certain assets and liabilities including information about how their fair value was determined. The determination of fair value has been grouped into three broad categories referred to as levels 1, 2 and 3. The fair market value of level 1 can be determined from quoted market prices for identical assets on an active market, level 2 from quoted prices for similar assets on an active market and for level 3 from assumptions that management makes based on the best available information.

The following table provides the assets and liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis as of October 1, 2011, January 1, 2011 and October 2, 2010:


			Fair Value Measurements Using
					Significant Other		Significant
			Quoted Prices in		Observable		Unobservable		Total
	Total Carrying		Active Markets		Inputs		Inputs		Gains
(In thousands)	Value		(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)		(Losses)
Recurring
As of October 1, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	11,466	$	11,466	$	—	$	—

As of January 1, 2011
Cash and cash equivalents	$	39,970	$	39,970	$	—	$	—

As of October 2, 2010
Cash and cash equivalents	$	25,394	$	25,394	$	—	$	—

Nonrecurring
As of January 1, 2011
Long-lived assets held and used (1)	$	180	$	—	$	—	$	180	$	(905	)


(1)		Represents retail store fixed assets written down to their fair value, resulting in an impairment charge which was included in earnings for the period ended January 1, 2011.

Cash and cash equivalents, principally money market mutual funds, are measured at fair value using quoted market prices and are classified within Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. The nonrecurring remeasurement of long-lived assets represents store assets written down to fair value using a discounted cash flow model. The loss is the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds its fair value. Key management judgments and estimates used in the valuation include sales and profitability for current and future years, and rates at which to discount projected future cash flows. The fair value measurement is classified within Level 3 of the valuation hierarchy as the valuation model inputs are not observable based on readily available market data.

(3) Inventories

The Company values its inventory at the lower of cost or market, with cost determined using a weighted average method based upon the purchase order cost of merchandise at time of receipt. In addition, management includes the cost of purchasing, warehousing, and transportation in the cost of inventory. Vendor allowances, which primarily represent volume discounts and cooperative advertising funds, are recorded as a reduction in the cost of merchandise inventories. For merchandise where we are the direct importer, ocean freight and duty are included as inventory costs. These additional costs and cost adjustments are not assigned to specific units of inventory. Management uses all available information to determine the appropriate amount of net inventory costs to be recognized and deferred in each reporting period.

Perpetual inventory records are used to value store and warehouse inventories. A full physical inventory is taken at every location at least once per year and the perpetual records are adjusted to the physical counts. Estimates for inventory shrinkage from the date of the most recent physical inventory through the end of each reporting period are based on results from physical inventories and shrink trends. These estimates are updated to actual at the time of the physical inventory. Our inventory valuation methodology also requires other management estimates and judgments, such as the net realizable value of merchandise designated for clearance or slow-moving merchandise. Our adjustments to inventory cost for clearance and slow-moving merchandise is based on several factors including the quantity of merchandise on hand, sales trends and future advertising and merchandising plans. The accuracy of these estimates can be impacted by many factors, some of which are outside of management’s control, including changes in economic conditions and consumer buying trends. Based on prior experience we do not believe the assumptions used in these estimates will change significantly.

(4) Shareholders’ Equity

During the nine months ended October 1, 2011, shareholders’ equity changed as follows:


									Accumulated
									Other
	Number		Common			Accumulated			Comprehensive
(In thousands, except share data)	of Shares		Stock			Deficit			(Loss)		Total
Balance, January 1, 2011		25,346,412	$	138,105		$	(6,692	)	$	—	$	131,413
Net loss		—		—			(28,584	)		—		(28,584	)

Total comprehensive loss											$	(28,584	)
Stock-based compensation expense		—		1,512			—			—		1,512
Restricted shares — net		84,664		(105	)		—			—		(105	)

Balance, October 1, 2011		25,431,076	$	139,512		$	(35,276	)	$	—	$	104,236

(5) Financing Agreement

On March 4, 2011, the Company amended (the “WFRF amendment”) its credit agreement (the “WFRF loan agreement”) with Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC (“WFRF”) for an additional five-year term through March 4, 2016.

The WFRF loan agreement, as amended, is an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $60.0 million, with a $15.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. Interest is calculated at either adjusted LIBOR or WFRF’s base rate plus a margin of between 2.25 and 2.75 percent per annum, depending upon the level of excess availability, and WFRF’s base rate has a “floor” equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.00 percent per annum. In addition, the Company will pay an annual fee between 0.375 and 0.50 percent per annum on the amount of unused availability, also dependent on the level of excess availability. At closing the Company paid or incurred deferred financing costs of approximately $0.4 million that will be amortized over the term of the facility.

The agreement contains customary terms and conditions which, among other things, restrict the Company’s ability to incur additional indebtedness or guaranty obligations, create liens or other encumbrances, pay dividends, redeem or issue certain equity securities or change the nature of the business. In addition, there are limitations on the type of investments, acquisitions, or dispositions the Company can make. The WFRF loan agreement defines various events of default which include, without limitation, a material adverse effect (as defined in the agreement), failure to pay amounts when due, cross-default provisions, material liens or judgments, insolvency, bankruptcy or a change of control. The WFRF amendment modified certain provisions of the agreement in order to permit the Company to enter into, and perform its obligations under, contracts to effect a strategic alternatives transaction (as defined in the WFRF amendment). However, in order to consummate a strategic alternatives transaction, the Company will need to either payoff and terminate the credit facility or obtain WFRF’s consent.

As of October 1, 2011, there was $24.0 million borrowed under the line of credit, $3.1 million of outstanding stand-by letters of credit and availability of $32.9 million. As defined in the agreement, the Company is also required to maintain greater than $90.0 million in book value of inventory and have excess availability of more than 10 percent of the borrowing base or $6.0 million, whichever is less. There are no other debt service requirements during the term of this agreement.

(6) Income Taxes

The Company uses the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. The Company does business in various jurisdictions that impose income taxes. Management determines the aggregate amount of income tax expense to accrue and the amount currently payable based upon the tax statutes of each jurisdiction. This process includes adjusting income determined using generally accepted accounting principles for items that are treated differently by the applicable taxing authorities. Deferred taxes are reflected on the Company’s balance sheet for temporary differences that will reverse in subsequent years. A change in tax rates is recognized as income or expense in the period in which the change becomes effective.

