Quarterlytics / Consumer Cyclical / Specialty Retail / Kirkland's

Kirkland's

kirk · NASDAQ Consumer Cyclical
Claim this profile
Ticker kirk
Exchange NASDAQ
Sector Consumer Cyclical
Industry Specialty Retail
Employees 5001-10,000
← All annual reports
FY2007 Annual Report · Kirkland's
Sign in to download
Loading PDF…
2007  Annual  Report

FELLOW SHAREHOLDERS, GUESTS, AND TEAM MEMBERS:

sought 

Fiscal 2007 was a very tough year for
Kirkland’s 
to
as  we 
differentiate our stores in a crowded,
challenged home décor sector with a
new  merchandise  direction  and  the
goal  of  becoming  a  value  boutique.
We  had  some  successes,  but  not
enough of them.

Unfortunately,  the  value  wasn’t  there
for our customers, and they simply did
not embrace the new direction. It had
sharply  departed  from  both  our
traditional style and value prices. As a
result,  our 
financial  performance
suffered,  and  we  had  to  make  some
hard decisions with respect to our team,
cost structure and store base. 

Net sales for fiscal 2007 were $396.7
million compared with $446.8 million
in fiscal 2006. Comparable store sales
declined 13.3%, and we reported a net
loss of $1.33 per share compared with
a net loss of $0.01 per share in fiscal
2006. The results for both fiscal 2007
and fiscal 2006 included several one-
time  items  that  influenced  the  year-
over-year  comparison,  but  the  trend
was unmistakable. 

We learned a lot from fiscal 2007 as we
listened  very  closely  to  our  customers
and vendors.  The end result is what we
have referred to as “New day; new way.”
This new way isn’t actually “new.” It is a
return  to  what  we  have  done  best  for
over 40 years of retailing at Kirkland’s.  
We  are  focusing  entirely  on  priced-
right  items,  not  product  bought  to
support a merchandise theme, color or
style.  There will be a constant flow of
new  items  to  maintain  customer
interest  and  excitement  and  drive
traffic. We are returning to the “treasure
hunt”  method  of  merchandise
presentation  that  was  so  popular  with
our loyal customers for many years.

The “treasure hunt” requires a return to
our  past  practice  of  extensive  testing
before  buying,  delivering  a  constant
flow  of  new  promotions  and  events
every  two  weeks  backed  by  fresh
merchandise  and  higher  margins,  and
bringing  back  more  discretion  at  the
store 
in  terms  of  product
placement  and  presentation.  Special
item  buys  have  also  made  a  return  to
Kirkland’s  stores,  which  should  bring
back  some  of  the  fun  associated  with
shopping at Kirkland’s and drive more
frequent store visits.

level 

Value  and  “newness”  have  been  the
core  of  Kirkland’s  past  success  and
will  be  very  familiar  to  our  loyal
customers and a welcome change to
those unimpressed by our recent drift
toward  a  more  static  and  strictly
home décor store.  

We  also  took  very  aggressive  action  in
fiscal  2007  to  implement  financial
initiatives  that  have  enhanced  the
financial  strength  of  the  company
increased  cash  flow  and
through 
improved liquidity. During the year, we
closed 49 stores, resulting in a reduction
in  the  store  base  to  335  stores  and  the
culling  of  many  underperforming
locations.  We  maintained  an  emphasis
on tight inventory control that supported
the  current  trends  of  the  business.  In
addition,  we  significantly  reduced
corporate  overhead  by  approximately
$3.5 million on an annualized basis and
put  the  former  corporate  headquarters
building  and  former  corporate  plane
(which subsequently sold in fiscal 2008)
up for sale.

line 

Our financial plan for 2008 continues
to  emphasize  these  initiatives  along
with  top 
improvement  and
margin  expansion.  We  have  slowed
the pace of new store openings, which
should  allow  us  to  concentrate  on
improving the economics of our store

model.  In line with making our store
group as productive as possible, we are
closing  underperforming  locations,
including 12 stores in the first quarter
of fiscal 2008 and an additional 25-30
stores  by  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year.
The primary factors in keeping a store
open  will  be  cash 
flow  and
profitability,  but  we  will  also  manage
the store base geography to maximize
the  store  support  and  supervision
efficiencies. Inventory will continue to
be managed on a daily basis to match
up  with  sales  trends  and  ensure
liquidity. In addition to the substantial
liquidity  benefits  produced  by  our
financial  initiatives,  we  have  ample
availability  under  our  credit  facility
and  a  much  reduced  cash  need  for
2008,  all  of  which  makes  us  very
confident in our ability to execute our
financial plan.

We  realize  that  2008  will  present
challenges.  A changing and uncertain
economic environment may be with us
indefinitely.    The  home  décor  sector
continues  to  struggle  as  housing  and
energy  costs  take  a  larger  share  of
disposable  incomes.      However,  as  a
“value” operator, and a fun place to shop
for  gifts  and  home  décor,  we  believe
that  we  are  well-positioned  to  take
advantage of our financial frugality and
improved  merchandise  performance.
We are strengthened by the challenges.  

We  are  excited  about  the  future  of
Kirkland’s  and  anticipate  reporting  a
better year to you in 2008. Thank you
for your support of Kirkland’s. We look
forward to seeing you in the stores.

Sincerely,

Robert E. Alderson
President and Chief Executive Officer

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

Form 10-K

(Mark One)
¥

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008

or

n

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d)
OF THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from

to

Commission file number 000-49885

Kirkland’s, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Tennessee
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

431 Smith Lane, Jackson, Tennessee
(Address of principal executive offices)

62-1287151
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

38301
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code:
(615) 872-4995
Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common Stock, no par value per share

The NASDAQ Stock Market LLC

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

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities

Act. Yes n

No ¥

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the

Act. Yes n

No ¥

Note — Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the

Exchange Act from their obligations under those Sections.

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 ¥

No n

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is
not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements
incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. n

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” and “smaller reporting company” in
Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):
Large accelerated filer n Accelerated filer n

Smaller reporting company ¥

Non-accelerated filer n
(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 Act). Yes n
The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of August 3rd, 2007 the last
business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $25,018,239 based on the last
sale price of the common stock as reported by The Nasdaq Stock Market.

No ¥

As of April 11, 2008, there were 19,614,657 shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE
Portions of the definitive Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Kirkland’s, Inc. to be held June 16,

2008, are incorporated by reference into Part III of this Form 10-K.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FORM 10-K

Page

Forward-Looking Statements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

PART I

Item 1.
Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 1A. Risk Factors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 2.
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 3.
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 4.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 6.
Selected Financial Data (Not Applicable) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . .
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 8.
Item 9.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . .
Item 9A. Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 9B. Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 11. Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 12.
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accounting Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Item 14.

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statements, Schedules and Reports on Form 8-K . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 and the

3
12
17
19
20

20

20
31
31
31
32

33
33
33
33
33

34
35
36

53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the 52 weeks ended

February 2, 2008, and for the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

38

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008, and for

the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exhibits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Signatures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Index of Exhibits Filed with this Annual Report on Form 10-K

39
40
52
54

1

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This Form 10-K contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws

and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements may be found throughout this
Form 10-K, particularly under the headings “Business” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” among others. Forward-looking statements typically are
identified by the use of terms such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,”
“intend” and similar words, although some forward-looking statements are expressed differently. You should
consider statements that contain these words carefully because they describe our expectations, plans, strategies
and goals and our beliefs concerning future business conditions, our results of operations, financial position
and our business outlook or state other “forward-looking” information based on currently available informa-
tion. The factors listed below under the heading “Risk Factors” and in the other sections of this Form 10-K
provide examples of risks, uncertainties and events that could cause our actual results to differ materially from
the expectations expressed in our forward-looking statements.

The forward-looking statements made in this Form 10-K relate only to events as of the date on which the
statements are made. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or
circumstances after the date on which the statement is made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated
events.

The terms “Kirkland’s,” “we,” “us,” and “our” as used in this Form 10-K refer to Kirkland’s, Inc.

2

Item 1. Business

General

PART I

We are a specialty retailer of home décor in the United States, operating 335 stores in 35 states as of

February 2, 2008. Our stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including framed art,
mirrors, wall décor, candles, lamps, decorative accessories, accent furniture, textiles, garden accessories and
artificial floral products. Our stores also offer an extensive assortment of holiday merchandise as well as items
carried throughout the year suitable for giving as gifts. In addition, we use innovative design and packaging to
market home décor items as gifts. We provide our predominantly female customers an engaging shopping
experience characterized by a diverse, ever-changing merchandise selection at surprisingly attractive prices.
Our stores offer a unique combination of style and value that has led to our emergence as a recognized name
in home décor and has enabled us to develop a strong customer franchise. As a result, we have achieved
substantial growth over our history and have expanded our store base into different regions of the country.

During the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”), we opened 35 new stores and closed
49 stores. All of our fiscal 2007 new stores are located in off-mall venues, and all of our closings except two
stores were located in malls. We anticipate that all of our new store openings during fiscal 2008 will be in
off-mall venues, while substantially all of our closings will be stores located in mall venues.

Business Strategy

Our goal is to be the leading specialty retailer of home décor in each of our markets. We believe the
following elements of our business strategy differentiate us from our competitors and position us for profitable
growth:

Item-focused merchandising. While our stores contain items covering a broad range of complementary
product categories, we emphasize traditional style, trend-right key items within our targeted categories rather
than merchandising complete product classifications. Although we do not attempt to be a fashion leader, our
buyers work closely with our vendors to identify and develop stylish merchandise reflecting the latest trends
and appealing to a broad base of customers. We test-market products where appropriate and monitor individual
item sales, which enables us to identify and quickly reorder best selling items in order to maximize sales. We
constantly evaluate market trends and merchandise sales data and work with vendors to develop additional
products to be sold in our stores, frequently on an exclusive basis. In most cases, this exclusive merchandise is
the result of our buying team’s experience in interpreting market and merchandise trends in a way that appeals
to our customer.

Ever-changing merchandise mix. We believe our ever-changing merchandise mix creates an exciting
“treasure hunt” environment, encouraging strong customer loyalty and frequent return visits to our stores. The
merchandise in our stores is typically traditionally styled for broad market appeal, yet it reflects an
understanding of our customer’s desire for newness. Our information systems permit close tracking of
individual item sales, enabling us to react quickly to both fast-selling and slow-moving items. Accordingly, we
actively change our merchandise throughout the year in response to market trends, sales results and changes in
seasons. We also strategically increase selling space devoted to gifts and seasonal merchandise in advance of
holidays.

Stimulating visual presentation. Our stores have a distinctive, “interior design” look that helps customers

visualize the merchandise in their own homes and inspires decorating and gift-giving ideas. Using multiple
merchandise arrangements to simulate home settings, we group complementary merchandise creatively
throughout the store. We believe this cross-category merchandising strategy encourages customers to browse
for longer periods of time, promoting add-on sales.

Strong value proposition. Our customers regularly experience the satisfaction of paying noticeably less
for items similar or identical to those sold by other retail stores or through other retail channels. This strategy
of providing a unique combination of style and value is an important element in making Kirkland’s a

3

destination store. While we carry items in our stores that sell for several hundred dollars, most items sell for
under $20 and are perceived by our customers as very affordable home décor and gifts. Our longstanding
relationships with vendors and our ability to place and sell through large orders of a single item enhance our
ability to attain favorable product pricing from vendors.

Broad market appeal. Our stores operate successfully across a wide spectrum of different regions and

market sizes. As of February 2, 2008, we operated stores in 35 states. Although originally focused in the
Southeast, approximately 46% of our stores are now located outside that region. The flexibility of our concept
enables us to select the most promising real estate opportunities that meet requisite economic and demographic
criteria within our target markets where our customers live and shop.

Store Development Strategy

Our strategy on store development in previous years has been to open new stores in existing and new
markets. Over the past three years, we have slowed our new store growth and decreased our overall number of
stores from 347 as of the end of fiscal 2005 to 335 stores as of the end of fiscal 2007. New stores generally
have been larger, off-mall stores, while store closings mostly have consisted of smaller mall stores. We
anticipate that we will open substantially all of our new stores in off-mall locations. As of February 2, 2008,
we had commitments to open three new stores during fiscal 2008. Depending upon the progress of the
business and the available real estate opportunities, we have identified an additional three to five potential
locations that we believe will create a strong positive cash flow result. These additional three to five locations
represent relocations of existing productive stores that are at the end of their lease term. This plan represents
the extent of our new store development for fiscal 2008, allowing our operators to concentrate more on
maximizing the existing store base, rather than managing new store growth. We expect to close approximately
40 stores during the 52 weeks ending January 31, 2009 (“fiscal 2008”).

Our store model produces strong store-level cash flow and provides an attractive store-level return on

investment. Of the 143 new stores opened during the past three fiscal years, 142 of these are located in off-
mall venues. Among the group of 142 off-mall stores, 108 have been open at least a full twelve months, and
their average first-year sales volume was approximately $1,400,000. These stores often generate a positive
store contribution in their first full year of operation. Since fiscal 2003, when we began to focus our growth
on off-mall opportunities, we have recorded higher average sales volume and store contribution from our off-
mall new stores as compared to mall stores.

We use store contribution, which consists of store gross profit minus store operating expenses, as our
primary measure of operating profitability for a single store or group of stores. Store contribution specifically
excludes the allocation of corporate overhead and distribution costs, and therefore should not be considered
comparable to operating income or other GAAP profit measures that are appropriate for assessing overall
corporate financial performance. Store contribution also excludes depreciation and amortization charges. We
track these non-cash charges for each store and for Kirkland’s as a whole. However, we exclude these charges
from store contribution in order to more closely measure the cash flow produced by each store in relation to
the cash invested in that store in the form of capital assets and inventory.

Merchandising

Merchandising strategy. Our merchandising strategy is to (i) offer distinctive and often exclusive, high

quality home décor at affordable prices which represent value to our customers, (ii) maintain a breadth of
productive merchandise categories, (iii) provide a carefully edited selection of key items within targeted
categories, rather than merchandising complete product classifications, (iv) emphasize new and fresh-to-market
merchandise by continually updating our merchandise mix, and (v) present merchandise in a visually appealing
manner to create an inviting atmosphere which inspires decorating and gift-giving ideas.

Our information systems permit close tracking of individual item sales, which enables us to react quickly
to market trends and best or slow sellers. This daily sales and gross margin information helps us to maximize
the productivity of successful products and categories, and minimize the accumulation of slow-moving

4

inventory. Our core merchandise assortment is consistent across the chain. We address regional differences in
home décor by tailoring inventories to geographic considerations and store sales results in selected categories.

We continuously introduce new and often exclusive products to our merchandise assortment in order to

(i) maintain customer interest due to the freshness of our product selections, encouraging frequent return visits
to our stores, (ii) enhance our reputation as a source for identifying or developing high quality, fashionable
products, and (iii) allow merchandise which has peaked in sales to be quickly discontinued and replaced by
new items. In addition, we strategically increase selling space devoted to gifts and holiday merchandise during
the third and fourth quarters of the calendar year. Our flexible store design and fixtures allow for selling space
changes as needed to capitalize on selling trends.

Our average store generally carries approximately 2,400-2,500 Stock Keeping Units (“SKUs”). We
regularly monitor the sell-through on each item, and therefore, the number and make-up of our active SKUs is
continuously changing based on changes in selling trends. New and different SKUs are introduced to our
stores constantly.

We purchase merchandise from approximately 275 vendors, and our buying team works closely with

vendors to differentiate Kirkland’s merchandise from that of our competitors. For products that are not
manufactured specifically for Kirkland’s, we may create custom packaging as a way to differentiate our
merchandise offering and reinforce our brand. Exclusive or proprietary products distinguish us from our
competition, enhance the value of our merchandise and provide opportunity to improve our net sales and gross
margin. Our strategy is to continue to grow our exclusive and proprietary products within our merchandise
mix.

Product assortment. Our major merchandise categories include wall décor (framed art, mirrors, metal
and other wall ornaments), lamps, decorative accessories, candles and related items, textiles, garden accesso-
ries, and artificial floral products. Our stores also offer an extensive assortment of holiday merchandise, as
well as items carried throughout the year suitable for giving as gifts. Consistent with our item-focused strategy,
a vital part of the product mix is a variety of home décor and other assorted merchandise that does not
necessarily fit into a specific product category. Decorative accessories consist of such varied products as vases
and clocks. Other merchandise includes housewares, picture frames and miscellaneous items. Throughout the
year and especially for the fourth quarter of the calendar year, our buying team uses its experience in home
décor to develop products that are equally appropriate for gift-giving.

The following table presents the percentage of net sales contributed by our major merchandise categories

over the last three fiscal years:

Merchandise Category

Fiscal 2007

% of Net Sales
Fiscal 2006

Fiscal 2005

Wall Décor (including framed art, mirrors, metal and other

wall ornaments) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Decorative Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Candles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accent Furniture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Holiday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lamps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Textiles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Garden. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gifts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other (including housewares, picture frames and other

miscellaneous items). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Floral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

31%
13
11
8
8
6
6
5
5

4
3

29%
12
11
8
7
8
8
5
2

5
5

29%
10
10
6
8
10
9
6
4

4
4

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100%

100%

100%

5

Value to customer. Through our distinctive merchandising, together with carefully coordinated in-store
marketing, visual presentation and product packaging, we continually strive to increase the perceived value of
our products to our customers. Our shoppers regularly experience the satisfaction of paying noticeably less for
items similar or identical to those sold by other retail stores or through catalogs. Our stores typically have two
semi-annual clearance events, one in January and one in July. We also run category and other promotions
periodically throughout the year. We believe our value-oriented pricing strategy, coupled with an adherence to
high quality standards, is an important element in establishing our distinct brand identity and solidifying our
connection with our customers.

