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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 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 May 3, 2003

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 1-10767

VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
----------------------------------
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Ohio 31-1322832
- --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
organization)


3241 Westerville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43224
- --------------------------------------------------- -------------------------------------------
(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)




(614) 471-4722
--------------------------------------------------
Registrant's telephone number, including area code


Not applicable
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since
last report)




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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for
the past 90 days. YES X NO
------- -------

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as
defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). YES NO X
-------- --------

The number of shares outstanding of Common Stock, without par value, as of June
3, 2003 was 33,913,056.






VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
TABLE OF CONTENTS




PAGE NO.
--------
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION


Item 1. Financial Statements

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at May 3, 2003
and February 1, 2003........................................................................3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002.............................................4

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
for the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002......................................5

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements......................................................6

Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations..................................................................12

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk.....................................20

Item 4. Controls and Procedures........................................................................21

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings..............................................................................22

Item 2. Changes in Securities and Use of Proceeds......................................................22

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities................................................................22

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders............................................22

Item 5. Other Information..............................................................................22

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K...............................................................22

Signature........................................................................................................23

Certifications Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.........................................24



-2-






VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)



May 3, February 1,
2003 2003
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ASSETS
Cash and equivalents $28,824 $11,059
Accounts receivable, net 22,726 10,666
Receivables from affiliates 2,677 933
Inventories 452,892 389,825
Prepaid expenses and other assets 19,342 19,354
Deferred income taxes 39,761 51,317
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current assets 566,222 483,154
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Property and equipment, net 232,497 233,452

Goodwill 37,619 37,619
Tradenames and other intangibles, net 46,592 47,583
Other assets 26,985 29,991
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$909,915 $831,799
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable $209,205 $160,809
Accounts payable to affiliates 4,053 4,228
Accrued expenses 109,626 135,918
Current maturities of long-term obligations 799 809
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total current liabilities 323,683 301,764
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Long-term obligations, net of current maturities 329,970 264,664
Other noncurrent liabilities 47,555 44,207
Commitments and contingencies -- --

Common shares, without par value;
80,000,000 authorized; issued, including
treasury shares, 33,920,707 and
33,913,374 shares, respectively 143,183 143,183
Warrants 6,074 6,074
Retained earnings 65,594 78,767
Deferred compensation expense, net (885) (981)
Treasury shares, at cost, 7,651 shares (59) (59)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (5,200) (5,820)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
208,707 221,164
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$909,915 $831,799


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



-3-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
(IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
(UNAUDITED)



Three months ended
--------------------------------------
May 3, May 4,
2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Net sales, excluding sales of licensed departments $ 588,532 $ 585,912
Cost of sales (371,812) (362,725)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 216,720 223,187

Selling, general and administrative expenses (231,041) (223,270)
License fees and other operating income 1,501 2,162
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating (loss) profit (12,820) 2,079

Interest expense, net (9,583) (6,338)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before benefit for income taxes and
cumulative effect of accounting change (22,403) (4,259)
Benefit for income taxes 9,230 1,564
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting
change (13,173) (2,695)
Cumulative effect of accounting change,
net of income taxes -- (2,080)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss $ (13,173) $ (4,775)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Basic and diluted weighted average
shares outstanding 33,712 33,627
Basic and diluted earnings (loss) per share:
Loss before cumulative effect of accounting
change $ (0.39) $ (0.08)
Cumulative effect of accounting change, net
of income taxes -- (0.06)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss $ (0.39) $ (0.14)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


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



-4-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
(IN THOUSANDS)
(UNAUDITED)



Three months ended
-------------------------------------------
May 3, May 4,
2003 2002
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss $ (13,173) $ (4,775)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash
(used in) provided by operating activities:
Cumulative effect of accounting change -- 2,080
Amortization of discount on debt 497 --
Amortization of deferred compensation 96 500
Depreciation and amortization 13,804 12,973
Deferred income taxes and other noncurrent liabilities 13,025 4,325
Loss on disposal of assets 7 41
Change in working capital, assets and liabilities:
Receivables (13,804) (7,016)
Inventories (63,067) (20,562)
Prepaid expenses and other assets 3,866 (35)
Accounts payable 48,221 26,744
Accrued expenses (27,576) (2,900)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (38,104) 11,375
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures (10,847) (5,608)
Proceeds from sale of assets 13 7
Proceeds from lease incentives 1,904 2,281
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash used in investing activities (8,930) (3,320)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cash flows from financing activities:
Net increase (decrease) in:
Revolving credit facility 65,000 (21,000)
Capital leases and other debt (201) (132)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 64,799 (21,132)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net increase (decrease) in cash and equivalents 17,765 (13,077)
Cash and equivalents, beginning of period 11,059 35,915
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash and equivalents, end of period $ 28,824 $ 22,838
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



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



-5-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Value City Department Stores, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. These
entities are herein referred to collectively as the Company. We are managed
in three operating segments: Value City Department Stores ("Value City"),
DSW Shoe Warehouse ("DSW"), and Filene's Basement.