Valuation allowances are recorded to reduce the carrying amount of deferred tax assets when it is more likely than not that such assets will not be realized. The Company has determined that it is necessary to record a valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets due to, among other factors, the Company’s cumulative three-year loss position. Based on its historical and continuing operating losses, the Company has recorded a 100% valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets and expects to continue to do so during fiscal 2011. As of October 1, 2011, the valuation allowance was $43.4 million. The closing of audits in the second quarter of fiscal 2011 reduced the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which resulted in a current tax benefit of $0.3 million being recorded in the second quarter of 2011.

(7) Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:


	Quarter Ended						Nine Months Ended
	October 1,			October 2,			October 1,			October 2,
(In thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2011			2010

Net loss	$	(13,275	)	$	(8,147	)	$	(28,584	)	$	(25,372	)


Weighted average shares:
Basic		24,734			24,494			24,674			24,413
Incremental shares from assumed exercise of stock options and stock appreciation rights		—			—			—			—


Diluted		24,734			24,494			24,674			24,413


Basic net loss per share	$	(0.54	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(1.16	)	$	(1.04	)


Diluted net loss per share	$	(0.54	)	$	(0.33	)	$	(1.16	)	$	(1.04	)


Stock options and stock appreciation rights excluded from calculation because exercise price was greater than average market price		2,610			2,007			2,206			2,007


Potentially dilutive shares excluded from the calculation as the result would be anti-dilutive		942			912			1,346			912

(8) Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in legal proceedings from time to time in the ordinary course of business. Management believes that none of these legal proceedings will have a materially adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations. However, there can be no assurance that future costs of such legal proceedings would not be material to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

(9) Subsequent Events

On October 3, 2011, the Company entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger with Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Nicole Crafts”), and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation and wholly-owned subsidiary of Nicole Crafts (“Sbar’s Acquisition Corp.”). Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. are affiliates of Sbar’s, Inc., a vendor of the Company (“Sbar’s”). The Merger Agreement was unanimously approved by A.C. Moore’s Board of Directors, upon the unanimous recommendation of a Special Committee of the Board, which was comprised solely of non-employee independent directors. The parties amended the merger agreement as of October 17, 2011 (such amendment, together with the Agreement and Plan of Merger dated October 3, 2011, the “Merger Agreement”).

The Offer and the Merger

Pursuant to the Merger Agreement, upon the terms and subject to the conditions thereof:

	•		Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. was required to commence a tender offer (the “Offer”) no later than October 18, 2011 to acquire all of the outstanding shares of common stock, no par value, of the Company (“Company Common Stock”) at a purchase price of $1.60 per share net to the holders thereof in cash, without interest (the “Offer Price”), subject to applicable withholding taxes; and

	•		as soon as practicable after the consummation of the Offer and subject to the satisfaction or waiver of certain conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. will merge with and into the Company (the “Merger” and, together with the Offer, the “Transactions”) with the Company continuing as the surviving corporation and a direct wholly-owned subsidiary of Nicole Crafts.

The Merger Agreement also provides that the Merger may be consummated regardless of whether the Offer is completed, but if the Offer is not completed, the Merger will only be able to be consummated after the shareholders of the Company have adopted the Merger Agreement at a meeting of shareholders. Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. commenced the tender offer on October 18, 2011.

In the Merger, each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock, other than shares held by Nicole Crafts or Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. or by shareholders who have validly exercised their dissenters rights (to the extent available under Pennsylvania law), will be converted into the right to receive cash in an amount equal to the Offer Price.

Top-Up Option

If, following completion of the Offer, Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. owns at least 80% of the then outstanding shares of Company Common Stock on a Fully-Diluted Basis (assuming the issuance of the Top-Up Option shares as described below), the parties have agreed to take all necessary and appropriate action to complete the Merger without a meeting of Company shareholders pursuant to the “short form” merger procedures available under Pennsylvania law. The Company has also granted to Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. an irrevocable option (the “Top-Up Option”), which Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. may exercise on or prior to the second Business Day after the acceptance for payment of shares of Company Common Stock tendered in the Offer, if necessary, to purchase from the Company the number of shares of Common Stock that, when added to the shares of Company Common Stock already owned by Nicole Crafts or any of its subsidiaries following consummation of the Offer, constitutes one share of Company Common Stock more than 80% of the shares of Common Stock then outstanding on a Fully-Diluted Basis (assuming the issuance of the Top-Up Option shares). In the event that Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. does not hold at least 80% of the outstanding shares of Company Common Stock following the consummation of the Offer, including through exercise of the Top-Up Option, the Company must obtain the approval of the Company’s shareholders to consummate the Merger. In this event, the Company will call and convene a shareholder meeting to obtain this approval, and Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. will vote all shares of Company Common Stock acquired by them pursuant to the Offer in favor of the adoption of the Merger Agreement and the consummation of the Merger, thereby assuring approval of the Merger.

Offer Conditions and Merger Conditions

The obligation of Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. to accept for payment and pay for all shares of Company Common Stock tendered in the Offer is subject to the satisfaction of a number of conditions set forth in the Merger Agreement, including: (i) at least 70.7% of the shares of Company Common Stock then outstanding, on a Fully-Diluted Basis, having been validly tendered in (and not withdrawn from) the Offer (the “Minimum Tender Condition”), (ii) the receipt of financing, in an amount sufficient to consummate the Offer and the Merger, by Nicole Crafts or Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. or confirmation from the lenders that such financing will be available at Closing, (iii) the absence of a Material Adverse Effect on the Company and its subsidiaries, and (iv) other customary conditions. Except for the Minimum Tender Condition, the foregoing conditions may be waived by Nicole Crafts or Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. In the event that the Minimum Tender Condition is not met, and in certain other circumstances, the parties have agreed to complete the Merger without the prior completion of the Offer, after receipt of the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast by all holders of Company Common Stock entitled to vote on the adoption of the Merger Agreement. The consummation of the Merger would be subject to similar conditions as the Offer conditions, other than the addition of the shareholder approval requirement, if the Offer Closing does not occur, and the inapplicability of the Minimum Tender Condition.

