Employment Agreement by and between Charlotte Russe and Bernard Zeichner



 EXHIBIT 10.31 
  
 AMENDED AND RESTATED EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT 
  
 ARTICLE 1 
 GENERAL PROVISIONS 
  
 Section 1.01 Employment
Agreement. This Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is entered into as of August 31, 2003 by and between Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (the “Company”), and Mr. Bernard Zeichner (“Mr.
Zeichner”). 
  
 ARTICLE 2 
 POSITION AND DUTIES 
  
 Section 2.01 Position. Company shall employ Mr. Zeichner as the Chairman of the Board of the Company’s Board of Directors (the
“Board”). 
  
 Section 2.02 Duties. Mr. Zeichner
shall have such authority and duties which are customary for the position of Chairman of the Board and shall devote such time and perform such executive-level duties as may be assigned to him by Company or its Board of Directors which reasonably
serve the purpose of this Agreement and/or meet the needs of Company and its affiliates. Mr. Zeichner shall not engage in any activity which conflicts with or interferes with the performance of Mr. Zeichner’s duties hereunder. Mr. Zeichner
shall be based in San Diego at Company’s headquarters (except as otherwise consented to by Mr. Zeichner). 
  
 ARTICLE 3 
 TERM OF EMPLOYMENT 
  
 Section 3.01 Term. Subject to earlier termination as provided in this
Agreement, Mr. Zeichner shall be employed for a term of one year (the “Initial Term”), commencing on the date first mentioned above, which shall be automatically extended for successive one year terms unless either party provides notice to
the other at least one month prior to the expiration of the original or any extension term that this Agreement is not to be extended (the Initial Term, together with any extensions thereof, is hereinafter referred to as the “Term”).

  
 ARTICLE 4 
 COMPENSATION 
  
 Section 4.01 Salary. Company shall pay Mr. Zeichner an annualized base salary of $200,000, to be paid in accordance with Company’s pay policy.

  
 Section 4.02 Performance Bonus. Mr. Zeichner shall be
eligible to be considered for a bonus annually during the term hereof. The amount of such bonus, if any, shall be determined by the Board in it sole discretion. 
  

Section 4.03 Health Insurance. Mr. Zeichner and his family shall be entitled to participate in any Company-provided group medical, vision or
dental insurance plans. Company shall pay the entire cost of premiums for the group medical, vision and dental insurance. 







 Section 4.04 Auto Privileges. Mr. Zeichner shall be entitled to the use of an automobile leased,
insured, and maintained by the Company. 
  
 Section 4.05
Reimbursement of Legal Fees. Mr. Zeichner shall receive reimbursement for reasonable attorney fees incurred in connection with this employment agreement. Mr. Zeichner shall submit to Company the legal bills for reimbursement. 
  
 Section 4.06 Business Expense Reimbursement. The Company shall
reimburse Mr. Zeichner for all reasonable business expenses incurred and documented pursuant to the Company’s expense reimbursement policies and practices. 
  

Section 4.07 Liability Insurance and Indemnification. Mr. Zeichner shall be added as an additional named insured under all liability insurance
policies now in force or hereafter obtained covering any officer or director of the Company or Parent in his or her capacity as an officer or director. The Company and Parent shall also indemnify Mr. Zeichner in his capacity as an officer or
director and hold him harmless from any cost, expense or liability arising out of or relating to any act or decisions made by him on behalf of or in the course of performing services for the Company and Parent to the fullest extent permitted by
Delaware law to the same extent as provided to other officers or directors of the Company and Parent. 
  
 Section 4.08 Life Insurance. The Company shall pay for, or promptly reimburse Mr. Zeichner for, insurance premiums incurred by Mr. Zeichner with
respect to life insurance policy number #1530859, provided that the amount of such payments shall in no event exceed $25,000 per year. 
  