Store Operations

General. As of February 2, 2008, we operated 335 stores in 35 states, with stores generally operating

seven days a week. In addition to corporate management, two Regional Vice Presidents and approximately 20
District Team Leaders (who generally have responsibility for approximately 16 stores within a geographic
district) manage store operations. A Store Team Leader and one to three Assistant Store Team Leaders manage
individual stores. The Store Team Leader is responsible for the day-to-day operation of the store, including
sales, guest service, merchandise display, human resource functions and store security. A typical store operates
with an average of eight to 10 team members including a full-time stock person and a combination of full and
part-time team members, depending on the volume of the store and the season. Additional part-time sales
associates are typically hired to assist with increased traffic and sales volume in the fourth quarter of the
calendar year.

Formats. We operate stores in both mall and off-mall venues. As of February 2, 2008, we operated 121

stores in enclosed malls and 214 stores in a variety of off-mall venues including “lifestyle” strip centers,
“power” strip centers, outlet centers and freestanding locations. Off-mall stores tend to be larger than mall
stores, and have a lower occupancy cost per square foot. The average size of our mall stores is approximately
4,700 square feet, and the average size of our off-mall stores is approximately 6,300 square feet. The average
size of the new stores we opened in fiscal 2007 was approximately 7,400 square feet, and we expect our fiscal
2008 new stores to be of similar size. In fiscal 2006, we developed and implemented a new store design
package which utilized new colors, surfaces, fixtures, and product positioning.

Visual merchandising. Merchandise in both mall and off-mall stores is generally displayed according to
display guidelines and directives given to each store from the Marketing and Merchandising teams with input
from Store Operations. This procedure promotes uniform display standards throughout the chain. Using
multiple types of fixtures, we group complementary merchandise creatively throughout the store, and also
display certain products strictly by category or product type.

Because of the nature of our merchandise and our focus on identifying and developing best-selling items,

we emphasize our visual merchandising standards. Our Marketing and Merchandising teams provide Store
Team Leaders with recommended directives such as photographs and diagrams and placement guides. Each
Store Team Leader has flexibility to creatively highlight those products that are expected to have the greatest
appeal to local shoppers. Effective and consistent visual merchandising enhances a store’s ability to reach its
full sales potential.

Personnel recruitment and training. We believe our continued success is dependent in part on our ability

to attract, retain and motivate quality team members. In particular, the success of our strategy depends on our
ability to promote and/or recruit qualified District and Store Team Leaders and maintain quality team
members. A multi-week training program is provided for new District Team Leaders and Store Team Leaders.
Many Store Team Leaders begin their Kirkland’s career as sales associates, but complete a formal five week
training program before taking responsibility for a store. This five week training program includes two weeks
in a designated “training store,” working directly with a qualified Training Store Team Leader. District Team
Leaders are primarily responsible for recruiting new Store Team Leaders. Store Team Leaders are responsible
for the hiring and training of new team members, assisted where appropriate by a Regional Human Resources

6

Manager. We constantly look for motivated and talented people to promote from within Kirkland’s, in addition
to recruiting outside Kirkland’s.

Compensation and incentives. We compensate our Regional Vice Presidents with a base salary, plus an

annual performance bonus based on overall Company performance. District and Store Team Leaders are
compensated with a base salary or on an hourly basis, plus a quarterly performance bonus based on store
sales, product margins, and expense control. Sales associates are compensated on an hourly basis. In addition,
we periodically run a variety of contests that reward associates for outstanding achievement in sales and other
corporate initiatives.

Real Estate

Strategy. Our real estate strategy is to identify retail properties that are convenient and attractive to our

target female customer. The flexibility and broad appeal of our stores and our merchandise allow us to operate
successfully in major metropolitan markets such as Houston, Texas and Atlanta, Georgia; middle markets such
as Birmingham, Alabama, and Nashville, Tennessee; and smaller markets such as Lafayette, Louisiana, and
Amarillo, Texas.

Site selection. Our current strategy is to locate our stores in off-mall venues which are destinations for

large numbers of shoppers and which reinforce our quality image and brand. To assess potential new locations,
we review financial and demographic criteria and infrastructure for access. We also analyze the quality and
relative location of co-tenants and competitive factors, square footage availability, frontage space and other
relevant criteria to determine the overall acceptability of a property and the optimal locations within it.

Until recent years, we preferred to locate stores in regional or super-regional malls with a history of high

sales per square foot and multiple national department stores as anchors. Beginning in fiscal 2003, we began
to explore more off-mall real estate alternatives. We have experienced better financial results in these off-mall
venues, primarily due to higher sales volumes and lower occupancy costs. We also believe that our target
shopper prefers the off-mall location for convenience in her home décor shopping experience. Of our 335
stores as of February 2, 2008, 214 were in a variety of off-mall venues including “lifestyle” strip centers,
“power” centers, outlet centers and freestanding locations. Off-mall stores tend to be slightly larger than mall
stores, and have lower occupancy cost per square foot. We currently anticipate that all of the new stores
opening in fiscal 2008 will be located in off-mall venues.

7

We believe we are a desirable tenant to developers because of our long and successful operating history,

sales productivity, ability to attract customers and our strong position with co-tenants in the home décor
category. The following table provides a history of our store openings and closings by venue for the last five
fiscal years.

Fiscal
2007

Fiscal
2006

Fiscal
2005

Fiscal
2004

Fiscal
2003

Mall
Stores open at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
168
Store openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
(47)
Store closings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stores open at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Mall
Stores open at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Store openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Store closings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Stores open at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total
Stores open at beginning of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Store openings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Store closings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

121

181
35
(2)

214

349
35
(49)

Stores open at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

335

210
1
(43)

168

137
48
(4)

181

347
49
(47)

349

241
—
(31)

210

79
59
(1)

137

320
59
(32)

347

245
10
(14)

241

35
44
—

79

280
54
(14)

320

231
25
(11)

245

18
17
—

35

249
42
(11)

280

Buying and Inventory Management

Merchandise sourcing and product development. Our merchandise team purchases inventory on a
centralized basis to take advantage of our consolidated buying power and our technology to closely control the
merchandise mix in our stores. Our buying team selects all of our products, negotiates with vendors and works
closely with our planning and allocation team to optimize store-level merchandise quantity and mix by
category, classification and item. Non-exclusive merchandise may be boxed or packaged exclusively for
Kirkland’s utilizing Kirkland’s proprietary brands.

We purchase merchandise from approximately 275 vendors. Approximately 75% of our total purchases

are from importers of merchandise manufactured primarily in the Far East and India, with the balance
purchased from domestic manufacturers and wholesalers. For our purchases of merchandise manufactured
abroad, we have historically bought from importers or U.S.-based representatives of foreign manufacturers
rather than dealing directly with foreign manufacturers. This process has enabled us to maximize flexibility
and minimize product liability and credit risks. As we execute our strategy, we are continually evaluating the
best ways to source and differentiate our merchandise while attaining our sales and gross margin objectives.
For certain categories and items, the strategic use of domestic manufacturers and wholesalers enables us to
reduce the lead times between ordering products and offering them in our stores.

Planning and allocation. Our merchandise planning and allocation team works closely with our buying

team, field management and store personnel to meet the requirements of individual stores for appropriate
merchandise in sufficient quantities. This team also manages inventory levels, allocates merchandise to stores
and replenishes inventory based upon information generated by our information systems. Our inventory control
systems monitor current inventory levels at each store and total company. We also continually monitor recent
selling history within each store by category, classification and item to properly allocate future purchases to
maximize sales and gross margin.

Each of our stores is internally classified for merchandising purposes based on certain criteria including

store sales, size, location and historical performance. Although all of our stores carry similar merchandise, the

8

variety and depth of products in a given store may vary depending on the store’s rank and classification.
Inventory purchases and allocation are also tailored based on regional or demographic differences between
stores in selected categories.

Distribution and Logistics

We have implemented a comprehensive approach to the management of our merchandise supply chain.
This approach entails a thorough evaluation of all parts of the supply chain, from merchandise vendor to the
store selling floor. We have developed strategies that incorporate the needs and expertise of many different
parts of the Company including logistics, merchandising, store operations, information technology, and finance.
During fiscal 2003, we reached agreement to lease a new, 771,000-square-foot distribution center in Jackson,
Tennessee. This building was built to our specifications and opened in May 2004.

The commencement of operations in the new distribution center was accompanied by the implementation

of a new warehouse management system as well as investments in material handling equipment designed to
streamline the flow of goods within the distribution center. In fiscal 2008 and beyond, our goal is to achieve
better labor productivity, better transportation efficiency, leaner store-level inventories and reduced store-level
storage and handling costs.

In addition to making improvements to our distribution center operation, we have taken important steps to

improve our efficiency in transporting merchandise to stores. We currently utilize third-party carriers to
transport merchandise from our Jackson distribution center to our stores. Prior to fiscal 2006, the majority of
our merchandise deliveries were handled by either less-than-truckload (LTL) carriers or full truckload
deliveries to regional “pool points”, with local delivery agents handling the actual store delivery function. As
of the end of fiscal 2007, approximately 89% of our stores utilize a third alternative-less frequent full
truckload deliveries. This alternative results in a lower cost and allows our field personnel better ability to plan
the payroll needs surrounding merchandise receiving. The optimal delivery method for a given store depends
on the store’s sales volume, square footage, geographic location and other factors.

An important part of our efforts to achieve efficiencies, cost reductions and net sales growth is the
continued identification and implementation of improvements to our planning, logistical and distribution
infrastructure and our supply chain, including merchandise ordering, transportation and receipt processing. We
also need to ensure that our distribution infrastructure and supply chain are kept in sync with our anticipated
store count. For the foreseeable future, we believe our current distribution infrastructure is adequate to support
our operational needs.

Internet

We believe the Internet offers opportunities to complement our “brick-and-mortar” stores, increase sales

and increase consumer brand awareness of our products. We maintain a web site at www.kirklands.com, which
provides our customers with a resource to locate a store, preview our merchandise, apply for a Kirkland’s
credit card, and purchase gift cards online. We currently do not sell any merchandise through our web site.
The information contained or incorporated in our web site is not a part of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Information Systems

Our store information systems include a server in each store that runs our automated point-of-sale

(“POS”) application on multiple POS registers. The server provides Store Team Leaders with convenient
access to detailed sales and inventory information for the store. Our POS registers provide a price look-up
function (all merchandise is bar-coded), time and attendance, and automated check, credit card, debit card and
gift card processing. Through nightly two-way electronic communication with each store, we upload SKU-
level sales, gross margin information and payroll hours to our home office system and download new
merchandise pricing, price changes for existing merchandise, purchase orders and system maintenance tasks to
the store server. Based upon the evaluation of information obtained through daily polling, our planning and
allocation team implements merchandising decisions regarding inventory levels, reorders, price changes and
allocation of merchandise to our stores.

9

The core of our home office information system is the integrated GERS retail management software. This

system integrates all merchandising and financial applications, including category, classification and SKU
inventory tracking, purchase order management, automated ticket making, general ledger, sales audit and
accounts payable.

We moved into our new distribution center during the second quarter of 2004. Concurrent with this move,

we implemented a new warehouse management system (WMS) designed by High Jump Software. The WMS
was tailored to our specifications and provides us with a fully automated solution for all operations within the
distribution center. We utilize a Lawson Software package for our payroll and human resources functions.

Marketing

Our marketing efforts emphasize in-store signage, store and window banners and displays and other
techniques to attract customers and provide an exciting shopping experience. Historically, we have not engaged
in extensive media advertising because we believe that we have benefited from our strategic locations in high-
traffic shopping centers and valuable “word-of-mouth” advertising by our customers. We are actively
evaluating ways to enhance our marketing to customers through media inserts and e-mail communications. We
utilize marketing efforts and other in-store activity to promote specific events in our stores, including our
semi-annual clearance events.

As part of our effort to reach out to customers, in fiscal 2004, we introduced our Kirkland’s private-label

credit card. This program is administered by a third-party, who bears the credit risk associated with the card
program without recourse to us. As a cardholder, customers are automatically enrolled in a loyalty program
whereby they earn loyalty points for their purchases. Customers attaining specified levels of loyalty points are
eligible for special discounts on future purchases. We believe that customers using the card visit our stores and
purchase merchandise more frequently as well as spend more per visit than our customers not using the card.
As of February 2, 2008, there were approximately 500,000 Kirkland’s private-label credit card holders.

Trademarks

All of our stores operate under the names “Kirkland’s”, “Kirkland’s Home”, “Kirkland’s Home Outlet”,

and “Kirkland’s Outlet” other than 3 stores, which continue to operate under the name “Briar Patch by
Kirkland’s.” We acquired the Briar Patch stores in 1998. As these stores are remodeled or relocated, we intend
to change their name to “Kirkland’s” or “Kirkland’s Home.”

We have registered several trademarks with the United States Patent and Trademark Office on the

Principal Register that are used in connection with the Kirkland’s stores, including KIRKLAND’S» logo
design, THE KIRKLAND COLLECTION», HOME COLLECTION BY KIRKLAND’S», KIRKLAND’S
OUTLET», KIRKLAND’S HOME», as well as several trademark registrations for Kirkland’s private label
brand, the CEDAR CREEK COLLECTION». In addition to the registrations, Kirkland’s also is the common
law owner of the trademark BRIAR PATCHTM. These marks have historically been very important components
in our merchandising and marketing strategy. We are not aware of any claims of infringement or other
challenges to our right to use our marks in the United States.

Competition

The retail market for home décor is highly competitive. Accordingly, we compete with a variety of specialty

stores, department stores, discount stores and catalog retailers that carry merchandise in one or more categories
also carried by our stores. Our product offerings also compete with a variety of national, regional and local
retailers, including such specialty retailers as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Cost Plus World Market, Linens ‘n Things,
Michael’s Stores, Pier 1 Imports and Williams-Sonoma. Department stores typically have higher prices than our
stores for similar merchandise. Specialty retailers tend to have higher prices and a narrower assortment of home
décor products. Wholesale clubs may have lower prices than our stores, but the product assortment is generally
more limited. We believe that the principal competitive factors influencing our business are merchandise quality
and selection, price, customer service, visual appeal of the merchandise and the store, and the convenience of
location.

10

The number of companies offering a selection of home décor products that overlaps generally with our

product assortment has increased over the last 10 years. However, we believe that our stores still occupy a
distinct niche in the marketplace: traditionally-styled merchandise, reflective of current market trends, offered
at a value price combined with a unique store experience. We believe we compete effectively with other
retailers due to our experience in identifying a broad collection of distinctive merchandise, pricing it to be
attractive to the target Kirkland’s customer, presenting it in a visually appealing manner, and providing a
quality store experience.

In addition to competing for customers, we compete with other retailers for suitable store locations and

qualified management personnel and sales associates. Many of our competitors are larger and have
substantially greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. See “Risk Factors — We face an
extremely competitive specialty retail business market, and such competition could result in a reduction of our
prices, adversely impacting sales and gross margin and create a loss of our market share.”

Employees

We employed 3,843 employees at March 28, 2008. The number of employees fluctuates with seasonal

needs. None of our employees is covered by a collective bargaining agreement. We believe our employee
relations are good.

Availability of SEC Reports

We file annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current reports on Form 8-K

and other information with the SEC. Members of the public may read and copy materials that we file with the
SEC at the SEC’s Public Reference Room at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. Members of the
public may also obtain information on the Public Reference Room by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0330.
The SEC also maintains an Internet web site that contains reports, proxy and information statements and other
information regarding issuers, including Kirkland’s, that file electronically with the SEC. The address of that
site is http://www.sec.gov. Our annual reports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and current
reports on Form 8-K and other information filed by us with the SEC are available, without charge, on our
Internet web site, http://www.kirklands.com, as soon as reasonably practicable after they are filed electronically
with the SEC. Copies are also available, without charge, by written request to: Secretary, Kirkland’s, Inc., 431
Smith Lane, Jackson, TN 38301.

Executive Officers of Kirkland’s

The name, age as of March 31, 2008, and position of each of our executive officers is as follows:

Robert E. Alderson, 61, has been a Director of Kirkland’s since September 1986 and has been Chief
Executive Officer since February 2006. He also served as Chief Executive Officer from March 2001 to May
2005. He currently serves as President of Kirkland’s, and he also served as President from February 2006 to
March 2006 and as President from November 1997 to May 2005. He served as Chief Operating Officer of
Kirkland’s from November 1997 through March 2001 and as Senior Vice President of Kirkland’s upon joining
in 1986 through November 1997. He also served as Chief Administrative Officer of Kirkland’s from 1986 to
1997. Prior to joining Kirkland’s, Mr. Alderson was a senior partner at the law firm of Menzies, Rainey,
Kizer & Alderson.

W. Michael Madden, 38, has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since January 2008

and Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since May 2006. Prior to his appointment as Chief Financial
Officer, Mr. Madden served as Vice President of Finance since May 2005. Prior to May 2005, he served as
Director of Finance since July 2000. Prior to joining Kirkland’s, Mr. Madden served as Assistant Controller
with Trammell Crow Company and was with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. At PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP,
he served in positions of increasing responsibility over six years culminating as Manager-Assurance and
Business Advisory Services where he worked with various clients, public and private, in the retail and
consumer products industries.

11

No family relationships exist among any of the above-listed officers, and there are no arrangements or

understandings between any of the above-listed officers and any other person pursuant to which they serve as
an officer. All officers are elected to hold office for one year or until their successors are elected and qualified.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Investing in our common stock involves risk. You should carefully consider the following risks, as well as

the other information contained in this 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and the related
notes, before investing in our common stock.

If We Are Unable to Successfully Execute Our Turnaround Strategy, Our Results of Operations Will Not
Improve.

Over the past several fiscal years, a number of key financial and operating metrics for our company have
declined, including net income, operating income and comparable store sales. We have reported a net loss for
the past two fiscal years, and for the first time in our history as a public company, we have reported a decline
in total revenue as compared to the prior fiscal year. In order to attempt to reverse these trends, we have
embarked on an operating strategy designed to improve our operating and financial performance, including
improved merchandising, improved guest service, aggressive closing of underperforming stores, and expense
reductions.

If our turnaround strategy is not successful, our financial and operating results are unlikely to improve,

and the market value of our stock could decline.

