Genesco chief financial officer Cassandra “Sandra” Harris is stepping down from her role, which she’s held since October 2024. According to the Nashville-based footwear company, Harris will step down on March 6 to pursue other opportunities but will assist with an “orderly transition,” participate in its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2026 earnings conference call in early March. More from WWD She will continue to support the company as a consultant and principal accounting officer through the filing of ...

UK-based footwear retailer Schuh has named Laura King as its new chief marketing officer. In her new role, King will lead the marketing, creative, visual merchandising, brand partnerships, purpose, public relations, talent and community departments at the Genesco-owned retailer. She joins the existing five members of the leadership team, including Colin Temple, president of Schuh. More from WWD “In an increasingly demanding and fast-paced market, the focus on creating inspiring brand experiences and sto ...

Core Insights - Genesco is transforming its information technology operating model to support long-term growth strategy [1] - The transformation is based on a comprehensive review of IT operations and aims to enhance customer service and organizational flexibility [2] IT Transformation - The company is partnering with a leading global technology provider and adopting new tools to improve speed, scalability, and AI-enabled innovation [2] - The full transformation is expected to be implemented in phases over the next 12 to 18 months, with some positions in the IT organization potentially impacted [3] Sales Performance - Comparable sales increased by 9 percent for the fourth quarter-to-date period ended December 27, including both stores and direct sales [3] - Same store sales rose by 10 percent, while e-commerce comparable sales increased by 9 percent during the same period [4] - The Journeys Group saw a 12 percent increase in comparable sales, while the Schuh Group and Johnston & Murphy Group rose by 6 percent and 1 percent, respectively [4] Holiday Performance - The company reported strong holiday performance driven by compelling assortments and exceptional execution, leading to double-digit comparable sales increases in December [5]

Core Insights - Genesco has announced a strategic transformation of its information technology operations aimed at enhancing efficiency and supporting future growth [1] Group 1: Strategic Transformation - The company is focusing on modernizing its IT infrastructure to improve operational efficiency and agility [1] - This transformation is expected to streamline processes and reduce costs, ultimately benefiting the company's bottom line [1] - Genesco plans to invest in advanced technologies to support its strategic objectives and enhance customer experience [1]

Core Insights - Genesco Inc. (GCO) shares increased by 8.1% following strong holiday season performance, with a 9% rise in comparable sales for the fourth-quarter-to-date period ending December 27, 2025 [1][8] Sales Performance - Same-store sales rose by 10%, while comparable e-commerce sales increased by 9%, indicating the effectiveness of the company's omnichannel strategy [2] - The Journeys Group led growth with a 12% year-over-year increase in comparable sales, while the Schuh Group reported a 6% increase and Johnston & Murphy saw a marginal rise of 1% [2][8] Holiday Season Impact - The holiday season significantly boosted Genesco's sales, driven by strong consumer demand and effective operational execution, with the Journeys Group achieving double-digit growth [3] - The Schuh Group's results exceeded expectations, although growth was primarily due to heavy markdowns to remain competitive in the U.K. footwear market [4] Earnings Forecast - Following the strong holiday results, Genesco raised its fiscal 2026 adjusted earnings forecast to at least $1.30 per share, up from a previous estimate of $0.95, marking a substantial increase from the $0.94 earned in fiscal 2025 [5][8] Operational Strategy - To address volatile consumer behavior and demand fluctuations, management is focusing on operational discipline and stringent cost controls as the year concludes [6]

Core Insights - Genesco (GCO) reported a 9% increase in comparable sales for the quarter-to-date period ending December 27, 2025, with same store sales rising by 10% and e-commerce sales also increasing by 9% [1] - The company's Journeys brand experienced a double-digit comparable sales increase, benefiting from strong holiday performance and effective execution during peak demand periods [1] - Schuh's sales exceeded expectations but were driven by increased discounting in a highly promotional U.K. footwear market, indicating a need for cleaner inventories [1] - Genesco anticipates full-year adjusted earnings to be at least $1.30 per share, reflecting a significant improvement from previous forecasts, despite margin pressures at Schuh [1] - The company emphasizes disciplined execution and cost controls in response to volatile consumer demand concentrated around key shopping moments [1] Sales Performance - Comparable sales increased by 9% for the quarter-to-date period [1] - Same store sales rose by 10% [1] - E-commerce sales also saw a 9% increase [1] Brand Performance - Journeys achieved a double-digit comparable sales increase, indicating strong holiday performance [1] - Schuh's top-line results were above expectations, but sales growth was attributed to increased discounting [1] Financial Outlook - Full-year adjusted earnings are expected to be at least $1.30 per share, marking a meaningful improvement [1] - The company plans to provide a comprehensive business update and outlook for the next year during the fourth quarter and full-year results report [1]

