Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017	Feb. 23, 2018	Jul. 01, 2017
Document Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	CARTERS INC
Entity Central Index Key	0001060822
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-30
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-K
Document Period End Date	Dec. 30, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		47,091,313
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$ 4,120,795,278

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 178,494	$ 299,358
Accounts receivable, net	240,561	202,471
Finished goods inventories	548,722	487,591
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,892	32,180
Deferred income taxes	0	35,486
Total current assets	1,017,669	1,057,086
Property, plant, and equipment, net	377,924	385,874
Tradenames, net	365,551	308,928
Goodwill	230,424	176,009
Customer relationships, net	47,996	0
Other assets	28,435	18,700
Total assets	2,067,999	1,946,597
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	182,114	158,432
Other current liabilities	146,510	119,177
Total current liabilities	328,624	277,609
Long-term debt, net	617,306	580,376
Deferred income taxes	84,848	130,656
Other long-term liabilities	180,128	169,832
Total liabilities	1,210,906	1,158,473
Stockholders’ equity:
Preferred stock; par value $.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016	0	0
Common stock, voting; par value $.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 47,178,346 and 48,948,670 shares issued and outstanding at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively	472	489
Additional paid-in capital	0	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(29,093)	(34,740)
Retained earnings	885,714	822,375
Total stockholders’ equity	857,093	788,124
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 2,067,999	$ 1,946,597

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Preferred stock; par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock; shares authorized	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock; issued	0	0
Preferred stock; outstanding	0	0
Common stock, voting; par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, voting; shares authorized	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock voting; shares issued	47,178,346	48,948,670
Common stock voting; shares outstanding	47,178,346	48,948,670

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Net sales	$ 1,027,306	$ 948,232	$ 692,117	$ 732,755	$ 934,203	$ 901,425	$ 639,471	$ 724,085	$ 3,400,410	$ 3,199,184	$ 3,013,879
Cost of goods sold									1,917,096	1,820,035	1,755,855
Gross profit	460,207	403,848	303,457	315,802	410,492	375,546	282,182	310,929	1,483,314	1,379,149	1,258,024
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	325,507	283,480	250,146	247,794	282,624	255,322	228,464	228,996	1,106,927	995,406	909,233
Royalty income	(11,063)	(10,350)	(11,210)	(10,558)	(11,545)	(10,670)	(9,525)	(11,075)	(43,181)	(42,815)	(44,066)
Operating income	145,763	130,718	64,521	78,566	139,413	130,894	63,243	93,008	419,568	426,558	392,857
Interest expense									30,044	27,044	27,031
Interest income									(345)	(563)	(500)
Other (income) expense, net									(1,163)	4,007	(1,862)
Income before income taxes									391,032	396,070	368,188
Provision for income taxes									88,268	137,964	130,366
Net income	$ 135,689	$ 82,486	$ 37,925	$ 46,664	$ 87,117	$ 80,811	$ 36,198	$ 53,980	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Basic net income per common share	$ 2.87	$ 1.73	$ 0.79	$ 0.96	$ 1.77	$ 1.62	$ 0.72	$ 1.05	$ 6.31	$ 5.13	$ 4.55
Diluted net income per common share	2.84	$ 1.71	$ 0.78	$ 0.95	1.76	1.60	0.71	1.04	6.24	5.08	4.50
Dividend declared per common share	$ 0.37				$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 1.48	$ 1.32	$ 0.88

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Other comprehensive income:
Unrealized (loss) gain on OshKosh defined benefit plan, net of tax of $140, $400, ($470) for the fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively	(430)	(666)	803
Unrealized gain (loss) on Carter's post-retirement benefit obligation, net of (tax) or tax benefit of $70, ($200), ($30) for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively	(262)	331	56
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,339	1,962	(14,189)
Total other comprehensive income	5,647	1,627	(13,330)
Comprehensive income	$ 308,411	$ 259,733	$ 224,492

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	81,796	71,522	61,982
Amortization of intangible assets	2,616	1,919	6,417
Adjustment and accretion of contingent considerations	(3,600)	0	809
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,572	1,461	1,603
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	17,549	16,847	17,029
Unrealized foreign currency exchange (gain) loss, net	(624)	33	4
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	(4,800)	(8,839)
Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment	1,572	1,167	870
Deferred income taxes	(54,892)	1,294	8,657
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of acquisitions:
Accounts receivable, net	(18,046)	5,041	(23,837)
Inventories	(20,922)	(17,482)	(34,352)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(21,339)	2,060	(3,496)
Accounts payable and other liabilities	41,175	32,061	43,318
Net cash provided by operating activities	329,621	369,229	307,987
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(69,473)	(88,556)	(103,497)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(158,457)	0	0
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	15	216	72
Net cash used in investing activities	(227,915)	(88,340)	(103,425)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments of debt issuance costs	(2,119)	0	(1,628)
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	200,000	0	205,586
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	(163,965)	0	(205,237)
Repurchases of common stock	(188,762)	(300,445)	(110,290)
Payment of contingent consideration	0	0	(7,572)
Dividends paid	(70,914)	(66,355)	(46,028)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	4,800	8,839
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	(5,753)	(8,673)	(12,651)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,438	7,166	6,976
Net cash used in financing activities	(223,075)	(363,507)	(162,005)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	505	767	(1,986)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(120,864)	(81,851)	40,571
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	299,358	381,209	340,638
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$ 178,494	$ 299,358	$ 381,209

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Jan. 03, 2015	$ 786,684	$ 527	$ 0	$ (23,037)	$ 809,194
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 03, 2015		52,712,193
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	8,839		8,839
Exercise of stock options	6,976	$ 2	6,974
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		214,420
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(12,651)	$ (1)	(12,650)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		(147,339)
Restricted stock activity	0	$ 1	(1)
Restricted stock activity (in shares)		128,390
Stock-based compensation expense	15,934		15,934
Issuance of common stock	1,095		1,095
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		10,933
Repurchases of common stock	(110,290)	$ (11)	(20,191)		(90,088)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(1,154,288)
Cash dividends declared and paid	(46,028)				(46,028)
Comprehensive income	224,492			(13,330)	237,822
Balance at Jan. 02, 2016	875,051	$ 518	0	(36,367)	910,900
Balance (in shares) at Jan. 02, 2016		51,764,309
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	4,800		4,800
Exercise of stock options	7,166	$ 2	7,164
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		160,200
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(8,673)	$ (1)	(8,672)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		(91,629)
Restricted stock activity	0	$ 1	(1)
Restricted stock activity (in shares)		152,413
Stock-based compensation expense	15,662		15,662
Issuance of common stock	1,185		1,185
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		12,758
Repurchases of common stock	(300,445)	$ (31)	(20,138)		(280,276)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(3,049,381)
Cash dividends declared and paid	(66,355)				(66,355)
Comprehensive income	259,733	$ 0	0	1,627	258,106
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 788,124	$ 489	0	(34,740)	822,375
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	48,948,670	48,948,670
Exercise of stock options	$ 8,438	$ 2	8,436
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	240,850	240,850
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	$ (5,753)	$ (1)	(5,752)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		(67,546)
Restricted stock activity	0	$ 2	(2)
Restricted stock activity (in shares)		145,913
Stock-based compensation expense	16,378		16,378
Issuance of common stock	1,171	$ 1	1,170
Issuance of common stock (in shares)		13,860
Repurchases of common stock	(188,762)	$ (21)	(20,230)		(168,511)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(2,103,401)
Cash dividends declared and paid	(70,914)				(70,914)
Comprehensive income	308,411			5,647	302,764
Balance at Dec. 30, 2017	$ 857,093	$ 472	$ 0	$ (29,093)	$ 885,714
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2017	47,178,346	47,178,346

THE COMPANY	12 Months Ended
THE COMPANY	Dec. 30, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
THE COMPANY	THE COMPANY Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") design, source, and market branded childrenswear under the Carter’s, Child of Mine, Just One You, Precious Firsts, Simple Joys, OshKosh B'gosh ("OshKosh"), Skip Hop, and other brands. The Company's products are sourced through contractual arrangements with manufacturers worldwide for: 1) wholesale distribution to leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally and 2) distribution to the Company's own retail stores and eCommerce sites that market its brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies. As of December 30, 2017, the Company operated 1,050 retail stores in North America.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carter's, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

FISCAL YEAR

The Company's fiscal year ends on the Saturday in December or January nearest the last day of December, resulting in an additional week of results every five or six fiscal years. Fiscal 2017, which ended on December 30, 2017, fiscal 2016, which ended on December 31, 2016, and fiscal 2015, which ended on January 2, 2016, all contained 52 weeks.

USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS

Translation adjustments

The functional currency of substantially all of the Company's foreign operations is the local currency. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within the accompanying consolidated balance sheet.

Transaction adjustments

The Company also recognizes gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the respective entity's functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses also include intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are of a short-term investment nature. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in earnings, as a separate component of other expense, net, within the consolidated statements of operations.

Foreign Currency Contracts

As part of the Company's overall strategy to manage the level of exposure to the risk of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, primarily between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of Canada and Mexico, the Company may use foreign currency forward contracts to hedge purchases that are made in U.S. dollars, primarily for inventory purchases in its Canadian and Mexican operations. As part of this hedging strategy, the Company may use foreign currency forward exchange contracts with maturities of less than 12 months to provide continuing coverage throughout the hedging period. Historically, these contracts were not designated for hedge accounting treatment, and therefore changes in the fair value of these contracts have been recorded in Other (income) expense, net in the Company's consolidated statement of operations. Such foreign currency gains and losses typically include the mark-to-market fair value adjustments at the end of each reporting period related to open contracts, as well as any realized gains and losses on contracts settled during the reporting period. The fair values of any unsettled currency contracts are included in other current assets or other current liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet. On the consolidated statement of cash flows, the Company includes all activity, including cash settlement of any contracts, as a component of cash flows from operations.

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

The Company considers all highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposit accounts and cash management funds invested in U. S. government instruments. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions; these amounts typically settle in less than five days.

Concentration of cash deposits risk

As of December 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $178.5 million of cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions, including approximately $39.0 million in financial institutions located outside of the United States. The Company maintains cash deposits with major financial institutions that exceed the insurance coverage limits provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the U.S. and by similar insurers for deposits located outside the U.S. To mitigate this risk, the Company utilizes a policy of allocating cash deposits among major financial institutions that have been evaluated by the Company and third-party rating agencies.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

The components of accounts receivable, net, as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Trade receivables from wholesale customers, net	$	229,968		$	182,195
Royalties receivable	9,818			9,218
Tenant allowances and other receivables	14,511			19,810
Total gross receivables	$	254,297		$	211,223
Less:
Wholesale accounts receivable reserves	(13,736		)	(8,752		)
Accounts receivable, net	$	240,561		$	202,471

Concentration of credit risk

In fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, no one customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net sales.

At December 30, 2017, two wholesale customers each had individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of gross accounts receivable, and the total receivable balances due from these two wholesale customers in the aggregate equaled approximately 28% of total gross trade receivables outstanding. At December 31, 2016, two wholesale customers each had individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of gross accounts receivable, and the total receivable balances due from these two wholesale customers in the aggregate equaled approximately 30% of total gross accounts receivable outstanding.

VALUATION ACCOUNTS FOR WHOLESALE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable reserves

The Company's accounts receivable reserves for wholesale customers include an allowance for doubtful accounts and an allowance for chargebacks. The allowance for doubtful accounts includes estimated losses resulting from the inability of its customers to make payments. If the financial condition of a customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required. Past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectibility. The Company's credit and collections department reviews all other balances regularly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. Provisions for the allowance for doubtful accounts are reflected in Selling, general and administrative expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and provisions for chargebacks are reflected as a reduction in Net sales on the consolidated statement of operations.

Sales returns reserves

Except in very limited instances, the Company does not allow its wholesale customers to return goods to the Company.

INVENTORIES

Inventories, which consist primarily of finished goods, are stated approximately at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out basis for wholesale inventory and average cost for retail inventories) or net realizable value. Obsolete, damaged, and excess inventory is carried at net realizable value by establishing reserves after assessing historical recovery rates, current market conditions, and future marketing and sales plans. Rebates, discounts, and other cash consideration received from a vendor related to inventory purchases are reflected as reductions in the cost of the related inventory item, and are therefore reflected in cost of sales when the related inventory item is sold.

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. When fixed assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the accounts are relieved of the original cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization and any resulting profit or loss is credited or charged to income. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: buildings and improvements from 15 to 26 years, retail store fixtures, equipment, and computers from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements and fixed assets purchased under capital lease are amortized over the lesser of the asset life or related lease term. The Company capitalizes the cost of its fixtures designed and purchased for use at major wholesale accounts. The cost of these fixtures is amortized over 3 years.

INTERNAL-USE SOFTWARE

The Company purchases software licenses from external vendors and also develops software internally using Company employees and consultants. Software license costs, including certain costs to internally develop software, that meet the applicable criteria are capitalized while all other costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized software is depreciated or amortized on the straight-line method over its estimated useful lives, from 3 to 10 years. If a software application does not include a purchased license for the software, such as a cloud-based software application, the arrangement is accounted for as a service contract.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Annual impairment reviews

The carrying values of the goodwill and indefinite-lived tradename assets are subject to annual impairment reviews which are performed as of the last day of each fiscal year. Additionally, a review for potential impairment is performed whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. Significant assumptions in the impairment models include estimates of future cash flows, discount rates, and, in the case of tradenames, royalty rates. Based upon the Company's most recent assessment, performed as of December 30, 2017, there were no impairments in the values of goodwill or indefinite-lived tradename assets and no reporting units were at risk of an impairment.

Goodwill

The Company performs impairment tests of its goodwill at the reporting unit level. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to assess for impairment, including the use of discounted cash flows ("income approach") and relevant data from guideline public companies ("market approach").

Under a qualitative assessment, the Company determines if it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors that may have a negative effect on earnings, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If the Company determines that it is "more likely than not" that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then the Company performs the two-step goodwill impairment test as required. If it is determined that it is "not likely" that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required and the Company documents the relevant qualitative factors that support the strength in the fair value.

The first step of a quantitative assessment is to compare the fair value of the reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company uses a discounted cash flow model to determine the fair value, using assumptions consistent with those of hypothetical marketplace participants. If the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, the second step of the impairment test must be performed. The second step compares the implied fair value of the reporting unit goodwill with the carrying value of that goodwill, in order to determine the amount of the impairment loss and charge to the consolidated statement of operations.

Indefinite-lived tradenames

For indefinite-lived tradenames, the Company may utilize a qualitative assessment, as described above, to determine whether the fair value of an indefinite-lived asset is less than its carrying value. If a quantitative assessment is necessary, the Company determines fair value using a discounted cash flow model that uses the relief-from-royalty method. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the tradename, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount of the excess.

IMPAIRMENT OF OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS

The Company reviews other long-lived assets, including property, plant, and equipment, and licensing agreements, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. Management will determine whether there has been a permanent impairment on such assets held for use in the business by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset. The amount of any resulting impairment will be calculated by comparing the carrying value to fair value, which may be estimated using the present value of the same cash flows. Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale will be valued at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.

DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS

Debt issuance costs associated with the Company's secured revolving credit facility and senior term notes are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs associated with Company's senior notes are presented on the Company's consolidated balance sheet as a direct reduction in the carrying value of the associated debt liability. Fees paid to lenders by the Company to obtain its secured revolving credit facility are included within Other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet and classified as either current or non-current based on the expiration date of the credit facility.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

The fair value framework requires the Company to categorize certain assets and liabilities into three levels, based upon the assumptions used to price those assets or liabilities. The three levels are defined as follows:



Level 1:	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:	Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable.
Level 3:	Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

The Company measures its pension assets, deferred compensation plan investment assets, and any unsettled foreign currency forward contracts at fair value. The Company's cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are short-term in nature. As such, their carrying value approximates fair value.

The carrying values of the Company’s outstanding borrowings are not required to be remeasured and adjusted to the then-current fair values at the end of each reporting period. Instead, the fair values of the Company's outstanding borrowings are disclosed at the end of each reporting period in Note 7, Long-Term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements. Had the Company been required to remeasure and adjust the carrying values of its outstanding borrowings to fair value at the end of each reporting period, such fair value measurements would have been disclosed as a Level 2 liability in the fair value hierarchy.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

Revenues consist of sales to customers, net of returns, discounts, chargebacks, and cooperative advertising. The Company considers revenue realized or realizable and earned when the product has been shipped, when title passes, when all risks and rewards of ownership have transferred, the sales price is fixed or determinable, and collectibility is reasonably assured. In certain cases, in which the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment, revenue recognition does not occur until the goods have reached the specified customer.

The Company records its cooperative advertising arrangements with certain of its major wholesale customers at fair value. Fair value is determined based upon, among other factors, comparable market analysis for similar advertisements. The Company has included the fair value of these arrangements of approximately $3.1 million for fiscal 2017, $3.7 million for fiscal 2016, and $3.9 million for fiscal 2015 as a component of Selling, general, and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statements of operations, rather than as a reduction of net sales. Amounts determined to be in excess of the fair value of these arrangements are recorded as a reduction of Net sales.

Retail store revenues are recognized at the point of sale. Retail sales through the Company's on-line channels are recognized at time of delivery to the customer. The Company recognizes retail sales returns at the time of transaction by recording adjustments to both revenue and cost of goods sold. Additionally, the Company maintains a liability for retail sales returns in Other current liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet for estimated future returns. There are no accounts receivable associated with the Company's retail customers.

COSTS OF GOODS SOLD

Cost of goods sold (CoGS) consists mainly of the cost of merchandise, inventory provisions, and certain costs associated with our sourcing and distribution centers operations.

ACCOUNTING FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS

Shipping costs consist of payments to third-party shippers and handling costs, which consist of labor costs, shipping supplies, and certain distribution overhead. Such costs for our domestic and international wholesale businesses totaled $71.3 million, $66.4 million, and $67.2 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Such costs for our domestic and international retail businesses totaled $102.2 million, $87.3 million, $75.4 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. The Company recognizes shipping and handling costs in the "Selling, general, and administrative expenses" line on its consolidated statements of operations.

INCOME FROM ROYALTIES AND LICENSE FEES

The Company licenses the Carter's, Just One You, Precious Firsts, Child of Mine, Simple Joys, OshKosh B'gosh, OshKosh, Baby B'gosh, and Genuine Kids from OshKosh trademarks to other companies for use on baby and young children's products, including bedding, outerwear, sleepwear, shoes, underwear, socks, room décor, toys, stationery, hair accessories, furniture, and related products. These royalties are recorded as earned, based upon the sales of licensed products by licensees and reported as royalty income in the statements of operations.

ADVERTISING EXPENSES

Costs associated with the production of advertising, such as writing, copy, printing, and other costs, are expensed as incurred. Costs associated with communicating advertising that has been produced, such as magazine costs and eCommerce site banners, are expensed when the advertising event takes place.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

The Company recognizes the cost resulting from all stock-based payment transactions in the financial statements at grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. During the requisite service period, the Company also recognizes a deferred income tax benefit for the expense recognized for U.S. GAAP. At time of subsequent vesting, exercise, forfeiture, or expiration of an award, the difference between the Company's actual income tax deduction, if any, and the previously accrued income tax benefit is recognized in income tax expense/benefit during the current period.

Stock Options

The Company determines the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of the following subjective assumptions:

Volatility - This is a measure of the amount by which a stock price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. The Company uses actual monthly historical changes in the market value of its stock covering the expected life of options being valued. An increase in the expected volatility will increase the fair value of the stock option and related compensation expense.

Risk-free interest rate - This is the U.S. Treasury rate as of the grant date having a term equal to the expected term of the stock option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase the fair value of the stock option and related compensation expense.

Expected term - This is the period of time over which the stock options granted are expected to remain outstanding and is based on historical experience and estimated future exercise behavior. Separate groups of employees that have similar historical exercise behavior are considered separately for valuation purposes. An increase in the expected term will increase the fair value of the stock option and the related compensation expense.

Dividend yield - The Company estimates a dividend yield based on the current dividend amount as a percentage of the current stock price. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease the fair value of the stock option and the related compensation expenses.

Forfeitures - The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.

Changes in these subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation expense and the related amount recognized in the consolidated statements of operations.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards

The fair value of time-based restricted stock awards is determined based on the quoted closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting term of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures.

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards

The Company accounts for its performance-based restricted stock awards based on the quoted closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant and records stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term of the awards based on the probability that the performance criteria will be achieved, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company reassesses the probability of vesting at each reporting period and prospectively adjusts stock-based compensation expense based on its probability assessment.

Stock Awards

The fair value of stock granted to non-management board members is determined based on the quoted closing price of the Company's common stock on the date of grant. The Company records the stock-based compensation expense immediately as there are no vesting terms.

INCOME TAXES

The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect current and deferred tax provisions, in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes. The deferred tax provision is determined under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the book and tax bases of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. Valuation allowances are established when it is "more likely than not" that a deferred tax asset will not be recovered. The provision for income taxes is the sum of the amount of income taxes paid or payable for the year as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to the taxable income for that year, the net change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the net change during the year in any valuation allowances.

The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management's evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. The Company determines whether it is "more likely than not" that a tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate taxing authorities before any part of the benefit can be recorded in the financial statements. For those tax positions where it is not "more likely than not" that a tax benefit will be sustained, no tax benefit is recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded. Interest is recorded as a component of interest expense and penalties, if any, are recorded within the provision for incomes taxes in the consolidated statements of operations and are classified on the consolidated balance sheets with the related liability for uncertain tax contingency liabilities.

For current and deferred tax provisions, ASC 740 requires an entity to account for the effects of new income tax legislation in the same reporting period that the tax legislation is enacted. Recent tax law changes known as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "2017 Act") were enacted in the United States on December 22, 2017. The 2017 Act, among other things, reduces the United States federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax ("toll tax") on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings. For the 2017 Act, SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, permits the Company to calculate and recognize provisional estimates during the period of enactment (fourth quarter of fiscal 2017) for the accounting of the 2017 Act. Any subsequent adjustments to provisional estimates will be reflected in the Company's income tax provisions/benefits during one or more periods in fiscal 2018. See Note 11, Income Taxes, to the consolidated financial statements.

SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION

Interest paid in cash approximated $28.3 million, $25.4 million, and $25.1 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Income taxes paid in cash approximated $132.9 million, $120.6 million and $108.4 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Additions to property, plant and equipment of approximately $1.9 million, $2.6 million, and $6.1 million were excluded from capital expenditures on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively, since these amounts were accrued and unpaid at the end of each respective fiscal year.

The Company's consolidated statement of cash flows shows the following sources and uses of financing cash flows related to the Company's revolving credit facility during fiscal 2015. In the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Company replaced $20.0 million of outstanding borrowings under the then-existing amended revolving credit facility with CAD 25.5 million of borrowings, which approximated $20.3 million. Additionally, because of a change in the lead administrative agent and certain changes in commitment amounts among the lenders in the syndication, the third quarter amendment to the Company's secured revolving credit facility led to the repayment and simultaneous re-borrowing of the then-outstanding balance on the secured revolving credit agreement of approximately $185.2 million.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The Company calculates basic and diluted net income per common share under the two-class method for unvested share-based payment awards that contain participating rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid).

Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of dilutive instruments and uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.

OPEN MARKET REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK

Shares of the Company's common stock that are repurchased by the Company through open market transactions are retired. Through the end of fiscal 2017, all such open market repurchases have been at prices that exceeded the par value of the repurchased common stock, and the amounts of the purchase prices that exceeded par value were charged to additional paid-in capital or to retained earnings if the balance in additional paid-in capital was not sufficient.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company has several defined benefit plans. Various actuarial methods and assumptions are used in determining net pension and post-retirement costs and obligations. Key assumptions include the discount rate used to determine the present value of future benefits and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The over-funded or under-funded status of the defined benefit plans is recorded as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet. The gains or losses that arise during the period are recognized as a component of comprehensive income, net of tax. These costs are then subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in the consolidated statements of operations. Under the provisions of ASU No. 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer's Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets, the Company is permitted to use December 31 of each year, as opposed to the Company's last day of each fiscal year, as an alternate measurement date for its defined benefit plans.

FACILITY CLOSURE AND SEVERANCE COSTS

The Company records severance costs when the appropriate notifications have been made to affected employees or when the decision is made, if the benefits are contractual. When employees are required to work for a period before termination, the severance costs are recognized over the required service period. Relocation and recruitment costs are expensed as incurred. For operating leases, lease termination costs are recognized at fair value at the date the Company ceases to use the leased property, and adjusted for the effects of deferred items recognized under the lease and reduced by estimated sub-lease rental income. Useful lives assigned to fixed assets at the facility to be closed are revised based on the specifics of the exit plan, resulting in accelerated depreciation expense.

LEASES AND DEFERRED RENT

The Company enters into a significant number of lease transactions related to properties for its retail stores in addition to leases for offices, distribution facilities, and other uses. The lease agreements may contain provisions related to allowances for property improvements, rent escalation, and free rent periods. Substantially all of these leases are classified as operating leases for accounting purposes.

For property improvement allowances, the Company records a deferred lease credit on the consolidated balance sheet and amortizes the deferred lease credit as a reduction of rent expense over the terms of the applicable lease. For scheduled rent escalation clauses during the lease term, the Company records rent expense on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The difference between the rent expense and the amount payable under the lease is included within the Company's liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet. The term of the lease over which the Company amortizes allowances and minimum rental expenses on a straight-line basis begins on the date of initial possession, which is generally when the Company enters the space and/or begins construction.

Where leases provide for contingent rents, which are generally determined as a percentage of gross sales, the Company records additional rent expense when management determines that achieving the specified level of revenue during the fiscal year is probable. Amounts accrued for contingent rent are included within the Company's liabilities on the consolidated balance sheet.

SEASONALITY

The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in its sales and profitability due to the timing of certain holidays and key retail shopping periods, typically resulting in lower sales and gross profit in the first half of its fiscal year. Accordingly, the Company's results of operations during the first half of the year may not be indicative of the results for the full year.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Adopted in Fiscal 2017

Accounting for Share-Based Payments to Employees (ASU 2016-09)

At the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted the provisions of Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting ("ASU 2016-09"), which amended ASC Topic 718, Stock Compensation. The adoption of this ASU affected the Company's consolidated financial statements as follows.

Consolidated Statement of Operations - ASU 2016-09 imposes a new requirement to record all of the excess income tax benefits and deficiencies (that result from an increase or decrease in the value of an award from grant date to settlement date) related to share-based payments at settlement through the statement of operations instead of the former requirement to record income tax benefits in excess of compensation cost ("windfalls") in equity, and income tax deficiencies ("shortfalls") in equity to the extent of previous windfalls, and then to operations. This change is required to be applied prospectively upon adoption of ASU 2016-09 to all excess income tax benefits and deficiencies resulting from settlements of share-based payments after the date of adoption. For fiscal 2017, the Company’s provision for income taxes on its consolidated statement of operations includes a benefit of approximately $5.3 million, related to net excess income tax benefits for settlements of share-based payments during the period. For fiscal 2016, the Company recognized net excess income tax benefits of approximately $4.8 million, for share-based payments settled during the period. These net tax benefits for fiscal 2016 were recorded directly to the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity and have not been reclassified to the Company’s consolidated statement of operations, in accordance with adoption and transition provisions of ASU 2016-09.

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows - ASU 2016-09 requires that all income tax-related cash flows resulting from share-based payments, such as excess income tax benefits, are to be reported as operating activities on the statement of cash flows, a change from the prior requirement to present windfall income tax benefits as an inflow from financing activities and an offsetting outflow from operating activities. As permitted, the Company elected to apply these provisions prospectively to its consolidated statement of cash flows, and accordingly, periods prior to fiscal 2017 have not been adjusted.

Additionally, ASU 2016-09 clarifies that all cash payments made to taxing authorities on the employees' behalf for withheld shares at settlement are presented as financing activities on the statement of cash flows. This change must be applied retrospectively. The presentation requirements did not result in reclassification for any prior periods since such cash flows have historically been presented as a financing activity by the Company on its consolidated statement of cash flows.

The Company elected to continue to estimate forfeitures expected to occur to determine the amount of share-based compensation cost to recognize in each period, as permitted by ASU 2016-09. Accordingly, no cumulative effect was recorded in retained earnings on the Company’s consolidated statement of stockholders’ equity at the beginning of fiscal 2017 upon the adoption of ASU 2016-09.

Simplified Subsequent Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11)

At the beginning of its first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory ("ASU 2015-11"). ASU 2015-11 simplifies subsequent measurements of inventory by replacing the lower of cost or market test, required under prior guidance, with a lower of cost and net realizable value test. ASU 2015-11 applies only to inventories for which cost is determined by methods other than last-in-first-out (LIFO) and the retail inventory method. For inventory within the scope of ASU 2015-11, entities are required to compare the cost of inventory to only one measure, its net realizable value, and not the three measures required by prior guidance ("market," "subject to a floor," and a "ceiling"). When evidence exists that the net realizable value of inventory is less than its cost (due to damage, physical deterioration, obsolescence, changes in price levels or other causes), entities recognize the difference as a loss in earnings in the period in which it occurs. The adoption of ASU 2015-11 was not material to the Company's consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17)

At the beginning of the first quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company prospectively adopted the provisions of ASU No. 2015-17, Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes ("ASU 2015-17"). ASU 2015-17 simplifies the balance sheet presentation of deferred income taxes by reporting the net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities for each tax-paying jurisdiction as non-current on the balance sheet. Prior guidance required the deferred taxes for each tax-paying jurisdiction to be presented as a net current asset or liability and net non-current asset or liability. The Company's prospective adoption of ASU 2015-17 impacts the classification of deferred tax assets and liabilities on any balance sheet that reports the Company's financial position for any date after December 31, 2016. Balance sheets for prior periods have not been adjusted. The adoption of ASU 2015-17 has no impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

To Be Adopted After Fiscal 2017

Revenue Recognition (ASC 606)

Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers ("ASC 606"), was effective for the Company at the beginning of its fiscal 2018. ASC 606 clarifies the principles for recognizing revenue and is applicable to all contracts with customers regardless of industry-specific or transaction-specific fact patterns. Further, the guidance requires improved disclosures as well as additional disclosures to help users of financial statements better understand the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue that is recognized. Beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2018, the Company applied the provisions of ASC 606 retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented for fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016. For all periods prior to fiscal 2016, the adoption of ASC 606 is reported as an adjustment to opening retained earnings at the beginning of fiscal 2016 for approximately $0.6 million. The adoption of ASC 606, including any of the policy elections required or permitted by ASC 606, had no material effect on the Company's consolidated financial position, results of operations, cash flows, processes, systems, or controls.

Leases (ASU 2016-02)

In February 2016, the FASB issued new lease accounting guidance in ASU No. 2016-02, Leases-Topic 842, which has been codified in ASC 842, Leases ("ASC 842"). Under this new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases): 1) a lease liability equal to the lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis and 2) a right-of-use asset which will represent the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. The new standard will be effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2019, including interim periods within the year of adoption. The new standard requires a modified retrospective basis, and early adoption is permitted. The Company is still evaluating the potential effects of ASC 842. However, based on the Company's lease obligations, the adoption of ASC 842 will require the Company to recognize material assets and liabilities for right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities on its consolidated balance sheet. ASC 842 will also require additional footnote disclosures to the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). This new guidance will change how entities account for credit impairment for trade and other receivables, as well as for certain financial assets and other instruments. ASU 2016-13 will replace the current "incurred loss" model with an "expected loss" model. Under the "incurred loss" model, a loss (or allowance) is recognized only when an event has occurred (such as a payment delinquency) that causes the entity to believe that a loss is probable (i.e., that it has been "incurred"). Under the "expected loss" model, an entity will recognize a loss (or allowance) upon initial recognition of the asset that reflects all future events that will lead to a loss being realized, regardless of whether it is probable that the future event will occur. The "incurred loss" model considers past events and current conditions, while the "expected loss" model includes expectations for the future which have yet to occur. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019 with early adoption permitted for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods therein. The standard will require entities to record a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating the potential impact that ASU 2016-13 may have on the timing of recognizing future provisions for expected losses on the Company's accounts receivable.

Classification of Costs Related to Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans (ASU 2017-07)

In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715: Improving the Presentation of Net Periodic Pension Cost and Net Periodic Post-retirement Benefit Cost ("ASU 2017-07"). ASU 2017-07 will change how employers that sponsor defined benefit pension and/or other post-retirement benefit plans present the net periodic benefit costs in the statement of operations. Under this new guidance, an employer's statement of operations will present service cost arising in the current period in the same income statement line item as other employee compensation. However, all other components of current period costs related to defined benefit plans, such as prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses, will be presented on the income statement on a line item outside (or below) operating income. For public companies, the guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years. Early adoption is permitted. Presentation of the components of net periodic benefit cost on the income statement will be applied retrospectively. The impact that ASU 2017-07 will have on the Company's operating income will depend on future periodic pension costs related to the Company's current frozen defined benefit pension plan and post-retirement medical benefit plan. However, based on these costs in recent annual and interim reporting periods, the adoption of ASU 2017-07 is not expected to be material to the Company's operating income.

Goodwill Impairment Testing (ASU 2017-04)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 will eliminate the requirement to calculate the implied fair value of goodwill (step 2 of the current goodwill impairment test) to measure a goodwill impairment charge. Instead, entities will record an impairment charge based on the excess of a reporting unit's carrying amount over its fair value (i.e., measure the charge based on the current step 1). Any impairment charge will be limited to the amount of goodwill allocated to an impacted reporting unit. ASU 2017-04 will not change the current guidance for completing Step 1 of the goodwill impairment test, and an entity will still be able to perform the current optional qualitative goodwill impairment assessment before determining whether to proceed to Step 1. Upon adoption, ASU 2017-04 will be applied prospectively. Adoption for public companies is effective for annual and interim impairment test performed in periods after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for annual and interim goodwill impairment testing dates after January 1, 2017. The impact that ASU 2017-04 may have on the Company's financial condition or results of operations will depend on the circumstances of any goodwill impairment event that may occur after adoption.

Modifications to Share-based Compensation Awards (ASU 2017-09)

In May 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, Compensation-Stock Compensation Topic 718-Scope of Modification Accounting ("ASU 2017-09"). This guidance will clarify when changes to the terms and conditions of share-based payment awards must be accounted for as modifications. Entities will apply the modification accounting guidance if the value, vesting conditions, or classification of an award changes. ASU 2017-07 is effective for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2018, including interim periods within fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted. The guidance will be applied prospectively to awards modified on or after adoption. The impact that ASU 2017-09 may have on the Company's results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows subsequent to adoption will be dependent on the terms and conditions of any modifications made to share-based awards after fiscal 2017.

Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01)

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-01, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Clarifying the Definition of a Business ("ASU 2017-01"). This guidance will assist entities in determining if acquired assets constitute the acquisition of a business or the acquisition of assets for accounting and reporting purposes. This distinction is important because only a business can recognize goodwill. In practice prior to ASU 2017-01, if revenues were generated immediately before and after a transaction, the acquisition was typically considered a business. Under ASU 2017-01, requiring entities to further assess the substance of the processes they acquire will likely reduce the number of transactions accounted for as business acquisitions. ASU 2017-01 is effective prospectively for the Company at the beginning of fiscal 2018, including interim periods within fiscal 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including for interim or annual periods in which the financial statements have not been issued or made available for issuance. The impact that ASU 2017-01 may have on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows will depend on the nature of any acquisition commencing after the Company's adoption of this ASU.

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Notes)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS

ACQUISITIONS

The Company completed two separate business acquisitions, "Skip Hop" and "Carter's Mexico," during fiscal 2017. Each acquisition was deemed to be the acquisition of a business under the provisions of Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 805, Business Combinations.

Based on their purchase prices and pre-acquisition operating results and assets, neither of the businesses acquired in fiscal 2017 met the materiality requirements for preparation and presentation of pro forma financial information, either individually or in the aggregate.

Acquisition of Mexican Licensee

On August 1, 2017, the Company, through certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries, acquired the outstanding equity of the Company's licensee in Mexico and a related entity (collectively "Carter's Mexico"). Both entities are incorporated under Mexican law. Prior to the acquisition, Carter's Mexico was primarily a licensee and wholesale customer of the Company. Through this acquisition, the Company obtained a network of retail stores in Mexico and control of wholesale business relationships in Mexico. The acquisition is expected to strengthen the Company's operations in Mexico and further increase its overall market share in the North American market for children's apparel and accessories. Upon acquisition, Carter's Mexico became part of the Company's International operating and reportable segment. At the acquisition date, all of the goodwill from the Carter's Mexico acquisition was assigned to the International reportable segment.

The Company's consolidated financial statements reflect the consolidation of the financial position, results of operations and cash flows of Carter's Mexico beginning August 1, 2017.

The measurement period, as defined under the provisions of ASC 805, is still open for this acquisition. Adjustments related to a working capital settlement, settlements of certain pre-acquisition tax matters, and the finalizations of fair value estimates for certain assets and liabilities may be made. Included among the assets acquired, and the preliminary fair values assigned to them as of December 30, 2017, were inventories of approximately $8.3 million, a customer relationships intangible asset of approximately $3.5 million, and goodwill of approximately $6.2 million. In addition, the Company paid approximately $1.4 million in acquisition-related costs during fiscal 2017 for Carter's Mexico.

Acquisition of Skip Hop

Carter's, Inc.'s wholly-owned subsidiary, The William Carter Company ("TWCC"), acquired 100% of the voting equity interests of privately-owned Skip Hop Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries ("Skip Hop") after the close of business on February 22, 2017. The Company's consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes include Skip Hop results beginning on February 23, 2017. The acquisition expanded the Company’s product offerings to include complementary essential core products for families with young children. The Skip Hop branded product line includes diaper bags, kid’s backpacks, travel accessories, home gear, and hardline goods for playtime, mealtime, and bath time. Skip Hop branded products are now sold through the Company's wholesale, retail store, and eCommerce channels. At acquisition date, Skip Hop's goodwill was assigned to reportable segments as follows: 62% to U.S. Wholesale, 34% to International, and 4% to U.S. Retail.

The measurement period is no longer open for the Skip Hop acquisition.

During fiscal 2017, Skip Hop branded products contributed approximately $96.3 million to the Company's consolidated net sales. The Company paid approximately $2.0 million and $2.4 million in acquisition-related costs for Skip Hop in fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively.

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including all measurement period adjustments, were as follows:



(in millions)

Assets acquired:
Current assets, including cash acquired of $0.8 million	$	50.0
Goodwill *	46.0
Tradename	56.8
Customer relationships	47.3
Other non-current assets	3.9
Total assets acquired	$	204.0

Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities	$	20.8
Deferred income tax liabilities	36.3
Total liabilities assumed	$	57.1
	.
Net assets acquired	$	146.9
Less cash acquired at acquisition	$	(0.8	)
Less estimated contingent consideration (1)	$	(3.6	)
Net purchase price (2)	$	142.5

* Not deductible for income taxes

(1) This amount represented the estimated fair value of the contingent earn out liability based on facts and circumstances known and existing on acquisition date concerning the expected achievement of certain financial performance targets for fiscal 2017 as described in the stock purchase agreement. Facts and circumstances that occurred subsequent to the acquisition during fiscal 2017 indicated that this contingent earn out arrangement would not be achieved, and therefore approximately $3.6 million was credited to the Company's earnings during the third quarter of fiscal 2017. This credit has no related income tax provision and has been classified entirely as a credit to corporate Selling, General & Administrative (SG&A) expenses.

(2) Reflects a working capital settlement of approximately $1.3 million.

For both business acquisitions made in fiscal 2017, the fair value of customer relationships was based on the excess earnings method while the fair value of tradenames was based on the relief from royalty method. The categorization of the fair value framework used for these methods are considered Level 3 due to the subjective nature of the unobservable inputs used to determine the fair value.

The goodwill represents the intangible assets that do not qualify for separate recognition and is primarily the result of expected synergies, vertical integration as a market for selling inventory, and the acquired workforce. Goodwill related to acquisitions made in fiscal 2017 is generally not deductible by the Company for income tax purposes.

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Fixtures, equipment, computer hardware and software	$	430,156		$	398,536
Land, building, and leasehold improvements	336,981			305,844
Marketing fixtures	7,602			7,015
Construction in progress	7,358			20,386
	782,097			731,781
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(404,173		)	(345,907		)
Total	$	377,924		$	385,874

Depreciation and amortization expense related to property, plant, and equipment was approximately $81.8 million, $71.5 million, and $62.0 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets at the end of the fiscal year:



		December 30, 2017						December 31, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount		Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount

Carter’s goodwill (1)	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570
Canada goodwill (2)	Indefinite	42,223		—		42,223		39,439		—		39,439
Skip Hop goodwill (3)	Indefinite	45,997		—		45,997		—		—		—
Carter's Mexico goodwill (4)	Indefinite	5,634		—		5,634		—		—		—
Total goodwill		$	230,424	$	—	$	230,424	$	176,009	$	—	$	176,009

Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233
OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	85,500		—		85,500		85,500		—		85,500
Skip Hop tradename	Indefinite	56,800		—		56,800		—		—		—
Finite-life tradenames (5)	2 - 20 years	3,550		532		3,018		42,005		38,810		3,195
Total tradenames, net		$	366,083	$	532	$	365,551	$	347,738	$	38,810	$	308,928

Skip Hop customer relationships	15 years	$	47,300	$	2,304	$	44,996	$	—	$	—	$	—
Carter's Mexico customer relationships	10 years	3,135		135		3,000		—		—		—
Total customer relationships, net		$	50,435	$	2,439	$	47,996	$	—	$	—	$	—


(1)	$45.9 million is assigned to the U.S. Wholesale segment, $82.0 million is assigned to the U.S. Retail segment, and $8.6 million is assigned to the International segment.


(2)	Goodwill for Canada (Bonnie Togs) is assigned to the International segment.


(3)	$28.6 million is assigned to the U.S. Wholesale segment, $15.5 million is assigned to the International segment, and $1.9 million is assigned to the U.S. Retail segment.


(4)	Goodwill for Carter's Mexico is assigned to the International segment.


(5)	Relates to the acquisition of rights to the Carter's brand in Chile in December 2014. The Company acquired these rights in order to freely operate in Chile by offering products and service under the Carter's brand. Amounts at December 31, 2016 also include the former Bonnie Togs (Canada) tradename and the H.W. Carter & Sons brands, which are all fully amortized.

Changes in the carrying values between comparative periods for goodwill related to the Company's 2011 acquisition of its Canadian business (Bonnie Togs) were due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates between the Canadian and U.S. dollar that were used in the remeasurement process for preparing the Company's consolidated financial statements. The changes in the carrying values of customer relationships and tradename intangible assets for Skip Hop and Carter's Mexico, including the related accumulated amortization, that were not attributable to amortization expense was also impacted by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was approximately $2.6 million, $1.9 million, and $6.4 million for fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Future amortization expense is estimated to be approximately $3.7 million for each of the next five fiscal years.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References + Details

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is summarized as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	Pension liability adjustments			Post-retirement liability adjustments			Cumulative translation adjustments			Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Balance at January 3, 2015	$	(8,988	)	$	1,348		$	(15,397	)	$	(23,037	)
Fiscal year 2015 change	803			56			(14,189		)	(13,330		)
Balance at January 2, 2016	(8,185		)	1,404			(29,586		)	(36,367		)
Fiscal year 2016 change	(666		)	331			1,962			1,627
Balance at December 31, 2016	(8,851		)	1,735			(27,624		)	(34,740		)
Fiscal year 2017 change	(430		)	(262		)	6,339			5,647
Balance at December 30, 2017	$	(9,281	)	$	1,473		$	(21,285	)	$	(29,093	)

As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the cumulative pension liability adjustments were, net of tax effect, $5.3 million and $5.2 million, respectively. As of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the cumulative post-retirement liability adjustments were, net of tax effect, approximately $1.0 million for both years.

For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated statements of operations consisted of amortization of actuarial gains and losses related to the Company's defined benefit retirement plans. Such amortization amounts are included in the net periodic cost or benefit recognized for these plans during the respective fiscal year. For additional information, see Note 10, Employee Benefit Plans, to the consolidated financial statements.

LONG-TERM DEBT

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

LONG-TERM DEBT

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Senior notes at amounts repayable	$	400,000		$	400,000
Less: unamortized issuance-related costs for senior notes	(3,694		)	(4,601		)
Senior notes, net	$	396,306		$	395,399
Secured revolving credit facility	221,000			184,977
Total long-term debt, net	$	617,306		$	580,376

SENIOR NOTES

During fiscal 2013, the Company's 100% owned subsidiary, TWCC issued $400 million principal amount of senior notes (the "senior notes") at par, bearing interest at a rate of 5.25% per annum, and maturing on August 15, 2021, all of which were outstanding as of December 30, 2017. At issuance, TWCC received net proceeds from the offering of the senior notes of approximately $394.2 million, after deducting bank fees and other related fees. Approximately $7.0 million, including both bank fees and other third party expenses, was capitalized in connection with the issuance and is being amortized over the term of the senior notes.

The senior notes are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter's, Inc. and certain domestic subsidiaries of TWCC. The guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned directly or indirectly by Carter's, Inc. and all guarantees are joint, several and unconditional.

On and after August 15, 2017, TWCC may redeem all or part of the senior notes at the redemption prices (expressed as percentages of principal amount of the senior notes to be redeemed) set forth below, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The redemption price is applicable when the redemption occurs during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15 of each of the years indicated is as follows:



Year	Percentage
2017	102.63	%
2018	101.31	%
2019 and thereafter	100.00	%

Upon the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control, unless a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding senior notes has previously or concurrently been mailed or delivered, TWCC will be required to make an offer to purchase the senior notes at 101% of their principal amount. In addition, if TWCC or any of its restricted subsidiaries engages in certain asset sales, under certain circumstances TWCC will be required to use the net proceeds to make an offer to purchase the senior notes at 100% of their principal amount.

