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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
_________________________________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
_________________________________________________________________________________________
x
QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the quarterly period ended June 30, 2018
or
¨
TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
for the transition period from                      to                     .
Commission file number: 001-34507
_________________________________________________________________________________________
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
________________________________________________________________________________________
Delaware
 
11-3664322
(State or Other Jurisdiction
of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)
300 Harmon Meadow Blvd.
Secaucus, New Jersey 07094
(Addresses of Principal Executive Offices, including Zip Code)
(201) 868-5959
(Registrant’s Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
_________________________________________________________________________________________
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes    x     No    ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes   x     No    ¨
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer
 
¨
  
Accelerated filer
 
x
Non-accelerated filer
 
¨    (Do not check if smaller reporting company)
  
Smaller reporting company
 
¨
 
 
 
 
Emerging growth company
 
¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨


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Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act)    Yes   ¨      No   x
As of July 28, 2018 Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. had 24,052,779 shares of common stock outstanding.
 


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Forward-Looking Statements

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains “forward-looking” statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including, without limitation, those that contain words such as “believes”, “expects”, “potential”, “continues”, “may”, “will”, “should”, “seeks”, “predicts”, “intends”, “plans”, “estimates”, “anticipates”, “target”, “could” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words.
These statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are outside our control, including, among others, strength of the economy, changes in the overall level of consumer spending, the performance of the Company's products within the prevailing retail environment, implementation of our strategy, trade restrictions, availability of suitable store locations at appropriate terms, the availability of raw materials, compliance with regulations, certifications and best practices with respect to the development, manufacture, sales and marketing of the Company's products, management changes, maintaining appropriate levels of inventory, changes in tax policy, e-commerce relationships, disruptions of manufacturing, warehouse or distribution facilities or information systems, political environment and other specific factors discussed herein and in other Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") filings by us (including our reports on Forms 10-K and 10-Q filed with the SEC).
We believe that all forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions when made; however, we caution that it is impossible to predict actual results or outcomes or the effects of risks, uncertainties or other factors on anticipated results or outcomes with certainty and that, accordingly, one should not place undue reliance on these statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date when made and we undertake no obligation to update these statements in light of subsequent events or developments. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results or outcomes discussed in any forward-looking statement.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
Page
No.
 
Item 1.
 
 
 
 
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
 
 
 
 
Item 1.
Item 1A.
Item 2.
Item 3.
Item 4.
Item 5.
Item 6.
 
 
 
 
 
EX 10.2
 
 
EX 10.3
 
 
EX 10.4
 
 
EX 10.5
 
 
EX 10.7
 
 
EX 10.8
 
 
EX 10.10
 
 
EX 10.11
 
 
EX 31.1
 
 
EX 31.2
 
 
EX 32.1
 
 
EX 32.2
 
 
EX-101
INSTANCE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
SCHEMA DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
CALCULATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
DEFINITION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
LABELS LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 
EX-101
PRESENTATION LINKBASE DOCUMENT
 

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1. Financial Statements
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
ASSETS
 
 
 
Current assets:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,910

 
$
1,947

Inventories
202,163

 
218,087

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
37,924

 
39,473

Current assets held for sale

 
22,625

Total current assets
241,997

 
282,132

Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $334,637 and $334,082 in 2018 and 2017, respectively
137,256

 
141,520

Other intangibles, net
11,045

 
11,040

Deferred taxes
27,142

 
37,278

Other long-term assets
2,560

 
2,572

Noncurrent assets held for sale

 
16,891

Total assets
$
420,000

 
$
491,433

LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
 
 
 
Current liabilities:
 
 
 
Revolving credit facility
$
3,000

 
$
12,000

Accounts payable
52,078

 
46,921

Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
68,678

 
62,645

Current liabilities held for sale

 
5,337

Total current liabilities
123,756

 
126,903

Convertible notes, net
61,544

 
126,415

Deferred rent
39,409

 
40,832

Other long-term liabilities
1,684

 
1,916

Commitments and contingencies

 

Stockholders’ equity:
 
 
 
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 250,000,000 shares authorized and no shares issued and outstanding at June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017

 

Common stock, $0.01 par value; 400,000,000 shares authorized, 24,273,510 shares issued and 24,019,510 shares outstanding at June 30, 2018, and 24,220,509 shares issued and 24,021,948 shares outstanding at December 30, 2017
243

 
242

Additional paid-in capital
83,985

 
88,823

Treasury stock, at cost; 254,000 shares at June 30, 2018 and 198,561 shares at December 30, 2017
(7,254
)
 
(7,010
)
Retained earnings
116,633

 
113,312

Total stockholders’ equity
193,607

 
195,367

Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity
$
420,000

 
$
491,433

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

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VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(In thousands, except share and per share data)
(Unaudited)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Net sales
$
293,103

 
$
296,420

 
$
589,067

 
$
602,192

Cost of goods sold
198,867

 
199,099

 
401,720

 
405,889

Gross profit
94,236

 
97,321

 
187,347

 
196,303

Selling, general and administrative expenses
88,918

 
81,604

 
177,516

 
161,745

Goodwill and store fixed-assets impairment charges
131

 
168,090

 
833

 
168,090

Income (loss) from operations
5,187

 
(152,373
)
 
8,998

 
(133,532
)
Gain on extinguishment of debt
3,727

 

 
16,229

 

Interest expense, net
1,699

 
2,374

 
4,140

 
4,786

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
7,215

 
(154,747
)
 
21,087

 
(138,318
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
1,932

 
(8,331
)
 
6,147

 
(1,797
)
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
5,283

 
(146,416
)
 
14,940

 
(136,521
)
Net gain (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax
1,897

 
(10,003
)
 
(11,619
)
 
(11,902
)
Net income (loss)
$
7,180

 
$
(156,419
)
 
$
3,321

 
$
(148,423
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Weighted average common shares outstanding
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
23,593,876

 
23,231,453

 
23,444,052

 
23,029,849

Diluted
23,774,548

 
23,231,453

 
23,570,976

 
23,029,849

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 

Basic
$
0.22

 
$
(6.30
)
 
$
0.64

 
$
(5.93
)
Diluted
$
0.22

 
$
(6.30
)
 
$
0.63

 
$
(5.93
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.08

 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.50
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Diluted
$
0.08

 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(0.52
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) per common share
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic
$
0.30

 
$
(6.73
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
(6.44
)
Diluted
$
0.30

 
$
(6.73
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
(6.44
)
See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.





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VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)
(Unaudited)

 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Cash flows from operating activities:
 
 
 
Net income (loss)
$
3,321

 
$
(148,423
)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of fixed and intangible assets
21,498

 
15,839

Impairment charge on goodwill

 
164,325

Impairment charges on intangible assets
8,174

 

Impairment charges on fixed assets
8,873

 
5,585

Loss on sale of FDC Vitamins, LLC
163

 

Amortization of deferred financing fees
365

 
458

Gain on extinguishment of debt
(16,229
)
 

Amortization of debt discount on convertible notes
1,976

 
2,368

Deferred income taxes
10,136

 
(11,225
)
Deferred rent
(1,842
)
 
(1,465
)
Equity compensation expense
931

 
2,710

Tax benefits on exercises of equity awards
705

 
747

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
Accounts receivable
(971
)
 
4,409

Inventories
19,558

 
12,852

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
1,398

 
(2,886
)
Other long-term assets
(50
)
 
25

Accounts payable
4,741

 
(9,109
)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities
3,354

 
1,343

Other long-term liabilities
186

 
521

Net cash provided by operating activities
66,287

 
38,074

Cash flows from investing activities:
 
 
 
Capital expenditures
(15,705
)
 
(28,378
)
Net proceeds on sale of FDC Vitamins, LLC
15,729

 

Trademarks and other intangible assets
(163
)
 
(156
)
Net cash used in investing activities
(139
)
 
(28,534
)
Cash flows from financing activities:
 
 
 
Borrowings under revolving credit facility
81,000

 
57,000

Repayments of borrowings under revolving credit facility
(90,000
)
 
(65,000
)
Purchases of convertible notes
(57,158
)
 

Bank overdraft
327

 
(3,052
)
Proceeds from exercises of common stock options

 
1,511

Issuance of shares under employee stock purchase plan
108

 
270

Purchases of treasury stock
(244
)
 
(544
)
Other financing activities
(219
)
 
(566
)

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Net cash used in financing activities
(66,186
)
 
(10,381
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
1

 
11

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
(37
)
 
(830
)
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period
1,947

 
2,833

Cash and cash equivalents end of period
$
1,910

 
$
2,003

Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
 
 
 
Interest paid
$
1,943

 
$
1,934

Income taxes (refunded) paid
$
(10,764
)
 
$
6,588

Supplemental disclosures of non-cash investing activities:
 
 
 
Liability for purchases of property and equipment
$
5,988

 
$
10,017

Assets acquired under capital leases
$

 
$
891

Assets acquired under tenant incentives
$

 
$
2,986

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

8

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VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC. AND SUBSIDIARY
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)
1. Basis of Presentation
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (“ VSI ”), is incorporated in the State of Delaware, and through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc. (“Subsidiary” or “Industries” together with VSI, the “Company”), is an omni-channel specialty retailer of nutritional products. Sales of both national brands and our own brands of vitamins, minerals, herbs, specialty supplements, sports nutrition and other health and wellness products (“VMS products”) are made through VSI-operated retail stores and the internet to customers located primarily in the United States.
The consolidated financial statements as of June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 are unaudited. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017 was derived from our audited financial statements and has been restated to reflect discontinued operations. Refer to Note 2., "Discontinued Operations" for additional information. As a result of the discontinued operations, the Company currently operates through one business segment. In addition, certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) have been omitted pursuant to such rules and regulations. The interim financial statements reflect all adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management, necessary for a fair presentation in conformity with GAAP. The interim financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2017 , as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 27, 2018 (the “Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K”). The results of operations for the interim periods should not be considered indicative of results to be expected for the full year.
The Company's fiscal year ends on the last Saturday in December. As used herein, the term "Fiscal Year" or "Fiscal" refers to a 52-week period, ending on the last Saturday in December. The results for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 are each based on 13-week and 26-week periods, respectively.
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Except as noted below, the Company has considered all new accounting pronouncements and has concluded that there are no new pronouncements that may have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, based on current information.
In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-02 (“ASU 2016-02”), Leases (Topic 842). ASU 2016-02 was issued by the FASB to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by recognizing lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet and disclosing key information about leasing arrangements. The main difference between previous GAAP and Topic 842 is the recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities by lessees for those leases classified as operating leases under previous GAAP. ASU 2016-02 will require modified retrospective application at the beginning of our first quarter of Fiscal 2019, but permits adoption in an earlier period. Although the Company is still evaluating ASU 2016-02, the Company currently expects this guidance will not have a material impact on its results of operations, however, this guidance will result in a significant increase to long-term assets and liabilities on the Company's balance sheet given the Company has a significant number of leases. The Company is in the process of implementing changes to its business processes, systems and controls to support the adoption of ASU 2016-02 in Fiscal 2019.
2. Discontinued Operations
On May 7, 2018, the Company sold certain assets, including the Betancourt Nutrition® brand, and liabilities of FDC Vitamins, LLC d/b/a Nutri-Force Nutrition (“Nutri-Force”) to Arizona Nutritional Supplements, LLC (“ANS”). Proceeds from the sale, net of transaction costs, were approximately $15.7 million and are subject to a working capital adjustment. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of Nutri-Force of $0.2 million . In connection with the sale, the parties executed a transition services agreement for an initial term of six months whereby the Company agreed to provide services to operate the manufacturing facilities in Miami Lakes, Florida and to transition the production of products to ANS facilities. In addition, the parties executed supply agreements in which the Company has agreed to purchase a total of $53.0 million annually of its private label products and Betancourt Nutrition® brand products from ANS for a term of five years.
The results of operations of Nutri-Force for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 are classified as discontinued operations in the consolidated statements of operations. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 30, 2017

9


and the statements of operations for the three and six months ended July 1, 2017 have been restated to reflect the discontinued operations.
Reconciliation of the Carrying Amounts of Major Classes of Assets and Liabilities of the Discontinued Operation to Total Assets and Liabilities of the Disposal Group Classified as Held for Sale That Are Presented Separately in the Balance Sheet
(in thousands)
 
As of
December 30, 2017
Carrying amounts of the major classes of assets included in discontinued operations:
 
Accounts receivable
$
6,265

Inventories
16,200

Prepaid expenses and other current assets
160

Total current assets
22,625

Property and equipment, net
8,513

Intangible assets, net
8,378

Total noncurrent assets
16,891

Total assets of the disposal group classified as held for sale
$
39,516

Carrying amounts of the major classes of liabilities included in discontinued operations:
 
Accounts payable
$
2,704

Accrued liabilities
2,633

Total current liabilities of the disposal group classified as held for sale
$
5,337

 
 

Reconciliation of the Major Line Items Constituting Loss of Discontinued Operations to the After-Tax Loss of Discontinued Operations That Are Presented in the Statements of Operations
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Major classes of line items constituting net loss on discontinued operations:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net sales (1)
$
4,875

 
$
8,417

 
$
10,426

 
$
19,546

Cost of goods sold
3,340

 
17,303

 
7,339

 
28,600

Fixed assets impairment charges

 
1,820

 
7,236

 
1,820

Gross profit (loss)
1,535

 
(10,706
)
 
(4,149
)
 
(10,874
)
Selling, general and administrative expenses
558

 
5,175

 
1,952

 
8,239

Intangible assets and fixed assets impairment charges

 

 
8,978

 

Discontinued operations (gain) loss (2)
(1,287
)
 

 
163

 

Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
2,264

 
(15,881
)
 
(15,242
)
 
(19,113
)
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
367

 
(5,878
)
 
(3,623
)
 
(7,211
)
Net income (loss)
$
1,897

 
$
(10,003
)
 
$
(11,619
)
 
$
(11,902
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
(1)
Revenue related to the transition services agreement was $1.6 million during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018.
(2)
During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company recorded a charge of $1.5 million which represented the estimated loss on the sale of the discontinued operations based on the anticipated proceeds less estimated transaction

10


costs. During the three months ended June 30, 2018, this estimated loss was reduced by $1.3 million resulting in a pre-tax loss on the sale of Nutri-Force of $0.2 million .
Cash Flow Disclosures for Discontinued Operations
(in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Cash flows provided by (used in) operating activities
$
(15,062
)
 
$
(1,012
)
 
$
(15,116
)
 
$
(896
)
Cash flows provided by (used in) investing activities
$
15,726

 
$
(528
)
 
$
15,634

 
$
(879
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization
$

 
$
281

 
$
769

 
$
559

Capital expenditures
$
2

 
$
528

 
$
94

 
$
879

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

3. Goodwill and Intangible Assets
The following table discloses the carrying value of all intangible assets (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Accumulated Impairment Charges
 
Net
 
Gross
Carrying
Amount
 
Accumulated
Amortization
 
Accumulated Impairment Charges
 
Net
Intangible assets
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Goodwill
$
243,269

 
$

 
$
243,269

 
$

 
$
243,269

 
$

 
$
243,269

 
$

Tradenames – Indefinite-lived
68,405

 

 
59,405

 
9,000

 
68,405

 

 
59,405

 
9,000

Tradenames – Definite-lived
5,555

 
3,510

 

 
2,045

 
5,392

 
3,352

 

 
2,040

 
$
317,229

 
$
3,510

 
$
302,674

 
$
11,045

 
$
317,066

 
$
3,352

 
$
302,674

 
$
11,040

The useful life of the Company’s definite-lived intangible assets is 10 years. The expected amortization expense on definite-lived intangible assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet at June 30, 2018 , is as follows (in thousands):
 
 
 
Remainder of Fiscal 2018
$
157

Fiscal 2019
313

Fiscal 2020
313

Fiscal 2021
313

Fiscal 2022
313

Thereafter
636

 
$
2,045




11


4. Accrued Expenses and Other Current Liabilities
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities consist of the following (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
Accrued salaries and related expenses
$
19,912

 
$
18,094

Sales tax payable and related expenses
6,819

 
7,088

Deferred sales
8,196

 
5,710

Other accrued expenses
33,751

 
31,753

 
$
68,678

 
$
62,645

 

5. Credit Arrangements

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020

On December 9, 2015, the Company issued $143.8 million of its 2.25% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the “Convertible Notes”). The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of VSI. Interest on the Convertible Notes is payable on June 1 and December 1 of each year until their maturity date of December 1, 2020. The Company may not redeem the Convertible Notes prior to the maturity date.
Prior to July 1, 2020, the Convertible Notes will be convertible only under certain circumstances. The Convertible Notes are convertible at an initial conversion rate of 25.1625 shares of the Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes, which is equivalent to a conversion price of approximately $39.74 . The conversion rate is subject to adjustment in some events but will not be adjusted for any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, following certain corporate events that occur prior to the maturity date, the Company is required to increase, in certain circumstances, the conversion rate for a holder who elects to convert its Convertible Notes in connection with such a corporate event including customary conversion rate adjustments in connection with a “make-whole fundamental change” as defined. Upon conversion, the Company may satisfy its conversion obligation by paying or delivering, as applicable, cash, shares of its common stock or a combination of cash and shares of its common stock, at its election.
The Company allocated the principal amount of the Convertible Notes between its liability and equity components (see table below). The carrying amount of the liability component was determined by measuring the fair value of a similar debt instrument of similar credit quality and maturity that did not have the conversion feature. The carrying amount of the equity component, representing the embedded conversion option, was determined by deducting the fair value of the liability component from the principal amount of the Convertible Notes as a whole. The equity component was recorded to additional paid-in capital and is not remeasured as long as it continues to meet the conditions for equity classification. The excess of the principal amount of the Convertible Notes over the carrying amount of the liability component was recorded as a debt discount, and is being amortized to interest expense using an effective interest rate of 3.8% over the term of the Convertible Notes. The Company allocated the total amount of transaction costs incurred to the liability and equity components using the same proportions as the proceeds from the Convertible Notes. Transaction costs attributable to the liability component were recorded as a direct deduction from the liability component of the Convertible Notes, and are being amortized to interest expense using the effective interest method through the maturity date. Transaction costs attributable to the equity component were netted with the equity component of the Convertible Notes in additional paid-in capital.
On March 27, 2018, the Company repurchased $45.4 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $34.0 million , which includes accrued interest of $0.3 million . The repurchase was funded through borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. The gain on extinguishment of the repurchased Convertible Notes was $12.5 million .
On June 1, 2018, the Company repurchased $29.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $23.1 million , which includes a de minimis amount of accrued interest. The repurchase was funded through borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. The gain on extinguishment of the repurchased Convertible Notes was $3.7 million .


12


The Convertible Notes consist of the following components (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
Liability component:
 
 
 
  Principal
$
68,439

 
$
143,750

  Conversion feature
(17,685
)
 
(24,800
)
  Liability portion of debt issuance costs
(2,758
)
 
(3,802
)
  Amortization
13,548

 
11,267

  Net carrying amount
$
61,544

 
$
126,415

 
 
 
 
Equity component:
 
 
 
  Conversion feature
$
18,908

 
$
24,800

  Equity portion of debt issuance costs
(793
)
 
(793
)
  Deferred taxes
941

 
941

  Net carrying amount
$
19,056

 
$
24,948

 
 
 
 
In connection with the issuance of the Convertible Notes, the Company entered into convertible note hedge transactions for which it paid an aggregate $26.4 million . In addition, the Company sold warrants for which it received aggregate proceeds of $13.0 million . The convertible note hedge transactions are expected generally to reduce potential dilution of the Company’s common stock upon any conversion of notes and/or offset any cash payments the Company is required to make in excess of the principal amount of converted notes. However, the warrant transaction could separately have a dilutive effect to the extent that the market value per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds the applicable strike price of the warrant transactions, which is approximately $52.99 at inception. As these transactions meet certain accounting criteria, the convertible note hedge and warrant transactions are recorded in stockholders’ equity, are not accounted for as derivatives and are not remeasured each reporting period.
The net proceeds from the Convertible Notes and related transactions of $125.7 million , net of commissions and offering costs of $4.6 million , were used to repurchase shares of the Company’s common stock under the Company’s share repurchase programs.
In connection with the repurchases of Convertible Notes, the convertible note hedge transactions and the warrant transaction noted above were reduced in ratable proportion to the face amount of Convertible Notes that were repurchased. The net proceeds received by the Company from these transactions were de minimis.
Revolving Credit Facility
As of June 30, 2018 and December 30, 2017 , the Company had $3.0 million and $12.0 million of borrowings outstanding on its Revolving Credit Facility (the "Revolving Credit Facility"), respectively.
In May 2017, the Company executed an amendment to its Revolving Credit Facility, which provides for an extension of the maturity date to May 9, 2022, provided that the maturity date would be any day on or after September 2, 2020 only if the Company did not on any such day have enough liquidity to retire its Convertible Notes then outstanding, if any. The amendment also provides for a reduction of the interest rate under the Revolving Credit Facility, as noted below.
Subject to the terms of the Revolving Credit Facility, the Company may borrow up to $90.0 million , with a Company option to increase the facility up to a total of $150.0 million . The availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is subject to a borrowing base calculated on the value of certain accounts receivable as well as certain inventory of the Company. The obligations thereunder are secured by a security interest in substantially all of the assets of the Company. Under the Revolving Credit Facility, VSI has guaranteed the Company’s obligations, and Industries and its wholly-owned subsidiaries have each guaranteed the obligations of the other respective entities. The Revolving Credit Facility provides for affirmative and negative covenants affecting the Company. The Revolving Credit Facility restricts, among other things, the Company’s ability to incur indebtedness, create or permit liens on the Company’s assets, declare or pay dividends and make certain other restricted payments, consolidate, merge or recapitalize, sell assets, make certain investments, loans or other advances, enter into transactions with affiliates, change our line of business, and restricts the types of hedging activities the Company can enter into.