VALUE CITY. The Company operates a chain of 116 department stores located
in Ohio, Pennsylvania and 13 other Midwestern, Eastern and Southern states,
principally under the name Value City. For over 80 years, our strategy has
been to provide exceptional value by offering a broad selection of brand
name merchandise at prices substantially below conventional retail prices.
Our Value City stores carry men's, women's and children's apparel,
housewares, giftware, home furnishings, toys, jewelry, shoes and health,
beauty care items and commodities, with apparel comprising well over
one-half of total sales. Our Value City stores average 87,000 square feet
which allow us to offer over 100,000 different items of merchandise similar
to the items found in traditional department, specialty and discount
stores. Our pricing strategy is supported by our ability to purchase large
quantities of goods in a variety of special buying opportunities. For many
years, we have had a reputation in the marketplace as a purchaser of
buy-outs and manufacturers' closeouts.

DSW. The Company also operates a chain of 129 DSW stores located throughout
the United States. Our DSW stores are a chain of upscale shoe stores
offering a wide selection of dress and casual footwear below traditional
retail prices. These stores average 25,000 square feet with up to 45,000
pairs of women's and men's designer brand shoes and athletic footwear per
store. Additionally, Shonac Corporation, the parent company of DSW,
pursuant to license agreements with Value City and Filene's Basement,
operates the license shoe departments in principally all Value City and
Filene's Basement stores. Results of operations of licensed shoe
departments are included with the Value City and Filene's Basement
segments. In July 2002, Shonac Corporation entered into a Supply Agreement
with Stein Mart to supply merchandise to some of Stein Mart's shoe
departments. Stein Mart operations are included with the DSW segment.

FILENE'S BASEMENT. Finally, the Company operates 20 Filene's Basement
stores located principally in the Northeast United States. Our Filene's
Basement stores average 40,000 square feet and specialize in top tier brand
name merchandise of men's and women's apparel, jewelry, shoes, accessories
and home goods.

The accompanying financial statements reflect all adjustments consisting of
only normal recurring adjustments, which are, in the opinion of management,
necessary to present fairly the consolidated financial position and results
of operations for the periods presented. To facilitate comparisons with the
current year, certain previously reported balances have been reclassified
to conform with the current period presentation.




-6-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

2. SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY



Three months ended
------------------
May 3, 2003
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Total shareholders' equity, beginning of period $221,164
Net loss (13,173)
Amortization of deferred compensation expense 96
Net unrealized gain on derivative financial
instruments, net of income tax provision of $413 620
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total shareholders' equity, end of period $208,707
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



On September 26, 2002, the Company issued warrants ("Warrants") with a fair
value of $6.1 million to purchase 2,954,792 shares of common stock at an
exercise price of $4.50 per share to the Term Loan C Lenders. The number of
shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants and the per share
exercise price are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified
events. The Warrants are exercisable at any time prior to June 11, 2012.
The Company has granted the Term Loan C Lenders registration rights with
respect to the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants.

$75 Million Senior Convertible Loan

We have amended and restated our $75.0 million Senior Subordinated
Convertible Loan Agreement on June 11, 2002 (the "Convertible Loan"). As
amended, borrowings under the Convertible Loan bear interest at 10% per
annum. At our option, interest may be PIK during the first two years, and
thereafter, at our option, up to 50% of the interest due may be PIK until
maturity. The Convertible Loan is guaranteed by all principal subsidiaries
and is secured by a lien on assets junior to liens granted in favor of the
Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loans. The Convertible Loan is not
prepayable until June 11, 2007. The agent has the right to designate two
observers to our Board of Directors for so long as the agent is the
beneficial owner of at least 50% of the advances initially made by it and
has the right to designate two individuals to our Board of Directors for so
long as the agent is the beneficial owner of at least 50% of the conversion
shares issued upon conversion of the advances initially made by it.

The Convertible Loan is convertible at the option of the holders into
shares of our common stock at a conversion price of $4.50 per share. The
conversion price is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified
events. The maturity date is June 10, 2009.


-7-







VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

3. EARNINGS PER SHARE


Basic earnings per share is based on the net loss and a simple weighted
average of common shares outstanding.

