12.    Employee benefit plans

The Company provides a 401(k) retirement plan covering all employees who qualify as to age and length of service. The plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2011 and 2010, the Company match was 100% of the first 2.5% and 2%, respectively, of eligible compensation. In fiscal 2009, the Company match was between 40% and 50% of the first 3% of eligible compensation. For fiscal years 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company match was $2,146, $1,106 and $600, respectively.

On January 1, 2009, the Company established a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for highly compensated employees whose contributions are limited under qualified defined contribution plans. Amounts contributed and deferred under the plan are credited or charged with the performance of investment options offered under the plan as elected by the participants. In the event of bankruptcy, the assets of this plan are available to satisfy the claims of general creditors. The liability for compensation deferred under the Company’s plan included in accrued liabilities was $1,855 and $1,233 as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in selling, general and administrative expenses and was insignificant during fiscal 2011 and 2010. The Company manages the risk of changes in the fair value of the liability for deferred compensation by electing to match its liability under the plan with investment vehicles that offset a substantial portion of its exposure. The cash value of the investment vehicles included in prepaid expense and other current assets was $1,968 and $1,232 as of January 28, 2012 and January 29, 2011, respectively.