The indenture governing the senior notes includes a number of covenants, that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict TWCC's ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to: (a) incur, assume or guarantee additional indebtedness; (b) issue disqualified stock and preferred stock; (c) pay dividends or make distributions or other restricted payments; (d) prepay, redeem or repurchase certain debt; (e) make loans and investments (including joint ventures); (f) incur liens; (g) create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts from restricted subsidiaries that are not guarantors of the notes; (h) sell or otherwise dispose of assets, including capital stock of subsidiaries; (i) consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of TWCC's assets to, another person; (j) designate subsidiaries as unrestricted subsidiaries; and (k) enter into transactions with affiliates. Specific provisions restrict the ability of the Company's operating subsidiary, TWCC, from paying cash dividends to Carter’s, Inc. in excess of $100.0 million plus an additional amount that builds based on 50% of our consolidated net income on a cumulative basis beginning with the third fiscal quarter of 2013 and subject to certain conditions, unless TWCC and its consolidated subsidiaries meet a leverage ratio requirement under the indenture, which could restrict Carter's, Inc. from paying cash dividends on our common stock. Additionally, the terms of the notes contain customary affirmative covenants and provide for events of default which, if certain of them occur, would permit the trustee or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the then total outstanding senior notes to declare all amounts owning under the notes to be due and payable. Carter's, Inc. is not subject to these covenants.

SECURED REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY

On October 15, 2010, The William Carter Company ("TWCC"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into a $375 million ($130 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $40 million) secured revolving credit facility with a syndicate of lenders.

On December 22, 2011, TWCC amended and restated the secured revolving credit facility to, among other things, provide a U.S. dollar secured revolving facility of $340 million (including a $130 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $40 million) and a $35 million multicurrency secured revolving facility (including a $15 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $5 million), which was available for borrowings by either TWCC or its Canadian subsidiary, in U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars.

On August 31, 2012, TWCC and the lenders amended and restated the secured revolving credit facility to, among other things, improve interest rates applicable to pricing, extend the maturity of the facility, and allow borrowings in currencies other than U.S. dollars or Canadian dollars subject to the consent of all multicurrency lenders. The aggregate principal amount of the facility remained unchanged at $375 million consisting of a $340 million U.S. dollar secured revolving credit facility and a $35 million multicurrency secured revolving credit facility (although the sub-limit for U.S. dollar letters of credit was increased to $175 million).

On September 16, 2015, TWCC and the lenders amended and restated the secured revolving credit facility to, among other things: (a) refinance the Company's existing credit facility in order to achieve better pricing terms and (b) provide additional liquidity to be used for ongoing working capital purposes and for general corporate purposes. The aggregate principal amount of the amended revolving credit facility was increased from $375 million to $500 million to provide for (a) a $400 million U.S. dollar revolving facility (including a $175 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $50 million) available for borrowings by TWCC and (b) a $100 million multicurrency revolving facility (including a $40 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $15 million), available for borrowing by TWCC and certain other subsidiaries of TWCC, in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, or other currencies agreed to by the applicable lenders. In connection with this amendment, the Company paid approximately $1.6 million in debt issuance costs in connection with the amended and restated secured revolving credit agreement in fiscal 2015.

On August 25, 2017, TWCC and the syndicate of lenders entered into a fourth amended and restated secured revolving credit agreement. This amendment to the secured revolving credit facility provides: (a) an extension of the term of the facility to August 25, 2022 and (b) an increase in the aggregate credit line to $750 million which includes a $650 million U.S. dollar facility and a $100 million multicurrency facility denominated in U.S. dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros, Pounds Sterling, or other currencies agreed to by the applicable lenders. The $650 million U.S. dollar facility is inclusive of a $100 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $70 million. The $100 million multicurrency facility is inclusive of a $40 million sub-limit for letters of credit and a swing line sub-limit of $15 million. In addition, the secured revolving credit facility provides for incremental borrowing facilities up to $425 million, which are comprised of an incremental $350 million U.S. dollar revolving credit facility and an incremental $75 million multicurrency revolving credit facility. The incremental U.S. dollar revolving credit facility can increase to an unlimited borrowing amount so long as the consolidated first lien leverage ratio (as defined in the secured revolving credit facility) does not exceed 2.25:1.00. In connection with the amendment, the Company paid approximately $2.1 million in debt issuance costs. These newly-incurred debt issuance costs, together with existing unamortized debt issuance costs, are being amortized over the five-year remaining term of the secured revolving credit facility.

As of December 30, 2017, the Company had approximately $221.0 million in outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.5 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 30, 2017, there was approximately $524.5 million available for future borrowing.

As of December 30, 2017, the interest rate margins applicable to the amended revolving credit facility were 1.375% for LIBOR (London Interbank Offered Rate) rate loans (which may be adjusted based on a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 1.125% to 1.875%) and 0.375% for base rate loans (which may be adjusted based on a leverage-based pricing grid ranging from 0.125% to 0.875%).

At December 30, 2017, U.S. dollar borrowings outstanding under the secured revolving credit facility accrued interest at a LIBOR rate plus the applicable base rate, which was 2.93% on that date. There were no Canadian borrowings outstanding on December 30, 2017.

Covenants

Subject to certain customary exceptions, the amended revolving credit facility contains covenants that restrict the Company's ability to, among other things: (i) create or incur liens, debt, guarantees or other investments, (ii) engage in mergers and consolidations, (iii) pay dividends or other distributions to, and redemptions and repurchases from, equity holders, (iv) prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated or junior debt, (v) amend organizational documents, and (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates.

The amended revolving credit facility also contains financial covenants. Specifically, TWCC and its subsidiaries will not (i) permit at the end of any four consecutive fiscal quarters the Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of the Company's consolidated indebtedness plus six times rent expense, as defined, to consolidated net income before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and rent expense ("EBITDAR")) to exceed 4.00:1.00 (provided, however, that if any "Material Acquisition" occurs and the Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio on a pro forma basis giving effect to the consummation of the Material Acquisition is less than 4.00:1.00, then the maximum Lease Adjusted Leverage Ratio may be increased to 4.50:1.00 for the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition is consummated and the three fiscal quarters immediately following the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition occurs) or (ii) permit at the end of any four consecutive fiscal quarters the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio (defined as, with certain adjustments, the ratio of consolidated EBITDAR to consolidated fixed charges (defined as interest plus rent expense)), for any such period to be less than 2.25:1.00 (provided, however, that if any Material Acquisition occurs and the Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio on a pro forma basis giving effect to the consummation of the Material Acquisition is at least 2.25:1.00, then the minimum Consolidated Fixed Charge Coverage Ratio may be decreased to 2.00:1.00 for the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition is consummated and the three fiscal quarters immediately following the fiscal quarter in which such Material Acquisition occurs).

The amended revolving credit facility also provides that certain covenants fall away and that the liens over the collateral securing each of the Company and certain subsidiaries' collective obligations are released following, among other things, the achievement of, and during the maintenance of, investment grade ratings by Moody's Investor Services, Inc. and Standard & Poor's Ratings Services.

As of December 30, 2017, the Company was in compliance with its financial debt covenants under the secured revolving credit facility.

COMMON STOCK

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

COMMON STOCK

SHARE REPURCHASES

In fiscal years prior to 2015, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the repurchase of shares of the Company's common stock in amounts up to $462.5 million. On both February 24, 2016 and February 22, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized an additional $500 million of share repurchases, thereby authorizing repurchase amounts up to $1.46 billion.

Open-market repurchases of our common stock during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:



	Fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Number of shares repurchased	2,103,401		3,049,381		1,154,288
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands)	$	188,762	$	300,445	$	110,290
Average price per share	$	89.74	$	98.53	$	95.55

In addition to the open-market repurchases completed in fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company completed additional open-market repurchases totaling approximately $277.4 million in fiscal year priors to 2015.

The total remaining capacity under the repurchase authorizations as of December 30, 2017 was $85.6 million.

Future share repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be determined by the Company based on its evaluation of market conditions, share price, other investment priorities, and other factors. The share repurchase authorizations have no expiration dates.

DIVIDENDS

In fiscal 2017, the Company's Board of Directors declared and paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.37 per share during all four quarters. In fiscal 2016, the Company's Board of Directors paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.33 per share during all four quarters.

On February 22, 2018, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.45 per common share, payable on March 23, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 12, 2018.

Future declarations of dividends and the establishment of future record and payment dates are at the discretion of the Company's Board of Directors based on a number of factors, including the Company's future financial performance and other investment priorities.

Provisions in the Company's secured revolving credit facility and indenture governing its senior notes could have the effect of restricting the Company’s ability to pay future cash dividends on or make future repurchases of its common stock, as further described in Note 7, Long-Term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the "Plan"), the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may award incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, unrestricted stock, stock deliverable on a deferred basis (including restricted stock units), and performance-based stock awards.

At the Company's May 13, 2011 shareholders' meeting, the shareholders approved an amendment to the Plan to (i) increase the maximum number of shares of stock available under the existing Plan by 3,725,000 shares from 12,053,392 shares to 15,778,392 shares and (ii) eliminate the Company's ability to grant cash awards and provide tax gross-ups under the Plan. The Plan was last approved for purposes of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, at the Company's May 11, 2016 Shareholders' meeting. As of December 30, 2017, there were 1,100,157 shares available for grant under the Plan. The Plan makes provision for the treatment of awards upon termination of service or in the case of a merger or similar corporate transaction. Participation in the Plan is limited to members of the Company's board of directors, executive officers and other key employees.

The limit on shares available under the Plan, the individual limits, and other award terms are subject to adjustment to reflect stock splits or stock dividends, combinations, and certain other events. All stock options issued under the Plan expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. The Company believes that the current level of authorized shares is sufficient to satisfy future grants for the foreseeable future.

The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost as follows:



	For the fiscal years ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Stock options	$	4,244	$	4,237	$	4,350
Restricted stock:
Time-based awards	7,532		7,451		6,855
Performance-based awards	4,602		3,974		4,728
Stock awards	1,171		1,185		1,096
Total	$	17,549	$	16,847	$	17,029

STOCK OPTIONS

Stock options vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period. The Company issues new shares to satisfy stock option exercises.

Changes in the Company's stock options for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 were as follows:



	Number of shares		Weighted- average exercise price	Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years)	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)

Outstanding, December 31, 2016	1,441,210		$52.70

Granted	338,356		$84.29
Exercised	(240,850	)	$35.03
Forfeited	(40,828	)	$83.99
Expired	(3,665	)	$87.46
Outstanding, December 30, 2017	1,494,223		$61.76	5.87	$	83,277

Vested and Expected to Vest, December 30, 2017	1,422,339		$60.53	5.72	$	81,011
Exercisable, December 30, 2017	907,065		$46.77	4.19	$	64,145

The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016 was approximately $14.9 million, $9.0 million, and $13.2 million, respectively. At December 30, 2017, there was approximately $7.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to stock options which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.6 years.

The table below presents the weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted in each of the respective fiscal years:



	For the fiscal years ended
	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Expected volatility	26.20		%	26.95		%	31.65		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.06		%	1.33		%	1.65		%
Expected term (years)	6.0			6.0			6.0
Dividend yield	1.77		%	1.45		%	1.06		%
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	19.57		$	21.41		$	24.59

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARDS

Restricted stock awards issued under the Plan vest based upon: 1) continued service (time-based) or 2) a combination of continued service and performance targets (performance-based).

The following table summarizes activity related to all restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017:



	Restricted stock awards		Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Outstanding, December 31, 2016	405,699		$	81.29
Granted	178,240		$	84.11
Vested	(168,471	)	$	74.00
Forfeited	(17,620	)	$	83.92
Outstanding, December 30, 2017	397,848		$	85.44

During fiscal 2016, a total of 218,335 shares of restricted stock vested with a weighted-average fair value of $62.98 per share. During fiscal 2015, a total of 352,396 shares of restricted stock vested with a weighted-average fair value of $43.20 per share. At December 30, 2017, there was approximately $17.9 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to all restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years.

Time-based Restricted Stock Awards

Time-based restricted stock awards vest in equal annual installments or cliff vest after a three- or four-year period. During fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, a total of 114,703 shares, 124,135 shares, and 148,396 shares, respectively, of time-based restricted stock vested with a weighted-average fair value of $76.58 per share, $65.80 per share, and $51.67 per share, respectively. At December 30, 2017, there was approximately $12.7 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to time-based restricted stock which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years.

Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards



Fiscal year	Number of shares granted	Weighted-average fair value per share
2015	50,600	$	82.40
2016	53,070	$	90.66
2017	60,952	$	83.84

During the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017, a total of 53,768 performance shares vested with a weighted-average fair value of $68.49 per share. As of December 30, 2017, a total of 158,994 performance shares were unvested with a weighted-average fair value of $85.60 per share. Vesting of these 158,994 performance shares is based on the performance targets for the shares granted in fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015. As of December 30, 2017, there was approximately $5.2 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to the unvested performance-based restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.7 years.

The Company estimates that all of the performance targets will be fully achieved and is recognizing compensation cost ratably over the applicable performance periods based on estimated achievement at the end of each reporting period.

Stock Awards

Included in restricted stock awards are grants to non-management members of the Company's Board of Directors. At issuance, these awards were fully vested and issued as shares of the Company's common stock. During fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, such awards were as follows:



	Number of shares issued	Fair value per share	Aggregate value (in thousands)
2015	10,933	$100.21	$1,095
2016	12,758	$101.10	$1,290
2017	13,860	$84.46	$1,171

The Company received no proceeds from the issuance of these shares.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

The Company maintains defined contribution plans, a deferred compensation plan, and two defined benefit plans. The two defined benefit plans include the OshKosh B'Gosh pension plan and a post-retirement life and medical plan.

OSHKOSH B'GOSH PENSION PLAN

Funded Status

The retirement benefits under the OshKosh B'Gosh pension plan were frozen as of December 31, 2005. A reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets is as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	62,427		$	60,375
Interest cost	2,446			2,515
Actuarial loss	4,269			1,697
Benefits paid	(2,395		)	(2,160		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	66,747		$	62,427

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	51,213		$	50,619
Actual return on plan assets	5,619			2,754
Benefits paid	(2,395		)	(2,160		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	54,437		$	51,213

Unfunded status	$	12,310		$	11,214

The accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 because the plan is frozen. The unfunded status is included in other long-term liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheet. The Company does not expect to make any contributions to the OshKosh B'Gosh pension plan during fiscal 2018 as the plan's funding exceeds the minimum funding requirements. The actuarial losses incurred in fiscal 2017 and 2016 were primarily attributable to a lower discount rate.

Net Periodic Pension Cost (Benefit) and Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

The components of net periodic pension cost (benefit) recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Recognized in the statement of operations:
Interest cost	$	2,446		$	2,515		$	2,493
Expected return on plan assets	(2,601		)	(2,701		)	(3,138		)
Recognized actuarial loss (a)	681			578			643
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	526		$	392		$	(2	)

Changes recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net loss (gain) arising during the fiscal year	$	1,251		$	1,644		$	(630	)
Amortization of net loss (a)	(681		)	(578		)	(643		)
Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	570		$	1,066		$	(1,273	)
Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	1,096		$	1,458		$	(1,275	)

(a) Represents pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss. For fiscal 2018, approximately $0.7 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to a component of net periodic pension cost.

Assumptions

The actuarial computations utilized the following assumptions, using year-end measurement dates:



Benefit obligation	2017	2016
Discount rate	3.50%	4.00%

Net periodic pension cost	2017	2016	2015
Discount rate	4.00%	4.25%	4.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

The discount rates used at December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016 were determined with consideration given to the Citigroup Pension Discount and Liability Index and the Barclay Capital Aggregate AA Bond Index, adjusted for the timing of expected plan distributions. The Company believes these indexes reflect a risk-free rate consistent with a portfolio of high quality debt instruments with maturities that are comparable to the timing of the expected payments under the plan. The expected long-term rate of return assumption considers historic returns adjusted for changes in overall economic conditions that may affect future returns and a weighting of each investment class.

A 0.25% change in the assumed discount rate would result in an increase or decrease in the amount of the pension plan's projected benefit obligation of approximately $2.3 million.

The Company currently expects benefit payments for its defined benefit pension plans as follows for the next ten fiscal years;



(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Year
2018	$	2,830
2019	$	2,360
2020	$	2,620
2021	$	2,650
2022	$	2,870
2023-2027	$	17,060

Plan Assets

The Company's investment strategy is to invest in a well-diversified portfolio consisting of mutual funds or group annuity contracts that minimize concentration of risks by utilizing a variety of asset types, fund strategies, and fund managers. The target allocation for plan assets is 45% equity securities, 50% bond funds, and 5% real estate investments. The plan expects to gradually reduce its equity exposure.

The Company’s investment policy anticipates a rate of return sufficient to fund pension plan benefits while minimizing the risk to the Company of additional funding. Based on actual returns over a long-term basis, the Company believes that a 6.00% annual return on plan assets can be achieved based on the current allocation and investment strategy.

Equity securities primarily include funds invested in large-cap and mid-cap companies, primarily located in the U.S., with a small exposure to international equities. Fixed income securities include funds holding corporate bonds of companies from diverse industries, and U.S. Treasuries. Real estate funds include investments in actively managed mutual funds that invest in real estate.

The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, by asset category, were as follows:



	December 30, 2017						December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands) Asset Category	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
Cash and cash equivalents	$	539	$	539	$	—	$	175	$	175	$	—
Equity Securities:
U.S. Large-Cap blend (a)	7,418		7,418		—		8,462		4,221		4,241
U.S. Large-Cap growth	3,331		3,331		—		4,220		4,220		—
U.S. Mid-Cap growth	3,228		3,228		—		2,533		—		2,533
U.S. Small-Cap blend	2,147		2,147		—		2,514		2,514		—
International blend	8,142		8,142		—		2,569		2,569		—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds (b)	26,888		26,480		408		25,573		25,573		—
Real estate (c)	2,744		2,744		—		5,167		5,167		—
	$	54,437	$	54,029	$	408	$	51,213	$	44,439	$	6,774

(a) This category comprises low-cost equity index funds not actively managed that track the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

(b) This category invests in both U.S. Treasuries and mid-term corporate debt from U.S. issuers from diverse industries.

(c) This category represents an investment in a mutual fund that invests primarily in real estate securities, including common stocks, preferred stock and other equity securities issued by real estate companies.

POST-RETIREMENT LIFE AND MEDICAL PLAN

Under a defined benefit plan frozen in 1991, the Company offers a comprehensive post-retirement medical plan to current and certain future retirees and their spouses. The Company also offers life insurance to current and certain future retirees. Employee contributions are required as a condition of participation for both medical benefits and life insurance and the Company's liabilities are net of these expected employee contributions.

Accumulated Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation

The following is a reconciliation of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation ("APBO") under this plan:



	For the fiscal years ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
APBO at beginning of fiscal year	$	4,125		$	4,938
Service cost	30			123
Interest cost	137			177
Actuarial loss (gain)	26			(740		)
Plan participants' contribution	6			10
Prior service cost	—			11
Benefits paid	(355		)	(394		)
APBO at end of fiscal year	$	3,969		$	4,125

Approximately $3.6 million and $3.5 million of the APBO at the end of fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively, were classified as other long term liabilities in the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

Net Periodic Post-Retirement (Benefit) Cost and Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income

The components of net periodic post-retirement cost (benefit) recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016

Recognized in the statement of operations:
Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period	$	30		$	123		$	130
Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	137			177			178
Amortization net actuarial gain (a)	(306		)	(198		)	(192		)
Net periodic post-retirement (benefit) cost	$	(139	)	$	102		$	116

Changes recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net loss (gain) arising during the fiscal year	$	26		$	(740	)	$	(278	)
Prior service cost	—			11			—
Amortization of net gain (a)	306			198			192
Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	332		$	(531	)	$	(86	)
Total net periodic (benefit) cost and changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	193		$	(429	)	$	30

(a) Represents pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss. For fiscal 2018, approximately $0.3 million is expected to be reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss as a credit to periodic net periodic pension cost.

Assumptions

The actuarial computations utilized the following assumptions, using year-end measurement dates:



	2017	2016
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	3.25%	3.50%

	2017	2016	2015
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	3.50%	3.75%	3.50%

The discount rates used at December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, were determined with primary consideration given to the Citigroup Pension Discount and Liability Index adjusted for the timing of expected plan distributions. The Company believes this index reflects a risk-free rate with maturities that are comparable to the timing of the expected payments under the plan.

The effects on the Company's plan of all future increases in health care costs are borne primarily by employees; accordingly, increasing medical costs are not expected to have any material effect on the Company's future financial results.

The Company's contribution for these post-retirement benefit obligations was approximately $0.3 million in fiscal year 2017, and $0.4 million in both of fiscal years 2016 and 2015. The Company expects that its contribution and benefit payments for post-retirement benefit obligations will be approximately $0.4 million for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, and $0.3 million for fiscal years 2020, 2021, and 2022. For the five years subsequent to fiscal 2022, the aggregate contributions and benefit payments for post-retirement benefit obligations is expected to be approximately $1.3 million. The Company does not pre-fund this plan and as a result there are no plan assets.

DEFERRED COMPENSATION PLAN

The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan allowing voluntary salary and incentive compensation deferrals for qualifying employees as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. Participant deferrals earn investment returns based on a select number of investment options, including equity, debt, and real estate mutual funds. The Company invests comparable amounts in marketable securities to mitigate the risk associated with the investment return on the employee deferrals.

DEFINED CONTRIBUTION PLAN

The Company also sponsors defined contribution savings plans in the United States and Canada. The U.S. plan covers employees who are at least 21 years of age and have completed three months of service, during which at least 250 hours were served. The plan provides for a discretionary employer match. The Company's expense for the U.S. defined contribution savings plan totaled approximately $13.9 million, $10.5 million, and $12.2 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, respectively. Expenses related to the Canadian defined contribution savings plan were approximately $0.3 million for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017; amounts for fiscal 2016 and 2015 were not material.

INCOME TAXES

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes recognized by the Company during the fiscal fourth quarter of 2017 reflects certain provisional estimates for the accounting of the December 22, 2017 enactment of tax law changes known as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "2017 Act"). The provisional accounting for the 2017 Act is permitted by SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, issued in late December 2017. Any subsequent adjustments to provisional accounting estimates will be reflected in income tax provisions/benefits during one or more periods in fiscal 2018.

The 2017 Act reduces the United States federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, requires companies to pay a one-time transition tax on earnings of certain foreign subsidiaries that were previously tax deferred, and creates new taxes on certain foreign sourced earnings.

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company recognized an income tax benefit amount of $40.0 million related to the accounting for the enactment of the 2017 Act. This benefit is included as a component of income tax expense in the Company's statement of operations for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017. As described below, this $40.0 million income tax benefit is comprised of a provisional tax expense of $10.4 million related to foreign earnings, offset by an income tax benefit of $50.4 million related the remeasurement of certain deferred income tax balances. The Company will continue to refine its calculations as additional analysis is completed.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities

During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017, the Company remeasured certain deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to reverse in the future, which is generally a 21% federal rate. The remeasurement resulted in an income tax benefit of $50.4 million. The Company also analyzed the impact of expensing qualified capital expenditures acquired after Sept. 27, 2017 and the related impact of this change on its income tax expense.

