Exhibit 10.1





Exhibit 10.1




[EXECUTION COPY]




DEPOSIT ESCROW AGREEMENT




THIS DEPOSIT ESCROW AGREEMENT (“Deposit Escrow Agreement”) is made and entered into this
3rd day of October, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company (“Parent”), Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“Merger Sub”), and
A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Company”), and Wells Fargo Bank,
National Association, a national banking association (“Deposit Escrow Agent”).



BACKGROUND




On the date hereof, Parent, Merger Sub and Company have entered into an Agreement and Plan of
Merger (“Merger Agreement”). Capitalized terms not defined herein shall have the same definitions
as set forth in the Merger Agreement. Parent desires to acquire the Company pursuant to the Merger
Agreement through the Offer and/or the Merger whereby Merger Sub will merge with and into the
Company. In order to secure Parent’s and Merger Sub’s obligations under the Merger Agreement,
Merger Sub has deposited $20,000,000 into escrow with the Deposit Escrow Agent to be held, invested
and distributed in accordance with the terms and provisions of this Deposit Escrow Agreement.



Parent, Merger Sub and Company hereto acknowledge that Deposit Escrow Agent is not a party to,
is not bound by, and has no duties or obligations under, the Merger Agreement, that all references
in this Deposit Escrow Agreement to the Merger Agreement are for convenience, and that Deposit
Escrow Agent shall have no implied duties beyond the express duties set forth in this Deposit
Escrow Agreement.



NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, in consideration of the mutual covenants herein contained
and for other good and valuable consideration, the receipt of which is hereby acknowledged, and
intending to be legally bound hereby, covenant and agree as follows:




	 	1.	 	Appointment of Deposit Escrow Agent; Delivery of Deposit;
Acknowledgment of Receipt.






1.1 Deposit Escrow Agent is hereby appointed to act as escrow agent to hold the Deposit
Escrow Amount as defined in paragraph 1.2 below and to make distributions, all in accordance
with the terms hereof, and Deposit Escrow Agent hereby accepts such appointment and agrees
to act in the capacity of escrow agent in accordance with the terms hereof.




1.2 Prior to or contemporaneously with the execution and delivery hereof, Merger Sub
shall deposit with Deposit Escrow Agent funds in the amount of Twenty Million Dollars
($20,000,000) (the “Deposit”). The Deposit Escrow Agent shall acknowledge receipt of the
Deposit upon actual receipt thereof. The Deposit and the proceeds of investment thereof
and/or any interest thereon, as applicable, are hereinafter
collectively referred to as the “Deposit Escrow Amount.” Deposit Escrow Agent shall
hold and dispose of the Deposit Escrow Amount in accordance with the terms of this Deposit
Escrow Agreement.


 


 









 






1.3 Deposit Escrow Agent is authorized and directed to deposit, transfer, and hold and
invest any cash in the Deposit Escrow Amount and any investment income thereon only as set
forth in Exhibit “A” hereto, or as set forth in any subsequent written instruction
signed by all the parties. Parent, Merger Sub and Company acknowledge that they have read
and understand Exhibit “A” hereto. The dividends, distributions, interest, gains
and other earnings of or from the Deposit Escrow Amount (“Net Income”), less any fees, costs
and expenses charged against and paid from such Net Income, shall be held by Deposit Escrow
Agent and shall become part of the Deposit Escrow Amount, and shall be disbursed in
accordance with paragraph 2 and paragraph 3 of this Deposit Escrow Agreement.




1.4 Deposit Escrow Agent is hereby authorized and directed to sell or redeem any such
investments as it deems necessary to make any payments or distributions required under this
Deposit Escrow Agreement. Deposit Escrow Agent shall have no responsibility or liability
for any loss which may result from any investment or sale of investment made pursuant to
this Deposit Escrow Agreement. Deposit Escrow Agent is hereby authorized, in making or
disposing of any investment permitted by this Deposit Escrow Agreement, to deal with itself
(in its individual capacity) or with any one or more of its affiliates, whether it or any
such affiliate is acting as agent of Deposit Escrow Agent or for any third person or dealing
as principal for its own account. Parent, Merger Sub and Company acknowledge that Deposit
Escrow Agent is not providing investment supervision, recommendations, or advice.