Financing of Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp.

Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. represented in the Merger Agreement that they will have available sufficient funds (including the amounts deposited in escrow pursuant to the Deposit Escrow Agreement (as defined below)) and a commitment from Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, or one or more comparable financial institutions (the “Wells Fargo Commitment”) to enable them to have sufficient funds (the “Financing”) to permit Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. to perform all of its obligations under the Merger Agreement. Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to obtain the Financing on the terms and conditions described in the Wells Fargo Commitment. If any portion of the Financing becomes unavailable on the terms and conditions contemplated by the Wells Fargo Commitment, Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. agreed to use commercially reasonable efforts to arrange and obtain alternative financing from alternative sources in an amount sufficient to consummate the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement. Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, also serves as the Deposit Escrow Agent (as defined below) under the Deposit Escrow Agreement described below. Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC is the Company’s senior secured lender.

Representations and Warranties; Covenants

The Merger Agreement includes customary representations, warranties and covenants of the Company, Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. Under the terms of the Merger Agreement, the Company has also agreed to certain covenants prohibiting the Company from soliciting, or providing information or entering into discussions concerning proposals relating to alternative business combination transactions, except in limited circumstances relating to unsolicited proposals that are, or may reasonably be expected to become, a Superior Proposal.

Termination

The Merger Agreement includes customary termination provisions for both the Company and Nicole Crafts, including, among others, by either party if the Merger is not consummated on or before December 30, 2011. The Company may also terminate the Merger Agreement in order to accept a Superior Proposal. In connection with the termination of the Merger Agreement under specified circumstances, the Company will be required to pay Nicole Crafts a termination fee of $2.0 million.

Amendment to the Merger Agreement

On October 17, 2011, the Company entered into Amendment No. 1 to the Merger Agreement (“Amendment No. 1”) with Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp.

The Merger Agreement initially provided Nicole Crafts with the right to designate directors to the Company Board in certain circumstances. Pursuant to Amendment No. 1, the parties agreed to, among other things, eliminate such right, and Amendment No. 1 provides that the Company has no obligation to enable any designee of Nicole Crafts to be elected and/or designated to the Company Board.

The Merger Agreement also provides for certain covenants applicable to the Company relating to the ordinary conduct of its business. The Merger Agreement initially provided that such covenants were to apply until the earlier of the Effective Time and the time that Nicole Crafts’ designees to the Company Board constitute at least a majority of the Company Board (the “Covenant Period”). Pursuant to Amendment No. 1, the parties agreed to modify the Covenant Period to be the earlier of the Effective Time of the Merger and three business days after the Offer Closing.

In addition, the Merger Agreement initially provided that (i) the Company would use commercially reasonable efforts to cause the Company Board to have at least three Continuing Directors in the event that Nicole Crafts’ designees are elected or designated to the Company Board until the Effective Time (the “Continuing Director Period”) and (ii) that the affirmative vote of a majority of Continuing Directors was required to take certain actions from the time that Parent’s designees are elected or designated to the Company Board until the Effective Time (the “Continuing Director Approval Period”). Pursuant to Amendment No. 1, the parties agreed (i) to modify the Continuing Director Period and the Continuing Director Approval Period to be from the date of the Offer Closing until the Effective Time and (ii) that the obligation to cause the Continuing Directors to be on the Company Board shall be Nicole Crafts’ obligation.

Deposit Escrow Agreement

Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. are newly-formed entities that were formed for the purpose of entering into the Merger Agreement with the Company and acquiring the Company. As such, in order to provide some security for the obligations of Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. to consummate the Transactions, concurrently with the execution of the Merger Agreement, a Deposit Escrow Agreement (the “Deposit Escrow Agreement”) was entered into by and among Nicole Crafts, Sbar’s Acquisition Corp., the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as deposit escrow agent (the “Deposit Escrow Agent”). Pursuant to the terms of the Deposit Escrow Agreement, Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. has deposited $20 million (the “Escrow Amount”) into an escrow account.

Pursuant to the Deposit Escrow Agreement, if the Closing does not occur on or prior to December 30, 2011, and all conditions to the obligations of Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. to consummate the Merger have been satisfied or waived, or all conditions to the obligations of the Company to consummate the Merger have not been satisfied or waived, then, subject to the Final Determination, as defined in the Deposit Escrow Agreement, the Escrow Amount will be distributed to the Company. However, if the Merger is not consummated by December 30, 2011, and all conditions to the obligations of Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. to consummate the Merger have not been satisfied or waived and all conditions to the obligations of the Company to consummate the Merger have been satisfied or waived, then, subject to the Final Determination, the Escrow Amount will be returned to Sbar’s Acquisition Corp.

Limited Guaranty

The Merger Agreement provides for customary indemnification by the Surviving Corporation in favor of the Indemnified Parties as described in the Merger Agreement. Sbar’s agreed to guarantee such indemnification obligations, subject to certain limitations, pursuant to the Limited Guaranty, dated as of October 3, 2011 (the “Guaranty”), made and delivered by Sbar’s to the Company, in favor of, and for the benefit of, the Guaranteed Parties (as defined in the Guaranty).

The Merger Agreement contains customary representations and warranties the Company, Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. made to each other as of specific dates. The assertions embodied in those representations and warranties were made solely for purposes of the contracts among the Company, Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. and may be subject to important qualifications and limitations agreed to by the Company, Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. in connection with the negotiated terms, including, but not limited to, information in confidential disclosure schedules provided by the Company in connection with the signing of the Merger Agreement. These disclosure schedules contain information that modifies, qualifies and creates exceptions to the representations and warranties set forth in the Merger Agreement. Moreover, some of those representations and warranties may not be accurate or complete as of any specified date, may be subject to a contractual standard of materiality different from those generally applicable to shareholders or may have been used for purposes of allocating risk among the Company, Nicole Crafts and Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. rather than establishing matters as facts. The Company’s shareholders and other investors are not third-party beneficiaries under the Merger Agreement and should not rely on the representations, warranties and covenants or any descriptions thereof as characterizations of the actual state of facts or conditions of the Company, Nicole Crafts, Sbar’s Acquisition Corp. or any of their respective subsidiaries or affiliates.