Provisional estimates

The one-time transition tax is based on the Company's total post-1986 earnings and profits ("E&P") that the Company previously deferred from United States income taxes. The Company recorded a provisional estimate for the one-time transition tax liability for all of its foreign subsidiaries, resulting in an increase in income tax expense of approximately $10.4 million during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017. The Company has not yet completed its calculation of the total post-1986 E&P for these foreign subsidiaries. Further, the transition tax is based in part on the amount of those earnings held in cash and other specified assets. This amount may change when the Company finalizes the calculation of post-1986 foreign E&P previously deferred from U. S. federal taxation and finalizes the amounts held in cash or other specified assets. No additional income taxes have been provided for any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax, or any additional outside basis difference inherent in these entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Determining the amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability related to any remaining undistributed foreign earnings not subject to the transition tax and additional outside basis difference in these entities (i.e., basis difference in excess of that subject to the one-time transition tax) is not practicable, but the related cumulative temporary difference as of December 30, 2017 would not result in a material incremental deferred tax liability.

The Company also analyzed the impact of expensing qualified capital expenditures acquired after September 27, 2017 and estimated that the related impact of this change will not have a material effect on its income tax expense.

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Current tax provision:
Federal	$	117,676		$	113,326		$	103,316
State	11,368			11,407			10,277
Foreign	14,116			11,937			8,116
Total current provision	$	143,160		$	136,670		$	121,709

Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal	$	(55,149	)	$	1,435		$	6,577
State	339			345			1,193
Foreign	(82		)	(486		)	887
Total deferred provision	(54,892		)	1,294			8,657
Total provision	$	88,268		$	137,964		$	130,366

The foreign portion of the tax position substantially relates to Canada, Hong Kong, China, and Mexico income taxes on the Company's international operations and foreign tax withholdings related to the Company's foreign royalty income. The components of income before income taxes were as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Domestic	$	325,580	$	345,304	$	335,955
Foreign	65,452		50,766		32,233
Total	$	391,032	$	396,070	$	368,188

EFFECTIVE RATE RECONCILIATION

The difference between the Company's effective income tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate is reconciled below:



	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.1	%	2.3	%	2.5	%
Impact of foreign operations	(2.7	)%	(2.1	)%	(1.3	)%
Settlement of uncertain tax positions	(0.3	)%	(0.4	)%	(0.8	)%
Benefit from stock-based compensation	(1.3	)%	—	%	—	%
Imposition of transition tax on foreign subsidiaries	2.7	%	—	%	—	%
Revaluation of deferred taxes	(12.9	)%	—	%	—	%
Total	22.6	%	34.8	%	35.4	%

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return, as well as separate and combined income tax returns in numerous state and foreign jurisdictions.

During the first quarter of fiscal 2015, the Internal Revenue Service completed an income tax audit for fiscal years 2011 through 2013. As a result of the settlement of this audit and an ongoing state income tax audit, the Company recognized prior-year income tax benefits of approximately $1.8 million in the first quarter of fiscal 2015. In most cases, the Company is no longer subject to state and local tax authority examinations for years prior to fiscal 2013.

DEFERRED TAXES

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:	Assets (Liabilities)
Accounts receivable allowance	$	3,632		$	3,873
Inventory	5,353			9,226
Accrued liabilities	9,895			16,037
Equity-based compensation	6,796			9,967
Deferred employee benefits	7,870			10,340
Deferred rent	24,567			46,685
Other	2,407			5,192
Total deferred tax assets	60,520			101,320
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(49,509		)	(90,317		)
Tradename and licensing agreements	(89,143		)	(101,632		)
Other	(4,774		)	(4,541		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(143,426		)	(196,490		)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(82,906	)	$	(95,170	)

Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	Assets (Liabilities)
Deferred tax assets	$	1,942		$	35,486
Deferred tax liabilities	(84,848		)	(130,656		)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(82,906	)	$	(95,170	)

At December 30, 2017, deferred tax assets are a component of non-current Other assets on the Company's consolidated balance sheet.

UNCERTAIN TAX POSITIONS

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits:



(dollars in thousands)
Balance at January 3, 2015	$	11,311
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2015	2,840
Additions for prior year tax positions	(260		)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(1,427		)
Reductions for prior year tax settlements	(3,049		)
Balance at January 2, 2016	$	9,415
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2016	2,849
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(39		)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(995		)
Reductions for prior year tax settlements	(693		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	10,537
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2017	3,380
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(120		)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(1,604		)
Balance at December 30, 2017	$	12,193

As of December 30, 2017, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of approximately $12.2 million, of which $10.3 million, if ultimately recognized, will affect the Company's effective tax rate in the period settled. The Company has recorded tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is more likely than not, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Because of deferred tax accounting, changes in the timing of these deductions would not affect the annual effective tax rate, but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authorities.

Included in the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits are approximately $1.8 million of reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire within the next fiscal year. If these tax benefits are ultimately recognized, such recognition, net of federal income taxes, may affect the annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2018 and the effective tax rate in the quarter in which the benefits are recognized.

The Company recognizes interest related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of interest expense and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense. During fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, interest expense recorded on uncertain tax positions was not significant. The Company had accrued interest on uncertain tax positions of approximately $1.0 million and $0.8 million as of December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

EARNINGS PER SHARE

The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding:



	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	47,593,211			49,917,858			51,835,053
Dilutive effect of equity awards	552,864			457,849			499,583
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	48,146,075			50,375,707			52,334,636
Earnings per share:
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Basic net income per common share:
Net income	$	302,764		$	258,106		$	237,822
Income allocated to participating securities	(2,406		)	(2,049		)	(2,184		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	300,358		$	256,057		$	235,638
Basic net income per common share	$	6.31		$	5.13		$	4.55

Diluted net income per common share:
Net income	$	302,764		$	258,106		$	237,822
Income allocated to participating securities	(2,385		)	(2,035		)	(2,167		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	300,379		$	256,071		$	235,655
Diluted net income per common share	$	6.24		$	5.08		$	4.50

Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (1)	629,944			247,460			192,740

(1) The volume of antidilutive shares is, in part, due to the related unamortized compensation costs.

The Company grants shares of its common stock in the form of restricted stock awards to certain key employees under the Company's Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (see Note 9, Stock-based Compensation, to the consolidated financial statements). Prior to vesting of the restricted stock awards, the grant recipients are entitled to receive non-forfeitable cash dividends if the Company's board of directors declares and pays dividends on the Company's common stock. Accordingly, unvested shares of the Company's restricted stock awards are deemed to be participating securities for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share (EPS), and therefore the Company's diluted EPS represent the lower of the amounts calculated under the treasury stock method or the two-class method of calculating diluted EPS.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company reports segment information based upon a "management approach." The management approach refers to the internal reporting that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing the performance of the Company's reportable segments. The Company reports its corporate expenses separately as they are not included in the internal measures of segment operating performance used by the Company to measure the underlying performance of its reportable segments.

Segment results include the direct costs of each segment and all other costs are allocated based upon detailed estimates and analysis of actual time and expenses incurred to support the operations of each segment or units produced or sourced to support each segment's revenue. Certain costs, including incentive compensation for certain employees, and various other general corporate costs that are not specifically allocable to segments, are included in corporate expenses below. Intersegment sales and transfers are recorded at cost and are treated as a transfer of inventory. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, to the consolidated financial statements.

At the beginning of fiscal 2017, the Company combined its Carter's Retail and OshKosh Retail operating segments into a single U.S. Retail operating segment, and its Carter's Wholesale and OshKosh Wholesale operating segments into a single U.S. Wholesale operating segment, in order to reflect the sales-channel approach the Company's executive management now uses to evaluate its business performance and manage operations in the United States. The Company's International operating segment was not affected by these changes. The Company's operating and reportable segments are now U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International.

Prior periods have been conformed to reflect the Company's current segment structure by adding together Carter's Retail and OshKosh Retail as U.S. Retail and Carter's Wholesale and OshKosh Wholesale as U.S. Wholesale. Prior results for the International segment and Corporate expenses were not impacted.

The table below presents certain segment information for the periods indicated:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			% of Total		December 31, 2016			% of Total		January 2, 2016			% of Total
Net sales:
U.S. Retail (a)	$	1,775,287		52.2	%	$	1,656,414		51.8	%	$	1,514,355		50.2	%
U.S. Wholesale	1,209,663			35.6	%	1,178,034			36.8	%	1,173,313			39.0	%
International (b)	415,460			12.2	%	364,736			11.4	%	326,211			10.8	%
Total net sales	$	3,400,410		100.0	%	$	3,199,184		100.0	%	$	3,013,879		100.0	%
Operating income:				% of segment net sales					% of segment net sales					% of segment net sales
U.S. Retail (c) (g)	$	215,601		12.1	%	$	212,581		12.8	%	$	210,971		13.9	%
U.S. Wholesale (d) (g)	252,090			20.8	%	260,953			22.2	%	245,767			20.9	%
International (e) (g)	46,426			11.2	%	59,194			16.2	%	47,004			14.4	%
Corporate expenses (f) (h)	(94,549		)			(106,170		)			(110,885		)
Total operating income	$	419,568		12.3	%	$	426,558		13.3	%	$	392,857		13.0	%


(a)	Includes retail stores and eCommerce results.


(b)	Includes international retail, eCommerce, and wholesale sales.


(c)	Fiscal 2017 includes approximately $2.7 million of expenses related to store restructuring and approximately $12.7 million for provisions for special employee compensation.


(d)	Fiscal 2017 includes approximately $3.3 million for provisions for special employee compensation.


(e)	Includes international licensing income. Fiscal 2017 includes approximately $2.3 million for provisions for special employee compensation. Fiscal 2015 includes approximately $1.9 million of charges related to the revaluation of contingent consideration.


(f)	Includes expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, building occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting, and audit fees.


(g)	An aggregate of $1.2 million of certain costs related to inventory acquired from Skip Hop are included in the operating income of U.S. Wholesale, U.S. Retail, and International for fiscal 2017.

(h) Includes the following charges:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in millions)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Provisions for special employee compensation	$	2.9		$	—	$	—
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	$	—		$	1.7	$	6.2
Adjustment to Skip Hop contingent consideration	$	(3.6	)	$	—	$	—
Direct sourcing initiative	$	0.3		$	0.7	$	—
Acquisition-related costs	$	3.4		$	2.4	$	—

ADDITIONAL DATA BY SEGMENT

Inventory

The table below represents inventory by segment:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
U.S. Wholesale	$	389,484	$	328,437
U.S. Retail	93,404		99,001
International	65,834		60,153
Total	$	548,722	$	487,591

U.S. Wholesale inventories also include inventory produced and warehoused for the U.S. Retail segment.

The table below represents consolidated net sales by product:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Baby	$	1,271,153	$	1,241,701	$	1,173,002
Playclothes	1,249,735		1,215,238		1,182,281
Sleepwear	423,401		407,160		378,419
Other (a)	456,121		335,085		280,177
Total net sales	$	3,400,410	$	3,199,184	$	3,013,879

(a) Other product offerings include bedding, outwear, swimwear, shoes, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, and hair accessories.

GEOGRAPHICAL DATA

Revenue

The Company's international sales principally represent sales to customers in Canada. Such sales were 64.9% and 66.5% of total international sales in fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Long-Lived Assets

The following represents property, plant, and equipment, net, by geographic area:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
United States	$	337,369	$	349,877
International	40,555		35,997
Total	$	377,924	$	385,874

Long-lived assets in the international segment relate principally to Canada. Long-lived assets in Canada were 87.6% and 91.5% of total international long-lived assets at the end of fiscal 2017 and 2016, respectively.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	Dec. 30, 2017
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS INVESTMENTS The Company invests in marketable securities, principally equity based mutual funds, to mitigate the risk associated with the investment return on employee deferrals of compensation. All of the marketable securities are included in Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and their aggregate fair values were approximately $16.7 million and $12.3 million at the end of fiscal 2017 and fiscal 2016, respectively. These investments are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. Investments in marketable securities incurred a net loss of approximately $0.1 million for fiscal 2017 and a net gain of approximately $0.9 million for fiscal 2016. The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, by asset category, are disclosed in Note 10, Employee Benefits Plans, to the consolidated financial statements. FOREIGN EXCHANGE FORWARD CONTRACTS Fair values of any unsettled foreign exchange forward contracts are calculated by using readily observable market inputs (market-quoted currency exchange rates in effect between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of Canada and Mexico) and are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy. Any unsettled foreign exchange forward contracts are included in other current assets or other current liabilities on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at the end of each fiscal reporting period. At December 30, 2017, the fair value of open foreign currency contracts was not material. At December 31, 2016, there were no open foreign exchange forward contracts. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on foreign currency contracts were not material for fiscal 2017. For foreign currency contracts settled during fiscal 2016 and 2015, the Company realized net losses of $3.2 million and net gains of $3.1 million, respectively. Unrealized gains for fiscal 2015, including mark-to-market adjustments on contracts open at the end of fiscal 2015, were approximately $2.1 million. These amounts are included in other (income) expense, net on the Company's consolidated statement of operations. The were no open foreign currency contracts at the end of fiscal 2016. BORROWINGS As of December 30, 2017, the fair value of the Company's $221.0 million in borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility approximated carrying value. The fair value of the Company's senior notes at December 30, 2017 was approximately $410 million. The fair value of these senior notes with a notional value and carrying value (gross of debt issuance costs) of $400 million was estimated using a quoted price as provided in the secondary market, which considers the Company's credit risk and market related conditions, and is therefore within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information.

+ References + Details

LEASE COMMITMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Leases [Abstract]

LEASE COMMITMENTS

Rent expense under operating leases (including properties and computer and office equipment) was approximately $161.9 million, $150.6 million, and $136.6 million for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017, December 31, 2016, and January 2, 2016, respectively.

Minimum annual rental commitments under current non-cancellable operating leases, as of December 30, 2017, substantially all of which relate to leased real estate, were as follows:



Fiscal Year	Operating Leases
2018	$	168,719
2019	154,866
2020	139,016
2021	124,102
2022	108,029
Thereafter	322,473
Total	$	1,017,205

Amounts related to property include leases on retail stores as well as various corporate offices, distribution facilities, and other premises. Our average term for a retail store lease in the United States is approximately 5.2 years, excluding renewal options.

Total commitments under capital leases were approximately $1.7 million at December 30, 2017.

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS

Information regarding accounts receivable is as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	Wholesale accounts receivable reserves			Wholesale sales returns reserves			Total
Balance at January 3, 2015	$	11,808		$	400		$	12,208
Additional provisions	4,170			264			4,434
Charges to reserve	(7,435		)	(264		)	(7,699		)
Balance at January 2, 2016	$	8,543		$	400		$	8,943
Additional provisions	6,088			—			6,088
Charges to reserve	(5,879		)	(400		)	(6,279		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	8,752		$	—		$	8,752
Additional provisions	8,204			—			8,204
Charges to reserve	(3,220		)	—			(3,220		)
Balance at December 30, 2017	$	13,736		$	—		$	13,736

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA

The unaudited summarized financial data by quarter for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is presented in the table below:



(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	Quarter 1			Quarter 2			Quarter 3			(2) Quarter 4
Fiscal 2017:
Net sales	$	732,755		$	692,117		$	948,232		$	1,027,306
Gross profit	$	315,802		$	303,457		$	403,848		$	460,207
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	247,794		$	250,146		$	283,480		$	325,507
Royalty income	$	(10,558	)	$	(11,210	)	$	(10,350	)	$	(11,063	)
Operating income	$	78,566		$	64,521		$	130,718		$	145,763
Net income	$	46,664		$	37,925		$	82,486		$	135,689
Basic net income per common share (1)	$	0.96		$	0.79		$	1.73		$	2.87
Diluted net income per common share (1)	$	0.95		$	0.78		$	1.71		$	2.84

Fiscal 2016:
Net sales	$	724,085		$	639,471		$	901,425		$	934,203
Gross profit	$	310,929		$	282,182		$	375,546		$	410,492
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	228,996		$	228,464		$	255,322		$	282,624
Royalty income	$	(11,075	)	$	(9,525	)	$	(10,670	)	$	(11,545	)
Operating income	$	93,008		$	63,243		$	130,894		$	139,413
Net income	$	53,980		$	36,198		$	80,811		$	87,117
Basic net income per common share (1)	$	1.05		$	0.72		$	1.62		$	1.77
Diluted net income per common share (1)	$	1.04		$	0.71		$	1.60		$	1.76

(1) May not be additive to the net income per common share amounts for the fiscal year due to the calculation provision of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share.

(2) The provision for income taxes recognized during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2017 reflects a benefit of $40.0 million related to the accounting for the December 22, 2017 enactment of tax law changes known as the U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The Company’s senior notes constitute debt obligations of its wholly-owned subsidiary, The William Carter Company ("TWCC" or the "Subsidiary Issuer"), are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter’s, Inc. (the "Parent"), by each of the Parent's current domestic subsidiaries (other than TWCC), and, subject to certain exceptions, future restricted subsidiaries that guarantee the Company’s amended revolving credit facility or certain other debt of the Company or the subsidiary guarantors. Under specific customary conditions, the guarantees are not full and unconditional because subsidiary guarantors can be released and relieved of their obligations under customary circumstances contained in the indenture governing the senior notes. These circumstances include among others the following, so long as other applicable provisions of the indentures are adhered to: any sale or other disposition of all or substantially all of the assets of any subsidiary guarantor, any sale or other disposition of capital stock of any subsidiary guarantor, or designation of any restricted subsidiary that is a subsidiary guarantor as an unrestricted subsidiary.

The condensed consolidating financial information for the Parent, the Subsidiary Issuer, and the guarantor and non-guarantor subsidiaries has been prepared from the books and records maintained by the Company. The accompanying condensed consolidating financial information has been prepared and presented pursuant to SEC Regulation S-X Rule 3-10. The financial information may not necessarily be indicative of the financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows, had the Parent, Subsidiary Issuer, guarantor or non-guarantor subsidiaries operated as independent entities.

Intercompany revenues and expenses included in the subsidiary records are eliminated in consolidation. As a result of this activity, an amount due to/due from affiliates will exist at any time. The principal elimination entries relate to investments in subsidiaries and intercompany balances and transactions. The Company has accounted for investments in subsidiaries under the equity method. The guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned directly or indirectly by the Parent and all guarantees are joint, several and unconditional.

In December 2015, as part of a foreign subsidiary restructuring, certain non-guarantor subsidiaries became subsidiaries of certain other non-guarantor subsidiaries. The restructuring did not retroactively impact the prior status of the guarantor and the non-guarantor subsidiaries, and accordingly the condensed consolidating financial information for periods prior to the restructuring have not been adjusted to reflect the restructuring.

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	129,463	$	10,030	$	39,001	$	—		$	178,494
Accounts receivable, net	—		182,944		40,286		17,331		—			240,561
Intercompany receivable	—		87,702		162,007		58,980		(308,689		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		296,065		206,556		66,569		(20,468		)	548,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		17,013		19,019		13,860		—			49,892
Total current assets	—		713,187		437,898		195,741		(329,157		)	1,017,669
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		147,858		189,511		40,555		—			377,924
Goodwill	—		136,570		45,368		48,486		—			230,424
Tradenames, net	—		223,251		142,300		—		—			365,551
Customer relationships, net	—		—		44,996		3,000		—			47,996
Other assets	—		23,884		2,392		2,159		—			28,435
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		441,294		—		(441,294		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	857,093		1,052,901		231,994		—		(2,141,988		)	—
Total assets	$	857,093	$	2,397,651	$	1,535,753	$	289,941	$	(3,012,439	)	$	2,067,999

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	115,658	$	49,313	$	17,143	$	—		$	182,114
Intercompany Liabilities	—		215,573		91,697		1,419		(308,689		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		11,805		121,074		13,631		—			146,510
Total current liabilities	—		343,036		262,084		32,193		(308,689		)	328,624
Long-term debt, net	—		617,306		—		—		—			617,306
Deferred income taxes	—		46,620		37,550		678		—			84,848
Intercompany long-term liability	—		441,294		—		—		(441,294		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		71,834		92,570		15,724		—			180,128
Stockholders' equity	857,093		877,561		1,043,549		241,346		(2,162,456		)	857,093
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	857,093	$	2,397,651	$	1,535,753	$	289,941	$	(3,012,439	)	$	2,067,999

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	229,056	$	11,817	$	58,485	$	—		$	299,358
Accounts receivable, net	—		176,825		18,315		7,331		—			202,471
Intercompany receivable	—		55,902		74,681		14,601		(145,184		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		278,696		174,542		60,153		(25,800		)	487,591
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		11,402		16,028		4,750		—			32,180
Deferred income taxes	—		18,476		15,440		1,570		—			35,486
Total current assets	—		770,357		310,823		146,890		(170,984		)	1,057,086
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		155,187		194,691		35,996		—			385,874
Goodwill	—		136,570		—		39,439		—			176,009
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—		223,428		85,500		—		—			308,928
Other assets	—		17,771		605		324		—			18,700
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		428,436		—		(428,436		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	788,124		753,753		145,076		—		(1,686,953		)	—
Total assets	$	788,124	$	2,157,066	$	1,165,131	$	222,649	$	(2,386,373	)	$	1,946,597

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	97,103	$	41,947	$	19,382	$	—		$	158,432
Intercompany payables	—		85,894		55,257		4,033		(145,184		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		16,473		90,718		11,986		—			119,177
Total current liabilities	—		199,470		187,922		35,401		(145,184		)	277,609
Long-term debt, net	—		561,399		—		18,977		—			580,376
Deferred income taxes	—		87,116		43,540		—		—			130,656
Intercompany long-term liability	—		428,436		—		—		(428,436		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		66,721		89,252		13,859		—			169,832
Stockholders' equity	788,124		813,924		744,417		154,412		(1,712,753		)	788,124
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	788,124	$	2,157,066	$	1,165,131	$	222,649	$	(2,386,373	)	$	1,946,597

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,922,930		$	1,955,611		$	372,312		$	(850,443	)	$	3,400,410
Cost of goods sold	—			1,406,517			1,143,815			196,389			(829,625		)	1,917,096
Gross profit	—			516,413			811,796			175,923			(20,818		)	1,483,314
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			181,129			837,253			126,055			(37,510		)	1,106,927
Royalty income	—			(34,816		)	(19,725		)	—			11,360			(43,181		)
Operating income (loss)	—			370,100			(5,732		)	49,868			5,332			419,568
Interest expense	—			29,758			5,498			96			(5,308		)	30,044
Interest income	—			(5,497		)	—			(156		)	5,308			(345		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(302,764		)	(25,343		)	(38,948		)	—			367,055			—
Other income, net	—			(1,153		)	1,281			(1,291		)	—			(1,163		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	302,764			372,335			26,437			51,219			(361,723		)	391,032
Provision for income taxes	—			74,903			1,096			12,269			—			88,268
Net income (loss)	$	302,764		$	297,432		$	25,341		$	38,950		$	(361,723	)	$	302,764