13


The largest amount borrowed during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 was $43.0 million and $38.0 million , respectively. The unused available line of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2018 was $82.7 million .
Borrowings under the Revolving Credit Facility accrue interest, at the Company’s option, at the rate per annum based on an “alternative base rate” plus 0.00% , 0.125% or 0.25% or the adjusted Eurodollar rate plus 1.00% , 1.125% or 1.25% , in each case with the highest spread applicable in the event that the average excess collateral availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is less than 33% of the borrowing base availability under the Revolving Credit Facility, the second highest spread applicable in the event that the average excess collateral availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is less than 66% and greater than or equal to 33% of the borrowing base availability under the Revolving Credit Facility and the lowest spread applicable in the event that the average excess collateral availability under the Revolving Credit Facility is greater than or equal to 66% of the borrowing base availability under the Revolving Credit Facility. The weighted average interest rate for the Revolving Credit Facility during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 was 2.81% and 2.13% , respectively. The commitment fee on the undrawn portion of the $90.0 million Revolving Credit Facility is 0.25% per annum.
Interest expense, net for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 consists of the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Amortization of debt discount on Convertible Notes
$
769

 
$
1,190

 
$
1,976

 
$
2,368

Interest on Convertible Notes
542

 
817

 
1,348

 
1,635

Amortization of deferred financing fees
145

 
220

 
365

 
458

Interest / fees on the Revolving Credit Facility and other interest
243

 
147

 
451

 
325

Interest expense, net
$
1,699

 
$
2,374

 
$
4,140

 
$
4,786

6. Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes revenue from retail customers when merchandise is sold “at point of sale” in retail stores or upon delivery to a customer. Substantially all revenue from customers represents goods transferred at a point in time.
The Company applied the modified retrospective method for the transition to FASB Accounting Standards Update No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606). The modified retrospective method requires application of the new revenue standard only to the current year financial statements (i.e., the financial statements for the year in which the new revenue standard is first implemented). Under the modified retrospective method, an entity records a cumulative-effect adjustment on the opening balance sheet to retained earnings. The opening adjustment to retained earnings is determined on the basis of the impact of the new revenue standard's application on contracts that were not completed as of the date of initial application. The Company did not record an opening adjustment to retained earnings as the impact of the application of the new revenue standard was de minimis.
Disaggregation of Revenue
The Company disaggregates revenue from contracts with customers into two categories, sales fulfilled in stores and direct to consumer sales. The Company determines that disaggregating revenue into these categories achieves the disclosure objective to depict how the nature, amount, timing, and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows are affected by economic factors.

14


The following table contains net sales by fulfillment category (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Net sales:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Sales fulfilled in stores
$
254,875

 
$
268,484

 
$
512,291

 
$
542,307

 
Direct to consumer sales
38,228

 
27,936

 
76,776

 
59,885

Net sales
$
293,103

 
$
296,420

 
$
589,067

 
$
602,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The following table represents net sales by major product category (in thousands):
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Product Category
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs and Homeopathy
$
83,997

 
$
82,114

 
$
172,801

 
$
168,760

 
Sports Nutrition
89,669

 
94,834

 
179,008

 
192,094

 
Specialty Supplements
75,986

 
75,837

 
151,408

 
153,802

 
Other
42,840

 
43,098

 
84,622

 
86,377

 
 
292,492

 
295,883

 
587,839

 
601,033

 
Delivery Revenue
611

 
537

 
1,228

 
1,159

 
  Total net sales
$
293,103

 
$
296,420

 
$
589,067

 
$
602,192

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Delivery revenue represents shipping fees billed to customers which are included in net sales in the consolidated statements of operations.
Contract Balances
Receivables primarily consist of amounts due from debit and credit card processors and amounts due from third-party e-commerce marketplaces. These receivables balances are included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
For the periods presented, the Company does not have contract assets. A contract asset would exist when an entity has a contract with a customer for which revenue has been recognized but payment is contingent on a future event other than the passage of time (e.g., unbilled receivables).
Contract liabilities primarily include deferred sales related to the loyalty program, a liability for future gift card redemptions and a liability for sales in transit. These liabilities are included in accrued expenses and other current liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.

15


The opening and closing balances of the Company’s receivables and contract liabilities are as follows (in thousands):
 
Receivables
 
Contract
Liabilities
 
 
 
 
Balances as of December 30, 2017
$
10,937

 
$
7,511

Increase
1,055

 
899

Balances as of March 31, 2018
11,992

 
8,410

Increase / (Decrease)
(560
)
 
1,013

Balances as of June 30, 2018
$
11,432

 
$
9,423

 
 
 
 
Balances as of December 31, 2016
$
11,012

 
$
6,901

Increase / (Decrease)
744

 
(503
)
Balances as of April 1, 2017
11,756

 
6,398

Increase / (Decrease)
(672
)
 
983

Balances as of July 1, 2017
$
11,084

 
$
7,381

 
 
 
 
The amounts of revenue recognized during the three month periods ended March 31, 2018 and April 1, 2017 that were included in the opening contract liability balances were $6.5 million and $6.0 million , respectively. The amounts of revenue recognized during the three month periods ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 that were included in the opening contract liability balances were $6.4 million and $5.6 million , respectively. This revenue consists primarily of loyalty point redemptions, the delivery of sales in transit and gift card redemptions.
Performance Obligations
For retail sales, the performance obligation is the transfer of retail merchandise to the customer at the retail store or at the time of delivery to the customer. Variable consideration for retail sales is primarily related to our loyalty program. Under the loyalty program, sales are deferred at the time points are earned based on the value of points that are projected to be redeemed, which are based on historical redemption data and current trends. The Company records a liability in the period points are earned with a corresponding reduction of sales. Under the current program, loyalty points are earned each calendar quarter and must be redeemed within the subsequent calendar quarter or they expire. During Fiscal 2018, the Company is testing potential changes to the loyalty program, such as extending the redemption period on loyalty points, in order to improve the effectiveness of the program.
Performance obligations are typically satisfied at the point in time when the Company transfers control of the merchandise to the customer and at such point in time the customer is able to direct the use of and obtains substantially all of the benefits from the merchandise transferred to the customer. For retail sales, payment is due at the time the customer purchases retail merchandise. For retail sales, the Company establishes a provision for estimated returns of retail products, based on historical information.
The Company considers shipping and handling costs as fulfillment costs, and does not consider such activities as a separate performance obligation. When applicable, the Company is responsible for shipment and delivery of the merchandise, even when using a third-party shipping company.
Significant Judgments and Estimates
The Company considers control of retail products to have transferred upon delivery, at the retail location or the place of delivery, because the Company has a present right to payment at that time, the customer has legal title to the products, the Company has transferred physical possession of the products, and the customer has significant risks and rewards of ownership of the products.
Under the loyalty program, the value of points projected to be redeemed is dependent on the estimated redemption rates which are based on both historical information and current trends.
For retail sales in transit, the Company defers the recognition of revenue based on an estimate of the respective anticipated timing of delivery.

16


Practical Expedients
The Company has elected to use the following practical expedients affecting the measurement and recognition of revenue:
Significant financing component - As substantially all of the Company’s contracts with customers have an original duration of one year or less, the Company uses the practical expedient applicable to such contacts and does not consider the time value of money.
Sales taxes - Consistent with prior periods, sales taxes collected from customers are presented on a net basis and as such are excluded from revenue.
Contract costs - Due to the short term duration of the Company’s contracts with customers, such incremental costs of obtaining or fulfilling a contract are recognized as an expense when incurred since the amortization period of the asset that the Company otherwise would have recognized is one year or less.
Portfolio approach - For its retail contracts with customers, the Company has applied the new revenue standard to a portfolio of contracts with similar characteristics since the Company reasonably expects that the effects on the financial statements of applying this guidance to the portfolio would not differ materially from applying this guidance to the individual contracts within that portfolio.
Disclosure of remaining performance obligations - Due to the short duration of its contracts with customers of one year or less, the Company has elected not to disclose the information regarding the remaining performance obligations as of the end of each reporting period or when the Company expects to recognize this revenue.
7. Stock Based Compensation
Equity Incentive Plans – In June 2018, the Company's shareholders approved the 2018 Long-term Incentive Plan (the "2018 Plan") to provide stock based compensation to certain directors, officers, consultants and employees of the Company. The 2018 Plan replaces the two previous plans, the 2006 Stock Option Plan and the Vitamin Shoppe 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective April 6, 2012. Upon adoption of the 2018 Plan, 1,410,928 additional shares were authorized to grant under this plan. As of June 30, 2018 , there were 2,800,643 shares available to grant under the 2018 Plan which includes 240,900 shares currently held by the Company as treasury stock.
The following table summarizes restricted shares for the 2018 Plan as of June 30, 2018 and changes during the six month period then ended:
 
Number of Unvested
Restricted Shares
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 30, 2017
724,104

 
$
18.65

Granted
280,688

 
$
4.46

Vested
(140,809
)
 
$
22.30

Canceled/forfeited
(281,836
)
 
$
16.31

Unvested at June 30, 2018
582,147

 
$
12.06

The total intrinsic value of restricted shares vested during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 was $0.6 million and $1.4 million , respectively.

17


The following table summarizes stock options for the 2018 Plan as of June 30, 2018 and changes during the six month period then ended:
 
Number
of Options
 
Weighted
Average
Exercise Price
 
Weighted
Average
Remaining
Contractual
Life (years)
 
Aggregate
Intrinsic Value
(in thousands)
Outstanding at December 30, 2017
308,888

 
$
27.74

 

 

Granted
141,777

 
$
4.65

 

 

Exercised

 
$

 

 

Canceled/forfeited
(91,135
)
 
$
20.94

 

 

Outstanding at June 30, 2018
359,530

 
$
20.36

 
6.22
 
$
326

Vested or expected to vest at June 30, 2018
341,260

 
$
20.93

 
6.06
 

Vested and exercisable at June 30, 2018
176,832

 
$
31.39

 
3.15
 
$

No options were exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2018 . The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended July 1, 2017 was $0.7 million . The cash received from options exercised during the six months ended July 1, 2017 was $1.5 million .
Stock options were not granted during the six months ended July 1, 2017 . The weighted-average grant date fair value of stock options during the six months ended June 30, 2018 was $1.76 . The fair value of each option grant was estimated on the date of grant using the Monte Carlo option-pricing model, because these awards contain a market condition based on the achievement of predetermined targets related to the share price of our common stock, with the following assumptions:
 
Three and Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
Expected dividend yield
0.0
%
Weighted average expected volatility
42.61
%
Weighted average risk-free interest rate
2.54
%
Expected holding period
6.02 years

The following table summarizes performance share units for the 2018 Plan as of June 30, 2018 and changes during the six month period then ended:
 
Number of Unvested
Performance Share
Units
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 30, 2017
288,365

 
$
22.43

Granted
531,211

 
$
4.66

Vested

 
$

Canceled/forfeited
(400,353
)
 
$
11.59

Unvested at June 30, 2018
419,223

 
$
10.26

Performance share units granted during the six months ended June 30, 2018 shall vest on December 26, 2020 if the performance criteria are achieved. Performance share units can vest at a range of 0% to 150% based on the achievement of pre-established performance targets.

18


The following table summarizes restricted share units for the 2018 Plan as of June 30, 2018 and changes during the six month period then ended:
 
Number of Unvested
Restricted Share
Units
 
Weighted
Average Grant
Date Fair Value
Unvested at December 30, 2017
39,708

 
$
11.90

Granted
4,413

 
$
4.85

Vested
(32,353
)
 
$
11.90

Canceled/forfeited

 
$

Unvested at June 30, 2018
11,768

 
$
9.26

The total intrinsic value of restricted share units vested during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 was $0.2 million in both periods.
Compensation expense attributable to stock based compensation for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 was approximately $0.1 million and $0.9 million , respectively, and for the three and six months ended July 1, 2017 was approximately $1.1 million and $2.7 million , respectively. As of June 30, 2018 , the remaining unrecognized stock based compensation expense for non-vested stock options, restricted shares, performance share units and restricted share units to be expensed in future periods is $4.7 million , and the related weighted-average period over which it is expected to be recognized is 1.6 years. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The Company estimates forfeitures based on its historical forfeiture rate since the inception of granting stock based awards. The estimated value of future forfeitures for stock options, restricted shares, performance share units and restricted share units as of June 30, 2018 is approximately $0.5 million .
Treasury Stock – As part of the Company’s equity incentive plan, the Company makes required tax payments on behalf of employees as their restricted shares vest. The Company withholds the number of vested shares having a value on the date of vesting equal to the minimum statutory tax obligation. The shares withheld are recorded as treasury shares. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 , the Company purchased 55,439 shares in settlement of employees’ tax obligations for a total of $0.2 million . The Company accounts for treasury stock using the cost method. 240,900 treasury shares are available to grant under the Company’s equity incentive plan.
8. Restructuring Costs
Closing of Distribution Center
In August 2017, the Company announced its intention to close the North Bergen, New Jersey distribution center prior to or by the August 31, 2018 lease expiration. The transition of distribution operations to the Company's other distribution centers was substantially completed during Fiscal 2017.
Costs related to this closure, including occupancy, severance and other expenses, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were $0.4 million and $2.7 million , respectively, of which approximately $0.1 million and $1.8 million , respectively, is included in cost of goods sold and approximately $0.4 million and $0.9 million , respectively, is included in selling, general and administrative expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As of June 30, 2018, the Company had no remaining liabilities related to the closing of the North Bergen, New Jersey distribution center.
9. Advertising Costs
The costs of advertising for online marketing arrangements, direct mail, magazines and radio are expensed as incurred, or the first time the advertising takes place. Advertising expense was $6.9 million and $7.0 million for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 , respectively, and $13.4 million and $12.9 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 , respectively.
10. Income Taxes
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 (“U.S. Tax Reform”) was enacted on December 22, 2017, reducing the statutory federal income tax rate from 35% to 21%, effective January 1, 2018. As required, the Company determined a reasonable estimate for certain effects of U.S. Tax Reform and recorded that estimate as a provisional amount. Due to the Company’s deferred tax position being a net asset, the provisional remeasurement of the deferred tax assets and liabilities resulted in a $15.3 million discrete tax expense which lowered the effective tax rate by 5.6% in Fiscal 2017. Our federal income tax

19


expense for periods beginning in Fiscal 2018 is based on the new tax rate. The provisional remeasurement amount is anticipated to change as data becomes available allowing more accurate scheduling of the deferred tax assets and liabilities primarily related to depreciable assets, inventory, employee compensation and commissions. There have been no updates to the provisional amounts during the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Additionally on December 22, 2017, the Securities and Exchange Commission staff issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, which addresses how a company recognizes provisional amounts when a company does not have the necessary information available, prepared or analyzed (including computations) in reasonable detail to complete its accounting for the effect of the changes in the U.S. Tax Reform. The measurement period ends when a company has obtained, prepared and analyzed the information necessary to finalize its accounting, but cannot extend beyond one year. As such, the Company is reporting the impacts of the U.S. Tax Reform provisionally based upon reasonable estimates. As of June 30, 2018 the impacts are not yet finalized as they are dependent on factors and analysis not yet known or fully completed, including but not limited to, depreciation, additional effect of the rate change on the ending deferred balances and the issuance of additional guidance, as well as our ongoing analysis of the U.S Tax Reform.
11. Net Income (Loss) Per Share
The Company’s basic net income (loss) per share excludes the dilutive effect of stock options, unvested restricted shares, unvested performance share units, unvested restricted share units and warrants. It is based upon the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period divided into net income (loss).
Diluted net income (loss) per share reflects the potential dilution that would occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised or converted into common stock. Stock options, unvested restricted shares, unvested performance share units, unvested restricted share units and warrants are included as potential dilutive securities for the periods applicable, using the treasury stock method to the extent dilutive.

20


The components of the calculation of basic net income (loss) per common share and diluted net income (loss) per common share are as follows (in thousands except share and per share data):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Numerator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
$
5,283

 
$
(146,416
)
 
$
14,940

 
$
(136,521
)
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
1,897

 
(10,003
)
 
(11,619
)
 
(11,902
)
Net income (loss)
$
7,180

 
$
(156,419
)
 
$
3,321

 
$
(148,423
)
Denominator:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic weighted average common shares outstanding
23,593,876

 
23,231,453

 
23,444,052

 
23,029,849

Effect of dilutive securities (a):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stock options

 

 

 

Restricted shares
95,330

 

 
80,796

 

Performance share units
68,214

 

 
34,145

 

Restricted share units
17,128

 

 
11,983

 

Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding
23,774,548

 
23,231,453

 
23,570,976

 
23,029,849

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share
$
0.22

 
$
(6.30
)
 
$
0.64

 
$
(5.93
)
Diluted net income (loss) from continuing operations per common share
$
0.22

 
$
(6.30
)
 
$
0.63

 
$
(5.93
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share
$
0.08

 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.50
)
 
$
(0.52
)
Diluted net income (loss) from discontinued operations per common share
$
0.08

 
$
(0.43
)
 
$
(0.49
)
 
$
(0.52
)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Basic net income (loss) per common share
$
0.30

 
$
(6.73
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
(6.44
)
Diluted net income (loss) per common share
$
0.30

 
$
(6.73
)
 
$
0.14

 
$
(6.44
)
(a) For the three and six months ended July 1, 2017, due to a loss for the period, no incremental shares are included because the effect would be anti-dilutive.
Securities for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 in the amount of 518,214 shares and 791,633 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the above calculation as they were anti-dilutive. Securities for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 in the amount of 975,634 shares and 418,600 shares, respectively, have been excluded from the above calculation as they were anti-dilutive.

The Company has the intent and ability to settle the principal portion of its Convertible Notes in cash, and as such, has applied the treasury stock method, which has resulted in the underlying convertible shares, and related warrants, being anti-dilutive for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 as the Company’s average stock price from the date of issuance of the Convertible Notes through June 30, 2018 was less than the conversion price as well as less than the strike price of the warrant transaction. Refer to Note 5., "Credit Arrangements" for additional information on the Convertible Notes.
12. Share Repurchase Programs
Beginning in August 2014, the Company’s board of directors approved share repurchase programs that enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of $370 million of its shares of common stock and / or its Convertible Notes, from time to time. As of June 30, 2018 , 8,064,325 shares of common stock pursuant to these programs, and 75,311 Convertible

21


Notes, have been repurchased for a total of $327.1 million . There is approximately $42.9 million remaining in this program which expires on November 22, 2018.
The repurchase programs do not obligate the Company to acquire any specific number of securities and may be suspended, terminated or modified at any time for any reason, including market conditions, the cost of repurchasing securities, the availability of alternative investment opportunities, liquidity, restrictions under the Company's credit agreement, applicable law and other factors deemed appropriate.
No shares of the Company were repurchased under these programs during the three and six month periods ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 . During Fiscal 2018, the Company repurchased $75.3 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $57.2 million , which includes accrued interest of $0.3 million . Refer to Note 5., "Credit Arrangements" for additional information.
13. Legal Proceedings
The Company is party to various lawsuits arising from time to time in the normal course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. Although the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
In addition, on or about August 22, 2017, a federal securities class action suit was filed in the United States District Court in the District of New Jersey against Vitamin Shoppe and certain officers and directors on behalf of purchasers of Vitamin Shoppe common stock between March 1, 2017 and August 6, 2017. The lawsuit sought remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including monetary damages, alleging that the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding the Company's reported goodwill, initiatives designed to improve the Company's financial performance, the Company’s profitability trends, and its financial results. On April 26, 2018, the court appointed the lead plaintiffs.  On July 14, 2018, the appointed lead plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the case without prejudice.
14. Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The fair value hierarchy requires the categorization of assets and liabilities into three levels based upon the assumptions (inputs) used to price the assets or liabilities. Level 1 provides the most reliable measure of fair value, while Level 3 generally requires significant management judgment. The three levels are defined as follows:
Level 1: Unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.
Level 2: Observable inputs other than those included in Level 1. For example, quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in inactive markets.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability.
The Company’s financial instruments include cash, accounts receivable, accounts payable, contract liabilities and its Revolving Credit Facility. The Company believes that the recorded values of these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to their nature and respective durations.
The Company's financial instruments also include its Convertible Notes (in thousands):
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
  Fair Value
$
52,979

 
$
91,612

  Carrying Value (1)
61,544

 
126,415

 
 
 
 

(1) Represents the net carrying amount of the liability component of the Convertible Notes. The Company repurchased a portion of its Convertible Notes during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018. Refer to Note 5., "Credit Arrangements" for additional information.
The fair value of the Convertible Notes was determined based on inputs that are observable in the market or that could be derived from, or corroborated with, observable market data, including the trading price of the Company’s Convertible Notes, when available, the Company’s stock price and interest rates based on similar debt issued by parties with credit ratings similar to the Company (Level 1 or 2).

