12.   Employee benefit plans

The Company provides a 401(k) retirement plan covering all employees who qualify as to age and length of service. The plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2017,  2016, and 2015, the Company match was 100% of the first 3.0% of eligible compensation. The liability for the Company match included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets was $8,139 and $6,317 as of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of income and was $7,570,  $5,852, and $4,640 during fiscal 2017,  2016, and 2015, respectively.

The Company also has a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for highly compensated employees whose contributions are limited under qualified defined contribution plans. The plan is funded through employee contributions and a Company match. In fiscal 2017,  2016, and 2015, the Company match was 100% of the first 3.0% of salary. The liability for the Company match included in accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets was $895 and $753 as of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Amounts contributed and deferred under the plan are credited or charged with the performance of investment options offered under the plan as elected by the participants. In the event of bankruptcy, the assets of this plan are available to satisfy the claims of general creditors. The liability for compensation deferred under the Company’s plan included in other long-term liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets was $15,942 and $10,474 as of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. The Company manages the risk of changes in the fair value of the liability for deferred compensation by electing to match its liability under the plan with investment vehicles that offset a substantial portion of its exposure. The cash value of the investment vehicles included in deferred compensation plan assets was $16,827 and $11,283 as of February 3, 2018 and January 28, 2017, respectively. Total expense recorded under this plan is included in SG&A expenses in the consolidated statements of income and was insignificant during fiscal 2017, 2016, and 2015.