<Page>

================================================================================


                       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, 2001 OR

          [ ] TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
              SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                             COMMISSION FILE NUMBER:

                                    333-22155
                             ----------------------

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
               (Exact name of registrant as specified in charter)


              MASSACHUSETTS                             04-1156680
       (State or other jurisdiction of        (IRS Employer Identification No.)
        incorporation or organization)


                         1590 ADAMSON PARKWAY, SUITE 400
                              MORROW, GEORGIA 30260
             -----------------------------------------------------
          (Address of principal executive offices, including zip code)

                                 (770) 961-8722
                                 --------------
              (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 [ ]

     Applicable only to corporate issuers:

     As of July 30, 2001, there were 1,000 shares of Common Stock outstanding.

================================================================================
<Page>

                                    FORM 10-Q

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
                                      INDEX

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                                 PAGE
                                                                                                 ----

PART I.           Financial Information

      Item 1.     Financial Statements

<S>                                                                                              <C>
                  Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 2001 (unaudited)
                  and December 30, 2000 .......................................................     3

                  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
                  three-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000.....................     4

                  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the
                  six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000.......................     5

                  Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the
                  six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000.......................     6

                  Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited).............     7

      Item 2.     Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
                  Results of Operations........................................................    13


PART II.          Other Information............................................................    18
</Table>


                                       2
<Page>


                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
                      CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
                  (dollars in thousands, except per share data)
                                   (unaudited)

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                          JUNE 30,  DECEMBER 30,
                                                                            2001        2000
                                                                          --------  ------------
<S>                                                                       <C>        <C>
ASSETS
Current assets:
  Cash and cash equivalents ...........................................   $  3,108   $  3,697
  Accounts receivable, net ............................................     36,562     33,788
  Inventories, net ....................................................    110,715     92,435
  Prepaid expenses and other current assets ...........................      4,987      4,971
  Assets held for sale ................................................        478        373
  Deferred income taxes ...............................................      8,603      9,184
                                                                          --------   --------

    Total current assets ..............................................    164,453    144,448
Property, plant and equipment, net ....................................     48,565     54,441
Assets held for sale ..................................................      1,450        950
Tradename, net ........................................................     88,333     89,583
Cost in excess of fair value of net assets acquired, net ..............     26,222     26,606
Deferred debt issuance costs, net .....................................      3,493      4,167
Other assets ..........................................................      5,375      5,793
                                                                          --------   --------

    Total assets ......................................................   $337,891   $325,988
                                                                          ========   ========


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Current liabilities:
  Current maturities of long-term debt ................................   $ 27,450   $  5,400
  Accounts payable ....................................................     18,807     19,223
  Other current liabilities ...........................................     36,726     35,489
                                                                          --------   --------

    Total current liabilities .........................................     82,983     60,112
Long-term debt ........................................................    129,250    136,000
Deferred income taxes .................................................     33,106     35,125
Other long-term liabilities ...........................................      9,791     10,238
                                                                          --------   --------

    Total liabilities .................................................    255,130    241,475
                                                                          --------   --------

Commitments and contingencies

Redeemable preferred stock, par value $.01 per share,
  $4,000 per share liquidation and redemption value,
  5,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding .....................     19,236     19,116
                                                                          --------   --------

Common stockholder's equity:
  Common stock, par value $.01 per share, 1,000 shares authorized,
   issued and outstanding .............................................         --         --
  Additional paid-in capital ..........................................     53,831     53,771
  Retained earnings ...................................................      9,694     11,626
                                                                          --------   --------

    Total common stockholder's equity .................................     63,525     65,397
                                                                          --------   --------

    Total liabilities and stockholder's equity ........................   $337,891   $325,988
                                                                          ========   ========
</Table>

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements


                                       3
<Page>


                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (dollars in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)


<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                  THREE-MONTH PERIODS ENDED
                                                                  -------------------------
                                                                     JUNE 30,     JULY 1,
                                                                       2001        2000
                                                                     --------     -------
<S>                                                                 <C>          <C>
Net sales .......................................................   $ 109,368    $  95,851
Cost of goods sold ..............................................      69,498       60,053
                                                                    ---------    ---------

Gross profit ....................................................      39,870       35,798
Selling, general and administrative expenses ....................      35,410       31,895
Writedown of long-lived assets (Note 9) .........................       2,414           --
Nonrecurring charges (Note 9) ...................................         534           --
                                                                    ---------    ---------

Operating income ................................................       1,512        3,903
Interest expense, net ...........................................       3,886        3,793
                                                                    ---------    ---------

(Loss) income before income taxes ...............................      (2,374)         110
Income tax (benefit) provision ..................................        (934)          45
                                                                    ---------    ---------

Net (loss) income ...............................................      (1,440)          65

Dividend requirements and accretion on redeemable
  preferred stock ...............................................        (664)        (663)
                                                                    ---------    ---------


Net loss applicable to common stockholder .......................   $  (2,104)   $    (598)
                                                                    =========    =========
</Table>