Diluted earnings per share reflects the potential dilution of common
shares, related to both outstanding stock options and warrants, calculated
using the treasury stock method and convertible debt calculated using the
if-converted method. The numerator for the diluted earnings per share
calculation is the net loss adjusted to remove the effect of interest,
adjusted for tax, on the convertible debt.

The denominator is summarized as follows for the diluted earnings per share
calculation (in thousands):



Three months ended
---------------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Weighted average shares outstanding 33,712 33,627
Assumed exercise of warrants -- --
Assumed conversion of debt -- --
Assumed exercise of dilutive stock options -- --
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number of shares for computation of
diluted earnings per share 33,712 33,627
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


These stock options, warrants or convertible debt are anti-dilutive for the
three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002.

4. VALUATION ACCOUNT

Reserves established and used for severance costs are as follows (in
thousands):



Three months Year
ended ended
------------------- ---------------
May 3, 2003 February 1,2003
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Balance at beginning of period $3,996 $5,357
Provisions to establish reserves -- 5,950
Reductions for intended purposes (3,996) (7,311)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance at end of period -- $3,996
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------



5. ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") periodically issues
Statements of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"), some of which
require implementation by a date falling within or after the close of the
fiscal year.



-8-


VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities. FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin
No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which
equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial
interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance
its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other
parties. FIN 46 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a
company, if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from
the variable interest entity's activities or entitled to receive a majority
of the entity's residual returns or both. FIN 46 also requires disclosures
about variable interest entities that a company is not required to
consolidate but in which it has a significant variable interest. The
consolidation requirements of FIN 46 apply immediately to variable interest
entities created after January 31, 2003 and to existing entities in the
first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Certain
of the disclosure requirements apply to all financial statements issued
after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest entity was
established. The Company has no variable interest entities as of May 3,
2003.

The FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting
By A Customer (Including A Reseller) For Cash Consideration Received From A
Vendor" addressed the accounting treatment for vendor allowances. The
adoption of EITF Issue No. 02-16 in 2003 did not have a material impact on
the Company's financial position or results of operations.

6. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE LOSS

Comprehensive loss represents net loss plus the results of certain
non-shareholders' equity changes not reflected in the Consolidated
Statement of Operations. The components of comprehensive loss, net of tax
are as follows (in thousands):



Three months ended
-----------------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net loss $(13,173) $(4,775)
Net unrealized gain on
derivative financial instruments
net of income tax 620 451
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Other comprehensive loss $(12,553) $(4,324)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------





-9-





VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)

The components of the balance sheet caption accumulated other comprehensive loss
are as follows (in thousands):




May 4, 2003 February 1, 2003
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net unrealized loss on derivative
financial instruments, net of income tax $ -- $ (620)
Minimum pension liability, net of income tax (5,200) (5,200)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Accumulated other comprehensive loss $ (5,200) $ (5,820)
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


The Company's interest rate swap expired during the three months ended May
3, 2003, and was not renewed.

7. STOCK BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has various stock-based employee compensations plans. The
Company accounts for those plans in accordance with APB No.25. "Accounting
For Stock Issued to Employees," and related Interpretations. No stock based
employee compensation cost is reflected in net loss, as no options granted
under those plans had an exercise price less than the market value of the
underlying common stock on the date of grant. The following table
illustrates the effect on net loss and earnings (loss) per share if the
Company had applied the fair value recognition of SFAS 123, "Accounting for
Stock-Based Compensation."




Three Months Ended
------------------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net loss, as reported $(13,173) $(4,775)
Deduct: Total stock-based employee
compensation expense determined
under fair value based method for
all awards, net of tax (1,029) (1,198)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro forma net loss $(14,202) $(5,973)
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic and diluted as reported $(0.39) $(0.14)

Basic and diluted pro forma $(0.42) $(0.18)








-10-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
(UNAUDITED)


8. SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company is managed in three operating segments: Value City Department
Stores, DSW Shoe Warehouse and Filene's Basement. All of the operations are
located in the United States. The Company has identified such segments
based on management responsibility and measures segment profit as operating
(loss) profit, which is defined as income before interest expense and
income taxes.

