TILLY'S, INC.

Previous wording

We depend upon consumers feeling confident to spend discretionary income on our product offerings to drive our sales. Consumer spending may be adversely impacted by economic conditions such as consumer confidence in future economic conditions, inflation in housing, energy, gasoline and food costs, interest and tax rates, employment levels, salary and wage levels, general business conditions, and the availability of consumer credit. In addition, consumer spending can be impacted by non-economic factors, including geopolitical issues, trade restrictions, unseasonable weather, pandemics/epidemics, and other factors that are outside of our control. These risks may be exacerbated for retailers like us who focus on specialty apparel, footwear and accessories. Our financial performance is particularly susceptible to economic and other conditions in regions or states where we have a significant number of stores, such as the southwestern and northeastern United States and Florida. We experienced significant decreases in net sales during fiscal 2024 and 2023, at least partly in light of inflationary pressures on consumers and concerns regarding the economic and geo-political environment, and similar impacts may occur in the future. If periods of decreased consumer spending persist, our sales could continue to decrease, and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Current wording

We depend upon consumers feeling confident to spend discretionary income on our product offerings to drive our sales. Consumer spending may be adversely impacted by economic conditions such as consumer confidence in future economic conditions, inflation in housing, energy, gasoline and food costs, interest and tax rates, employment levels, salary and wage levels, general business conditions, and the availability of consumer credit. In addition, consumer spending can be impacted by non-economic factors, including geopolitical issues, trade restrictions, unseasonable weather, pandemics/epidemics, and other factors that are outside of our control. These risks may be exacerbated for retailers like us who focus on specialty apparel, footwear and accessories. Our financial performance is particularly susceptible to economic and other conditions in regions or states where we have a significant number of stores, such as the southwestern and northeastern United States and Florida. We experienced significant decreases in net sales during the past few fiscal years, at least partly in light of inflationary pressures on consumers and concerns regarding the economic and geo-political environment, and similar impacts may occur in the future. If periods of decreased consumer spending persist, our sales could continue to decrease, and our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of fabrics or other raw materials used to manufacture the products that we sell, as well as the price for transportation and labor, and other rising costs passed by our vendor partners to us, could have adverse impacts on our cost of sales and our ability to meet our customers’ demands. In particular, because a key component of our clothing is cotton, increases in the cost of cotton may significantly affect the cost of the products that we sell and could have an adverse impact on our cost of sales. We may not be able to pass all or a portion of these higher costs on to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely impacted by continued heightened levels of inflation and interest rate increases. These economic pressures may result in increased costs for many products and services that are necessary for the operation of our business (including product costs, labor costs, shipping costs, and digital marketing costs, among others), as well as decreases in consumer spending or demand for our products, any of which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of fabrics or other raw materials used to manufacture the products that we sell, as well as the price for transportation and labor, and other rising costs (including tariffs) passed on to us by our vendor partners, could adversely impact our cost of sales and our ability to meet our customers’ demands. In particular, because a key component of the clothing we sell is cotton, increases in the cost of cotton may significantly affect the cost of our merchandise and could have an adverse impact on our cost of sales. We may not be able to pass all or a portion of these higher costs on to our customers, which could have a material adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, our results of operations and financial condition may be materially adversely impacted by continued heightened levels of inflation and interest rate increases. These economic pressures may result in increased costs for many products and services that are necessary for the operation of our business (including product costs, labor costs, shipping costs, and digital marketing costs, among others), as well as decreases in consumer spending or demand for our products, any of which could adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We have a recent history of operating losses, and if we are unable to improve our performance or return to profitability, we may need to begin borrowing under our credit facility to finance operations and/or find additional sources of liquidity to meet our cash requirements.

Current wording

We have a recent history of operating losses, and if we are unable to improve our performance or profitability, we may need to begin borrowing under our credit facility to finance operations and/or find additional sources of liquidity to meet our cash requirements.

Previous wording

We incurred net losses in fiscal 2024 and 2023. If we continue to incur significant operating losses, we may need to begin borrowing to finance our day-to-day operations and/or require additional sources of liquidity, including debt financing or equity financing to fund our operating requirements in the future. We cannot guarantee you that we will be successful in improving our performance or, if we are able to do so, that we would be able to maintain profitability, including as a result of the factors described herein. If we require additional funding to meet our cash flow needs, we may be required to obtain such funding through, among other things, incurring debt under our existing credit agreement, additional loans or the issuance of debt or equity securities. However, additional funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to meet our liquidity needs, our business and operating results would be adversely affected, including reputational harm, failure to satisfy our existing obligations, insolvency or bankruptcy.