See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements


                                       4
<Page>


                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                             (dollars in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                                                   SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED
                                                                                                   -----------------------
                                                                                                    JUNE 30,      JULY 1,
                                                                                                      2001          2000
                                                                                                    --------      -------

<S>                                                                                                 <C>          <C>
Net sales .......................................................................................   $ 221,025    $ 193,674
Cost of goods sold ..............................................................................     140,996      121,521
                                                                                                    ---------    ---------

Gross profit ....................................................................................      80,029       72,153
Selling, general and administrative expenses ....................................................      68,827       62,729
Writedown of long-lived assets (Note 9) .........................................................       3,156           --
Nonrecurring charges (Note 9) ...................................................................       1,116           --
                                                                                                    ---------    ---------

Operating income ................................................................................       6,930        9,424
Interest expense, net ...........................................................................       7,839        7,919
                                                                                                    ---------    ---------

(Loss) income before income taxes and cumulative effect of change in accounting principle .......        (909)       1,505
Income tax (benefit) provision ..................................................................        (364)         607
                                                                                                    ---------    ---------

(Loss) income before cumulative effect of change in accounting principle ........................        (545)         898
Cumulative effect of change in accounting principle, net of income tax benefit of $217 (Note 4) .          --          354
                                                                                                    ---------    ---------
Net (loss) income ...............................................................................        (545)         544

Dividend requirements and accretion on redeemable preferred stock ...............................      (1,327)      (1,327)
                                                                                                    ---------    ---------

Net loss applicable to common stockholder .......................................................   $  (1,872)   $    (783)
                                                                                                    =========    =========
</Table>




See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements


                                       5
<Page>

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
                 CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
                             (dollars in thousands)
                                   (unaudited)


<Table>
<Caption>

                                                                  SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED
                                                                  -----------------------
                                                                   JUNE 30,     JULY 1,
                                                                     2001        2000
                                                                   --------     -------
<S>                                                                <C>         <C>
Cash flows from operating activities:
  Net (loss) income ............................................   $   (545)   $    544
  Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net
    cash used in operating activities:
   Depreciation and amortization ...............................      9,425       8,102
   Amortization of debt issuance costs .........................        674         690
   Writedown of long-lived assets ..............................      3,156          --
   Nonrecurring charges ........................................      1,116          --
   Deferred tax benefit ........................................     (1,438)       (357)
   Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
   (Increase) decrease in assets:
    Accounts receivable ........................................     (2,774)      4,943
    Inventories ................................................    (18,280)    (28,065)
    Prepaid expenses and other assets ..........................        402        (205)
   (Decrease) increase in liabilities:
    Accounts payable and other liabilities .....................     (5,374)      7,212
                                                                   --------    --------

    Net cash used in operating activities ......................    (13,638)     (7,136)
                                                                   --------    --------

Cash flows from investing activities:

  Capital expenditures .........................................     (6,128)     (4,250)
  Issuance of loan .............................................         --      (4,336)
  Proceeds from loan ...........................................         --       1,500
  Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment ..........         10          73
  Proceeds from assets held for sale ...........................         35         396
                                                                   --------    --------

    Net cash used in investing activities ......................     (6,083)     (6,617)
                                                                   --------    --------

Cash flows from financing activities:

  Proceeds from revolving line of credit .......................     39,700      40,050
  Payments of revolving line of credit .........................    (21,700)    (25,650)
  Payments of term loan ........................................     (2,700)       (450)
  Payments of capital lease obligation .........................       (561)       (533)
  Payment of other dividend to Holdings ........................        (60)         --
  Preferred stock dividend .....................................     (1,207)     (1,213)
  Other ........................................................      5,660       1,279
                                                                   --------    --------

    Net cash provided by financing activities ..................     19,132      13,483
                                                                   --------    --------

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents ......................       (589)       (270)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period .................      3,697       3,415
                                                                   --------    --------

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period .......................   $  3,108    $  3,145
                                                                   ========    ========
</Table>

See accompanying notes to the unaudited condensed consolidated financial
statements


                                       6
<Page>

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
              NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 1 -- AGREEMENT FOR CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP:

      The William Carter Company (the "Company") is a wholly-owned subsidiary
of Carter Holdings, Inc. ("Holdings"). On July 12, 2001, a special purpose
entity formed by Berkshire Partners LLC and affiliates ("Berkshire") entered
into a stock purchase agreement with Holdings and all of Holdings'
stockholders to acquire all of the stock of Holdings except for shares held
by management (the "Acquisition"). The stock purchase agreement contains
customary provisions for such agreements, including representations and
warranties, subject to limitations, covenants with respect to the conduct of
the business and closing conditions, including Berkshire's ability to obtain
financing for the transaction and the continued material accuracy of the
representations and warranties.

      To finance this transaction, the Company is expected to issue notes and
enter into an agreement for a new senior credit facility; investment funds
associated with Berkshire will make a capital investment; and members of
management will retain an equity interest. In addition to acquiring the
equity of Holdings, the proceeds will be used to, among other things, retire
the Company's existing long-term debt and redeemable preferred stock will be
canceled.