A Prolonged Economic Downturn Could Result in Reduced Net Sales and Profitability.

Our net sales are also subject to a number of factors relating to consumer spending, including general
economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income such as unemployment rates, business conditions,
interest rates, levels of consumer confidence, energy prices, mortgage rates, the level of consumer debt and
taxation. A weak retail environment could impact customer traffic in our stores and also adversely affect our
net sales. Purchases of home décor items may decline during recessionary periods, and a prolonged recession
may have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition,
economic downturns during the last quarter of our fiscal year could adversely affect us to a greater extent than
if such downturns occurred at other times of the year.

We May Not Be Able to Successfully Anticipate Consumer Trends and Our Failure to Do So May Lead to
Loss of Consumer Acceptance of Our Products Resulting in Reduced Net Sales.

Our success depends on our ability to anticipate and respond to changing merchandise trends and
consumer demands in a timely manner. If we fail to identify and respond to emerging trends, consumer
acceptance of the merchandise in our stores and our image with our customers may be harmed, which could
reduce customer traffic in our stores and materially adversely affect our net sales. Additionally, if we misjudge
market trends, we may significantly overstock unpopular products and be forced to take significant inventory
markdowns, which would have a negative impact on our gross profit and cash flow. Conversely, shortages of
items that prove popular could reduce our net sales. In addition, a major shift in consumer demand away from
home décor could also have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial
condition.

The Market Price for Our Common Stock Might Be Volatile and Could Result in a Decline in the Value
of Your Investment.

The price at which our common stock trades may be volatile. The market price of our common stock

could be subject to significant fluctuations in response to our operating results, general trends and prospects
for the retail industry, announcements by our competitors, analyst recommendations, our ability to meet or
exceed analysts’ or investors’ expectations, the condition of the financial markets and other factors. In
addition, the stock market in recent years has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations that often

12

have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. These fluctuations, as well
as general economic and market conditions, may adversely affect the market price of our common stock
notwithstanding our actual operating performance.

Our Comparable Store Net Sales Fluctuate Due to a Variety of Factors.

Numerous factors affect our comparable store net sales results, including among others, weather

conditions, retail trends, the retail sales environment, economic conditions, the impact of competition and our
ability to execute our business strategy efficiently. Our comparable store net sales results have historically
experienced fluctuations, and in the past several years, we have experienced declines in comparable store
sales. Our comparable store net sales may not increase from quarter to quarter and may continue to decline.
As a result, the unpredictability of our comparable store net sales may cause our revenues and operating
results to vary quarter to quarter, and an unanticipated decline in revenues or comparable store net sales may
cause the price of our common stock to fluctuate significantly.

We Face an Extremely Competitive Specialty Retail Business Market, and Such Competition Could Result
in a Reduction of Our Prices and a Loss of Our Market Share.

The retail market is highly competitive. We compete against a diverse group of retailers, including
specialty stores, department stores, discount stores and catalog retailers, which carry merchandise in one or
more categories also carried by us. Our product offerings also compete with a variety of national, regional and
local retailers, including such specialty retailers as Bed, Bath & Beyond, Cost Plus World Market, Linens ’n
Things, Michaels Stores, Pier 1 Imports and Pottery Barn. We also compete with these and other retailers for
suitable retail locations, suppliers, qualified employees and management personnel. One or more of our
competitors are present in substantially all of the markets in which we have stores. Many of our competitors
are larger and have significantly greater financial, marketing and other resources than we do. This competition
could result in the reduction of our prices and a loss of our market share. Our net sales are also impacted by
store liquidations of our competitors. We believe that our stores compete primarily on the basis of merchandise
quality and selection, price, visual appeal of the merchandise and the store and convenience of location.

We Depend on a Number of Vendors to Supply Our Merchandise, and Any Delay in Merchandise
Deliveries from Certain Vendors May Lead to a Decline in Inventory Which Could Result in a Loss of
Net Sales.

We purchase our products from approximately 275 vendors with which we have no long-term purchase

commitments or exclusive contracts. None of our vendors supplied more than 10% of our merchandise
purchases during fiscal 2007. Historically, we have retained our vendors and we have generally not
experienced difficulty in obtaining desired merchandise from vendors on acceptable terms. However, our
arrangements with these vendors do not guarantee the availability of merchandise, establish guaranteed prices
or provide for the continuation of particular pricing practices. Our current vendors may not continue to sell
products to us on current terms or at all, and we may not be able to establish relationships with new vendors
to ensure delivery of products in a timely manner or on terms acceptable to us. In addition, our recent
unfavorable financial performance may make it difficult for some of our vendors to arrange for the financing
or factoring of their orders with manufacturers, which could result in our inability to obtain desired
merchandise from those vendors.

We may not be able to acquire desired merchandise in sufficient quantities on terms acceptable to us in

the future. Also, our business would be adversely affected if there were delays in product shipments to us due
to freight difficulties, strikes or other difficulties at our principal transport providers or otherwise. We have
from time to time experienced delays of this nature. We are also dependent on vendors for assuring the quality
of merchandise supplied to us. Our inability to acquire suitable merchandise in the future or the loss of one or
more of our vendors and our failure to replace any one or more of them may harm our relationship with our
customers resulting in a loss of net sales.

13

We Are Dependent on Foreign Imports for a Significant Portion of Our Merchandise, and Any Changes
in the Trading Relations and Conditions Between the United States and the Relevant Foreign Countries
May Lead to a Decline in Inventory Resulting in a Decline in Net Sales, or an Increase in the Cost of
Sales Resulting in Reduced Gross Profit.

Most of our merchandise is purchased through vendors in the United States who import the merchandise

from foreign countries including China and India. Our vendors are subject to the risks involved with relying
on products manufactured abroad, and we remain subject to those risks to the extent that their effects are
passed through to us by our vendors or cause disruptions in supply. These risks include changes in import
duties, quotas, loss of “most favored nation” trading status with the United States for a particular foreign
country, work stoppages, delays in shipments, freight cost increases, terrorism, war, economic uncertainties
(including inflation, foreign government regulations and political unrest) and trade restrictions (including the
United States imposing antidumping or countervailing duty orders, safeguards, remedies or compensation and
retaliation due to illegal foreign trade practices). If any of these or other factors were to cause a disruption of
trade from the countries in which the suppliers of our vendors are located, our inventory levels may be
reduced or the cost of our products may increase.

Historically, instability in the political and economic environments of the countries in which our vendors

obtain our products has not had a material adverse effect on our operations. However, we cannot predict the
effect that future changes in economic or political conditions in such foreign countries may have on our
operations. Although we believe that we could access alternative sources in the event of disruptions or delays
in supply due to economic, political or health conditions in foreign countries on our vendors, such disruptions
or delays may adversely affect our results of operations unless and until alternative supply arrangements could
be made. In addition, merchandise purchased from alternative sources may be of lesser quality or more
expensive than the merchandise we currently purchase abroad.

Countries from which our vendors obtain these products may, from time to time, impose new or adjust
prevailing quotas or other restrictions on exported products, and the United States may impose new duties,
quotas and other restrictions on imported products. This could disrupt the supply of such products to us and
adversely affect our operations. The United States Congress periodically considers other restrictions on the
importation of products obtained for us by vendors. The cost of such products may increase for us if
applicable duties are raised or import quotas with respect to such products are imposed or made more
restrictive.

We are also subject to the risk that the manufacturers abroad who ultimately manufacture our products

may employ labor practices that are not consistent with acceptable practices in the United States. In any such
event we could be hurt by negative publicity with respect to those practices and, in some cases, face liability
for those practices.

Our Success Is Highly Dependent on Our Planning and Control Processes and Our Supply Chain, and
Any Disruption in or Failure to Continue to Improve These Processes May Result in a Loss of Net Sales
and Net Income.

An important part of our efforts to achieve efficiencies, cost reductions and net sales growth is the
continued identification and implementation of improvements to our planning, logistical and distribution
infrastructure and our supply chain, including merchandise ordering, transportation and receipt processing. In
addition, recent increases in energy prices have resulted, and are expected to continue to result, in increased
merchandise and freight costs, which cannot readily be offset through higher prices because of competitive
factors.

A significant portion of the distribution to our stores is coordinated through our distribution facility in
Jackson, Tennessee. Any significant disruption in the operations of this facility would have a material adverse
effect on our ability to maintain proper inventory levels in our stores which could result in a loss of net sales
and net income.

14

Our Business Is Highly Seasonal and Our Fourth Quarter Contributes a Disproportionate Amount of
Our Net Sales, Net Income and Cash Flow, and Any Factors Negatively Impacting Us During Our Fourth
Quarter Could Reduce Our Net Sales, Net Income and Cash Flow, Leaving Us with Excess Inventory and
Making It More Difficult for Us to Finance Our Capital Requirements.

We have experienced, and expect to continue to experience, substantial seasonal fluctuations in our net

sales and operating results, which are typical of many specialty retailers and common to most retailers
generally. Due to the importance of the fall selling season, which includes Thanksgiving and Christmas, the
last quarter of our fiscal year has historically contributed, and is expected to continue to contribute, a
disproportionate amount of our net sales, net income and cash flow for the entire fiscal year. We expect this
pattern to continue during the current fiscal year and anticipate that in subsequent fiscal years, the last quarter
of our fiscal year will continue to contribute disproportionately to our operating results and cash flow. Any
factors negatively affecting us during the last quarter of our fiscal year, including unfavorable economic or
weather conditions, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations,
reducing our cash flow, leaving us with excess inventory and making it more difficult for us to finance our
capital requirements.

We May Experience Significant Variations in Our Quarterly Results.

Our quarterly results of operations may also fluctuate significantly based upon such factors as the timing
of new store openings, pre-opening expenses associated with new stores, the relative proportion of new stores
to mature stores, net sales contributed by new stores, increases or decreases in comparable store net sales,
adverse weather conditions, shifts in the timing of holidays, the timing and level of markdowns, changes in
fuel and other shipping costs, changes in our product mix and actions taken by our competitors.

The Agreement Governing Our Debt Places Certain Reporting and Consent Requirements on Us Which
May Affect Our Ability to Operate Our Business in Accordance with Our Business Strategy.

Our senior credit facility contains a number of covenants requiring us to report to our lender or to obtain

our lender’s consent in connection with certain activities we may wish to pursue in the operation of our
business. These requirements may affect our ability to operate our business and consummate our business
strategy and may limit our ability to take advantage of potential business opportunities as they arise. These
requirements affect our ability to, among other things:

(cid:129) incur additional indebtedness;

(cid:129) create liens;

(cid:129) pay dividends or make other distributions;

(cid:129) make investments;

(cid:129) sell assets;

(cid:129) enter into transactions with affiliates;

(cid:129) repurchase capital stock; and

(cid:129) enter into certain mergers and consolidations.

The senior credit facility has one financial covenant. This covenant requires us to maintain “excess
availability,” as defined in our credit agreement, of at least $3 million to $4.5 million depending upon the size
of our borrowing base. Any failure to comply with this or other covenants would allow the lenders to
accelerate repayment of their debt, prohibit further borrowing under the facility, declare an event of default,
take possession of their collateral or take other actions available to a secured senior creditor.

If compliance with our debt obligations materially hinders our ability to operate our business and adapt to

changing industry conditions, we may lose market share, our revenue may decline and our operating results

15

may suffer. This could have a material adverse effect on the market value and marketability of our common
stock.

We Are Highly Dependent on Customer Traffic in Malls and Shopping Centers, and Any Reduction in
the Overall Level of Traffic Could Reduce Our Net Sales and Increase Our Sales and Marketing
Expenses.

We rely heavily on the ability of mall and shopping center anchor tenants and other tenants to generate
customer traffic in the vicinity of our stores. Historically, we have not relied on extensive media advertising
and promotion in order to attract customers to our stores. Our future operating results will also depend on
many other factors that are beyond our control, including the overall level of traffic and general economic
conditions affecting consumer confidence and spending. Any significant reduction in the overall level of traffic
could reduce our net sales.

Our Hardware and Software Systems Are Vulnerable to Damage that Could Harm Our Business.

We rely upon our existing information systems for operating and monitoring all major aspects of our
business, including sales, warehousing, distribution, purchasing, inventory control, merchandise planning and
replenishment, as well as various financial functions. These systems and our operations are vulnerable to
damage or interruption from:

(cid:129) fire, flood and other natural disasters;

(cid:129) power loss, computer systems failures, internet and telecommunications or data network failure,

operator negligence, improper operation by or supervision of employees, physical and electronic loss of
data or security breaches, misappropriation and similar events; and

(cid:129) computer viruses.

Any disruption in the operation of our information systems, the loss of employees knowledgeable about
such systems or our failure to continue to effectively modify such systems could interrupt our operations or
interfere with our ability to monitor inventory, which could result in reduced net sales and affect our operations
and financial performance. We also need to ensure that our systems are consistently adequate to handle our
anticipated store growth and are upgraded as necessary to meet our needs. The cost of any such system
upgrades or enhancements would be significant.

We Depend on Key Personnel, and if We Lose the Services of Any Member of Our Senior Management
Team, We May Not Be Able to Run Our Business Effectively.

We have benefited substantially from the leadership and performance of our senior management team.
Our success will depend on our ability to retain our current senior management members and to attract and
retain qualified personnel in the future. Competition for senior management personnel is intense and there can
be no assurances that we will be able to retain our personnel. The loss of a member of senior management
would require the remaining executive officers to divert immediate and substantial attention to seeking a
replacement.

Our Charter and Bylaw Provisions and Certain Provisions of Tennessee Law May Make It Difficult in
Some Respects to Cause a Change in Control of Kirkland’s and Replace Incumbent Management.

Our charter authorizes the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock with such designations, rights and

preferences as may be determined from time to time by our Board of Directors. Accordingly, the Board of
Directors is empowered, without shareholder approval, to issue preferred stock with dividend, liquidation,
conversion, voting or other rights that could materially adversely affect the voting power or other rights of the
holders of our common stock. Holders of the common stock do not have preemptive rights to subscribe for a
pro rata portion of any capital stock which may be issued by us. In the event of issuance, such preferred stock
could be utilized, under certain circumstances, as a method of discouraging, delaying or preventing a change

16

in control of Kirkland’s. Although we have no present intention to issue any new shares of preferred stock, we
may do so in the future.

Our charter and bylaws contain certain corporate governance provisions that may make it more difficult

to challenge management, may deter and inhibit unsolicited changes in control of Kirkland’s and may have the
effect of depriving our shareholders of an opportunity to receive a premium over the prevailing market price
of our common stock in the event of an attempted hostile takeover. First, the charter provides for a classified
Board of Directors, with directors (after the expiration of the terms of the initial classified board of directors)
serving three year terms from the year of their respective elections and being subject to removal only for cause
and upon the vote of 80% of the voting power of all outstanding capital stock entitled to vote (the “Voting
Power”). Second, our charter and bylaws do not generally permit shareholders to call, or require that the Board
of Directors call, a special meeting of shareholders. The charter and bylaws also limit the business permitted
to be conducted at any such special meeting. In addition, Tennessee law permits action to be taken by the
shareholders by written consent only if the action is consented to by holders of the number of shares required
to authorize shareholder action and if all shareholders entitled to vote are parties to the written consent. Third,
the bylaws establish an advance notice procedure for shareholders to nominate candidates for election as
directors or to bring other business before meetings of the shareholders. Only those shareholder nominees who
are nominated in accordance with this procedure are eligible for election as directors of Kirkland’s, and only
such shareholder proposals may be considered at a meeting of shareholders as have been presented to
Kirkland’s in accordance with the procedure. Finally, the charter provides that the amendment or repeal of any
of the foregoing provisions of the charter mentioned previously in this paragraph requires the affirmative vote
of at least 80% of the Voting Power. In addition, the bylaws provide that the amendment or repeal by
shareholders of any bylaws made by our Board of Directors requires the affirmative vote of at least 80% of
the Voting Power.

Furthermore, Kirkland’s is subject to certain provisions of Tennessee law, including certain Tennessee

corporate takeover acts that are, or may be, applicable to us. These acts include the Investor Protection Act,
the Business Combination Act and the Tennessee Greenmail Act, and these acts seek to limit the parameters
in which certain business combinations and share exchanges occur. The charter, bylaws and Tennessee law
provisions may have an anti-takeover effect, including possibly discouraging takeover attempts that might
result in a premium over the market price for our common stock.

Concentration of Ownership among Our Existing Directors, Executive Officers, and Their Affiliates May
Prevent New Investors from Influencing Significant Corporate Decisions.

As of the date of this filing, our current directors, executive officers and their affiliates, in the aggregate,

beneficially own approximately 42% of our outstanding common stock. As a result, these shareholders are
able to exercise a controlling influence over matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election of
directors and approval of significant corporate transactions, and will have significant control over our
management and policies. These shareholders may support proposals and actions with which you may disagree
or which are not in your interests.

Item 2. Properties

We lease all of our store locations and expect to continue our practice of leasing rather than owning. Our

leases for mall stores typically provide for 10-year terms, many with the ability for us (or the landlord) to
terminate the lease at specified points during the term if net sales at the leased premises do not reach a certain
annual level. Our leases for off-mall stores typically provide for terms ranging from 5 to 10 years. Many of
our leases provide for payment of percentage rent (i.e., a percentage of net sales in excess of a specified level)
and the rate of increase in key ancillary charges is generally capped.

As current leases expire, we believe we will be able either to obtain lease renewals if desired for present
store locations or to obtain leases for equivalent or better locations in the same general area. To date, we have
not experienced unusual difficulty in either renewing leases for existing locations or securing leases for

17

suitable locations for new stores. A majority of our store leases contain provisions permitting the landlord to
terminate the lease upon a change in control of Kirkland’s.