Three-month period ended May 3, 2003 (in thousands):



Value City DSW Filene's Total
---------- --- -------- -----

Net sales $342,894 $183,051 $62,587 $588,532
Operating (loss) profit (13,354) 2,601 (2,067) (12,820)
Identifiable assets 669,315 125,752 114,848 909,915
Capital expenditures 4,026 6,193 628 10,847
Depreciation and amortization 9,098 3,105 1,601 13,804


Three-month period ended May 4, 2002 (in thousands):



Value City DSW Filene's Total
---------- --- -------- -----

Net sales $359,225 $155,976 $70,711 $585,912
Operating (loss) profit (4,294) 4,987 1,386 2,079
Identifiable assets 651,577 114,360 117,068 883,005
Capital expenditures 2,410 2,558 640 5,608
Depreciation and amortization 9,777 1,472 1,724 12,973




9. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company is involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to
the conduct of its business. The Company estimates the range of liability
related to pending litigation where the amount and range of loss can be
estimated. The Company records its best estimate of a loss when the loss is
considered probable. Where a liability is probable and there is a range of
estimated loss, the Company records the minimum estimated liability related
to the claim. In the opinion of management, the amount of any liability
with respect to these proceedings will not be material. As additional
information becomes available, the Company assesses the potential liability
related to its pending litigation and revises the estimates. Revisions in
the Company's estimates and potential liability could materially impact its
results of operations.





-11-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.

RISK FACTORS AND SAFE HARBOR STATEMENT

We caution that any forward-looking statements (as such term is defined in the
Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995) contained in this Report
and/or other risk factors that may be described in the Safe Harbor Statement and
Business Risks section of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year
ended February 1, 2003, or contained in other filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission or made by our management involve risks and uncertainties,
and are subject to change based on various important factors. The following
factors, among others, in some cases have affected and in the future could
affect our financial performance and actual results and could cause actual
results for 2003 and beyond to differ materially from those expressed or implied
in any such forward-looking statements: decline in demand for our merchandise,
our ability to attain our fiscal 2003 business plan, expected cash from
operations, vendor and their factor relations, flow of merchandise, compliance
with our credit agreements, our ability to strengthen our liquidity and increase
our credit availability, the availability of desirable store locations on
suitable terms, changes in consumer spending patterns, consumer preferences and
overall economic conditions, the impact of competition and pricing, changes in
weather patterns, changes in existing or potential duties, tariffs or quotas,
paper and printing costs, and the ability to hire and train associates.

Historically, our operations have been seasonal, with a disproportionate amount
of sales and a majority of net income occurring in the back-to-school and
Christmas selling seasons. As a result of this seasonality, any factors
negatively affecting us during this period, including adverse weather, the
timing and level of markdowns or unfavorable economic conditions, could have a
material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations for
the entire year.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Management's Discussion and Analysis discusses the results of operations and
financial condition as reflected in our consolidated financial statements, which
have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.
As discussed in Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements that are included in
our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003 that is filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the preparation of financial
statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the
reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of commitments and
contingencies at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of
revenues and expenses during the reporting period. On an ongoing basis,
management evaluates its estimates and judgments, including, but not limited to,
those related to inventory valuation, depreciation, amortization, recoverability
of long-lived assets including intangible assets, the calculation of retirement
benefits, estimates for self insurance reserves for health and welfare, workers'
compensation and casualty insurance, income taxes, contingencies, litigation and
revenue recognition. Management bases its estimates and judgments on its
historical experience and other relevant factors, the results of which form the
basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets


-12-


VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The process of
determining significant estimates is fact specific and takes into account
factors such as historical experience, current and expected economic conditions,
product mix, and in some cases, actuarial and appraisal techniques. We
constantly re-evaluate these significant factors and make adjustments where
facts and circumstances dictate.

While we believe that our historical experience and other factors considered
provide a meaningful basis for the accounting policies applied in the
preparation of the consolidated statements, we cannot guarantee that our
estimates and assumptions will be accurate. As the determination of these
estimates requires the exercise of judgement, actual results inevitably will
differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the
financial statements.

We believe the following represent the most critical estimates and assumptions,
among others, used in the preparation of our consolidated financial statements.
We have discussed the selection, application and disclosure of the critical
accounting policies with our audit committee.


- Revenue recognition. Revenues from our retail operations are
recognized at the latter of point of sale or the delivery of
goods to the customer. Retail revenues are reduced by a
provision for anticipated returns based on our historical trends
by our customers.

- Cost of sales and merchandise inventories. We use the retail
method of accounting for substantially all of our merchandise
inventories. Merchandise inventories are stated at the lower of
cost, determined using the first-in, first-out basis, or market
using the retail inventory method. The retail method is widely
used in the retail industry due to its practicality. Under the
retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost
and the resulting gross margins are calculated by applying a
calculated cost to retail ratio to the retail value of
inventories. The cost of the inventory reflected on our
consolidated balance sheet is decreased by charges to cost of
sales at the time the retail value of the inventory is lowered
through the use of markdowns. Hence, earnings are negatively
impacted as merchandise is marked down prior to sale. Reserves
to value inventory at the lower of cost or market were $33.4
million on May 3, 2003 and $32.5 million at the end of fiscal
2002.