      The Acquisition will be accounted for as a purchase and will be reflected
in the Company's financial statements using pushdown accounting. Accordingly,
the purchase price for the Acquisition, including related fees and expenses,
will be allocated to the tangible and identifiable intangible assets and
liabilities of the Company based upon their estimated fair value with the
remainder allocated to goodwill. Subsequent to the Acquisition, the Company's
results of operations are expected to be significantly impacted by changes in
interest expense and amortization.


                                       7
<Page>

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 2 -- BASIS OF PREPARATION:

      In the opinion of management, the accompanying unaudited condensed
consolidated financial statements of the Company contain all adjustments
(consisting only of normal recurring adjustments) necessary to present fairly
the financial position of the Company as of June 30, 2001, and the results of
its operations for the three-month and six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and
July 1, 2000 and cash flows for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and
July 1, 2000. Operating results for the three-month and six-month periods ended
June 30, 2001 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected
for the fiscal year ending December 29, 2001. The accompanying condensed
consolidated balance sheet of the Company as of December 30, 2000 has been
derived from the audited consolidated financial statements included in the
Company's fiscal 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

      Certain information and footnote disclosures normally included in
financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting
principles have been condensed or omitted pursuant to the rules and regulations
of the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and the instructions to Form
10-Q. The accounting policies followed by the Company are set forth in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K in the Notes to the Company's consolidated financial
statements for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2000.

NOTE 3 -- THE COMPANY:

      The Company designs, manufactures, sources and markets premier branded
childrenswear under the CARTER'S, CARTER'S CLASSICS and TYKES labels. The
Company manufactures its products in its plants located in the southern United
States, Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Mexico. The Company also sources
its products through contractual arrangements throughout the world. Products are
manufactured for wholesale distribution to major domestic retailers and for the
Company's 149 retail outlet stores that market its brand name merchandise and
certain products manufactured by other companies. The Company's retail
operations represented approximately 47% of its consolidated net sales in the
second quarter of 2001 compared to approximately 48% in the second quarter of
2000. Retail operations represented approximately 44% and 46% of consolidated
net sales in the first half of 2001 and 2000, respectively.

NOTE 4 -- REVENUE RECOGNITION:

      The SEC issued Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 101, "Revenue Recognition in
Financial Statements" ("SAB 101") in December 1999. SAB 101 summarizes certain
SEC staff views in applying generally accepted accounting principles to revenue
recognition in financial statements. The Company adopted the provisions of SAB
101 in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2000 and revised its method of accounting
for revenue recognition retroactive to the beginning of fiscal 2000. As
previously disclosed in the Company's fiscal 2000 Annual Report on Form 10-K,
the Company has presented restated fiscal 2000 second quarter and first half
results to reflect this retroactive application.

NOTE 5 -- INVENTORIES:

      Inventories consisted of the following ($000):

<Table>
<Caption>

                                               JUNE 30,    DECEMBER 30,
                                                 2001          2000
                                               --------    ------------
<S>                                           <C>             <C>
     Finished goods......................     $  86,232       $70,713
     Work in process.....................        17,181        14,508
     Raw materials and supplies..........         7,302         7,214
                                              ---------       -------

          Total..........................     $ 110,715       $92,435
                                              =========       =======
</Table>


                                       8
<Page>

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 6 -- PARENT COMPANY TRANSACTIONS:

      During the six-month period ended June 30, 2001, the Company paid a
dividend on its common stock held by its parent, Carter Holdings, Inc., in the
amount of approximately $60,000, the proceeds of which were used by Holdings to
repurchase shares of Holdings' stock owned by a former employee of the Company.
In addition, during the six-month period ended June 30, 2001, Holdings made a
$60,000 capital contribution to the Company in connection with the issuance of
shares of Holdings' stock to an employee of the Company; such transaction
involved no cash proceeds and the Company recognized $60,000 as compensation
expense. There were no such transactions between Holdings and the Company during
the three-month period ended June 30, 2001 or during the three and six-month
periods ended July 1, 2000.

      On May 1, 2001 and April 28, 2000, the Company paid semi-annual dividends
of 12% on $20.0 million of redeemable preferred stock, or approximately $1.2
million, to Holdings. The Company is currently scheduled to pay a similar
dividend on November 1, 2001. Assuming completion of the Acquisition described
in Note 1, this requirement may be modified.

NOTE 7 -- ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS:

      The Company is subject to various federal, state and local laws that
govern activities or operations that may have adverse environmental effects.
Noncompliance with these laws and regulations can result in significant
liabilities, penalties and costs. From time to time, operations of the Company
have resulted or may result in noncompliance with or a liability pursuant to
environmental laws. The Company has recently reached resolution with respect to
certain environmental matters associated with waste deposited at or near a
landfill in Lamar County, Georgia in the 1970's. The cost to the Company to
resolve these matters was $244,000, which had previously been fully accrued.
Generally, compliance with environmental laws has not had a material impact on
the Company's operations, but there can be no assurance that future
non-compliance with such laws will not have a material adverse effect on the
Company or its operations.