	 	2.	 	Distribution of Deposit Escrow Amount upon Acceptance Date or Effective
Time.





On the Acceptance Date, the Deposit Escrow Agent shall pay the Deposit Escrow Amount to the
Paying Agent in partial payment of the aggregate Offer Price in accordance with written
instructions from Parent and Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “2”, which
written instructions shall be provided to Deposit Escrow Agent immediately on the Acceptance Date.
Except as otherwise provided in paragraph 3, if the Offer Closing does not occur, Deposit Escrow
Agent shall pay prior to the Effective Time the Deposit Escrow Amount to the Paying Agent in
partial payment of the aggregate Merger Consideration, in accordance with written instructions from
Parent and Company in the form attached hereto as Exhibit “2”, which written instructions
shall be provided to Deposit Escrow Agent prior to the Effective Time.




	 	3.	 	Distribution of Deposit Escrow Amount in All Other Circumstances.





If the Merger Agreement is not signed by all parties thereto by 11:59 p.m. on October 4, 2011,
the Deposit Escrow Agent shall return the Deposit Escrow Amount to Merger Sub, at the written
direction of Merger Sub.


 


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If the Closing shall not occur on or before December 30, 2011, upon the Final
Determination (as defined below), the Deposit Escrow Amount shall be paid to the Company if
(a) all conditions under Sections 8.1 and 8.2 of the Merger Agreement have been satisfied or waived
by Parent on behalf of itself and Merger Sub (it being understood and agreed that if a condition
under Sections 8.1 and 8.2 is not satisfied primarily as a result of Parent’s or Merger Sub’s
breach of a representation, warranty or covenant contained in the Merger Agreement, such condition
shall be deemed to have been satisfied) or (b) the conditions under Section 8.3 of the Merger
Agreement have not been satisfied, or waived by Company (it being understood and agreed that if a
condition under Section 8.3 is not satisfied primarily as a result of Company’s breach of a
representation, warranty or covenant contained in the Merger Agreement, such condition shall be
deemed to have been satisfied). If the Closing shall not occur on or before December 30, 2011,
upon the Final Determination, the Deposit Escrow Amount shall be paid to Merger Sub if (x) the
conditions to be satisfied under Section 8.1 and 8.2 of the Merger Agreement have not been
satisfied, deemed satisfied or waived by Parent on behalf of itself and Merger Sub and (y) the
conditions under Section 8.3 under the Merger Agreement have been satisfied, deemed satisfied or
waived by Company. In all circumstances, the Deposit Escrow Amount shall be retained by the
Deposit Escrow Agent pending a Final Determination, and the Final Determination shall control the
manner, amount and recipients in which the Deposit Escrow Amount is to be paid. The procedure for
determining the party entitled to receive payment of the Deposit Escrow Amount is set forth below.




3.1 Parent (on behalf of Merger Sub) and/or Company, as applicable, shall give written
notice to the Deposit Escrow Agent of its entitlement to the Deposit Escrow Amount. The
written notice shall be in the form of Exhibit “3.1” (each, a “Claim Notice”).




3.2 Upon receipt of a Claim Notice from either party (the “Claimant”), the Deposit
Escrow Agent shall forward a copy thereof to the other party (the “Respondent”). If the
Deposit Escrow Agent does not receive a written objection to the Claim Notice from the
Respondent in the form of Exhibit “3.2” (“Objection Notice”) within ten (10)
Business Days after the date such notice was deemed delivered to the Respondent, the Deposit
Escrow Agent shall deliver the Deposit Escrow Amount to the Claimant or its designee in the
manner set forth in the Claim Notice. If the Deposit Escrow Agent receives the Objection
Notice within ten (10) Business Days after the date the Claim Notice was deemed delivered to
the Respondent, Deposit Escrow Agent shall hold the Deposit Escrow Amount and take no action
with respect to it until a Final Determination.