22


Intangible assets and fixed assets are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis, that is, the assets are subject to fair value adjustments in certain circumstances such as when there is evidence of impairment. These measures of fair value, and related inputs, are considered Level 3 measures under the fair value hierarchy.
Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
The following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included as part of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.
Company Overview
We are an omni-channel specialty retailer of vitamins, minerals, herbs, specialty supplements, sports nutrition and other health and wellness products. We market approximately 700 nationally recognized brands as well as our own brands, which include The Vitamin Shoppe®, BodyTech®, True Athlete®, Mytrition®, plnt®, ProBioCare® and Next Step®. We believe we offer one of the largest varieties of products among vitamin, mineral and supplement (“VMS”) retailers and continue to refine our assortment with approximately 6,700 stock keeping units (“SKUs”) offered in our typical store and approximately 8,000 additional SKUs available through e-commerce. We believe our product offering and emphasis on product knowledge and customer service helps us meet the needs of our target customer and serves as a foundation for enhancing strong customer loyalty.
We continue to focus on our strategy to improve the customer experience through the roll-out of initiatives including
increasing customer engagement and personalization, redesigning the omni-channel experience (including in stores as well as through the internet and mobile devices), growing our private brands and improving the effectiveness of pricing and promotions. As part of this strategy, we have developed several initiatives, including an emphasis on the development and deployment of our customer facing digital platforms to enhance the customer's omni-channel experience.

Discontinued Operations:

On May 7, 2018, the Company sold certain assets, including the Betancourt Nutrition® brand, and liabilities of FDC Vitamins, LLC d/b/a Nutri-Force Nutrition (“Nutri-Force”) to Arizona Nutritional Supplements, LLC (“ANS”). Proceeds from the sale, net of transaction costs, were approximately $15.7 million and are subject to a working capital adjustment. The Company recognized a pre-tax loss on the sale of Nutri-Force of $0.2 million. In connection with the sale, the parties executed a transition services agreement for an initial term of six months whereby the Company agreed to provide services to operate the manufacturing facilities in Miami Lakes, Florida and to transition the production of products to ANS facilities. In addition, the parties executed supply agreements in which the Company has agreed to purchase a total of $53.0 million annually of its private label products and Betancourt Nutrition® brand products from ANS for a term of five years.
During the second quarter of Fiscal 2018, the Company incurred approximately $1.7 million of costs which primarily consisted of severance costs. Additional costs during Fiscal 2018 are expected to be approximately $2.0 million to $6.0 million which primarily consist of lease termination charges and severance costs.
Convertible Notes Repurchases:
On March 27, 2018, the Company repurchased $45.4 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $34.0 million, which includes accrued interest. The gain on extinguishment of the repurchased Convertible Notes was $12.5 million.
On June 1, 2018, the Company repurchased $29.9 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $23.1 million, which includes accrued interest. The gain on extinguishment of the repurchased Convertible Notes was $3.7 million.
These repurchases were funded through borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. Refer to Note 5., "Credit Arrangements" in the notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited) for additional information.

23


Elimination of unproductive inventory:
During the second quarter of Fiscal 2018, the Company completed an evaluation in order to refine the product assortment offered in our stores and through ecommerce. The purpose of the evaluation was to identify unproductive products in order to make room for new product offerings. As a result of this evaluation, the Company recorded a charge of $3.6 million which is included in cost of goods sold in the consolidated statements of operations.
Closing of distribution center:
In August 2017, the Company announced its intention to close the North Bergen, New Jersey distribution center prior to or by the August 31, 2018 lease expiration. Distribution operations have been transitioned to the Company's other distribution centers. Costs related to this closure, such as severance, inventory related costs and other charges were $3.1 million in Fiscal 2017 and severance and other expenses for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 were $0.4 million and $2.7 million, respectively. No additional costs are expected to be incurred during Fiscal 2018.
Trends and Other Factors Affecting Our Business
Our performance is affected by industry trends including, among others, demographic, health and lifestyle preferences, as well as other factors, such as industry media coverage and governmental actions. For example, our industry is subject to potential regulatory activity and other legal matters that could affect the credibility of a given product or category of products. Consumer trends, the overall impact on consumer spending, which may be affected heavily by current economic conditions, and limited product innovation and introductions in the VMS industry can dramatically affect purchasing patterns. Even though our business model allows us to respond to changing industry trends by introducing new products and adjusting our product mix and sales incentives, such actions may not offset adverse trends.
Additionally, our performance is affected by competitive trends such as the entry and expansion of competitors, changes in pricing and promotional strategies or expansion of product assortment by various competitors. Over recent years, there has been a shift of market share from specialty retailers to other channels such as mass market retailers, supermarket chains, club chains, drug store chains and e-commerce companies. This broader competitive channel availability of VMS products represents a challenge for the Company to keep pace with industry growth rates. We also have observed more competition in our assortment, and more competitive pricing and promotional strategies by competitors and increased levels of marketing spending.
As of June 30, 2018 we operate 782 stores located in 45 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. We have significantly slowed new store growth while we continue to evaluate our store network strategy.
As we anticipate an acceleration in the shift in our sales towards digital commerce, we are evaluating (1) our store network in order to identify opportunities to reduce fixed costs by closing underperforming stores, (2) our supply chain infrastructure and processes in order to increase the speed of delivery of products for direct to consumer sales, as well as increase the efficiency of our distribution centers, and (3) our merchandising processes in order to, among other things, increase the penetration of our private label brands. The completion of these evaluations may result in actions that could cause (1) the closing of a significant number of stores at or before lease expiration, (2) an increase in capital expenditures, (3) a reduction in the amount of inventory on hand, and / or (4) future charges to our results of operations for store impairments.
Critical Accounting Policies
Our significant accounting policies are described in Note 2 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in our financial statements in the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K. A discussion of our critical accounting policies and estimates is included in Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations in the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K. Management has discussed the development and selection of these policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors, and the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors has reviewed the disclosures relating to them. Management believes there have been no material changes to the critical accounting policies or estimates reported in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K.
General Definitions for Operating Results
Net Sales consist of sales, net of sales returns, deferred sales, customer incentives and a provision for estimated future returns. Total comparable net sales include retail sales fulfilled in stores and direct to consumer sales. Sales generated by retail stores after 410 days of operation are included in comparable net sales.
Cost of goods sold includes the cost of inventory sold, costs of warehousing, distribution and store occupancy costs. Warehousing and distribution costs, which are capitalized into inventory and then expensed as merchandise is sold, include

24


freight to transfer merchandise and costs associated with our buying department and distribution facilities. Store occupancy costs include rent, common area maintenance, real estate taxes and utilities.
Gross profit is net sales minus cost of goods sold.
Selling, general and administrative expenses consist of operating payroll and related benefits, advertising and promotion expense, depreciation and amortization expenses not capitalized in cost of goods sold, and other selling, general and administrative expenses.
Income (loss) from operations consists of gross profit minus selling, general and administrative expenses.
Interest expense, net includes interest on our Convertible Notes and Revolving Credit Facility, letters of credit fees, interest on our capital leases, as well as amortization of financing costs, reduced by interest income earned from highly liquid investments (investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less).
Key Performance Indicators and Statistics
We use a number of key indicators of financial condition and operating results to evaluate the performance of our business, including the following (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Net sales
$
293,103

 
$
296,420

 
$
589,067

 
$
602,192

Decrease in total comparable net sales (1)
(1.1
)%
 
(8.3
)%
 
(2.4
)%
 
(7.3
)%
Decrease in comparable store net sales
(5.1
)%
 
(7.6
)%
 
(5.8
)%
 
(6.7
)%
Increase (Decrease) in digital comparable net sales (2)
36.9
 %
 
(14.6
)%
 
28.3
 %
 
(12.2
)%
Gross profit as a percent of net sales
32.2
 %
 
32.8
 %
 
31.8
 %
 
32.6
 %
Income (loss) from operations
$
5,187

 
$
(152,373
)
 
$
8,998

 
$
(133,532
)
(1)
Total comparable net sales are comprised of comparable fulfilled in retail store sales and direct to consumer sales.
(2)
Digital comparable net sales includes sales from VS.com, third party marketplaces and auto delivery sales.
The following table shows the changes in our network of stores during the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 :
 
Three Months Ended
 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Store Data:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Stores open at beginning of period
783

 
780

 
785

 
775

Stores opened
1

 
3

 
1

 
9

Stores closed
(2
)
 

 
(4
)
 
(1
)
Stores open at end of period
782

 
783

 
782

 
783

Total retail square footage at end of period (in thousands)
2,725

 
2,731

 
2,725

 
2,731

Average store square footage at end of period
3,484

 
3,488

 
3,484

 
3,488


Three Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Three Months Ended July 1, 2017
The information presented below is for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 and was derived from our consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for such periods and as of such dates.

25


The following tables summarize our results of operations for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 (in thousands):
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
Net sales
$
293,103

 
$
296,420

 
$
(3,317
)
 
(1.1
)%
Cost of goods sold
198,867

 
199,099

 
(232
)
 
(0.1
)%
Cost of goods sold as % of net sales
67.8
%
 
67.2
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
94,236

 
97,321

 
(3,085
)
 
(3.2
)%
Gross profit as % of net sales
32.2
%
 
32.8
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
88,918

 
81,604

 
7,314

 
9.0
 %
SG&A expenses as % of net sales
30.3
%
 
27.5
 %
 
 
 
 
Goodwill and store fixed-assets impairment charges
131

 
168,090

 
(167,959
)
 
(99.9
)%
Goodwill and store fixed-assets impairment charges as % of net sales
%
 
56.7
 %
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
5,187

 
(152,373
)
 
157,560

 
(103.4
)%
Income (loss) from operations as % of net sales
1.8
%
 
(51.4
)%
 
 
 
 
Gain on extinguishment of debt
3,727

 

 
3,727

 
nm

Interest expense, net
1,699

 
2,374

 
(675
)
 
(28.4
)%
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
7,215

 
(154,747
)
 
161,962

 
(104.7
)%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
1,932

 
(8,331
)
 
10,263

 
(123.2
)%
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
5,283

 
(146,416
)
 
151,699

 
(103.6
)%
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations
1,897

 
(10,003
)
 
11,900

 
(119.0
)%
Net income (loss)
$
7,180

 
$
(156,419
)
 
$
163,599

 
(104.6
)%
Net Sales
Net sales decreased 1.1% as a result of a decrease in our total comparable net sales of $3.3 million. Non-comparable net sales were relatively flat.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold includes product, warehouse, distribution and occupancy costs. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased by 0.6%. This includes supply chain deleverage of 1.4% and a charge for the elimination of unproductive inventory of 1.2%. This was partially offset by total product margin improvement of 2.0%.

26


Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
SG&A Expenses (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Store Payroll and Benefits (a)
$
35,398

 
$
34,511

 
$
887

 
2.6
 %
Store Payroll & benefits as % of net sales
12.1
%
 
11.6
%
 
 
 
 
Advertising and Promotion (b)
6,937

 
7,050

 
(113
)
 
(1.6
)%
Advertising & promotion as % of net sales
2.4
%
 
2.4
%
 
 
 
 
Other SG&A (c)
46,583

 
40,043

 
6,540

 
16.3
 %
Other SG&A as % of net sales
15.9
%
 
13.5
%
 
 
 
 
Total SG&A Expenses
$
88,918

 
$
81,604

 
$
7,314

 
9.0
 %
 

(a)
Store payroll and benefits increased primarily due to higher wage rates, an increase in health insurance costs and higher store incentives.
(b)
Advertising and promotion expenses were relatively flat.
(c)
Other selling, general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increases in overhead expenses totaling $3.6 million which includes increases in information technology and digital commerce costs, incentive compensation and health insurance costs. The increase also includes one-time charges of $1.8 million for management realignment expenses, $0.7 million of professional services fees related to shareholder settlement and $0.4 million of costs related to the closing of the North Bergen, New Jersey distribution center.

Goodwill and Store Fixed-Assets Impairment Charges
The second quarter of Fiscal 2018 includes a store fixed-assets impairment charge of $0.1 million. The second quarter of Fiscal 2017 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $164.3 million and store fixed-assets impairment charges of $3.8 million.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
During the three months ended June 30, 2018 the Company recognized a $3.7 million gain on the repurchase of a portion of its Convertible Notes.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net decreased $0.7 million primarily due to the repurchases of a portion of the Company's Convertible Notes during Fiscal 2018.
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes
The effective provision (benefit) tax rate for continuing operations for the three months ended June 30, 2018 was 26.8% , compared to (5.4)% for the three months ended July 1, 2017 . The change in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge, the lower federal tax rate under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 partially offset by a permanent tax difference related to the excess tax deficiencies from stock-based compensation.

Six Months Ended June 30, 2018 Compared to Six Months Ended July 1, 2017
The information presented below is for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 and was derived from our consolidated financial statements, which, in the opinion of management, include all adjustments necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position and operating results for such periods and as of such dates.

27


The following tables summarize our results of operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 (in thousands):
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
Net sales
$
589,067

 
$
602,192

 
$
(13,125
)
 
(2.2
)%
Cost of goods sold
401,720

 
405,889

 
(4,169
)
 
(1.0
)%
Cost of goods sold as % of net sales
68.2
%
 
67.4
 %
 
 
 
 
Gross profit
187,347

 
196,303

 
(8,956
)
 
(4.6
)%
Gross profit as % of net sales
31.8
%
 
32.6
 %
 
 
 
 
Selling, general and administrative expenses
177,516

 
161,745

 
15,771

 
9.8
 %
SG&A expenses as % of net sales
30.1
%
 
26.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Goodwill and store fixed-assets impairment charges
833

 
168,090

 
(167,257
)
 
(99.5
)%
Goodwill and store fixed-assets impairment charges as % of net sales
0.1
%
 
27.9
 %
 
 
 
 
Income (loss) from operations
8,998

 
(133,532
)
 
142,530

 
(106.7
)%
Income (loss) from operations as % of net sales
1.5
%
 
(22.2
)%
 
 
 
 
Gain on extinguishment of debt
16,229

 

 
16,229

 
nm

Interest expense, net
4,140

 
4,786

 
(646
)
 
(13.5
)%
Income (loss) before provision (benefit) for income taxes
21,087

 
(138,318
)
 
159,405

 
(115.2
)%
Provision (benefit) for income taxes
6,147

 
(1,797
)
 
7,944

 
(442.1
)%
Net income (loss) from continuing operations
14,940

 
(136,521
)
 
151,461

 
(110.9
)%
Net loss from discontinued operations
(11,619
)
 
(11,902
)
 
283

 
(2.4
)%
Net income (loss)
$
3,321

 
$
(148,423
)
 
$
151,744

 
(102.2
)%
Net Sales
Net sales decreased 2.2% as a result of a decrease in our total comparable net sales of $14.2 million, or 2.4% offset by an increase in our total non-comparable net sales of $1.1 million.
Cost of Goods Sold
Cost of goods sold includes product, warehouse, distribution and occupancy costs. As a percentage of net sales, cost of goods sold increased by 0.8%. This includes supply chain deleverage of 1.3%, a charge for the elimination of unproductive inventory of 0.6%, costs related to the closing of the North Bergen, New Jersey distribution center of 0.3% and occupancy deleverage of 0.1%. This was partially offset by total product margin improvement of 1.6%.
Selling, General and Administrative Expenses
 
Six Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
 
$
Change
 
%
Change
SG&A Expenses (in thousands):
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Store Payroll and Benefits (a)
$
71,992

 
$
67,809

 
$
4,183

 
6.2
%
Store Payroll & benefits as % of net sales
12.2
%
 
11.3
%
 
 
 
 
Advertising and Promotion (b)
13,373

 
12,912

 
461

 
3.6
%
Advertising & promotion as % of net sales
2.3
%
 
2.1
%
 
 
 
 
Other SG&A (c)
92,151

 
81,024

 
11,127

 
13.7
%
Other SG&A as % of net sales
15.6
%
 
13.5
%
 
 
 
 
Total SG&A Expenses
$
177,516

 
$
161,745

 
$
15,771

 
9.8
%
 

28



(a)
Store payroll and benefits increased primarily due to higher wage rates, an increase in health insurance costs and higher store incentives.
(b)
Advertising and promotion expenses increased primarily due to higher expenditures focused on improving customer acquisition trends as a result of the competitive environment in our industry.
(c)
Other selling, general and administrative expenses increased primarily due to increases in overhead expenses totaling $6.9 million which includes increases in information technology and digital commerce costs, incentive compensation and health insurance costs. In addition, depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $0.8 million. The increase also includes one-time charges of $1.8 million for management realignment expenses, $0.9 million of costs related to the closing of the North Bergen, New Jersey distribution center and $0.7 million of professional services fees related to shareholder settlement.

Goodwill and Store Fixed-Assets Impairment Charges
The first half of Fiscal 2018 includes store fixed-assets impairment charges of $0.8 million. The first half of Fiscal 2017 includes a goodwill impairment charge of $164.3 million and store fixed-assets impairment charges of $3.8 million.
Gain on Extinguishment of Debt
During the six months ended June 30, 2018 the Company recognized $16.2 million of gains on the repurchases of a portion of its Convertible Notes.
Interest Expense, Net
Interest expense, net decreased $0.6 million primarily due to the repurchases of a portion of the Company's Convertible Notes during Fiscal 2018.
Provision (benefit) for Income Taxes
The effective provision (benefit) tax rate for continuing operations for the six months ended June 30, 2018 was 29.2% , compared to (1.3)% for the six months ended July 1, 2017 . The change in the effective tax rate is primarily due to the non-deductible portion of the goodwill impairment charge, the lower federal tax rate under the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017 partially offset by a permanent tax difference related to the excess tax deficiencies from stock-based compensation.

Key Indicators of Liquidity and Capital Resources
The following table provides key indicators of our liquidity and capital resources (in thousands):
 
As of
 
June 30, 2018
 
December 30, 2017
Balance Sheet Data:
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
$
1,910

 
$
1,947

Working capital (a)
118,241

 
155,229

Total assets
420,000

 
491,433

Total debt (b)
66,220

 
140,327

(a) Working capital is total current assets minus total current liabilities.
(b) Total debt includes the outstanding balance on the Company's Revolving Credit Facility, the net balance of its Convertible Notes and its capital lease obligations.

29


 
Six Months Ended
 
June 30, 2018
 
July 1, 2017
Other Information:
 
 
 
Depreciation and amortization of fixed and intangible assets
$
21,498

 
$
15,839

Cash Flows Provided By (Used In):
 
 
 
Operating activities
$
66,287

 
$
38,074

Investing activities
(139
)
 
(28,534
)
Financing activities
(66,186
)
 
(10,381
)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents
1

 
11

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents
$
(37
)
 
$
(830
)
Liquidity and Capital Resources
Historically, our primary uses of cash have been to fund working capital, operating expenses and capital expenditures related primarily to the build-out of new stores, the transformation of existing stores and information technology investments as well as to repurchase shares of our common stock and our Convertible Notes. We have financed our requirements predominately through internally generated cash flow, supplemented with short-term financing. We believe that the cash generated by operations and cash and cash equivalents, together with the borrowing availability under our Revolving Credit Facility, will be sufficient to meet our working capital needs for the next twelve months, costs and investments related to our current initiatives, systems development, store improvements and interest payments, as well as the repurchase of shares of our common stock and our Convertible Notes from time to time in negotiated or open market transactions subject to market conditions.
During Fiscal 2018, we plan to spend approximately $30 million in capital expenditures, including costs for information technology, investments in our digital commerce platforms and the build-out of corporate offices. Of the total capital expenditures projected for Fiscal 2018, we have invested $15.7 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 . We plan to open two new stores in Fiscal 2018, of which we have opened one store and closed four stores as of June 30, 2018 .
The Company is subject to concentrations of credit risk associated with cash and cash equivalents, and at times holds cash balances in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation limits. Currently, the Company’s cash management practice is to hold cash balances in quality institutions and invest in highly liquid and secure investments.
We were in compliance with all financial covenants relating to our Revolving Credit Facility and Convertible Notes as of June 30, 2018 . We expect to be in compliance with these same covenants during the remainder of Fiscal 2018 as well.
Cash Provided by Operating Activities
Net cash provided by operating activities was $66.3 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to $38.1 million for the six months ended July 1, 2017 . The $28.2 million increase in cash flows from operating activities is primarily due to the change in net income before impairment charges and the gain on extinguishment of debt, and changes in accounts payable, inventory and deferred taxes.
Cash Used in Investing Activities
Net cash used in investing activities was $0.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 as compared to $28.5 million during the six months ended July 1, 2017 . The $28.4 million decrease in cash flows from investing activities is primarily due to the net proceeds from the sale of Nutri-Force of $15.7 million and a decrease in capital expenditures of $12.7 million.
Cash Used in Financing Activities
Net cash used in financing activities was $66.2 million for the six months ended June 30, 2018 , as compared to $10.4 million for the six months ended July 1, 2017 . The $55.8 million increase in cash used in financing activities is primarily due to the Company's repurchases of Convertible Notes for $57.2 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018.
Revolving Credit Facility
The terms of our Revolving Credit Facility extend through May 9, 2022, and allow the Company to borrow up to $90.0 million, subject to the terms of the facility, with a Company option to increase the facility up to a total of $150.0 million.