Further details with respect to the Merger Agreement can be found in other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission made by the Company, including, but not limited to, the Solicitation / Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 filed by the Company with the SEC on October 18, 2011 and any amendments to the Schedule 14D-9. Capitalized terms which are used in this Form 10-Q but not defined have the meanings ascribed to them in the Merger Agreement, Deposit Escrow Agreement or Guaranty.

Shareholder Demand and Litigation related to the Offer and the Merger

Subsequent to A.C. Moore’s announcement of the Merger Agreement, the board of directors of A.C. Moore (the “Board”) received a demand letter and three lawsuits have been commenced in connection with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement.

Demand Letter

On October 6, 2011, the Board received a letter (the “Demand Letter”) from David Raul (“Raul”), a purported shareholder of A.C. Moore. Raul alleged that the members of the Board had breached their fiduciary duties to A.C. Moore and its shareholders in connection with the Transactions. Raul demanded that the Board remedy the foregoing breaches of fiduciary duties. On October 12, 2011, the Board appointed a special committee to consider the allegations set forth in the demand letter. On October 26, 2011, Raul filed a putative class and derivative action lawsuit as more fully described below.

Shareholder Lawsuits

On October 11, 2011, a putative class action lawsuit captioned Provoncha v. A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., et al., Docket No. C 147-11, was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Camden County (the “Provoncha Action”). On October 26, 2011, Raul filed a putative class action and shareholder derivative lawsuit captioned Raul v. Joyce, et. al., Case ID 111003505, in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County (the “Raul Action”). On October 31, 2011, a putative shareholder derivative lawsuit captioned Heffernan v. Joyce, et al., Docket Number C 157-11, was filed in the Superior Court of New Jersey, Chancery Division, Camden County (the “Heffernan Action” and, together with the Provoncha Action and the Raul Action, the “Actions”). The complaints for the Actions name as defendants the members of the Board, Parent and Merger Sub. The Provoncha Action also names A.C. Moore as a defendant and the Raul and Heffernan Actions name A.C. Moore as a nominal defendant, as these claims were brought derivatively on behalf of A.C. Moore.

The complaints for the Actions generally allege, among other things, claims for breaches of fiduciary duties against the Board in connection with the Transactions and that Parent and Merger Sub aided and abetted the purported breaches of fiduciary duties. The complaints also allege that the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9, as amended (the “Schedule 14D-9”), filed by A.C. Moore with the SEC in connection with the Offer contains materially misleading statements and/or omits material information. The complaints generally seek, among other things, injunctive relief, including enjoining the Board, and anyone acting in concert with them, from proceeding with the transactions contemplated by the Merger Agreement and an award of attorneys’ fees and other fees and costs, in addition to other relief. A.C. Moore believes the plaintiffs’ allegations lack merit.

Memorandum of Understanding

On November 3, 2011, solely to avoid the costs, disruption, and distraction of further litigation and without admitting the validity of any allegations made in the Demand Letter or the Actions, or any liability with respect thereto or that any further supplemental disclosure is required under any applicable rule, statute, regulation or law, the parties to the Actions and the Demand Letter signed a memorandum of understanding (the “MOU”) regarding a proposed settlement of the Actions and the Demand Letter. In connection with the MOU, A.C. Moore has agreed to amend the Schedule 14D-9 to include certain supplemental disclosures (the “Supplemental Disclosures”), which A.C. Moore has included in an amendment to the Schedule 14D-9 filed on November 4, 2011 and are set forth in the Item 8.01 Form 8-K filed by A.C. Moore on November 4, 2011. The proposed settlement is contingent upon, among other items, the execution of a formal stipulation of settlement, confirmatory discovery by the plaintiffs, court approval of the settlement in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County and consummation of the transactions as set forth in the Merger Agreement. Subject to satisfaction of the conditions set forth in the MOU, the stipulation of settlement will provide that, among other things, the defendants will be released by the plaintiffs, and all members of any relevant class of A.C. Moore shareholders, from all claims arising out of the transactions, the Actions and the Demand Letter, upon which occurrence the plaintiffs in the New Jersey Actions will take all necessary steps to terminate those Actions with prejudice. The MOU further provides that A.C. Moore, its successor and/or its insurer will pay to the plaintiffs’ counsel an amount not more than $250,000 as is approved by court order, in the aggregate, for their services and disbursements in the Actions and the Demand Letter. In the event the settlement is not approved or such conditions are not satisfied, A.C. Moore intends to continue to contest the Actions and the Demand Letter vigorously; however, there can be no assurance that A.C. Moore will be successful in its defense.


ITEM 2.		MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Cautionary Statement Relating to Forward-looking Statements

Certain oral statements made by our management from time to time and certain statements contained herein or in other reports filed by us with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or incorporated by reference herein or therein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, with respect to our results of operations and our business. All such statements, other than statements of historical facts, including those regarding market trends, our financial position and results of operations, business strategy, projected costs, and plans and objectives of management for future operations, are forward-looking statements. In general, such statements are identified by the use of forward-looking words or phrases including, but not limited to, “intended,” “will,” “should,” “may,” “believes,” “expects,” “expected,” “anticipates” and “anticipated” or the negative thereof or variations thereon or similar terminology. These forward-looking statements are based on our current expectations. Although we believe that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These forward-looking statements represent our current judgment. We disclaim any intent or obligation to update our forward-looking statements. Because forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, our actual results could differ materially. For additional information concerning factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the information contained herein, reference is made to the information under Part II, “Item 1A. Risk Factors” as set forth below and in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011 as filed with the SEC. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this Cautionary Statement.

Overview

Recent Developments

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in Note 9 for a discussion of the Agreement and Plan of Merger (the “Merger Agreement”) entered into on October 3, 2011 and related agreements with Nicole Crafts LLC and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, each affiliates of Sbar’s, Inc., a vendor of the Company.

