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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October&nbsp;24, 2003
</FONT>

<P align="right"><FONT size="2">Registration No.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</FONT>

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<P align="center"><FONT size="4"><B>SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION</B>
</FONT>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>Washington, D. C. 20549</B>
</FONT></DIV>
<P align="center"><HR align="center" size="1" width="22%" noshade>

<P align="center"><FONT size="5"><B>FORM S-8</B>
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="3"><B>REGISTRATION STATEMENT<BR>
Under<BR>
the Securities Act of 1933</B>
</FONT>

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<P align="center"><FONT size="6"><B>WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.</B>
</FONT>

<DIV align="center"><FONT size="2">(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
</FONT></DIV>
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    <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="45%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>41-1839933</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(State or other jurisdiction of</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(I.R.S. Employer</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">incorporation or organization)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Identification No.)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>7401 Boone Avenue North</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2"><B>Brooklyn Park, Minnesota</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
<B>55428</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">(Address of principal executive offices)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
(Zip Code)</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.<BR>
2000 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN</B><BR>
(Full title of the plan)
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">David L. Rogers<BR>
President<BR>
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.<BR>
7401 Boone Avenue North<BR>
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428<BR>
(Name and address of agent for service)
</FONT>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">(763)&nbsp;391-4000<BR>
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
</FONT>

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<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE</B>
</FONT>

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    <TD width="25%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="9%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="6%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>Title of class of</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Proposed maximum</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Amount of</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>securities to</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>to be</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>offering price</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>aggregate offering</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>registration</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="2"><FONT size="1"><B>be registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>registered</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>per share (1)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>price (1)</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>fee</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD colspan="2"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
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    <TD colspan="2"><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">Common Stock,</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">750,000</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><DIV style="margin-left:10px; text-indent:-10px"><FONT size="2">$.01 par value</FONT></DIV></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" align="center"><FONT size="2">shares</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">9.41</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">7,057,500</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">$</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">574.39</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<P>
<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee
pursuant to the provisions of Rule&nbsp;457(h)(1) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low sale prices per
share of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market on October&nbsp;17, 2003.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
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<A name="toc"><DIV align="CENTER" style="page-break-before:always"><U><B>TABLE OF CONTENTS</B></U></DIV></A>

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<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#000">EXPLANATORY NOTE</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#001">SIGNATURES</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="#002">INDEX TO EXHIBITS</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="c80332exv5w1.htm">EX-5.1 Opinion/Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="c80332exv23w2.htm">EX-23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="c80332exv24w1.htm">EX-24.1 Powers of Attorney</A></TD></TR>
<TR><TD colspan="9"><A HREF="c80332exv99w1.htm">EX-99.1 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as Amended.</A></TD></TR>
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<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>




<!-- link1 "EXPLANATORY NOTE" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="000"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">EXPLANATORY NOTE
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;This Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 is being filed for the purpose of
registering an additional 750,000 shares of the Registrant&#146;s Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to the Registrant&#146;s 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended
(the &#147;Plan&#148;). In accordance with Section&nbsp;E of the General Instructions to Form
S-8, the Registration Statement on Form&nbsp;S-8 previously filed with the
Commission relating to the Plan (File No.&nbsp;333-39304) is incorporated by
reference herein.
</FONT>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">Exhibits
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    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
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    <TD nowrap align="center" colspan="3"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Wilsons
The Leather Experts Inc. adopted June&nbsp;16, 1998, as amended by the
Articles of Amendment dated February&nbsp;17, 2000, and the Articles of
Amendment dated May&nbsp;23, 2002.(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">4.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Restated Bylaws of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. as
amended June&nbsp;16, 1998, January&nbsp;25, 2000, and May&nbsp;23, 2002.(2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">4.3</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January&nbsp;10, 2002
by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors
signatory thereto.(3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">4.4</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Letter Amendment to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement and
the Registration Rights Agreement dated January&nbsp;14, 2002 by and
between Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and Bricoleur Capital
Management LLC.(4)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">4.5</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April&nbsp;24, 2002 by
and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors
signatory thereto.(5)</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Opinion of Faegre &#038; Benson LLP.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Consent of Faegre &#038; Benson LLP (contained in Exhibit&nbsp;5 to
this Registration Statement).</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Consent of KPMG LLP.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
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<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">24.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Powers of Attorney.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