We own a building in Jackson, Tennessee formerly used as our corporate headquarters, which consists of

approximately 40,000 square feet of office space which we intend to sell. We currently lease one central
distribution facility, consisting of 771,000 square feet, also located in Jackson, Tennessee. This lease has a
15-year initial term, with two five-year options. On March 1, 2007, we entered into an Office Lease
Agreement, effective as of March 1, 2007 with a landlord, whereby we leased 27,547 square feet of office
space in Nashville, Tennessee for a seven-year term. The Agreement provides for annual rent beginning at $13
per square foot for the first year and increasing each year to $15.45 per square foot in the last year. The
Agreement also includes an option to renew the lease for an additional seven years, with the rent for such
option period to be at the then-current market rental rate. The office houses the merchandising and marketing,
store operations and real estate teams, as well as certain other senior management personnel.

18

The following table indicates the states where our stores are located and the number of stores within each

state as of February 2, 2008:

Alabama . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arizona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Arkansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
California . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Colorado . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Connecticut . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Delaware . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Florida . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Georgia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Illinois . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Indiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Iowa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kansas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kentucky . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Louisiana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Maryland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Massachusetts. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Michigan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minnesota . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mississippi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nebraska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Nevada. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New Jersey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
New York. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
North Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Ohio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oklahoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pennsylvania . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
South Carolina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tennessee. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Texas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Utah . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Virginia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wisconsin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

18
12
7
10
2
2
1
46
19
7
7
1
2
8
11
5
2
3
4
11
6
3
3
3
7
20
7
5
10
8
15
53
1
13
3

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 335

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are involved in various routine legal proceedings incidental to the conduct of our business. We believe
any resulting liability from existing legal proceedings, individually or in the aggregate, will not have a material
adverse effect on our operations or financial condition.

19

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

We did not submit any matters to a vote of security holders during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007.

PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity and Related Shareholder Matters

Our common stock is listed on The Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol “KIRK.” We commenced
trading on The Nasdaq Stock Market on July 11, 2002. On April 3, 2008, there were approximately 98 holders
of record, and approximately 1,850 beneficial owners, of our common stock. The following table sets forth the
high and low last sale prices of our common stock for the periods indicated.

First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.68
Second Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.24
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.13
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.11

$4.50
$2.20
$0.95
$0.58

$7.74
$6.88
$5.25
$5.64

$4.95
$5.05
$4.18
$4.40

Fiscal 2007

Fiscal 2006

High

Low

High

Low

Dividend Policy

We intend to retain all future earnings to finance the continued growth and development of our business,
and do not, therefore, anticipate paying any cash dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In
addition, our senior credit facility restricts the payment of cash dividends. There have been no dividends
declared on any class of our common stock during the past two fiscal years. Future cash dividends, if any, will
be determined by our Board of Directors and will be based upon our earnings, capital requirements, financial
condition, debt covenants and other factors deemed relevant by our Board of Directors.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion should be read with our consolidated financial statements and related notes
included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. A number of the matters and subject areas discussed
in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and “Business”
and elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K are not limited to historical or current facts and deal with
potential future circumstances and developments and are accordingly “forward-looking statements.” You are
cautioned that such forward-looking statements, which may be identified by words such as “anticipate,”
“believe,” “expect,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan” and similar expressions, are only predictions and that actual
events or results may differ materially.

Our fiscal year is comprised of the 52 or 53-week period ending on the Saturday closest to January 31.
Accordingly, fiscal 2007 represented 52 weeks ended on February 2, 2008. Fiscal 2006 represented 53 weeks
ended on February 3, 2007.

Introduction

We are a specialty retailer of home décor in the United States, operating 335 stores in 35 states as of

February 2, 2008. Our stores present a broad selection of distinctive merchandise, including framed art,
mirrors, wall décor, candles, lamps, decorative accessories, accent furniture, textiles, garden accessories and
artificial floral products. Our stores also offer an extensive assortment of holiday merchandise, as well as items
carried throughout the year suitable for giving as gifts. For the fiscal year ended February 2, 2008, we
recorded total revenues of $396.7 million, which included approximately $772,000 related to gift certificate
and gift card breakage.

Our stores offer a unique combination of style and value that has led to our emergence as a recognized
name in home décor and has enabled us to develop a strong customer franchise. As a result, we have achieved

20

substantial growth over our history and have expanded our store base into different regions of the country.
During the past nine years, we have more than doubled our store base, principally through new store openings.
During the 52 weeks ended February 2, 2008 (“fiscal 2007”), we opened 35 new stores and closed 49 stores.
All of our fiscal 2007 new stores are located in off-mall venues, and all of our closings except two stores were
located in malls.

Overview of Key Financial Measures

Net sales and gross profit are the most significant drivers to our operating performance. Net sales consists

of all merchandise sales to customers, net of estimated returns and exclusive of sales taxes. Our net sales for
fiscal 2007 decreased by 10.7% to $395.9 million from $443.2 million in fiscal 2006, including the extra week
in the fiscal 2006 retail calendar. The additional week included in the 2006 fiscal calendar accounted for
approximately $8 million in sales. The sales comparison was also impacted by the changes in our store count.
During fiscal 2007, we opened 35 new stores and closed 49 stores. Comparable store sales declined 13.3% for
fiscal 2007. We use comparable store sales to measure our ability to achieve sales increases from stores that
have been open for at least 13 full fiscal months. Increases in comparable store sales are an important factor
in maintaining or increasing the profitability of existing stores.

Gross profit is the difference between total revenue and cost of sales. Cost of sales has four distinct
components: product cost (including inbound freight), outbound freight cost, store occupancy cost and central
distribution cost. Product cost comprises the majority of cost of sales, while central distribution cost is the
least significant of these four elements. Product and freight cost are variable, while occupancy and distribution
costs are largely fixed. Accordingly, gross profit expressed as a percentage of total revenue can be influenced
by many factors including overall sales performance. For fiscal 2007, gross profit decreased 19.0% to
$113.7 million from $140.4 million for fiscal 2006. Gross profit includes the recognition of $772,000 and
$3.6 million in gift certificate and gift card breakage revenue in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. During the
fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, we completed a review of our historical redemption patterns related to gift
certificates and gift cards, and initially recorded $3.6 million in breakage revenue. Gross margin for fiscal
2007 decreased to 28.7% of total revenue from 31.4% of total revenue for fiscal 2006, primarily due to the
recognition of the $3.6 million in gift certificate and gift card breakage revenue in fiscal 2006 and higher
levels of markdowns during fiscal 2007.

Operating expenses, including the costs of operating our stores and corporate headquarters, are also an

important component of our operating performance. Compensation and benefits comprise the majority of our
operating expenses. Operating expenses contain fixed and variable costs, and managing the operating expense
ratio (operating expenses expressed as a percentage of net sales) is an important focus of management as we
seek to maintain or increase our overall profitability. Operating expenses include cash costs as well as non-
cash costs such as depreciation and amortization. Due to the significant fixed cost component of operating
expenses, as well as the tendency of many operating costs to rise over time, increases in comparable store
sales are typically necessary in order to prevent meaningful increases in the operating expense ratio. Operating
expenses can also include certain costs that are of a one-time or non-recurring nature. While these costs must
be considered to understand fully our operating performance, we typically identify such costs separately where
significant on the consolidated statement of operations so that we can evaluate comparable expense data across
different periods.

A complete evaluation of our financial performance incorporates not only operating results, but also an

assessment of how effectively we are deploying our capital. We believe that a high return on capital is an
indicator of a financially productive business. Accordingly, we evaluate our earnings in relation to inventories
and total assets in order to determine if we are achieving acceptable levels of return on our capital. Inventory
yield (gross profit divided by average inventories) and return on assets (net income divided by total assets) are
two of the measures we use.

21

We use a number of key performance measures to evaluate our financial performance, including the

following:

Fiscal Year

2007

2006

Net sales growth(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comparable store sales growth(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Average net sales per store (in thousands)(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,126
Average net sales per square foot(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 202
Merchandise margins as a percentage of net sales(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gross profit as a percentage of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compensation and benefits as a percentage of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating expenses as a percentage of net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory yield(6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Return on assets (ROA)(7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

50.1%
48.4%
31.7%
28.7%
17.5%
18.5%
10.1%
10.7%
226.0% 275.0%
(21.4)% (0.1)%

6.8%
(10.7)%
(13.3)% (6.6)%

$1,272
$ 247

(1) Fiscal 2006 results reflect a 53-week retail calendar, while fiscal 2007 reflects a 52-week retail calendar.

(2) Fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 comparable store sales are adjusted for the additional week included in the

retail calendar for fiscal 2006. Comparable store sales are calculated by including new stores on the first
day of the month following the 13th full fiscal month of sales.

(3) Calculated using net sales of all stores open at both the beginning and the end of the period indicated.

(4) Calculated using the gross square footage of all stores open at both the beginning and the end of the
period. Gross square footage includes the storage, receiving and office space that generally occupies
approximately 30% of total store space.

(5) Merchandise margin is calculated as net sales minus product cost of sales, excluding outbound freight,

store occupancy, and central distribution costs.

(6) Inventory yield is defined as gross profit including gift certificate and gift card breakage divided by aver-

age inventory for each of the preceding four quarters.

(7) Return on assets equals net income including gift certificate and gift card breakage divided by total assets.

Strategic Areas of Emphasis

The downturn in our financial performance for the last three fiscal years has primarily resulted from
declining comparable store sales and cumulative decreases in our merchandise margin. Accordingly, a central
area of emphasis for fiscal 2008 is improving the productivity of our merchandise assortment through
comparable store sales increases and improvements in our product margin. This effort encompasses process
improvement in identifying and growing appealing merchandise, planning and product allocation, enhancement
of merchandising personnel and department structure, and evaluation of competitive factors.

In response to the underperformance of our merchandising assortment, we have shifted our focus in
buying from enhancing our style through themed merchandise presentations to a straightforward effort focused
on stand-alone items, priced-right initially to promote immediate customer attention to the value proposition.
This effort will be supported by a renewed emphasis and execution to ensure a constant flow of new items to
promote an ever-changing mix of inventory. We believe that our customers respond best to a frequently-
changing mix of items at value prices, promoting more regular visits and ultimately increasing traffic counts
through word-of-mouth. Our efforts in merchandising will support the delivery of this store experience to the
customer in 2008.

Another important area of emphasis is enhancing the store experience by improving guest service. Given
a competitive retail environment, our in-store guest experience is a key differentiator. Training and store-level
incentives for achievement of guest-service goals and metrics will be a focus for us in fiscal 2008. We will
measure our success in these initiatives through monitoring key performance metrics including comparable

22

stores sales, conversion rate (transactions divided by traffic count), average dollar transaction, employee
turnover rate, and results from our mystery shopping program.

The decrease in our store base during fiscal 2007 reflects our focus on aggressively closing under-
performing stores and a slowed pace of new store growth. The closing of unproductive stores will be a key
focus of our fiscal 2008 strategy. As of the end of fiscal 2007, there were approximately 108 stores through
mid-2009 with expiring leases or other opportunities to exit locations at no cash cost to the Company. We are
evaluating each of these properties closely, with cash flow and profitability being the key determinants in our
ultimate course of action. Through this evaluation, we expect to close approximately 40 stores in fiscal 2008.

As of February 2, 2008, we had commitments to open three new stores during fiscal 2008. Depending

upon the progress of the business and the available real estate opportunities, we have identified an additional
three to five potential locations that we believe will create a strong positive cash flow result. These additional
three to five locations represent relocations of existing productive stores that are at the end of their lease term.
This plan represents the extent of our new store development for fiscal 2008, allowing our operators to
concentrate more on maximizing the existing store base, rather than managing new store growth. Capital
expenditures related to new stores are expected to be in the range of $2.5 to $3 million as compared to
$13.1 million in fiscal 2007.

The following table summarizes our stores and square footage under lease in mall and off-mall locations

as of February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007:

As of
February 2,
2008

Off-Mall

Mall

Total

Mall

As of
February 3,
2007

Off-Mall

Total

121
581,930

214
1,345,891

335
1,990,167

168
809,337

181
1,095,425

349
1,904,762

Number of Stores . . . . . .
Square footage . . . . . . . .
Average square footage

per store . . . . . . . . . . .

4,809

6,289

5,941

4,817

6,052

5,458

For the Fiscal Year Ended
February 2, 2008

Mall

Off-Mall

Total

For the Fiscal Year Ended
February 3, 2007
Off-Mall

Mall

Total

Average net sales per store (in

thousands)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$994

$1,216

$1,126

$1,180

$1,388

$1,272

Average net sales per square

foot(1)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$211

$ 200

$ 204

$ 250

$ 245

$ 247

(1) Calculated using net sales of all stores open at both the beginning and the end of the period indicated.

(2) The decrease in net sales per square foot from fiscal 2007 to 2006 was due primarily to the comparable

store sales decrease coupled with a higher average square footage per store in fiscal 2007.

Another important area of emphasis will be inventory management. We plan to operate the business at an
inventory level that supports the trends of the business, careful not to harm the ability to drive sales. We have
been able to consistently maintain good liquidity, in part due to our success in inventory management and
keeping the levels of investment in line with business trends.

As part of our late 2007 efforts to improve the Company’s liquidity and manage the business during a
period of difficulty, we took action to reduce the fixed overhead costs in the business. This will continue to be
an important focus in 2008. During 2008, we expect a year-over-year reduction in our corporate operating
expenses of approximately $3.5 million as a result of personnel restructuring activities and other cost
reductions that occurred during the second half of fiscal 2007.

Our cash balances decreased from $25.4 million at February 3, 2007 to $5.8 million at February 2, 2008

primarily due to our negative comparable store sales performance during fiscal 2007. Our objective is to
finance all of our operating and investing activities for fiscal 2008 with cash provided by operations,

23

borrowings under our revolving credit line, and to the extent available the sale of our corporate airplane and
our former headquarters building in Jackson, TN. We have also filed for a tax refund in the amount of
$2.9 million as a result of our ability to carry-back losses from 2007 to the previous two tax years. We expect
that capital expenditures for fiscal 2008 will range from $3 to $5 million, primarily to fund the leasehold
improvements of approximately three to eight new stores and maintain our investments in existing stores, our
distribution center and information technology infrastructure.

Fiscal 2007 Compared to Fiscal 2006

Results of operations. The table below sets forth selected results of our operations in dollars and

expressed as a percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Fiscal 2007

Fiscal 2006

Change

$

%

$

%

$

%

$395,929

99.8% $443,248

99.2% $(47,319)

(10.7)%

(78.4)%

(11.2)%
(7.6)%

(19.0)%

(5.3)%
(5.4)%
401.9%
12.8%

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gift certificate and gift card breakage

revenue. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

396,701
283,040

100.0% 446,828
71.3% 306,469

100.0% (50,127)
68.6% (23,429)

Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

113,661

28.7% 140,359

31.4% (26,698)

772

0.2%

3,580

0.8% (2,808)

Operating expenses:

Compensation and benefits . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating expenses. . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . .

Operating income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest (income) expense, net . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income (loss) before income taxes . . . . . .
Income tax provision (benefit). . . . . . . . . .

73,392
42,363
3,453
20,391

(25,938)
440
(112)

(26,266)
(360)

18.5%
10.7%
0.9%
5.1%

(6.5)%
0.1%
0.0%

(6.6)%
(0.1)%

77,465
44,800
688
18,084

17.3%
10.0%
0.2%
4.0%

(4,073)
(2,437)
2,765
2,307

(678) —0.2% (25,260)
454
0.0%
(14)
395
(0.1)%
(507)

(3,725.7)%
3,242.9%
77.9%

(157)
(17)

0.0% (26,109)
(343)
0.0%

(16,629.9)%
(2,017.6)%

Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (25,906)

(6.5)% $

(140)

0.0% $(25,766)

(18,404.3)%

Net sales. Net sales decreased by 10.7% to $395.9 million for fiscal 2007 from $443.2 million for fiscal
2006. The net sales decrease in fiscal 2007 resulted primarily from the decrease in comparable store sales. We
opened 35 new stores in fiscal 2007 and 49 new stores in fiscal 2006, and we closed 49 stores in fiscal 2007
and 47 stores in fiscal 2006. During fiscal 2007, comparable store sales decreased 13.3% as compared to a
6.6% decrease in fiscal 2006. Comparable store sales in our mall store locations were down 14.1% for the
year, while comparable store sales for our off-mall store locations were down 12.7%. The comparable store
sales decline resulted from several factors, including a difficult sales environment in the home décor retail
sector and weak customer traffic trends. The overall traffic declines led to lower transaction volumes.
Customer conversion rates were also lower as compared to prior year. The lower transaction volumes also
included a lower average dollar transaction, driven by a decrease in our average retail selling price and a slight
decrease in items per transaction. Most of our key merchandise categories experienced negative comparable
store sales declines during fiscal 2007. The negative comparable store sales performance accounted for a
$46.8 million decrease in net sales from the prior year including the additional retail week in fiscal 2006
which amounted to approximately $8 million in net sales.

Gift certificate and gift card breakage revenue. Revenues from our gift certificates and gift cards are
recognized when tendered for payment and included in “Net sales.” While we will continue to honor all gift
certificates and gift cards presented for payment, we determine the likelihood of redemption to be remote for
certain gift certificates and gift card balances due to, among other things, long periods of inactivity. In fiscal

24

2006, the Company began using the Redemption Recognition Method to account for breakage for unused gift
card and gift certificate amounts where breakage is recognized as gift certificates or gift cards are redeemed
for the purchase of goods based upon a historical breakage rate. In these circumstances, to the extent we
determine there is no requirement for remitting certificate or card balances to government agencies under
unclaimed property laws, breakage is recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as a component
of revenue. After completing a review of our historical redemption patterns during the fourth quarter of fiscal
2006, we recognized an initial $3.6 million of revenue and operating income related to gift certificate and gift
card breakage. Approximately $772,000 of revenue and operating income was recognized during fiscal 2007.
There was no revenue recognized on unredeemed gift certificates or gift card balances prior to fiscal 2006
because sufficient data was not available during those periods to support an alternative position.