Inherent in the calculation of inventories are certain
significant management judgements and estimates including,
setting the original merchandise retail value or markon, markups
of initial prices established, reduction of pricing due to
customer's value perception or perceived value known as
markdowns and estimates of losses between physical inventory
counts or shrinkage, which combined with the averaging process
within the retail method, can significantly impact the ending
inventory valuation at cost and the resulting gross margins.

- Long-lived assets. In evaluating the fair value and future
benefits of long-lived assets, excluding goodwill, we perform an
analysis of the anticipated undiscounted future cash flows of
the related long-lived asset and reduce the carrying value by
the excess where the recorded value exceeds the fair value.
Goodwill is tested on an annual basis using a fair value based
approach.


-13-


VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS



For the three months ended May 3, 2003, we recorded no
impairments related to long-lived assets. During fiscal 2002, we
implemented SFAS 142 which required that goodwill no longer be
amortized, but would be subject to annual fair value based
impairment tests. The initial tests for goodwill impairment, as
of February 3, 2002, resulted in a non-cash charge of $3.4
million, $2.1 million net of taxes that was recorded effective
for the quarter ended May 4, 2002.

We believe at this time that the long-lived assets' carrying
values and useful lives continue to be appropriate. To the
extent these future projections or our strategies change, the
conclusion regarding impairment may differ from our current
estimates.

- Self-insurance reserves. We record estimates for certain health
and welfare, workers compensation and casualty insurance costs
that are self-insured programs. These estimates are based on
actuarial assumptions and are subject to change based on actual
results. Should a greater amount of claims occur compared to
what was estimated for costs of certain health and welfare,
workers compensation or casualty insurance increase beyond what
was anticipated, reserves recorded may not be sufficient and
additional costs to the consolidated financial statements could
be required.

- Pension. The obligations and related assets of defined benefit
retirement plans are included in the Condensed Consolidated
Financial Statements. Plan assets, which consist primarily of
marketable equity and debt instruments, are valued using market
quotations. Plan obligations and the annual pension expense are
determined by independent actuaries and through the use of a
number of assumptions. Key assumptions in measuring the plan
obligations include the discount rate, the rate of salary
increases and the estimated future return on plan assets. In
determining the discount rate, we utilize the yield on
fixed-income investments currently available with maturities
corresponding to the anticipated timing of the benefit payments.
Salary increase assumptions are based upon historical experience
and anticipated future management actions. Asset returns are
based upon the anticipated average rate of earnings expected on
the invested funds of the plans. At May 3, 2003, the actual
assumption of our plans has remained unchanged from our Annual
Report on Form 10-K for the year ended February 1, 2003 filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. To the extent
actual results vary from assumptions, earnings would be
impacted.

- Customer loyalty program. We maintain a customer loyalty program
for our DSW operations in which customers receive a future
discount on qualifying purchases. Upon reaching the target
level, customers may redeem these discounts on a future
purchase. Generally, these future discounts must be redeemed in
one year. We accrue the estimated costs of the anticipated
redemptions of the discount earned at the time of the initial
purchase and charge such costs to selling, general and
administrative expense based on historical experience. The
estimates of the costs associated with the loyalty program
require us to make assumptions related to customer purchase
levels and redemption rates. Accrued liability as of May 3, 2003
and February 1, 2003 was $2.5 million and $2.2 million,
respectively. To the extent assumptions of purchases and
redemption rates vary from actual results, earnings would be
impacted.

-14-

VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


- Income taxes. We do business in numerous jurisdictions that
impose taxes. Management is required to determine the aggregate
amount of income tax expense to accrue and the amount which will
be currently payable based upon tax statutes of each
jurisdiction. The estimation process involves adjusting net
income (loss) determined by the application of generally
accepted accounting principles for items that are treated
differently by the applicable taxing authorities. Deferred tax
assets and liabilities are reflected on our balance sheet for
temporary differences that will reverse in subsequent years. If
different management judgements had been made, our tax expense,
assets and liabilities could be different.



-15-


VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the percentage
relationships to net sales of the listed items included in the Company's
Consolidated Statements of Operations.