3.3 A “Final Determination” shall mean (i) a written notice from Parent and Company to
the Deposit Escrow Agent in the form of Exhibit “3.3” setting forth the manner in
which the Deposit Escrow Amount is to be paid, or (ii) a copy of a final order or judgment
of a court of competent jurisdiction or decision of an arbitration panel determining the
rights of Parent, Merger Sub and Company with respect to the Deposit Escrow Amount or
resolution of a claim with respect thereto, accompanied by a letter of counsel of Parent (on
behalf of Merger Sub) or Company, as the case may be, addressed to the Deposit Escrow Agent
stating that such order or judgment has been finally affirmed on appeal by the highest court
before which such appeal may be sought, or has become final by lapse of time or is otherwise
not subject to appeal or such decision of the arbitration panel is binding and is not
subject to appeal.


 


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A “Business Day” shall mean a day other than a Saturday, Sunday or day on which the
Deposit Escrow Agent is authorized or permitted to close in the jurisdiction in which it is
located.




3.4 The Deposit Escrow Agent shall release the Deposit Escrow Amount promptly following
the receipt of written evidence of a Final Determination in respect of a pending claim, as
contemplated by paragraph 3.3 above.




	 	4.	 	Duties and Liabilities of the Deposit Escrow Agent.





Parent, Merger Sub and Company hereby recognize and acknowledge that the Deposit Escrow Agent
is serving hereunder at their request. Accordingly, it is understood and agreed as follows:




4.1 The Deposit Escrow Agent shall hold the Deposit Escrow Amount during the period or
periods specified in this Deposit Escrow Agreement and shall dispose of the Deposit Escrow
Amount in accordance with the terms hereof and not as the property of the Deposit Escrow
Agent. The duties and responsibilities of the Deposit Escrow Agent shall be entirely
administrative and not discretionary, and shall arise solely under and in accordance with
this Deposit Escrow Agreement. Under no circumstance will Deposit Escrow Agent be deemed to
be a fiduciary to any party or any other person under this Deposit Escrow Agreement.




4.2 Parent, Merger Sub and Company agree that the Deposit Escrow Agent shall not be
liable for any claim arising hereunder or in connection herewith (whether or not asserted by
Parent, Merger Sub, Company or any third party) unless such claim is based upon the willful
misconduct or gross negligence of the Deposit Escrow Agent in performing its duties pursuant
to this Deposit Escrow Agreement. Parent (on behalf of itself and Merger Sub) and Company
hereby jointly and severally agree to indemnify the Deposit Escrow Agent and hold it
harmless from and against all claims, demands, costs, liabilities and expenses, including,
without limitation, attorneys’ fees and costs which may be asserted against the Deposit
Escrow Agent or to which it may be exposed or which it may incur or suffer, directly or
indirectly, by reason of the execution or performance of this Deposit Escrow Agreement,
unless such claims, demands, costs, liabilities or expenses are based upon the willful
misconduct or gross negligence of the Deposit Escrow Agent in performing its duties pursuant
to this Deposit Escrow Agreement. This paragraph 4.2 shall survive notwithstanding any
termination of this Deposit Escrow Agreement or the resignation or removal of the Deposit
Escrow Agent. The indemnification provided in this paragraph 4.2 is only for the benefit of
the Deposit Escrow Agent and shall not affect the rights of the parties under the Merger
Agreement.