NOTE 8 -- SEGMENT INFORMATION:

      The Company reports segment information in accordance with the provisions
of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 131, "Disclosure about
Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information" ("SFAS 131"), which requires
segment information to be disclosed based on a "management approach". The
management approach refers to the internal reporting that is used by management
for making operating decisions and assessing the performance of the Company's
reportable segments. SFAS 131 also requires disclosure about products and
services, geographic areas and major customers. For purposes of complying with
SFAS 131, the Company has identified its two reportable segments as "Wholesale"
and "Retail". The Company generally sells the same products in each business
segment. Wholesale products are offered through the Company's wholesale
distribution channel while the Retail segment reflects the operations of the
Company's outlet stores.

      Effective December 30, 2000, each segment's results include the costs
directly related to the segment's revenue and all other costs are allocated
based on their relationship to consolidated net sales or units produced to
support each segment's revenue. Prior to December 30, 2000, the Company
determined the Retail segment's earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation
and amortization expenses ("EBITDA") on a direct contribution basis only and did
not include allocations of all costs incurred to support Retail operations. The
Wholesale segment, previously referred to as "Wholesale and Other", included all
other revenue and expenses of the Company not directly related to the Retail
segment. Management believes that its revised process for measurement provides a
more meaningful analysis of each segment's financial results. Prior year amounts
have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.


                                       9
<Page>

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 8 -- SEGMENT INFORMATION: (CONTINUED)

      Under the old method, EBITDA for the Wholesale and Other segment would
have been approximately $(3,836,000) and $(2,929,000) for the three-month
periods ended June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000, respectively, and $(3,263,000) and
$(2,431,000) for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000,
respectively. Under the old method, EBITDA for the Retail segment would have
been approximately $13,065,000 and $10,800,000 for the three-month periods ended
June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000, respectively, and $23,890,000 and $19,957,000
for the six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 and July 1, 2000, respectively.

      The table below presents certain segment information for the periods
indicated ($000):

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                   WHOLESALE         RETAIL            TOTAL
                                                   ---------         ------            -----
<S>                                                <C>             <C>              <C>
  THREE-MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001:
    Sales.................................         $  58,404       $  50,964        $ 109,368
    EBITDA................................         $   2,535       $   6,694        $   9,229
  THREE-MONTHS ENDED JULY 1, 2000:
    Sales..................................        $  50,296       $  45,555        $  95,851
    EBITDA................................         $   3,654       $   4,217        $   7,871

  SIX-MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001:
    Sales.................................         $ 123,655       $  97,370        $ 221,025
    EBITDA................................         $   9,536       $  11,091        $  20,627
  SIX-MONTHS ENDED JULY 1, 2000:
    Sales..................................        $ 105,300       $  88,374        $ 193,674
    EBITDA................................         $   9,744       $   7,782        $  17,526
</Table>


      A reconciliation of total segment EBITDA to total consolidated (loss)
income before income taxes is presented below ($000):

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                              THREE-MONTHS ENDED          SIX-MONTHS ENDED
                                                              ------------------          ----------------
                                                              JUNE 30,   JULY 1,          JUNE 30,     JULY 1,
                                                                2001       2000             2001         2000
                                                              --------   -------          --------     -------

<S>                                                           <C>        <C>              <C>          <C>
 Total EBITDA for reportable segments................         $ 9,229    $  7,871         $ 20,627     $ 17,526
 Depreciation and amortization expense...............          (4,769)     (3,968)          (9,425)      (8,102)
 Writedown of long-lived assets......................          (2,414)        --            (3,156)          --
 Nonrecurring charges................................            (534)        --            (1,116)          --
 Interest expense, net...............................          (3,886)     (3,793)          (7,839)      (7,919)
                                                              --------   --------         ---------    ---------
 Consolidated (loss) income before income taxes......         $(2,374)   $    110         $   (909)    $  1,505
                                                              ========   ========         =========    =========
</Table>


                                       10
<Page>


                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 9 -- CLOSURE OF MANUFACTURING FACILITIES:

      In the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company announced its plans to
close its sewing facility located in Harlingen, Texas, which subsequently closed
and ceased operations on May 11, 2001. Approximately 460 employees, primarily
sew operators, were located at this facility. In the first quarter of 2001, the
Company recorded a nonrecurring charge of approximately $582,000 for closure
costs and involuntary termination benefits. As of June 30, 2001, approximately
$173,000 of the costs provided for in the first quarter of 2001 for lease
obligations and other closure costs have not yet been paid and are included in
accrued liabilities in the accompanying balance sheet. The components of the
reserve established for the costs associated with this plant closure are as
follows:

<Table>
<Caption>

                                                             MARCH 31,                 JUNE 30,
                                                                2001      PAYMENTS       2001
                                                                ----      --------       ----