Current wording

We incurred net losses in fiscal 2025, 2024 and 2023. If we continue to incur operating losses, we may need to begin borrowing to finance our day-to-day operations and/or require additional sources of liquidity, including debt financing or equity financing to fund our operating requirements in the future. We cannot guarantee you that we will be successful in improving our performance or, if we are able to do so, that we would be able to maintain profitability, including as a result of the factors described herein. If we require additional funding to meet our cash flow needs, we may be required to obtain such funding through, among other things, incurring debt under our existing credit agreement, additional loans or the issuance of debt or equity securities. However, additional funding may not be available to us on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to meet our liquidity needs, our business and operating results would be adversely affected, including reputational harm, failure to satisfy our existing obligations, insolvency or bankruptcy.

Previous wording

The teen-focused retail industry is highly competitive. We currently compete with a variety of publicly-traded and privately-held specialty apparel retail chains such as, but not limited to, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Boot Barn, The Buckle, H&M, Hollister, Hot Topic, Pacific Sunwear, Urban Outfitters, and Zumiez. In addition, we compete with independent specialty shops, department stores, e-com only retailers such as Fashion Nova, Revolve, Shein and Temu, off-price retailers, online marketplaces such as Amazon, stores and websites operated by our third-party brands, and direct marketers that sell similar lines of merchandise and target customers through catalogs, e-com and social media. Moreover, the internet and new technologies facilitate competitive entry and comparison shopping in our retail market. While we offer a multichannel shopping experience and use social media as a way to interact with our customers and enhance their shopping experiences, multichannel retailing is rapidly evolving, and we may not be able to keep pace with changing customer expectations and new developments by our competitors. Competition with some or all of these retailers could require us to lower our prices or risk losing customers. In addition, significant or unusual promotional activities by our competitors and third-party brands may cause us to respond in-kind and adversely impact our operating cash flow. Because of these factors, current and future competition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The teen-focused retail industry is highly competitive. We currently compete with a variety of publicly-traded and privately-held specialty apparel retail chains such as, but not limited to, Abercrombie & Fitch, Aeropostale, American Eagle Outfitters, Boot Barn, The Buckle, H&M, Hollister, Hot Topic, Pacific Sunwear, Urban Outfitters, and Zumiez. In addition, we compete with independent specialty shops, department stores, e-com only retailers such as Fashion Nova, Revolve, Shein and Temu, off-price retailers, online marketplaces such as Amazon, stores and websites operated by our third-party brands, and direct marketers that sell similar lines of merchandise and target customers through catalogs, e-com and social media. Moreover, the internet and new technologies facilitate competitive entry and comparison shopping in our retail market. While we offer a multichannel shopping experience and use social media to interact with our customers and enhance their shopping experiences, multichannel retailing is rapidly evolving, and we may not be able to keep pace with changing customer expectations and new developments by our competitors. Competition with some or all of these retailers could require us to lower our prices or risk losing customers. In addition, significant or unusual promotional activities by our competitors and third-party brands may cause us to increase our promotional activity and incur higher customer acquisition costs, which could adversely impact our operating cash flow. Because of these factors, current and future competition could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

Furthermore, many of our competitors have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we currently do, and therefore may be able to devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generate national brand recognition or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Moreover, we do not possess exclusive rights to many of the elements that comprise our in-store experience and product offerings. Our competitors may seek to emulate facets of our business strategy and in-store experience, which could result in a reduction of any competitive advantage or special appeal that we might possess. In addition, most of the third-party branded products we sell are sold to us on a non-exclusive basis. As a result, our current and future competitors may be able to duplicate or improve on some or all of our in-store experience or product offerings that we believe are important in differentiating our stores and our customers’ shopping experience. If our competitors were to duplicate or improve on some or all of our in-store experience or product offerings, our competitive position and our business could suffer.

Current wording

Furthermore, many of our competitors have greater financial, marketing and other resources than we currently do, and therefore may be able to devote greater resources to the marketing and sale of their products, generate greater brand recognition or adopt more aggressive pricing policies than we can, which would put us at a competitive disadvantage. Moreover, we do not possess exclusive rights to many of the elements that comprise our in-store experience and product offerings, and our competitors may seek to emulate facets of our business strategy and in-store experience, which could result in a reduction of any competitive advantage or special appeal that we might possess. In addition, most of the third-party branded products we sell are sold to us on a non-exclusive basis, and our current and future competitors may be able to duplicate or improve on some or all of our in-store experience or product offerings that we believe are important in differentiating our stores and our customers’ shopping experience. If our competitors were to duplicate or improve on some or all of our in-store experience or product offerings, our competitive position and our business could suffer.