30


For information regarding the terms of our Revolving Credit Facility, refer to Note 5., “Credit Arrangements” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited). As of June 30, 2018 , the Company had $3.0 million of borrowings outstanding on its Revolving Credit Facility. The largest amount borrowed during the six months ended June 30, 2018 and July 1, 2017 was $43.0 million and $38.0 million , respectively. The unused available line of credit under the Revolving Credit Facility at June 30, 2018 was $82.7 million .
Convertible Notes
On December 9, 2015, the Company issued $143.8 million of its 2.25% Convertible Notes. The Convertible Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest is payable on the Convertible Notes on June 1 and December 1 of each year until their maturity date of December 1, 2020. During Fiscal 2018, the Company repurchased $75.3 million in aggregate principal amount of its Convertible Notes for an aggregate purchase price of $57.2 million, which includes accrued interest. These repurchases were funded through borrowings under the Company's Revolving Credit Facility. The gains on extinguishment of the repurchased Convertible Notes were $16.2 million. For additional information regarding our Convertible Notes, refer to Note 5. “Credit Arrangements”, in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).
Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments
Except for the purchase commitments associated with the sale of Nutri-Force and the repurchases of a portion of our Convertible Notes, as of June 30, 2018 , there have been no material changes with respect to our contractual obligations since December 30, 2017. For additional information, see Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, in the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K.
Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
We have not created, and are not party to, any special-purpose or off-balance sheet entities for the purpose of raising capital, incurring debt or operating our business. We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements or relationships with entities that are not consolidated into our financial statements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, changes in financial condition, revenues, expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources. The Company has commitments for its operating leases, primarily related to its stores, distribution centers, as well as its manufacturing and corporate facilities, which are not reflected on our balance sheet. For additional information, see Contractual Obligations and Commercial Commitments under Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”, in the Fiscal 2017 10-K.
Effects of Inflation
We do not believe that our sales or operating results have been materially affected by inflation during the periods presented in our financial statements. During the six months ended June 30, 2018 , cost deflation was less than 1%. During Fiscal 2018, we anticipate market driven cost inflation to be in the range of 0% to 2%. Additionally, we may experience increased cost pressure from our suppliers which could have an adverse effect on our gross profit results in the future.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
Except as discussed in Note 1., “Basis of Presentation” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited), the Company has considered all new accounting pronouncements and has concluded that there are no new pronouncements that may have a material impact on its results of operations, financial condition, or cash flows, based on current information.
Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
For quantitative and qualitative disclosures about market risk affecting us, see "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk" in Item 7A of Part II of our Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K. As of June 30, 2018 , our exposure to market risk has not changed materially since December 30, 2017 .
Item 4. Controls and Procedures
Conclusion Regarding the Effectiveness of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
We carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including our Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, who are our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, respectively, of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures as such term is defined in Rules l3a-15(e) and l5d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) as of June 30, 2018 ,

31


pursuant to Exchange Act Rules 13a-l5 and 15d-15. Based on such evaluation, the Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective at a reasonable assurance level as of June 30, 2018 .
Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting
There have been no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended June 30, 2018 , that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.
Inherent Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls
Our management, including the Executive Chairman and Chief Financial Officer, do not expect that our disclosure controls and procedures or our internal control over financial reporting will prevent or detect all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system’s objectives will be met. The design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Further, because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that misstatements due to error or fraud will not occur or that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part on certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Projections of any evaluation of controls effectiveness to future periods are subject to risks. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

32


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
 
Item 1.     Legal Proceedings
The Company is party to various lawsuits arising from time to time in the normal course of business, some of which are covered by insurance. Although the impact of the final resolution of these matters on the Company's financial condition, results of operations or cash flows is not known, management does not believe that the resolution of these lawsuits will have a material adverse effect on the financial condition, results of operations or liquidity of the Company.
In addition, on or about August 22, 2017, a federal securities class action suit was filed in the United States District Court in the District of New Jersey against Vitamin Shoppe and certain officers and directors on behalf of purchasers of Vitamin Shoppe common stock between March 1, 2017 and August 6, 2017. The lawsuit sought remedies under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including monetary damages, alleging that the defendants made false and misleading statements regarding the Company's reported goodwill, initiatives designed to improve the Company's financial performance, the Company’s profitability trends, and its financial results. On April 26, 2018, the court appointed the lead plaintiffs.  On July 14, 2018, the appointed lead plaintiffs voluntarily dismissed the case without prejudice.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
For a more detailed explanation of the factors affecting our business, please refer to the Risk Factors section in the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K. There has not been a material change to the risk factors set forth in the Fiscal 2017 Form 10-K.
Item 2.     Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
The following table summarizes the Company’s purchases of shares of common stock during the quarter ended June 30, 2018 :
Period
Total Number
of Shares (or
Units)
Purchased (1)
 
Average Price
Paid per Share
(or Unit)
 
Total Number of Shares (or Units)
Purchased as
Part of Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs (2)
 
Maximum  Number (or
Approximate Dollar
Value) of Shares (or
Units) that May Yet
Be Purchased Under
the Plans or Programs
(in thousands)
April 1, 2018 through April 28, 2018
10,746

 
$
4.05

 

 
$
66,026

April 29, 2018 through May 26, 2018
761

 
$
4.85

 

 
$
66,026

May 27, 2018 through June 30, 2018 (3)
1,593

 
$
7.81

 

 
$
42,908

Totals
13,100

 
 
 

 
 
 
(1)
Shares withheld to cover required tax payments on behalf of employees as their restricted shares vest.
(2)
On August 5, 2014, May 6, 2015 and November 23, 2015, the Company’s board of directors approved share repurchase programs that enable the Company to purchase up to an aggregate of $300 million of its shares of common stock from time to time over three year periods ending on August 4, 2017, May 5, 2018 and November 22, 2018, respectively. On May 5, 2017, the Company's board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to an additional $70.0 million of equity and equity-linked securities. This repurchase authorization expires on November 22, 2018.
(3)
The Company repurchased a portion of its Convertible Notes during the three months ended June 30, 2018. Refer to Note 5., "Credit Arrangements" in the notes to consolidated financial statements (unaudited) for additional information.
Item 3.     Defaults Upon Senior Securities
None.

33

Table of Contents

Item 4.     Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
Item 5.     Other Information
None.
Item 6.     Exhibits
Exhibit
No.                          Description
3.1
3.2
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
10.8
10.9
10.10
10.11
10.12
10.13
10.14
31.1
31.2

34

Table of Contents

32.1
32.2
101.1
The following financial information from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, for the period ended June 30, 2018 , formatted in eXtensible Business Reporting Language: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Operations, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, and (iv) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
* Management contract or compensation plan or arrangement.


35

Table of Contents

SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized on August 8, 2018 .
 
 
 
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Bill Wafford
 
 
Bill Wafford
 
 
EVP and Chief Financial Officer


36


Exhibit 10.2
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT
pursuant to the
VITAMIN SHOPPE 2018 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
* * * * *
Participant:     
Grant Date:     
Fair Market Value per Share on the Grant Date: $     
Number of Shares of Restricted Stock granted:     
* * * * *
THIS RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a company organized in the State of Delaware (the “ Company ”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Vitamin Shoppe 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”); and
WHEREAS, it has been determined under the Plan that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the shares of Restricted Stock provided herein to the Participant.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:
1 Incorporation By Reference Plan Document Receipt . This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were expressly set forth herein. Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan. The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and that the Participant has read the Plan carefully and fully understands its content. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
2      Grant of Restricted Stock Award . The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of shares of Restricted Stock specified above. Except as otherwise provided by Section 9 of the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, the Participant with any


42542.1



protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s stockholder interest in the Company for any reason.
3      Time Vesting . Provided the Participant is then employed by the Company and/or one of its Subsidiaries or Related Companies, the Restricted Stock subject to this grant shall become unrestricted and vested as described below. For purposes of this Agreement, “Employed by, or employed with,” means continued service to the Company and/or one of its Subsidiaries or Related Companies, as an Employee, Independent Contractor or Member of the Board.
3.1      The Restricted Stock subject to this grant shall become unrestricted and vested: (i) as to the first 50% of the shares of Restricted Stock, on the second anniversary of the Grant Date specified above; and (ii) as to the second 50% of the shares of Restricted Stock, on the third anniversary of the Grant Date specified above.
3.2      Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3 , if the Participant is no longer Employed by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or Related Companies for any reason prior to the vesting of all or any portion of the Restricted Stock awarded under this Agreement, such unvested portion of the Restricted Stock shall immediately be cancelled and the Participant (and the Participant’s estate, designated beneficiary or other legal representative) shall forfeit any rights or interests in and with respect to any such shares of Restricted Stock. The Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine, prior to or within ninety (90) days after the date of any such termination, that all or a portion of any the Participant’s unvested shares of Restricted Stock shall not be so cancelled and forfeited.
3.3      If the Participant is no longer Employed by the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or Related Companies due to the Participant’s death or Disability (as defined in Section 3.4 below), the Restricted Stock shall become unrestricted and vested as of the date of any such termination.
3.4      For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disability ” shall mean the Participant’s inability, with reasonable accommodation, to perform effectively the essential functions of the Participant’s duties hereunder because of physical or mental disability for a cumulative period of 180 days in any consecutive 210-day period or other long term disability under the terms of the Company’s long-term disability plan, as then in effect.
3.5      Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Section 3 to the contrary, in the event of a Change in Control, if (i) the acquirer fails to assume the Restricted Stock held by the Participant or (ii) the acquirer assumes the Restricted Stock held by the Participant but within two years of a Change in Control following the Grant Date, the Participant is terminated by Company for any reason other than for Cause (as defined below) or terminates voluntarily after experiencing an Adverse Change in Status (as defined below), any Restricted Stock then held by the Participant shall become unrestricted and vested upon such termination. For purposes of this Agreement “Adverse Change in Status” shall mean either of the following which occurs without written consent of the Participant and which is not remedied by the Company within thirty (30) days after the Participant gives written notice to the Board, which written notice must be provided within ninety (90) days of being advised of such change: (i) a material adverse change in the Participant’s total compensation, function, duties, title or responsibilities from those in effect at the time of the Change

2




in Control; or (ii) if the Participant is required to permanently commute or relocate more than a fifty (50) mile radius from the Company’s office location at the time of the Change in Control but only if such new commute increases the Participant’s commute prior to the change.
3.6      If the Participant’s employer ceases to be an Affiliate or Subsidiary or Related Company of the Company, that event shall be deemed to constitute a termination of employment under Section 3.2 above.
4      Period of Restriction Delivery of Unrestricted Shares . During the Period of Restriction, the Restricted Stock shall bear a legend as described in Section 6.4.2 of the Plan and the Company shall hold the Restricted Stock as escrow agent as set forth in Section 6.3 of the Plan. When shares of Restricted Stock awarded by this Agreement become vested, the Participant shall be entitled to receive unrestricted Shares and if the Participant’s stock certificates contain legends restricting the transfer of such Shares, the Participant shall be entitled to receive new stock certificates free of such legends (except any legends requiring compliance with securities laws). In connection with the delivery of the unrestricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement, the Participant agrees to execute any documents reasonably requested by the Company.
5      Dividends and Other Distributions . Participants holding Restricted Stock shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such shares, provided that any such dividends or other distributions will be subject to same vesting requirements as the underlying Restricted Stock and shall be paid at the time the Restricted Stock becomes vested pursuant to Section 3 herein. If any dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Restricted Stock with respect to which they were paid.
6      Special Rules Regarding Restrictive Covenants .
6.1      Company Rights . In the event that the Participant’s employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Related Companies is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below) or if Participant fails to comply with this Section 6 , the Company may cancel any outstanding Restricted Stock or recoup funds.
(a)
For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” means any of the following: (i) theft or misappropriation of funds or other property of the Company; (ii) alcoholism or drug abuse, either of which materially impair the ability of the Participant to perform his/her duties and responsibilities hereunder or is injurious to the business of the Company; (iii) the conviction of a felony or pleading guilty or nolo contender to a felony involving moral turpitude; (iv) intentionally causing the Company to violate any local, state or federal law, rule or regulation that harms or may harm the Company in any material respect; (v) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the conduct or management of the Company which materially affects the Company, not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company; (vi) willful refusal to comply with any significant policy, directive or decision of the Chief Executive Officer, any other executive(s) of the Company to whom the Participant reports, or the Board in furtherance of a

3




lawful business purpose or willful refusal to perform the duties reasonably assigned to the Participant by the Chief Executive Officer, any other executive(s) of the Company to whom the Participant reports or the Board consistent with the Participant’s functions, duties and responsibilities, in each case, in any material respect, not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company; (vii) breach (other than by reason of physical or mental illness, injury, or condition) of any other material obligation to the Company that is or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company; (viii) violation of the Company’s operating and or financial/accounting procedures which results in material loss to the Company, as determined by the Company; or (ix) violation of the Company’s confidentiality, non-compete or non-solicit requirements (including those set forth in this Agreement) or Code of Business Conduct.
6.2      Confidentiality . The obligation of confidentiality by the Participant set forth in the Company’s agreements(s) with the Participant or policies of the Company binding on or covering the Participant shall remain in effect for perpetuity regardless of any cessation of payment pursuant to this Agreement, such that the Participant shall not disclose confidential information of or pertaining to the Company at any time.
6.3      Non-Competition . During the period of a Participant’s employment and for one (1) year thereafter (or two (2) years thereafter, in the event of a termination following a Change in Control), the Participant shall not, without the Company’s prior written consent, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected as a director, officer, employee, partner, consultant or otherwise with, any profit or non-profit business or organization in the United States that, directly or indirectly, manufactures, markets, distributes or sells (through wholesale, retail or direct marketing channels including, but not limited to, mail order and internet distribution) vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbal products, sports nutrition products, bodybuilding formulas or homeopathic remedies (the “Competitive Products”) if, except with respect to the companies listed below, the sale/distribution of the Competitive Products represent one-third (1/3) or more of such business or organization’s gross sales in the proceeding twelve (12) months from the Participant’s termination of employment date (the “Competitive Business”); provided, however, that the Participant can work for a business or organization (other than the companies listed below) that sells Competitive Products that is less than one third (1/3) of such gross sales only if the Participant is not directly or indirectly involved in that part of the business or organization that deals with, or has knowledge of, the Competitive Products. Notwithstanding, and without limiting, the foregoing, the following companies constitute a Competitive Business: GNC, Rite Aid, Whole Foods, Vitacost, Walgreens, CVS, Nature’s Bounty, Bodybuilding.com, Swanson, Sprout’s Sunflower Markets and Vitamin Cottage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the participant may be a passive owner (which shall not prohibit the exercise of any rights as a shareholder) of not more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding stock of any class of any public corporation that engages in a Competitive Business.

4




6.4      Non-Solicitation . During the period of a Participant’s employment and for one (1) year thereafter (or two (2) years thereafter, in the event of a termination following a Change in Control), the Participant shall not directly or indirectly (i) cause any person or entity to, either for the Participant or for any other person, business, partnership, association, firm, company or corporation, hire from the Company or attempt to hire, divert or take away from the Company, any of the officers or employees of the Company who were employed by the Company during the twelve (12) months prior to the termination date of the Participant’s employment; or (ii) cause any other person or entity to, either for the Participant or for any other person, business, partnership, association, firm, company or corporation, attempt to divert or take away from the Company or its subsidiaries any of the business or vendors of the Company.
6.5      Remedies . The Participant and the Company acknowledge that the restrictions imposed by this Section 6 are reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and that the Company would not be willing to offer the Restricted Stock pursuant to this Agreement in the absence of such agreement. The Participant agrees that any breach of this Section 6 by the Participant would cause irreparable damage to the Company and that in the event of such breach the Company shall have, in addition to any and all remedies of law, the right to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent the violation of any obligations hereunder, without the necessity of posting a bond, plus if the Company prevails with respect to any dispute between the Company and the Participant as to the interpretation, terms, validity or enforceability of this Section 6 , the recovery of any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Company, including reasonable attorneys’ fees in connection with the enforcement of this Section 6 . The Participant further acknowledges and agrees that any period of time during which he or she is in violation of the covenants set forth in this Section 6 shall be added to the applicable restricted period. Resort to such equitable relief shall not be construed to be a waiver of any other rights or remedies that the Company may have for damages or otherwise.
6.6      Forfeiture and Repayment . The Participant may be required to repay to the Company the proceeds received in connection with, or return to the Company, the Restricted Stock: (i) if during the course of employment the Participant engages in conduct, or it is discovered that the Participant has engaged in conduct, that is (x) materially adverse to the interest of the Company, which include failures to comply with the Company’s written rules or regulations and material violations of any agreement with the Company, (y) fraud, or (z) conduct contributing to any financial restatements or irregularities occurring during or after employment; (ii) if during the course of employment, the Participant competes with, or engages in the solicitation and/or diversion of customers, vendors or employees of, the Company or it is discovered that the executive employee has engaged in such conduct; (iii) if following termination of employment, the Participant violates any post-termination obligations or duties owed to, or any agreement with, the Company, which includes this Agreement, any employment agreement and other agreements restricting post-employment conduct; (iv) if following termination of employment, the Company discovers facts that would have supported a termination for Cause had such facts been known to the Company before the termination of employment; and (v) if compensation that is promised or paid to the Participant is required to be forfeited and/or repaid to the Company pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements as in effect from time to time and/or such forfeiture or repayment affects amounts or benefits payable under this Agreement.

5




7      Non-transferability . Restricted Stock, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, issued under this Agreement and the Plan shall not, prior to vesting, be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant), other than by testamentary disposition by the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution. Any such Restricted Stock, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, shall not, prior to vesting, be pledged, encumbered or otherwise hypothecated in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant) and shall not, prior to vesting, be subject to execution, attachment or similar legal process. Any attempt to sell, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of or hypothecate in any way any of the Restricted Stock, or the levy of any execution, attachment or similar legal process upon the Restricted Stock, contrary to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan shall be null and void and without legal force or effect.
8      Entire Agreement Amendment . This Agreement, together with the Plan contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter. The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant. The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.
9      Acknowledgment of Employee . The award of the Restricted Stock does not entitle Participant to any benefit other than that granted under this Agreement. Any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation. Participant understands and accepts that the benefits granted under this Agreement are entirely at the discretion of the Company and that the Company retains the right to amend or terminate this Agreement and the Plan at any time, at its sole discretion and without notice.
10      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
11      Withholding of Tax . The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold shares, or require the Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the Restricted Stock or the vesting of such Restricted Stock.
12      No Right to Employment . Any questions as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment and the cause of such termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Related Companies to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without cause.

6




13      Notices . Any notice which may be required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person, or via facsimile transmission, overnight courier service or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, properly addressed as follows:
13.1      If such notice is to the Company, to the attention of the Secretary of Company or at such other address as the Company, by notice to the Participant, shall designate in writing from time to time.
13.2      If such notice is to the Participant, at his or her address as shown on the Company’s records, or at such other address as the Participant, by notice to the Company, shall designate in writing from time to time.
14      Compliance with Laws . The issuance of the Restricted Stock or unrestricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, the Exchange Act and the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder), and any other law or regulation applicable thereto. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any of the Restricted Stock or unrestricted Shares pursuant to this Agreement if such issuance would violate any such requirements.
15      Securities Representations . The Restricted Stock is being issued to the Participant and this Agreement is being made by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges, represents and warrants that:
15.1      The Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) and in this connection the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 15 .
15.2      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Act, the Shares must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to the Shares and the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”).
15.3      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Act, the Participant understands that the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (i) a public trading market then exists for the Common Stock of the Company, (ii) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with; and that any sale of the Shares may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions.
16      Binding Agreement Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Participant shall not assign any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.