General

We are a specialty retailer of arts, crafts and floral merchandise for a wide range of customers. Our first store opened in Moorestown, New Jersey in 1985. As of October 1, 2011, we operated 134 stores in the Eastern United States. Our stores typically range from 20,000 to 25,000 square feet with an average of 22,800 square feet. We also serve customers nationally through our e-commerce site, www.acmoore.com.

Due to the importance of our peak selling season, which includes the Fall and Winter holiday seasons, the fourth quarter has historically contributed, and is expected to continue to contribute, a significant portion of our operating results for the entire year. As a result, any factors negatively affecting us during the fourth quarter of any year, including adverse weather and unfavorable economic conditions, would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations for the entire year.

Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate based upon such factors as the length of holiday seasons, the days on which holidays fall, the number and timing of new store openings, the amount of store pre-opening expenses, the amount of net sales contributed by new and existing stores, the mix of products sold, the amount of sales returns, the timing and level of markdowns and other competitive factors.

For the three months ended October 1, 2011, comparable store sales decreased by 0.7 percent, while gross margin as a percent of sales decreased by 3.4 percent over the third quarter of last year. The decline in comparable store sales was primarily due to weak sales in paper crafting and kids crafts. The sales declines in these two departments were greater than our total comparable store sales decline for the quarter. Categories that had an increase in comparable store sales for the quarter include yarn, everyday floral and cake decorating/candy making.

The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of a decline in merchandise gross margin and a reduction in vendor allowances, partially offset by improvements in inventory control and security. We remain focused on margin enhancement opportunities in 2011 by continuing our everyday shelf pricing and promotional price optimization initiatives, along with continued improvements in inventory control and security. However, competitive pressure and further deterioration in an already weakened retail environment could result in additional downward pressure on comparable store sales or cause us to be more promotional than we currently expect, which would have a negative impact on margin.

Business and Operating Strategy

We have experienced net losses in each of the last three years. These losses have primarily been the result of declines in same store sales for each of the past four years. In the third quarter of fiscal 2011, same store sales declined 0.7 percent and we had a net loss of $13.3 million. We anticipate a net loss in fiscal 2011. Management’s primary business and operating initiatives, as discussed below, are designed to address what we believe to be opportunities to improve our results. These initiatives support our focus on driving sales, improving store profitability and increasing gross margin.

Drive sales. We continue to be focused on driving sales through better execution in customer service; a broad and differentiated merchandise assortment; a high in-stock position, especially in basic craft components; and increased productivity of our integrated marketing/advertising programs.

	•		*Customer insight.* Understanding our customers’ expectations of A.C. Moore, along with product trends and customer interests, is core to our ability to develop stronger relationships and be our customers’ store of choice. We primarily utilize our social networking sites and our REWARDS loyalty program to gain consumer insight, supplemented by other studies from time to time.

	•		*Differentiated merchandise assortment.* We continually seek to identify new and unique product lines and merchandise assortments that differentiate us from our competitors. We regularly review our supplier base and product assortment to ensure that we are offering newness to our customers and enhancing the overall shopping experience.

	•		*Improved in-stock position.* A high in-stock position is critical to maximizing our sales potential and enhancing customer loyalty. Since 2007, we have invested significant resources in supply chain and inventory management systems. We continue to refine our inventory management processes to ensure we maintain high in-stock levels, especially on basic craft components that are meaningful to our customers.

	•		*Integrated marketing/advertising program.* We continue to enhance and diversify our marketing and advertising mix based on our customer and craft consumer preferences. Our marketing mix is designed to allow us to reach both current and prospective customers in an efficient manner. Diversified vehicles allow us to market more efficiently based on our customer product preferences. Through these different vehicles, we can target our marketing of promotional items, along with new products and programs, creating both sales and margin enhancement opportunities.

	•		*Promotional strategies.* We continue to test new advertising and marketing vehicles to enhance both sales and margin. While print advertising remains an important vehicle for us, we continue to build our direct marketing capabilities to drive profitable sales and traffic from both existing and prospective customers. We also continue to test other vehicles based on insight on how our customers and crafters use media.

	•		*A.C. Moore Rewards program.* Our REWARDS customer loyalty program is a key component of our marketing mix throughout the chain. We utilize this valuable tool to interact with our customers based on their purchase history and product preferences, delivering targeted product information and promotions. We believe this program assists us in increasing our share of wallet with our existing customers and enables us to differentiate ourselves from our competition.

Improve store profitability. We continue to strive to improve our store profitability. During 2011, we will continue to focus on improving store profitability using the following tactics:

	•		*Real estate portfolio strategy*. During 2011, we opened two new stores, and remodeled four stores. Management reviews opportunities to open stores in new and existing markets and to relocate or remodel existing stores where strategically prudent and economically viable. Existing stores are reviewed on a periodic basis to identify underperforming locations for potential relocation, remodeling or closure. We also continue to renegotiate existing leases with the goal of lowering the cost of occupancy in our stores, with a focus on underperforming locations.

	•		*Store operations leadership*. In fiscal 2010, we reorganized our store operations leadership team to provide more training and development capabilities within our field organization.

Increase gross margin. We are focused on increasing gross margin through the category management process where we regularly review our product mix and optimize our regular and promotional prices and supply chain.

	•		*Category management.* The category management process leverages merchandise assortment planning tools, the use of a merchandise planning calendar and an open-to-buy process focused on sales and inventory productivity.

	•		*Price optimization.* We believe we have opportunities to increase our gross margin by optimizing our regular shelf prices and employing our market basket tools to improve the profitability and sales of promotional products. We employ market price checks to ensure that we offer competitive pricing. We continue to identify opportunities to strategically improve margins.