Previous wording

We must actively and effectively manage our purchase of inventory. Generally, we order merchandise months in advance of it being received and offered for sale. If there is a significant decrease in demand for our products, if we fail to accurately predict fashion trends or consumer demands, economic trends or unseasonable weather impacts the anticipated demand for certain product categories, or we are otherwise unable to accurately track inventory at the store level and aggregate daily sales information, communicate customer information and process purchasing card transactions, or process shipments of goods and report financial information, we may hold significant inventory, which can impact our ability to effectively cycle new products, increase storage costs or incur other costs or expenses, and we may be forced to rely on markdowns, promotional sales, or inventory liquidators to dispose of excess inventory. Due to unanticipated supply chain disruptions, we may fail to receive inventory timely or in line with when we anticipate customers will be seeking to purchase merchandise for a given season. In addition, seasonal fluctuations also affect our inventory levels, as we usually order and carry a significant amount of inventory before the back-to-school and winter holiday shopping seasons, which can heighten our risks of carrying excess inventory following those periods. If we are not successful in managing our inventory levels or selling our inventory, we may be forced to rely on markdowns or promotional sales to dispose of the inventory, or we may not be able to sell the inventory at all, which could have an adverse effect on our margins and operating income.

Current wording

We must actively and effectively manage our purchase of inventory. Generally, we order merchandise months in advance of it being received and offered for sale. If there is a significant decrease in demand for our products, if we fail to accurately predict fashion trends, consumer demands, or economic trends, or if unseasonable weather impacts the anticipated demand for certain product categories, or we are otherwise unable to accurately track inventory at the store level and aggregate daily sales information, communicate customer information and process purchasing card transactions, or process shipments of goods and report financial information, we may hold significant inventory, which can impact our ability to effectively cycle new products, increase storage costs or incur other costs or expenses, and we may be forced to rely on markdowns, promotional sales, or inventory liquidators to dispose of excess inventory. Due to unanticipated supply chain disruptions, we may fail to receive inventory timely or in line with when we anticipate customers will be seeking to purchase merchandise for a given season. In addition, seasonal fluctuations also affect our inventory levels, as we usually order and carry a significant amount of inventory before the back-to-school and winter holiday shopping seasons, which can heighten our risks of carrying excess inventory following those periods. If we are not successful in managing our inventory levels or selling our inventory, we may be forced to rely on markdowns or promotional sales to dispose of the inventory, or we may not be able to sell the inventory at all, which could have an adverse effect on our margins and operating income.

Previous wording

We may continue to experience comparable store sales or sales per square foot declines, which may cause our results of operations to decline.

Current wording

We may continue to experience comparable store sales or sales per square foot declines, which could cause our results of operations to decline.

Previous wording

The investing public may use comparable store sales or net store sales per square foot projections or results, over a certain period of time, such as on a quarterly or yearly basis, as an indicator of profitability. Our comparable store sales have been declining for the past three fiscal years and can vary significantly from period to period for a variety of reasons, such as the age of stores, changing economic factors, unseasonable weather, continued declines in mall and retail foot traffic, changing fashion trends, pricing, the timing of the release of new merchandise and promotional events and increased competition. These factors could cause comparable store sales or net store sales per square foot to continue to decline or fail to grow at expected rates, which could adversely affect our results of operations and stock price during such periods.

Current wording

The investing public may use comparable store sales or net store sales per square foot projections or results, over a certain period of time, such as on a quarterly or yearly basis, as an indicator of profitability. Our comparable store sales have generally been declining for the past three fiscal years and can vary significantly from period to period for a variety of reasons, such as the age of stores, changing economic factors, unseasonable weather, continued declines in mall and retail foot traffic, changing fashion trends, pricing, the timing of the release of new merchandise and promotional events and increased competition. These factors could cause comparable store sales or net store sales per square foot to continue to decline or fail to grow at expected rates, which could adversely affect our results of operations and stock price during such periods.

Previous wording

At any point in time, we are in the process of implementing new merchandising strategies, customer-facing technology enhancements, new systems or upgrades to existing systems, and cost reduction or containment plans. The implementation of these strategies or plans may not be completed or achieve the anticipated results within the expected timeframe, which may result in further declines in net sales or unanticipated cost increases. Even if implemented, we cannot assure that our strategies or plans will be successful to meet our current and future business needs or that they will operate as designed. If the implementation of our business strategies and plans are not executed efficiently and effectively, our business, financial condition, and our operating results could be adversely affected.