7




17      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
18      Headings . The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
19      Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.
20      Waiver of Jury Trial . PARTICIPANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, VERBAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENT OR ACTION OF ANY PARTY HERETO.
21      Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]


8




IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has hereunto set his hand, all as of the Grant Date specified above.
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
By:    
Name: David M. Kastin
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Participant





Exhibit 10.3
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
PERFORMANCE STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
pursuant to the
VITAMIN SHOPPE 2018 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
* * * * *
Participant:     
Grant Date:     
Number of Performance Stock Units granted (at Target):     
* * * * *
THIS AWARD AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a company organized in the State of Delaware (the “ Company ”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Vitamin Shoppe 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”); and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Committee that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the Performance Stock Units provided herein to the Participant.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:
1 Incorporation By Reference Plan Document Receipt . This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were expressly set forth herein. Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan. The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and that the Participant has read the Plan carefully and fully understands its content. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
2      Grant of Performance Stock Unit Award . The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of Performance Stock Units specified above. Except as otherwise provided by Section 10 of the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands


42539.1


that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, the Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason. Other than as specified in Section 5 hereof, the Participant shall not have the rights of a stockholder (including any voting rights) in respect of the Shares underlying this award until such Shares are delivered to the Participant in accordance with Section 4 .
3      Vesting . The Performance Stock Units subject to this grant shall vest in accordance with the terms of Exhibit A attached hereto.
4      Delivery of Shares .
4.1      Subject to the terms of the Plan, to the extent the Performance Stock Units awarded by this Agreement vest, the Company shall promptly distribute to the Participant the number of Shares equal to the number of Performance Stock Units that so vested; provided, that the Company may defer distribution of Shares to a date the Participant is not subject to any Company “blackout” policy or other trading restriction imposed by the Company; provided, further, that absent an election made pursuant to Section 4.2 , any distribution of Shares shall in any event be made by the date that is two and one‑half (2-1/2) months from the end of the calendar year in which the applicable Performance Stock Units vested. In connection with the delivery of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement, the Participant agrees to execute any documents reasonably requested by the Company. In no event shall the Performance Stock Units be settled in fractional Shares (fractional Shares will be rounded down to the next lowest whole number).
4.2      If permitted by the Company, the Participant may elect, in accordance with written plans or procedures adopted by the Company from time to time, to defer the distribution of all or any portion of the Shares that would otherwise be distributed to the Participant hereunder (“ Deferred Shares ”). Upon the vesting of Performance Stock Units that have been so deferred, the applicable number of Deferred Shares shall be credited to a bookkeeping account established on the Participant’s behalf (the “ Account ”). Subject to Section 5 , the number of Shares equal to the number of Deferred Shares credited to the Participant’s Account shall be distributed to the Participant in accordance with written plans or procedures adopted by the Company from time to time.
5      Dividends and Other Distributions . Participants holding Performance Stock Units shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to such Shares, provided that any such dividends or other distributions will be subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying Performance Stock Units and shall be paid at the time the Shares are delivered pursuant to Section 4 . If any dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the Performance Stock Units with respect to which they were paid.

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6      Special Rules Regarding Restrictive Covenants .
6.1      Company Rights . In the event that the Participant’s employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Related Companies is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below) or if Participant fails to comply with this Section 6 , the Company may cancel any outstanding Performance Stock Unit.
For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” means any of the following: (i) theft or misappropriation of funds or other property of the Company; (ii) alcoholism or drug abuse, either of which materially impair the ability of the Participant to perform his/her duties and responsibilities hereunder or is injurious to the business of the Company; (iii) the conviction of a felony or pleading guilty or nolo contender to a felony involving moral turpitude; (iv) intentionally causing the Company to violate any local, state or federal law, rule or regulation that harms or may harm the Company in any material respect; (v) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the conduct or management of the Company which materially affects the Company, not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company; (vi) willful refusal to comply with any significant policy, directive or decision of the Chief Executive Officer, any other executive(s) of the Company to whom the Participant reports, or the Board in furtherance of a lawful business purpose or willful refusal to perform the duties reasonably assigned to the Participant by the Chief Executive Officer, any other executive(s) of the Company to whom the Participant reports or the Board consistent with the Participant’s functions, duties and responsibilities, in each case, in any material respect, not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company; (vii) breach (other than by reason of physical or mental illness, injury, or condition) of any other material obligation to the Company that is or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company; (viii) violation of the Company’s operating and or financial/accounting procedures which results in material loss to the Company, as determined by the Company; or (ix) violation of the Company’s confidentiality, non-compete or non-solicit requirements (including those set forth in this Agreement) or Code of Business Conduct.
6.2      Nondisclosure of Confidential and Proprietary Information . The obligation of confidentiality by the Participant set forth in the Company’s agreements(s) with the Participant or policies of the Company binding on or covering the Participant shall remain in effect for perpetuity regardless of any cessation of payment pursuant to this Agreement, such that the Participant shall not disclose confidential information of or pertaining to the Company at any time.
6.3      Non-Competition . During the period of a Participant’s employment and for one (1) year thereafter (or two (2) years thereafter, in the event of a termination following a Change in Control), the Participant shall not, without the Company’s prior written consent, directly or indirectly, own, manage, operate, join, control or participate in the ownership, management, operation or control of, or be connected as a director, officer, employee, partner, consultant or otherwise with, any profit or non-profit business or organization in the United States that, directly

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or indirectly, manufactures, markets, distributes or sells (through wholesale, retail or direct marketing channels including, but not limited to, mail order and internet distribution) vitamins, minerals, nutritional supplements, herbal products, sports nutrition products, bodybuilding formulas or homeopathic remedies (the “ Competitive Products ”) if, except with respect to the companies listed below, the sale/distribution of the Competitive Products represent one-third (1/3) or more of such business or organization’s gross sales in the proceeding twelve (12) months from the Participant’s termination of employment date (the “ Competitive Business ”); provided, however, that the Participant can work for a business or organization (other than the companies listed below) that sells Competitive Products that is less than one-third (1/3) of such gross sales only if the Participant is not directly or indirectly involved in that part of the business or organization that deals with, or has knowledge of, the Competitive Products. Notwithstanding, and without limiting, the foregoing, the following companies constitute a Competitive Business: GNC, Rite Aid, Whole Foods, Vitacost, Walgreens, CVS, Nature’s Bounty, Bodybuilding.com, Swanson, Sprout’s Sunflower Markets and Vitamin Cottage. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Participant may be a passive owner (which shall not prohibit the exercise of any rights as a shareholder) of not more than five percent (5%) of the outstanding stock of any class of any public corporation that engages in a Competitive Business.
6.4      Non-Solicitation . During the period of a Participant’s employment and for one (1) year thereafter (or two (2) years thereafter, in the event of a termination following a Change in Control), the Participant shall not directly or indirectly (i) cause any person or entity to, either for the Participant or for any other person, business, partnership, association, firm, company or corporation, hire from the Company or attempt to hire, divert or take away from the Company, any of the officers or employees of the Company who were employed by the Company during the twelve (12) months prior to the termination date of the Participant’s employment; or (ii) cause any other person or entity to, either for the Participant or for any other person, business, partnership, association, firm, company or corporation, attempt to divert or take away from the Company or its subsidiaries any of the business or vendors of the Company.
6.5      Remedies . The Participant and the Company acknowledge that the restrictions imposed by this Section 6 are reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and that the Company would not be willing to offer the Performance Stock Units pursuant to this Agreement in the absence of such agreement. The Participant agrees that any breach of this Section 6 by the Participant would cause irreparable damage to the Company and that in the event of such breach, the Company shall have, in addition to any and all remedies of law, the right to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent the violation of any obligations hereunder, without the necessity of posting a bond, plus if the Company prevails with respect to any dispute between the Company and the Participant as to the interpretation, terms, validity or enforceability of this Section 6 , the recovery of any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Company, including reasonable attorneys’ fees in connection with the enforcement of this Section 6 . The Participant further acknowledges and agrees that any period of time during which he or she is in violation of the covenants set forth in this Section 6 shall be added to the

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applicable restricted period. Resort to such equitable relief shall not be construed to be a waiver of any other rights or remedies that the Company may have for damages or otherwise.
6.6      Forfeiture and Repayment . The Participant may be required to repay to the Company the proceeds received in connection with, or return to the Company, the Performance Stock Units: (i) if during the course of employment the Participant engages in conduct, or it is discovered that the Participant has engaged in conduct, that is (x) materially adverse to the interest of the Company, which include failures to comply with the Company’s written rules or regulations and material violations of any agreement with the Company, (y) fraud, or (z) conduct contributing to any financial restatements or irregularities occurring during or after employment; (ii) if during the course of employment, the Participant competes with, or engages in the solicitation and/or diversion of customers, vendors or employees of, the Company or it is discovered that the executive employee has engaged in such conduct; (iii) if following termination of employment, the Participant violates any post-termination obligations or duties owed to, or any agreement with, the Company, which includes this Agreement, any employment agreement and other agreements restricting post-employment conduct; (iv) if following termination of employment, the Company discovers facts that would have supported a termination for Cause had such facts been known to the Company before the termination of employment; and (v) if compensation that is promised or paid to the Participant is required to be forfeited and/or repaid to the Company pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements as in effect from time to time and/or such forfeiture or repayment affects amounts or benefits payable under this Agreement.
7      Non-transferability . Performance Stock Units, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, issued under this Agreement and the Plan shall not, prior to vesting, be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant), other than by testamentary disposition by the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution. Any such Performance Stock Units, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, shall not, prior to vesting, be pledged, encumbered or otherwise hypothecated in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant) and shall not, prior to vesting, be subject to execution, attachment or similar legal process. Any attempt to sell, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of or hypothecate in any way any of the Performance Stock Units, or the levy of any execution, attachment or similar legal process upon the Performance Stock Units, contrary to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, shall be null and void and without legal force or effect.
8      Entire Agreement Amendment . This Agreement, together with the Plan contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter. The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company a

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nd the Participant. The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.
9      Acknowledgment of Employee . The award of the Performance Stock Units does not entitle Participant to any benefit other than that granted under this Agreement. Any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation. Participant understands and accepts that the benefits granted under the Plan are entirely at the grace and discretion of the Company and that the Company retains the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time, at their sole discretion and without notice.
10      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
11      Withholding of Tax . The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require the Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the Performance Stock Units and, if the Participant fails to do so, the Company may otherwise refuse to issue or transfer any Shares otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.
12      No Right to Employment . Any questions as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment and the cause of such termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or Related Companies to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without cause.
13      Notices . Any notice which may be required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person, or via facsimile transmission, overnight courier service or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, properly addressed as follows:
13.1      If such notice is to the Company, to the attention of the Secretary of Company or at such other address as the Company, by notice to the Participant, shall designate in writing from time to time.
13.2      If such notice is to the Participant, at his or her address as shown on the Company’s records, or at such other address as the Participant, by notice to the Company, shall designate in writing from time to time.
14      Compliance with Laws . The issuance of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities

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Act of 1933, as amended (the “ 1933 Act ”), the 1934 Act and the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other law or regulation applicable thereto. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement if such issuance would violate any such requirements.
15      Securities Representations . The Performance Stock Units are being issued to the Participant and this Agreement is being made by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges, represents and warrants that:
15.1      The Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the 1933 Act, and in this connection the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 15 .
15.2      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144, the Shares must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to the Shares and the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”).
15.3      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144, the Participant understands that the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (i) a public trading market then exists for the Shares, (ii) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with, and that any sale of the Shares may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions.
16      Binding Agreement Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Participant shall not assign any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.
17      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
18      Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements for avoiding additional taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Participant on account of non-compliance with Section 409A of the Code.

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19      Headings . The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
20      Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.
21      Waiver of Jury Trial . PARTICIPANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT IT MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, VERBAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENT OR ACTION OF ANY PARTY HERETO.
22      Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF , the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has hereunto set his/her hand, all as of the Grant Date specified above.
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
By:    
Name: David M. Kastin
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Participant


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EXHIBIT A
Vesting Conditions

42539.1

Exhibit 10.4
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT (DIRECTOR FORM)
pursuant to the
VITAMIN SHOPPE 2018 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
* * * * *
Participant:     
Grant Date:     
Number of Restricted Stock Units Granted:     
* * * * *
THIS AWARD AGREEMENT (this “ Agreement ”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a company organized in the State of Delaware (the “ Company ”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Vitamin Shoppe 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “ Plan ”); and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Committee that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the Restricted Stock Units (“ RSUs ”) provided herein to the Participant.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:
1 Incorporation By Reference Plan Document Receipt . This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were expressly set forth herein. Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan. The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and that the Participant has read the Plan carefully and fully understands its content. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.

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2      Grant of RSUs . The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of RSUs specified above. Except as otherwise provided by Section 10 of the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, the Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason. Other than as specified in Section 5 hereof, the Participant shall not have the rights of a stockholder (including any voting rights) in respect of the Shares underlying the RSUs unless and until such Shares are delivered to the Participant in accordance with Section 4 .
3      Vesting .    
3.1      The RSUs subject to this grant shall become unrestricted and vested in equal quarterly installments on [ Dates ], provided the Participant is then Employed by the Company and/or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates. For purposes of this Agreement, “employment”, “ Employed by ”, “ Employed with ” or any such similar terms shall be interpreted as reference to the Participant’s continued employment or service to the Company and/or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as an Employee, Independent Contractor or Member of the Board.
3.2      Except as otherwise provided in this Section 3 , if the Participant’s employment with the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates terminates for any reason prior to the vesting of the RSUs awarded under this Agreement, the RSUs shall immediately be cancelled and the Participant (and the Participant’s estate, designated beneficiary or other legal representative) shall forfeit any rights or interests in and with respect to any such unvested RSUs; provided , however , that the Committee, in its sole discretion, may determine, prior to or within ninety (90) days after the date of any such termination, that all or a portion of any the Participant’s unvested shares of RSUs shall not be so cancelled and forfeited. In addition, if the Participant’s employment with the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates terminates prior to the vesting of the RSUs awarded under this Agreement, because he/she is not nominated or re-elected to serve after the annual shareholder meeting in [ Date ], then the Participant’s final quarterly vesting of their grant will be accelerated and vest at the close of business the following day after the annual shareholder meeting.
3.3      If the Participant’s employment with the Company and/or its Subsidiaries or Affiliates terminates due to the Participant’s death or “Disability” (as defined in Section 3.4 below), the RSUs shall become unrestricted and vested as of the date of any such termination.
3.4      For purposes of this Agreement, “ Disability ” shall have the same meaning set forth in any employment agreement between the Company (or any Subsidiary) and the Participant and in the absence of such an agreement, “ Disability ” means disability as determined by the Committee in accordance with the standards and procedures similar to those under the Company’s long-term disability plan, if any. Subject to the first sentence of this Section 3.4 , at any time that the Company does not maintain a long-term disability plan, “ Disability ” shall mean any physical or mental disability which is determined to be total and permanent by a doctor selected in good faith by the Committee.

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3.5      Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Section 3 to the contrary, in the event the Participant, within one (1) year of a Change in Control, is terminated by the Company for any reason other than for “Cause” (as defined below) or terminates voluntarily for “Good Reason” (as defined below), any RSUs then held by the Participant shall become unrestricted and vested upon such termination. For purposes of this Agreement “ Good Reason ” shall mean (i) a reduction in the Participant’s annual base salary as in effect on the date of this Agreement or as may be increased from time to time; or (ii) the Company’s requiring the Participant to be based more than fifty (50) miles from the Company’s offices at which the Participant is based at the time of this Agreement; provided that the occurrence of an event that would constitute Good Reason will cease to be an event constituting Good Reason if the Participant does not provide a written notice of termination within one hundred twenty (120) days of the date of such event.
3.6      If the Participant’s employer ceases to be an Affiliate or Subsidiary of the Company, that event shall be deemed to constitute a termination of employment under Section 3.2 above.
4      Delivery of Common Stock .
4.1      Subject to the terms of the Plan, if the RSUs awarded by this Agreement become vested, the Company shall promptly distribute (any such distribution date, a “ Settlement Date ”) to the Participant the number of Shares equal to the number of RSUs that so vested; provided that, if applicable, the Company may defer the Settlement Date of Shares to a date the Participant is not subject to any Company “blackout” policy or other trading restriction imposed by the Company; provided , further , that absent an election made pursuant to Section 4.2 , any such Settlement Date shall in any event occur by the date that is two and one-half (2-1/2) months from the end of the calendar year in which the applicable RSUs vested. In connection with the delivery of Shares pursuant to this Agreement, the Participant agrees to execute any documents reasonably requested by the Company. In no event shall the RSUs be settled in fractional Shares (fractional Shares will be rounded down to the next lowest whole number).
4.2      If permitted by the Company, the Participant may elect, in accordance with written plans or procedures adopted by the Company from time to time, to defer the distribution of all or any portion of the Shares that would otherwise be distributed to the Participant hereunder (“ Deferred Shares ”). Upon the vesting of RSUs that have been so deferred, the applicable number of Deferred Shares shall be credited to a bookkeeping account established on the Participant’s behalf (the “ Account ”). Subject to Section 5 , the number of Shares equal to the number of Deferred Shares credited to the Participant’s Account shall be distributed to the Participant in accordance with written plans or procedures adopted by the Company from time to time.
5      Dividends and Other Distributions . Participants holding RSUs shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the underlying Shares, provided that any such dividends or other distributions will be subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying RSUs and shall be paid upon the applicable Settlement Date. If any dividends or

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distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the RSUs with respect to which they were paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the underlying Shares are settled in cash pursuant to Section 4 , any applicable dividends from such Shares shall similarly be settled in cash.
6      Special Rules Regarding Restrictive Covenants .
6.1      Company Rights . In the event that the Participant’s employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Related Companies is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below) or if Participant fails to comply with this Section 6 , the Company may cancel any or all outstanding RSUs.
(a)
For purposes of this Agreement, “ Cause ” shall, with respect to any Participant, have the equivalent meaning (or the same meaning as “for cause”) set forth in any employment agreement between the Participant and the Company or any Subsidiary or, in the absence of any such agreement, such term shall mean (i) the Participant’s continuing misconduct or willful misconduct or gross negligence in the performance of his or her duties for the Company or for any Subsidiary after service of prior written notice of such misconduct or negligence, (ii) the Participant’s intentional or habitual neglect of his or her duties for the Company or for any Subsidiary after service of a notice of such neglect, (iii) the Participant’s theft or misappropriation of funds or other property of the Company or of any Subsidiary, (iv) the Participant’s fraud, criminal misconduct, breach of fiduciary duty or dishonesty in the performance of his or her duties on behalf of the Company or any Subsidiary or conviction of a felony, or crime of moral turpitude or any other conduct reflecting adversely upon the Company or any Subsidiary, (v) the Participant’s violation of any written policy of the Company or any Subsidiary or any restrictive covenant, including, but not limited to, a covenant not to disclose confidential information with respect to the Company or any Subsidiary, including, but not limited to, any such covenant included in an Award Agreement, or (vi) the Participant’s direct or indirect breach of any agreement with the Company or any Subsidiary, including, but not limited to, the terms of a employment agreement, confidentiality agreement or consulting contract.
6.2      Nondisclosure of Confidential and Proprietary Information .
(a)
The Participant hereby acknowledges that during the term of his/her employment with the Company, its Affiliates and Subsidiaries (collectively referred to as “ Related Entities ”), he/she will have access to and possession of trade secrets, confidential information and proprietary information (collectively, and as defined more extensively below, “ Confidential

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Information ”) of the Company, and in some instances, its Related Entities and their respective clients. The Participant hereby recognizes and acknowledges that this Confidential Information is valuable, special and unique to the business of the Company and its Related Entities, and that access to and knowledge of such Confidential Information is essential to the performance of the Participant’s duties to the Company and/or its Related Entities. The Participant hereby agrees that during his/her employment relationship with the Company and/or its Related Entities and thereafter, the Participant will keep secret and will not use or disclose any Confidential Information to any person or entity, in any fashion and for any purpose whatsoever, except at the request of the Company.
(b)
For purposes of this Agreement, the term “ Confidential Information ” includes, but is not limited to, information written, in digital form, in graphic form, electronically stored, orally transmitted or memorized concerning or relating to the Company or any of its Related Entities, including all information about the Company’s business prospects and opportunities, and all other information about or gained from any customer or client to which the Company or its Related Entities provides services during the Participant’s employment with the Company or any Related Entity. This clause shall not apply to any confidential information which enters the public domain other than through the Participant’s default.
6.3      Forfeiture and Repayment . The Participant may be required to repay to the Company the proceeds received in connection with, or return to the Company, the RSUs: (i) if during the course of employment, the Participant engages in conduct, or it is discovered that the Participant has engaged in conduct, that is (x) materially adverse to the interest of the Company or its Affiliates, which include failures to comply with the Company’s or an Affiliate’s rules or regulations and material violations of any agreement with the Company or an Affiliate, (y) fraudulent, or (z) contributes to any financial restatements or irregularities occurring during or after employment; (ii) if during the course of employment, the Participant competes with, or engages in the solicitation and/or diversion of customers, vendors or employees of, the Company or an Affiliate or it is discovered that the executive employee has engaged in such conduct; (iii) if following termination of employment, the Participant violates any post-termination obligations or duties owed to, or any agreement with, the Company or any Affiliate, which includes this Agreement, any employment agreement and other agreements restricting post-employment conduct; (iv) if following termination of employment, the Company discovers facts that would have supported a termination for Cause had such facts been known to the Company before the termination of employment; and (v) if compensation that is promised or paid to the Participant is required to be forfeited and/or repaid to the Company pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements as in effect from time to time and/or such forfeiture or repayment affects amounts or benefits payable under this Agreement. Any

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determination by the Board, which shall act upon the recommendation of the Chairman, that the Participant is, or has, engaged in such activity, shall be conclusive.
7      Non-transferability . The RSUs, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, issued under this Agreement and the Plan shall not, prior to vesting, be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant), other than by testamentary disposition by the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution. Any such RSUs, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, shall not, prior to vesting, be pledged, encumbered or otherwise hypothecated in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant) and shall not, prior to vesting, be subject to execution, attachment or similar legal process. Any attempt to sell, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of or hypothecate in any way any of the RSUs, or the levy of any execution, attachment or similar legal process upon the RSUs, contrary to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan, shall be null and void and without legal force or effect.
8      Entire Agreement Amendment . This Agreement, together with the Plan, contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter. The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant. The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.
9      Acknowledgment of Employee . This grant of RSUs does not entitle the Participant to any benefit other than that granted under this Agreement. Any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation. The Participant understands and accepts that the benefits granted under the Plan are entirely at the grace and discretion of the Company and that the Company retains the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time, at their sole discretion and without notice.
10      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
11      Withholding of Tax . The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require the Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the RSUs and, if the Participant fails to do so, the Company may otherwise refuse to issue or transfer any Shares or cash otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.