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,881,919		$	1,762,882		$	300,533		$	(746,150	)	$	3,199,184
Cost of goods sold	—			1,358,209			1,033,403			155,571			(727,148		)	1,820,035
Gross profit	—			523,710			729,479			144,962			(19,002		)	1,379,149
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			177,605			753,874			101,494			(37,567		)	995,406
Royalty income	—			(32,728		)	(19,660		)	—			9,573			(42,815		)
Operating income (loss)	—			378,833			(4,735		)	43,468			8,992			426,558
Interest expense	—			26,475			5,435			442			(5,308		)	27,044
Interest income	—			(5,756		)	—			(115		)	5,308			(563		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(258,106		)	4,413			(29,306		)	—			282,999			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(383		)	482			3,908			—			4,007
Income (loss) before income taxes	258,106			354,084			18,654			39,233			(274,007		)	396,070
Provision for income taxes	—			104,970			23,067			9,927			—			137,964
Net income (loss)	$	258,106		$	249,114		$	(4,413	)	$	29,306		$	(274,007	)	$	258,106

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,813,950		$	1,639,826		$	246,158		$	(686,055	)	$	3,013,879
Cost of goods sold	—			1,286,411			989,284			136,317			(656,157		)	1,755,855
Gross profit	—			527,539			650,542			109,841			(29,898		)	1,258,024
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			181,150			679,532			88,257			(39,706		)	909,233
Royalty income	—			(32,978		)	(19,414		)	—			8,326			(44,066		)
Operating income (loss)	—			379,367			(9,576		)	21,584			1,482			392,857
Interest expense	—			26,550			5,331			557			(5,407		)	27,031
Interest income	—			(5,826		)	—			(81		)	5,407			(500		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(237,822		)	19,775			(9,742		)	—			227,789			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(6		)	(60		)	(1,796		)	—			(1,862		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	237,822			338,874			(5,105		)	22,904			(226,307		)	368,188
Provision for income taxes	—			102,534			20,590			7,242			—			130,366
Net income (loss)	$	237,822		$	236,340		$	(25,695	)	$	15,662		$	(226,307	)	$	237,822

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss)

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income	$	302,764		$	297,432		$	25,341		$	38,950	$	(361,723	)	$	302,764
Post-retirement benefit plans	(692		)	(692		)	(430		)	—		1,122			(692		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,339			6,339			6,339			6,339		(19,017		)	6,339
Comprehensive income	$	308,411		$	303,079		$	31,250		$	45,289	$	(379,618	)	$	308,411

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	258,106		$	249,114		$	(4,413	)	$	29,306	$	(274,007	)	$	258,106
Post-retirement benefit plans	(335		)	(335		)	(666		)	—		1,001			(335		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,962			1,962			1,962			1,962		(5,886		)	1,962
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	259,733		$	250,741		$	(3,117	)	$	31,268	$	(278,892	)	$	259,733

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	237,822		$	236,340		$	(25,695	)	$	15,662		$	(226,307	)	$	237,822
Post-retirement benefit plans	859			859			803			—			(1,662		)	859
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,189		)	(14,189		)	(29,574		)	(14,189		)	57,952			(14,189		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	224,492		$	223,010		$	(54,466	)	$	1,473		$	(170,017	)	$	224,492

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	166,999		$	118,813		$	43,809		$	—		$	329,621

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(21,690		)	(38,899		)	(8,884		)	—			(69,473		)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(143,270		)	746			(15,933		)				(158,457		)
Intercompany investing activity	256,991			(25,607		)	894			27,397			(259,675		)	—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			—			15			—			—			15
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	256,991		$	(190,567	)	$	(37,244	)	$	2,580		$	(259,675	)	$	(227,915	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(128,906		)	(83,356		)	(47,413		)	259,675			—
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	—			200,000			—			—			—			200,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	—			(145,000		)	—			(18,965		)	—			(163,965		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(2,119		)	—			—			—			(2,119		)
Dividends paid	(70,914		)	—			—			—			—			(70,914		)
Repurchases of common stock	(188,762		)	—			—			—			—			(188,762		)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(5,753		)	—			—			—			—			(5,753		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,438			—			—			—			—			8,438
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(256,991		)	(76,025		)	(83,356		)	(66,378		)	259,675			(223,075		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			505			—			505
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	—			(99,593		)	(1,787		)	(19,484		)	—			(120,864		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			229,056			11,817			58,485			—			299,358
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	129,463		$	10,030		$	39,001		$	—		$	178,494

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	206,843		$	127,018		$	35,368		$	—		$	369,229

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(22,934		)	(55,072		)	(10,550		)	—			(88,556		)
Intercompany investing activity	368,307			480			(2,118		)	131			(366,800		)	—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			23			—			193			—			216
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	368,307		$	(22,431	)	$	(57,190	)	$	(10,226	)	$	(366,800	)	$	(88,340	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(283,909		)	(74,681		)	(8,210		)	366,800			—
Dividends paid	(66,355		)	—			—			—			—			(66,355		)
Repurchases of common stock	(300,445		)	—			—			—			—			(300,445		)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			2,782			2,018			—			—			4,800
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(8,673		)	—			—			—			—			(8,673		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	7,166			—			—			—			—			7,166
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(368,307		)	(281,127		)	(72,663		)	(8,210		)	366,800			(363,507		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			767			—			767
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(96,715		)	(2,835		)	17,699			—			(81,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			325,771			14,652			40,786			—			381,209
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	229,056		$	11,817		$	58,485		$	—		$	299,358

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	148,656		$	115,589		$	43,742		$	—		$	307,987

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(27,813		)	(64,707		)	(10,977		)	—			(103,497		)
Intercompany investing activity	161,993			5,642			(2,735		)	(8,582		)	(156,318		)	—
Proceeds from repayment of intercompany loan	—			35,000			—			—			(35,000		)	—
Issuance of intercompany loan	—			(15,000		)	—			—			15,000			—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			65			—			7			—			72
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	161,993		$	(2,106	)	$	(67,442	)	$	(19,552	)	$	(176,318	)	(103,425		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(108,761		)	(46,672		)	(885		)	156,318			—
Proceeds from intercompany loan	—			—			—			15,000			(15,000		)	—
Repayment of intercompany loan	—			—			—			(35,000		)	35,000			—
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	—			166,000			—			39,586						205,586
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	—			(186,000		)	—			(19,237		)	—			(205,237		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(1,628		)	—			—			—			(1,628		)
Payment of contingent consideration	—			(7,572		)	—			—			—			(7,572		)
Dividends paid	(46,028		)	—			—			—			—			(46,028		)
Repurchases of common stock	(110,290		)	—			—			—			—			(110,290		)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			6,104			2,735			—			—			8,839
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(12,651		)	—			—			—			—			(12,651		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	6,976			—			—			—			—			6,976
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(161,993		)	(131,857		)	(43,937		)	(536		)	176,318			(162,005		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(1,986		)	—			(1,986		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			14,693			4,210			21,668			—			40,571
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			311,078			10,442			19,118			—			340,638
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	325,771		$	14,652		$	40,786		$	—		$	381,209

- Definition

The entire disclosure for condensed financial information, including the financial position, cash flows, and the results of operations of the registrant (parent company) as of the same dates or for the same periods for which audited consolidated financial statements are being presented. Alternatively, the details of this disclosure can be reported by the specific parent company taxonomy elements, indicating the appropriate date and period contexts in an instance document.

+ References + Details

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION

FISCAL YEAR

USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS

Translation adjustments

Transaction adjustments

Foreign Currency Contracts

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

Concentration of cash deposits risk

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

VALUATION ACCOUNTS FOR WHOLESALE ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

Accounts receivable reserves

Sales returns reserves

Except in very limited instances, the Company does not allow its wholesale customers to return goods to the Company.

Concentration of credit risk

In fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015, no one customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company's consolidated net sales.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE

INVENTORIES

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

INTERNAL-USE SOFTWARE

VALUATION OF GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBILE ASSETS

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS

Annual impairment reviews

Goodwill

Indefinite-lived tradenames

IMPAIRMENT OF OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS

DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS



Level 1:	Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2:	Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable.
Level 3:	Unobservable inputs reflecting management's own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.

REVENUE RECOGNITION

COST OF GOODS SOLD

COSTS OF GOODS SOLD

Cost of goods sold (CoGS) consists mainly of the cost of merchandise, inventory provisions, and certain costs associated with our sourcing and distribution centers operations.

ACCOUNTING FOR SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES AND COSTS

ROYALTIES AND LICENSE FEES

INCOME FROM ROYALTIES AND LICENSE FEES

ADVERTISING EXPENSES

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS

Stock Options

The Company determines the fair value of stock options using the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of the following subjective assumptions:

Forfeitures - The Company estimates forfeitures of stock-based awards based on historical experience and expected future activity.

Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards

Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards

Stock Awards

INCOME TAXES

EARNINGS PER SHARE

OPEN MARKET REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

FACILITY CLOSURE AND OFFICE CONSOLIDATION

FACILITY CLOSURE AND SEVERANCE COSTS

LEASES AND DEFERRED RENT

SEASONALITY

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

Adopted in Fiscal 2017

Accounting for Share-Based Payments to Employees (ASU 2016-09)

Simplified Subsequent Measurement of Inventory (ASU 2015-11)

Balance Sheet Classification of Deferred Taxes (ASU 2015-17)

To Be Adopted After Fiscal 2017

Revenue Recognition (ASC 606)

Leases (ASU 2016-02)

Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13)

Classification of Costs Related to Defined Benefit Pension and Other Post-retirement Benefit Plans (ASU 2017-07)

Goodwill Impairment Testing (ASU 2017-04)

Modifications to Share-based Compensation Awards (ASU 2017-09)

Definition of a Business (ASU 2017-01)

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Schedule of Business Acquisitions

Assets acquired and liabilities assumed, including all measurement period adjustments, were as follows:



(in millions)

Assets acquired:
Current assets, including cash acquired of $0.8 million	$	50.0
Goodwill *	46.0
Tradename	56.8
Customer relationships	47.3
Other non-current assets	3.9
Total assets acquired	$	204.0

Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities	$	20.8
Deferred income tax liabilities	36.3
Total liabilities assumed	$	57.1
	.
Net assets acquired	$	146.9
Less cash acquired at acquisition	$	(0.8	)
Less estimated contingent consideration (1)	$	(3.6	)
Net purchase price (2)	$	142.5

* Not deductible for income taxes

(2) Reflects a working capital settlement of approximately $1.3 million.

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Property, plant, and equipment

Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Fixtures, equipment, computer hardware and software	$	430,156		$	398,536
Land, building, and leasehold improvements	336,981			305,844
Marketing fixtures	7,602			7,015
Construction in progress	7,358			20,386
	782,097			731,781
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(404,173		)	(345,907		)
Total	$	377,924		$	385,874

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]

Intangible assets table

The following table summarizes the Company’s goodwill and other intangible assets at the end of the fiscal year:



		December 30, 2017						December 31, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Weighted-average useful life	Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount		Gross amount		Accumulated amortization		Net amount

Carter’s goodwill (1)	Indefinite	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570	$	136,570	$	—	$	136,570
Canada goodwill (2)	Indefinite	42,223		—		42,223		39,439		—		39,439
Skip Hop goodwill (3)	Indefinite	45,997		—		45,997		—		—		—
Carter's Mexico goodwill (4)	Indefinite	5,634		—		5,634		—		—		—
Total goodwill		$	230,424	$	—	$	230,424	$	176,009	$	—	$	176,009

Carter’s tradename	Indefinite	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233	$	220,233	$	—	$	220,233
OshKosh tradename	Indefinite	85,500		—		85,500		85,500		—		85,500
Skip Hop tradename	Indefinite	56,800		—		56,800		—		—		—
Finite-life tradenames (5)	2 - 20 years	3,550		532		3,018		42,005		38,810		3,195
Total tradenames, net		$	366,083	$	532	$	365,551	$	347,738	$	38,810	$	308,928

Skip Hop customer relationships	15 years	$	47,300	$	2,304	$	44,996	$	—	$	—	$	—
Carter's Mexico customer relationships	10 years	3,135		135		3,000		—		—		—
Total customer relationships, net		$	50,435	$	2,439	$	47,996	$	—	$	—	$	—


(1)	$45.9 million is assigned to the U.S. Wholesale segment, $82.0 million is assigned to the U.S. Retail segment, and $8.6 million is assigned to the International segment.


(2)	Goodwill for Canada (Bonnie Togs) is assigned to the International segment.


(3)	$28.6 million is assigned to the U.S. Wholesale segment, $15.5 million is assigned to the International segment, and $1.9 million is assigned to the U.S. Retail segment.


(4)	Goodwill for Carter's Mexico is assigned to the International segment.


(5)	Relates to the acquisition of rights to the Carter's brand in Chile in December 2014. The Company acquired these rights in order to freely operate in Chile by offering products and service under the Carter's brand. Amounts at December 31, 2016 also include the former Bonnie Togs (Canada) tradename and the H.W. Carter & Sons brands, which are all fully amortized.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income

Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income is summarized as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	Pension liability adjustments			Post-retirement liability adjustments			Cumulative translation adjustments			Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income
Balance at January 3, 2015	$	(8,988	)	$	1,348		$	(15,397	)	$	(23,037	)
Fiscal year 2015 change	803			56			(14,189		)	(13,330		)
Balance at January 2, 2016	(8,185		)	1,404			(29,586		)	(36,367		)
Fiscal year 2016 change	(666		)	331			1,962			1,627
Balance at December 31, 2016	(8,851		)	1,735			(27,624		)	(34,740		)
Fiscal year 2017 change	(430		)	(262		)	6,339			5,647
Balance at December 30, 2017	$	(9,281	)	$	1,473		$	(21,285	)	$	(29,093	)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of long-term debt

Long-term debt consisted of the following:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Senior notes at amounts repayable	$	400,000		$	400,000
Less: unamortized issuance-related costs for senior notes	(3,694		)	(4,601		)
Senior notes, net	$	396,306		$	395,399
Secured revolving credit facility	221,000			184,977
Total long-term debt, net	$	617,306		$	580,376

Schedule of redemption price applicable where redemption occurs

The redemption price is applicable when the redemption occurs during the twelve-month period beginning on August 15 of each of the years indicated is as follows:



Year	Percentage
2017	102.63	%
2018	101.31	%
2019 and thereafter	100.00	%

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

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+ Details

COMMON STOCK (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Open Market Repurchases

Open-market repurchases of our common stock during fiscal years 2017, 2016 and 2015 were as follows:



	Fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Number of shares repurchased	2,103,401		3,049,381		1,154,288
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands)	$	188,762	$	300,445	$	110,290
Average price per share	$	89.74	$	98.53	$	95.55

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of an entity's stock, including par or stated value per share, number and dollar amount of share subscriptions, shares authorized, shares issued, shares outstanding, number and dollar amount of shares held in an employee trust, dividend per share, total dividends, share conversion features, par value plus additional paid in capital, the value of treasury stock and other information necessary to a fair presentation, and EPS information. Stock by class includes common, convertible, and preferred stocks which are not redeemable or redeemable solely at the option of the issuer. Includes preferred stock with redemption features that are solely within the control of the issuer and mandatorily redeemable stock if redemption is required to occur only upon liquidation or termination of the reporting entity. If more than one issue is outstanding, state the title of each issue and the corresponding dollar amount; dollar amount of any shares subscribed but unissued and the deduction of subscriptions receivable there from; number of shares authorized, issued, and outstanding.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef
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+ Details

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

Summary of recorded stock-based compensation cost

The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost as follows:



	For the fiscal years ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Stock options	$	4,244	$	4,237	$	4,350
Restricted stock:
Time-based awards	7,532		7,451		6,855
Performance-based awards	4,602		3,974		4,728
Stock awards	1,171		1,185		1,096
Total	$	17,549	$	16,847	$	17,029

Summary of stock option activity

Changes in the Company's stock options for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 were as follows:



	Number of shares		Weighted- average exercise price	Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years)	Aggregate intrinsic value (in thousands)

Outstanding, December 31, 2016	1,441,210		$52.70

Granted	338,356		$84.29
Exercised	(240,850	)	$35.03
Forfeited	(40,828	)	$83.99
Expired	(3,665	)	$87.46
Outstanding, December 30, 2017	1,494,223		$61.76	5.87	$	83,277

Vested and Expected to Vest, December 30, 2017	1,422,339		$60.53	5.72	$	81,011
Exercisable, December 30, 2017	907,065		$46.77	4.19	$	64,145

Assumptions used for grants and summary of stock options and restricted stock activity

The table below presents the weighted-average assumptions used to calculate the fair value of options granted in each of the respective fiscal years:



	For the fiscal years ended
	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Expected volatility	26.20		%	26.95		%	31.65		%
Risk-free interest rate	2.06		%	1.33		%	1.65		%
Expected term (years)	6.0			6.0			6.0
Dividend yield	1.77		%	1.45		%	1.06		%
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$	19.57		$	21.41		$	24.59

Summary of restricted stock award activity

The following table summarizes activity related to all restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017:



	Restricted stock awards		Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Outstanding, December 31, 2016	405,699		$	81.29
Granted	178,240		$	84.11
Vested	(168,471	)	$	74.00
Forfeited	(17,620	)	$	83.92
Outstanding, December 30, 2017	397,848		$	85.44

Summary of issued shares of common stock to non-management board members



Fiscal year	Number of shares granted	Weighted-average fair value per share
2015	50,600	$	82.40
2016	53,070	$	90.66
2017	60,952	$	83.84

During fiscal years 2017, 2016, and 2015, such awards were as follows:



	Number of shares issued	Fair value per share	Aggregate value (in thousands)
2015	10,933	$100.21	$1,095
2016	12,758	$101.10	$1,290
2017	13,860	$84.46	$1,171

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Retirement Benefits [Abstract]

Reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets

A reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets is as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	62,427		$	60,375
Interest cost	2,446			2,515
Actuarial loss	4,269			1,697
Benefits paid	(2,395		)	(2,160		)
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$	66,747		$	62,427

Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	51,213		$	50,619
Actual return on plan assets	5,619			2,754
Benefits paid	(2,395		)	(2,160		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	54,437		$	51,213

Unfunded status	$	12,310		$	11,214

Components of post retirement benefit expense and pension expense

The components of net periodic pension cost (benefit) recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Recognized in the statement of operations:
Interest cost	$	2,446		$	2,515		$	2,493
Expected return on plan assets	(2,601		)	(2,701		)	(3,138		)
Recognized actuarial loss (a)	681			578			643
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)	$	526		$	392		$	(2	)

Changes recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net loss (gain) arising during the fiscal year	$	1,251		$	1,644		$	(630	)
Amortization of net loss (a)	(681		)	(578		)	(643		)
Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	570		$	1,066		$	(1,273	)
Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	1,096		$	1,458		$	(1,275	)

The components of net periodic post-retirement cost (benefit) recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016

Recognized in the statement of operations:
Service cost – benefits attributed to service during the period	$	30		$	123		$	130
Interest cost on accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation	137			177			178
Amortization net actuarial gain (a)	(306		)	(198		)	(192		)
Net periodic post-retirement (benefit) cost	$	(139	)	$	102		$	116

Changes recognized in other comprehensive income:
Net loss (gain) arising during the fiscal year	$	26		$	(740	)	$	(278	)
Prior service cost	—			11			—
Amortization of net gain (a)	306			198			192
Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	332		$	(531	)	$	(86	)
Total net periodic (benefit) cost and changes recognized in other comprehensive income	$	193		$	(429	)	$	30

Schedule of assumptions used in actuarial computations

The actuarial computations utilized the following assumptions, using year-end measurement dates:



	2017	2016
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	3.25%	3.50%

	2017	2016	2015
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	3.50%	3.75%	3.50%

The actuarial computations utilized the following assumptions, using year-end measurement dates:



Benefit obligation	2017	2016
Discount rate	3.50%	4.00%

Net periodic pension cost	2017	2016	2015
Discount rate	4.00%	4.25%	4.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%

Expected benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans for the next ten fiscal years

The Company currently expects benefit payments for its defined benefit pension plans as follows for the next ten fiscal years;



(dollars in thousands)
Fiscal Year
2018	$	2,830
2019	$	2,360
2020	$	2,620
2021	$	2,650
2022	$	2,870
2023-2027	$	17,060

Fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by category

The fair value of the Company's pension plan assets at December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, by asset category, were as follows:



	December 30, 2017						December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands) Asset Category	Total		Level 1		Level 2		Total		Level 1		Level 2
Cash and cash equivalents	$	539	$	539	$	—	$	175	$	175	$	—
Equity Securities:
U.S. Large-Cap blend (a)	7,418		7,418		—		8,462		4,221		4,241
U.S. Large-Cap growth	3,331		3,331		—		4,220		4,220		—
U.S. Mid-Cap growth	3,228		3,228		—		2,533		—		2,533
U.S. Small-Cap blend	2,147		2,147		—		2,514		2,514		—
International blend	8,142		8,142		—		2,569		2,569		—
Fixed income securities:
Corporate bonds (b)	26,888		26,480		408		25,573		25,573		—
Real estate (c)	2,744		2,744		—		5,167		5,167		—
	$	54,437	$	54,029	$	408	$	51,213	$	44,439	$	6,774

(a) This category comprises low-cost equity index funds not actively managed that track the Standard & Poor's 500 Index.

(b) This category invests in both U.S. Treasuries and mid-term corporate debt from U.S. issuers from diverse industries.

Reconciliation of accumulated post retirement benefit obligation

The following is a reconciliation of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation ("APBO") under this plan:



	For the fiscal years ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
APBO at beginning of fiscal year	$	4,125		$	4,938
Service cost	30			123
Interest cost	137			177
Actuarial loss (gain)	26			(740		)
Plan participants' contribution	6			10
Prior service cost	—			11
Benefits paid	(355		)	(394		)
APBO at end of fiscal year	$	3,969		$	4,125

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Provision for income taxes

The components of income before income taxes were as follows:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Domestic	$	325,580	$	345,304	$	335,955
Foreign	65,452		50,766		32,233
Total	$	391,032	$	396,070	$	368,188

The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Current tax provision:
Federal	$	117,676		$	113,326		$	103,316
State	11,368			11,407			10,277
Foreign	14,116			11,937			8,116
Total current provision	$	143,160		$	136,670		$	121,709

Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal	$	(55,149	)	$	1,435		$	6,577
State	339			345			1,193
Foreign	(82		)	(486		)	887
Total deferred provision	(54,892		)	1,294			8,657
Total provision	$	88,268		$	137,964		$	130,366

Federal statutory tax rate reconciliation

The difference between the Company's effective income tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate is reconciled below:



	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.0	%	35.0	%	35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.1	%	2.3	%	2.5	%
Impact of foreign operations	(2.7	)%	(2.1	)%	(1.3	)%
Settlement of uncertain tax positions	(0.3	)%	(0.4	)%	(0.8	)%
Benefit from stock-based compensation	(1.3	)%	—	%	—	%
Imposition of transition tax on foreign subsidiaries	2.7	%	—	%	—	%
Revaluation of deferred taxes	(12.9	)%	—	%	—	%
Total	22.6	%	34.8	%	35.4	%

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities

Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities were as follows:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Deferred tax assets:	Assets (Liabilities)
Accounts receivable allowance	$	3,632		$	3,873
Inventory	5,353			9,226
Accrued liabilities	9,895			16,037
Equity-based compensation	6,796			9,967
Deferred employee benefits	7,870			10,340
Deferred rent	24,567			46,685
Other	2,407			5,192
Total deferred tax assets	60,520			101,320
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(49,509		)	(90,317		)
Tradename and licensing agreements	(89,143		)	(101,632		)
Other	(4,774		)	(4,541		)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(143,426		)	(196,490		)

Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(82,906	)	$	(95,170	)

Net deferred tax liability



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
	Assets (Liabilities)
Deferred tax assets	$	1,942		$	35,486
Deferred tax liabilities	(84,848		)	(130,656		)
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$	(82,906	)	$	(95,170	)

Unrecognized tax benefits

The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits:



(dollars in thousands)
Balance at January 3, 2015	$	11,311
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2015	2,840
Additions for prior year tax positions	(260		)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(1,427		)
Reductions for prior year tax settlements	(3,049		)
Balance at January 2, 2016	$	9,415
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2016	2,849
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(39		)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(995		)
Reductions for prior year tax settlements	(693		)
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	10,537
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2017	3,380
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(120		)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(1,604		)
Balance at December 30, 2017	$	12,193

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding

The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding:



	For the fiscal year ended
	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016			January 2, 2016
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding	47,593,211			49,917,858			51,835,053
Dilutive effect of equity awards	552,864			457,849			499,583
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding	48,146,075			50,375,707			52,334,636
Earnings per share:
(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
Basic net income per common share:
Net income	$	302,764		$	258,106		$	237,822
Income allocated to participating securities	(2,406		)	(2,049		)	(2,184		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	300,358		$	256,057		$	235,638
Basic net income per common share	$	6.31		$	5.13		$	4.55

Diluted net income per common share:
Net income	$	302,764		$	258,106		$	237,822
Income allocated to participating securities	(2,385		)	(2,035		)	(2,167		)
Net income available to common shareholders	$	300,379		$	256,071		$	235,655
Diluted net income per common share	$	6.24		$	5.08		$	4.50

Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (1)	629,944			247,460			192,740

(1) The volume of antidilutive shares is, in part, due to the related unamortized compensation costs.