 


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4.3 DEPOSIT ESCROW AGENT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, FOR ANY (i)
DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES ARISING OUT OF THE SERVICES PROVIDED HEREUNDER, OTHER THAN
DAMAGES, LOSSES OR EXPENSES WHICH HAVE BEEN FINALLY ADJUDICATED TO HAVE DIRECTLY RESULTED
FROM DEPOSIT ESCROW AGENT’S GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR WILLFUL MISCONDUCT, OR (ii) SPECIAL,
INDIRECT OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSSES OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER (INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION
LOST PROFITS), EVEN IF DEPOSIT ESCROW AGENT HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
LOSSES OR DAMAGES AND REGARDLESS OF THE FORM OF ACTION.




4.4 Deposit Escrow Agent may fully rely and shall be protected in acting or refraining
from acting upon any written notice, instruction or request furnished to it hereunder and
believed by it to be genuine and to have been signed or printed by the proper party or
parties. Concurrent with the execution of this Escrow Agreement, the Parties shall deliver
to the Escrow Agent authorized signers’ forms in the form of Exhibit “4.4-A” and
Exhibit “4.4-B” to this Escrow Agreement.




4.5 Deposit Escrow Agent shall not be liable for any reasonable action taken by it in
good faith and believed by it to be authorized or within the rights or powers conferred upon
it by this Deposit Escrow Agreement, and may consult with counsel of its own choice and
shall have full and complete authorization and protection for any action taken or suffered
by it hereunder in good faith or in accordance with or in reliance upon the opinion of such
counsel. In addition, the Deposit Escrow Agent shall have no liability if it distributes
the Deposit Escrow Amount in accordance with a Final Determination or an order of a court of
competent jurisdiction or if it delivers such Deposit Escrow Amount to such a court for
disposition by such court.




4.6 The fees of Deposit Escrow Agent, as set forth on Exhibit “4.6” hereof, and
all of its out-of-pocket expenses, shall be charged against and paid from the Net Income in
accordance with paragraph 1.3 of this Deposit Escrow Agreement. The fee agreed upon for the
services rendered hereunder is intended as full compensation for the Deposit Escrow Agent’s
services as contemplated by this Deposit Escrow Agreement; provided,
however, that in the event that the conditions for the disbursement of the Deposit
Escrow Amount under this Deposit Escrow Agreement are not fulfilled, or the Deposit Escrow
Agent renders any service related to this Deposit Escrow Agreement, but not contemplated in
this Deposit Escrow Agreement, or there is any assignment of interest in the subject matter
of this Deposit Escrow Agreement, or any material modification hereof, or if any material
controversy arises hereunder, or the Deposit Escrow Agent is made a party to any litigation
pertaining to this Deposit Escrow Agreement or the subject matter hereof, then the Deposit
Escrow Agent shall be compensated for such extraordinary services and reimbursed for all
costs and expenses, including reasonable attorneys’ fees and expenses, occasioned by any
such delay, controversy, litigation or event. If any amount due to the Deposit Escrow Agent
hereunder is not paid within thirty (30) days of the date due, the Deposit Escrow Agent in
its sole discretion may charge interest on such amount up to the highest rate permitted by
applicable law. The Deposit Escrow Agent shall have, and is hereby granted, a prior lien
upon the Deposit Escrow Amount with respect to its unpaid fees, non-reimbursed expenses and
unsatisfied indemnification rights, superior to the interests of any other persons or
entities and is hereby granted the right to set off and deduct any unpaid fees,
non-reimbursed expenses and unsatisfied indemnification rights from the Deposit Escrow
Amount.


 


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4.7 Income with respect to the Deposit Escrow Amount shall be deemed to have been
earned by the party who receives the Deposit Escrow Amount and shall be subject to
withholding regulations then in force with respect to United States taxes. Each party
shall, at the request of Deposit Escrow Agent, provide the Deposit Escrow Agent with
appropriate W-9 forms or tax identification number certifications, or resident alien
certifications. This paragraph shall survive notwithstanding any termination of this
Deposit Escrow Agreement or the resignation of the Deposit Escrow Agent.