<S>                                                          <C>           <C>         <C>
Severance and other termination benefits.................    $346,000      $339,000    $  7,000
Lease obligations........................................     167,000        31,000     136,000
Other closure costs......................................      69,000        39,000      30,000
                                                             --------      --------    --------
    Total................................................    $582,000      $409,000    $173,000
                                                             ========      ========    ========
</Table>

      In the second quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company announced its plans to
close its fabric printing operations located in Barnesville, Georgia, which
subsequently closed and ceased operations on June 29, 2001. Approximately 110
employees, primarily print operators, were located at this facility. In the
second quarter of 2001, the Company recorded a nonrecurring charge of
approximately $534,000 for closure costs and involuntary termination benefits,
which are included in accrued liabilities on the accompanying balance sheet as
of June 30, 2001. The components of this charge are as follows:

<Table>

<S>                                                                 <C>
    Severance and other termination benefits.................       $328,000
    Other closure costs......................................        206,000
                                                                    --------
        Total................................................       $534,000
                                                                    ========
</Table>

      Additionally, in accordance with the provisions of Statement of Financial
Accounting Standards No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived
Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed Of " ("SFAS 121"), the Company
recorded in the first quarter of 2001 a non-cash charge of approximately
$742,000 related to the writedown of the asset value of its Harlingen, Texas
facility to its estimated net realizable value. In the second quarter of 2001,
the Company recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $2,414,000 related to
the writedown of the asset value of its fabric printing operations in
Barnesville, Georgia to its estimated net realizable value. The assets from
the Harlingen and Barnesville facilities are included in assets held for sale
on the accompanying balance sheet as of June 30, 2001.

NOTE 10 -- RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS:

      In 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative
Instruments and Hedging Activities" ("SFAS 133"). In June 1999, the FASB issued
SFAS No. 137, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities -
Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133 - An Amendment of FASB
Statement No. 133". Provisions of SFAS 133 are effective as of the beginning of
fiscal 2001. SFAS 133 establishes accounting and reporting standards requiring
that all derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments
embedded in other contracts, be recorded in the balance sheet as either assets
or liabilities measured at fair value. SFAS 133 requires that changes in the
derivative instrument's fair value be recognized currently in earnings, unless
specific hedge accounting criteria are met. SFAS 133 did not have an impact on
the financial position or results of operations of the Company at the required
adoption date or as of June 30, 2001 and the three and six-month periods then
ended.


                                       11
<Page>

                           THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY
              (A WHOLLY-OWNED SUBSIDIARY OF CARTER HOLDINGS, INC.)
        NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
                                   (unaudited)

NOTE 10 -- RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS: (CONTINUED)

      In July 2001, the FASB issued SFAS 141 and 142, "Business Combinations"
("SFAS 141") and "Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets" ("SFAS 142"),
respectively. SFAS 141 supercedes Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 16
(APB 16), "Business Combinations". The most significant changes made by SFAS 141
are: (1) requiring that the purchase method of accounting be used for all
business combinations initiated after June 30, 2001, (2) establishing specific
criteria for the recognition of intangible assets separately from goodwill, and
(3) requiring unallocated negative goodwill to be written off immediately as an
extraordinary gain (instead of being deferred and amortized).

      SFAS 142 supercedes APB 17, "Intangible Assets". SFAS 142 primarily
addresses the accounting for goodwill and intangible assets subsequent to their
acquisition (i.e., the post-acquisition accounting). The most significant
changes made by SFAS 142 are: (1) goodwill and indefinite lived intangible
assets will no longer be amortized, (2) goodwill will be tested for impairment
at least annually at the reporting unit level, (3) intangible assets deemed to
have an indefinite life will be tested for impairment at least annually and (4)
the amortization period of intangible assets with finite lives will no longer be
limited to forty years. The provisions of SFAS 142 will be effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 2001 and must be adopted at the beginning of
a fiscal year. However, goodwill and intangible assets acquired after June 30,
2001 will be subject immediately to the non-amortization and amortization
provisions of this statement. Accordingly, if the Acquisition contemplated in
Note 1 is completed, the Company will be immediately affected by the changes.
Currently, amortization of goodwill and tradename amounts to approximately
$800,000 per quarter.

      The Company is currently evaluating the impact of Emerging Issues Task
Force (the "Task Force") Issue 00-25, "Accounting for Consideration from a
Vendor to a Retailer in Connection with the Purchase or Promotion of the
Vendor's Products" ("EITF 00-25"), which addresses when consideration from a
vendor to a retailer (a) in connection with the retailer's purchase of the
vendor's products or (b) to promote sales of the vendor's products by the
retailer should be classified in the vendor's income statement as a reduction of
revenue. In April 2001, the Task Force reached a consensus that consideration
from a vendor to a retailer of a vendor's products is presumed to be a reduction
to the selling prices of the vendor's products and should be characterized as a
reduction of revenue when recognized in the vendor's income statement. However,
the consideration should be characterized as a cost incurred to the extent that
a benefit is received from the recipient of the consideration. Provisions of
EITF 00-25 are effective as of the beginning of fiscal 2002.