Group 1: Birkenstock Holding plc - For the fiscal first quarter 2026, Birkenstock expects revenue of 402 million euros, reflecting an 11.1% year-over-year growth on a reported basis and a 17.8% increase in constant currency [1] - Full-year results showed profits rose 81.8% to 348.3 million euros, with revenue increasing by 16.2% to nearly 2.1 billion euros [2] - CEO Oliver Reichert noted that strong wholesale growth is straining the supply chain due to capacity constraints [2] - Jefferies analyst Randal Konik described the earnings preannouncement as "solid," with revenue in line with expectations and luxury margins remaining intact [2] - William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia highlighted Birkenstock's strong brand health, with over 90% full-price sell-through [2] Group 2: Genesco Inc. - Genesco reported a 9% increase in comparable sales for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 27, 2025, with same-store sales rising by 10% [2] - The Journeys Group saw a 12% increase in comparable sales, while the Schuh Group rose by 6% and Johnston & Murphy Group increased by 1% [2] - Genesco's president and CEO Mimi Vaughn expressed satisfaction with holiday performance, attributing strong conversion and full-price selling to effective execution during peak demand periods [3]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant comp increase of 9% for the quarter, building on a 10% comp from the previous year, indicating strong sales momentum [11][14] - Online sales rebounded with a 9% comp increase, while store comps were up 10%, showcasing a balanced recovery across channels [11][12] - Johnston & Murphy also achieved positive comps, contributing to overall positive performance across all business lines [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys achieved a 12% comp increase on top of a 14% from last year, driven by strong full-price selling and a successful assortment strategy [12] - Schuh in the U.K. reported a 6% comp increase, although this was influenced by promotional activities in a challenging market environment [12] - Johnston & Murphy's performance was bolstered by newness in the assortment, particularly in apparel, which became a key driver of sales [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment is characterized by volatility, with demand concentrating around key shopping moments, leading to a well-educated consumer base that is selective in purchasing [8][9] - Price increases have been accepted by consumers, who are now more discerning in their choices, impacting overall shopping behavior positively [9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on serving the teen market through Journeys, emphasizing product leadership and a strong brand proposition [17][18] - A strategic growth plan has been implemented to enhance the customer experience, including a new store remodel (4.0) that has shown a 25% increase in performance [19][22] - The company is also working on a global retail strategy by uniting Journeys and Schuh to leverage insights across markets and enhance brand collaboration [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about sustainable growth opportunities within Journeys and other business lines, despite ongoing challenges in the U.K. market [43] - There is a focus on recapturing margins affected by tariffs and other pressures, with expectations of meaningful earnings growth in the coming year [36][37] Other Important Information - The company plans to invest approximately $55 million to $60 million in capital expenditures, focusing on expanding the 4.0 store concept [39] - The collaboration with Peyton Manning as a brand ambassador has already shown positive impacts on store and online traffic [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the consumer environment affecting business operations? - Management noted that consumers are stretched and selective, with a focus on newness and freshness driving shopping behavior [8] Question: What were the key drivers of performance at Journeys? - The key drivers included serving an underserved market, enhancing product assortment, and improving customer experience through store remodels [17][19] Question: What is the outlook for margins and profitability? - Management expects to recapture margins over time, despite ongoing tariff pressures, and anticipates positive comps to continue [36][37] Question: Can you elaborate on the capital allocation strategy? - The company plans to maintain its capital expenditure levels while investing in growth initiatives like the 4.0 store rollout [39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a significant comp increase of 9% for the quarter, building on a 10% comp from the previous year, indicating strong sales momentum [11][14] - Online sales rebounded with a 9% comp increase, while store comps were up 10%, showcasing a balanced recovery across channels [11][12] - Johnston & Murphy also achieved positive comps, contributing to overall positive performance across all business lines [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys achieved a remarkable 12% comp increase, following a 14% increase last year, driven by full-price selling and a strong assortment [12] - The schuh business in the U.K. reported a 6% comp increase, although it faced a more promotional environment [12] - Johnston & Murphy's performance was bolstered by newness in the assortment, particularly in apparel, which became a key driver of sales [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment remains volatile, with consumers being more selective