4.8 This Deposit Escrow Agreement expressly sets forth all the duties of the Deposit
Escrow Agent with respect to any and all matters pertinent hereto. No implied duties or
obligations shall be read into this Deposit Escrow Agreement against the Deposit Escrow
Agent. Deposit Escrow Agent shall not be bound by the provisions of any agreement among the
other parties hereto except the Deposit Escrow Agreement.




4.9 Deposit Escrow Agent may resign and be discharged from its duties or obligations
under this Deposit Escrow Agreement by giving not less than thirty (30) days’ prior written
notice to Parent and Company of such resignation, provided that no such resignation shall be
effective until a successor Deposit Escrow Agent, designated jointly by Parent and Company,
has agreed to serve as Deposit Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms of this Deposit
Escrow Agreement. From the date of said letter of resignation until the delivery of the
Deposit Escrow Amount to the successor Deposit Escrow Agent, the Deposit Escrow Agent’s sole
duty hereunder shall be to retain the Deposit Escrow Amount and invest and reinvest said
Deposit Escrow Amount pursuant to paragraph 1.3. Notwithstanding the foregoing, if no
successor is appointed within thirty (30) days after such resignation notice is deemed given
hereunder, the Deposit Escrow Agent may deliver the Deposit Escrow Amount into a court of
competent jurisdiction and, thereupon, shall be released from any and all obligations and
liabilities arising under or in connection with this Deposit Escrow Agreement or its duties
as an escrow agent hereunder.




4.10 If any conflict, disagreement or dispute arises between, among, or involving any
of the parties hereto concerning the meaning or validity of any provision hereunder or
concerning any other matter relating to this Deposit Escrow Agreement, or the Deposit Escrow
Agent is in doubt as to the action to be taken hereunder, the Deposit Escrow Agent may, at
its option, retain the Deposit Escrow Amount until the Deposit Escrow Agent (i) receives a
final non-appealable order of a court of competent jurisdiction or a final non-appealable
arbitration decision directing delivery of the Deposit Escrow Amount, (ii) receives a
written agreement executed by each of the parties involved in such disagreement or dispute
directing delivery of the Deposit Escrow Amount, in which event the Deposit Escrow Agent
shall be authorized to disburse the Deposit Escrow Amount in accordance with such final
court order, arbitration decision, or agreement, or (iii) files an interpleader action in
any court of competent jurisdiction, and upon the filing thereof, the Deposit Escrow Agent
shall be relieved of all liability as to the Deposit Escrow Amount and shall be entitled to
recover attorneys’ fees, expenses and other costs incurred in commencing and maintaining any
such interpleader action. The Deposit Escrow Agent shall be entitled to act on any such
agreement, court order, or arbitration decision without further question, inquiry, or
consent.


 


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	 	5.	 	Termination.





The duties of the Deposit Escrow Agent shall be terminated (a) upon disbursement or release of
the entire Deposit Escrow Amount by the Deposit Escrow Agent in accordance with the terms hereof;
(b) by written mutual consent signed by Company and Parent (on behalf of itself and Merger Sub), or
(c) by delivery or payment of the Deposit Escrow Amount into a court of competent jurisdiction
pursuant to a resignation in accordance with paragraph 4.9 or as otherwise contemplated by
paragraph 4.10.




	 	6.	 	Escheat.





Parent, Merger Sub and Company are aware that under applicable state law, property which is
presumed abandoned may under certain circumstances escheat to the applicable state. The Deposit
Escrow Agent shall have no liability to the parties, their respective heirs, legal representatives,
successors and assigns, or any other party, should any or all of the Deposit Escrow Amount escheat
by operation of law.