Three months ended
-------------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Net sales, excluding sales of
licensed departments 100.0% 100.0%
Cost of sales (63.2) (61.9)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gross profit 36.8 38.1
Selling, general and administrative
expenses (39.3) (38.1)
License fees and other
operating income 0.3 0.4
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Operating (loss) profit (2.2) 0.4
Interest expense, net (1.6) (1.1)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before benefit for income taxes and
cumulative effect of accounting change (3.8) (0.7)
Benefit for income taxes 1.6 0.3
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Loss before cumulative effect of
accounting change (2.2) (0.4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cumulative effect of accounting
change -- (0.4)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Net loss (2.2)% (0.8)%
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 3, 2003 COMPARED TO THREE MONTHS ENDED MAY 4, 2002

Net sales increased $2.6 million, or 0.4%, from $585.9 million to $588.5
million. Comparable stores sales for the quarter were negative for each segment.
Comparable store sales weaknesses were attributable to a weak retail environment
and unseasonably cold and inclement weather conditions in our market areas.
Comparable store sales by segment were:



Three months ended
----------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Value City Department Stores (4.0)% (1.3)%
DSW (3.6)% 1.4%
Filene's Basement (8.1)% 4.9%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total (4.4)% 0.0%
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Value City's sales were $342.9 million, a 4.5% decrease in the quarter. Value
City's non-apparel comparable sales decreased 0.5% while apparel sales decreased
6.1%. Each of the three apparel divisions: Children's, Men's and Ladies, had
negative comparable sales for the quarter of 8.8%, 5.3% and 5.5%, respectively.



-16-



VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


DSW sales were $183.1 million, a 17.4% increase in the quarter, which includes a
net increase of 19 DSW stores and the addition of 161 leased locations.

Filene's Basement sales were $62.6 million, an 11.5% decrease in the quarter.

Gross profit decreased by $6.5 million to $216.7 million, from $223.2 million,
and as a percentage of sales from 38.1% to 36.8%. The decrease is attributable
to increased markdowns over the prior year. Gross profit, as a percent of sales
by segment in the first quarter, were:



Three months ended
------------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Value City Department Stores 36.6% 37.9%
DSW 38.6% 39.0%
Filene's Basement 32.8% 37.0%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 36.8% 38.1%
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Selling, general and administrative expenses ("SG&A") increased $7.7 million,
from $223.3 million to $231.0 million, and increased as a percentage of sales
from 38.1% to 39.3%. This increase includes $9.8 million attributable to new
stores and leased shoe departments in operation at DSW. SG&A as a percent of
sales by segment in the first quarter were:



Three months ended
------------------------------------
May 3, 2003 May 4, 2002
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Value City Department Stores 40.8% 39.6%
DSW 37.3% 35.9%
Filene's Basement 36.7% 35.6%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 39.3% 38.1%
- -------------------------------------------------------------------------------


License fees and other operating income decreased $0.7 million, from $2.2
million to $1.5 million, and decreased as a percentage of sales to 0.3%.

Operating (loss) profit decreased to a $12.8 million loss, from a profit of $2.1
million and decreased as a percentage of sales from a profit of 0.4% to a loss
of 2.2%.

Net interest expense for the quarter increased $3.2 million to $9.6 million. The
increase is due primarily to a 4.0% increase in our weighted average borrowing
rate, a result of new term debt entered into June 11, 2002, offset by a decrease
of $19.7 million in average borrowings from last year to this year.

The effective tax rate for the three months ended May 3, 2003 is 41.2% versus
36.7% for the three months ended May 4, 2002. The increase is due in part to the
non-deductible warrant amortization that is included for book income but
excluded for tax.


-17-



VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Net working capital was $242.5 million and $213.8 million at May 3, 2003 and May
4, 2002, respectively. Current ratios at those dates were 1.8 and 1.7,
respectively. Net cash used in operating activities totaled $38.1 million in
year-to-date fiscal 2003 compared to $11.4 million provided by operations in
year-to-date fiscal 2002.

Net cash used for capital expenditures was $10.8 million and $5.6 million for
the three months ended May 3, 2003 and May 4, 2002, respectively. During the
three months ended May 3, 2003, capital expenditures included $4.9 million for
new stores, $3.7 million for improvements in existing stores and $2.2 million
for MIS equipment upgrades and new systems. Proceeds from lease incentives are
amortized as a reduction of rent expense over the life of the lease.

On June 11, 2002, we, together with our principal subsidiaries, entered into a
$525.0 million refinancing that consists of three separate credit facilities:
(i) a new three-year $350.0 million revolving credit facility (the "Revolving
Credit Facility"), (ii) two $50.0 million term loan facilities provided equally
by Cerberus Partners, L.P. and Schottenstein Stores Corporation (the "Term
Loans"), and (iii) an amended and restated $75.0 million senior convertible
loan, initially entered into by us on March 15, 2000, which is held equally by
Cerberus Partners, L.P. and SSC (the "Convertible Loan").

