Note 17

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

The Company leases certain sales offices, showrooms and equipment under non-cancelable operating leases that expire at various dates through 2013. Minimum annual rental commitments under non-cancelable operating leases that have initial or remaining lease terms in excess of one year as of February 26, 1999, are as follows:

Rent expense under all operating leases approximated $42.5 million, $47.0 million and $45.3 million for 1999, 1998 and 1997, respectively.

The Company is involved in litigation from time to time in the ordinary course of its business. Based on known information, management believes that the Company is not currently party to any material litigation.