Current wording

At any point in time, we are in the process of implementing new merchandising strategies, customer-facing technology enhancements, new systems or upgrades to existing systems, and cost reduction or containment plans. The implementation of these strategies or plans may not be completed or achieve the anticipated results within the expected timeframe, which may result in further declines in net sales or unanticipated cost increases. Even if implemented, we cannot assure that our strategies or plans will be successful to meet our current and future business needs or that they will operate as designed. If the implementation of our business strategies and plans is not executed efficiently and effectively, our business, financial condition, and our operating results could be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Our business depends upon our ability to successfully open profitable new stores and improve the performance of our existing stores, which is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties.

Current wording

Our business depends upon our ability to successfully open profitable new stores and improve the performance of our existing stores, which are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties.

Previous wording

We have historically depended on the location of our stores to generate a large proportion of traffic to our stores. We try to select well-known and popular malls, power centers, neighborhood and lifestyle centers, outlet centers and street-front locations, usually near prominent retailers, to generate traffic to our stores. Traffic at these retail centers, and consequently our stores, could be adversely affected by economic downturns nationally or regionally, competition from Internet retailers, changes in consumer demographics, the closing or decrease in popularity of other retailers in the retail centers in which our stores are located, our inability to obtain or maintain desirable store locations within retail centers or the selection by prominent retailers and businesses of other locations. We, and the retail industry generally, have experienced continued declines in consumer traffic to retail centers as consumer purchasing behaviors have shifted toward online purchases and we may experience further declines in the future. A continuing reduction in traffic to retail centers may likely lead to a decrease in our net sales and results of operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

Current wording

We have historically depended on the location of our stores to generate a large proportion of traffic to our stores. We try to select well-known and popular malls, power centers, neighborhood and lifestyle centers, outlet centers and street-front locations, usually near prominent retailers, to generate traffic to our stores. Traffic at these retail centers, and consequently our stores, could be adversely affected by economic downturns nationally or regionally, competition from Internet retailers, changes in consumer demographics, the closing or decrease in popularity of other retailers in the retail centers in which our stores are located, our inability to obtain or maintain desirable store locations within retail centers or the selection by prominent retailers and businesses of other locations. We, and the retail industry generally, have experienced and may continue to experience declines in consumer traffic to retail centers as consumer purchasing behaviors have shifted toward online purchases and we may experience further declines in the future. A continuing reduction in traffic to retail centers would likely lead to a decrease in our net sales and results of operations, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations and stock price.

Previous wording

We lease all of our retail store locations as well as our corporate headquarters, warehouses, distribution and e-com fulfillment centers. We do not own any real estate. Leases for our stores are typically for terms of ten years and many can be extended in five-year increments. Many of our leases have early cancellation clauses which permit us to terminate the lease if certain sales thresholds are not met in certain periods of time. Our costs under these leases are a significant amount of our expenses and can grow rapidly with store count growth and/or increases in lease costs at existing locations over time. We are required to pay additional rent under many of our lease agreements based upon achieving certain sales plateaus for each store location. In addition, we must make significant payments for common area maintenance and real estate taxes. Many of our lease agreements also contain provisions which increase the rent payments on a set time schedule, causing the cash rent paid for a location to escalate over the term of the lease. In addition, rent costs could escalate when multi-year leases are renewed at the expiration of their lease term. These costs are significant, recurring and increasing, which places a consistent strain on our cash flows.

Current wording

We lease all of our retail store locations as well as our corporate headquarters, warehouses, distribution and e-com fulfillment centers. We do not own any real estate. Leases for our stores are typically for terms of ten years and many can be extended in five-year increments. Many of our leases have early cancellation clauses which permit us to terminate the lease if certain sales thresholds are not met in certain periods of time. Our costs under these leases represent a significant portion of our operating expenses and can grow rapidly with store count growth and/or increases in lease costs at existing locations over time. We are required to pay additional rent under many of our lease agreements based upon achieving certain sales plateaus for each store location. In addition, we must make significant payments for common area maintenance and real estate taxes. Many of our lease agreements also contain provisions which increase the rent payments on a set time schedule, causing the cash rent paid for a location to escalate over the term of the lease. In addition, rent costs could escalate when multi-year leases are renewed at the expiration of their lease term. These costs are significant, recurring and increasing, which places a consistent strain on our cash flows.

Previous wording

We buy select merchandise for sale based upon expected weather patterns during the seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall. If we encounter untimely aberrations in weather conditions, such as warmer winters or cooler summers than would be considered typical, these weather variations could cause some of our merchandise to be inconsistent with what consumers wish to purchase, causing our sales to decline. Furthermore, extended unseasonable weather conditions in regions such as the southwestern United States, particularly in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and the northeastern United States will likely have a greater impact on our sales because of our store concentration in those regions.