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Schedule of segment information

The table below presents certain segment information for the periods indicated:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017			% of Total		December 31, 2016			% of Total		January 2, 2016			% of Total
Net sales:
U.S. Retail (a)	$	1,775,287		52.2	%	$	1,656,414		51.8	%	$	1,514,355		50.2	%
U.S. Wholesale	1,209,663			35.6	%	1,178,034			36.8	%	1,173,313			39.0	%
International (b)	415,460			12.2	%	364,736			11.4	%	326,211			10.8	%
Total net sales	$	3,400,410		100.0	%	$	3,199,184		100.0	%	$	3,013,879		100.0	%
Operating income:				% of segment net sales					% of segment net sales					% of segment net sales
U.S. Retail (c) (g)	$	215,601		12.1	%	$	212,581		12.8	%	$	210,971		13.9	%
U.S. Wholesale (d) (g)	252,090			20.8	%	260,953			22.2	%	245,767			20.9	%
International (e) (g)	46,426			11.2	%	59,194			16.2	%	47,004			14.4	%
Corporate expenses (f) (h)	(94,549		)			(106,170		)			(110,885		)
Total operating income	$	419,568		12.3	%	$	426,558		13.3	%	$	392,857		13.0	%


(a)	Includes retail stores and eCommerce results.


(b)	Includes international retail, eCommerce, and wholesale sales.


(c)	Fiscal 2017 includes approximately $2.7 million of expenses related to store restructuring and approximately $12.7 million for provisions for special employee compensation.


(d)	Fiscal 2017 includes approximately $3.3 million for provisions for special employee compensation.


(e)	Includes international licensing income. Fiscal 2017 includes approximately $2.3 million for provisions for special employee compensation. Fiscal 2015 includes approximately $1.9 million of charges related to the revaluation of contingent consideration.


(f)	Includes expenses related to incentive compensation, stock-based compensation, executive management, severance and relocation, finance, building occupancy, information technology, certain legal fees, consulting, and audit fees.


(g)	An aggregate of $1.2 million of certain costs related to inventory acquired from Skip Hop are included in the operating income of U.S. Wholesale, U.S. Retail, and International for fiscal 2017.

(h) Includes the following charges:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in millions)	December 30, 2017			December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Provisions for special employee compensation	$	2.9		$	—	$	—
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames	$	—		$	1.7	$	6.2
Adjustment to Skip Hop contingent consideration	$	(3.6	)	$	—	$	—
Direct sourcing initiative	$	0.3		$	0.7	$	—
Acquisition-related costs	$	3.4		$	2.4	$	—

Inventory, net, by segment

The table below represents inventory by segment:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
U.S. Wholesale	$	389,484	$	328,437
U.S. Retail	93,404		99,001
International	65,834		60,153
Total	$	548,722	$	487,591

Consolidated Net Sales by Product

The table below represents consolidated net sales by product:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016		January 2, 2016
Baby	$	1,271,153	$	1,241,701	$	1,173,002
Playclothes	1,249,735		1,215,238		1,182,281
Sleepwear	423,401		407,160		378,419
Other (a)	456,121		335,085		280,177
Total net sales	$	3,400,410	$	3,199,184	$	3,013,879

(a) Other product offerings include bedding, outwear, swimwear, shoes, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, and hair accessories.

Property, plant, and equipment, net, by geographic area

The following represents property, plant, and equipment, net, by geographic area:



	For the fiscal year ended
(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
United States	$	337,369	$	349,877
International	40,555		35,997
Total	$	377,924	$	385,874

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of other current liabilities

Other current liabilities that exceeded five percent of total current liabilities (at the end of either fiscal year) consisted of the

following:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	$	27,566	$	16,834
Accrued employee benefits	21,735		17,165
Accrued and deferred rent	18,213		15,632

Schedule of other long-term liabilities

Other long-term liabilities that exceeded five percent of total liabilities (at the end of either fiscal year) consisted of the

following:



(dollars in thousands)	December 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Deferred lease incentives	$	75,104	$	74,015

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Unaudited summarized financial data

The unaudited summarized financial data by quarter for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 is presented in the table below:



(dollars in thousands, except per share data)	Quarter 1			Quarter 2			Quarter 3			(2) Quarter 4
Fiscal 2017:
Net sales	$	732,755		$	692,117		$	948,232		$	1,027,306
Gross profit	$	315,802		$	303,457		$	403,848		$	460,207
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	247,794		$	250,146		$	283,480		$	325,507
Royalty income	$	(10,558	)	$	(11,210	)	$	(10,350	)	$	(11,063	)
Operating income	$	78,566		$	64,521		$	130,718		$	145,763
Net income	$	46,664		$	37,925		$	82,486		$	135,689
Basic net income per common share (1)	$	0.96		$	0.79		$	1.73		$	2.87
Diluted net income per common share (1)	$	0.95		$	0.78		$	1.71		$	2.84

Fiscal 2016:
Net sales	$	724,085		$	639,471		$	901,425		$	934,203
Gross profit	$	310,929		$	282,182		$	375,546		$	410,492
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	$	228,996		$	228,464		$	255,322		$	282,624
Royalty income	$	(11,075	)	$	(9,525	)	$	(10,670	)	$	(11,545	)
Operating income	$	93,008		$	63,243		$	130,894		$	139,413
Net income	$	53,980		$	36,198		$	80,811		$	87,117
Basic net income per common share (1)	$	1.05		$	0.72		$	1.62		$	1.77
Diluted net income per common share (1)	$	1.04		$	0.71		$	1.60		$	1.76

(1) May not be additive to the net income per common share amounts for the fiscal year due to the calculation provision of ASC 260, Earnings Per Share.

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 30, 2017

Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	129,463	$	10,030	$	39,001	$	—		$	178,494
Accounts receivable, net	—		182,944		40,286		17,331		—			240,561
Intercompany receivable	—		87,702		162,007		58,980		(308,689		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		296,065		206,556		66,569		(20,468		)	548,722
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		17,013		19,019		13,860		—			49,892
Total current assets	—		713,187		437,898		195,741		(329,157		)	1,017,669
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		147,858		189,511		40,555		—			377,924
Goodwill	—		136,570		45,368		48,486		—			230,424
Tradenames, net	—		223,251		142,300		—		—			365,551
Customer relationships, net	—		—		44,996		3,000		—			47,996
Other assets	—		23,884		2,392		2,159		—			28,435
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		441,294		—		(441,294		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	857,093		1,052,901		231,994		—		(2,141,988		)	—
Total assets	$	857,093	$	2,397,651	$	1,535,753	$	289,941	$	(3,012,439	)	$	2,067,999

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	115,658	$	49,313	$	17,143	$	—		$	182,114
Intercompany Liabilities	—		215,573		91,697		1,419		(308,689		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		11,805		121,074		13,631		—			146,510
Total current liabilities	—		343,036		262,084		32,193		(308,689		)	328,624
Long-term debt, net	—		617,306		—		—		—			617,306
Deferred income taxes	—		46,620		37,550		678		—			84,848
Intercompany long-term liability	—		441,294		—		—		(441,294		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		71,834		92,570		15,724		—			180,128
Stockholders' equity	857,093		877,561		1,043,549		241,346		(2,162,456		)	857,093
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	857,093	$	2,397,651	$	1,535,753	$	289,941	$	(3,012,439	)	$	2,067,999

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

As of December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent		Subsidiary Issuer		Guarantor Subsidiaries		Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	—	$	229,056	$	11,817	$	58,485	$	—		$	299,358
Accounts receivable, net	—		176,825		18,315		7,331		—			202,471
Intercompany receivable	—		55,902		74,681		14,601		(145,184		)	—
Finished goods inventories	—		278,696		174,542		60,153		(25,800		)	487,591
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	—		11,402		16,028		4,750		—			32,180
Deferred income taxes	—		18,476		15,440		1,570		—			35,486
Total current assets	—		770,357		310,823		146,890		(170,984		)	1,057,086
Property, plant, and equipment, net	—		155,187		194,691		35,996		—			385,874
Goodwill	—		136,570		—		39,439		—			176,009
Tradenames and other intangibles, net	—		223,428		85,500		—		—			308,928
Other assets	—		17,771		605		324		—			18,700
Intercompany long-term receivable	—		—		428,436		—		(428,436		)	—
Intercompany long-term note receivable	—		100,000		—		—		(100,000		)	—
Investment in subsidiaries	788,124		753,753		145,076		—		(1,686,953		)	—
Total assets	$	788,124	$	2,157,066	$	1,165,131	$	222,649	$	(2,386,373	)	$	1,946,597

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	—	$	97,103	$	41,947	$	19,382	$	—		$	158,432
Intercompany payables	—		85,894		55,257		4,033		(145,184		)	—
Other current liabilities	—		16,473		90,718		11,986		—			119,177
Total current liabilities	—		199,470		187,922		35,401		(145,184		)	277,609
Long-term debt, net	—		561,399		—		18,977		—			580,376
Deferred income taxes	—		87,116		43,540		—		—			130,656
Intercompany long-term liability	—		428,436		—		—		(428,436		)	—
Intercompany long-term note payable	—		—		100,000		—		(100,000		)	—
Other long-term liabilities	—		66,721		89,252		13,859		—			169,832
Stockholders' equity	788,124		813,924		744,417		154,412		(1,712,753		)	788,124
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	788,124	$	2,157,066	$	1,165,131	$	222,649	$	(2,386,373	)	$	1,946,597

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,922,930		$	1,955,611		$	372,312		$	(850,443	)	$	3,400,410
Cost of goods sold	—			1,406,517			1,143,815			196,389			(829,625		)	1,917,096
Gross profit	—			516,413			811,796			175,923			(20,818		)	1,483,314
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			181,129			837,253			126,055			(37,510		)	1,106,927
Royalty income	—			(34,816		)	(19,725		)	—			11,360			(43,181		)
Operating income (loss)	—			370,100			(5,732		)	49,868			5,332			419,568
Interest expense	—			29,758			5,498			96			(5,308		)	30,044
Interest income	—			(5,497		)	—			(156		)	5,308			(345		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(302,764		)	(25,343		)	(38,948		)	—			367,055			—
Other income, net	—			(1,153		)	1,281			(1,291		)	—			(1,163		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	302,764			372,335			26,437			51,219			(361,723		)	391,032
Provision for income taxes	—			74,903			1,096			12,269			—			88,268
Net income (loss)	$	302,764		$	297,432		$	25,341		$	38,950		$	(361,723	)	$	302,764

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,881,919		$	1,762,882		$	300,533		$	(746,150	)	$	3,199,184
Cost of goods sold	—			1,358,209			1,033,403			155,571			(727,148		)	1,820,035
Gross profit	—			523,710			729,479			144,962			(19,002		)	1,379,149
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			177,605			753,874			101,494			(37,567		)	995,406
Royalty income	—			(32,728		)	(19,660		)	—			9,573			(42,815		)
Operating income (loss)	—			378,833			(4,735		)	43,468			8,992			426,558
Interest expense	—			26,475			5,435			442			(5,308		)	27,044
Interest income	—			(5,756		)	—			(115		)	5,308			(563		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(258,106		)	4,413			(29,306		)	—			282,999			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(383		)	482			3,908			—			4,007
Income (loss) before income taxes	258,106			354,084			18,654			39,233			(274,007		)	396,070
Provision for income taxes	—			104,970			23,067			9,927			—			137,964
Net income (loss)	$	258,106		$	249,114		$	(4,413	)	$	29,306		$	(274,007	)	$	258,106

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Operations

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net sales	$	—		$	1,813,950		$	1,639,826		$	246,158		$	(686,055	)	$	3,013,879
Cost of goods sold	—			1,286,411			989,284			136,317			(656,157		)	1,755,855
Gross profit	—			527,539			650,542			109,841			(29,898		)	1,258,024
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	—			181,150			679,532			88,257			(39,706		)	909,233
Royalty income	—			(32,978		)	(19,414		)	—			8,326			(44,066		)
Operating income (loss)	—			379,367			(9,576		)	21,584			1,482			392,857
Interest expense	—			26,550			5,331			557			(5,407		)	27,031
Interest income	—			(5,826		)	—			(81		)	5,407			(500		)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries	(237,822		)	19,775			(9,742		)	—			227,789			—
Other (income) expense, net	—			(6		)	(60		)	(1,796		)	—			(1,862		)
Income (loss) before income taxes	237,822			338,874			(5,105		)	22,904			(226,307		)	368,188
Provision for income taxes	—			102,534			20,590			7,242			—			130,366
Net income (loss)	$	237,822		$	236,340		$	(25,695	)	$	15,662		$	(226,307	)	$	237,822



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income	$	302,764		$	297,432		$	25,341		$	38,950	$	(361,723	)	$	302,764
Post-retirement benefit plans	(692		)	(692		)	(430		)	—		1,122			(692		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	6,339			6,339			6,339			6,339		(19,017		)	6,339
Comprehensive income	$	308,411		$	303,079		$	31,250		$	45,289	$	(379,618	)	$	308,411

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries		Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	258,106		$	249,114		$	(4,413	)	$	29,306	$	(274,007	)	$	258,106
Post-retirement benefit plans	(335		)	(335		)	(666		)	—		1,001			(335		)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	1,962			1,962			1,962			1,962		(5,886		)	1,962
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	259,733		$	250,741		$	(3,117	)	$	31,268	$	(278,892	)	$	259,733

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Net income (loss)	$	237,822		$	236,340		$	(25,695	)	$	15,662		$	(226,307	)	$	237,822
Post-retirement benefit plans	859			859			803			—			(1,662		)	859
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(14,189		)	(14,189		)	(29,574		)	(14,189		)	57,952			(14,189		)
Comprehensive income (loss)	$	224,492		$	223,010		$	(54,466	)	$	1,473		$	(170,017	)	$	224,492

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	166,999		$	118,813		$	43,809		$	—		$	329,621

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(21,690		)	(38,899		)	(8,884		)	—			(69,473		)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	—			(143,270		)	746			(15,933		)				(158,457		)
Intercompany investing activity	256,991			(25,607		)	894			27,397			(259,675		)	—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			—			15			—			—			15
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	256,991		$	(190,567	)	$	(37,244	)	$	2,580		$	(259,675	)	$	(227,915	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(128,906		)	(83,356		)	(47,413		)	259,675			—
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	—			200,000			—			—			—			200,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	—			(145,000		)	—			(18,965		)	—			(163,965		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(2,119		)	—			—			—			(2,119		)
Dividends paid	(70,914		)	—			—			—			—			(70,914		)
Repurchases of common stock	(188,762		)	—			—			—			—			(188,762		)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(5,753		)	—			—			—			—			(5,753		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,438			—			—			—			—			8,438
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(256,991		)	(76,025		)	(83,356		)	(66,378		)	259,675			(223,075		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			505			—			505
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	—			(99,593		)	(1,787		)	(19,484		)	—			(120,864		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			229,056			11,817			58,485			—			299,358
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	129,463		$	10,030		$	39,001		$	—		$	178,494

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	206,843		$	127,018		$	35,368		$	—		$	369,229

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(22,934		)	(55,072		)	(10,550		)	—			(88,556		)
Intercompany investing activity	368,307			480			(2,118		)	131			(366,800		)	—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			23			—			193			—			216
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	368,307		$	(22,431	)	$	(57,190	)	$	(10,226	)	$	(366,800	)	$	(88,340	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(283,909		)	(74,681		)	(8,210		)	366,800			—
Dividends paid	(66,355		)	—			—			—			—			(66,355		)
Repurchases of common stock	(300,445		)	—			—			—			—			(300,445		)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			2,782			2,018			—			—			4,800
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(8,673		)	—			—			—			—			(8,673		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	7,166			—			—			—			—			7,166
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(368,307		)	(281,127		)	(72,663		)	(8,210		)	366,800			(363,507		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			767			—			767
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(96,715		)	(2,835		)	17,699			—			(81,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			325,771			14,652			40,786			—			381,209
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	229,056		$	11,817		$	58,485		$	—		$	299,358

CARTER’S, INC.

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

For the fiscal year ended January 2, 2016

(dollars in thousands)



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	148,656		$	115,589		$	43,742		$	—		$	307,987

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(27,813		)	(64,707		)	(10,977		)	—			(103,497		)
Intercompany investing activity	161,993			5,642			(2,735		)	(8,582		)	(156,318		)	—
Proceeds from repayment of intercompany loan	—			35,000			—			—			(35,000		)	—
Issuance of intercompany loan	—			(15,000		)	—			—			15,000			—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			65			—			7			—			72
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	161,993		$	(2,106	)	$	(67,442	)	$	(19,552	)	$	(176,318	)	(103,425		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(108,761		)	(46,672		)	(885		)	156,318			—
Proceeds from intercompany loan	—			—			—			15,000			(15,000		)	—
Repayment of intercompany loan	—			—			—			(35,000		)	35,000			—
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	—			166,000			—			39,586						205,586
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	—			(186,000		)	—			(19,237		)	—			(205,237		)
Payment of debt issuance costs	—			(1,628		)	—			—			—			(1,628		)
Payment of contingent consideration	—			(7,572		)	—			—			—			(7,572		)
Dividends paid	(46,028		)	—			—			—			—			(46,028		)
Repurchases of common stock	(110,290		)	—			—			—			—			(110,290		)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			6,104			2,735			—			—			8,839
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(12,651		)	—			—			—			—			(12,651		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	6,976			—			—			—			—			6,976
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(161,993		)	(131,857		)	(43,937		)	(536		)	176,318			(162,005		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			(1,986		)	—			(1,986		)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			14,693			4,210			21,668			—			40,571
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			311,078			10,442			19,118			—			340,638
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	325,771		$	14,652		$	40,786		$	—		$	381,209



	Parent			Subsidiary Issuer			Guarantor Subsidiaries			Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries			Consolidating Adjustments			Consolidated
Cash flows provided by operating activities:	$	—		$	206,843		$	127,018		$	35,368		$	—		$	369,229

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	—			(22,934		)	(55,072		)	(10,550		)	—			(88,556		)
Intercompany investing activity	368,307			480			(2,118		)	131			(366,800		)	—
Disposals of property, plant and equipment	—			23			—			193			—			216
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	$	368,307		$	(22,431	)	$	(57,190	)	$	(10,226	)	$	(366,800	)	$	(88,340	)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	—			(283,909		)	(74,681		)	(8,210		)	366,800			—
Dividends paid	(66,355		)	—			—			—			—			(66,355		)
Repurchases of common stock	(300,445		)	—			—			—			—			(300,445		)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	—			2,782			2,018			—			—			4,800
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(8,673		)	—			—			—			—			(8,673		)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	7,166			—			—			—			—			7,166
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(368,307		)	(281,127		)	(72,663		)	(8,210		)	366,800			(363,507		)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	—			—			—			767			—			767
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	—			(96,715		)	(2,835		)	17,699			—			(81,851		)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	—			325,771			14,652			40,786			—			381,209
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$	—		$	229,056		$	11,817		$	58,485		$	—		$	299,358

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Accounts Receivable) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017 USD ($) customer	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) customer	Jan. 02, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 03, 2015 USD ($)
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 178,494	$ 299,358	$ 381,209	$ 340,638
Accounts receivable, gross	254,297	211,223
Accounts receivable, net	240,561	$ 202,471
Geographic Distribution, Foreign [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 39,000
Accounts Receivable [Member]
Accounts Receivable [Abstract]
Customer concentration risk, gross accounts receivable	28.00%	30.00%
Number of largest wholesale customers being discussed \| customer	2	2
Maximum disclosure percentage for gross accounts receivable		10.00%
Allowance for doubtful accounts [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Less: reserves	$ (13,736)	$ (8,752)
Trade receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	229,968	182,195
Royalties receivable [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	9,818	9,218
Tenant allowances and other receivables [Member]
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 14,511	$ 19,810

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Property, Plant, and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	3 years
Buildings [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	15 years
Buildings [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	26 years
Retail Store Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	3 years
Retail Store Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	10 years
Computer Software [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	3 years
Computer Software [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life (in years)	10 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Supplemental Cash Flow Information) (Details) CAD in Millions, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 02, 2016 USD ($)	Apr. 02, 2016 CAD	Dec. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest paid in cash			$ 28.3	$ 25.4	$ 25.1
Income taxes paid in cash			132.9	120.6	108.4
Property, plant and equipment additions			$ 1.9	$ 2.6	$ 6.1
Original debt amount	$ 20.0
Converted debt amount	$ 20.3	CAD 25.5
Revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured revolving credit facility						$ 185.2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Recent Accounting Pronouncements) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Share-based compensation, excess tax benefit	$ 5,300	$ 4,800
Retained earnings	$ 885,714	822,375
ASC 606
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Retained earnings		$ 600

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Acquisition of Mexican Licensee) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Aug. 01, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 230,424	$ 176,009
Acquisition-related costs	3,400	$ 2,400	$ 0
Mexican Licensee [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Inventory				$ 8,300
Intangible Assets				3,500
Goodwill				$ 6,200
Acquisition-related costs	$ 1,400