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    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top" align="right"><FONT size="2">99.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. 2000 Long Term Incentive
Plan, as amended.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
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<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended May&nbsp;4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended May&nbsp;4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.2 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on January&nbsp;23, 2002 (File No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.3 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on January&nbsp;23, 2002 (File No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.2 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on May&nbsp;3, 2002 (File No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>




<!-- link1 "SIGNATURES" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="001"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>SIGNATURES</B>
</FONT>

<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form&nbsp;S-8 and have duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Brooklyn Park, State of Minnesota, on October&nbsp;24,
2003.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="1%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="43%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD colspan="3" valign="top" align="left"><FONT size="2">Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
By
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Joel N. Waller</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Joel N. Waller</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Chairman and Chief Executive Officer</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="left"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on October&nbsp;24, 2003.
</FONT>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="36%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="20%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="39%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Signature</B></FONT></TD>

    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Title</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>

    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Joel N. Waller<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Joel N. Waller</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Chairman and Chief Executive Officer<BR>
(Principal Executive Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Peter G. Michielutti<BR>
<HR size="1" noshade>
Peter G. Michielutti</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer<BR>
(Principal Financial Officer)</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Lyle Berman</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Michael Cowhig</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">William F. Farley</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Bradley K. Johnson</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Board of Directors</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Michael J. McCoy</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">David L. Rogers</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Cheryl Vitali</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">Joel N. Waller</FONT></TD>

    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
}</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">*</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Peter G. Michielutti, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign
this document on behalf of each of our above-named directors of the
Company pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="95%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD width="50%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="3%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="41%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" nowrap valign="top"><FONT size="2">
By&nbsp;&nbsp;
</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">/s/ Peter G. Michielutti</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Peter G. Michielutti, <I>Attorney-in-fact</I></FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>

<!-- link1 "INDEX TO EXHIBITS" -->
<DIV align="left"><A NAME="002"></A></DIV>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2"><B>INDEX TO EXHIBITS</B>
</FONT>

<CENTER>
<TABLE cellspacing="0" border="0" cellpadding="0" width="100%">
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD nowrap align="center" valign="top">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="65%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="5%">&nbsp;</TD>
    <TD width="15%">&nbsp;</TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="1"><B>Exhibit</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><FONT size="1"><B>Description</B></FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="1"><B>Method of Filing</B></FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD nowrap align="center"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="1">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><HR size="1" noshade></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of Wilsons The
Leather Experts Inc. adopted June
16, 1998, as amended by the
Articles of Amendment dated
February&nbsp;17, 2000, and the
Articles of Amendment dated May
23, 2002. (1)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by Reference</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Restated Bylaws of Wilsons The
Leather Experts Inc. as amended
June&nbsp;16, 1998, January&nbsp;25, 2000,
and May&nbsp;23, 2002. (2)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by Reference</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.3</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Registration Rights Agreement
dated as of January&nbsp;10, 2002 by
and among Wilsons The Leather
Experts Inc. and the Investors
signatory thereto.(3)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by Reference</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.4</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Letter Amendment to the Common
Stock Purchase Agreement and the
Registration Rights Agreement
dated January&nbsp;14, 2002 by and
between Wilsons The Leather
Experts Inc. and Bricoleur
Capital Management LLC. (4)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by Reference</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">4.5</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Registration Rights Agreement
dated as of April&nbsp;24, 2002 by and
among Wilsons The Leather Experts
Inc. and the Investors signatory
thereto. (5)
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Incorporated by Reference</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">5.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Opinion of Faegre &#038; Benson LLP as
to the legality of the shares
being registered.
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Electronic Transmission</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of Faegre &#038; Benson LLP is
contained in its opinion filed as
Exhibit&nbsp;5.1 to this registration
statement.</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">23.2</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Consent of KPMG LLP.
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Electronic Transmission</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">24.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Powers of Attorney.
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Electronic Transmission</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>