Current wording

We buy select merchandise for sale based upon expected weather patterns during the seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall. If we encounter untimely aberrations in weather conditions, such as warmer winters or cooler summers than would be considered typical, these weather variations could cause some of our merchandise to be inconsistent with what consumers wish to purchase, causing our sales to decline.

Previous wording

We believe that our brand image and brand awareness has contributed significantly to the historical success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand image, particularly in new markets where we have limited brand recognition, is important to maintaining and expanding our customer base. Our ability to maintain or improve our brand image in our existing markets, successfully integrate new stores into their surrounding communities, or to expand into new markets could be adversely impacted if our marketing initiatives are unsuccessful and we fail to connect with our target customers. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image may require us to make substantial investments in areas such as merchandising, marketing, store operations, e-com, social media, community relations, store graphics, and employee training, which could adversely affect our cash flow and which may not ultimately be successful. Failure to successfully market our brand could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Current wording

We believe that our brand image and brand awareness have contributed significantly to the historical success of our business. We also believe that maintaining and enhancing our brand image, particularly in new markets where we have limited brand recognition, is important to maintaining and expanding our customer base. Our ability to maintain or improve our brand image in our existing markets, successfully integrate new stores into their surrounding communities, or to expand into new markets could be adversely impacted if our marketing initiatives are unsuccessful and we fail to connect with our target customers. Maintaining and enhancing our brand image may require us to make substantial investments in areas such as merchandising, marketing, store operations, e-com, social media, community relations, store graphics, and employee training, which could adversely affect our cash flow and which may not ultimately be successful. Failure to successfully market our brand could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Previous wording

Our proprietary branded merchandise represents a significant portion of our net sales. Our proprietary branded merchandise generally has a higher gross margin than the third-party branded merchandise we offer. As a result, we may determine that it is best for us to continue to hold or increase the penetration of our proprietary brands in the future. However, carrying our proprietary brands limits the amount of third-party branded merchandise we can carry and, therefore, there is a risk that the customers’ perception that we offer many major brands will decline, and that our third-party branded partners may become less interested in working with us. By maintaining or increasing the amount of our proprietary branded merchandise, we are also exposed to greater fashion risk, as we may fail to anticipate fashion trends correctly. These risks could have a material adverse effect on sales and profitability.

Current wording

Our proprietary branded merchandise represents a significant portion of our net sales. Our proprietary branded merchandise generally has a higher gross margin than the third-party branded merchandise we offer. As a result, we may determine that it is best for us to continue to hold or increase the penetration of our proprietary brands in the future. However, carrying our proprietary brands limits the amount of third-party branded merchandise we can carry and, therefore, there is a risk that customers’ perception that we offer many major brands will decline, and that our third-party branded partners may become less interested in working with us. By maintaining or increasing the amount of our proprietary branded merchandise, we are also exposed to greater fashion risk, as we may fail to anticipate fashion trends correctly. These risks could have a material adverse effect on sales and profitability.

Previous wording

Although we predominantly purchase our merchandise from domestic suppliers, these suppliers have a majority of their merchandise made in foreign countries. Some foreign countries can be, and have been, affected by political and economic instability and natural disasters, negatively impacting trade, which can result in material delays in the delivery of certain merchandise to us from foreign manufacturers. The countries in which our merchandise currently is manufactured or may be manufactured in the future could become subject to new trade restrictions imposed by the United States or other foreign governments. Trade restrictions, including increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes and customs restrictions, against apparel items, as well as United States or foreign labor strikes, work stoppages or boycotts, epidemics or pandemics could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to us and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our merchandise supply could be impacted if our suppliers’ imports become subject to existing or future duties and quotas, or if our suppliers face increased competition from other companies for production facilities, import quota capacity and shipping capacity. Any increase in the cost of our merchandise or limitation on the amount of merchandise we are able to purchase could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

Although we predominantly purchase our merchandise from domestic suppliers, these suppliers have a majority of their merchandise made in foreign countries. Some foreign countries can be, and have been, affected by political and economic instability and natural disasters, negatively impacting trade, which can result in material delays in the delivery of certain merchandise to us from foreign manufacturers. The countries in which our merchandise currently is manufactured or may be manufactured in the future have been subject to and could become subject to new trade restrictions imposed by the United States or other foreign governments. Trade restrictions, including new or increased tariffs or quotas, embargoes and customs restrictions, against apparel items, as well as labor strikes, work stoppages or boycotts, epidemics or pandemics could increase the cost or reduce the supply of apparel available to us and have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, our merchandise supply could be impacted if our suppliers’ imports become subject to existing or future duties and quotas, or if our suppliers face increased competition from other companies for production facilities, import quota capacity and shipping capacity. Any increase in the cost of our merchandise or limitation on the amount of merchandise we are able to purchase could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