 Section 4.09 Certain Additional Payments. The Company shall pay to Mr. Zeichner such additional amounts (the “Gross-Up Payment”) as are
necessary to reimburse Mr. Zeichner, on an after-tax basis, for all federal, state and local income and employment taxes (the “Taxes”) payable by Mr. Zeichner with respect to the payments or benefits received by Mr. Zeichner pursuant to
Sections 4.03, 4.04 and 4.08 hereof (the “Payments”), such that the net amount retained by Mr. Zeichner, after deduction of any Taxes on the Payments and on the Gross-Up Payment, shall be equal to the Payments. 
  
 ARTICLE 5 
 UNFAIR COMPETITION 
  
 Section 5.01 Conflict of Interest. The Company relies on the integrity and good judgment of all employees to observe ethical, professional and legal standards, and good business practices, in the conduct of the Company’s
business. In keeping with ethical business practice, it is critical that Mr. Zeichner refrain from activities which conflict with the best interest of the Company. 
  
 Section 5.02 Covenant Not to Misuse Information. Mr. Zeichner agrees to execute and abide by the Trade Secret and
Confidentiality Agreement set forth in Exhibit “A”, which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof. Mr. Zeichner’s compliance with the terms of Exhibit “A” is a material requirement of this Agreement.








 ARTICLE 6 
 TERMINATION OR RESIGNATION 
  
 Section 6.01 Termination Without Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time, without notice, without cause. In such an event, Company shall comply with the severance compensation provisions set forth in Sections 6.02
and 6.03. 
  
 Section 6.02 Termination Without Cause Severance
Compensation. In the event Mr. Zeichner’s employment is terminated by the Company without cause, he shall be entitled to severance equal to 100% of his annual base salary for one year, payable on a monthly basis, less required payroll
taxes. If Mr. Zeichner breaches any of his obligations hereunder including, without limitation, Exhibit A hereto, the company shall be relieved of any obligation hereunder to make severance payments to Mr. Zeichner. 
  
 From date of notification by the Company that it has elected to terminate his
employment, Mr. Zeichner will be free to discuss a position with other prospective employers. Mr. Zeichner may continue with current title and responsibilities after the termination notice date, upon mutual consent of Company and Mr. Zeichner.
During the period after notification, but prior to leaving Company, Mr. Zeichner will be entitled to all compensation and employee benefits under Section 4 of this Agreement until the actual termination. 
  
 Section 6.03 No Offset or Duty to Mitigate. Mr. Zeichner’s
severance benefits hereunder shall not be offset by any income or earnings from any other employment he may obtain and Mr. Zeichner shall be under no duty to mitigate the Company’s damages under this Agreement by obtaining or attempting to
obtain successor employment. 
  
 Section 6.04 Severance
Distribution. The severance compensation payable to Mr. Zeichner under Section 6.02 of this Agreement will be paid to Mr. Zeichner. Company shall be entitled to cease making any severance compensation payments required under this Agreement in
the event Mr. Zeichner breaches any provision of this Agreement or Exhibit “A”. 
  
 Section 6.05 Termination For Cause. The Company may terminate this Agreement at any time, without notice, for cause. In such an event, no severance compensation whatsoever shall be paid to Mr. Zeichner under
Section 6.02 or otherwise. For the purposes of this Agreement, termination for cause shall mean that Mr. Zeichner was terminated because of: (i) Mr. Zeichner’s willful breach of duty, gross neglect of duty, gross carelessness or gross
misconduct in the performance of Mr. Zeichner’s duties; (ii) Mr. Zeichner’s conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude; (iii) Mr. Zeichner’s commission of any act of dishonesty involving the Company; (iv) Mr. Zeichner’s
unauthorized disclosure of material privileged or confidential information related to the Company or its employees except as may be compelled by legal process or court order or the violation of any provision of Exhibit “A”; (v) Mr.
Zeichner’s commission of some willful act or omission which violates material Company policy or procedures, or otherwise constitutes unethical or detrimental business conduct; or (vi) any other willful act or omission by Mr. Zeichner which, in
the reasonable good faith opinion of the Company has, or is reasonably likely to have, a material adverse impact upon the Company or its reputation, provided, however, that with regard to clauses (i), (v) and (vi) above, Mr. Zeichner’s
employment may not be terminated for cause unless and until the Board has given him 