<TR valign="bottom">
    <TD align="center" valign="top"><FONT size="2">99.1</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="top"><FONT size="2">
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.
2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as
amended.
</FONT></TD>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD align="left" valign="bottom"><FONT size="2">Electronic Transmission</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
</CENTER>
<P>
<HR size="1" width="18%" align="left" noshade>

<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(1)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.1 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended May&nbsp;4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(2)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;3.2 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;10-Q for the quarter ended May&nbsp;4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>
<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>
<!-- PAGEBREAK -->
<P><HR noshade><P>
<H5 align="left" style="page-break-before:always"><A HREF="#toc">Table of Contents</A></H5><P>




<TABLE width="100%" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0">
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(3)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.2 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on January&nbsp;23, 2002 (File No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(4)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.3 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on January&nbsp;23, 2002 (File No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR>
    <TD><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
</TR>
<TR valign="top">
    <TD width="1%" align="left" nowrap><FONT size="2">(5)</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="3%"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT></TD>
    <TD width="96%"><FONT size="2">Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit&nbsp;4.2 to the Company&#146;s Report
on Form&nbsp;8-K filed with the SEC on May&nbsp;3, 2002 (File No.&nbsp;0-21543).</FONT></TD>
</TR>
</TABLE>

<P align="center"><FONT size="2">&nbsp;</FONT>




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[{"type": "S-8", "sequence": "1", "filename": "c80332sv8.htm", "description": "FORM S-8", "secsgml_size_bytes": 43077}]
{"company-data": {"conformed-name": "WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC", "cik": "0001016607", "assigned-sic": "5651", "irs-number": "411839933", "state-of-incorporation": "MN", "fiscal-year-end": "0201"}, "filing-values": {"form-type": "S-8", "act": "33", "file-number": "333-109977", "film-number": "03956901"}, "business-address": {"street1": "7401 BOONE AVENUE NORTH", "street2": "ST LOUIS PARK", "city": "BROOKLYN PARK", "state": "MN", "zip": "55428", "phone": "6123914000"}}
sv8
Table of Contents
As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 24, 2003
Registration No.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D. C. 20549
FORM S-8
REGISTRATION STATEMENT
Under
the Securities Act of 1933
WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.
(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)
Minnesota
41-1839933
(State or other jurisdiction of
(I.R.S. Employer
incorporation or organization)
Identification No.)
7401 Boone Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota
55428
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
WILSONS THE LEATHER EXPERTS INC.
2000 LONG TERM INCENTIVE PLAN
(Full title of the plan)
David L. Rogers
President
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.
7401 Boone Avenue North
Brooklyn Park, Minnesota 55428
(Name and address of agent for service)
(763) 391-4000
(Telephone number, including area code, of agent for service)
CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
Proposed
Title of class of
Amount
maximum
Proposed maximum
Amount of
securities to
to be
offering price
aggregate offering
registration
be registered
registered
per share (1)
price (1)
fee
Common Stock,
750,000
$.01 par value
shares
$
9.41
$
7,057,500
$
574.39
(1)
Estimated solely for the purpose of determining the registration fee
pursuant to the provisions of Rule 457(h)(1) under the Securities Act of
1933, as amended, based on the average of the high and low sale prices per
share of the Registrant's Common Stock as quoted on the Nasdaq National
Market on October 17, 2003.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXPLANATORY NOTE
SIGNATURES
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
EX-5.1 Opinion/Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP
EX-23.2 Consent of KPMG LLP
EX-24.1 Powers of Attorney
EX-99.1 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as Amended.
Table of Contents
EXPLANATORY NOTE
This Registration Statement on Form S-8 is being filed for the purpose of
registering an additional 750,000 shares of the Registrant's Common Stock to be
issued pursuant to the Registrant's 2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as amended
(the "Plan"). In accordance with Section E of the General Instructions to Form