The majority of our stores are located in California, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and the northeastern United States. Sales in these states could be more susceptible to disruptions than other parts of the country, such as from economic and weather conditions, demographic and population changes and changes in fashion tastes, and consequently, we may be more susceptible to these factors than more geographically diversified competitors. Compared to the country as a whole, stores in California are exposed to a relatively high risk of damage from a major earthquake or wildfires, while stores in Florida are exposed to a relatively high risk from hurricane damage. Any negative impact upon or disruption to the operations of stores in these states could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

The majority of our stores are located in California, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, Florida and the northeastern United States. Sales in these states could be more susceptible to disruptions than other parts of the country, such as from economic and weather conditions, demographic and population changes and changes in fashion tastes, and consequently, we may be more susceptible to these factors than more geographically diversified competitors. Compared to the country as a whole, stores in California are exposed to a relatively high risk of damage from a major earthquake or wildfires, while stores in Florida are exposed to a relatively high risk from hurricane damage. Any negative impact upon or disruption to the operations of stores in these states could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

From time to time we may be subject to litigation claims through the ordinary course of our business operations regarding, but not limited to, employment matters, compliance with accessibility laws, apparel, footwear and accessory safety standards, security of customer and employee personal information, stockholder litigation, contractual relations with vendors, marketing and infringement of trademarks and other intellectual property rights. Litigation to defend ourselves against claims by third parties, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, may continue to be necessary, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Current wording

From time to time we may be subject to litigation claims through the ordinary course of our business operations regarding, but not limited to, employment matters, wage and hour matters, compliance with accessibility laws, apparel, footwear and accessory safety standards, security of customer and employee personal information, stockholder litigation, contractual relations with vendors, marketing and infringement of trademarks and other intellectual property rights. Litigation to defend ourselves against claims by third parties, or to enforce any rights that we may have against third parties, may continue to be necessary, which could result in substantial costs and diversion of our resources, causing a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.

Previous wording

Our business and growth depends upon the leadership and experience of our key executive management team, including our co-founder, Hezy Shaked, who currently serves as our President and Chief Executive Officer and Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors, and Michael Henry, our Executive Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer. We also may be unable to retain other existing management personnel that are critical to our success, which could result in harm to our vendor and employee relationships, loss of key information, expertise or know-how and unanticipated recruitment and training costs. The loss of services of any of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, and could be viewed in a negative light by investors and analysts, which could cause our Class A common stock price to decline. All of our employees are employed at will and are not contractually bound to stay with the company. If we lose the services of any of our key personnel or we are not able to attract additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our business.

Current wording

Our business and growth depends upon the leadership and experience of our key executive management team. We also may be unable to retain other existing management personnel that are critical to our success, which could result in harm to our vendor and employee relationships, loss of key information, expertise or know-how and unanticipated recruitment and training costs. The loss of services of any of our key personnel could have a material adverse effect on our business and prospects, and could be viewed in a negative light by investors and analysts, which could cause our Class A common stock price to decline. All of our employees are employed at will and are not contractually bound to stay with the company. If we lose the services of any of our key personnel or we are not able to attract additional qualified personnel, we may not be able to successfully manage our business.

Previous wording

Our common stock consists of two classes: Class A and Class B. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share, and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share, on all matters to be voted on by our common stockholders. All of the shares of Class B common stock are beneficially owned by Hezy Shaked and Tilly Levine. As a result, Mr. Shaked and Ms. Levine own a significant economic interest in the company and substantial majority of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock. In addition, Mr. Shaked serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and President and Chief Executive Officer, and is the voting trustee, pursuant to a voting trust agreement, covering the shares owned by Ms. Levine. As a result, Mr. Shaked may dictate the outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and mergers, acquisitions and other significant corporate transactions. Mr. Shaked may delay or prevent a change of control from occurring, even if the change of control could appear to benefit the stockholders. Mr. Shaked may also have interests that differ from other stockholders and may vote in a way with which stockholders disagree and which may be adverse to the interests of other stockholders. This ownership concentration may adversely impact the trading of our Class A common stock because of a perceived conflict of interest that may exist, thereby depressing the value of our Class A common stock.