 reasonable written notice of its intended actions and specifically describing the alleged events, activities or omissions
giving rise thereto and with respect to those events, activities or omissions for which a cure is possible, a reasonable opportunity to cure such breach. In the event that this Agreement is terminated for cause pursuant to this Section, neither the
Company nor Mr. Zeichner shall have any remaining duties or obligations hereunder except as set forth in Section 6.07 or Exhibit A hereto, and the Company shall pay to Mr. Zeichner, or his estate, Mr. Zeichner’s base salary pursuant to Section
4.01, prorated through the date of termination of this Agreement, and any performance bonus earned for prior pursuant to Section 4.02 and unpaid as of the date of such termination. 
  
 Section 6.06 Automatic Termination. (a) This Agreement shall automatically terminate on the expiration of the Term of
the Agreement as set forth in Section 3.01. No severance compensation whatsoever shall be paid to Mr. Zeichner under Section 6.02 or otherwise in the event of a termination pursuant to this Section 6.06(a). 
  
 (b) In the event that Mr. Zeichner’s employment with the Company is
terminated by reason of his death or disability, the Company shall continue to pay his base salary to him (or to his beneficiary, in the event of his death) for 12 months. 
  
 Section 6.07 Resignation. Mr. Zeichner may terminate this Agreement by giving the Company written notice of
resignation thirty (30) days in advance of the date of resignation, Company may, at its sole discretion, upon receiving such notice of resignation, waive any or all of Mr. Zeichner’s 30 days’ notice period. No severance compensation
whatsoever shall be paid to Mr. Zeichner under Section 6.02 or otherwise in the event of a termination pursuant to this Section. 
  
 Section 6.08 Termination for Good Reason. Mr. Zeichner may, at any time, terminate his employment with the Company for “good reason” (as
defined below). In such event the Company shall pay Mr. Zeichner severance compensation as if the Company had terminated Mr. Zeichner’s employment without “cause” under Section 6.02. For purposes of this Agreement, “good
reason” shall mean, without the express written consent of Mr. Zeichner, the occurrence of any of the following events unless such events are fully corrected within 30 days following notification by Mr. Zeichner to the Company that he intends
to terminate his employment hereunder: (i) a material alteration, reduction or diminution in the duties, responsibilities and status of Mr. Zeichner’s position as described in Article 2 of this Agreement, (ii) the Company’s requiring Mr.
Zeichner to be based anywhere other than at the Company’s headquarters, or anywhere outside of the San Diego metropolitan area, or (iii) a material breach by the Company of Article 4 of this Agreement. 
  
 Section 6.09 Termination Obligations: Return of Company Property. Mr.
Zeichner hereby acknowledges and agrees that all property of the Company or any affiliate thereof in possession of Mr. Zeichner, including without limitation, all books, manuals, files, financial statements, computer disks, contracts, lists
(including without limitation, customer lists, price lists and/or pricing schedules, lists or summaries of the Company’s or any affiliate’s costs, lists of Company’s or any affiliate’s vendors or suppliers), and other documents
of any kind, proprietary information, and equipment furnished to or prepared by Mr. Zeichner in the course of, or incident to, his employment belong exclusively to the Company or its affiliates, as the case 







 may be, and shall be promptly returned to the Company or its affiliates, as the case may be, upon termination of Mr.
Zeichner’s employment for any reason. The obligations contained in this paragraph shall survive the termination of Mr. Zeichner’s employment for any reason whatsoever. 
  
 ARTICLE 7 
 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 
  
 Section 7.01 Entire
Agreement. This Agreement contains the entire agreement between the parties and supersedes all prior oral and written Agreements, understandings, commitments, and practices between the parties with respect to the subject matter hereof. Other
than as expressly set forth herein, Mr. Zeichner and Company acknowledge and represent that there are no other promises, terms, conditions or representations (verbal or written) regarding any matter relevant hereto. No supplement, modification, or
amendment of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall be binding or enforceable unless evidenced in writing and executed by the parties hereto. 
  