NOTE 11 -- REVOLVING CREDIT FACILITY:

      The revolving credit facility expires on October 31, 2001. Accordingly,
the balance outstanding at June 30, 2001 is reflected as short term on the
accompanying balance sheet. As discussed in Note 1, the Company expects to enter
into a new credit facility in conjunction with the Acquisition.


                                       12
<Page>


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 CONTAINS FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WHICH INVOLVE
RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES. THE COMPANY'S ACTUAL RESULTS COULD DIFFER MATERIALLY
FROM THOSE ANTICIPATED IN THESE FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS. THE COMPANY
UNDERTAKES NO OBLIGATION TO RELEASE PUBLICLY ANY REVISIONS TO THESE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS TO REFLECT EVENTS OR CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER THE DATE
HEREOF OR TO REFLECT THE OCCURRENCE OF ANTICIPATED OR UNANTICIPATED EVENTS.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

      THREE AND SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JUNE 30, 2001 COMPARED TO THREE AND
SIX-MONTH PERIODS ENDED JULY 1, 2000

      In the second quarter of 2001, consolidated net sales increased $13.5
million (14.1%) to $109.4 million from $95.9 million in the second quarter of
fiscal 2000. Consolidated net sales for the first half of 2001 were $221.0
million, an increase of $27.4 million (14.1%) compared with the first half of
2000.

      The Company's total wholesale sales increased $8.1 million (16.1%) to
$58.4 million in the second quarter of 2001 from $50.3 million in the second
quarter of 2000. Excluding discount channel and off-price sales, wholesale
revenue increased $2.5 million (5.2%) in the second quarter of 2001 to $50.1
million from $47.6 million in the second quarter of 2000.

      Total wholesale sales increased $18.4 million (17.4%) to $123.7 million
in the first half of 2001 from $105.3 million in the first half of 2000. In
the first half of 2001, wholesale sales, excluding discount channel and
off-price sales, increased $8.6 million (8.8%) to $107.5 million from $98.9
million in the first half of 2000. The increase in wholesale sales during the
second quarter and first half of 2001 reflects strong performance in all
product categories. The wholesale revenue growth was driven by improvements
in the Company's products, such as fabrics, garment construction,
embroideries and prints made possible through its global sourcing
capabilities.

      Over the past two years, the Company accelerated its transition from a
domestic, vertically-integrated manufacturing company to a global sourcing
company. In addition to operating leased sewing facilities in Central
America, the Caribbean and Mexico, the Company has built full-package
sourcing capabilities, which has enabled the Company to source better
products at lower costs than the Company believes are available domestically.

      The Company launched its Tykes brand in the discount channel in the
fourth quarter of 2000, the revenues from which were $4.9 million and $9.5
million for the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2001,
respectively. This contributed to the overall increase in total wholesale
sales for these periods.

      Off-price sales (merchandise sold at more than 25% off regular wholesale
prices) increased $0.8 million to $3.5 million in the second quarter of 2001
from $2.7 million in the second quarter of 2000. Off-price sales were 3.2% of
total sales in the second quarter of 2001 compared to 2.8% in the second quarter
of 2000. Off-price sales for the first half of 2001 increased $0.2 million to
$6.6 million from $6.4 million in the first half of 2000. Off-price sales were
3.0% of total sales in the first half of 2001 compared to 3.3% in the first half
of 2000.


                                       13
<Page>


ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (CONTINUED)

      The Company's retail outlet store sales were $51.0 million in the second
quarter of 2001, which represented an increase of $5.4 million (11.9%) compared
to the second quarter of 2000. Comparable store sales increased 9.4% in the
second quarter of 2001. Retail outlet store sales increased $9.0 million (10.2%)
in the first half of 2001 to $97.4 million from $88.4 million in the first half
of 2000. Comparable store sales increased 7.3% in the first half of 2001. Sales
in all product categories increased during the first half of 2001, including
playwear revenues which increased 15.1% compared to 2000. During the second
quarter of 2001, the Company opened three stores and closed two stores.
During the first half of 2001, four stores were opened and two stores were
closed. There were 149 outlet stores operating as of June 30, 2001 compared
to 148 as of July 1, 2000. The Company plans to open five stores and close
two stores in the second half of 2001.

      The Company's gross profit increased $4.1 million (11.4%) to $39.9
million in the second quarter of 2001 from $35.8 million in the second
quarter of 2000. Gross profit as a percentage of net sales in the second
quarter of 2001 decreased to 36.5% from 37.3% in the second quarter of 2000.
In the first half of 2001, gross profit increased $7.9 million (10.9%) to
$80.0 million compared to $72.2 million in the first half of 2000. Gross
profit as a percentage of net sales in the first half of 2001 decreased to
36.2% compared to 37.3% in the first half of 2000. The decrease in gross
profit as a percentage of net sales in the second quarter and first half of
2001 reflects a higher mix of discount channel revenues and the impact of
higher cost products sold in the first half of 2001. Such products were
produced in 2000, a period in which the Company's sourcing capabilities
included a high mix of domestic manufacturing. The Company currently
estimates that gross margin as a percentage of net sales for fiscal 2001 will
be comparable to 2000.