Current wording

Our common stock consists of two classes: Class A and Class B. Holders of Class A common stock are entitled to one vote per share, and holders of Class B common stock are entitled to 10 votes per share, on all matters to be voted on by our common stockholders. All of the shares of Class B common stock are beneficially owned by Hezy Shaked and Tilly Levine. As a result, Mr. Shaked and Ms. Levine own a significant economic interest in the company and substantial majority of the total voting power of our outstanding common stock. In addition, Mr. Shaked serves as Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors and Chief Strategy Officer, and is the voting trustee, pursuant to a voting trust agreement, covering the shares owned by Ms. Levine. As a result, Mr. Shaked may dictate the outcome of most corporate actions requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors and mergers, acquisitions and other significant corporate transactions. Mr. Shaked may delay or prevent a change of control from occurring, even if the change of control could appear to benefit the stockholders. Mr. Shaked may also have interests that differ from other stockholders and may vote in a way with which stockholders disagree and which may be adverse to the interests of other stockholders. This ownership concentration may adversely impact the trading of our Class A common stock because of a perceived conflict of interest that may exist, thereby depressing the value of our Class A common stock.

Previous wording

The market for retail apparel stocks can be highly volatile. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock is likely to be volatile and investors may experience a decrease in the value of the Class A common stock, unrelated to our operations. The price of our Class A common stock has, and could in the future, fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, as discussed in this “Risk Factors” section. Further, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, and could also require us to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments or to settle litigation. The threat or filing of class action litigation lawsuits could cause the price of our Class A common stock to decline.

Current wording

The market for retail apparel stocks can be highly volatile. As a result, the market price of our Class A common stock may be volatile and investors may experience a decrease in the value of the Class A common stock, unrelated to our operations. The price of our Class A common stock has, and could in the future, fluctuate significantly in response to a number of factors, as discussed in this “Risk Factors” section. Further, securities class action litigation has often been initiated against companies following periods of volatility in their stock price. This type of litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources, and could also require us to make substantial payments to satisfy judgments or to settle litigation. The threat or filing of class action litigation lawsuits could cause the price of our Class A common stock to decline.

Previous wording

Although we previously paid aggregate special cash dividends of $5.70 per share to all holders of record of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock between February 2017 and December 2021, we have not issued any cash dividends to stockholders since that date, There can be no assurance that we will pay additional cash dividends on our common stock in the future. We do not currently have any formal plans for paying any additional cash dividends on our common stock. Therefore, capital appreciation, if any, of our Class A common stock could be the sole source of gain for our Class A common stockholders for the foreseeable future.

Current wording

Although we previously paid special cash dividends to holders of record of issued and outstanding shares of our common stock, we have not issued any cash dividends to stockholders since 2021. There can be no assurance that we will pay additional cash dividends on our common stock in the future. We do not currently have any formal plans for paying any additional cash dividends on our common stock. Therefore, capital appreciation, if any, of our Class A common stock could be the sole source of gain for our Class A common stockholders for the foreseeable future.

Previous wording

We primarily rely on cash flows generated from existing stores to fund our operations. An increase in our net cash outflow for new stores or remodels of existing stores could adversely affect our operations by reducing the amount of cash available to address other aspects of our business. In addition, any expansion of our business would require significant amounts of cash from operations to pay our existing and future lease obligations, build out new store space, remodel existing stores, purchase inventory, create new marketing and advertising initiatives, fund the expansion of our e-com business, pay personnel, pay for the increased costs associated with operating as a public company, and, if necessary, further invest in our infrastructure and facilities. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flows from operations to fund these activities and sufficient funds are not otherwise available from our existing revolving credit facility or future credit facilities, we may need additional equity or debt financing. If such financing is not available to us on satisfactory terms, our ability to operate and expand our business or to respond to competitive pressures would be limited and we could be required to delay, curtail or eliminate planned store openings or investment in existing stores. Moreover, if we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, your ownership may be diluted. Any debt financing we may incur may impose covenants on us that restrict our operations or require interest payments that would create additional cash demands and financial risk for us.

Current wording

We primarily rely on cash flows generated from existing stores to fund our operations. An increase in our net cash outflow for new stores or remodels of existing stores could adversely affect our operations by reducing the amount of cash available to address other aspects of our business. In addition, any expansion of our business could require significant amounts of cash from operations to pay our existing and future lease obligations, build out new store space, remodel existing stores, purchase inventory, create new marketing and advertising initiatives, fund the expansion of our e-com business, pay personnel, pay for the increased costs associated with operating as a public company, and, if necessary, further invest in our infrastructure and facilities. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flows from operations to fund these activities and sufficient funds are not otherwise available from our existing revolving credit facility or future credit facilities, we may need additional equity or debt financing. If such financing is not available to us on satisfactory terms, our ability to operate and expand our business or to respond to competitive pressures would be limited and we could be required to delay, curtail or eliminate planned store openings or investment in existing stores. Moreover, if we raise additional capital by issuing equity securities or securities convertible into equity securities, your ownership may be diluted. Any debt financing we may incur may impose covenants on us that restrict our operations or require interest payments that would create additional cash demands and financial risk for us.