Section 7.02 California Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and the
venue of any litigation commenced hereunder shall be San Diego, California. 
  
 Section 7.03 Partial Invalidity. If the application of any provision of this Agreement and Exhibit A hereto, or any section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, word or portion of this Agreement
and Exhibit A hereto should be held invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby, but shall continue to be given full force and effect as if the part so held invalid or unenforceable had not been included
herein. 
  
 Section 7.04 Notices. Notices given under this
Agreement may be given by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or by personal delivery. A mailed notice shall be deemed given two (2) business days after mailing. 
  
 Section 7.05 Mr. Zeichner Acknowledgment. Mr. Zeichner acknowledges that he has read and understands this Agreement,
is fully aware of its legal effect, has not acted in reliance upon any representations or promised made by Company other than those contained in writing herein, and has entered into an Agreement freely based on his own judgment. 
  
 Section 7.06 Other Remedies. Nothing in this Agreement shall limit any
remedy of Company under the California Uniform Trade Secrets Act (California Civil Code § 3426 et seq.) or otherwise available under law. 
  
 Section 7.07 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original, but all of which
shall constitute one and the same instrument. 
  
 Section 7.08
No Assignment. This Assignment may not be assigned or encumbered in any way by Mr. Zeichner. The Company may assign this Agreement to any successor (whether 







 by merger, consolidation, or purchase of the Company’s stock) to all or a controlling interest in the Company’s
business, in which case this Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of such successors and assigns. 
  
 Section 7.09 No Solicitation of Employees. Mr. Zeichner specifically agrees that during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2)
years thereafter, Mr. Zeichner shall not, directly or indirectly, either for himself or for any other person, firm, corporation or legal entity, hire any individual who, since the date of this Agreement through the date of termination, was or is an
employee of the Company or any affiliate thereof or solicit or otherwise encourage any such individual to leave the employment of the Company or any such affiliate. 
  
 Section 7.10 Limitation on Waiver. A waiver of any term, provision or condition of this Agreement shall not be deemed
to be, or constitute a waiver of any other term, provision or condition herein, whether or not similar. No waiver shall be binding unless in writing and signed by the waiving party. 
  
 Section 7.11 Attorneys’ Fees. In the event that any proceeding is commenced involving the interpretation or
enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, the Party prevailing in such proceeding shall be entitled to recover its costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees from the non-prevailing party. 
  
 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties hereto have executed this Employment
Agreement on the dates set forth below: 
  

	 Bernard Zeichner
	 	 	 	CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
					
	By:	 	/s/    BERNARD ZEICHNER        	 	 	 	 	 	/s/    MARK A. HOFFMAN        
	 	
	 	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	 	Its Authorized Agent
					
	Dated:	 	August 31, 2003	 	 	 	Dated:	 	August 31, 2003
	 	
	 	 	 	 	









 EXHIBIT A 
  
 TRADE SECRET AND CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT 
  

	1.	Bernard Zeichner (hereinafter “Mr. Zeichner”) hereby enters into this Trade Secret and Confidentiality Agreement (“Agreement”) with Charlotte Russe Holding, Inc.
(hereinafter “Company”). This Agreement sets forth the obligations of Mr. Zeichner concerning Mr. Zeichner’s use of trade secrets and confidential information acquired in the course of Mr. Zeichner’s employment with the Company.
This Agreement shall constitute Exhibit “A” to the Employment Agreement dated as of September [    ], 2003 between Mr. Zeichner and Company. 