      Selling, general and administrative expenses for the second quarter of
2001 increased 11.0% to $35.4 million from $31.9 million in the second
quarter of 2000. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage
of net sales decreased to 32.4% in the second quarter of 2001 from 33.3% in
the second quarter of 2000. In the first half of 2001, such expenses
increased 9.7% to $68.8 million from $62.7 million in the first half of 2000.
As a percentage of net sales, selling, general and administrative expenses
decreased to 31.1% in the first half of 2001 from 32.4% in the first half of
2000. The decrease in selling, general and administrative expenses as a
percentage of net sales is attributed to the benefit from continued increases
in comparable retail outlet store growth and higher levels of royalty income
earned from licensing activities. Royalty income, which is reflected as a
reduction of selling, general and administrative expenses in the accompanying
financial statements, amounted to $3.5 million and $2.5 million in the first
half of 2001 and 2000, respectively. These benefits are partially offset by
investments in brand marketing and costs of $790,000 incurred by the Company
during the six months ended June 30, 2001 in connection with the anticipated
transaction described in Note 1.

      As described in Note 9 to the accompanying financial statements, the
Company closed two of its manufacturing facilities during the first half of
fiscal 2001. In the first quarter of fiscal 2001, the Company closed its
Harlingen, Texas sewing facility and recognized a nonrecurring charge of
approximately $582,000 related to certain closure costs and involuntary
termination benefits. Additionally, the Company recorded a non-cash charge of
approximately $742,000 related to the writedown of the asset value to its
estimated net realizable value. In the second quarter of fiscal 2001, the
Company closed its fabric printing operations located in Barnesville, Georgia
and recognized a nonrecurring charge of approximately $534,000 related to
certain closure costs and involuntary termination benefits. Additionally, the
Company recorded a non-cash charge of approximately $2.4 million related to the
writedown of the asset value to the printing facility's estimated net realizable
value.

      Operating income for the second quarter of 2001 decreased $2.4 million
(61.3%) to $1.5 million compared to $3.9 million in the second quarter of
2000. Operating income in the first half of 2001 decreased $2.5 million
(26.5%) to $6.9 million compared to $9.4 million in the first half of 2000.
The decreases reflect the effects of the nonrecurring plant closure costs and
costs incurred in connection with the anticipated transaction described in
Note 1. Excluding such charges, operating income

                                       14
<Page>


ITEM 2.  MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
         AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (CONTINUED)

for the second quarter and first half of 2001 would have increased $1.3 million
(32.2%) and $2.6 million (27.3%), respectively, compared to the comparable
periods in 2000.

      Net interest expense in the second quarter of 2001 increased 2.5% to $3.9
million from $3.8 million in the second quarter of 2000. This increase is
attributed to slightly higher average revolver borrowings during the second
quarter of 2001. Net interest expense for the first half of 2001 decreased 1.0%
to $7.8 million from $7.9 million in the first half of 2000. This decrease is
attributed to lower average revolver borrowings during the first half of 2001.
Average revolver borrowings during the first half of 2001 were $2.7 million
compared to $3.1 million in the first half of 2000. At June 30, 2001,
outstanding debt aggregated $156.7 million compared to $156.3 million at July 1,
2000.

      The Company recorded an income tax benefit of $0.9 million in the second
quarter of 2001 compared to an income tax provision of $0.1 million in the
second quarter of 2000. In the first half of 2001, the Company recorded an
income tax benefit of $0.4 million compared to an income tax provision of $0.6
million for the first half of 2000. The Company's effective tax rate was
approximately 40% in the first half of 2001 and 2000.

      As a result of the factors described above, the Company reported a net
loss of approximately $1.4 million in the second quarter of 2001 compared to net
income of approximately $0.1 million in the second quarter of 2000. Loss before
cumulative effect of change in accounting principle in the first half of 2001
was $0.5 million compared to income before cumulative effect of change in
accounting principle of $0.9 million in the first half of 2000.

FINANCIAL CONDITION, CAPITAL RESOURCES AND LIQUIDITY

      The Company has financed its working capital, capital expenditures and
debt service requirements primarily through internally generated cash flow and
funds borrowed under the Company's revolving credit facility.

      Net accounts receivable at June 30, 2001 were $36.6 million compared to
$29.5 million at July 1, 2000. Such increases reflect a higher level of
wholesale shipments in the first half of June 2001 compared to the first half of
June 2000. Due to the seasonal nature of the Company's operations, the net
accounts receivable balance at June 30, 2001 is not comparable to the net
accounts receivable balance at December 30, 2000.