Results of Operations

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated selected statement of operations data expressed as a percentage of net sales and the number of stores open at the end of each such period:


	Quarter Ended						Nine Months Ended
	October 1,			October 2,			October 1,			October 2,
	2011			2010			2011			2010
Net sales		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%		100.0	%
Cost of sales		60.2			56.8			57.8			56.9

Gross margin		39.8			43.2			42.2			43.1
Selling, general and administrative expenses		52.6			50.6			51.1			50.5
Store pre-opening and closing expenses		0.3			0.6			0.4			0.5

Loss from operations		(13.1	)		(8.0	)		(9.3	)		(7.9	)
Interest expense (income), net		0.2			0.2			0.2			0.2

Loss before income taxes		(13.3	)		(8.2	)		(9.5	)		(8.1	)
Provision for (benefit of) income taxes		0.0			0.0			(0.1	)		0.2

Net loss		(13.4	)%		(8.2	)%		(9.4	)%		(8.3	)%


Number of stores open at end of period		134			135

Quarter Ended October 1, 2011 Compared to Quarter Ended October 2, 2010

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $0.3 million, or 0.3%, to $99.3 million in the three months ended October 1, 2011 from $99.7 million during the three months ended October 2, 2010. This decrease is comprised of (i) a comparable store sales decrease of $0.6 million, or 0.7%, (ii) a net increase in sales of $1.8 million from new stores not included in the comparable store base and e-commerce sales, and (iii) a decrease in sales of $1.5 million from stores closed since October 2, 2010. The decline in comparable store sales was primarily due to weak sales in paper crafting and kids crafts. These department losses exceeded our total comparable store sales loss during the quarter. Categories that had an increase in comparable store sales for the quarter include yarn, everyday floral and cake decorating/candy making.

Comparable store sales increase (decrease) represents the increase (decrease) in net sales for stores open during the same period of the previous year. Stores are added to the comparable store base at the beginning of the fourteenth full month of operation. Comparable stores that are relocated or remodeled remain in the comparable store base. Stores that close are removed from the comparable store base as of the beginning of the month of closure.

Gross Margin. Gross margin is net sales minus the cost of merchandise, purchasing and receiving costs, inbound freight, duties related to import purchases, internal transfer costs and warehousing costs. Gross margin as a percent of net sales was 39.8% for the three months ended October 1, 2011, and 43.2% for the three months ended October 2, 2010, a decrease of 3.4 percentage points. The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of a decline in merchandise gross margin and reduced vendor allowances, partially offset by improvements in inventory control and security.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include (a) direct store level expenses, including rent and related operating costs, payroll, advertising, depreciation and other direct costs, and (b) corporate level costs not directly associated with or allocable to cost of sales, including executive salaries, accounting and finance, corporate information systems, office facilities, stock-based compensation and other corporate expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $52.2 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, which was an increase of $1.8 million compared to the $50.4 million of expense in the third quarter of fiscal 2010. As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses increased 2.0 percentage points to 52.6% from 50.6%. This increase was primarily the result of expenses relating to the entry into the merger agreement with affiliates of Sbar’s, Inc. announced on October 4, 2011 and the pending tender offer.

Store Pre-Opening and Closing Expenses. Store pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and include the direct incremental costs to prepare a store for opening, including labor and travel, rent and occupancy costs from the date we take possession of the property. Store closing costs include severance, inventory liquidation costs, asset related charges, lease termination payments and the net present value of future rent obligations less estimated sub-lease income.

Store pre-opening and closing expenses for the third quarter of fiscal 2011 totaled $0.3 million for the one store that closed during the quarter and revisions in the estimates for future rent obligations for stores that were closed in prior years. Fiscal 2010 third quarter expenses of $0.6 million were primarily related to the one store that opened and the one store that closed during the quarter, and ongoing operating costs for stores previously closed.

Interest Income and Expense. We had net interest expense of $0.2 million in both the third quarter of fiscal 2011 and fiscal 2010.

Income Taxes. Based upon its historical and continuing operating losses, the Company is recording a 100 percent valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets and expects to continue to do so for the remainder of fiscal 2011. The closing of the Internal Revenue Service audits described below, in the third quarter of fiscal 2011, reduced the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which resulted in a current tax benefit of $0.3 million being recorded in the second quarter of 2011.

In June of 2010, the Company reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service on all open audit issues relating to the 2003 through 2008 tax years. This agreement resulted in a $0.5 million reduction of a refund related to a previously filed net operating loss carry back claim which was recorded as income tax expense in the second quarter of 2010.

Nine Months Ended October 1, 2011 Compared to Nine Months Ended October 2, 2010

Net Sales. Net sales decreased $3.8 million, or 1.3% to $301.1 million in the nine months ended October 1, 2011 from $304.9 million in the comparable 2010 period. This decrease is comprised of (i) a comparable store sales decrease of $4.0 million, or 1.4%, (ii) an increase in net sales of $5.2 million from new stores not included in the comparable store base and e-commerce sales, and (iii) a net sales decrease of $5.0 million from stores closed since the comparable period last year. The decline in comparable store sales can be attributed to weak sales in paper crafting, kids crafts and seasonal products. Categories that had an increase in comparable store sales for the first nine months of 2011 include yarn, everyday floral and cake decorating/candy making.

Gross Margin. Gross margin is net sales minus the cost of merchandise, purchasing and receiving costs, inbound freight, duties related to import purchases, internal transfer costs and warehousing costs. Gross margin as a percent of net sales was 42.2% for the nine months ended October 1, 2011, and 43.1% for the nine months ended October 2, 2010, a decrease of 0.9 percentage points. The decrease in gross margin was primarily the result of a decline in merchandise gross margin and reduced vendor allowances, partially offset by improvements in inventory control and security.

Selling, General and Administrative Expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses include (a) direct store level expenses, including rent and related operating costs, payroll, advertising, depreciation and other direct costs, and (b) corporate level costs not directly associated with or allocable to cost of sales, including executive salaries, accounting and finance, corporate information systems, office facilities, stock-based compensation and other corporate expenses.

Selling, general and administrative expenses were $153.9 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2011, an increase of $0.1 million compared to the $153.8 million in the first three quarters of fiscal 2010. This increase was primarily attributable to an increase in store payroll and expenses relating to entry into the merger agreement with affiliates of Sbar’s, Inc. announced on October 4, 2011 and the pending tender offer, partially offset by a decrease in advertising expenses. As a percent of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses were 51.1% this year compared to 50.5% last year. This increase is the result of relatively flat expenses being measured against declining store sales.