Gross profit. Gross profit decreased $26.7 million, or 19.0%, to $113.7 million for fiscal 2007 from
$140.4 million for fiscal 2006. Gross profit expressed as a percentage of total revenue decreased to 28.7% for
fiscal 2007, from 31.4% for fiscal 2006. The decrease in gross profit as a percentage of total revenue was
primarily driven by lower merchandise margins due to higher levels of promotional activity and markdowns as
compared to the prior year as well as the impact of the initial recognition of gift certificate and gift card
breakage revenue in fiscal 2006. Merchandise margins as a percentage of net sales declined from 50.1% in
fiscal 2006 to 48.4% in fiscal 2007. Increased markdowns were necessary throughout the year to clear through
an unproductive merchandise assortment. This, combined with an increase in promotional activity and poor
performance in our holiday seasonal assortment, led to the margin decline. Store occupancy costs during fiscal
2007 were $54.3 million, or 13.7% of total revenue versus $54.9 million, or 12.3% of total revenue in fiscal
2006. The increase as a percent of total revenue was primarily due to the de-leveraging of fixed rental costs
due to the sales decline. Freight expenses decreased as a percentage of total revenue despite rising fuel costs
as we realized savings throughout the year due to the implementation of changes in our store delivery
methods. Central distribution costs were slightly higher as a percentage of net sales for the year due to the
decrease in sales.

Compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits, including both store and corporate personnel,
was $73.4 million, or 18.5% of total revenue, for fiscal 2007 as compared to $77.5 million, or 17.3% for fiscal
2006. The increase in the compensation and benefits ratio was primarily due to the negative comparable store
sales performance. At the store level, payroll costs increased as a percentage of total revenue versus the prior
year due to the comparable store sales decline and our inability to reduce hours enough to offset the impact
and still maintain proper store coverage. At the corporate level, during the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we
incurred a charge related to separation costs associated with a restructuring of corporate personnel. This charge
totaled approximately $965,000, or $0.04 per share. We also incurred a charge during the fourth quarter of
fiscal 2007 related to the separation costs associated with the departure of our former President and Chief
Operating Officer. This charge totaled approximately $412,000, but was offset by a reversal of previously
recorded stock compensation in the amount of $353,000 related to a forfeited restricted stock grant associated
with this separation. In the prior year, we incurred a pre-tax expense of approximately $400,000 related to the
termination of our former Chief Executive Officer and a pre-tax expense of approximately $728,000 related to
a post-retirement benefit agreement with our current Chief Executive Officer.

Other operating expenses. Other operating expenses, including both store and corporate costs, were
$42.4 million, or 10.7% of total revenue, for fiscal 2007 as compared to $44.8 million, or 10.0% of total
revenue, for fiscal 2006. The increase in these operating expenses as a percentage of net sales was primarily
the result of the negative comparable store sales performance and the de-leveraging effect on the fixed
components of store and corporate operating expenses. Store-level operating expenses increased slightly as a
percentage of total revenue due to higher utility costs related to our larger off-mall stores and increases in
insurance expense. These increases were partly offset by a change in estimate regarding breakage associated
with discount certificates issued to our private-label credit card customers. Corporate-level operating expenses
were slightly higher as a percentage of total revenues compared to prior year. This increase reflects the one
time costs of $1.3 million related to the opening of a satellite office in Nashville, Tennessee.

Impairment charge. During fiscal 2007, we incurred a non-cash charge related to the impairment of
fixed assets related to certain underperforming stores in the pre-tax amount of approximately $2.1 million, or

25

$0.11 per share, compared with $688,000, or $0.02 per share in fiscal 2006. During the fourth quarter of fiscal
2007, we incurred a goodwill impairment charge of approximately $1.4 million, or $0.07 per share, as the fair
value of the business was estimated to be less than the carrying value of our net assets as of February 2, 2008.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization expense was $20.4 million, or 5.1% of

total revenue, for fiscal 2007 as compared to $18.1 million, or 4.0% of total revenue, for fiscal 2006. The
increase in depreciation and amortization was the result of new store openings in fiscal 2006 and 2007 and
acceleration of depreciation on planned store closings totaling approximately $500,000.

Interest expense, net. Net interest expense increased as a result of higher average revolver borrowings in

fiscal 2007 and lower interest rates on invested cash.

Other income, net. Other income was lower than the prior year primarily due to the receipt of insurance

proceeds in fiscal 2006 of approximately $284,000 related to property damage caused by Hurricane Katrina.

Income tax benefit.

Income tax benefit was 1.4% of the loss before income taxes for fiscal 2007 as

compared to a benefit of 10.8% of the loss before income taxes for the prior year period. The reduction in our
tax rate for fiscal 2007 is primarily the result of an increase in the valuation allowance against our net deferred
tax assets of approximately $8.2 million.

We evaluate the realizability of our deferred tax assets on an ongoing basis, considering all available

positive and negative evidence, including the reversal patterns of assets and liabilities, past financial results,
future taxable income projections and on-going prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. A significant
factor impacting this evaluation was our cumulative losses in recent periods.

Net income (loss). As a result of the foregoing, we reported a net loss of $25.9 million, or $(1.33) per

diluted share for fiscal 2007 compared to $140,000, or $(0.01) per diluted share for fiscal 2006.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Our principal capital requirements are for working capital and capital expenditures. Working capital
consists mainly of merchandise inventories offset by accounts payable, which typically reach their peak by the
end of the third quarter of each fiscal year. Capital expenditures primarily relate to new store openings;
existing store expansions, remodels or relocations; and purchases of equipment or information technology
assets for our stores, distribution facilities or corporate headquarters. Historically, we have funded our working
capital and capital expenditure requirements with internally generated cash and borrowings under our credit
facility.

Cash flows from operating activities. Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities was $(4.9) million

and $29.5 million for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. Net cash provided by (used in) operating
activities depends heavily on operating performance, changes in working capital and the timing and amount of
payments for income taxes. The change in the amount of cash from operations as compared to the prior year
period was primarily the result of the decline in our operating performance resulting from the 13.3% decrease in
our comparable store sales and the decline in profit margin. Inventories decreased approximately $3.5 million
during fiscal 2007 as compared to a decrease of $4.4 million during the prior year period. Inventories averaged
approximately $123,000 per store at February 2, 2008, as compared to $128,000 per store at February 3, 2007.
Accounts payable decreased $4.8 million during fiscal 2007 as compared to a decrease of $3.7 million for the
prior year period. The change in accounts payable is primarily due to the timing and amount of merchandise
receipt flow.

Cash flows from investing activities. Net cash used in investing activities for fiscal 2007 consisted

principally of $14.8 million in capital expenditures as compared to $19.5 million for the prior year period.
These expenditures primarily related to the opening of new stores. During fiscal 2007, we opened 35 new
stores. We expect that capital expenditures for all of fiscal 2008 will range from $3 million to $5 million,
primarily to fund the maintenance of our existing investments in stores, information technology, and the
distribution center, as well as the opening of three to eight new stores. As of February 2, 2008, we had lease
commitments to three new stores. We anticipate that capital expenditures, including leasehold improvements

26

and furniture and fixtures, and equipment for our new stores in fiscal 2008 will average approximately
$400,000 to $430,000 per store. We anticipate that we will continue to receive landlord allowances, which
help to reduce our cash invested in leasehold improvements. These allowances are reflected as a component of
cash flows from operating activities within our consolidated statement of cash flows.

Cash flows from financing activities. Net cash provided by financing activities was $0.1 million and
$0.4 million for fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively. Cash flows from financing activities for fiscal 2007
were primarily comprised of borrowings and repayments under our revolving credit facility. The facility was
drawn to a peak of $21.1 million and paid down to zero by the end of the fiscal year. During fiscal 2006, cash
flows from financing activities also primarily related to bank revolver activity. We borrowed to a peak of
$13.2 million and paid down to zero by the end of the year for fiscal 2006.

Revolving credit facility. Effective October 4, 2004, we entered into a five-year senior secured revolving

credit facility with a revolving loan limit of up to $45 million. On August 6, 2007, we entered into the First
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”) which provided the Company with
additional availability under our borrowing base through higher advance rates on eligible inventory. As a result
of the amendment, the aggregate size of the overall credit facility remained unchanged at $45 million, but the
term of the facility was extended two years making the new expiration date October 4, 2011. Amounts
outstanding under the amended revolving credit facility, other than First In Last Out (“FILO”) loans, bear
interest at a floating rate equal to the 60-day LIBOR rate (3.11% at February 2, 2008) plus 1.25% to 1.50%
(depending on the amount of excess availability under the borrowing base). FILO loans, which apply to the
first approximate $2 million borrowed at any given time, bear interest at a floating rate equal to the 60-day
LIBOR rate plus 2.25% to 2.5% (depending on the amount of excess availability under the borrowing base).
Additionally, we pay a quarterly fee to the bank equal to a rate of 0.2% per annum on the unused portion of
the revolving line of credit. Borrowings under the facility are collateralized by substantially all of our assets
and guaranteed by our subsidiaries. The maximum availability under the credit facility is limited by a
borrowing base formula, which consists of a percentage of eligible inventory and receivables less reserves. The
facility also contains provisions that could result in changes to the presented terms or the acceleration of
maturity. Circumstances that could lead to such changes or acceleration include a material adverse change in
the business or an event of default under the credit agreement. The facility has one financial covenant that
requires the Company to maintain excess availability under the borrowing base, as defined in the credit
agreement, of at least $3 to $4.5 million depending on the size of the borrowing base, at all times.

As of February 2, 2008, we were in compliance with the covenants in the facility and there were no
outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, with approximately $22.1 million available for borrowing (net
of the availability block as described above).

At February 2, 2008, our balance of cash and cash equivalents was approximately $5.8 million and the
borrowing availability under our facility was $22.1 million (net of the availability block as described above).
During fiscal 2007, we undertook a number of measures to reduce expenses and improve liquidity, including
corporate headcount reductions, slowing store growth, closing underperforming stores, commencing the sale of
non-productive assets, enhancing and maximizing our existing credit facility, and reducing our planned
inventory needs. We also filed for an income tax refund in the amount of $2.9 million during the first quarter
of fiscal 2008. Our plan for fiscal 2008 contemplates incurring additional operating losses; however, we
believe that cash flow from operations, including the impact of the aforementioned initiatives, coupled with
funds received from the sale of assets and the collection of the tax refund will result in peak borrowings that
are lower than the prior year and will be sufficient to fund our planned capital expenditures and working
capital requirements for at least the next twelve months.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

None

27

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

We have historically experienced and expect to continue to experience substantial seasonal fluctuations in

our net sales and operating income. We believe this is the general pattern typical of our segment of the retail
industry and, as a result, expect that this pattern will continue in the future. Our quarterly results of operations
may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a variety of other factors, including the timing of new store
openings, net sales contributed by new stores, shifts in the timing of certain holidays and competition.
Consequently, comparisons between quarters are not necessarily meaningful and the results for any quarter are
not necessarily indicative of future results.

Our strongest sales period is the fourth quarter of our fiscal year when we generally realize a
disproportionate amount of our net sales and a substantial majority of our operating and net income. In
anticipation of the increased sales activity during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, we purchase large
amounts of inventory and hire temporary staffing help for our stores. Our operating performance could suffer
if net sales were below seasonal norms during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year.

The following table sets forth certain unaudited financial and operating data for Kirkland’s in each fiscal
quarter during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006. The unaudited quarterly information includes all normal recurring
adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair statement of the information shown. Fiscal 2006 results
reflect a 53-week retail calendar, while fiscal 2007 reflects a 52-week retail calendar.

May 5,
2007

Fiscal 2007 Quarter Ended
August 4,
November 3,
2007
2007

Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 82,314
22,231
Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(12,698)
Operating income (loss)(1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss)(2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(7,499)
Earnings (loss) per share:

$87,359
23,811
(9,799)
(9,246)

$ 88,743
24,763
(8,631)
(10,650)

February 2,
2008

$138,285
42,856
5,190
1,489

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores open at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comparable store net sales decrease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(0.38)
(0.38)
338

(0.47)
(0.47)
347

(18.8)% (10.5)%

(0.55)
(0.55)
354
(12.1)%

0.08
0.08
335
(12.6)%

April 30,
2006

Fiscal 2006 Quarter Ended
July 29,
2006

October 28,
2006

Total revenue(3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $92,605
27,842
Gross profit(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(5,288)
Operating income (loss)(5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income (loss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(3,025)
Earnings (loss) per share:

$ 90,958
21,876
(10,042)
(5,574)

$95,802
28,808
(5,028)
(2,933)

February 3,
2007

$167,463
61,833
19,680
11,392

Basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stores open at end of period . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Comparable store net sales decrease . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(0.16)
(0.16)
338
(5.1)%

(0.29)
(0.29)
342
(9.0)%

(0.15)
(0.15)
356
(6.7)%

0.59
0.58
349
(6.1)%

(1) During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, we incurred a charge totaling approximately $965,000, or $0.04
per share, related to separation costs associated with a restructuring of corporate personnel. During the
first, second and fourth quarters of fiscal 2007, we incurred non-cash charges related to the impairment of
fixed assets related to certain underperforming stores in the pre-tax amount of approximately $273,000,
$540,000, and $1,259,000, respectively. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we incurred a goodwill
impairment charge of approximately $1.4 million, or $0.07 per share.

28

(2) The income tax benefit was 1.4% of the loss before income taxes for fiscal 2007 as compared to a benefit
of 10.8% of the loss before income taxes for the prior year period. The tax rate for fiscal 2007 is the result
of our ability to carry-back fiscal 2007’s losses to the two previous tax years resulting in a benefit of
approximately $2.9 million. During the first quarter of fiscal 2007 we recorded an adjustment of approxi-
mately $353,000, or $0.02 per diluted share, to correct the prior year income tax provision for deferred tax
liabilities related to fixed assets. Also included in fiscal 2007’s income tax benefit is an adjustment made
in the second quarter to record a valuation allowance against our net deferred tax assets of approximately
$2.8 million, or $0.14 per diluted share. During Q3, the Company recorded income tax expense of
$1.8 million despite a pretax loss during the quarter of $8.8 million as a result of increasing our expected
pretax loss for the year compared to what had been estimated in previous quarters’ determination of the
effective tax rate which reduced the income tax benefit for the quarter $3.7 million. This continued in Q4
as our results were again lower than expected resulting in a change in the estimate of our effective tax rate
for the year which increased income tax expense for the quarter $2.9 million.

(3) Total revenue includes the initial revenue recognized on unredeemed gift certificates and gift cards of

$3.6 million in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006 pursuant to the Company’s use of the Redemption Recogni-
tion Method. There was no revenue recognized on unredeemed gift certificates or gift card balances prior
to fiscal 2006.

(4) During the second quarter of fiscal 2006, we experienced an increased level of markdown activity which

resulted in a lower gross profit when compared to the first and third quarter of the fiscal year.

(5) During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded a change in estimate of $1.4 million

related to the breakage of discount certificates issued to its private label credit card customers, which has
been recorded as an increase in other operating expenses, resulting in an increase in net loss of $0.04 per
diluted share.

Inflation

We do not believe that our operating results have been materially affected by inflation during the
preceding three fiscal years. There can be no assurance, however, that our operating results will not be
adversely affected by inflation in the future.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value
Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring
fair value in generally accepted accounting principles and expands disclosures about fair value measurements.
SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15, 2007
and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157 to
have a material effect on its financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and
Liabilities.” This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial instruments and certain other
items at fair value. If the fair value option is elected, unrealized gains and losses will be recognized in
earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a material effect on
its financial statements.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

The discussion and analysis of our financial condition and the results of our operations are based upon

our consolidated financial statements, which have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us
to make estimates that affect the reported amounts contained in the financial statements and related
disclosures. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions which are
believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Our critical
accounting policies are discussed in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. Certain judgments and
estimates utilized in implementing these accounting policies are likewise discussed in the notes to our
consolidated financial statements. The following discussion aggregates the various critical accounting policies

29

addressed throughout the financial statements, the judgments and uncertainties affecting the application of
these policies and the likelihood that materially different amounts would be reported under varying conditions
and assumptions.

Cost of sales (excluding depreciation and amortization) and inventory valuation — Cost of sales includes

all costs of product purchased from vendors, including inbound freight to the extent that it is not included in
the vendor pricing. Receiving costs, inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, outbound
freight, and all overhead associated with our distribution facility and its network are included in the cost of
sales. Our cost of sales also includes store occupancy costs. Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or
market, net of reserves and allowances, with cost determined using the average cost method with average cost
approximating current cost. We estimate the amount of shrinkage that has occurred through theft or damage
and adjust that to actual at the time of our physical inventory counts which occur throughout the fiscal year.
We also evaluate the cost of our inventory by category and class of merchandise in relation to the estimated
sales price. This evaluation is performed to ensure that we do not carry inventory at a value in excess of the
amount we expect to realize upon the sale of the merchandise. We believe we have the appropriate
merchandise valuation and pricing controls in place to minimize the risk that our inventory values would be
materially misstated.

Impairments — In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards
No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), we evaluate the
recoverability of the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, such as property and equipment, covered by this
standard whenever events or changes in circumstances dictate that the carrying value may not be recoverable.
As part of the evaluation, we review performance at the store level to identify any stores with current period
cash flow losses that should be considered for impairment. We compare the sum of the undiscounted expected
future cash flows with the carrying amounts of the assets. If impairment is indicated by the above evaluation,
the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets is recognized as an
impairment loss where fair value is estimated based on discounted expected future cash flows. Cash flows for
retail assets are identified at the individual store level. Our judgments regarding a store’s ability to realize
undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of store assets are affected by factors such as the
ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions and changes in
operating performance. As we assess the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of our long-lived
assets, these factors could cause us to realize material impairment charges.

Based on the estimated fair values of certain long-lived assets, we have recorded impairment charges of

$2.1 million and $688,000 during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, respectively.

Depreciation — Approximately 52% of our assets at February 2, 2008, represent investments in property

and equipment. Determining appropriate depreciable lives requires judgments and estimates.