    6
42593.1


12      No Right to Employment . Any questions as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment and the cause of such termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company or its Related Entities to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without cause.
13      Notices . Any notice which may be required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person, or via facsimile transmission, overnight courier service or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, properly addressed as follows:
13.1      If such notice is to the Company, to the attention of the Secretary of Company or at such other address as the Company, by notice to the Participant, shall designate in writing from time to time.
13.2      If such notice is to the Participant, at his or her address as shown on the Company’s records, or at such other address as the Participant, by notice to the Company, shall designate in writing from time to time.
14      Compliance with Laws . The issuance of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any federal and state securities laws, rules and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “ 1933 Act ”), the 1934 Act and the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other law or regulation applicable thereto. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement if such issuance would violate any such requirements.
15      Securities Representations . The RSUs are being issued to the Participant and this Agreement is being made by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges, represents and warrants that:
15.1      The Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the 1933 Act and in this connection, the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 15 .
15.2      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the 1933 Act, the Shares must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to the Shares, and the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”).
15.3      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the 1933 Act, the Participant understands that the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (i) a public trading market then exists for the Shares, (ii) adequate information

    7
42593.1


concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with, and that any sale of the Shares may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions.
16      Power of Attorney . The Company, its successors and assigns are hereby appointed the attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution, of the Participant for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of this Agreement and taking any action and executing any instruments which such attorneys-in-fact may deem necessary or advisable to accomplish the purposes of this Agreement, which appointment as attorneys-in-fact is irrevocable and coupled with an interest. The Company, as attorney-in-fact for the Participant, may, in the name and stead of the Participant, make and execute all conveyances, assignments and transfers of the Shares and property provided for in this Agreement, and the Participant hereby ratifies and confirms all that the Company, as said attorney-in-fact, shall do by virtue hereof. Nevertheless, the Participant shall, if so requested by the Company, execute and deliver to the Company all such instruments as may, in the judgment of the Company, be advisable for such purpose.
17      Binding Agreement Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by, the Company and its successors and assigns. The Participant shall not assign any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.
18      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
19      Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements for avoiding additional taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Participant on account of noncompliance with Section 409A of the Code.
20      Headings . The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
21      Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.

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22      Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTICIPANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT HE OR SHE MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, VERBAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENT OR ACTION OF ANY PARTY HERETO.
23      Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]


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42593.1


IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has hereunto set his/her hand, all as of the Grant Date specified above.
VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
By:    
Name: David M. Kastin
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Participant

42593.1

Exhibit 10.5
RSU # _____
RESTRICTED STOCK UNIT AWARD AGREEMENT
pursuant to the
VITAMIN SHOPPE 2018 LONG-TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
* * * * *
Participant: Alex Smith     
Grant Date:    
Number of Restricted Stock Units Granted: _______
* * * * *
THIS AWARD AGREEMENT (this “Agreement”), dated as of the Grant Date specified above, is entered into by and between Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a company organized in the State of Delaware (the “Company”), and the Participant specified above, pursuant to the Vitamin Shoppe 2018 Long-Term Incentive Plan, as in effect and as amended from time to time (the “Plan”); and
WHEREAS, it has been determined by the Committee that it would be in the best interests of the Company to grant the Restricted Stock Units (“RSUs”) provided herein to the Participant.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth and for other good and valuable consideration, the parties hereto hereby mutually covenant and agree as follows:
1. Incorporation By Reference Plan Document Receipt . This Agreement is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan (including, without limitation, any amendments thereto adopted at any time and from time to time unless such amendments are expressly intended not to apply to the award provided hereunder), all of which terms and provisions are made a part of and incorporated in this Agreement as if they were expressly set forth herein. Any capitalized term not defined in this Agreement shall have the same meaning as is ascribed thereto in the Plan. The Participant hereby acknowledges receipt of a true copy of the Plan and that the Participant has read the Plan carefully and fully understands its content. In the event of a conflict between the terms of this Agreement and the terms of the Plan, the terms of the Plan shall control.
2.      Grant of RSUs . The Company hereby grants to the Participant, as of the Grant Date specified above, the number of RSUs specified above. Except as otherwise provided by Section 10 of the Plan, the Participant agrees and understands that nothing contained in this Agreement provides, or is intended to provide, the Participant with any protection against potential future dilution of the Participant’s interest in the Company for any reason. Other than as specified in Section 5 hereof, the Participant shall not have the rights of a stockholder (including any voting rights) in respect of the Shares of the Company’s common stock underlying the RSUs unless and until such Shares are delivered to the Participant in accordance with Section 4.

    



3.      Vesting . The RSUs subject to this grant shall vest in accordance with the terms of Exhibit A attached hereto. For purposes of this Agreement, "employment", "Employed by", "Employed with" or any such similar terms shall be interpreted as reference to the Participant's continued employment or service to the Company and/or one of its Subsidiaries or Affiliates, as an Employee, Independent Contractor or Member of the Board.
4.      Delivery of Shares or Cash . Subject to the terms of the Plan and this Section 4, to the extent the RSUs awarded by this Agreement vest, the Company shall promptly distribute (any such distribution date, a “Settlement Date”) to the Participant the number of Shares equal to the number of RSUs that so vested; provided that, if applicable, the Company may defer the Settlement Date of Shares to a date the Participant is not subject to any Company “blackout” policy or other trading restriction imposed by the Company; and provided , further , any such Settlement Date shall in any event occur by the date that is 2-1/2 months from the end of the calendar year in which the applicable RSUs vested. In connection with the delivery of Shares pursuant to this Agreement, the Participant agrees to execute any documents reasonably requested by the Company. In no event shall the RSUs be settled in fractional Shares (fractional Shares will be rounded down to the next lowest whole number).
5.      Dividends and Other Distributions . Participants holding RSUs shall be entitled to receive all dividends and other distributions paid with respect to the underlying Shares, provided that any such dividends or other distributions will be subject to the same vesting requirements as the underlying RSUs and shall be paid upon the applicable Settlement Date. If any dividends or distributions are paid in Shares, the Shares shall be deposited with the Company and shall be subject to the same restrictions on transferability and forfeitability as the RSUs with respect to which they were paid. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event that the underlying Shares are settled in cash pursuant to Section 4, any applicable Share dividends shall similarly be settled in cash.
6.      Special Rules Regarding Restrictive Covenants .
6.1      Company Rights .
(a)      In the event that the Participant’s employment with the Company or one of its Subsidiaries or Related Companies is terminated for “Cause” (as defined below) or if Participant fails to comply with this Section 6, the Company may cancel any or all outstanding RSUs.
(b)      For the purposes of this Agreement, “Cause” means any of the following: (i) theft or misappropriation of funds or other property of the Company; (ii) alcoholism or drug abuse, either of which materially impair the ability of the Participant to perform his/her duties and responsibilities hereunder or is injurious to the business of the Company; (iii) the conviction of a felony or pleading guilty or nolo contender to a felony involving moral turpitude; (iv) intentionally causing the Company to violate any local, state or federal law, rule or regulation that harms or may harm the Company in any material respect; (v) gross negligence or willful misconduct in the conduct or management of the Company which materially affects the Company, not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company; (vi) willful refusal to comply with any significant policy, directive or decision of the Chief Executive Officer, any other executive(s) of the Company to whom the Participant reports, or the Board in furtherance of a lawful business purpose or willful refusal to perform the duties reasonably assigned to the Participant by the Chief Executive Officer, any other executive(s) of the Company to whom the Participant reports or the Board consistent with the Participant’s functions, duties and responsibilities, in each case, in any material respect, not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice from the Company; (vii) breach (other than by reason of physical or mental illness, injury, or condition) of any other material obligation to the

    2



Company that is or could reasonably be expected to result in material harm to the Company not remedied within thirty (30) days after receipt of written notice of such breach from the Company; (viii) violation of the Company’s operating and or financial/accounting procedures which results in material loss to the Company, as determined by the Company; or (ix) violation of the Company’s confidentiality, non-compete or non-solicit requirements (including those set forth in this Agreement) or Code of Business Conduct.
6.2      Nondisclosure of Confidential and Proprietary Information . The obligation of confidentiality by the Participant set forth in the Company’s agreements(s) with the Participant or policies of the Company binding on or covering the Participant shall remain in effect for perpetuity regardless of any cessation of payment pursuant to this Agreement, such that the Participant shall not disclose confidential information of or pertaining to the Company at any time.
6.3      Remedies . The Participant and the Company acknowledge that the restrictions imposed by this Section 6 are reasonably necessary to protect the legitimate business interests of the Company, and that the Company would not be willing to offer the RSUs granted hereunder in the absence of such agreement. The Participant agrees that any breach of this Section 6 by the Participant would cause irreparable damage to the Company and that in the event of such breach the Company shall have, in addition to any and all remedies of law, the right to an injunction, specific performance or other equitable relief to prevent the violation of any obligations hereunder, without the necessity of posting a bond, plus if the Company prevails with respect to any dispute between the Company and the Participant as to the interpretation, terms, validity or enforceability of this Section 6, the recovery of any and all costs and expenses incurred by the Company, including reasonable attorneys’ fees in connection with the enforcement of this Section 6.
6.4      Forfeiture and Repayment . The Participant may be required to repay to the Company the proceeds received in connection with, or return to the Company, the RSUs: (i) if during the course of employment, the Participant engages in conduct, or it is discovered that the Participant has engaged in conduct, that is (x) materially adverse to the interest of the Company, which include failures to comply with the Company’s written rules or regulations and material violations of any agreement with the Company, (y) fraud, or (z) conduct contributing to any financial restatements or irregularities occurring during or after employment; (ii) if during the course of employment, the Participant competes with, or engages in the solicitation and/or diversion of customers, vendors or employees of, the Company or it is discovered that the executive employee has engaged in such conduct; (iii) if following termination of employment, the Participant violates any post-termination obligations or duties owed to, or any agreement with, the Company, which includes this Agreement, any employment agreement and other agreements restricting post-employment conduct; (iv) if following termination of employment, the Company discovers facts that would have supported a termination for Cause had such facts been known to the Company before the termination of employment; and (v) if compensation that is promised or paid to the Participant is required to be forfeited and/or repaid to the Company pursuant to applicable regulatory requirements as in effect from time to time and/or such forfeiture or repayment affects amounts or benefits payable under this Agreement.
7.      Non-transferability . The RSUs, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, issued under this Agreement and the Plan shall not, prior to vesting, be sold, exchanged, transferred, assigned or otherwise disposed of in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant), other than by testamentary disposition by the Participant or the laws of descent and distribution. Any such RSUs, and any rights and interests with respect thereto, shall not, prior to vesting, be pledged, encumbered or otherwise hypothecated in any way by the Participant (or any beneficiary(ies) of the Participant) and shall not, prior to vesting, be subject to execution, attachment or similar legal process. Any attempt to sell, exchange, transfer, assign, pledge, encumber or otherwise dispose of or hypothecate in any way any of the RSUs, or the levy

    3



of any execution, attachment or similar legal process upon the RSUs, contrary to the terms and provisions of this Agreement and/or the Plan shall be null and void and without legal force or effect.
8.      Entire Agreement Amendment . This Agreement, together with the Plan contains the entire agreement between the parties hereto with respect to the subject matter contained herein, and supersedes all prior agreements or prior understandings, whether written or oral, between the parties relating to such subject matter. The Committee shall have the right, in its sole discretion, to modify or amend this Agreement from time to time in accordance with and as provided in the Plan. This Agreement may also be modified or amended by a writing signed by both the Company and the Participant. The Company shall give written notice to the Participant of any such modification or amendment of this Agreement as soon as practicable after the adoption thereof.
9.      Acknowledgment of Employee . This grant of RSUs does not entitle the Participant to any benefit other than that granted under this Agreement. Any benefits granted under this Agreement are not part of the Participant’s ordinary salary, and shall not be considered as part of such salary in the event of severance, redundancy or resignation. The Participant understands and accepts that the benefits granted under the Plan are entirely at the grace and discretion of the Company and that the Company retains the right to amend or terminate the Plan at any time, at their sole discretion and without notice.
10.      Governing Law . This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Delaware without reference to the principles of conflict of laws thereof.
11.      Withholding of Tax . The Company shall have the power and the right to deduct or withhold, or require the Participant to remit to the Company, an amount sufficient to satisfy any federal, state, local and foreign taxes of any kind (including, but not limited to, the Participant’s FICA and SDI obligations) which the Company, in its sole discretion, deems necessary to be withheld or remitted to comply with the Code and/or any other applicable law, rule or regulation with respect to the RSUs and, if the Participant fails to do so, the Company may otherwise refuse to issue or transfer any Shares or cash otherwise required to be issued pursuant to this Agreement.
12.      No Right to Employment . Any questions as to whether and when there has been a termination of such employment and the cause of such termination shall be determined in the sole discretion of the Company. Nothing in this Agreement shall interfere with or limit in any way the right of the Company, its Subsidiaries or Affiliates or Related Companies to terminate the Participant’s employment or service at any time, for any reason and with or without cause.
13.      Notices . Any notice which may be required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and shall be delivered in person, or via facsimile transmission, overnight courier service or certified mail, return receipt requested, postage prepaid, properly addressed as follows:
13.1      If such notice is to the Company, to the attention of the Secretary of Company or at such other address as the Company, by notice to the Participant, shall designate in writing from time to time.
13.2      If such notice is to the Participant, at his or her address as shown on the Company’s records, or at such other address as the Participant, by notice to the Company, shall designate in writing from time to time.
14.      Compliance with Laws . The issuance of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement shall be subject to, and shall comply with, any applicable requirements of any federal and state securities laws, rules

    4



and regulations (including, without limitation, the provisions of the Securities Act of 1933, the 1934 Act and the respective rules and regulations promulgated thereunder) and any other law or regulation applicable thereto. The Company shall not be obligated to issue any of the Shares pursuant to this Agreement if such issuance would violate any such requirements.
15.      Securities Representations . The RSUs are being issued to the Participant and this Agreement is being made by the Company in reliance upon the following express representations and warranties of the Participant. The Participant acknowledges, represents and warrants that:
15.1      The Participant has been advised that the Participant may be an “affiliate” within the meaning of Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Act”) and in this connection the Company is relying in part on the Participant’s representations set forth in this Section 15.
15.2      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Act, the Shares must be held indefinitely unless an exemption from any applicable resale restrictions is available or the Company files an additional registration statement (or a “re-offer prospectus”) with regard to the Shares and the Company is under no obligation to register the Shares (or to file a “re-offer prospectus”).
15.3      If the Participant is deemed an affiliate within the meaning of Rule 144 of the Act, the Participant understands that the exemption from registration under Rule 144 will not be available unless (i) a public trading market then exists for the Shares, (ii) adequate information concerning the Company is then available to the public, and (iii) other terms and conditions of Rule 144 or any exemption therefrom are complied with; and that any sale of the Shares may be made only in limited amounts in accordance with such terms and conditions.
16.      Binding Agreement Assignment . This Agreement shall inure to the benefit of, be binding upon, and be enforceable by the Company and its successors and assigns. The Participant shall not assign any part of this Agreement without the prior express written consent of the Company.
17.      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed to be an original, but all of which shall constitute one and the same instrument.
18.      Section 409A . This Agreement is intended to comply with Section 409A of the Code or an exemption thereunder and shall be construed and interpreted in a manner that is consistent with the requirements for avoiding additional taxes or penalties under Section 409A of the Code. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company makes no representations that the payments and benefits provided under this Agreement comply with Section 409A of the Code and in no event shall the Company be liable for all or any portion of any taxes, penalties, interest or other expenses that may be incurred by the Grantee on account of noncompliance with Section 409A of the Code.
19.      Headings . The titles and headings of the various sections of this Agreement have been inserted for convenience of reference only and shall not be deemed to be a part of this Agreement.
20.      Further Assurances . Each party hereto shall do and perform (or shall cause to be done and performed) all such further acts and shall execute and deliver all such other agreements, certificates, instruments and documents as any other party hereto reasonably may request in order to carry out the intent and accomplish the purposes of this Agreement and the Plan and the consummation of the transactions contemplated thereunder.

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21.      Waiver of Jury Trial . THE PARTICIPANT WAIVES ANY RIGHT HE OR SHE MAY HAVE TO TRIAL BY JURY IN RESPECT OF ANY LITIGATION BASED ON, ARISING OUT OF, UNDER OR IN CONNECTION WITH THIS AGREEMENT OR ANY COURSE OF CONDUCT, COURSE OF DEALING, VERBAL OR WRITTEN STATEMENT OR ACTION OF ANY PARTY HERETO.
22.      Severability . The invalidity or unenforceability of any provisions of this Agreement in any jurisdiction shall not affect the validity, legality or enforceability of the remainder of this Agreement in such jurisdiction or the validity, legality or enforceability of any provision of this Agreement in any other jurisdiction, it being intended that all rights and obligations of the parties hereunder shall be enforceable to the fullest extent permitted by law.
[Remainder of Page Left Intentionally Blank]


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Agreement to be executed by its duly authorized officer, and the Participant has hereunto set his/her hand, all as of the Grant Date specified above.

VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.
By:    
Name: David M. Kastin
Title: Senior Vice President, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary

Participant


7




Exhibit A
Vesting Schedule
Subject to the Participant continuing to provide services to the Company as its Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors from the Grant Date through and including the applicable date upon which vesting is scheduled to occur:
(a)
One third (1/3) of the RSUs will immediately vest on the Grant Date;
(b)
The remaining two-thirds (2/3) of the RSUs will vest in eight (8) equal monthly installments on the first day of each month following the Grant Date, subject, in each case, to the Participant’s continued service to the Company as the Executive Chairman of its Board of Directors. For the avoidance of doubt, if the Participant ceases to be the Company’s Executive Chairman, any then-unvested RSUs shall be immediately forfeited.