$350 Million Revolving Credit Facility

Under the Revolving Credit Facility, the borrowing base formula is structured in
a manner that allows us and our subsidiaries availability based on the value of
inventories and receivables. Primary security for the Revolving Credit Facility
is provided by a first priority lien on all of our inventory and accounts
receivable, as well as certain intercompany notes and payment intangibles. The
Revolving Credit Facility also has a second priority perfected interest in all
of the collateral securing the Term Loans. Interest on borrowings is calculated
at the bank's base rate or Eurodollar rate plus 2.00% to 2.75%, depending upon
the level of average excess availability we maintain. At May 3, 2003, $174.0
million was available under the Revolving Credit Facility. Direct borrowings
aggregated $129.0 million, plus $12.0 million of letters of credit were issued
and outstanding.

$100 Million Term Loans

The Term Loans are comprised of a $50.0 million Term Loan B and a $50.0 million
Term Loan C. All obligations under the Term Loans are senior debt, ranking pari
passu with the Revolving Credit Facility and the Convertible Loan. We and our
principal subsidiaries are obligated on the Term Loans.

The Term Loans stated rate of interest per annum during the initial two years of
the agreement is 14% if paid in cash and 15% if we elect a paid-in-kind ("PIK")
option. During the first two years of the Term Loans, we may pay all interest by
PIK. During the final year of the Term Loans, the stated rate of interest is
15.0% if paid in cash or 15.5% by PIK and the PIK option is limited to 50% of
the interest due.

-18-



VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

On September 26, 2002, we issued 2,954,792 warrants ("Warrants") to purchase
shares of common stock, at an exercise price of $4.50 per share, to the Term
Loan C Lenders. The number of shares issuable upon the exercise of the Warrants
and the per share exercise price are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence
of specified events. The Warrants are exercisable at any time prior to June 11,
2012. We have granted the Term Loan C Lenders registration rights with respect
to the shares issuable upon exercise of the Warrants. The value placed on the
Warrants was $6.1 million and the related debt discount is amortized into
interest expense over the life of the debt.

$75 Million Senior Convertible Loan

We have amended and restated our $75.0 million Senior Subordinated Convertible
Loan Agreement on June 11, 2002 (the "Convertible Loan"). As amended, borrowings
under the Convertible Loan bear interest at 10% per annum. At our option,
interest may be PIK during the first two years, and thereafter, at our option,
up to 50% of the interest due may be PIK until maturity. The Convertible Loan is
guaranteed by all principal subsidiaries and is secured by a lien on assets
junior to liens granted in favor of the Revolving Credit Facility and Term
Loans. The Convertible Loan is not prepayable until June 11, 2007. The agent has
the right to designate two observers to our Board of Directors for so long as
the agent is the beneficial owner of at least 50% of the advances initially made
by it and has the right to designate two individuals to our Board of Directors
for so long as the agent is the beneficial owner of at least 50% of the
conversion shares issued upon conversion of the advances initially made by it.

The Convertible Loan is convertible at the option of the holders into shares of
our common stock at a conversion price of $4.50 per share. The conversion price
is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of specified events. The maturity
date is June 10, 2009.

Achievement of expected cash flows from operations and compliance with the
covenants of our credit agreements (as discussed in the Notes to Consolidated
Financial Statements that are included in our 2002 Annual Report Form 10-K filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission) are dependent upon a number of
factors, including the attainment of sales, gross profit, expense levels, vendor
relations, and flow of merchandise that are consistent with our financial
projections. Future limitations of credit availability by factor organizations
and/or vendors will restrict our ability to obtain merchandise and services and
may impair operating results. Although operating results for the three months
ended May 3, 2003 were below plan, we believe that cash generated by operations,
along with the available proceeds from our credit agreements and other sources
of financing will be sufficient to meet our obligations for working capital,
capital expenditures, and debt service. However, there is no assurance that we
will be able to meet our projections. Further, there is no assurance that
extended financing will be available in the future if we fail to meet our
projections or on terms acceptable to us.


-19-



VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

ADOPTION OF ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

The Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") periodically issues Statements
of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS"), some of which require implementation
by a date falling within or after the close of the fiscal year.

