Exhibit 10.39
SEPARATION PAY, CONFIDENTIALITY & NON-COMPETITION AGREEMENT
     As an executive associate of Tween Brands, Inc. (the “Company”), I have
access to trade secrets and other confidential or proprietary information
(“Confidential Information”) of the Company. I may also originate or develop
Confidential Information in connection with the performance of my duties with
the Company. I understand that all of such Confidential Information as well as
any inventions, designs or innovations that I conceive or devise from my use of
the Company’s time, equipment, facilities and support services belong
exclusively to the Company, and that it may not be used for my personal benefit,
the benefit of a competitor, or for the benefit of any person or entity other
than the Company.
     THEREFORE, in consideration of separation allowances as described in
paragraph 4, and in the form of the 2006 Tween Brands stock option award to
receive 3,000 restricted shares and options to acquire 5,000 shares of common
stock of Tween Brands pursuant to the terms of the agreement and in recognition
of the highly competitive nature of the business conduct by the Company, I agree
as follows:
     1. I will at all times during my employment with the Company and thereafter
faithfully hold the Company’s Confidential Information in the strictest
confidence, and I will use my best efforts and highest diligence to guard
against its disclosure to anyone other than as expressly required in the
performance of my duties to the Company. I understand that Confidential
Information includes, among other things, any information and materials
pertaining to products, designs, formulas, packaging or processes, and
developments or improvements relating to them; licensing, sourcing,
manufacturing, merchandising, packaging plans and techniques, advertising,
marketing and promotional plans and policies; distribution or sales plans and
methods; technical and business procedures or strategies; sales, profit or other
financial information; relationships between the Company and any of its
customers, suppliers or employees; stores and real estate; and the salaries,
compensation, performance history or any other personnel information relating to
employees of the Company. “Confidential Information” does not include
information that, now or in the future, is generally available to the public
(other than through improper disclosure by me) or information acquired from a
third party who had authority to disclose it.
     2. Upon my separation from the Company, regardless of the reason for my
separation, I will return to the Company all documents and other materials of
any kind that contain Confidential Information.
     3. If I leave the Company for any reason whatsoever, then for a period of
twelve (12) months after my separation from the Company, I will not directly or
indirectly solicit, induce or attempt to influence any associate to leave the
employment of the Company, nor will I in any way assist anyone else in doing so.

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     4. I understand that my employment with the Company is and at all times
shall be “at will,” which means that either the Company or I may terminate my
employment at any time, for any reason or for no reason. However, if my
employment with the Company is terminated by the Company for reasons other than
for cause as defined below, I understand that the Company will continue to pay
me my weekly base salary for a period of fifty-two (52) weeks, minus the
deductions required by law and subject to a deduction of any salary or
compensation that I earn from other employment or self-employment during the
time period is question, regardless of when such amount is payable. Cause for
termination of my employment shall exist in the event I: (1) willfully fail to
perform my duties with the Company (other than a failure resulting from my
incapacity due to a physical or mental illness); or (2) plead “guilty” or “no
contest” to or am convicted of an act which is defined as a felony under federal
or state law; or (3) engage in willful misconduct in bad faith which could
reasonably be expected to materially harm the Company’s business or its
reputation.
     5. If I decide to resign my employment with the Company, I understand the
Company requests that I provide a thirty (30) day prior written notice.
     6. If I leave the Company for any reason, I will not, for a period of
twelve (12) months after my separation from the company, directly or indirectly,
work for or contribute to the efforts of any business organization that
competes, or plans to compete, with the Company or its products.
     7. This Agreement will be governed by and interpreted in accordance with
Ohio law.

             
/s/ Paul C. Carbone
      July 21, 2006    
 
           
 
           
Tween Brands, Inc.
           
 
           
/s/ William E. May, Jr.
      July 26, 2006     Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer    
   

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