(cid:129) We utilize the straight-line method of depreciation and a variety of depreciable lives. Land is not

depreciated. Buildings are depreciated over 40 years. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are generally
depreciated over 5 years. Computer software and equipment is depreciated over 3-5 years. Leasehold
improvements are amortized over the shorter of the useful lives of the assets or the original non-
cancelable lease term. Our lease terms typically range from 5 to 10 years.

(cid:129) To the extent we replace or dispose of fixtures or equipment prior to the end of its assigned depreciable
life, we could realize a loss or gain on the disposition. To the extent our assets are used beyond their
assigned depreciable life, no depreciation expense is being realized. We reassess the depreciable lives in
an effort to reduce the risk of significant losses or gains arising from either the disposition of our assets
or the utilization of assets with no depreciation charges.

Insurance reserves — Workers’ compensation, general liability and employee medical insurance programs
are partially self-insured. It is our policy to record a self-insurance liability using estimates of claims incurred
but not yet reported or paid, based on historical claims experience and trends. Actual results can vary from
estimates for many reasons, including, among others, inflation rates, claim settlement patterns, litigation trends
and legal interpretations. We monitor our claims experience in light of these factors and revise our estimates

30

of insurance reserves accordingly. The level of our insurance reserves may increase or decrease as a result of
these changing circumstances or trends.

Income taxes — We record income tax liabilities utilizing known obligations and estimates of potential
obligations. A deferred tax asset or liability is recognized whenever there are future tax effects from existing
temporary differences and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. We record a valuation allowance to
reduce deferred tax assets to the balance that is more likely than not to be realized. We must make estimates
and judgments on future taxable income, considering feasible tax planning strategies and taking into account
existing facts and circumstances, to determine the proper valuation allowance. When we determine that
deferred tax assets could be realized in greater or lesser amounts than recorded, the asset balance and income
statement reflects the change in the period such determination is made. Due to changes in facts and
circumstances and the estimates and judgments that are involved in determining the proper valuation
allowance, differences between actual future events and prior estimates and judgments could result in
adjustments to this valuation allowance. We use an estimate of our annual effective tax rate at each interim
period based on the facts and circumstances available at that time while the actual effective tax rate is
calculated at year-end.

Stock options and warrants — As of January 29, 2006, we adopted Statement of Financial Accounting
Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires us to value and
record, as compensation expense, stock awards granted to employees under a fair value based method.

SFAS 123(R) applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 28,

2006 and to those which were unvested at January 28, 2006. We have adopted SFAS 123(R) utilizing the
modified prospective transition method which requires share-based compensation expense recognized since
January 28, 2006, to be based on the following: a) grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the
original provisions of SFAS 123 for unvested options granted prior to the adoption date; b) grant date fair
value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R) for options granted subsequent to the
adoption date; and c) the discount on shares purchased by employees through our employee stock purchase
plan post-adoption, which represents the difference between the grant date fair value and the employee
purchase price. This compensation expense was recorded in the statements of operations with a corresponding
credit to common stock.

We use the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model which requires the input of highly subjective
assumptions. These assumptions include estimating the length of time employees will retain their stock options
before exercising them (“expected term”), the estimated volatility of our common stock price over the
expected term and the number of options that will ultimately not complete their vesting requirements
(“forfeitures”). Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-
based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the consolidated statements of
operations.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The financial statements and schedules are listed under Item 15(a) and filed as part of this annual report

on Form 10-K.

The supplementary financial data is set forth under Item 7 of this annual report on Form 10-K.

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We have established and maintain disclosure controls and procedures that are designed to ensure that
information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Securities Exchange
Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) is recorded, processed, summarized, and reported within the

31

time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s rules and forms, and that such
information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. We carried out
an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Chief
Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our
disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation,
the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures
were effective as of the date of such evaluation.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting, as defined in Exchange Act Rule 13a-15(f). Under the supervision and with the participation of our
management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we carried out an evaluation
of the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of February 2, 2008 based on the
Internal Control — Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the
Treadway Commission (“COSO”). Based on this evaluation, our management concluded that our internal
control over financial reporting was effective as of February 2, 2008.

This annual report does not include an attestation report of our independent registered public accounting
firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report was not subject to attestation by
our independent registered public accounting firm pursuant to temporary rules of the Securities and Exchange
Commission that permit us to provide only management’s report in this annual report.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in internal controls over financial reporting identified in connection with the
foregoing evaluation that occurred during our last fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are reasonably
likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

32

PART III

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

Information concerning directors, appearing under the caption “Board of Directors” in our Proxy
Statement (the “Proxy Statement”) to be filed with the SEC in connection with our Annual Meeting of
Shareholders scheduled to be held on June 16, 2008, information concerning executive officers, appearing
under the caption “Item 1. Business — Executive Officers of Kirkland’s” in Part I of this annual report on
Form 10-K, and information under the caption “Other Matters — Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership
Reporting Compliance” in the Proxy Statement are incorporated herein by reference in response to this
Item 10.

The Board of Directors has adopted a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applicable to our directors,

officers and employees, including our Chief Executive Officer, our President and Chief Operating Officer, and
Chief Financial Officer, which has been posted on the “Investor Relations” section of our web site. We intend
to satisfy the amendment and waiver disclosure requirements under applicable securities regulations by posting
any amendments of, or waivers to, the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics on our web site.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

The information contained in the sections titled “Executive Compensation” and “Information About the

Board of Directors — Board of Directors Compensation” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by
reference in response to this Item 11.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Shareholder

Matters

The information contained in the section titled “Security Ownership of Kirkland’s — Ownership of
Management and Certain Beneficial Owners” in the Proxy Statement, with respect to security ownership of
certain beneficial owners and management, is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 12.

Equity Compensation Plan Information

Plan category

Equity compensation plans approved by

security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity compensation plans not approved
by security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(a)
Number of securities to
be issued upon exercise
of outstanding options,
warrants and rights

(b)
Weighted-average
exercise price of
Outstanding options,
warrants and rights

(c)
Number of securities
remaining available for
future issuance under
equity compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))

838,570

NA
838,570

$8.00

NA
$8.00

2,098,114

NA
2,098,114

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

The information contained in the section titled “Related Party Transactions” in the Proxy Statement is

incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 13.

The information contained in the section titled “Information About the Board of Directors — Indepen-

dence” in the Proxy Statement is incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 13.

Item 14. Principal Accounting Fees and Services

The information contained in the section titled “Other Matters- Audit Fees” in the Proxy Statement is

incorporated herein by reference in response to this Item 14.

33

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statements, and Reports on Form 8-K

(a) 1. Financial Statements

PART IV

The financial statements set forth below are filed on the indicated pages as part of this annual report on

Form 10-K.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the 52 Weeks Ended February 2, 2008 and the 53 Weeks

Ended February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the 52 Weeks Ended February 2, 2008 and the 53

Weeks Ended February 3 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the 52 Weeks Ended February 2, 2008 and the 53 Weeks

Ended February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

34

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders of Kirkland’s, Inc.

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Kirkland’s, Inc. as of February 2, 2008

and February 3, 2007, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash
flows for each of the two years in the period ended February 2, 2008. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial
statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight

Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable
assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to
perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration
of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the
circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal
control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the
consolidated financial position of Kirkland’s, Inc. as of February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, and the
consolidated results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended
February 2, 2008, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.

As discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company adopted FASB Interpreta-
tion No. 48, “Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes — an Interpretation of FASB Statement No. 109,”
effective February 4, 2007.

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Memphis, Tennessee
April 25, 2008

35

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

February 2, 2008

February 3, 2007

(In thousands, except share data)

ASSETS

Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax receivable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current assets. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property and equipment, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

5,820
41,246
2,900
7,968
—

57,934
63,002
1,196

$ 25,358
44,790
—
5,399
2,673

78,220
71,314
1,932

Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$122,132

$151,466

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Current liabilities:
Accounts payable. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Commitments and contingencies (Note 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized; no shares

issued or outstanding at February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007 . . . . . . .

Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 19,585,093
and 19,627,065 shares issued and outstanding at February 2, 2008, and
February 3, 2007, respectively . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated deficit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 15,786
—
25,566

41,352
—
34,460
3,750

79,562

—

—

141,334
(98,764)

Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42,570

$ 20,572
996
25,796

47,364
1,713
31,693
2,714

83,484

—

—

140,761
(72,779)

67,982

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$122,132

$151,466

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

36

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended

February 2,
February 3,
2008
2007
(52 Weeks)
(53 Weeks)
(In thousands, except per
share data)

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gift certificate and gift card breakage revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$395,929
772

$443,248
3,580

Total revenue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of sales (exclusive of depreciation and amortization as shown below) . . . . . . . .

396,701
283,040

Gross profit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

113,661

Operating expenses:

Compensation and benefits. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment charge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total operating expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income, net . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Loss before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax benefit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73,392
42,363
3,453
20,391

139,599
(25,938)
644
(204)
(112)

(26,266)
(360)

Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (25,906)

Loss per share:

Basic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Weighted average shares for basic loss per share. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Effect of dilutive stock equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Adjusted weighted average shares for diluted loss per share . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

(1.33)

(1.33)

19,516
—

19,516

446,828
306,469

140,359

77,465
44,800
688
18,084

141,037
(678)
278
(292)
(507)

$

$

$

(157)
(17)

(140)

(0.01)

(0.01)

19,433
—

19,433

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

37

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

Balance at January 28, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercise of stock options and employee stock

purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . .
Restricted stock issued . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principal . .
Exercise of stock options and employee stock

purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit from exercise of stock options . . . . . . . . .
Restricted stock forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Accumulated
Deficit

(In thousands, except share data)

Total
Shareholders’
Equity

19,343,643

$139,047

$(72,639)

$ 66,408

133,422

150,000

781
1

932

19,627,065

$140,761

108,028

(150,000)

171
15

387

781
1
—
932
(140)

$ 67,982
(79)

171
15

387
(25,906)

(140)

$(72,779)
(79)

(25,906)

Balance at February 2, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

19,585,093

$141,334

$(98,764)

$ 42,570

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

38

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating

activities:

Depreciation of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of tenant allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of debt issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Impairment of long-lived assets and goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock compensation expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Loss on disposal of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in assets and liabilities:

Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income taxes receivable/payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued expenses and other noncurrent liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year Ended

February 2,
2008
(52 Weeks)

February 3,
2007
(53 Weeks)

(In thousands)

$ (25,906)

$

(140)

20,391
(6,790)
22
3,453
(79)
387
611
960

3,544
(2,569)
(206)
(4,786)
(3,881)
9,970

(4,879)

18,084
(6,753)
20
688
—
932
1,449
(856)

4,390
1,430
(290)
(3,659)
173
14,015

29,483

61
(19,505)

(19,444)

Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sale of property and equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Capital expenditures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

73
(14,835)

Net cash used in investing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(14,762)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Borrowings on revolving line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Repayments on revolving line of credit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercise of stock options and employee stock purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt issue costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

253,684
(253,684)
171
(68)

182,435
(182,435)
351
—

Net cash provided by financing activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

103

351

Cash and cash equivalents:

Net increase (decrease) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beginning of the year. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (19,538)
25,358

$ 10,390
14,968

End of the year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

5,820

$ 25,358

Supplemental cash flow information:

Interest paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income taxes paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

501

2,460

$

$

238

664

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

39

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1 — Description of Business and Significant Accounting Policies

Kirkland’s, Inc. (the “Company”) is a specialty retailer of home décor with 335 stores in 35 states as of
February 2, 2008. The consolidated financial statements of the Company include the accounts of Kirkland’s, Inc.
and its wholly-owned subsidiaries Kirkland’s Stores, Inc. and Kirklands.com, Inc. Significant intercompany
accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles
generally accepted in the United States requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect
the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results could
differ from the estimates and assumptions used.

Changes in estimates are recognized in the period when new information becomes available to manage-
ment. Areas where the nature of the estimate makes it reasonably possible that actual results could materially
differ from amounts estimated include: impairment assessments on long-lived assets (including goodwill),
inventory reserves, self-insurance reserves, income tax liabilities, stock-based compensation, gift certificate and
gift card breakage, customer loyalty program accruals and contingent liabilities.

Fiscal year — The Company’s fiscal year is comprised of the 52 or 53-week period ending on the
Saturday closest to January 31. Accordingly, fiscal 2007 represented 52 weeks ended on February 2, 2008 and
fiscal 2006 represented 53 weeks ended on February 3, 2007.

Cash equivalents — Cash and cash equivalents consist of cash on deposit in banks and investments with

maturities of 90 days or less at the date of purchase.

Cost of sales and inventory valuation — Cost of sales includes all costs of product purchased from
vendors, including inbound freight to the extent that it is not included in the vendor pricing. Receiving costs,
inspection costs, warehousing costs, internal transfer costs, outbound freight, and all overhead associated with
our distribution facility and its network are included in cost of sales. Our cost of sales also includes store
occupancy costs. Our inventory is stated at the lower of cost or market, net of reserves and allowances, with
cost determined using the average cost method with average cost approximating current cost. We estimate the
amount of shrinkage that has occurred through theft or damage and adjust that to actual at the time of our
physical inventory counts which occur throughout the fiscal year. We also evaluate the cost of our inventory
by category and class of merchandise in relation to the estimated sales price. This evaluation is performed to
ensure that we do not carry inventory at a value in excess of the amount we expect to realize upon the sale of
the merchandise.

Vendor allowances — We receive various payments and allowances from our vendors, including rebates
and other credits. The amounts received are subject to the terms of vendor agreements, which generally do not
state an expiration date, but are subject to ongoing negotiations that may be impacted in the future based on
changes in market conditions and changes in the profitability, quality, or sell-through of the related
merchandise. For all such vendor allowances, the Company applies the guidance pursuant to the Emerging
Issues Task Force Issue No. 02-16, “Accounting by a Customer (Including a Reseller) for Certain Consider-
ation Received from a Vendor” (“EITF 02-16”), by recording the vendor funds as a reduction of inventories
that are recognized as a reduction to cost of sales as the inventories are sold. The Company’s vendor funding
arrangements generally do not provide for any reimbursement arrangements that are for specific, incremental,
identifiable costs that are permitted under EITF 02-16 for the funding to be recorded as a reduction to
advertising or other operating, selling, general and administrative expenses.

Prepaid expenses and other current assets — Prepaid expenses and other current assets consist primarily

of prepaid rent, prepaid insurance and receivables from landlords for tenant allowances. Tenant allowance
receivables were $2,865,000 and $635,000 at February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007, respectively.

40

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

Property and equipment — Property and equipment are stated at cost. Depreciation is computed on a
straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the respective assets. Furniture, fixtures and equipment are
generally depreciated over 5 years. Buildings are depreciated over 40 years. Leasehold improvements are
amortized over the shorter of the useful life of the asset or the expected lease term ranging from five to
10 years. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred and improvements are capitalized. Gains or losses
on the disposition of fixed assets are recorded upon disposal.

Impairment of long-lived assets — In accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial Account-
ing Standards No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets” (“SFAS 144”), we
evaluate the recoverability of the carrying amounts of long-lived assets, such as property and equipment,
covered by this standard whenever events or changes in circumstances dictate that the carrying value may not
be recoverable. As part of the evaluation, we review performance at the store level to identify any stores with
current period cash flow losses that should be considered for impairment. We compare the sum of the
undiscounted expected future cash flows with the carrying amounts of the assets. If impairment is indicated by
the above evaluation, the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the
assets is recognized as an impairment loss where fair value is estimated based on discounted expected future
cash flows. Cash flows for retail assets are identified at the individual store level. Our judgments regarding a
store’s ability to realize undiscounted cash flows in excess of the carrying amounts of store assets are affected
by factors such as the ongoing maintenance and improvements of the assets, changes in economic conditions
and changes in operating performance. As we assess the ongoing expected cash flows and carrying amounts of
long-lived assets, these factors could cause the Company to realize material impairment charges.

The Company recorded impairment charges of $2,072,000, and $688,000 during fiscal 2007 and fiscal
2006, respectively, which represents the impairment of the leasehold improvements, furniture and fixtures, and
equipment of certain underperforming stores. As of February 2, 2008, and February 3, 2007, these stores had a
remaining carrying value of long-lived assets totaling $1,343,000 and $647,000, respectively.

Goodwill — The Company accounts for its goodwill in accordance with SFAS No. 142, Goodwill and

Other Intangible Assets. Accordingly, goodwill is not amortized but reviewed for impairment on an annual
basis during each fourth quarter or more frequently when events and circumstances indicate that an impairment
may have occurred. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2007, we incurred a charge of approximately
$1,381,000 relating to goodwill recorded in connection with a prior acquisition as the fair value of the business
was estimated to be less than the carrying value of the net assets as of February 2, 2008.

Insurance reserves — Workers’ compensation, general liability and employee medical insurance programs
are partially self-insured. It is our policy to record a self-insurance liability using estimates of claims incurred
but not yet reported or paid, based on historical claims experience and trends. Actual results can vary from
estimates for many reasons, including, among others, inflation rates, claim settlement patterns, litigation trends
and legal interpretations. We monitor our claims experience in light of these factors and revise our estimates
of insurance reserves accordingly. The level of our insurance reserves may increase or decrease as a result of
these changing circumstances or trends.

Customer loyalty program — The Company has established a private-label credit card program for its

customers. The card program is operated and managed by a third-party bank that assumes all credit risk with
no recourse to the Company. All cardholders are automatically enrolled in a loyalty program whereby
cardholders earn loyalty points in return for making purchases in the Company’s stores. Attaining specified
loyalty point levels results in the issuance of discount certificates to the cardholder. The Company accrues for
the expected liability associated with the discount certificates issued as well as the accumulated points that
have not yet resulted in the issuance of a certificate adjusted for expected redemption rates. This liability is
included within accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheet and the changes to the liability are
included within other operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. During the fourth
quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company recorded a change of estimate of $655,000, $0.03 per diluted share,

41

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

reducing the liability related to the anticipated breakage of discount certificates issued to its private label credit
card customers. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company recorded a change of estimate of
$1.4 million ($864,000 after tax), or $0.04 per diluted share increasing the liability.