and responsive to newness and freshness in products [8][9] - Price increases have been accepted by consumers, with double-digit growth observed in certain categories, indicating a shift in shopping behavior [9][10] - The U.K. market remains challenging, but the company is implementing strategies to clean up inventory and optimize performance [23][24] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on serving the underserved teen market, particularly through Journeys, by enhancing product assortment and brand relationships [17][18] - A strategic growth plan has been implemented to elevate the Journeys brand and improve customer experience through store remodels [19][20] - The formation of the Journeys Global Retail Group aims to leverage insights across markets to enhance product offerings and brand collaboration [26][27] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in recapturing margins despite ongoing tariff pressures and anticipated lower sales [36] - The company expects to continue positive comps and is optimistic about sustainable growth opportunities within Journeys and other business lines [43] - The rollout of the 4.0 store model is expected to drive future growth, with plans to expand this model to 30%-40% of the fleet [22] Other Important Information - The collaboration with Peyton Manning as a brand ambassador has already shown positive impacts on store and online traffic [31][32] - The company plans to maintain capital expenditures around $55 million-$60 million to support ongoing business initiatives [39] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the consumer environment affecting business operations? - Management noted that consumers are stretched and selective, with a focus on newness driving shopping behavior [8] Question: What were the key drivers of performance at Journeys? - The performance was driven by serving an underserved market, enhancing product assortment, and improving customer experience [17][19] Question: What is the outlook for margins and profitability? - Management expects to recapture margins over time, despite some ongoing pressures, and anticipates meaningful earnings growth [36] Question: Can you elaborate on the capital allocation strategy? - The company plans to continue investing in the business, particularly in the rollout of the 4.0 store model [39]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 9% comparable sales increase, building on a 10% increase from the previous year, indicating strong momentum in sales performance [11][12] - Online sales rebounded with a 9% increase, while store sales also performed well with a 10% increase [11][12] - The company anticipates capturing margin improvements in the upcoming year despite ongoing tariff pressures [38][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys achieved a 12% comparable sales increase, following a 14% increase last year, driven by strong full-price selling and a successful assortment [12][13] - Johnston & Murphy also reported positive comparable sales, with apparel being a standout category [13][30] - The schuh business in the U.K. saw a 6% increase in comparable sales, although it faced a more promotional environment [12][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The consumer environment is characterized by volatility, with demand concentrating around key shopping moments, leading to a well-educated consumer base that is selective in purchasing [7][9] - Price increases have been accepted by consumers, who are now more discerning about their purchases [9][10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on serving the underserved teen market, particularly through Journeys, by enhancing product assortment and brand relationships [18][20] - A strategic growth plan has been implemented to improve customer experience and store aesthetics, with the rollout of the 4.0 store model expected to drive sustainable growth [19][23] - The formation of the Journeys Global Retail Group aims to leverage insights across markets to better serve the teen demographic [28][29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the business momentum and earnings potential, particularly within Journeys, while acknowledging challenges in the U.K. market [44] - There is a focus on optimizing the store fleet and improving profitability, with expectations of meaningful earnings growth despite some anticipated sales declines [39][41] Other Important Information - The collaboration with Peyton Manning is expected to enhance brand awareness and drive traffic to stores and online platforms [32][34] - The company plans to maintain capital expenditures around $55 million to $60 million, with potential increases to support the 4.0 store rollout [41] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the consumer environment affecting business operations? - Management noted that consumers are stretched and selective, with a focus on newness and freshness driving shopping behavior [7] Question: What were the key drivers of the holiday sales performance? - The holiday results exceeded expectations, with strong online and store sales, particularly in the Journeys segment [11][12] Question: What is the outlook for margins and profitability? - Management expects to recapture some margin improvements next year, despite ongoing tariff pressures and a timing gap in product licensing [38][39] Question: Can you elaborate on the schuh business and its turnaround strategy? - The schuh business is undergoing a reset, focusing on better serving the U.K. market and optimizing the store portfolio [24][26]