      Inventories at June 30, 2001 were $110.7 million, an increase of 2.8%
compared to $107.7 million at July 1, 2000. Inventory levels at June 30, 2001
support higher levels of revenue planned in the second half of 2001. Due to the
seasonal nature of the Company's operations, inventories at June 30, 2001 are
not comparable to inventories at December 30, 2000.

      The Company invested $6.1 million and $4.3 million in capital expenditures
during the first half of 2001 and 2000, respectively. The Company plans to
invest approximately $20.5 million in capital expenditures in 2001. Areas for
investment include retail outlet store openings and remodeling, fixturing
programs for wholesale customers and the relocation of Carter's corporate
headquarters to Atlanta, Georgia.

      At June 30, 2001, the Company had $156.7 million of debt outstanding,
consisting of $100.0 million of 10 3/8% Series A Senior Subordinated Notes,
$38.7 million in term loan borrowings and $18.0 million in revolver borrowings
under the Senior Credit Facility, exclusive of approximately $4.3 million of
outstanding letters of credit. At June 30, 2001, the Company had approximately
$42.7 million of financing available under the revolving credit portion of the
Senior Credit Facility.


                                       15
<Page>

ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (CONTINUED)

      The revolving credit portion of the Senior Credit Facility will mature on
October 31, 2001 and has no scheduled interim amortization. As described in Note
1, the Company plans to establish new credit facilities in connection with the
transaction described therein.

      The Company believes that cash generated from operations, together with
availability under the revolving credit portion of the Senior Credit Facility,
will be adequate to meet its debt service requirements, capital expenditures and
working capital needs for the foreseeable future, although no assurance can be
given in this regard.

      On May 1, 2001 and April 28, 2000, the Company paid semi-annual dividends
of 12% on $20.0 million of redeemable preferred stock, or approximately $1.2
million, to Holdings. The Company is currently scheduled to pay a similar
dividend on November 1, 2001. Assuming completion of the Acquisition described
in Note 1, this requirement may be modified.

EFFECTS OF INFLATION

      The Company is affected by inflation primarily through the purchase of raw
material, increased operating costs and expenses and higher interest rates. The
effects of inflation on the Company's operations have not been material in
recent years.

SEASONALITY

      The Company experiences seasonal fluctuations in its sales and
profitability, with generally lower sales and gross profit in the first and
second quarters of its fiscal year. Accordingly, the results of operations for
the three and six-month periods ended June 30, 2001 are not indicative of the
results to be expected for the full year.

MARKET RISKS

      In the operation of its business, the Company has market risk exposures to
sourcing products internationally, raw material prices and interest rates. Each
of these risks and the Company's strategies to manage the exposure is discussed
below.

      The Company currently sources substantially all of its production through
its offshore facilities and third-party manufacturers located in foreign
countries. As a result, the Company may be adversely affected by political
instability resulting in the disruption of trade from foreign countries, the
imposition of additional regulations relating to imports, duties, taxes and
other charges on imports and any significant decreases in the value of the
dollar against foreign currencies and restrictions on the transfer of funds.
These and other factors could result in the interruption of production in
offshore facilities or a delay in the receipt of the products by the Company in
the United States. The Company's future performance may be subject to such
factors, which are beyond the Company's control, and there can be no assurance
that such factors would not have a material adverse effect on the Company's
financial condition and results of operations.

      The principal raw materials used by the Company are finished fabrics and
trim materials. These materials are available from a number of suppliers. Prices
for these materials are affected by changes in market demand and there can be no
assurance that prices for these and other raw materials will not increase in the
near future.


                                       16
<Page>


ITEM 2.    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
           AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS: (CONTINUED)

      The Company's operating results are subject to risk from interest rate
fluctuations on debt, which carries variable interest rates. At June 30, 2001,
outstanding debt aggregated $156.7 million, of which $56.7 million bore interest
at a variable rate, so that an increase of 1% in the applicable rate would
increase the Company's annual interest expense by $567,000.


                                       17
<Page>


                           PART II--OTHER INFORMATION:

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS:

     From time to time, the Company has been involved in various legal
proceedings. Management believes that all such litigation is routine in nature
and incidental to the conduct of its business, and that none of such litigation,
if resolved adversely to the Company, would have a material adverse effect on
the financial condition or results of operations.

ITEM 2. CHANGES IN SECURITIES:

None

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES:

None

ITEM 4. SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS:

None

ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION:

None


                                       18
<Page>


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K

     (a) Exhibits: None

     (b) Reports on Form 8-K

      No report was filed by the Registrant during the quarter ended June 30,
      2001.


                                       19
<Page>


                                   SIGNATURES

     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934,
the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

                                        THE WILLIAM CARTER COMPANY


         Date:  July 30, 2001           /s/ FREDERICK J. ROWAN, II
                                        ---------------------------
                                            Frederick J. Rowan, II
                                           CHAIRMAN, PRESIDENT AND
                                           CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER


         Date:  July 30, 2001            /s/ MICHAEL D. CASEY
                                         ---------------------
                                           Michael D. Casey
                                       SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND
                                        CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER



                                       20