Deferred rent — Many of the Company’s operating leases contain predetermined fixed escalations of
minimum rentals during the initial term. Additionally, the Company does not typically pay rent during the
construction period for its new stores. For these leases, the Company recognizes the related rental expense on
a straight-line basis over the life of the lease commencing with the date of initial access to the leased space,
and records the difference between amounts charged to operations and amounts paid as a liability. The
cumulative net excess of recorded rent expense over lease payments totaled $7.9 million, of which $886,000
was reflected as a current liability in accrued expenses and $7.0 million was reflected as a noncurrent liability
in deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheet as of February 2, 2008. As of February 3, 2007, $1.3 million
was reflected as a current liability in accrued expenses and $6.8 million was reflected as a noncurrent liability
in deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheet.

The Company also receives incentives from landlords in the form of construction allowances. These
construction allowances are recorded as deferred rent and amortized as a reduction to rent expense over the
lease term. As of February 2, 2008, the unamortized amount of construction allowances totaled $35.6 million,
of which $8.1 million was reflected as a current liability in accrued expenses and $27.5 million was reflected
as a noncurrent liability in deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheet. As of February 3, 2007,
$6.0 million was reflected as a current liability in accrued expenses and $24.9 was reflected as a noncurrent
liability in deferred rent on the consolidated balance sheet.

Revenue recognition — The Company recognizes revenue at the time of sale of merchandise to customers.

Net sales include the sale of merchandise, net of estimated returns and exclusive of sales taxes.

Revenues from our gift certificates and gift cards are recognized as revenue when tendered for payment.

While the Company will continue to honor all gift certificates and gift cards presented for payment, the
Company determines the likelihood of redemption to be remote for certain gift certificates and gift card
balances due to, among other factors, long periods of inactivity. In fiscal 2006, the Company began using the
Redemption Recognition Method to account for breakage for unused gift card and gift certificate amounts
where breakage is recognized as gift certificates or gift cards are redeemed for the purchase of goods based
upon a historical breakage rate. In these circumstances, to the extent the Company determines there is no
requirement for remitting certificate or card balances to government agencies under unclaimed property laws,
gift certificate and gift card balances are recognized in the consolidated statement of operations as revenue.
After completing a review of its historical redemption patterns, the Company recognized an initial $3.6 million
of revenue and operating income related to gift certificate and gift card breakage during fiscal 2006. The
Company recognized approximately $772,000 in gift certificate and gift card breakage during fiscal 2007.
There was no revenue recognized on unredeemed gift certificates or gift card balances prior to fiscal 2006
because sufficient data was not available during those periods to support an alternative position.

Compensation and benefits — Compensation and benefits includes all store and corporate office salaries

and wages and incentive pay as well as employee health benefits, 401(k) plan benefits, social security and
unemployment taxes. During the third quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company incurred a charge related to
separation costs associated with a restructuring of corporate personnel. This charge totaled approximately
$965,000, representing the elimination of certain corporate positions, including field multi-unit management
positions and positions at the Company’s Jackson and Nashville corporate offices. There were other charges
related to other executive severance during the year totaling approximately $528,000. Payments made against
these charges were approximately $610,000 during fiscal 2007 leaving a payable remaining of approximately
$883,000 at February 2, 2008. The Company does not anticipate any additional charges related to these events.

42

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

Stock options and warrants — As of January 29, 2006, the Company adopted Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 123 (revised 2004), “Share-Based Payment” (“SFAS 123(R)”) which requires the
Company to value and record, as compensation expense, stock awards granted to employees under a fair value
based method.

SFAS 123(R) applies to new awards and to awards modified, repurchased or canceled after January 28,

2006 and to those awards which are unvested at January 28, 2006. The Company adopted SFAS 123(R)
utilizing the modified prospective transition method which required share-based compensation expense
recognized since January 28, 2006, to be based on the following: a) grant date fair value estimated in
accordance with the original provisions of SFAS 123 for unvested options granted prior to the adoption date;
b) grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of SFAS 123(R) for options granted
subsequent to the adoption date; and c) the discount on shares purchased by employees through our employee
stock purchase plan post-adoption, which represents the difference between the purchase date fair value and
the employee purchase price. This compensation expense is recorded within compensation and benefits in the
statements of operations with a corresponding credit to common stock.

Other operating expenses — Other operating expenses consist of such items as insurance, advertising,

property taxes, supplies, losses on disposal of assets and various other store and corporate expenses.

Preopening expenses — Preopening expenses, which consist primarily of payroll and occupancy costs, are

expensed as incurred.

Advertising expenses — Advertising costs are expensed in the period in which the related advertising
activity first takes place. Advertising expense was $4,897,000 and $4,296,000 for fiscal years 2007 and 2006,
respectively.

Other income, net — Other (income) expense consists of sales tax rebates of $(193,000) and $(213,000)

for fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively, and other miscellaneous (income) expense of $81,000 and
$(294,000) for fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Income Taxes — Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the differences between the
financial statement and the tax law treatment of certain items. Realization of certain components of deferred
tax assets is dependent upon the occurrence of future events. The Company records valuation allowances to
reduce its deferred tax assets to the amount it believes is more likely than not to be realized. These valuation
allowances can be impacted by changes in tax laws, changes to statutory tax rates, and future taxable income
levels and are based on the Company’s judgment, estimates, and assumptions regarding those future events. In
the event the Company were to determine that it would not be able to realize all or a portion of the net
deferred tax assets in the future, the Company would increase the valuation allowance through a charge to
income tax expense in the period that such determination is made. Conversely, if the Company were to
determine that it would be able to realize its deferred tax assets in the future, in excess of the net carrying
amounts, the Company would decrease the recorded valuation allowance through a decrease to income tax
expense in the period that such determination is made.

The Company provides for uncertain tax positions and the related interest and penalties, if any, based

upon management’s assessment of whether a tax benefit is more likely than not to be sustained upon
examination by tax authorities. At February 2, 2008, the Company believes it has appropriately accounted for
any unrecognized tax benefits. To the extent the Company prevails in matters for which a liability for an
unrecognized tax benefit is established or is required to pay amounts in excess of the liability, the Company’s
effective tax rate in a given financial statement period may be affected.

Sales and Use Taxes — Governmental authorities assess sales and use taxes on the sale of goods and
services. The Company excludes taxes collected from customers in its reported sales results, such amounts are
reflected as accrued expenses until remitted to the taxing authorities.

43

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

Use of estimates — The preparation of 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 certain assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingencies at the date of
the financial statements and the related reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Fair value of financial instruments — The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents, accounts
receivable, other current assets and accounts payable approximate fair value because of their short maturities.

Earnings per share — Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the

weighted average number of shares outstanding during each period presented, which excludes non-vested
restricted stock. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net income or loss by the weighted
average number of shares outstanding plus the dilutive effect of stock equivalents outstanding during the
applicable periods using the treasury stock method. The diluted loss per share amounts for fiscal 2007 and
fiscal 2006 have been calculated using the same denominator as used in the basic loss per share calculation as
the inclusion of dilutive securities in the denominator would have been anti-dilutive. Stock options that were
not included in the diluted earnings per share computation because they would have been ant-dilutive were
approximately 839,000 shares and 1,120,000 shares at February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, respectively.

Comprehensive income — Comprehensive income does not differ from the consolidated net income (loss)

presented in the consolidated statements of operations.

Operating segments — An operating segment is defined as a component of an enterprise that engages in

business activities from which it may earn revenues and incur expenses and about which separate financial
information is regularly evaluated by the chief operating decision maker in deciding how to allocate resources.
Due to the similar economic characteristics of the Company’s mall and off-mall stores, and the similar nature
of the Company’s products, type of customer, and method used to distribute the Company’s products, the
Company operates as one business segment and does not disclose separate segment information.

Recent accounting pronouncements — In September 2006, the FASB issued Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 157, “Fair Value Measurements” (“SFAS No. 157”). SFAS No. 157 defines fair
value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures about fair value measure-
ments. SFAS No. 157 is effective for financial statements issued for fiscal years beginning after November 15,
2007 and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 157
to have a material effect on its financial statements.

In February 2007, the FASB issued SFAS No. 159, “The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and

Liabilities” (“SFAS No. 159”). This statement permits entities to choose to measure many financial
instruments and certain other items at fair value. If the fair value option is elected, unrealized gains and losses
will be recognized in earnings at each subsequent reporting date. SFAS No. 159 is effective for fiscal years
beginning after November 15, 2007. The Company does not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 159 to have a
material effect on its financial statements.

44

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

Note 2 — Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is comprised of the following (in thousands):

February 2,
2008

February 3,
2007

Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equipment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Furniture and fixtures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Leasehold improvements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Projects in progress. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

402
3,481
27,001
45,016
61,644
419

$

402
3,481
33,407
47,912
60,155
399

Less: accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 3 — Accrued Expenses

Accrued expenses are comprised of the following (in thousands):

Salaries and wages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gift certificates and store credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Sales taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred rent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note 4 — Income Taxes

The benefit for income taxes consist of the following (in thousands):

137,963
74,961

145,756
74,442

$ 63,002

$ 71,314

February 2,
2008

February 3,
2007

$ 3,643
6,480
2,143
8,989
4,311

$25,566

$ 3,641
6,735
2,668
7,269
5,483

$25,796

52 Weeks
Ended
February 2,
2008

53 Weeks
Ended
February 3,
2007

Current:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(1,898)
578

$ 784
55

Deferred:

Federal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6,118)
(1,090)
8,168

(756)
(100)
—

Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (360)

$ (17)

45

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

The provision for income taxes differs from the amount computed by applying the statutory federal
income tax rate to income before income taxes. A reconciliation of the provision (benefit) for income taxes at
the statutory federal income tax rate to the amount provided (benefited) is as follows (in thousands):

52 Weeks
Ended
February 2,
2008

53 Weeks
Ended
February 3,
2007

Tax at federal statutory rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State income taxes (net of federal benefit) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill impairment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Change in valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other permanent items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(9,193)
(512)
483
8,168
694

Income tax benefit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ (360)

$(55)
28
—
—
10

$(17)

At February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, the Company has net operating loss (“NOL”) carry forwards
for federal income tax purposes of $8.9 million and zero, respectively, which will begin to expire in 2022. At
February 2, 2008 and February 3, 2007, the Company has NOL carry forwards for state income tax purposes
of $19.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, which expire between 2015 through 2022.

The Company’s income tax provision is computed based on the federal statutory rates and the state

statutory rates, net of related federal benefit.

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts

of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes.
Significant components of the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows (in thousands):

February 2,
2008

February 3,
2007

Deferred tax assets:

Net operating loss carry forwards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accruals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory valuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred rent and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 4,273
2,583
376
4,693

Total gross deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Less: Valuation allowance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total net deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities:

Depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net deferred tax (liability) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

11,925
(8,168)

3,757

(3,476)
(281)

(3,757)

$

101
2,625
333
3,845

6,904
—

6,904

(5,659)
(285)

(5,944)

Total net deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ —

$

960

Future utilization of the deferred tax assets is evaluated by the Company on an annual basis and the
valuation allowance is adjusted accordingly. In 2007, the valuation allowance increased by $8.2 million as the
Company incurred a loss above the historical income which could be offset by a net operating loss carryback.
The Company is uncertain about its ability to use the net deferred tax assets; therefore, a full valuation
allowance was established.

46

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

The Company and one or more of its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U. S. federal jurisdiction

and various state and local jurisdictions. The Company is no longer subject to U. S. federal income tax
examinations by authorities for years prior to 2004. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to
state and local income tax examinations for years prior to 2002. The Company has no ongoing U. S. federal,
state or local income tax examinations.

The Company adopted the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 48 on February 4, 2007. As a result of
the implementation, the Company recognized a $79,000 increase in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits,
which was accounted for as a reduction of the February 4, 2007 balance of retained earnings. The Company
recognizes interest and penalties accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits in tax expense. The Company
had a $351,000 liability recorded for unrecognized tax benefits as of February 4, 2007 which included interest
and penalties of $153,000. At February 2, 2008, the unrecognized tax benefit for interest and penalty increased
to $210,000. The total net amount of unrecognized tax benefits as of February 4, 2007 that, if recognized,
would affect the effective tax rate was $263,000. At February 2, 2008, the total net amount of unrecognized
tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate is $406,000. A reconciliation of the
beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows (in thousands):

Balance at February 4, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $198
—
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
492
Additions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Reductions for tax positions of prior years . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Settlements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
—
Lapse of the Statute of Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at February 2, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $690

In the February 2, 2008 balance of unrecognized tax benefits, there are two tax positions for which the
ultimate deductibility is highly certain but the timing of such deductibility is uncertain. Accordingly the impact
to the deferred tax accounting for these tax positions has been considered.

Note 5 — Senior Credit Facility

Effective October 4, 2004, the Company entered into a five-year senior secured revolving credit facility

with a revolving loan limit of up to $45 million. On August 6, 2007, the Company entered into a First
Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement (the “Amendment”) which provided the Company with
additional availability under our borrowing base through higher advanced rates on eligible inventory. As a
result of the amendment, the aggregate size of the overall credit facility remained unchanged at $45 million,
but the term of the facility was extended two years making the new expiration date October 4, 2011. The
amended revolving credit facility, other than First In Last Out (“FILO”) loans, bears interest at a floating rate
equal to the 60-day LIBOR rate (3.11% at February 2, 2008) plus 1.25% to 1.50% (depending on the amount
of excess availability under the borrowing base). FILO loans, which apply to the first $2 million borrowed at
any given time, bear interest at a floating rate equal to the 60-day LIBOR rate plus 2.25% to 2.5% (depending
on the amount of excess availability under the borrowing base). Additionally, the Company pays a fee to the
bank equal to a rate of 0.2% per annum on the unused portion of the revolving line of credit. Borrowings
under the facility are collateralized by substantially all of our assets and guaranteed by our subsidiaries. The
maximum availability under the credit facility is limited by a borrowing base formula, which consists of a
percentage of eligible inventory and receivables less reserves. The facility also contains provisions that could
result in changes to the presented terms or the acceleration of maturity. Circumstances that could lead to such
changes or acceleration include a material adverse change in the business or an event of default under the
credit agreement. The facility has one financial covenant that requires the Company to maintain excess

47

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

availability under the borrowing base, as defined in the credit agreement, of at least $3 to $4.5 million
depending on the size of the borrowing base, at all times.

As of February 2, 2008, the Company was in compliance with the covenants in the facility and there was

zero in outstanding borrowings under the credit facility, with approximately $22.1 million available for
borrowing (net of the availability block as described above).

Note 6 — Long-Term Leases

The Company leases retail store facilities, warehouse facilities and certain equipment under operating

leases with terms ranging up to 15 years and expiring at various dates through 2020. Most of the retail store
lease agreements include renewal options and provide for minimum rentals and contingent rentals based on
sales performance in excess of specified minimums. Rent expense, including extra charges under operating
leases was $57,222,000 and $57,205,000 in fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively. Contingent rental expense
was $70,000 and $155,000 for fiscal years 2007 and 2006, respectively.

Future minimum lease payments under all operating leases with initial terms of one year or more are as

follows: $57,426,000 in 2008; $49,412,000 in 2009; $42,022,000 in 2010; $35,859,000 in 2011 $32,773,000 in
2012 and $92,277,000 thereafter.

Note 7 — Employee Benefit Plans

Stock options — On June 12, 1996, the Company adopted the “1996 Executive Incentive and Non-
Qualified Stock Option Plan” (the “1996 Plan”), which provides employees and officers with opportunities to
purchase shares of the Company’s common stock. The 1996 Plan authorized the grant of incentive and non-
qualified stock options and required that the exercise price of incentive stock options be at least 100% of the
fair market value of the stock at the date of the grant. As of February 2, 2008, options to purchase
182,737 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 1996 Plan at an exercise price of $1.29. Options
issued to employees under the 1996 Plan have maximum contractual terms of 10 years and vest ratably over
3 years. No additional options may be granted under the 1996 Plan.

In July 2002, the Company adopted the Kirkland’s, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2002 Plan”).
The 2002 Plan provides for the award of restricted stock, restricted stock units, incentive stock options, non-
qualified stock options and stock appreciation rights with respect to shares of common stock to employees,
directors, consultants and other individuals who perform services for the Company. The 2002 Plan is
authorized to provide awards for up to a maximum of 2,500,000 shares of common stock. Options issued to
employees under the 2002 Plan have maximum contractual terms of 10 years and generally vest ratably over
3 years. Options issued to non-employee directors vest immediately on the date of the grant. As of February 2,
2008, options to purchase 655,833 shares of common stock were outstanding under the 2002 Plan at exercise
prices ranging from $4.25 to $18.55 per share.

48

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

The following table summarizes information about employee stock options outstanding and exercisable at

February 2, 2008:

Range of Exercise Prices

Number
of Shares

$1.29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 182,737
$4.25 - $10.90 . . . . . . 513,333
$11.05 - $18.55 . . . . . 142,500

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . 838,570

Options Outstanding

Weighted Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (In Years)

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Number
of Shares

Weighted Average
Exercise Price

Options Exercisable

3.8
7.8
5.9

6.6

$ 1.29
$ 8.31
$15.47

$ 8.00

182,737
427,494
142,500

752,731

$ 1.29
$ 8.82
$15.47

$ 8.25

As of February 2, 2008, there were no outstanding in-the-money options. Shares reserved for future

option grants approximated 1.8 million at February 2, 2008. The weighted average grant date fair value of
options granted during fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006 were $2.15 and $3.09, respectively. For fiscal 2007,
unrecognized stock compensation expense related to the unvested portion of outstanding stock options was
approximately $222,000 which is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years.