  

	2.	Confidential Information 

  

	 	a.	The parties agree that, during the term of his employment, Mr. Zeichner has and will have access to and become acquainted with various trade secrets and confidential information of
Company and its affiliates, consisting of documents, files, computer programs and databases, processes, techniques, patterns, procedures, and related documentation, compilations of information, records and specifications including but not limited
to: 

  

	 	i.	Business Information, such as (but not limited to) the Company’s and its affiliates’ past, present and future business practices, or techniques, patent information
and applications, leases, contracts, and business plans; and 

  

	 	ii.	Financial Information, such as (but not limited to) the Company’s and its affiliates’ earnings, sales, assets, debts, prices, pricing structure, margins,
volume/quantities of purchases or sales, or other financial data; and 

  

	 	iii.	Supply Information, such as (but not limited to) confidential information relating to reliable or key supplier’s and/or vendor’s names or addresses including
contact persons, terms of supply and/or vendor contracts or particular transactions, potential suppliers and/or vendors, or other related data that is not publicly available to other persons who may be engaged in the same business as the Company;
and Marketing Information, such as (but not limited to) prior, ongoing or proposed marketing programs, presentations or agreements by or on behalf of the Company and its affiliates, pricing information, customer bonus programs, prior or
existing contracts terms, marketing tests and/or results of marketing efforts; and 

  

	 	iv.	Personnel Information, such as (but not limited to) employees’ personal or medical histories, compensation, employee incentive programs or other terms of employment,
actual or proposed promotions, hirings, resignations, terminations or reasons therefor, training methods, or other personnel information; and 









	 	v.	Customer Information, such as (but not limited to) past, existing or prospective customers’ names, addresses or backgrounds, customer specifications and requirements,
volumes of purchase, prices that particular or various customers are charged or pay for services, proposals or agreements between customers and the Company or its affiliates, status of customers’ accounts, or other information about actual or
prospective customers; and 

  

	 	vi.	Customer Trade Secrets, such as (but not limited to) proprietary information of the Company’s or its affiliates’ customers provided to the Company or its affiliates
for the sole and exclusive purpose of permitting the Company or its affiliates to market or provide products or services to such customers or prospective customers. 

  
 For purposes of this Agreement, the trade secrets and confidential information referred to in this Paragraph 2 hereafter
shall be collectively referred to as “Confidential Information.” 
  

	 	b.	Prior Employment. Mr. Zeichner acknowledges and understands that if Mr. Zeichner obtained any proprietary knowledge, inventions, or other trade secret information from a
former employer, Mr. Zeichner is prohibited from using such trade secret information during the course and scope of Mr. Zeichner’s employment unless: (i) Mr. Zeichner has obtained written consent from the former employer to do so; and (ii) Mr.
Zeichner has fully disclosed such written consent to Company. Mr. Zeichner further agrees that Mr. Zeichner shall indemnify the Company against all claims for Mr. Zeichner’s use of any trade secret information obtained from a former employer.


  

	3.	Use of Common Property 

  

	 	a.	Mr. Zeichner acknowledges that all files, records, information, documents, computerized records (including customer profiles and databases), drawings, specifications, formulae,
equipment and similar items relating to the business of Company, its affiliates and/or its customers, whether or not prepared by Mr. Zeichner and whether or not they constitute Confidential Information: (i) are and shall remain the exclusive
property of the Company or its affiliates; and (ii) shall not be removed from the premises of the Company or any affiliate thereof except to the extent such removal is temporary and for the sole and exclusive purpose of permitting Mr. Zeichner to
perform his duties under the Employment Agreement, unless approved in writing by the Company. 

  

	 	b.	All such books, information, records or documents mentioned in Paragraph 3(a) above shall be immediately returned to Company by Mr. Zeichner upon the Company’s request or upon
termination of Mr. Zeichner’s employment relationship with Company. 









	4.	Misappropriation of Confidential Information; Unfair Competition 

  

	 	a.	Mr. Zeichner acknowledges that any unauthorized possession, communication, or use of Confidential Information would enable Mr. Zeichner (or any third party to whom Mr. Zeichner
might disseminate the Confidential Information) to unfairly compete with the Company or any affiliate thereof, by using the Confidential Information to its/their advantage. 