S-8, the Registration Statement on Form S-8 previously filed with the
Commission relating to the Plan (File No. 333-39304) is incorporated by
reference herein.
Exhibits
Exhibit
Description
4.1
Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation of Wilsons
The Leather Experts Inc. adopted June 16, 1998, as amended by the
Articles of Amendment dated February 17, 2000, and the Articles of
Amendment dated May 23, 2002.(1)
4.2
Restated Bylaws of Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. as
amended June 16, 1998, January 25, 2000, and May 23, 2002.(2)
4.3
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of January 10, 2002
by and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors
signatory thereto.(3)
4.4
Letter Amendment to the Common Stock Purchase Agreement and
the Registration Rights Agreement dated January 14, 2002 by and
between Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and Bricoleur Capital
Management LLC.(4)
4.5
Registration Rights Agreement dated as of April 24, 2002 by
and among Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. and the Investors
signatory thereto.(5)
5.1
Opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP.
23.1
Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP (contained in Exhibit 5 to
this Registration Statement).
23.2
Consent of KPMG LLP.
24.1
Powers of Attorney.
99.1
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc. 2000 Long Term Incentive
Plan, as amended.
(1)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No. 0-21543).
(2)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No. 0-21543).
(3)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).
(4)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).
(5)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).
Table of Contents
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the Company
certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the
requirements for filing on Form S-8 and have duly caused this Registration
Statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly
authorized, in the City of Brooklyn Park, State of Minnesota, on October 24,
2003.
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.
By
/s/ Joel N. Waller
Joel N. Waller
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities indicated on October 24, 2003.
Signature
Title
/s/ Joel N. Waller
Joel N. Waller
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
/s/ Peter G. Michielutti
Peter G. Michielutti
Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
(Principal Financial Officer)
Lyle Berman
}
Michael Cowhig
}
William F. Farley
}
Bradley K. Johnson
}
Board of Directors
Michael J. McCoy
}
David L. Rogers
}
Cheryl Vitali
}
Joel N. Waller
}
*
Peter G. Michielutti, by signing his name hereto, does hereby sign
this document on behalf of each of our above-named directors of the
Company pursuant to powers of attorney duly executed by such persons.
By
/s/ Peter G. Michielutti
Peter G. Michielutti,
Attorney-in-fact
Table of Contents
INDEX TO EXHIBITS
Exhibit
Description
Method of Filing
4.1
Amended and Restated Articles of
Incorporation of Wilsons The
Leather Experts Inc. adopted June
16, 1998, as amended by the
Articles of Amendment dated
February 17, 2000, and the
Articles of Amendment dated May
23, 2002. (1)
Incorporated by Reference
4.2
Restated Bylaws of Wilsons The
Leather Experts Inc. as amended
June 16, 1998, January 25, 2000,
and May 23, 2002. (2)
Incorporated by Reference
4.3
Registration Rights Agreement
dated as of January 10, 2002 by
and among Wilsons The Leather
Experts Inc. and the Investors
signatory thereto.(3)
Incorporated by Reference
4.4
Letter Amendment to the Common
Stock Purchase Agreement and the
Registration Rights Agreement
dated January 14, 2002 by and
between Wilsons The Leather
Experts Inc. and Bricoleur
Capital Management LLC. (4)
Incorporated by Reference
4.5
Registration Rights Agreement
dated as of April 24, 2002 by and
among Wilsons The Leather Experts
Inc. and the Investors signatory
thereto. (5)
Incorporated by Reference
5.1
Opinion of Faegre & Benson LLP as
to the legality of the shares
being registered.
Electronic Transmission
23.1
Consent of Faegre & Benson LLP is
contained in its opinion filed as
Exhibit 5.1 to this registration
statement.
23.2
Consent of KPMG LLP.
Electronic Transmission
24.1
Powers of Attorney.
Electronic Transmission
99.1
Wilsons The Leather Experts Inc.
2000 Long Term Incentive Plan, as
amended.
Electronic Transmission
(1)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No. 0-21543).
(2)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3.2 to the Company's Report
on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended May 4, 2002 filed with the SEC (File
No. 0-21543).
Table of Contents
(3)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).
(4)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on January 23, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).
(5)
Incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Report
on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on May 3, 2002 (File No. 0-21543).