Transactions under the Company’s stock option plans in each of the periods indicated are as follows:

Number of
Options

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Balance at January 28, 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,116,195
380,000
Options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(78,369)
Options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
(466,687)
Options forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Options forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

951,139
70,000
(15,112)
(167,457)

Balance at February 2, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

838,570

Options Exercisable As of:
February 2, 2008 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

752,731

February 3, 2007 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

591,118

$8.55
$6.37
$1.30
$9.35

$7.88
$4.54
$1.72
$6.46

$8.00

$8.25

$8.13

Total share-based compensation expense (a component of compensation and benefits) was approximately

$387,000 for the 52 week period ended February 2, 2008 and $932,000 for the 53 week period ended
February 3, 2007. The impact of adopting SFAS 123(R) on future results will depend on, among other things,
levels of share-based payments granted in the future, actual forfeiture rates and the timing of option exercises.

The fair value of each option is recorded as compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the

grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option
awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes multiple-option pricing valuation model. The
application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the
determination of compensation expense. The weighted average for key assumptions used in determining the

49

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

fair value of options granted in the 52 week period ended February 2, 2008 and 53 week period ended
February 3, 2007 and a summary of the methodology applied to develop each assumption are as follows:

2007

2006

Expected price volatility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk-free interest rate. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.5 years
Forfeiture rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividend yield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.44
4.7%

5%
0%

0.43
5.0%

5.9 years

5%
0%

Expected Price Volatility — This is a measure of the amount by which the stock price has fluctuated or is
expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual historical changes in the market value of its stock to calculate
the volatility assumption as it is management’s belief that this is the best indicator of future volatility. The
Company calculates daily market value changes to the date of grant over a period beginning one year
following the Company’s initial public offering date. An increase in the expected volatility will increase
compensation expense.

Risk-Free Interest Rate — This is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to

the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense.

Expected Lives — This is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain
outstanding. The Company uses the “simplified” method found in the Securities and Exchange Commission’s
Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to estimate the expected life of stock option grants. Options granted have a
maximum term of ten years. An increase in the expected life will increase compensation expense.

Forfeiture Rate — This is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or

canceled before becoming fully vested. This estimate is based on historical experience of similar grants. An
increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense.

Dividend Yield — The Company has not made any dividend payments nor does it have plans to pay

dividends in the foreseeable future. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense.

Forfeitures are estimated at the time of valuation and reduce expense ratably over the vesting period. This
estimate is adjusted periodically based on the extent to which actual forfeitures differ, or are expected to differ,
from the previous estimate. The Company’s forfeiture estimate has a minimal effect on expense as the majority
of the share based awards vest quarterly.

Restricted Stock — During the first quarter of fiscal 2006, the Company granted 150,000 shares of
restricted stock to its former President and Chief Operating Officer. The award was scheduled to fully vest
after five years of continuous employment with the Company. The value of this grant was measured at the
market value of the Company’s common stock on the service inception date. In the fourth quarter of fiscal
2007, the executive separated from the Company and forfeited all 150,000 shares of unvested restricted stock.
All compensation expense associated with this grant which had previously been recognized up to the point of
the separation was reversed resulting in a credit to compensation and benefits in the amount of $353,000. The
Company also issued a restricted stock unit (RSU) grant of 100,000 shares of common stock to this former
employee during fiscal 2006 which would vest only when a pre-determined performance condition was met by
the Company. Since achieving this performance condition was not probable, no compensation expense was
ever recognized related to the RSU grant. The RSU grant was also forfeited in the fourth quarter of fiscal
2007.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan — In July 2002, the Company adopted an Employee Stock Purchase Plan
(“ESPP”). Under the ESPP, full-time employees who have completed twelve consecutive months of service are
allowed to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock, subject to certain limitations, through payroll

50

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

deduction, at 85% of the fair market value. The Company’s ESPP is authorized to issue up to 500,000 shares
of common stock. During fiscal 2007 and fiscal 2006, there were 92,916 and 55,315 shares of common stock,
respectively, issued to participants under the ESPP.

401(k) Savings Plan — The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) employee benefit plan,

which covers all employees meeting certain age and service requirements. Up to 6% of the employee’s
compensation may be matched at the Company’s discretion. For all fiscal years presented, this discretionary
percentage was 50% of an employee’s contribution subject to Plan maximums. The Company’s matching
contributions were approximately $335,000 and $261,000 in fiscal 2007 and 2006, respectively. The Company
has the option to make additional contributions to the Plan on behalf of covered employees; however, no such
contributions were made in fiscal 2007 or 2006.

Deferred Compensation Plan — Effective March 1, 2005, the Company adopted The Executive Non-
Qualified Excess Plan (the “Deferred Compensation Plan”). The Deferred Compensation Plan is available for
certain employees whose benefits under the 401(k) Savings Plan are limited due to provisions of the Internal
Revenue Code. The Company’s matching contribution was approximately $39,000 and $60,000 in fiscal years
2007 and 2006, respectively.

Post-employment benefits — Effective May 30, 2006, the Company entered into a letter agreement with

its Chief Executive Officer, providing for certain compensatory and health benefits which take effect upon
separation from the Company for any reason. This agreement resulted in a charge of approximately $728,000
which was included as a component of compensation and benefits within the consolidated statements of
operations during fiscal 2006.

Note 8 — Commitments and Contingencies

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of risk are primarily cash and

cash equivalents. The Company places its cash and cash equivalents in insured depository institutions and
limits the amount of credit exposure to any one institution within the covenant restrictions imposed by the
Company’s debt agreements.

The Company is party to pending legal proceedings and claims. Although the outcome of such

proceedings and claims cannot be determined with certainty, the Company’s management is of the opinion that
it is remote that these proceedings and claims will have a material effect on the financial condition, operating
results or cash flows of the Company.

51

3. Exhibits:

(see (b) below)

(b) Exhibits.

The following is a list of exhibits filed as part of this annual report on Form 10-K. For exhibits
incorporated by reference, the location of the exhibit in the Company’s previous filing is indicated in
parentheses.

Exhibit
Number

Description

3.1* — Amended and Restated Charter of Kirkland’s, Inc. (Exhibit 3.1 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for

the year ended February 1, 2003) (the “2002 Form 10-K”)

3.2* — Amended and Restated Bylaws of Kirkland’s, Inc. (Exhibit 3.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K

dated March 31, 2006)

4.1* — Form of Specimen Stock Certificate (Exhibit 4.1 to Amendment No. 1 to our registration statement on
Form S-1 filed on June 5, 2002, Registration No. 333-86746 (“Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Form S-1”))
10.1* — Loan and Security Agreement, dated as of October 4, 2004, by and among Kirkland’s, Inc., Kirkland’s
Stores, Inc. and kirklands.com, inc., Fleet Retail Group, Inc., as Agent, and the Financial Institutions
Party Thereto From Time to Time as Lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated
October 8, 2004)

10.2* — Amended and Restated Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 15, 2002, by and among
Kirkland Holdings L.L.C., Kirkland’s, Inc., SSM Venture Partners, L.P., Joseph R. Hyde III, Johnston
C. Adams, Jr., John H. Pontius, CT/Kirkland Equity Partners, L.P., R-H Capital Partners, L.P.,
TCW/Kirkland Equity Partners, L.P., Capital Resource Lenders II, L.P., Allied Capital Corporation,
The Marlborough Capital Investment Fund, L.P., Capital Trust Investments, Ltd., Global Private
Equity II Limited Partnership, Advent Direct Investment Program Limited Partnership, Advent
Partners Limited Partnership, Carl Kirkland, Robert E. Kirkland, Robert E. Alderson, The Amy
Katherine Alderson Trust, The Allison Leigh Alderson Trust, The Carl T. Kirkland Grantor Retained
Annuity Trust 2001-1 and Steven Collins (Exhibit 10.2 to Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Form S-1)

10.3+* — Employment Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and Robert E. Alderson dated June 1, 2002,

(Exhibit No. 10.6 to Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Form S-1)

10.4+* — Amendment to Employment Agreement by and between Kirkland’s, Inc. and Robert E. Alderson dated
March 31, 2004 (Exhibit 10.2 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 1, 2004)
10.5+* — 1996 Executive Incentive and Non-Qualified Stock Option Plan, as amended through April 17, 2002
(Exhibit 10.10 to our registration statement on Form S-1 filed on April 23, 2002, Registration
No. 333-86746 (the “2002 Form S-1”))

10.6+* — 2002 Equity Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.11 to Amendment No. 1 to 2002 Form S-1)
10.7* — Employee Stock Purchase Plan (Exhibit 10.12 to Amendment No. 4 to our registration statement on

Form S-1 filed on July 10, 2002, Registration No. 333-86746)

10.8+* — Form of Non-Qualified Stock Option Award Agreement for Director Grants (Exhibit 10.1 to our
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended October 30, 2004 (“October 2004 Form 10-Q”))

10.9+* — Form of Incentive Stock Option Agreement (Exhibit 10.2 to the October 2004 Form 10-Q)
10.10+* — Executive Non-Qualified Excess Plan (Exhibit 10.19 to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year

ended January 29, 2005)

10.11+ — Compensation Policy for Non-employee Directors
10.12* — First Amendment to Kirkland’s, Inc. 2002 Equity Incentive Plan effective March 17, 2006 (Exhibit 99.2

to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 22, 2006 (the “March 22, 2006 Form 8-K”))

10.13* — Letter Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and Cathy David dated March 20, 2006 (Exhibit 99.3 to

the March 22, 2006 Form 8-K)

10.14* — Restrictive Covenant Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and Cathy David dated March 20, 2006

(Exhibit 99.4 to the March 22, 2006 Form 8-K)

10.15* — Restrictive Stock Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and Cathy David dated March 22, 2006

(Exhibit 99.5 to the March 22, 2006 Form 8-K)

52

Exhibit
Number

Description

10.16* — Restricted Stock Unit Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and Cathy David dated March 22, 2006

(Exhibit 99.6 to the March 2006 Form 8-K)

10.17+* — Severance Rights Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and Robert E. Alderson dated May 30, 2006
(Exhibit 10.1 to our Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended July 29, 2006)
10.18* — Office Lease Agreement dated March 1, 2007 by and between Kirkland’s and Two Rivers Corporate

Centre, L.P. (Exhibit 10.1 to our Current Report on Form 8-K dated March 1, 2007)

10.19* — First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement dated as of August 6, 2007, by and among
Kirkland’s, Inc., Kirkland’s Stores, Inc. and kirklands.com, inc., Fleet Retail Group, Inc., as Agent, and
the Financial Institutions Party Thereto From Time to Time as Lenders (Exhibit 10.1 to our Current
Report on Form 8-K dated August 10, 2007)

10.20+* — Severance Rights Agreement by and between Kirkland’s and W. Michael Madden dated April 11, 2008

(Exhibit 99.1 to our Form 8-K/A dated April 14, 2008)

21.1* — Subsidiaries of Kirkland’s (Exhibit 21 to the 2002 Form S-1)
23.1 — Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
31.1 — Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-

Oxley Act of 2002.

31.2 — Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the

Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.1 — Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as

Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2 — Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C.
Section 1350, as Adopted Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

* Incorporated by reference.
+ Management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

53

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, the
registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

SIGNATURES

KIRKLAND’S, INC.

By:

/s/ ROBERT E. ALDERSON

Robert E. Alderson
President and Chief Executive Officer

Date: April 25, 2008

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed

below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/ ROBERT E. ALDERSON
Robert E. Alderson

/s/ W. MICHAEL MADDEN
W. Michael Madden

/s/ CARL KIRKLAND
Carl Kirkland

/s/ STEVEN J. COLLINS
Steven J. Collins

/s/ DAVID M. MUSSAFER
David M. Mussafer

/s/ GABRIEL GOMEZ
Gabriel Gomez

/s/ R. WILSON ORR, III
R. Wilson Orr, III

/s/ RALPH T. PARKS
Ralph T. Parks

/s/ MURRAY M. SPAIN
Murray M. Spain

President and Chief Executive Officer, and
Director (Principal Executive Officer)

April 25, 2008

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial
Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

April 25, 2008

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

Director

54

INDEX OF EXHIBITS FILED WITH THIS ANNUAL REPORT ON 10-K

Exhibit
Number

Description

KIRKLANDS, INC.

10.11 Compensation Policy for Non-Employee Directors
23.1
31.1
31.2

Consent of Ernst & Young LLP.
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or Rule 15d-14(a)
Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) or
Rule 15d-14(a)
Certification of the President and Chief Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350
Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

32.1
32.2

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements Form S-3 (No. 333-111245),
Form S-8 (No. 333-100157) and Form S-8 (No. 333-128120) of Kirkland’s, Inc. and in the related Prospectus
of our report dated April 25, 2008, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Kirkland’s, Inc.
included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year (52 weeks) ended February 2, 2008.

EXHIBIT 23.1

Memphis, Tennessee
April 25, 2008

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

I, Robert E. Alderson, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kirkland’s, Inc. (“registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit

to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant
and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over

financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the
case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control

over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a

significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 25, 2008

/s/ ROBERT E. ALDERSON

Robert E. Alderson
President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

I, W. Michael Madden, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K of Kirkland’s, Inc. (“registrant”);

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit

to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such
statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this
report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the
registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining
disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal
control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant
and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and
procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the
registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities,
particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over

financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in
this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end
of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting
that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the
case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of
internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s
board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control

over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record,
process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a

significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: April 25, 2008

/s/ W. MICHAEL MADDEN

W. Michael Madden
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Annual Report of Kirkland’s, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended February 2, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
“Report”), I, Robert E. Alderson, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to
18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial

condition and results of operations of the Company.

April 25, 2008

/s/ ROBERT E. ALDERSON

Robert E. Alderson
President and Chief Executive Officer

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Annual Report of Kirkland’s, Inc. (the “Company”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal
year ended February 2, 2008 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the
“Report”), I, W. Michael Madden, Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify,
pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002,
that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial

condition and results of operations of the Company.

April 25, 2008

/s/ W. MICHAEL MADDEN

W. Michael Madden
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

(This page intentionally left blank)

(This page intentionally left blank)

DIRECTORS
AND OFFICERS

CORPORATE DATA

Directors

Corporate Headquarters

R. Wilson Orr, III
Chairman of the
Board of Directors
Managing Partner, SSM Partners

Carl Kirkland
Founder
Kirkland’s, Inc. 

Robert E. Alderson
President and Chief Executive Officer
Kirkland’s, Inc. 

Steven J. Collins
Managing Director
Advent International Corporation 

Gabriel Gomez
Principal
Advent International Corporation 

David M. Mussafer
Managing Partner
Advent International Corporation 

Ralph T. Parks
President
RT Parks, Inc.

Murray M. Spain
Founder
Dollar Express, Inc.

Officers

Robert E. Alderson
President and Chief Executive Officer 

W. Michael Madden
Senior Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer

Todd A. Weier
Senior Vice President of Logistics

Michelle R. Graul
Vice President of Human Resources 

Mark P. Krebs
Vice President of Merchandising — 

Planning and Allocation

Lowell E. Pugh II
Vice President, General Counsel 

and Secretary 

Philip H. Rogers
Vice President of Information Systems 

Kirkland’s, Inc.
431 Smith Lane
Jackson, Tennessee 38301
731/988-3600
www.kirklands.com

Transfer Agent and Registrar

StockTrans, Inc.
44 West Lancaster Avenue
Ardmore, Pennsylvania  19003
610/649-7300
Shareholders seeking information
concerning stock transfers, change of
address, and lost certificates should
contact StockTrans directly.

Independent Auditors

Ernst & Young LLP
Memphis, Tennessee

Corporate Counsel

Pepper Hamilton LLP
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Annual Report on Form 10-K

A  copy  of  the  Company’s  fiscal  2007
Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K  as  filed
with 
the  Securities  and  Exchange
Commission  is  available  to  shareholders
by  contacting  the  Investor  Relations
Department  at  the  Company’s  address
above.

Annual Meeting

The  Annual  Meeting  of  Shareholders
will  be  held  at  1:00  p.m.  Central
Daylight Time  on  June  16,  2008,  at  the
Doubletree  Hotel,  315  4th  Avenue
North, Nashville, Tennessee.

Safe Harbor

for  historical 

Except 
information
contained  herein,  the  statements  in  this
release  are  forward-looking  and  made
pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of
the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform

and 

availability 

Act of 1995.  Forward-looking statements
involve  known  and  unknown  risks  and
uncertainties, which may cause Kirkland’s
actual  results  to  differ  materially  from
forecasted  results.    Those  risks  and
uncertainties 
include,  among  other
things,  the  competitive  environment  in
the home décor industry in general and in
Kirkland’s specific market areas, inflation,
product 
growth
opportunities,  seasonal  fluctuations,  and
economic  conditions  in  general.    Those
and other risks are more fully described in
Kirkland’s filings with the Securities and
Exchange  Commission,  including  the
Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-
K  filed  on  May  1,  2008.  Kirkland’s
disclaims  any  obligation  to  update  any
such  factors  or  to  publicly  announce
results  of  any  revisions  to  any  of  the
forward-looking  statements  contained
herein 
future  events  or
developments.

to  reflect 

Stock Market Information

The  Company’s  common  stock  is
traded on the NASDAQ Globat Market
under  the  symbol  KIRK.    On  April  11,
2008,  there  were  approximately  100
holders  of  record  and  1,850  beneficial
owners of the Company’s common stock.
The  following  table  sets  forth,  for  the
periods  indicated,  the  high  and  low  last
sale prices of shares of the common stock
as reported by NASDAQ:   

High 

Low

Fiscal 2007:
$ 5.68
Quarter ended May 5, 2007
Quarter ended August 4, 2007
$ 5.24
Quarter ended November 3, 2007 $ 2.13
$ 1.11
Quarter ended February 2, 2008

$ 4.50
$ 2.20
$ 0.95
$ 0.58

Fiscal 2006:
Quarter ended April 29, 2006
Quarter ended July 29, 2006
Quarter ended October 28, 2006
Quarter ended February 3, 2007

$ 7.74
$ 6.88
$ 5.25
$ 5.64

$ 4.95
$ 5.05
$ 4.18
$ 4.40

431 Smith Lane

Jackson, TN 38301

731/988-3600

www.kirklands.com