In January 2003, the FASB issued FIN 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest
Entities. FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin No.
51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity
investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or
do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities
without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. FIN 46
requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company, if that
company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest
entity's activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity's residual
returns or both. FIN 46 also requires disclosures about variable interest
entities that a company is not required to consolidate but in which it has a
significant variable interest. The consolidation requirements of FIN 46 apply
immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003 and to
existing entities in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after
June 15, 2003. Certain of the disclosure requirements apply to all financial
statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable
interest entity was established. We have no variable interest entities as of May
3, 2003.

The FASB's Emerging Issues Task Force ("EITF") Issue No. 02-16, "Accounting By A
Customer (Including A Reseller) For Cash Consideration Received From A Vendor"
addressed the accounting treatment for vendor allowances. The adoption of EITF
Issue No. 02-16 in 2003 did not have a material impact on our financial position
or results of operations.


INFLATION

The results of operations and financial condition are presented based upon
historical cost. While it is difficult to accurately measure the impact of
inflation because of the nature of the estimates required, management believes
that the effect of inflation, if any, on the results of operations and financial
condition has been minor.



ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Our primary market risk results from fluctuations in interest rates. The Company
is exposed to interest rate risk through borrowings under its revolving credit
agreement.

Our interest rate swap expired during the three months ended May 3, 2003, and
was not renewed.


-20-




VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Within the 90 days prior to the date of this report, the Company carried out an
evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company's
management, including the Company's President and Chief Executive Officer along
with the Company's Chief Financial Officer of the effectiveness of the design
and operation of the Company's disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to
Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon the evaluation, the Company's President and
Chief Executive Officer along with the Company's Chief Financial Officer
concluded that the Company's disclosure controls and procedures are effective in
timely alerting them to material information relating to the Company (including
its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company's periodic
SEC filings. It should be noted that the design of any system of controls is
based in part upon 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, regardless of how remote.
There were no significant changes in internal controls or in other factors that
could significantly affect these controls subsequent to the date of their
evaluation.




-21-




PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS. Not applicable

Item 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS. Not applicable

Item 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES. Not applicable

Item 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS. Not
applicable

Item 5. OTHER INFORMATION. Not applicable

Item 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K.

Part A Exhibits.





Exhibit No. Document
----------- --------


99.1 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted,
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the
Chief Executive Officer.

99.2 Certification Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted,
Pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 by the
Chief Financial Officer.


Part B Reports on Form 8-K.

A current report on Form 8-K, dated April 7, 2003, was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 8, 2003
(Items 7 and 9).

A current report on Form 8-K/A, dated April 7, 2003, was
filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April
30, 2003 (Items 7 and 9).

A current report on Form 8-K, dated May 8, 2003, was filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission on May 12, 2003
(Items 7 and 9).


-22-




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.

VALUE CITY DEPARTMENT STORES, INC.
(Registrant)
------------

Date: June 13, 2003 By: /s/ James A. McGrady
------------- ----------------------------------------------
James A. McGrady,
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
Officer, Treasurer and Secretary of Value City
Department Stores, Inc.



-23-



CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002


I, John C. Rossler, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Value City
Department Stores, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly 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-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant
and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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
quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the
filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date");
and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on
our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the
audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data
and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal controls; and



-24-


6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in
this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes
in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly
affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: June 13, 2003

/s/ John C. Rossler
-------------------------------------------
John C. Rossler
President and Chief Executive Officer of
Value City Department Stores, Inc.


-25-



CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF
THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, James A. McGrady, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Value City
Department Stores, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this quarterly 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 quarterly report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial
information included in this quarterly 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 quarterly 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-14 and 15d-14) for the registrant
and we have:

a) designed such disclosure controls and procedures 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
quarterly report is being prepared;

b) evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure
controls and procedures as of a date within 90 days prior to the
filing date of this quarterly report (the "Evaluation Date");
and

c) presented in this quarterly report our conclusions about the
effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures based on
our evaluation as of the Evaluation Date;

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based
on our most recent evaluation, to the registrant's auditors and the
audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons
performing the equivalent function):

a) all significant deficiencies in the design or operation of
internal controls which could adversely affect the registrant's
ability to record, process, summarize and report financial data
and have identified for the registrant's auditors any material
weaknesses in internal controls; and

b) any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or
other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's
internal controls; and



-26-


6. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have indicated in
this quarterly report whether or not there were significant changes
in internal controls or in other factors that could significantly
affect internal controls subsequent to the date of our most recent
evaluation, including any corrective actions with regard to
significant deficiencies and material weaknesses.

Date: June 13, 2003

/s/ James A. McGrady
--------------------------------------------------
James A. McGrady
Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer,
Treasurer and Secretary of Value City
Department Stores, Inc.


-27-