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Exhibit 10.7


June 5, 2018

Bill Wafford
c/o Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
300 Harmon Meadow Blvd.
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Re: Offer of Promotion
Dear Bill:
By this letter (the “ Promotion Letter ”), Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc., a New York corporation (together the “ Companies ”) are very pleased to offer you a promotion to the position of Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer. Your start date will be June 6, 2018.
Your employment will be governed by the terms of this Promotion Letter, the offer letter dated June 27, 2017 (the “ Offer Letter ”), which remains in effect except as modified by this letter, and the policies and plans of the Companies as may be in effect from time to time, including without limitation, the Standards of Business Conduct, the Health Enthusiast Handbook, the Dispute Resolution Program, the Management Incentive Program, the Executive Severance Pay Policy, and the Vitamin Shoppe 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated through February 22, 2017 (the “ Plan ”) and related agreements.
The following will outline the general terms of our offer:
1. Position and Duties . You will serve as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer of each of the Companies and, in such capacity, will be responsible for the general financial, affairs and management of the Companies, will perform such duties as are customarily performed by an officer with similar responsibilities of a company of a similar size, together with such other responsibilities that may be assigned to you by the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, and will have such power and authority as will reasonably be required to enable you to perform your duties hereunder; provided , however , that in exercising such power and authority and performing such duties, you will at all times be subject to the authority of the Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors. You shall not be permitted to engage in outside business activities unless approved by the Companies; provided that you may engage in charitable and community activities and manage your personal investments so long as such activities do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere with the performance of your duties to the Companies. You agree to devote substantially all of your business time, attention and services to the diligent, faithful and competent discharge of such duties for the successful operation of the Companies’ business. Notwithstanding the foregoing, upon the approval of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, you may serve as a director of a publicly traded company that is not

40933.2



competitive, provided that such service does not interfere with your obligations hereunder or otherwise create a conflict of interest.
2. Annual Bonus . Effective as of June 6, 2018, your target bonus under the Management Incentive Plan (“ MIP ”) will increase from 45% to 50% of your eligible earnings in each calendar year. From the beginning of the fiscal year through June 5, 2018 you will participate at 45% target level commensurate with your prior position with the Companies based on your year to date earnings. From June 6, 2018 through the end of the fiscal year, you will participate at the 50% target level based on your earnings for the same period.
3. Long Term Incentive : You will be eligible to participate in The Vitamin Shoppe’s long-term incentive program (“ LTIP ”). For 2019 you will be eligible for a grant valued between $270,000 and $325,000, subject to approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. For all other years, whether or not you are granted an award under the LTIP, the type of the award (cash, equity or a combination of both), the amount of any such award and the terms of vesting (e.g., time-based and/or performance-based vesting over a period of continued employment) are each determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors from time-to-time. Awards are subject to terms and conditions that will be set forth in the award agreement and the equity incentive plan pursuant to which the grant is made at that time and may include terms regarding forfeiture and repayment provisions if you breach certain covenants regarding confidentiality, trade secrets, non-competition or have engaged in fraud.
4. Promotion Equity Grant . Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, after your start date, and in the ordinary course of business, you will receive a one-time promotion grant/award of equity comprised of restricted stock ($20,000) and performance stock units ($30,000). The one time grant will be subject to terms and conditions of the Plan and the related equity award agreements.
5. Repayment of Sign-On Cash Bonus and Relocation Benefits . You have received a Sign-On Bonus (as defined in the Offer Letter) and certain relocation benefits pursuant to the Offer Letter. Both the Sign-On Bonus and the relocation benefits are subject to repayment obligations in the event you voluntarily resign your employment or the Companies terminate your employment for certain reasons pursuant to the terms and condition of Offer Letter and relocation agreement, as the case may be. Notwithstanding such repayment obligations, you shall be relieved of any obligation to repay the applicable portion of Sign-On Bonus and the relocation benefits that remain subject to the repayment provision, in the event that you resign your employment after any reduction in your Target Total Direct Compensation (as hereinafter defined) by fifteen percent (15%) or more. As used in this Promotion Letter, “Target Total Direct Compensation” means the sum of your annual base salary, plus your target bonus as provided in Section 2, plus the low end of the LTIP grant range as provided in Section 3, above.


2
40933.2




6. General Provisions .
a.      All payments hereunder are subject to applicable federal, state and local withholding, payroll and other taxes and other deductions.
b.      All references to the Offer Letter shall mean the Offer Letter as amended hereby.
c.      This letter and the terms of your employment with the Companies shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New Jersey, without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions thereof. Except as provided in the Dispute Resolution Policy, disputes hereunder shall be heard by the state or federal courts located in Hudson County, New Jersey.

Congratulations on your promotion.


VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.

/s/ Teresa Orth
By:
Name: Teresa Orth
Its: SVP, HR
VITAMIN SHOPPE INDUSTRIES INC.
   
/s/ Teresa Orth
By:
Name: Teresa Orth
Its: SVP, HR

Acceptance:
I understand and accept the terms of my continued employment with Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. and Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc. as set forth herein. I understand that by accepting this promotion, I agree to arbitrate any disputes arising out of my employment as set forth in the Companies’ Dispute Resolution Program. I further understand that my employment with the Companies is at-will, which means that either I or the Companies may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.

/s/ Bill Wafford       Date signed: 6/5/18
Bill Wafford



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40933.2


Exhibit 10.8
    


June 27, 2017

Bill Wafford
c/o Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
300 Harmon Meadow Blvd.
Secaucus, NJ 07094
Re: Offer of Employment
Dear Bill:
Vitamin Shoppe, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc., a New York Corporation (together the “ Companies ”) are very pleased to offer you the position of Senior Vice President, Business Development and Strategy. You will report to Colin Watts, Chief Executive Officer. Your start date will be Monday, July 31, 2017, or as otherwise mutually agreed to between you and the Companies.
Your employment will be governed by the terms of this letter and the policies and plans of the Companies as may be in effect from time to time, including without limitation, the Standards of Business Conduct, the Health Enthusiast Handbook, the Dispute Resolution Program, the Management Incentive Program, the Executive Severance Pay Policy, and the Vitamin Shoppe 2009 Equity Incentive Plan, as amended and restated effective April 6, 2012 (the “ Plan ”) and related agreements.
The following will outline the general terms of our employment offer:
1. Position and Duties . You will perform the duties and services assigned to you by the Companies and will have such power and authority as will reasonably be required to enable you to perform your duties hereunder; provided, however, that in exercising such power and authority and performing such duties, you will at all times be subject to the authority of the Chief Executive Officer. You will devote your full time and attention to the affairs of the Companies and to your duties on the Companies’ behalf and use your best efforts to perform your duties. You shall not be permitted to engage in outside business activities unless approved by the Companies; provided that you may engage in charitable and community activities and manage your personal investments so long as such activities do not, individually or in the aggregate, interfere with the performance of your duties to the Companies.
2. Compensation . The Companies will pay you a base salary at a bi-weekly rate of $19,230.77, which is equivalent to $500,000 on an annualized basis (the “ Base Salary ”). The Base Salary shall be reviewed and payable in conformity with the Companies’ customary practices for executive compensation; as such practices shall be established or modified from time to time.
3. Annual Bonus . You will be eligible to participate in the Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. Management Incentive Plan (“ MIP ”), with a target bonus of 45% of your eligible earnings in each fiscal year. Your 2017 MIP bonus will be determined based on your eligible earnings from your date of hire through December 30, 2017 and will be guaranteed, provided you remain employed in good standing by the Companies through the date MIP bonuses are paid out. In all other years, payment of a MIP bonus is made on an annual basis, based upon the Companies’ performance against certain targets as outlined or





approved by the Board of Directors, and can be increased or decreased based on the actual results and your individual performance toward mutually acceptable objectives. Payments, if any, will usually be paid in the first quarter of the following year, and in all events on or before March 15 of such year, after appropriate approval from the Board of Directors, or the appropriate committee of the Board of Directors. You acknowledge that the Companies reserve the right to change the structure of the MIP from time to time in their sole discretion.
4. Sign-On Cash Bonus . You will receive a one-time sign-on cash bonus in the gross amount of $230,000 (“ Sign-On Bonus ”), less lawful deductions, payable within 30 days of your start date. Additionally, if within one (1) year after the start date, you give notice that you intend to resign your employment for any reason whatsoever, or your employment is terminated by the Companies due to violation of The Vitamin Shoppe’s Standards of Business Conduct, and/or any other policy governing the ethical performance of your job and/or any other law applicable to the ethical conduct of business, or any conduct giving rise to immediate discharge (other than performance), then you shall repay to the Company the entire amount of the Sign-On Bonus. If any of the foregoing events shall have occurred after the first year of your start date but prior the second anniversary of the start date, then you shall repay to the Company 50% of the Sign-on Bonus. You may also be liable to repay the Sign-On Bonus in the event you breach your obligation to provide advance written notice of your intent to resign your employment with the Companies as set forth in Section 12 below. The amount owed pursuant to this Section will be deducted from your last pay check(s); provided that if the amount of your Sign-On Bonus is greater than what was deducted from your paycheck(s), the remaining balance will be due in full upon 90 days from your last date of employment with the Companies.
5. Restricted Stock . Provided that there is an Annual Grant in 2018, you will be eligible to participate in the Plan. Notwithstanding, whether or not restricted stock grants are made, and, if so, the amount of such grants is determined by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors from time-to-time. Restricted stock grants, if awarded, are subject to the terms of the Plan and the related equity award agreements, which may include terms regarding time-based and/or performance-based vesting over a period of continued employment, and forfeiture and repayment provisions if you breach certain covenants regarding confidentiality, trade secrets, non-competition or have engaged in fraud.
6. Sign-On Equity Grant . Subject to the approval of the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, after your start date, and in the ordinary course of business, you will receive a one-time sign-on grant/award of equity. The one-time grant will be subject to terms and conditions of the Plan and the related equity award agreements and shall be composed as follows:
a.
Business Development Performance – You will receive restricted stock valued at $375,000 as of the grant date, which shall vest upon the satisfaction of certain business development performance metrics, which shall be set forth in the equity award agreement.
b.
Restricted Stock – You will receive restricted stock valued at $375,000 as of the grant date, which shall vest 50% on the second anniversary of the award date, and 25% on the third anniversary of the award date and 25% on the fourth anniversary of the award date.
7. Relocation . No later than July 1, 2019, you will be required to relocate within a reasonable commuting distance to the Companies’ headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey. To assist with your relocation, the Companies will offer the following:


2




a.
Assistance for the reasonable transactional costs associated with your relocation from your home to a reasonable commuting distance to the Companies’ headquarters in Secaucus, New Jersey as outlined in the attached Relocation Policy. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Relocation Policy or and the Employee Relocation Agreement attached thereto, you hereby acknowledge and agree that the two-year period during which you may be required to repay relocation benefits provided to you by the Companies in the event your employment ends shall be measured from the date each relocation benefit is actually provided rather your start date.
b.
Arrange and pay for temporary housing accommodations for up to 60 days. This relocation assistance is subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Relocation Policy.
8. Paid Time Off. In 2017, you will be eligible for a prorata portion of Paid Time Off. Beginning in 2018, you will be eligible to accrue paid time off (“PTO”) based on weeks worked, up to a maximum of 27 PTO days annually. Accrual, carryover, use and forfeiture of PTO is subject to applicable policies.
9. Holidays. You will be eligible for paid holidays. The Companies observe the following holidays: Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
10. Reimbursement of Expenses . The Companies shall reimburse you for any and all out-of-pocket expenses reasonably incurred by you during your employment in connection with your duties and responsibilities, provided that you comply with the policies, practices and procedures of the Companies regarding expense reimbursement, including submission of expense reports, receipts or similar documentation of such expenses. All reimbursements under this Section 10 shall be made as soon as practicable following submission of a reimbursement request, but no later than the end of the calendar year following the year during which the underlying expense was incurred.
11. Other Employee Benefits. You will be eligible for additional employee benefits, including:
Partially subsidized health insurance, including dental, beginning on the first day of the month following one full calendar month of employment. Dependent coverage is also available. Available plans require employee contributions. To defray the cost of your COBRA premium to continue your health benefits from your former employer during the period before you become eligible for the Companies’ health insurance benefits, you will receive a one-time cash bonus in a net amount equal to your COBRA premium, less lawful deductions, payable within 30 days after you have provided the Companies evidence that you have paid such premium.
401(k) eligibility on the first day of the month following one full calendar month of employment.  Following one full year of employment, the Companies will match 100% of the first 3% and 50% of the next 2% of your contribution .   You will be eligible to receive the Companies match on the first day of the month following your anniversary date.
Company-paid basic life insurance and AD&D coverage in the amount of $500,000.
Company-paid Long Term Disability insurance.
Please be aware that the employee benefits offered by the Companies are subject to change from time to time.


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12. Mandatory Notice Prior to Resignation and At-Will Employment . You agree that should you decide to resign your employment with the Companies at any time, you shall provide the Companies with no less than thirty (30) days prior written notice of your decision. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in Section 4 above, should you resign your employment with the Companies at any time without providing the mandatory thirty (30) days prior written notice required herein, you shall repay the full amount of the Sign-On Bonus in full within 90 days from your last date of employment regardless of when such resignation occurs. Except as explicitly stated in this Section, your employment will be “employment-at-will,” which means it is not for any definite period of time and the terms and conditions of employment may be modified or employment may be terminated by either you or by the Companies at any time, for any reason, or for no reason. Your employment-at-will status will apply throughout your employment with the Companies and cannot be modified except by an express, written contract that is executed by the Chief Executive Officer and you.
13. Confidentiality and Restrictive Covenants . You agree that in your work for the Company, you will not use or disclose any confidential information, including trade secrets of any current or former employer or third party to whom you have any obligation of confidentiality. You further agree that you can perform your duties to the Company without reliance on any such confidential information or trade secrets of any current or former employer or third party. You agree that you will not bring onto the Company’s premises, or transmit or store using any electronic communication equipment or computer network or system of the Company, any unpublished documents or property belonging to any current or former employer or third party to whom you have any obligation of confidentiality, including any documents or property containing confidential information or trade secrets. You represent and agree that in connection with your anticipated employment with the Company, including during your discussions with the Company, you (i) have not breached any restrictive covenant agreement to which you are bound, and (ii) have complied with all of your fiduciary obligations to any current or former employer or third party to whom you have any such obligations.
14. Intellectual Property . You acknowledge and agree that all writings, inventions, improvements, processes, procedures, programs, techniques and other data and information that are furnished to you by the Companies or that you design, generate or develop within the scope of your employment with the Companies or related to the business of the Companies, whether on the Companies’ property or otherwise, whether alone or with others, are and will remain the sole and confidential property of the Companies. You specifically agree that all materials that you design, generate or develop within the scope of your employment with the Companies, related to the business of the Companies or using any confidential or proprietary information of the Companies will be considered “works made for hire” under applicable law and that all such material will be owned exclusively by the Companies. You hereby assign and transfer to the Companies all right, title and interest that you may have in and to such materials under patent, copyright, trade secret, trademark and other applicable laws.
15. Key Man Life Insurance . The Companies may apply for and obtain and maintain a “Key Man” life insurance policy in your name in such amount as the Companies may determine, the beneficiary of which shall be the Companies. You agree to submit to physical examinations and answer reasonable questions in connection with the application for and, if obtained, the maintenance of, such insurance policy.
16. General Provisions .
a.      All payments hereunder are subject to applicable federal, state and local withholding, payroll and other taxes and other deductions.


4




b.      This letter and the terms of your employment with the Companies shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state of New Jersey, without giving effect to any conflict of law provisions thereof. Except as provided in the Dispute Resolution Policy, disputes hereunder shall be heard by the state or federal courts located in Hudson County, New Jersey.
c.      This letter, together with the documents referenced herein, sets forth the entire agreement and understanding between you and the Companies relating to its subject matter and supersedes all prior verbal and written discussions between us.
d.      You acknowledge that the services to be rendered by you are unique and personal. Accordingly, you may not assign any of your rights or delegate any of your duties or obligations under this letter. The Companies shall have the right to assign this letter to its successors and assigns, and the rights and obligations of the Companies under this letter shall inure to the benefit of, and shall be binding upon, the successors and assigns of the Companies.
The Companies supports a Drug Free Work Environment. Your employment is contingent upon successful completion of a drug test. Instructions for the drug test will be provided to you. Testing must be completed within twenty-four hours of acceptance of this offer. Any questions regarding our drug policy may be directed to the Human Resources Department, which is available weekdays from 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. or by calling 201-868-5959.
The offer is also contingent on: (i) a successful background check; and (ii) your completion of Section 1 of the Form I-9 on or before the end of your first day of employment and your presentation of your original documentation verifying your work eligibility and identification on or before the third day of employment.
We look forward to our working relationship.

VITAMIN SHOPPE, INC.

/s/Teresa Orth
By:
Name: Teresa Orth
Its: SVP, HR
VITAMIN SHOPPE INDUSTRIES INC.
   
/s/ Colin F. Watts
By:
Name: Colin F. Watts
Its: CEO

Acceptance:
I understand and accept the terms of my employment with Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. and Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc. as set forth herein. I understand that by accepting employment with the Companies, I agree to arbitrate any disputes arising out of my employment as set forth in the Companies’ Dispute Resolution Program, which I will be required to sign prior to beginning my employment. I further understand that my employment with the Companies is at-will, which means that either I or the Companies may terminate the employment relationship at any time, for any reason, with or without cause.
/ s/ Bill Wafford       Date signed: June 28, 2017
Bill Wafford
 
 



5


Exhibit 10.10
GENERAL RELEASE AND WAIVER

This general release and waiver (“ Agreement ”) is made by and between Brenda Galgano (“ Employee ”) and Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. and Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc. (collectively the “ Company ”).

In consideration of the premises and the mutual covenants set forth herein and for other good and valuable consideration, including the Consulting Agreement between the parties made contemporaneously herewith, the receipt and sufficiency of which are hereby acknowledged, the parties hereto covenant and agree as follows:

1. Separation Date .

a.      Employee has resigned her employment with the Company and Employee’s last day of employment with the Company and her last day as an officer or director of the Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates is June 5, 2018 (“ Separation Date ”). Employee affirms Employee will not execute this Agreement until on or after Employee’s last day of employment. Upon the Separation Date, health insurance benefits cease and Employee may choose to continue health insurance benefits offered in adherence to federal guidelines and pursuant to the Consolidated Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985 (“ COBRA ”), 29 U.S.C. § 1161 et seq . Employee acknowledges that Employee shall be required to pay all insurance premiums and administrative fees provided for under COBRA. Information regarding continuation of benefits under COBRA will be forwarded to Employee under separate cover from the Company’s COBRA administrator.

2.      General Release of Claims, Claims Not Released & Related Provisions .

a. General Release of Claims . Employee, Employee’s heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns (collectively referred to throughout this Agreement as “ Employee ”) knowingly and voluntarily releases and forever discharges the Company, its owners, affiliates, subsidiaries, divisions, insurers, attorneys, successors and assigns, and the current and former employees, officers, directors and agents thereof (collectively referred to throughout the remainder of this Agreement as “ Employer ”), of and from any and all claims, whether known and unknown, Employee has or may have against Employer as of the date of execution of this Agreement, including, but not limited to, any alleged violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, The Civil Rights Act of 1991, Sections 1981 through 1988 of Title 42 of the United States Code, The Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, The Immigration Reform and Control Act, The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, The Equal Pay Act, The Family and Medical Leave Act, The Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, The Older Workers Benefits Protection Act of 1990, The Workers Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, The Occupational Safety and Health Act, The Fair Credit Reporting Act, The New Jersey Law Against Discrimination, The New Jersey Civil Rights Act, The New Jersey Family Leave Act, The New Jersey State Wage and





Hour Law, The New Jersey Conscientious Employee Protection Act, The New Jersey Equal Pay Law, The New Jersey Occupational Safety and Health Law, The New Jersey Smokers’ Rights Law, The New Jersey Genetic Privacy Act, The New Jersey Fair Credit Reporting Act, The New Jersey Statutory Provision Regarding Retaliation/Discrimination for Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim, The New Jersey Public Employees’ Occupational Safety and Health Act, The Millville Dallas Airmotive Plant Job Loss Notification Act, The New Jersey Laws Regarding Political Activities of Employees, Lie Detector Tests, Jury Duty, Employment Protection, and Discrimination, any other federal, state or local civil, human rights, bias, whistleblower, discrimination, retaliation, compensation, employment, labor or other local, state or federal law, regulation or ordinance, any amendments to the foregoing laws, any benefit, payroll or other plan, policy or program, any public policy, contract, third-party beneficiary, tort or common law claim; or, any claim for costs, fees, or other expenses including attorneys’ fees.
b.      Claims Not Released . Employee is not waiving any rights Employee may have to: (i) Employee’s own vested accrued employee benefits under the Company’s health, welfare, or retirement benefit plans as of the last day of employment; (ii) benefits and/or the right to seek benefits under applicable workers’ compensation and/or unemployment compensation statutes; (iii) pursue claims which by law cannot be waived by signing this Agreement; (iv) enforce this Agreement; and/or (v) challenge the validity of this Agreement.
c.      Governmental Agencies . Nothing in this Agreement prohibits or prevents Employee from filing a charge with or participating, testifying, or assisting in any investigation, hearing, whistleblower proceeding or other proceeding before any federal, state, or local government agency (e.g. EEOC, NLRB, SEC., etc.), nor does anything in this Agreement preclude, prohibit, or otherwise limit, in any way, Employee’s rights and abilities to contact, communicate with, report matters to, or otherwise participate in any whistleblower program administered by any such agencies. However, to the maximum extent permitted by law, Employee agrees that if such an administrative claim is made, Employee shall not be entitled to recover any individual monetary relief or other individual remedies.
d.      Collective/Class Action Waiver . If any claim is not subject to release, to the extent permitted by law, Employee waives any right or ability to be a class or collective action representative or to otherwise participate in any putative or certified class, collective or multi-party action or proceeding based on such a claim in which Employer is a party. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, only a court of competent jurisdiction is authorized to interpret this class, collective and representative action waiver.
3.      Acknowledgments and Affirmations .

a.      Employee affirms Employee has not filed, caused to be filed, or presently is a party to any claim against Employer.

b.      Employee affirms Employee has been paid and/or has received all compensation, wages, bonuses, commissions and/or benefits to which Employee may be entitled





as of the Separation Date, except for a payout of all accrued but unused PTO, which shall be paid to Employee in a lump sum within twenty-eight (28) calendar days following Employee’s Separation Date. Employee affirms Employee has been granted any leave to which Employee was entitled under the Family and Medical Leave Act or related state or local leave or disability accommodation laws. Employee affirms that all of the Company’s decisions regarding Employee’s pay and benefits through the date of Employee’s execution of this Agreement were not discriminatory based on age, disability, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, protected veteran status or any other classification protected by law.

c.      Employee affirms Employee has no known workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

d.      Employee affirms Employee has not divulged any proprietary or confidential information of Employer and will continue to maintain the confidentiality of such information consistent with Employer’s policies and Employee’s agreement(s) with Employer and/or common law.

e.      Employee further affirms Employee has not been retaliated against for reporting any allegations of wrongdoing by Employer or its officers, including any allegations of corporate fraud.

f.      Employee affirms Employee is not a Medicare or Medicaid beneficiary as of the date of this Agreement and, therefore, no conditional payments have been made by Medicare or Medicaid.

g.      Employee affirms that until the Separation Date, Employee was responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting for the Company and is unaware of any material weakness in such controls and procedures that should be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors of the Company or any committee thereof. Nor is Employee aware of any material misstatement of the Company's annual or interim financial statements or any inappropriate accounting entries, including any entries that accelerate revenue into the current period, defer expenses into a subsequent period, or capitalize costs that should be expensed.