Store Pre-Opening and Closing Expenses. Store pre-opening costs are expensed as incurred and include the direct incremental costs to prepare a store for opening, including rent and occupancy costs from the date we take possession of the property. Store closing costs include severance, inventory liquidation costs, loss on disposal of fixed assets, lease termination payments and the net present value of future rent obligations less estimated sub-lease income.

In the first nine months of 2011, store preopening and closing expense totaled $1.3 million which includes costs for the two stores opened and two stores closed during the period and expenses related to revisions in the estimates for the future rent obligations, net of sub-lease income for stores that were closed in prior years. In the first nine months of 2010, we incurred store pre-opening and closing expenses of $1.6 million which is primarily related to revisions in the estimates for the future rent obligations, net of sub-lease income for stores that were closed in prior years plus costs for the two stores that opened and the two stores that closed last year.

Interest Income and Expense. In the first nine months of 2011 the Company had net interest expense of $0.6 million compared to net interest expense of $0.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2010.

Income Taxes. Based upon its historical and continuing operating losses, the Company is recording a 100 percent valuation allowance against its net deferred tax assets and expects to continue to do so for the remainder of fiscal 2011. The closing of the Internal Revenue Service audits described below, in the second quarter of fiscal 2011, reduced the amount of unrecognized tax benefits, which resulted in a current tax benefit of $0.3 million being recorded in that quarter.

In June of 2010, the Company reached an agreement with the Internal Revenue Service on all open audit issues relating to the 2003 through 2008 tax years. This agreement resulted in a $0.5 million reduction of a refund related to a previously filed net operating loss carry back claim and was recorded as income tax expense in the second quarter of 2010.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We have experienced net losses in each of the past three years and anticipate a net loss in fiscal 2011. These losses are primarily the result of declines in same store sales for each of the last four years. In the third quarter of fiscal 2011, same store sales declined 0.7 percent and we had a net loss of $13.3 million.

One of our primary sources of liquidity is a $60.0 million credit facility provided by Wells Fargo Retail Finance, LLC (“WFRF”). On January 15, 2009, the Company entered into a credit agreement (the “WFRF loan agreement”) for a three-year term. On March 4, 2011, the parties amended the agreement (the “WFRF amendment”) for an additional five-year term through March 4, 2016.

The WFRF loan agreement, as amended, is an asset-based senior secured revolving credit facility in an aggregate principal amount of up to $60.0 million, with a $15.0 million sub-limit for letters of credit. As a result of the amendment, interest is calculated at either adjusted LIBOR or WFRF’s base rate plus a margin of between 2.25 and 2.75 percent per annum, depending upon the level of excess availability, and WFRF’s base rate has a “floor” equal to the adjusted LIBOR rate plus 1.00 percent per annum. In addition, the Company will pay an annual fee between 0.375 and 0.50 percent per annum on the amount of unused availability, also dependent on the level of excess availability. At closing of the WFRF amendment, the Company paid or incurred deferred financing costs of approximately $0.4 million that will be amortized over the term of the facility.

The WFRF loan agreement defines various events of default which include, without limitation, a material adverse effect (as defined in the agreement), failure to pay amounts when due, cross-default provisions, material liens or judgments, insolvency, bankruptcy or a change of control. If a default were triggered, this would allow the lender to take actions including raising the interest rate, discontinuing advances and accelerating the Company’s obligations.

The WFRF amendment modified certain provisions of the agreement in order to permit the Company to enter into, and perform its obligations under, contracts to effect a strategic alternatives transaction (as defined in the WFRF amendment). However, in order to consummate a strategic alternatives transaction, the Company will need to either payoff and terminate the credit facility or obtain WFRF’s consent.

Our capital requirements are primarily to support seasonal increases in inventory and inventory purchases for new stores, capital assets to support new, remodeled and relocated stores as well as investments in information technology infrastructure and systems. In recent years, we have financed operations and new store growth primarily with cash generated from operating activities and a $10.0 million private placement of our common stock which occurred in May of 2009. In July 2011, the Company borrowed an additional $5.0 million under the WFRF loan agreement to finance seasonal inventory purchases.

As of October 1, 2011 and January 1, 2011, our working capital was $50.6 million and $72.8 million, respectively. Cash used in operations was $28.1 million for the nine months ended October 1, 2011. This was principally the result of a $12.5 million increase in the net investment in inventory (change in inventory net of change in accounts payable) combined with a net loss of $28.6 million reduced by noncash expenses for depreciation and stock compensation totaling $13.7 million. For the nine months ended October 2, 2010, cash used in operations was $12.3 million. This was primarily the result of a net loss of $25.4 million reduced by noncash expenses for depreciation and stock compensation totaling $13.1 million.

Net cash used in investing activities during the nine months ended October 1, 2011 was $5.3 million, all of which related to capital expenditures. For the nine months ended October 2, 2010, we invested $8.2 million, all of which related to capital expenditures.

We believe the cash generated from operations and available borrowings under the line of credit agreement will be sufficient to finance our working capital and capital expenditure requirements for at least the next 12 months.

Critical Accounting Estimates

A description of our critical accounting policies was provided in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the fiscal 2010 Form 10-K. There were no changes in these policies during the third quarter of fiscal 2011.


ITEM 3.		QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We invest cash balances in excess of operating requirements primarily in money market mutual funds. The fair value of our cash and equivalents at October 1, 2011 equaled carrying value. A hypothetical decrease in interest rates of 10 percent compared to the rates in effect at October 1, 2011 would reduce our interest income by less than $0.1 million annually.

As of October 1, 2011 we had $24.0 million outstanding under our line of credit. The interest rate on our line of credit fluctuates with market rates and therefore the fair value of this financial instrument will not be impacted by a change in interest rates. A 10 percent increase in interest rates would increase our interest expense by less than $0.1 million annually.