BUSINESS ACQUISITIONS (Skip Hop Acquisition) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Feb. 23, 2017	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net sales		$ 1,027,306	$ 948,232	$ 692,117	$ 732,755	$ 934,203	$ 901,425	$ 639,471	$ 724,085	$ 3,400,410	$ 3,199,184	$ 3,013,879
Acquisition-related costs										3,400	2,400	$ 0
Assets acquired:
Goodwill		$ 230,424				$ 176,009				230,424	176,009
Skip Hop [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired	100.00%
Net sales										96,300
Acquisition-related costs										2,000	$ 2,400
Assets acquired:
Current assets, including cash acquired of $0.8 million	$ 50,000
Goodwill	46,000
Other non-current assets	3,900
Total assets acquired	204,000
Liabilities assumed:
Current liabilities	20,800
Deferred income tax liabilities	(36,300)
Total liabilities assumed	57,100
Net assets acquired
Net assets acquired	146,900
Less cash acquired at acquisition	(800)
Less estimated contingent consideration	(3,600)
Net purchase price	142,500
Working capital settlement										$ 1,300
Skip Hop [Member] \| Tradenames [Member]
Assets acquired:
Intangible Assets	56,800
Skip Hop [Member] \| Customer Relationships [Member]
Assets acquired:
Intangible Assets	$ 47,300
Skip Hop [Member] \| Wholesale Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent transfered to segments	62.00%
Skip Hop [Member] \| International Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent transfered to segments	34.00%
Skip Hop [Member] \| Retail Segment [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percent transfered to segments	4.00%

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Nonproduction	$ 81,800	$ 71,500	$ 62,000
Property, plant and equipment, gross	782,097	731,781
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(404,173)	(345,907)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	377,924	385,874
Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	430,156	398,536
Land, Buildings, and Improvements [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	336,981	305,844
Marketing Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	7,602	7,015
Construction in Progress [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 7,358	$ 20,386

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross amount	$ 230,424,000	$ 176,009,000
Goodwill	230,424,000	176,009,000
Amortization of intangible assets	2,600,000	1,900,000	$ 6,400,000
Future amortization expense, 2018	3,700,000
Other Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	3,550,000	42,005,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	532,000	38,810,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	3,018,000	3,195,000
Amortization of intangible assets	0	1,700,000	$ 6,200
Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	366,083,000	347,738,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	532,000	38,810,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	$ 365,551,000	308,928,000
Skip Hop Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life	15 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	$ 47,300,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	2,304,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	$ 44,996,000
Carters Mexico Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life	10 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	$ 3,135,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	135,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	3,000,000
Customer Relationships [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	50,435,000
Finite intangible assets, Accumulated amortization	2,439,000
Finite intangible assets, Net amount	47,996,000
Carter's Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross amount	136,570,000	136,570,000
Goodwill	136,570,000	136,570,000
Carter's Goodwill [Member] \| Wholesale Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	45,900,000
Carter's Goodwill [Member] \| Retail Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	82,000,000
Carter's Goodwill [Member] \| International Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	8,600,000
Canada Acquisition Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross amount	42,223,000	39,439,000
Goodwill	42,223,000	39,439,000
Skip Hop Goodwill [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross amount	45,997,000	0
Goodwill	45,997,000	0
Skip Hop Goodwill [Member] \| Wholesale Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	28,600,000
Skip Hop Goodwill [Member] \| Retail Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	15,500,000
Skip Hop Goodwill [Member] \| International Segment [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	1,900,000
Carters Mexico [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill, Gross amount	5,634,000	0
Goodwill	5,634,000	0
Carter's Tradename [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite intangible assets	220,233,000	220,233,000
Oshkosh Tradename [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite intangible assets	85,500,000	85,500,000
Skip Hop Trade Name [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite intangible assets	$ 56,800,000	$ 0
Minimum [Member] \| Other Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life	2 years
Maximum [Member] \| Other Tradenames [Member]
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Weighted-average useful life	20 years

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cumulative translation adjustment, beginning balance	$ (27,624)	$ (29,586)	$ (15,397)
Cumulative translation adjustment, current year change	6,339	1,962	(14,189)
Cumulative translation adjustment, ending balance	(21,285)	(27,624)	(29,586)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	(34,740)	(36,367)	(23,037)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	5,647	1,627	(13,330)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(29,093)	(34,740)	(36,367)
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, beginning balance	(8,851)	(8,185)	(8,988)
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, current year change	(430)	(666)	803
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, ending balance	(9,281)	(8,851)	(8,185)
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustments, tax benefit	5,300	5,200
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, beginning balance	1,735	1,404	1,348
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, current year change	(262)	331	56
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, ending balance	1,473	1,735	$ 1,404
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustments, tax benefit	$ 1,000	$ 1,000

LONG-TERM DEBT (Schedule of Long Term Debt) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS	$ 617,306	$ 500,000	$ 580,376
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS	$ 400,000

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the noncurrent portion of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References + Details

LONG-TERM DEBT (Senior Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 16, 2015	Jan. 03, 2015	Aug. 12, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, net	$ 617,306		$ 580,376
Changes of Control [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.00%
Sale of Certain Assets [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Redemption, 2017 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	102.63%
Redemption, 2018 [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	101.31%
Redemption, 2019 and Thereafter [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100.00%
Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross	$ 400,000		400,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	(3,694)		(4,601)
Long-term Debt	396,306		395,399
Secured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross				$ 1,600
Long-term Debt	221,000		$ 184,977
Long-term debt, net	221,000
TWCC [Member] \| Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross						$ 400,000
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross					$ 7,000
Stated interest rate						5.25%
Proceeds from senior notes		$ 394,200
Restricted amount of dividends payable	$ 100,000
Restriction on dividends payable, net income benchmark	50.00%
Ownership percentage of notes, to declare notes due and payable	25.00%

LONG-TERM DEBT (Secured Revolving Credit Facility) (Details)		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 25, 2017 USD ($)	Oct. 01, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Jan. 02, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017 USD ($)	Aug. 22, 2017 USD ($)	Sep. 16, 2015 USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2012 USD ($)	Dec. 22, 2011 USD ($)	Oct. 15, 2010 USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS			$ 617,306,000	$ 580,376,000		$ 500,000,000
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility			200,000,000	0	$ 205,586,000
Outstanding letters of credit			$ 4,500,000
Debt covenants, EBITDAR restrictions (as a ratio)			4.00
Debt covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio			2.25
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities			$ 617,306,000	580,376,000
fiscal quarter of material acquisition [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt covenants, EBITDAR restrictions (as a ratio)			4.50
Debt covenant, fixed charge coverage ratio			2.00
LIBOR [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			1.375%
Effective interest rate (in hundredths)			2.92713%
LIBOR [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, basis spread (as a percentage)			1.125%
LIBOR [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, basis spread (as a percentage)			1.875%
Base Rate [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate			0.375%
Base Rate [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, basis spread (as a percentage)			0.125%
Base Rate [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Variable interest rate, basis spread (as a percentage)			0.875%
U.S. dollar facility revolving loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS									$ 340,000,000	$ 340,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity						400,000,000
Multicurrency credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS									35,000,000	35,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity						100,000,000
Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated leverage ratio	2.25
Debt Issuance Costs, Net	$ 2,100,000
Line of Credit BOA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS											$ 375,000,000
Letter of Credit BOA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS											130,000,000
Letter of Credit BOA [Member] \| U.S. dollar facility revolving loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS									$ 175,000,000	130,000,000
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility		$ 175,000,000
Letter of Credit BOA [Member] \| Multicurrency credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, BS			$ 40,000,000							15,000,000
Secured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt Issuance Costs, Gross								$ 1,600,000
Long-term Debt			221,000,000	$ 184,977,000
Available for future borrowing			524,500,000
Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities			$ 221,000,000
Secured revolving credit facility \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	425,000,000
Secured revolving credit facility							$ 750,000,000
Debt Instrument, Term			5 years
Swingline BOA [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity											$ 40,000,000
Swingline BOA [Member] \| U.S. dollar facility revolving loans [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity						$ 50,000,000				40,000,000
Swingline BOA [Member] \| Multicurrency credit facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 15,000,000							$ 5,000,000
United States Dollar Credit Facility [Member] \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	350,000,000
Secured revolving credit facility							650,000,000
Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	$ 75,000,000
Secured revolving credit facility							100,000,000
Short-term Debt							15,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] \| United States Dollar Credit Facility [Member] \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt							100,000,000
Standby Letters of Credit [Member] \| Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility [Member] \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt							40,000,000
Bridge Loan [Member] \| United States Dollar Credit Facility [Member] \| Amended Credit Facility [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Short-term Debt							$ 70,000,000

COMMON STOCK (Share Repurchases) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
	Feb. 24, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Jan. 03, 2015
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]
Stock repurchase, additional authorized amount	$ 500,000				$ 462,500
Stock repurchase, authorized amount	$ 1,460,000
Remaining capacity under authorization		$ 85,600
Stock Repurchased, shares		2,103,401	3,049,381	1,154,288
Average price of repurchased and retired shares		$ 89.74	$ 98.53	$ 95.55
Stock Repurchased During Period, Value		$ 188,762	$ 300,445	$ 110,290	$ 277,400

COMMON STOCK (Dividends) (Details) - $ / shares		3 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
COMMON STOCK (Dividends) (Details) - $ / shares	Feb. 22, 2018	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared per common share		$ 0.37	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 1.48	$ 1.32	$ 0.88
Subsequent Event [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared per common share	$ 0.45

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	May 13, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Increase in the number of shares under the existing plan (in shares)				3,725,000
Original number of shares available under the plan (in shares)				12,053,392
Stock available under the existing plan (in shares)				15,778,392
Available for grant under the Plan (in shares)	1,100,157
Intrinsic value of basic stock options exercised	$ 14.9	$ 9.0	$ 13.2
Weighted- average exercise price per share, Exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 46.77
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	1,422,339
Weighted- average exercise price per share, Vested and Expected to Vest (in dollars per share)	$ 60.53
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	2 years 2 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	168,471	218,335	352,396
Granted (in shares)	178,240
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 84.11
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 74.00	$ 62.98	$ 43.20
Shares outstanding (in shares)	397,848	405,699
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.44	$ 81.29
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 7.7
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	2 years 7 months 6 days
Performance-based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 5.2
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)		1 year 8 months 12 days
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	53,768
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 68.49
Shares outstanding (in shares)	158,994
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.60
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 17.9
Time-based restricted stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 12.7
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	2 years 6 months
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	114,703	124,135	148,396
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 76.58	$ 65.80	$ 51.67
Time-based restricted stock [Member] \| Minimum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	3 years
Time-based restricted stock [Member] \| Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period (in years)	4 years
Performance-based restricted stock awards to the CEO
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	60,952	53,070	50,600
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 83.84	$ 90.66	$ 82.40

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock-Based Compensation by Award Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	168,471	218,335	352,396
Stock-based compensation	$ 17,549	$ 16,847	$ 17,029
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 74.00	$ 62.98	$ 43.20
Shares outstanding (in shares)	397,848	405,699
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.44	$ 81.29
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 4,244	$ 4,237	$ 4,350
Time-based restricted stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	114,703	124,135	148,396
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 76.58	$ 65.80	$ 51.67
Time-based awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 7,532	$ 7,451	$ 6,855
Performance-based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Vested in Period	53,768
Stock-based compensation	$ 4,602	3,974	4,728
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 68.49
Shares outstanding (in shares)	158,994
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.60
Stock awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 1,171	$ 1,185	$ 1,096

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock Option Activity) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017 USD ($) $ / shares shares
Stock Options (Number of shares)
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares) \| shares	1,441,210
Granted (in shares) \| shares	338,356
Exercised (in shares) \| shares	(240,850)
Forfeited (in shares) \| shares	(40,828)
Expired (in shares) \| shares	(3,665)
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares) \| shares	1,494,223
Vested and expected to vest (in shares) \| shares	1,422,339
Exercisable (in shares) \| shares	907,065
Stock Options (Weighted-average exercise price)
Weighted- average exercise price per share beginning balance (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 52.70
Granted (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	84.29
Exercised (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	35.03
Forfeited (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	83.99
Expired (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	87.46
Weighted- average exercise price per share ending balance (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	61.76
Weighted- average exercise price per share, Vested and Expected to Vest (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	60.53
Weighted- average exercise price per share, Exercisable (in dollars per share) \| $ / shares	$ 46.77
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Outstanding	5 years 10 months 13 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Vested and Expected to Vest	5 years 8 months 19 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), Exercisable	4 years 2 months 8 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, Outstanding \| $	$ 83,277
Aggregate intrinsic value, Vested and Expected to Vest \| $	81,011
Aggregate intrinsic value, Exercisable \| $	$ 64,145

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Weighted-Average Assumptions) (Details) - Stock options - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected Volatility	26.20%	26.95%	31.65%
Risk-free interest rate	2.06%	1.33%	1.65%
Expected term (years)	6 years	6 years	6 years
Dividend yield	1.77%	1.45%	1.06%
Weighted average fair value of options granted	$ 19.57	$ 21.41	$ 24.59

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Restricted Stock Activity) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017
Restricted Stock
Shares outstanding (in shares)	405,699
Granted (in shares)	178,240
Vested (in shares)	(168,471)	(218,335)	(352,396)
Forfeited (in shares)	(17,620)
Shares outstanding (in shares)	397,848	405,699
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.44	$ 81.29		$ 85.44
Granted (in dollars per share)	84.11
Vested (in dollars per share)	74.00	62.98	$ 43.20
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	83.92
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.44	$ 81.29
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	2 years 2 months 12 days
Performance-based restricted stock awards to the CEO
Restricted Stock
Granted (in shares)	60,952	53,070	50,600
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 83.84	$ 90.66	$ 82.40
Time-based restricted stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost				$ 12.7
Restricted Stock
Vested (in shares)	(114,703)	(124,135)	(148,396)
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 76.58	$ 65.80	$ 51.67
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)	2 years 6 months
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost				17.9
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost				$ 5.2
Restricted Stock
Vested (in shares)	(53,768)
Shares outstanding (in shares)	158,994
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.60			$ 85.60
Vested (in dollars per share)	68.49
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 85.60
Weighted-average expense recognition period (in years)		1 year 8 months 12 days

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Non-Management Board Directors) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Fair value per share	$ 84.11
Aggregate value	$ 1,171	$ 1,185	$ 1,095
Non-Management Board Members
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued	13,860	12,758	10,933
Fair value per share	$ 84.46	$ 101.10	$ 100.21
Aggregate value		$ 1,290

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Defined Benefit Plans Narratives) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%
Contribution	$ 300	$ 400	$ 400
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Assumptions Used in Calculation, Description	0.0025
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 66,747	62,427	$ 60,375
Defined Benefit Plan, Funded (Unfunded) Status of Plan	12,310	$ 11,214
Effect of 0.25% increase on projected benefit obligation	$ 2,300
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Benefit payments	$ 2,830
Expected contribution and benefit payment, five years subsequent to 2017	17,060
2019	$ 2,360
Pension Plans \| Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation for plan assets in equity securities (as a percent)	45.00%
Pension Plans \| Bond Funds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation for plan assets in equity securities (as a percent)	50.00%
Pension Plans \| Real Estate Investments [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Target allocation for plan assets in equity securities (as a percent)	5.00%
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 3,969	$ 4,125	$ 4,938
Contribution		4,000	$ 4,000
Benefit payments	400
Expected contribution and benefit payment, five years subsequent to 2017	1,300
2019	400
Other Long Term Liabilities \| Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation	$ 3,600	$ 3,500

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	$ 62,427	$ 60,375
Interest cost	2,446	2,515	$ 2,493
Actuarial (gain) loss	4,269	1,697
Benefits paid	(2,395)	(2,160)
Benefit obligation at end of period	66,747	62,427	60,375
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	51,213	50,619
Actual return on plan assets	5,619	2,754
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	54,437	51,213	50,619
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	2,395	2,160
Postretirement Benefit
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	4,125	4,938
Service cost	30	123	130
Interest cost	137	177	178
Actuarial (gain) loss	26	(740)
Plan participants' contribution	6	10
Benefit obligation at end of period	3,969	4,125	$ 4,938
Net prior service cost	0	11
Change in plan assets:
Defined Benefit Plan, Benefit Obligation, Benefits Paid	355	394
Postretirement Benefit \| Other Long Term Liabilities
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period	3,500
Benefit obligation at end of period	$ 3,600	$ 3,500

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation	$ 2,446	$ 2,515	$ 2,493
Expected return on assets	(2,601)	(2,701)	(3,138)
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)	681	578	643
Total net periodic (benefit) cost	526	392	(2)
Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in OCI	1,096	1,458	(1,275)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax	1,251	1,644	(630)
Amortization of actuarial gain/loss	(681)	(578)	(643)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax	570	1,066	(1,273)
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost - benefits attributed to service during the period	30	123	130
Interest cost on accumulated benefit obligation	137	177	178
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)	(306)	(198)	(192)
Total net periodic (benefit) cost	(139)	102	116
Total net periodic cost (benefit) and changes recognized in OCI	193	(429)	30
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Gain (Loss), before Tax	26	(740)	(278)
Amortization of actuarial gain/loss	(306)	(198)	(192)
Net prior service cost	0	11	0
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax	332	(531)	$ (86)
Net prior service cost	0	$ 11
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)	700
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income \| Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Amortization of net actuarial gain (loss)	$ 300

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Assumptions) (Details)	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Net periodic pension cost
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%
Pension Plans
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	3.50%	4.00%
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	4.00%	4.25%	4.00%
Expected long-term rate of return on assets	6.00%	6.00%	6.00%
Postretirement Benefit
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	3.25%	3.50%
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	3.50%	3.75%	3.50%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contribution	$ 300	$ 400	$ 400
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2018	2,830
2019	2,360
2020	2,620
2021	2,650
2022	2,870
2023 and thereafter	17,060
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Contribution		$ 4,000	$ 4,000
2018	400
2019	400
2020	300
2021	300
2022	300
2023 and thereafter	$ 1,300

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Plan Assets) (Details) - Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 54,437	$ 51,213	$ 50,619
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	54,029	44,439
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	408	6,774
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	539	175
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	539	175
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member] \| Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] \| US Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7,418	8,462
Equity Securities [Member] \| US Large Cap growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,331	4,220
Equity Securities [Member] \| US Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,228	2,533
Equity Securities [Member] \| US Small Cap blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,147	2,514
Equity Securities [Member] \| International blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,142	2,569
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	7,418	4,221
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US Large Cap growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,331	4,220
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	3,228	0
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| US Small Cap blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,147	2,514
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| International blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	8,142	2,569
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US Large Cap Blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	4,241
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US Large Cap growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US Mid Cap Growth [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	2,533
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| US Small Cap blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| International blend [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	0	0
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,888	25,573
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,744	5,167
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	26,480	25,573
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 1 [Member] \| Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	2,744	5,167
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Corporate Bond Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	408	0
Fixed Income Securities [Member] \| Level 2 [Member] \| Real Estate [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Defined Contribution Plans) (Details) - Defined Contribution Plan - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
United States
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Minimum age participation for the defined contribution plan (in years)	21 years
Minimum service participation for the defined contribution plan (in months)	3 months
Minimum hours service participation for the defined contribution plan (in hours)	250 hours
Defined contribution plan expense for the fiscal year	$ 13.9	$ 10.5	$ 12.2
Canada
Deferred Compensation Arrangement with Individual, Postretirement Benefits [Line Items]
Defined contribution plan expense for the fiscal year	$ 0.3

INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
INCOME TAXES (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017 USD ($)
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provisional income tax benefit	$ 40,000
Foreign earnings	10,400
Remeasurement of certain deferred income tax	$ 50,400

INCOME TAXES (Provision for Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Current tax provision:
Federal	$ 117,676	$ 113,326	$ 103,316
State	11,368	11,407	10,277
Foreign	14,116	11,937	8,116
Total current provision	143,160	136,670	121,709
Deferred tax provision (benefit):
Federal	(55,149)	1,435	6,577
State	339	345	1,193
Foreign	(82)	(486)	887
Total deferred provision (benefit)	(54,892)	1,294	8,657
Total provision	$ 88,268	$ 137,964	$ 130,366

INCOME TAXES (Income Before Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 325,580	$ 345,304	$ 335,955
Foreign	65,452	50,766	32,233
Total	$ 391,032	$ 396,070	$ 368,188

INCOME TAXES (Effective Rate Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Tax reserves applicable to the ongoing examination				$ 1.8
Income tax rate reconciliation [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.10%	2.30%	2.50%
Impact of foreign operations	(2.70%)	(2.10%)	(1.30%)
Settlement of uncertain tax positions	(0.30%)	(0.40%)	(0.80%)
Benefit from stock-based compensation	(1.30%)	(0.00%)	(0.00%)
Imposition of transition tax on foreign subsidiaries	2.70%	0.00%	0.00%
Revaluation of deferred taxes	(12.90%)	0.00%	0.00%
Total	22.60%	34.80%	35.40%

INCOME TAXES (Deferred Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Current net deferred tax asset	$ 1,942	$ 35,486
Non-current net deferred tax liability	(84,848)	(130,656)
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	3,632	3,873
Inventory	5,353	9,226
Accrued liabilities	9,895	16,037
Equity-based compensation	6,796	9,967
Deferred employee benefits	7,870	10,340
Deferred rent	24,567	46,685
Other	2,407	5,192
Total deferred tax assets	60,520	101,320
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(49,509)	(90,317)
Tradename and licensing agreements	(89,143)	(101,632)
Other	(4,774)	(4,541)
Total deferred tax liabilities	143,426	196,490
Net deferred tax asset (liability)	$ (82,906)	$ (95,170)

INCOME TAXES (Uncertain Tax Provisions) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Apr. 04, 2015
Unrecognized income tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 10,537	$ 9,415	$ 11,311
Additions based on fiscal year tax positions	3,380	2,849	2,840
Additions for prior year tax positions			(260)
Reductions for prior year tax positions	(120)	(39)
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(1,604)	(995)	(1,427)
Reductions for prior year tax settlements		(693)	(3,049)
Ending Balance	12,193	10,537	$ 9,415
Impact of recognized tax benefit on effective tax rate, if recognized	10,300
Tax reserve for which statute of limitations is expected to expire	1,800
Tax reserves applicable to the ongoing examination				$ 1,800
Interest accrued for uncertain tax positions	$ 1,000	$ 800

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding (in shares)									47,593,211	49,917,858	51,835,053
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards (in shares)									552,864	457,849	499,583
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)									48,146,075	50,375,707	52,334,636
Basic net income per common share:
Net income	$ 135,689	$ 82,486	$ 37,925	$ 46,664	$ 87,117	$ 80,811	$ 36,198	$ 53,980	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Income allocated to participating securities									(2,406)	(2,049)	(2,184)
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 300,358	$ 256,057	$ 235,638
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.87	$ 1.73	$ 0.79	$ 0.96	$ 1.77	$ 1.62	$ 0.72	$ 1.05	$ 6.31	$ 5.13	$ 4.55
Diluted net income per common share:
Net income	$ 135,689	$ 82,486	$ 37,925	$ 46,664	$ 87,117	$ 80,811	$ 36,198	$ 53,980	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Income allocated to participating securities									(2,385)	(2,035)	(2,167)
Net income available to common shareholders									$ 300,379	$ 256,071	$ 235,655
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.84	$ 1.71	$ 0.78	$ 0.95	$ 1.76	$ 1.60	$ 0.71	$ 1.04	$ 6.24	$ 5.08	$ 4.50
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (1)									629,944	247,460	192,740