4.      Non-Disparagement . Employee agrees not to defame or maliciously disparage Employer in any manner whatsoever.

5.      Limited Disclosure and Return of Property .

a.      Employee agrees not to disclose any information regarding the underlying facts leading up to or the existence or substance of this Agreement, except to Employee’s spouse, domestic partner, tax advisor, an attorney with whom Employee chooses to consult regarding Employee’s consideration of this Agreement or to any federal, state or local government agency.
    





b.      Employee affirms that Employee has returned all of the Company’s property, documents, and/or any confidential information in Employee’s possession or control. Employee also affirms that Employee is in possession of all of Employee’s property that Employee had at the Company’ premises and that the Company is not in possession of any of Employee’s property.


6.      Preservation of Confidential Information and Restrictive Covenants .
 
a.      Employee acknowledges during the course of Employee’s employment, Employee had access to information that is confidential and proprietary to Employer (“ Confidential Information ”). Employee agrees the Company had no obligation to specifically identify any information as Confidential Information in order for it to be entitled to protection as such. For purposes of this Agreement, Confidential Information shall include all information that is not known by, or generally available to, the public at large and that concerns the business affairs of Employer, including, but not limited to, Employer’s finances, business or strategic plans, marketing plans, business plans, methods of operation, trade secrets, information about client preferences and decision-makers, employee compensation, cost and pricing, existing or contemplated products and services, and existing and prospective clients. Employee further agrees that Employee will not disclose to any person or use for Employee’s benefit or the benefit of others, any Confidential Information without the prior written consent of the Company.

b.      Employee acknowledges that Employee continues to be bound by the non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in any agreement between Employer and Employee that predate this Agreement and that such provisions shall not be voided or superseded by this Agreement.

c.      18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) states: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made—(i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Accordingly, Employee has the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to Federal, State, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. Employee also has the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b).

d.      Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Employee from reporting possible violations of United States federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to, the United States Department of Justice, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Congress, and any Inspector General of any United States federal agency, or making other disclosures that are protected under the





whistleblower provisions of United States federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that Employee will use Employee’s reasonable best efforts to (1) disclose only information that is reasonably related to such possible violations or that is requested by such agency or entity, and (2) request that such agency or entity treat such information as confidential. Employee does not need prior authorization from the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and is not required to notify the Company that Employee has made such reports or disclosures. This Agreement does not limit Employee’s right to receive an award for information provided to any governmental agency or entity.

7.      Relief For Breach of This Agreement . Employee agrees that it is fair and reasonable and necessary to protect the business, operations, assets and reputation of the Company for Employee to make the covenants and undertakings set forth in Paragraphs 4, 5 and 6. Furthermore, Employee agrees that if Employee breaches or attempts to breach or violate any of the foregoing provisions, the Company will be irreparably harmed and monetary damages will not provide an adequate remedy. Accordingly, it is agreed that the Company may apply for and shall be entitled to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief (without the necessity of posting a bond or other security) in order to prevent breach of this Agreement or to specifically enforce the provisions hereof, and Employee hereby consents to the granting of such relief, without having to prove the inadequacy of the available remedies at law or actual damages. It is understood that any such injunctive remedy shall not be exclusive or waive any rights to seek other remedies at law or in equity. Employee further agrees that the covenants and undertakings covered by this Agreement are reasonable in light of the facts as they exist on the date hereof. However, if at any time, a court shall determine that the scope or subject matter is unreasonable in any respect, it shall be modified as such court determines may be reasonable.
 
8.      Governing Law and Interpretation . This Agreement shall be governed and conformed in accordance with the laws of the State of New Jersey without regard to its conflict or choice of law provisions. In the event Employee or the Company breaches any provision of this Agreement, Employee and the Company affirm that either may institute an action to specifically enforce any term or terms of this Agreement. If any provision of this Agreement is declared illegal or unenforceable by any arbitrator of competent jurisdiction, the parties agree the arbitrator shall have the authority to modify, alter or change the provision(s) in question to make the Agreement legal and enforceable. If this Agreement cannot be modified to be enforceable, excluding the general release language, such provision shall immediately become null and void, leaving the remainder of this Agreement in full force and effect. If the general release language is found to be illegal or unenforceable, Employee agrees to execute a binding replacement release.

9.      Amendment . Except as provided in Paragraphs 7 and 8 above, this Agreement may not be modified, altered or changed without the express written consent of both parties wherein specific reference is made to this Agreement.

10.      Revocation . Employee may revoke this Agreement for a period of seven (7) calendar days following the day Employee executes this Agreement. Any revocation within this period must be submitted, in writing, to the office of the General Counsel, and state, “I





hereby revoke my acceptance of our Agreement and General Release.” The revocation must be personally delivered to the office of the General Counsel, or mailed to Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc., 300 Harmon Meadow Blvd., Secaucus, New Jersey 07094 ATTN: General Counsel and postmarked within seven (7) calendar days of execution of this Agreement. If the last day of the revocation period is a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday in New Jersey, then the revocation period shall not expire until the next following day which is not a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday.


11.      Resolution of Disputes .

a.      Any controversy or claim arising out of this Agreement, or the breach thereof, shall be submitted to and finally determined by binding arbitration in accordance with the Vitamin Shoppe Dispute Resolution Program Rules of Dispute Resolution.
  
b.      Claims subject to this arbitration provision are and shall be (i) those claims which arise out of or relate to this Agreement, including the enforceability and/or violation of any term or provision of this Agreement; and/or (ii) in the event that Paragraph 2 of this Agreement is determined or deemed to be void or unenforceable, in whole or in part, those claims which arise out of or relate to any rights or claims, or constituting any claims, that are described in and/or are referred to, and were intended to be waived and released, in Paragraph 2 of this Agreement.
c.      In the event sub-section (ii) of Paragraph 11(b) becomes operative, Employee expressly waives any right or ability to be a class or collective action representative or to otherwise participate in any putative or certified class, collective or multi-party action or proceeding based on such a claim in which Employer is a party. This agreement authorizes only bi-lateral arbitration and does not authorize class, collective, or representative claims. Notwithstanding any other provision of this Agreement, only a court of competent jurisdiction is authorized to interpret this class, collective and representative action waiver. Furthermore, notwithstanding anything contained in the rules of the AAA or any other organization, an arbitrator shall not have the authority to interpret this class, collective and representative action waiver and shall not have the authority to order or preside over a class, collective or representative action.

d.      In the event that the parties agreement to arbitrate is determined by a court with appropriate jurisdiction to be unenforceable, Employee waives Employee’s right, if any, to a trial by jury (i) of any claim arising out of or in connection with this Agreement; or (ii) in the event that Paragraph 2 of this Agreement is determined or deemed to be void or unenforceable, of any claims that are described in and/or referred to, and were intended to be waived and released, in Section 2 of this Agreement.

12.      Nonadmission of Wrongdoing . The parties agree that neither this Agreement nor the furnishing of the consideration for this Agreement shall be deemed or construed at any time for any purpose as an admission by either party of any liability or unlawful conduct of any kind.






13.      Entire Agreement . This Agreement and the Consulting Agreement set forth the entire agreement between the parties hereto, and fully supersedes any prior agreements or understandings between the parties, except as otherwise stated herein. Employee acknowledges that Employee has not relied on any representations, promises, or agreements of any kind made to Employee in connection with Employee’s decision to accept this Agreement, except for those set forth in this Agreement.

14.      Section Headings . Section headings are used herein for convenience of reference only and shall not affect the meaning of any provision of this Agreement.
15.      Counterparts . This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and each of which shall together constitute one and the same agreement. This Agreement shall not be enforceable until executed by the Company.

16.      Legal Fees . Each party will be responsible for its own legal fees or costs, if any, incurred in connection with the negotiation and settlement of this Agreement.

17.      Competency to Waive Claims . At the time of considering or executing this Agreement, Employee was not affected or impaired by illness, use of alcohol, drugs or other substances or otherwise impaired. Employee is competent to execute this Agreement and knowingly and voluntarily waives any and all claims Employee may have against Employer. Employee certifies that Employee is not a party to any bankruptcy, lien, creditor-debtor or other proceedings which would impair Employee’s right or ability to waive all claims Employee may have against Employer.

EMPLOYEE HAS BEEN ADVISED THAT EMPLOYEE HAS TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAYS TO REVIEW THIS AGREEMENT AND HAS BEEN ADVISED IN WRITING TO CONSULT WITH AN ATTORNEY BEFORE SIGNING IT.

EMPLOYEE AGREES THAT ANY MODIFICATIONS, MATERIAL OR OTHERWISE, MADE TO THIS AGREEMENT DO NOT RESTART OR AFFECT IN ANY MANNER THE ORIGINAL TWENTY-ONE (21) CALENDAR DAY CONSIDERATION PERIOD.

HAVING ELECTED TO EXECUTE THIS AGREEMENT AND TO FULFILL THE PROMISES ABOVE, EMPLOYEE FREELY AND KNOWINGLY, AND AFTER DUE CONSIDERATION, ENTERS INTO THIS AGREEMENT INTENDING TO WAIVE, SETTLE AND RELEASE ALL CLAIMS EMPLOYEE HAS OR MIGHT HAVE AGAINST EMPLOYER.






IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto knowingly and voluntarily executed this General Release and Waiver as of the date set forth below:

BRENDA GALGANO


/s/ Brenda Galgano
Employee Signature

Date:    

VITAMIN SHOPPE INDUSTRIES INC.


By: /s/ Teresa Orth
      Teresa Orth
      SVP Human Resources

Date: 6/4/2018






Exhibit 10.11
CONSULTING AGREEMENT

           THIS AGREEMENT (“ Agreement ”) is effective as of this 6 th day of June, 2018 (the “ Effective Date ”) , by and between Vitamin Shoppe Industries Inc., a New York corporation (“ VSI ”), and Brenda Galgano, an individual (“ Consultant ”).
 
WHEREAS , VSI wishes to engage Consultant's services, and Consultant wishes to accept such engagement;
NOW, THEREFORE , in consideration of the mutual covenants and agreements of the parties set forth herein, and intending to be legally bound hereby, VSI and Consultant agree as follows:
 
1. SERVICES. From the Effective Date through September 7, 2018, Consultant will be available, upon reasonable notice, to respond to questions and provide assistance to VSI regarding the transition of the duties of the Chief Financial Officer, including, but not limited to, reviewing quarterly earnings reports, evaluating the Company’s fiscal function and performance, and sharing technical financial advice and knowledge with officers or employees of the Company.

2. COOPERATION. Consultant will cooperate with, and be readily available to, VSI to assist in any matter, including government agency investigations, court litigation, arbitrations or potential litigation or arbitrations, about which Consultant may have knowledge. If Consultant receives a subpoena or other legal process relating in any way to same, Consultant will immediately provide VSI with notice of the contact or the service of such subpoena or other legal process, and shall cooperate with VSI in responding thereto. In the event that Consultant fails to comply with the terms of this Paragraph, VSI reserves the right to require Consultant to repay any compensation paid pursuant to this Agreement, in addition to seeking compensation in connection with any other damages caused by Consultant’s non-compliance.

3. COMPENSATION. VSI shall pay Consultant a total of $175,000, payable in three equal installments on July 6, 2018, August 10, 2018 and September 7, 2018.

4. TRAVEL AND EXPENSES. Consultant shall be responsible for all costs and expenses incident to the performance of Services.  If any travel is authorized for reimbursement by Consultant in the performance of this Agreement, the same shall be in accordance with the Company’s Corporate Travel and Expense Reimbursement Policy.

5. CONSULTANT’S REPRESENTATIONS.   Consultant represents, warrants and agrees that no agreement or understanding with any other person, firm or corporation exists or will exist which would interfere with Consultant's obligations hereunder.  Consultant further represents and warrants that (i) the disclosure to VSI of any information by Consultant in connection with the Services does not contravene any confidentiality obligation Consultant may have to any third party; (ii) Consultant will use good faith commercial efforts in providing the Services hereunder in accordance with the highest industry standards prevailing for comparable services and will provide the Services in a professional and workmanlike manner; and (iii) Consultant shall comply with all applicable Federal, state and local laws, ordinances, rules, regulations, and orders of the state and locality where its Services are being performed.

6. CONFIDENTIALITY.

5.1    VSI may disclose to Consultant certain commercially valuable or otherwise proprietary or confidential information relating to the operations, products, sales and business of VSI and its affiliated and related


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companies or third parties including, without limitation, trade secrets, processes, promotional information, item rankings, data and know-how, software programs, techniques, marketing plans, strategies, forecasts, unpublished copyrightable material, consumer lists, personal information with respect to employees, customers or others, sources of supply, prospects or projections, or any other proprietary or confidential matter, (“ Confidential Information ”). Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Consultant acknowledges and agrees that any and all of VSI’s intellectual property and trade secrets, and information relating to any and all aspects of VSI’s distributing and marketing of products are Confidential Information of VSI. Confidential Information can be contained in any medium, including verbal form, graphic form, machine readable or electronic form, or written or other tangible form, whether or not marked as confidential.

5.2    Confidential Information shall exclude any information that: (a) is or becomes part of the public domain through no wrongful act or failure to act on the part of Consultant, (b) that is rightfully received by Consultant from a third party in possession of it who was not subject to any restrictions on the disclosure of such information; or (c) is approved in writing for release by an authorized officer of VSI.

    5.3    Consultant shall not disclose any Confidential Information to any person or entity without prior written permission from VSI; provided , however , that Consultant may disclose Confidential Information if such disclosure is required pursuant to any government statute, regulation or any court order, provided that Consultant takes reasonable actions to avoid and/or minimize such disclosure, including, if possible, providing prompt, advance notice of the impending disclosure to enable VSI to see a protective order or otherwise prevent such disclosure.

5.4    18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) states: “An individual shall not be held criminally or civilly liable under any Federal or State trade secret law for the disclosure of a trade secret that—(A) is made—(i) in confidence to a Federal, State, or local government official, either directly or indirectly, or to an attorney; and (ii) solely for the purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law; or (B) is made in a complaint or other document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, if such filing is made under seal.” Accordingly, Consultant has the right to disclose in confidence trade secrets to Federal, State, and local government officials, or to an attorney, for the sole purpose of reporting or investigating a suspected violation of law. Consultant also has the right to disclose trade secrets in a document filed in a lawsuit or other proceeding, but only if the filing is made under seal and protected from public disclosure. Nothing in this Agreement is intended to conflict with 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b) or create liability for disclosures of trade secrets that are expressly allowed by 18 U.S.C. § 1833(b). Nothing in this Agreement prohibits Consultant from reporting possible violations of United States federal law or regulation to any governmental agency or entity, including but not limited to, the United States Department of Justice, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, the United States Congress, and any Inspector General of any United States federal agency, or making other disclosures that are protected under the whistleblower provisions of United States federal, state or local law or regulation; provided, that Consultant will use Consultant’s reasonable best efforts to (1) disclose only information that is reasonably related to such possible violations or that is requested by such agency or entity, and (2) request that such agency or entity treat such information as confidential. Consultant does not need prior authorization from the Company to make any such reports or disclosures and is not required to notify the Company that Consultant has made such reports or disclosures. This Agreement does not limit Consultant’s right to receive an award for information provided to any governmental agency or entity.

5.5    Consultant acknowledges that Consultant continues to be bound by the non-competition and non-solicitation provisions in any agreement between Consultant and Company that predate this Agreement and that such provisions shall not be voided or superseded by this Agreement.

5.6    Consultant agrees that it is fair and reasonable and necessary to protect the business, operations, assets and reputation of the Company for Consultant to make the covenants and undertakings set forth in this Paragraphs 6. Furthermore, Consultant agrees that if Consultant breaches or attempts to breach or violate any of the foregoing provisions, the Company will be irreparably harmed and monetary damages will not provide an adequate remedy. Accordingly, it is agreed that the Company may apply for and shall be entitled to temporary, preliminary and permanent injunctive relief (without the necessity of posting a bond or other security) in order to prevent breach of Paragraph 6 of this Agreement or to specifically enforce the provisions hereof, and Consultant hereby consents to the granting of such relief, without having to prove the inadequacy of the available remedies at law or actual


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damages. It is understood that any such injunctive remedy shall not be exclusive or waive any rights to seek other remedies at law or in equity. Consultant further agrees that the covenants and undertakings covered by Paragraph 6 of this Agreement are reasonable in light of the facts as they exist on the date hereof. However, if at any time, a court shall determine that the scope or subject matter is unreasonable in any respect, it shall be modified as such court determines may be reasonable.

7. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTORS.  Nothing contained herein shall be deemed or construed to create any partnership or joint venture between VSI and Consultant.  All activities by Consultant under the terms of this Agreement shall be carried on by Consultant as an independent consultant and not as an agent for or employee of VSI.  Unless elsewhere stated in this Agreement, Consultant shall have no authority to act on behalf of VSI or to bind VSI directly or indirectly.  VSI shall not be liable for any injuries or damages incurred by Consultant as a result of activities in the performance of this Agreement.

8. MISCELLANEOUS. This document constitutes the entire agreement and understanding between the parties regarding the subject matter hereof, and supersedes and merges all prior discussions and all oral and/or written agreements between them relating thereto.  No waiver, modification or amendment to this Agreement shall be valid unless in writing, signed by the parties hereto. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the substantive laws, but not the laws of conflicts, of the State of New Jersey.  Any dispute, controversy, difference, or issue that may arise between the parties arising out of or relating to this Agreement shall be heard and determined exclusively in the state or Federal courts in Hudson County, New Jersey, and each party hereby waives and relinquishes all right to attack or vacate the jurisdiction or suitability of such forum or venue.  EACH PARTY HEREBY WAIVES ITS RIGHT TO A JURY TRIAL IN CONNECTION WITH ANY PROCEEDING OVER ANY DISPUTE ARISING UNDER THIS AGREEMENT. In the event of any litigation hereunder, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover from the non-prevailing party the reasonable attorneys’ fees, costs and expenses associated therewith.
 
[SIGNATURE PAGE FOLLOWS]
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have duly executed this Agreement as of the date first set forth above. 

BRENDA GALGANO
/s/Brenda Galgano
VITAMIN SHOPPE INDUSTRIES INC.
By:     /s/ Teresa Orth       
Name: Teresa Orth
Title: SVP, HR



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Exhibit 31.1
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Alexander W. Smith, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 8, 2018
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Alexander W. Smith
 
 
Alexander W. Smith
 
 
Executive Chairman




Exhibit 31.2
CERTIFICATIONS
I, Bill Wafford, certify that:
1. I have reviewed this Form 10-Q of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.;
2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;
3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;
4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and we have:
a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;
b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;
c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and
d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and
5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent function):
a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and
b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.
Date: August 8, 2018
 
 
 
By:
 
/s/ Bill Wafford
 
 
Bill Wafford
 
 
EVP and Chief Financial Officer




Exhibit 32.1
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Alexander W. Smith, Executive Chairman of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:
(i)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(ii)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
Date: August 8, 2018
 
/s/ Alexander W. Smith
Alexander W. Smith
Executive Chairman
(Principal Executive Officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of this Report.




Exhibit 32.2
CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350, AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002
In connection with this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc. (the “Company”) for the quarter ended June 30, 2018 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Bill Wafford, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, hereby certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that to the best of my knowledge:  
(i)
The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended; and
(ii)
The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of Vitamin Shoppe, Inc.
Date: August 8, 2018
 
/s/ Bill Wafford
Bill Wafford
EVP and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
The foregoing certification is being furnished solely pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350 and is not being filed as part of this Report.