ITEM 4.		CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We carried out an evaluation, with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of October 1, 2011. Based on this evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that, as of October 1, 2011, our disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e), were effective to ensure that (i) information required to be disclosed by the issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms and (ii) information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Changes in Control over Financial Reporting

There were no changes in internal control over financial reporting that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION


ITEM 1.		LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Shareholder Demand and Litigation related to the Offer and the Merger

Demand Letter

Shareholder Lawsuits

Memorandum of Understanding


ITEM 1A.		RISK FACTORS

In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the risk factors disclosed under Part 1 — “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011, which could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results and cash flows. These risks and uncertainties are not the only ones we face. Risks and uncertainties not currently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, operating results or cash flows.

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended January 1, 2011, except for the risk factors described below.

Failure to complete our proposed merger with an affiliate of Sbar’s, Inc. could negatively impact our stock price and our future business and financial results.

On October 3, 2011, we entered into an Agreement and Plan of Merger, as amended as of October 17, 2011, with Nicole Crafts LLC, referred to as Parent, and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent, referred to as Merger Sub. Parent and Merger Sub are affiliates of Sbar’s, Inc., our vendor.

Under the terms of the merger agreement, Parent has agreed to acquire A.C. Moore through a two-step transaction, consisting of a tender offer by Merger Sub for all of our outstanding common stock at a price of $1.60 per share without interest thereon and less any applicable withholding or stock transfer taxes, followed by the merger of Merger Sub with and into A.C. Moore, with A.C. Moore surviving as a wholly owned subsidiary of Parent. The merger agreement also provides that the merger may be consummated regardless of whether the tender offer is completed, but if the tender offer is not completed, the merger will only be able to be consummated after the shareholders of A.C. Moore have adopted the merger agreement at a meeting of shareholders. See Note 9 to Consolidated Financial Statements in Part I of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for additional information regarding this transaction.

If the proposed tender offer and merger are not completed, our ongoing businesses may be adversely affected and, without realizing any of the benefits of having completed the merger, we would be subject to a number of risks, including, but not limited to, the following:

	•		we may experience negative reactions from our vendors and employees;

	•		the current market price of our common stock may reflect a market assumption that the tender offer and merger will occur and a failure to complete the tender offer or the merger could result in a negative perception by the stock market and a resulting decline in the market price of our common stock;

	•		certain costs relating to the tender offer and merger, including certain investment banking, financing, legal and accounting fees and expenses, must be paid even if the merger is not completed, and we may be required to pay a fee of $2.0 million to Parent if the merger agreement is terminated under specified circumstances; and

	•		there may be substantial disruption to our business and distraction of our management and employees from day-to-day operations because matters related to the tender offer and merger (including integration planning) may require substantial commitments of time and resources, which could otherwise have been devoted to other opportunities that could have been beneficial to us.

If the risks described above materialize, they may materially adversely affect our business, financial results and stock price.

We may have difficulty retaining and motivating officers and other key employees in light of our recently announced merger agreement with Parent and Merger Sub.

Uncertainty about the effect of the proposed tender offer and merger on our officers and employees may have an adverse effect on us. This uncertainty may impair our ability to retain and motivate key personnel during the pendency of the merger, as employees may experience uncertainty about their future roles with us and with Parent. If we are unable to retain and motivate key personnel, we could face disruptions in our operations, loss of existing customers and loss of key information, expertise or know-how, which may adversely affect our business and financial results.

Business uncertainties and contractual restrictions while the proposed tender offer and merger is pending may have an adverse effect on us.

Uncertainty about the effect of the proposed tender offer and merger on vendors, partners and customers may have an adverse effect on us. These uncertainties may cause vendors, customers and others that deal with us to defer purchases or other decisions concerning us or seek to change existing business relationships with us. In addition, the merger agreement restricts us from taking certain specified actions without Parent’s approval. These restrictions could prevent us from pursuing certain business opportunities that may arise prior to the completion of the merger. The adverse effect of such disruptions could be exacerbated by a delay in the completion of the tender offer or merger or termination of the merger agreement.


ITEM 2.		UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Not Applicable.


ITEM 3.		DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable.


ITEM 4.		REMOVED AND RESERVED

Not Applicable.


ITEM 5.		OTHER INFORMATION

Not Applicable.


ITEM 6.		EXHIBITS


2.1.1	⁽¹⁾	Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., Nicole Crafts LLC and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation dated as of October 3, 2011.

2.1.2	⁽²⁾	Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., Nicole Crafts LLC and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation dated as of October 17, 2011.

10.1	⁽¹⁾	Deposit Escrow Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

10.2	⁽¹⁾	Limited Guaranty, dated as of October 3, 2011, made and delivered by Sbar’s, Inc. to A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. in favor of, and for the benefit of, the Guaranteed Parties named therein.

99.1	⁽³⁾	Memorandum of Understanding, dated as of November 3, 2011.

31.1		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).

31.2		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Exchange Act.

32.1		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


⁽¹⁾		Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2011.

⁽²⁾		Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2011.

⁽³⁾		Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Schedule 14D-9/A filed on November 4, 2011.

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.


	A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.
Date: November 7, 2011	By:	/s/ Joseph A. Jeffries
		Joseph A. Jeffries
		Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)

Date: November 7, 2011	By:	/s/ Rodney Schriver
		Rodney Schriver
		Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller (Principal Accounting Officer)

Exhibit Index


Exhibit No.			Description

	2.1.1	⁽¹⁾	Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., Nicole Crafts LLC and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation dated as of October 3, 2011.

	2.1.2	⁽²⁾	Amendment No. 1 to Agreement and Plan of Merger by and among A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., Nicole Crafts LLC and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation dated as of October 17, 2011.

	10.1	⁽¹⁾	Deposit Escrow Agreement, dated as of October 3, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association.

	10.2	⁽¹⁾	Limited Guaranty, dated as of October 3, 2011, made and delivered by Sbar’s, Inc. to A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. in favor of, and for the benefit of, the Guaranteed Parties named therein.

	99.1	⁽³⁾	Memorandum of Understanding, dated as of November 3, 2011.

	31.1		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).

	31.2		Certification pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (“Exchange Act”).

	32.1		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

	32.2		Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.


⁽¹⁾		Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 4, 2011.

⁽²⁾		Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Form 8-K filed on October 18, 2011.

⁽³⁾		Incorporated by reference to the Company’s Schedule 14D-9/A filed on November 4, 2011.

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A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc. 10-Q