	 	7.	 	Notice.





All notices, consents, approvals, directions, and instructions required or permitted under
this Deposit Escrow Agreement shall be given in writing and delivered either by hand or by
registered or certified mail, postage prepaid, or by a nationally recognized overnight courier
service guaranteeing delivery within twenty-four (24) hours (charges prepaid), and addressed as
follows:




	 	(i)	 	If to Parent or Merger Sub:






Nicole Crafts LLC

14 Sbar Blvd.

Moorestown, NJ 08057

Attention: Adolph Piperno

Facsimile: (856) 234-9159




with a copy to:




Bryan Cave LLP

1201 W. Peachtree Street, N.W.

One Atlantic Center, Fourteenth Floor

Atlanta, GA 303309-3488

Attention: Todd Wade, Esquire

Facsimile: (404) 420-0694


 


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	 	(ii)	 	If to Company:






A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc.

130 A.C. Moore Drive

Berlin, NJ 08009

Attention: Amy Rhoades

Facsimile: (856) 753-7057


with a copy to:


Blank Rome LLP

One Logan Square

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103-6998

Attention: Alan H. Lieblich, Esquire

Facsimile: (215) 569-5555




	 	(iii)	 	If to Deposit Escrow Agent:






Wells Fargo Bank, National Association

45 Broadway, 14th Floor

New York, New York 10006

Attention: Lisa D’Angelo; Corporate, Municipal and Escrow Solutions

Telephone: (212) 515-5261

Facsimile: (212) 509-1716



or to such other address or to the attention of such other person as any party shall have requested
by a written notice given pursuant to this paragraph 7. Notices will be deemed to have been given
hereunder when delivered personally, one day after deposit with a nationally recognized overnight
courier service or three (3) days after deposit in the U.S. Mail, as may be applicable, whether or
not delivery is accepted by the addressee. Notices also may be given by facsimile with written
confirmation of receipt, to the fax numbers, as applicable, set forth above, and shall be effective
on the date transmitted if confirmed within forty-eight (48) hours thereafter by a signed original
sent in one of the manners provided above. Copies of all communications hereunder shall be sent to
Deposit Escrow Agent.




	 	8.	 	Assignment.





Subject to the Deposit Escrow Agent’s right to withdraw pursuant to Paragraph 4.9 hereof, this
Agreement may not be assigned by Parent, Merger Sub, Company or the Deposit Escrow Agent without
the prior written consent of the other parties (with written consent by Parent applicable to both
Parent and Merger Sub) hereto.




	 	9.	 	Entire Agreement; Waiver.





This Deposit Escrow Agreement contains the entire agreement among the parties with respect to
the subject matter hereof. This Deposit Escrow Agreement may not be amended, supplemented or
discharged, no provision hereof may be modified or waived, except by an instrument in writing
signed by all of the parties (with instrument in writing signed by Parent
applicable to both Parent and Merger Sub) hereto. No waiver of any provision hereof by any
party shall be deemed a continuing waiver of any matter by such party.


 


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	 	10.	 	Force Majeure.





The Deposit Escrow Agent shall not be responsible or liable for any failure or delay in the
performance of its obligation under this Deposit Escrow Agreement arising out of or caused,
directly or indirectly, by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including, without
limitation, acts of God; earthquakes; fire; flood; wars; acts of terrorism; civil or military
disturbances; sabotage; epidemic; riots; interruptions, loss or malfunctions of utilities, computer
(hardware or software) or communications services; accidents; labor disputes; acts of civil or
military authority or governmental action; it being understood that the Escrow Agent shall use
commercially reasonable efforts which are consistent with accepted practices in the banking
industry to resume performance as soon as reasonably practicable under the circumstances.




	 	11.	 	Governing Law.





This Deposit Escrow Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws
and decisions of the State of Delaware applicable to agreements made to be performed entirely in
such jurisdiction, regardless of the laws that might otherwise govern under applicable principles
of conflicts of laws (whether of the State of Delaware or any other jurisdiction) that would cause
the application of the laws of any state other than the State of Delaware, except to the extent
that provisions of the Pennsylvania Business Corporation Law are applicable hereto. Each of the
parties irrevocably consents to the exclusive jurisdiction and venue of the federal and state
courts located in Philadelphia, in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, in connection with any claims
or disputes that may arise out of or relate to the subject matter set forth herein.