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Reportable Segments) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,027,306,000	$ 948,232,000	$ 692,117,000	$ 732,755,000	$ 934,203,000	$ 901,425,000	$ 639,471,000	$ 724,085,000	$ 3,400,410,000	$ 3,199,184,000	$ 3,013,879,000
Percentage of total net sales									100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Operating income (loss)	$ 145,763,000	$ 130,718,000	$ 64,521,000	$ 78,566,000	$ 139,413,000	$ 130,894,000	$ 63,243,000	$ 93,008,000	$ 419,568,000	$ 426,558,000	$ 392,857,000
Operating income as percentage of segment net sales									12.30%	13.30%	13.00%
Corporate expenses									$ (94,549,000)	$ (106,170,000)	$ (110,885,000)
Provisions for special employee compensation									2,900,000	0	0
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames									2,600,000	1,900,000	6,400,000
Acquisition-related costs									3,400,000	2,400,000	0
Sourcing Initiative
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Corporate expenses									(300,000)	(700,000)	0
H. W. Carter and Sons Tradenames [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Amortization of H.W. Carter and Sons tradenames									0	1,700,000	6,200
Skip Hop [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									96,300,000
Adjustment to Skip Hop contingent consideration									(3,600,000)	0	0
Acquisition-related costs									2,000,000	2,400,000
Wholesale, Retail and International Segment [Member] \| Skip Hop [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating income (loss)									1,200,000
Operating Segments [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 1,775,287,000	$ 1,656,414,000	$ 1,514,355,000
Percentage of total net sales									52.20%	51.80%	50.20%
Operating income (loss)									$ 215,601,000	$ 212,581,000	$ 210,971,000
Operating income as percentage of segment net sales									12.10%	12.80%	13.90%
Restructuring Costs									$ 2,700,000
Provisions for special employee compensation									12,700,000
Operating Segments [Member] \| Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 1,209,663,000	$ 1,178,034,000	$ 1,173,313,000
Percentage of total net sales									35.60%	36.80%	39.00%
Operating income (loss)									$ 252,090,000	$ 260,953,000	$ 245,767,000
Operating income as percentage of segment net sales									20.80%	22.20%	20.90%
Provisions for special employee compensation									$ 3,300,000
Operating Segments [Member] \| International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 415,460,000	$ 364,736,000	$ 326,211,000
Percentage of total net sales									12.20%	11.40%	10.80%
Operating income (loss)									$ 46,426,000	$ 59,194,000	$ 47,004,000
Operating income as percentage of segment net sales									11.20%	16.20%	14.40%
Provisions for special employee compensation									$ 2,300,000
Charges related to revaluation of contingent consideration											$ 1,900,000

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Net Inventory) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net inventory	$ 548,722	$ 487,591
Operating Segments [Member] \| Wholesale [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net inventory	389,484	328,437
Operating Segments [Member] \| Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net inventory	93,404	99,001
Operating Segments [Member] \| International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net inventory	$ 65,834	$ 60,153

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Net Sales) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,027,306	$ 948,232	$ 692,117	$ 732,755	$ 934,203	$ 901,425	$ 639,471	$ 724,085	$ 3,400,410	$ 3,199,184	$ 3,013,879
Baby [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									1,271,153	1,241,701	1,173,002
Playclothes [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									1,249,735	1,215,238	1,182,281
Sleepwear [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									423,401	407,160	378,419
Other Products [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales									$ 456,121	$ 335,085	$ 280,177

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Long-Lived Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 377,924	$ 385,874
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	337,369	349,877
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-lived assets	$ 40,555	$ 35,997
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
International long-lived assets, as a percent of total long-lived assets	87.60%	91.50%

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Foreign currency contracts (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Sep. 30, 2017
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable Securities	$ 16,700	$ 12,300
Gain (Loss) on Investments	100	900
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives			$ 2,100
Foreign Currency Transaction Gain (Loss), Realized		3,200	$ (3,100)
Long-term debt, BS	617,306	580,376		$ 500,000
Revolving credit facility
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	221,000	184,977
Senior notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Long-term Debt	396,306	$ 395,399
Long-term debt, fair value	410,000
Long-term debt, BS	$ 400,000

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Other Current Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	$ 27,566	$ 16,834
Accrued employee benefits	21,735	17,165
Accrued and deferred rent	$ 18,213	$ 15,632

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
LEASE COMMITMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense under operating leases	$ 161,900	$ 150,600	$ 136,600
2018	168,719
2019	154,866
2020	139,016
2021	124,102
2022	108,029
Thereafter	322,473
Total	$ 1,017,205
Term of contract	5 years 2 months 12 days
Commitments under capital leases	$ 1,700

VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Accounts receivable reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 8,752	$ 8,943	$ 12,208
Additions, charged to expense	8,204	6,088	4,434
Charges to reserve	(3,220)	(6,279)	(7,699)
Ending balance	13,736	8,752	8,943
Accounts receivable reserves [Member]
Accounts receivable reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	8,752	8,543	11,808
Additions, charged to expense	8,204	6,088	4,170
Charges to reserve	(3,220)	(5,879)	(7,435)
Ending balance	13,736	8,752	8,543
Sales returns reserve [Member]
Accounts receivable reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	400	400
Additions, charged to expense	0	0	264
Charges to reserve	0	(400)	(264)
Ending balance	$ 0	$ 0	$ 400

UNAUDITED QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 1,027,306	$ 948,232	$ 692,117	$ 732,755	$ 934,203	$ 901,425	$ 639,471	$ 724,085	$ 3,400,410	$ 3,199,184	$ 3,013,879
Gross profit	460,207	403,848	303,457	315,802	410,492	375,546	282,182	310,929	1,483,314	1,379,149	1,258,024
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	325,507	283,480	250,146	247,794	282,624	255,322	228,464	228,996	1,106,927	995,406	909,233
Royalty income	(11,063)	(10,350)	(11,210)	(10,558)	(11,545)	(10,670)	(9,525)	(11,075)	(43,181)	(42,815)	(44,066)
Operating income	145,763	130,718	64,521	78,566	139,413	130,894	63,243	93,008	419,568	426,558	392,857
Net income	$ 135,689	$ 82,486	$ 37,925	$ 46,664	$ 87,117	$ 80,811	$ 36,198	$ 53,980	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Basic net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.87	$ 1.73	$ 0.79	$ 0.96	$ 1.77	$ 1.62	$ 0.72	$ 1.05	$ 6.31	$ 5.13	$ 4.55
Diluted net income per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.84	$ 1.71	$ 0.78	$ 0.95	$ 1.76	$ 1.60	$ 0.71	$ 1.04	$ 6.24	$ 5.08	$ 4.50
Provisional income tax benefit									$ 40,000

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016	Jan. 03, 2015
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 178,494	$ 299,358	$ 381,209	$ 340,638
Accounts receivable, net	240,561	202,471
View	0	0
Finished goods inventories	548,722	487,591
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	49,892	32,180
Deferred income taxes	0	35,486
Total current assets	1,017,669	1,057,086
Property, plant, and equipment, net	377,924	385,874
Goodwill	230,424	176,009
Tradenames, net	365,551	308,928
Customer relationships, net	47,996	0
Other assets	28,435	18,700
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total assets	2,067,999	1,946,597
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	182,114	158,432
Intercompany Liabilities	0
Inventory		0
Other current liabilities	146,510	119,177
Total current liabilities	328,624	277,609
Long-term debt, net	617,306	580,376
Deferred income taxes	84,848	130,656
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	180,128	169,832
Total stockholders’ equity	857,093	788,124	875,051	786,684
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,067,999	1,946,597
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
View	(308,689)	(145,184)
Finished goods inventories	(20,468)	(25,800)
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Deferred income taxes		0
Total current assets	(329,157)	(170,984)
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Tradenames, net	0	0
Customer relationships, net	0
Other assets	0	0
Intercompany long term receivable	(441,294)	(428,436)
Intercompany long term note receivable	(100,000)	(100,000)
Investment in subsidiaries	(2,141,988)	(1,686,953)
Total assets	(3,012,439)	(2,386,373)
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany Liabilities	(308,689)
Inventory		(145,184)
Other current liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	(308,689)	(145,184)
Long-term debt, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Goodwill	(441,294)	(428,436)
Intercompany long term note payable	(100,000)	(100,000)
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	(2,162,456)	(1,712,753)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	(3,012,439)	(2,386,373)
Parent [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0	0
Accounts receivable, net	0	0
View	0	0
Finished goods inventories	0	0
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	0	0
Deferred income taxes		0
Total current assets	0	0
Property, plant, and equipment, net	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Tradenames, net	0	0
Customer relationships, net	0
Other assets	0	0
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	857,093	788,124
Total assets	857,093	788,124
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	0	0
Intercompany Liabilities	0
Inventory		0
Other current liabilities	0	0
Total current liabilities	0	0
Long-term debt, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	0	0
Total stockholders’ equity	857,093	788,124
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	857,093	788,124
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	129,463	229,056	325,771	311,078
Accounts receivable, net	182,944	176,825
View	87,702	55,902
Finished goods inventories	296,065	278,696
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	17,013	11,402
Deferred income taxes		18,476
Total current assets	713,187	770,357
Property, plant, and equipment, net	147,858	155,187
Goodwill	136,570	136,570
Tradenames, net	223,251	223,428
Customer relationships, net	0
Other assets	23,884	17,771
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0
Intercompany long term note receivable	100,000	100,000
Investment in subsidiaries	1,052,901	753,753
Total assets	2,397,651	2,157,066
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	115,658	97,103
Intercompany Liabilities	215,573
Inventory		85,894
Other current liabilities	11,805	16,473
Total current liabilities	343,036	199,470
Long-term debt, net	617,306	561,399
Deferred income taxes	46,620	87,116
Goodwill	441,294	428,436
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	71,834	66,721
Total stockholders’ equity	877,561	813,924
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	2,397,651	2,157,066
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	10,030	11,817	14,652	10,442
Accounts receivable, net	40,286	18,315
View	162,007	74,681
Finished goods inventories	206,556	174,542
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	19,019	16,028
Deferred income taxes		15,440
Total current assets	437,898	310,823
Property, plant, and equipment, net	189,511	194,691
Goodwill	45,368	0
Tradenames, net	142,300	85,500
Customer relationships, net	44,996
Other assets	2,392	605
Intercompany long term receivable	441,294	428,436
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	231,994	145,076
Total assets	1,535,753	1,165,131
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	49,313	41,947
Intercompany Liabilities	91,697
Inventory		55,257
Other current liabilities	121,074	90,718
Total current liabilities	262,084	187,922
Long-term debt, net	0	0
Deferred income taxes	37,550	43,540
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany long term note payable	100,000	100,000
Other long-term liabilities	92,570	89,252
Total stockholders’ equity	1,043,549	744,417
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	1,535,753	1,165,131
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	39,001	58,485	$ 40,786	$ 19,118
Accounts receivable, net	17,331	7,331
View	58,980	14,601
Finished goods inventories	66,569	60,153
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	13,860	4,750
Deferred income taxes		1,570
Total current assets	195,741	146,890
Property, plant, and equipment, net	40,555	35,996
Goodwill	48,486	39,439
Tradenames, net	0	0
Customer relationships, net	3,000
Other assets	2,159	324
Intercompany long term receivable	0	0
Intercompany long term note receivable	0	0
Investment in subsidiaries	0	0
Total assets	289,941	222,649
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	17,143	19,382
Intercompany Liabilities	1,419
Inventory		4,033
Other current liabilities	13,631	11,986
Total current liabilities	32,193	35,401
Long-term debt, net	0	18,977
Deferred income taxes	678	0
Goodwill	0	0
Intercompany long term note payable	0	0
Other long-term liabilities	15,724	13,859
Total stockholders’ equity	241,346	154,412
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 289,941	$ 222,649

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Income Statement) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 1,027,306	$ 948,232	$ 692,117	$ 732,755	$ 934,203	$ 901,425	$ 639,471	$ 724,085	$ 3,400,410	$ 3,199,184	$ 3,013,879
Cost of goods sold									1,917,096	1,820,035	1,755,855
Gross profit	460,207	403,848	303,457	315,802	410,492	375,546	282,182	310,929	1,483,314	1,379,149	1,258,024
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	325,507	283,480	250,146	247,794	282,624	255,322	228,464	228,996	1,106,927	995,406	909,233
Royalty income	(11,063)	(10,350)	(11,210)	(10,558)	(11,545)	(10,670)	(9,525)	(11,075)	(43,181)	(42,815)	(44,066)
Operating income	145,763	130,718	64,521	78,566	139,413	130,894	63,243	93,008	419,568	426,558	392,857
Interest expense									30,044	27,044	27,031
Interest income									(345)	(563)	(500)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries									0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net									(1,163)	4,007	(1,862)
Income before income taxes									391,032	396,070	368,188
Provision for income taxes									88,268	137,964	130,366
Net income	$ 135,689	$ 82,486	$ 37,925	$ 46,664	$ 87,117	$ 80,811	$ 36,198	$ 53,980	302,764	258,106	237,822
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									(850,443)	(746,150)	(686,055)
Cost of goods sold									(829,625)	(727,148)	(656,157)
Gross profit									(20,818)	(19,002)	(29,898)
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									(37,510)	(37,567)	(39,706)
Royalty income									11,360	9,573	8,326
Operating income									5,332	8,992	1,482
Interest expense									(5,308)	(5,308)	(5,407)
Interest income									5,308	5,308	5,407
(Income) loss in subsidiaries									367,055	282,999	227,789
Other (income) expense, net									0	0	0
Income before income taxes									(361,723)	(274,007)	(226,307)
Provision for income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									(361,723)	(274,007)	(226,307)
Parent [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									0	0	0
Cost of goods sold									0	0	0
Gross profit									0	0	0
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									0	0	0
Royalty income									0	0	0
Operating income									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Interest income									0	0	0
(Income) loss in subsidiaries									(302,764)	(258,106)	(237,822)
Other (income) expense, net									0	0	0
Income before income taxes									302,764	258,106	237,822
Provision for income taxes									0	0	0
Net income									302,764	258,106	237,822
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,922,930	1,881,919	1,813,950
Cost of goods sold									1,406,517	1,358,209	1,286,411
Gross profit									516,413	523,710	527,539
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									181,129	177,605	181,150
Royalty income									(34,816)	(32,728)	(32,978)
Operating income									370,100	378,833	379,367
Interest expense									29,758	26,475	26,550
Interest income									(5,497)	(5,756)	(5,826)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries									(25,343)	4,413	19,775
Other (income) expense, net									(1,153)	(383)	(6)
Income before income taxes									372,335	354,084	338,874
Provision for income taxes									74,903	104,970	102,534
Net income									297,432	249,114	236,340
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									1,955,611	1,762,882	1,639,826
Cost of goods sold									1,143,815	1,033,403	989,284
Gross profit									811,796	729,479	650,542
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									837,253	753,874	679,532
Royalty income									(19,725)	(19,660)	(19,414)
Operating income									(5,732)	(4,735)	(9,576)
Interest expense									5,498	5,435	5,331
Interest income									0	0	0
(Income) loss in subsidiaries									(38,948)	(29,306)	(9,742)
Other (income) expense, net									1,281	482	(60)
Income before income taxes									26,437	18,654	(5,105)
Provision for income taxes									1,096	23,067	20,590
Net income									25,341	(4,413)	(25,695)
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Income Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net sales									372,312	300,533	246,158
Cost of goods sold									196,389	155,571	136,317
Gross profit									175,923	144,962	109,841
Selling, general, and administrative expenses									126,055	101,494	88,257
Royalty income									0	0	0
Operating income									49,868	43,468	21,584
Interest expense									96	442	557
Interest income									(156)	(115)	(81)
(Income) loss in subsidiaries									0	0	0
Other (income) expense, net									(1,291)	3,908	(1,796)
Income before income taxes									51,219	39,233	22,904
Provision for income taxes									12,269	9,927	7,242
Net income									$ 38,950	$ 29,306	$ 15,662

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jul. 01, 2017	Apr. 01, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Oct. 01, 2016	Jul. 02, 2016	Apr. 02, 2016	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 135,689	$ 82,486	$ 37,925	$ 46,664	$ 87,117	$ 80,811	$ 36,198	$ 53,980	$ 302,764	$ 258,106	$ 237,822
Post-retirement benefit plans									(692)	(335)	859
Foreign currency translation adjustments									6,339	1,962	(14,189)
Comprehensive income									308,411	259,733	224,492
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									(361,723)	(274,007)	(226,307)
Post-retirement benefit plans									1,122	1,001	(1,662)
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(19,017)	(5,886)	57,952
Comprehensive income									(379,618)	(278,892)	(170,017)
Parent [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									302,764	258,106	237,822
Post-retirement benefit plans									(692)	(335)	859
Foreign currency translation adjustments									6,339	1,962	(14,189)
Comprehensive income									308,411	259,733	224,492
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									297,432	249,114	236,340
Post-retirement benefit plans									(692)	(335)	859
Foreign currency translation adjustments									6,339	1,962	(14,189)
Comprehensive income									303,079	250,741	223,010
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									25,341	(4,413)	(25,695)
Post-retirement benefit plans									(430)	(666)	803
Foreign currency translation adjustments									6,339	1,962	(29,574)
Comprehensive income									31,250	(3,117)	(54,466)
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									38,950	29,306	15,662
Post-retirement benefit plans									0	0	0
Foreign currency translation adjustments									6,339	1,962	(14,189)
Comprehensive income									$ 45,289	$ 31,268	$ 1,473

GUARANTOR CONDENSED CONSOLIDATING FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	$ 329,621	$ 369,229	$ 307,987
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(69,473)	(88,556)	(103,497)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(158,457)	0	0
Intercompany investing activity	0	0	0
Receipts from collection of intercompany loan			0
Payment of Intercompany Loan			0
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	15	216	72
Net cash used in investing activities	(227,915)	(88,340)	(103,425)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	0	0	0
Proceeds from Intercompany Loan			0
Repayment of intercompany loan			0
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	200,000	0	205,586
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	(163,965)	0	(205,237)
Payments of debt issuance costs	(2,119)	0	(1,628)
Payment of contingent consideration	0	0	(7,572)
Dividends paid	(70,914)	(66,355)	(46,028)
Repurchases of common stock	(188,762)	(300,445)	(110,290)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation	0	4,800	8,839
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	(5,753)	(8,673)	(12,651)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,438	7,166	6,976
Net cash used in financing activities	(223,075)	(363,507)	(162,005)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	505	767	(1,986)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(120,864)	(81,851)	40,571
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	299,358	381,209	340,638
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	178,494	299,358	381,209
Consolidating Adjustments [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Intercompany investing activity	(259,675)	(366,800)	(156,318)
Receipts from collection of intercompany loan			(35,000)
Payment of Intercompany Loan			15,000
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(259,675)	(366,800)	(176,318)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	259,675	366,800	156,318
Proceeds from Intercompany Loan			(15,000)
Repayment of intercompany loan			35,000
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	0
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	0		0
Payments of debt issuance costs	0		0
Payment of contingent consideration			0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation		0	0
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	259,675	366,800	176,318
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	0	0	0
Parent [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	0	0	0
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	0
Intercompany investing activity	256,991	368,307	161,993
Receipts from collection of intercompany loan			0
Payment of Intercompany Loan			0
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	0	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	256,991	368,307	161,993
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	0	0	0
Proceeds from Intercompany Loan			0
Repayment of intercompany loan			0
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	0		0
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	0		0
Payments of debt issuance costs	0		0
Payment of contingent consideration			0
Dividends paid	(70,914)	(66,355)	(46,028)
Repurchases of common stock	(188,762)	(300,445)	(110,290)
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation		0	0
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	(5,753)	(8,673)	(12,651)
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	8,438	7,166	6,976
Net cash used in financing activities	(256,991)	(368,307)	(161,993)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	0	0	0
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	0	0	0
Subsidiary Issuer [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	166,999	206,843	148,656
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(21,690)	(22,934)	(27,813)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(143,270)
Intercompany investing activity	(25,607)	480	5,642
Receipts from collection of intercompany loan			35,000
Payment of Intercompany Loan			(15,000)
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	0	23	65
Net cash used in investing activities	(190,567)	(22,431)	(2,106)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	(128,906)	(283,909)	(108,761)
Proceeds from Intercompany Loan			0
Repayment of intercompany loan			0
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	200,000		166,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	(145,000)		(186,000)
Payments of debt issuance costs	(2,119)		(1,628)
Payment of contingent consideration			(7,572)
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation		2,782	6,104
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(76,025)	(281,127)	(131,857)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(99,593)	(96,715)	14,693
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	229,056	325,771	311,078
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	129,463	229,056	325,771
Guarantor Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	118,813	127,018	115,589
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(38,899)	(55,072)	(64,707)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	746
Intercompany investing activity	894	(2,118)	(2,735)
Receipts from collection of intercompany loan			0
Payment of Intercompany Loan			0
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	15	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(37,244)	(57,190)	(67,442)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	(83,356)	(74,681)	(46,672)
Proceeds from Intercompany Loan			0
Repayment of intercompany loan			0
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	0		0
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	0		0
Payments of debt issuance costs	0		0
Payment of contingent consideration			0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation		2,018	2,735
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(83,356)	(72,663)	(43,937)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	0	0	0
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(1,787)	(2,835)	4,210
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	11,817	14,652	10,442
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	10,030	11,817	14,652
Non-Guarantors Subsidiaries [Member]
Condensed Cash Flow Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net cash provided by operating activities	43,809	35,368	43,742
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(8,884)	(10,550)	(10,977)
Acquisitions of businesses, net of cash acquired	(15,933)
Intercompany investing activity	27,397	131	(8,582)
Receipts from collection of intercompany loan			0
Payment of Intercompany Loan			0
Disposals of property, plant, and equipment	0	193	7
Net cash used in investing activities	2,580	(10,226)	(19,552)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Intercompany financing activity	(47,413)	(8,210)	(885)
Proceeds from Intercompany Loan			15,000
Repayment of intercompany loan			(35,000)
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	0		39,586
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	(18,965)		(19,237)
Payments of debt issuance costs	0		0
Payment of contingent consideration			0
Dividends paid	0	0	0
Repurchases of common stock	0	0	0
Income tax benefit from stock-based compensation		0	0
Withholdings of taxes from vesting of restricted stock	0	0	0
Proceeds from exercises of stock options	0	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(66,378)	(8,210)	(536)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash	505	767	(1,986)
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(19,484)	17,699	21,668
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	58,485	40,786	19,118
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$ 39,001	$ 58,485	$ 40,786

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	Dec. 30, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company's contractual obligations and commitments also include obligations associated with leases, the secured revolving credit agreement, senior notes, employee benefit plans, and facility consolidations/closures as disclosed elsewhere in the notes to the consolidated financial statements.

THE COMPANY (Details)	Dec. 30, 2017 store
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of Stores	1,050

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Accounting for Shipping and Handling Fees and Costs) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 02, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Wholesale shipping and handling costs	$ 71.3	$ 66.4	$ 67.2
Retail shipping and handling costs	$ 102.2	$ 87.3	$ 75.4

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Revenue) (Details)	12 Months Ended
SEGMENT INFORMATION (Revenue) (Details)	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Percentage of total net sales	64.90%	66.50%

OTHER CURRENT AND LONG-TERM LIABILITIES (Other Long-Term Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Deferred lease incentives	$ 75,104	$ 74,015