  

	 	b.	Mr. Zeichner covenants and agrees that Mr. Zeichner will keep all Confidential Information absolutely confidential and divulge said Confidential Information only to those other
executives of the Company or any affiliate thereof who absolutely require the information in order to perform duties on behalf of the Company or any affiliate thereof. Mr. Zeichner further promises and agrees that Mr. Zeichner shall not misuse,
misappropriate or disclose Confidential Information, directly or indirectly, or use it in any way, either during the term of employment or thereafter, except as required in connection with Mr. Zeichner’s duties on behalf of the Company or any
affiliate thereof. 

  

	5.	Non-Solicitation 

  
 Mr. Zeichner specifically agrees that during the term of this Agreement and for a period of two (2) years thereafter, Mr. Zeichner shall not, directly or
indirectly, either for himself or for any other person, firm, corporation or legal entity, hire any individual who, since the date of this Agreement through the date of termination, was or is an employee of the Company or any affiliate thereof or
solicit or otherwise encourage any such individual to leave the employment of the Company or any such affiliate. 
  

	6.	Miscellaneous 

  

	 	a.	Mr. Zeichner hereby acknowledges and agrees that any actual or threatened violation of this Agreement will cause Company immediate and irreparable harm which cannot be adequately
remedied with monetary damages alone. Accordingly, upon any actual or threatened violation of this Agreement, Mr. Zeichner agrees that the Company or any affiliate thereof shall be entitled to, and Mr. Zeichner hereby consents to the immediate
issuance of a temporary restraining order, preliminary and/or permanent injunction, without bond, to prevent Mr. Zeichner or any entity or person acting in concert with Mr. Zeichner, from revealing or otherwise utilizing Confidential Information.
Such restraining order and/or injunction shall be in addition to any other rights and/or remedies the Company or any affiliate thereof may have. 

  

	 	b.	This Agreement has been entered into in the State of California, and it is expressly contemplated by the parties and agreed upon by them that the interpretation and enforcement
hereof shall be governed by the substantive and procedural laws of the State of California. 

  

	 	c.	In the event that any proceeding is commenced involving the interpretation or enforcement of the provisions of this Agreement, the party prevailing in such proceeding shall be
entitled to recover its reasonable costs and attorneys’ fees. 









	 	d.	The failure of the Company or any affiliate thereof to exercise any right or remedy upon any breach or default with respect to any of the terms of this Agreement, or delay by the
Company or any affiliate thereof in exercising any such right or remedy, shall not operate as a waiver, and no waiver of any type or amendment of this agreement shall be binding upon the Company or any affiliate thereof unless evidenced by a writing
signed on behalf of the Company or any affiliate thereof. 

  

	 	e.	If the application of any provision of this Agreement, or any action, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, word or portion of this Agreement should be held invalid or
unenforceable, the remaining provisions thereof shall not be effected thereby, but shall continue to be given full force and effect as if the part so held invalid or unenforceable had not been included herein. 

  

	 	f.	This instrument constitutes the entire Agreement of the parties hereto with respect to its subject matter, and supersedes any other express or implied oral and written agreements
between the parties. Other than as expressly set forth herein, the parties expressly acknowledge that there are no other promises, terms, conditions, or representations (verbal or written) regarding any matter covered by this Agreement. This
Agreement shall not be modified, extended or supplemented in any manner, except by subsequent written contract signed by both Mr. Zeichner and the Company. 

  

	7.	The parties acknowledge that they have read and understood the terms and conditions of this Agreement, and that they agree and intend to abide by them. 

  

	 Dated: August 31, 2003
	 	 	 	 /s/    BERNARD ZERICHNER

	 	 	 	

	 	 	 	 	Bernard Zeichner
			
	 Dated: August 31, 2003
	 	 	 	CHARLOTTE RUSSE HOLDING, INC.
					
	 	 	 	 	 	 	By	 	/s/    MARK A. HOFFMAN