	 	12.	 	Counterparts.





This Deposit Escrow Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, including by
facsimile, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which together shall constitute
one and the same instrument.




	 	13.	 	Construction.





The captions in this Deposit Escrow Agreement are inserted for convenience of reference only
and shall not limit or affect the interpretation of any provision in this Deposit Escrow Agreement.
The singular shall include the plural, and the plural shall include the singular; any gender shall
include all other genders as the meaning and context of this Deposit Escrow Agreement shall
require. This Deposit Escrow Agreement is the product of arm’s length negotiations between
sophisticated, well-represented parties and no provision herein shall be construed against the
drafter thereof.



**********************



 


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IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Deposit Escrow Agreement on the date
and year first written above.



	 	 	 	 	 
	 	PARENT:



NICOLE CRAFTS LLC

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Adolph Piperno
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Adolph Piperno 	 
	 	 	Title:  	President 	 
	 
	 	MERGER SUB:



SBAR’S ACQUISITION CORPORATION

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Adolph Piperno
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Adolph Piperno 	 
	 	 	Title:  	President 	 
	 
	 	COMPANY:



A.C. MOORE ARTS & CRAFTS, INC.

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Joseph A. Jeffries
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Joseph A. Jeffries 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Chief Executive Officer 	 
	 
	 	Wells Fargo Bank, National Association acting solely

as DEPOSIT ESCROW AGENT:

 	 
	 	By:  	/s/ Lisa D’Angelo
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	Lisa D’Angelo 	 
	 	 	Title:  	Vice President 	 



 


 









 





	 	 	 	 	 



Exhibit A




Agency and Custody Account Direction

For Cash Balances

Wells Fargo Money Market Deposit Accounts





Direction to use the following Wells Fargo Money Market Deposit Accounts for Cash Balances for the
escrow account or accounts (the “Account”) established under the Escrow Agreement to which this
Exhibit A is attached.



You are hereby directed to deposit, as indicated below, or as we shall jointly direct further in
writing from time to time, all cash in the Account in the following money market deposit account of
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association:



Fed Effective Deposit Account (FFDA)




We understand that amounts on deposit in the FFDA are insured, subject to the applicable rules and
regulations of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), in the basic FDIC insurance amount
of $250,000 per depositor, per insured bank. This includes principal and accrued interest up to a
total of $250,000.



We acknowledge that we have full power to direct investments of the Account.



We understand that we may change this direction at any time and that it shall continue in effect
until revoked or modified by us by written notice to you.



	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	PARENT:

	 	 	 	COMPANY:	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Adolph Piperno
 

Authorized Representative

	 	 	 	/s/ Joseph A. Jeffries
 

Authorized Representative
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	October 3, 2011
 

Date

	 	 	 	October 3, 2011
 

Date
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	MERGER SUB:
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	/s/ Adolph Piperno
 

Authorized Representative

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	October 3, 2011
 

Date

	 	 	 	 	 	 





 


 









 





Exhibit 2


Form of Payment Notice — Closing




BANK ADDRESS Attention:



Ladies and Gentlemen:



Pursuant to paragraph 2 of the Deposit Escrow Agreement (“Deposit Escrow Agreement”), dated
October 3, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”),
Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“Merger Sub”), A.C. Moore Arts &
Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Company”), and you, Parent, on behalf of itself and
Merger Sub, and Company hereby authorize and direct you to pay the entire Deposit Escrow Amount
being maintained by you under and pursuant to the Deposit Escrow Agreement to Paying Agent as
follows:



[insert agreed upon instructions for payment]




	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Sincerely,

	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	




 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 



 


 









 






Exhibit 3.1


Form of Claim Notice





BANK ADDRESS Attention:



Ladies and Gentlemen:



Pursuant to paragraph 3.1 of the Deposit Escrow Agreement (“Deposit Escrow Agreement”), dated
October 3, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”),
Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“Merger Sub”), A.C. Moore Arts &
Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Company”), and you, [Insert Name of Claimant] hereby
notifies you that it is making a claim against [Insert Name of Respondent] for [$                    ] [the
full amount] of the Deposit Escrow Amount. The factual basis for this claim is as follows:



[insert facts]




Payment of the Deposit Escrow Amount pursuant to this claim shall be delivered as follows:



[insert instructions for payment]




	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Sincerely,



[INSERT NAME OF CLAIMANT]

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 



 


 









 






Exhibit 3.2


Form of Objection Notice





BANK ADDRESS Attention:



Ladies and Gentlemen:



Pursuant to paragraph 3.2 of the Deposit Escrow Agreement (“Deposit Escrow Agreement”), dated
October 3, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”),
Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“Merger Sub”), A.C. Moore Arts &
Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Company”), and you, the undersigned hereby notifies you
that it objects to [Insert Name of Claimant] Claim Notice dated                     , 2011, and requests
that you hold the entire Deposit Escrow Amount until a Final Determination. The factual basis for
this objection is as follows:



[insert facts]




	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Sincerely,



[INSERT NAME OF RESPONDENT]

 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 



 


 









 





Exhibit 3.3




Form of Payment Notice — No Closing





BANK ADDRESS Attention:



Ladies and Gentlemen:



Pursuant to paragraph 3.3 of the Deposit Escrow Agreement (“Deposit Escrow Agreement”), dated
October 3, 2011, by and among Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability company (“Parent”),
Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation (“Merger Sub”), A.C. Moore Arts &
Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation (“Company”), and you, Parent, on behalf of itself and
Merger Sub, and Company hereby authorize and direct you to pay the entire Deposit Escrow Amount as
follows:



[insert agreed upon instructions for payment]




	 	 	 	 	 
	 	Sincerely,

	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	
 	 
	 	 	Name:  	 	 
	 	 	Title:  	 	 



 


 









 





Exhibit 4.4-A




Certificate as to Authorized Signatures





The specimen signatures shown below are the specimen signatures of the individuals who have been
designated as authorized representatives of Nicole Crafts LLC, a Delaware limited liability
company, and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation, and are authorized to
initiate and approve transactions of all types for the escrow account or accounts established under
the Escrow Agreement to which this Exhibit 4.4-A is attached, on behalf of Nicole Crafts LLC, a
Delaware limited liability company, and Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation, a Pennsylvania corporation.



	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name / Title	 	Specimen Signature	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Adolph Piperno
 

Name

	 	 	 	/s/ Adolph Piperno
 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	President, Nicole Crafts LLC and
Sbar’s Acquisition Corporation
 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

Name

	 	 	 	 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Title
 


	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

Name

	 	 	 	 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

Name

	 	 	 	 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 





 


 









 





Exhibit 4.4-B




Certificate as to Authorized Signatures




The specimen signatures shown below are the specimen signatures of the individuals who have been
designated as authorized representatives of A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania
corporation, and are authorized to initiate and approve transactions of all types for the escrow
account or accounts established under the Escrow Agreement to which this Exhibit 4.4-B is attached,
on behalf of A.C. Moore Arts & Crafts, Inc., a Pennsylvania corporation.



	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Name / Title	 	Specimen Signature	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Joseph A. Jeffries
 

Name

	 	 	 	/s/ Joseph A. Jeffries
 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Chief Executive Officer
 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	David Stern
 

Name

	 	 	 	/s/ David Stern
 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Executive Vice President, Chief Financial
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Officer and Chief Administrative Officer
 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Rodney Schriver
 

Name

	 	 	 	/s/ Rodney Schriver
 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	and Controller
 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Amy Rhoades
 

Name

	 	 	 	/s/ Amy Rhoades
 

Signature
	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 	 
	Senior Vice President and General Counsel
 

Title

	 	 	 	 	 	 





 


 









 





Exhibit 4.6


Fees of Deposit Escrow Agent