Previous wording

All of our stores are located in public areas where large numbers of people typically gather. Epidemics or pandemics, terrorist attacks or threats thereof, civil unrest, and/or acts or threats of violence involving public areas could cause people not to visit areas where our stores are located, and could have other potential impacts that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Further, armed conflicts or acts of war throughout the world may create uncertainty, causing consumers to spend less on discretionary purchases, including on apparel and accessories, and disrupting our ability to obtain merchandise for our stores. Such decreases in consumer spending or disruptions in our ability to obtain merchandise would likely decrease our sales and materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Other types of violence, such as shootings in malls or in public areas, could lead to lower traffic in shopping malls or centers in which we operate stores. In addition, local authorities or management from the mall or shopping center could close the mall or shopping center in response to security concerns. Such closures, as well as lower traffic due to security concerns, could result in decreased sales.

Current wording

All of our stores are located in public areas where large numbers of people typically gather. Epidemics or pandemics, terrorist attacks or threats thereof, civil unrest, and/or acts or threats of violence involving public areas could cause people not to visit areas where our stores are located, and could have other potential impacts that may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. Further, armed conflicts or acts of war throughout the world may create uncertainty, causing consumers to spend less on discretionary purchases, including on apparel and accessories, and disrupting our ability to obtain merchandise for our stores. Such decreases in consumer spending or disruptions in our ability to obtain merchandise could decrease our sales and materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. Other types of violence, such as shootings in malls or in public areas, could lead to lower traffic in shopping malls or centers in which we operate stores. In addition, local authorities or management from the mall or shopping center could close the mall or shopping center in response to security concerns. Such closures, as well as lower traffic due to security concerns, could result in decreased sales.

Previous wording

Violations of and/or changes in laws, including employment laws and laws related to our merchandise and our e-com platform, could make conducting our business more expensive or change the way we do business.

Current wording

Violations of and/or changes in laws, including employment laws and laws related to our merchandise and our e-commerce platform, could make conducting our business more expensive or change the way we do business.

Previous wording

The impact of climate change could have an adverse impact on our business, and the implementation of environmental, social, and governance initiatives, as well as sustainability initiatives, could lead to regulatory or structural modifications within the industry. Such changes may necessitate substantial operational adjustments and expenses, dampen demand for the Company's goods, and have an unfavorable impact on our business, financial health, marketing strategy and performance.

Current wording

The impact of climate change could have an adverse impact on our business, and the implementation of environmental, and governance initiatives, as well as sustainability initiatives, could lead to regulatory or structural modifications within the industry. Such changes may necessitate substantial operational adjustments and expenses, dampen demand for our Company's goods, and have an unfavorable impact on our business, financial health, marketing strategy and performance.

Previous wording

Climate change, environmental, social and governance matters, and sustainability are a growing global movement. The ongoing political and societal attention on these issues has led to the creation of both current and potential international agreements, as well as national, regional, and local laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and policy shifts. Additionally, in some of the regions where we conduct business, there is growing social pressure to limit greenhouse gas emissions, along with other global initiatives. Such agreements and measures may necessitate, or could result in forthcoming legislation, regulatory measures, litigation or policy shifts that could require operational changes, additional compliance or disclosure obligations, taxes, or purchases of emission credits to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases from our operations, which could result in significant additional costs or expenses, cause us reputational harm, and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, marketing strategy, and results of operations.

Current wording

Climate change, environmental, and governance matters, and sustainability are a growing global movement. The ongoing political and societal attention on these issues has led to the creation of both current and potential international agreements, as well as national, regional, and local laws, regulations, reporting requirements, and policy shifts. Additionally, in some of the regions where we conduct business, there is growing social pressure to limit greenhouse gas emissions, along with other global initiatives. Such agreements and measures may necessitate, or could result in forthcoming legislation, regulatory measures, litigation or policy shifts that could require operational changes, additional compliance or disclosure obligations, taxes, or purchases of emission credits to decrease the emission of greenhouse gases from our operations, which could result in significant additional costs or expenses, cause us reputational harm, and could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition, marketing strategy, and results of operations.