Citi Trends, Inc. announced that it has entered into an agreement with Macellum SPV III, LP, pursuant to which the Board intends to nominate Peter R. Sachse to stand for election at the 2019 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“2019 Annual Meeting”) with a term expiring at the 2020 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (“2020 Annual Meeting”). The Company also announced that John S. Lupo will retire from the Board and not stand for re-election at the 2019 Annual Meeting. Following Mr. Lupo’s retirement and effective as of the conclusion of the 2019 Annual Meeting, Brian P. Carney will serve as Chairman of the Board.

Citi Trends also today announced that the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee will undergo a search for an additional independent director to be identified no later than September 30, 2019. Upon the identified individual being appointed to the Board, the Board will increase from seven to eight members. The Board expects to reduce the size of the Board back to seven members at the 2020 Annual Meeting, unless its members unanimously agree to remain at eight directors.

Mr. Sachse brings to Citi Trends more than three decades of experience at Macy’s, Inc. in various positions, including Chief Growth Officer, Chief of Innovation and Business Development, Chief Stores Officer, Chief Marketing Officer and President of Corporate Marketing. In addition, Mr. Sachse served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the macys.com division of Macy’s, Inc. and was involved in launching Macy's successful off-price concept Back Stage. From February 2010 to December 2018 and from October 2006 to April 2007, Mr. Sachse served as a director of XO Group Inc., a media and technology company that provides content, tools, products and services for couples who are planning weddings, creating a home, and starting a family. Mr. Sachse also previously served as a director of Charitybuzz Inc., a for-profit internet company that raises funds for nonprofit organizations through online charity auctions with celebrities and brands from 2012 until 2015. Prior to serving in these roles, Mr. Sachse was President and Chief Operating Officer of The Bon Marche, a department store chain launched in Seattle.

“We have made significant progress over the last several years on our strategic plan to grow the business, increase our profitability and provide meaningful returns to our stockholders,” said Bruce Smith, Chief Executive Officer of Citi Trends. “Our agreement with Macellum underscores our commitment to adding qualified directors who can help drive long-term stockholder value. We look forward to welcoming Peter to the Board and benefiting from his decades of retail experience as we continue to focus on improving our merchandising, planning and allocation, while driving efficiencies, reducing costs and optimizing our store footprint.”

“On behalf of the entire Board and management team, I want to thank John for his valuable contributions to Citi Trends over the last 15 years, including in his role as Chairman,” said Mr. Carney.

“We are pleased we could reach this agreement with the Company,” said Jonathan Duskin, sole member of Macellum Advisors GP, LLC and current member of the Citi Trends Board. “Citi Trends is a great company with significant value potential, and we are confident that the addition of Peter, together with a director we will identify through a search process, will bring fresh perspectives and added expertise to the Board.”

Under the terms of the agreement, Macellum has agreed to withdraw its slate of nominees and will vote all of its shares in favor of all of the Board’s nominees. Further, Macellum has agreed to standstill provisions through the 2020 Annual Meeting; provided that the Company agrees to nominate Mr. Duskin, Mr. Sachse and the additional independent director to be identified at the 2020 Annual Meeting.

This agreement will be filed on a Form 8-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.