Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported first quarter net revenue of $35.7 million, down from $47.9 million in the prior year, reflecting the impact of 19 fewer retail locations [14][15] - Gross profit margin improved to 27.2%, up from 25.8% year over year, indicating a stronger product mix and improved procurement execution [10][16] - The net loss for the first quarter was $9.4 million, or negative $0.16 per share, compared to a net loss of $8.8 million, or negative $0.14 per share, in the same period last year [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales in the cultivation and gardening segment were $30.9 million, down from $43.1 million year over year [15] - Proprietary brand sales accounted for 32% of cultivation and gardening sales, up from 22.6% in the prior year, reflecting increased brand penetration [9][16] - The storage solutions segment remained flat year over year at $4.8 million in revenue, facing some margin pressure [11][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced softness in durables and consumable demand due to regulatory and tariff concerns, particularly noted in March [6][12] - The company anticipates revenue in excess of $40 million for the second quarter, while withdrawing full-year guidance due to macroeconomic uncertainties [13][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is transitioning from a legacy retail model to a more agile fulfillment-centric model, repurposing former stores into regional fulfillment centers [7][10] - The launch of the GrowGen Pro portal aims to migrate commercial transactions from brick-and-mortar stores to a digital platform, enhancing operational efficiencies [9][10] - The focus is on transforming GrowGen into a high-margin product-centric commercial business powered by a digital platform and a simplified physical footprint [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing macroeconomic challenges and tariff-related uncertainties impacting consumer behavior and demand [12][19] - The company remains committed to achieving profitability and is focused on expanding margins, controlling costs, and exploring growth opportunities [20][21] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $52.6 million in total liquidity and no debt, providing flexibility for operations and potential acquisitions [11][19] - The company is actively managing costs and pricing strategies to protect margins in the storage solutions segment while diversifying product offerings [11][12] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on tariffs and proprietary products - Less than 10% of proprietary brands come from China, with products sourced from India and Mexico [25][26] Question: Potential for store closures - Store closures will likely be spread out, with half coinciding with lease expirations [30][31] Question: Incremental distribution opportunities for proprietary brands - The company is exploring distribution outside the U.S. and working with large stores for distribution [36][38] Question: Positioning proprietary brands amid cannabis challenges - The company has a strong commercial team conducting extensive trials to encourage product adoption [40][41] Question: Consumer pressures and macro environment impact - There is significant weakness in the cannabis industry, particularly affecting durable goods, while consumables remain strong [50][51] Question: Capital position and acquisitions - The company maintains a strong cash position and is actively looking for acquisitions that are accretive to shareholders [57][58]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales declined by 9.4% in Q4 and 7.2% for the year, with comparable sales decreasing by 6.7% in Q4 and 6.5% for the year [24][30] - Gross margin in Q4 was 32.9%, an increase of 49 basis points, while for the full fiscal year 2024, gross margin increased by 50 basis points to 37.2% [30][31] - Adjusted net income for Q4 was $106 million, with adjusted earnings per diluted share at $0.95, while for the year, adjusted net income was $167 million and adjusted earnings per diluted share was $1.50 [33] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sephora continued to be a strong sales driver with comparable beauty sales increasing by 13%, an acceleration from Q3 [27] - The accessories business, excluding Sephora, had a flat comparable sales performance for the quarter, driven by strong performance in fashion and bridge jewelry [28] - Key growth categories, including impulse, gifting, home decor, and baby gear, showed collective outperformance, although legacy home business remained challenged [29] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales experienced a decline of 13.4% in Q4 and 8.7% for the year, primarily due to softness in the home category and online inventory suppression issues [26] - Store comparable sales declined by 3.1% in Q4 and were down 5.6% for the year, although store sales benefited from strong average transaction value [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to offer a curated, more balanced assortment that fulfills needs across all customers, reestablish itself as a leader in value and quality, and enhance the omnichannel platform for a frictionless shopping experience [11][12][18] - The focus will be on proprietary brands, which resonate with core loyal customers, and simplifying promotions to improve customer experience [14][17] - The company plans to rebuild cash balance, reduce reliance on revolver, and capitalize on opportunities to further reduce debt and overall leverage [39] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges that the turnaround will take time, with expectations set for gradual improvement starting in 2025 [11][22] - The macro environment presents challenges, particularly for lower-income customers who are seeking value [60][61] - Management is optimistic about the company's potential, citing a strong foundation and loyal customer base [21][22] Other Important Information - The company announced the closure of 27 underperforming stores and one e-commerce fulfillment center, resulting in a one-time charge of $76 million [33] - Capital expenditures for 2024 were $466 million, with expectations for 2025 to be in the range of $400 million to $425 million [34][39] Q&A Session Summary Question: Assessment of merchandising strategy and confidence in returning to growth - Management sees significant opportunities in product offerings, value, and quality, with a loyal customer base that can be better served [42][44] Question: Implications for margins with quality elevation of private brands - The focus is on balancing proprietary and national brands while improving promotional strategies to enhance customer value perception [48][50] Question: Store base evaluation and merchandise assortment mix - The company has a productive store base, with few unprofitable locations, and is focused on reallocating space effectively to meet customer needs [54][56] Question: Consumer health level in guidance - The guidance reflects uncertainty in the macro environment and the time needed for necessary changes [100] Question: Initiatives prioritization and free cash flow modeling - Short-term tactical moves are prioritized, with expectations for gradual improvement in free cash flow as inventory management progresses [68][71]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q4 2024 were $37.3 million, down 20.9% year-over-year, primarily due to a 16.8% decrease in volume mix and a 3.9% decline in pricing [23] - Adjusted EBITDA was a loss of $7.3 million in Q4, attributed to lower sales and adjusted gross profit, partially offset by adjusted SG&A savings [31] - Cash balance as of December 31, 2024, was $26.1 million, up from $24.4 million at the end of Q3 [32] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Proprietary brands represented approximately 52% of total net sales in Q4, a decrease compared to the prior year [24] - Consumable products accounted for approximately three-quarters of total sales, consistent with 2023 [26] - Adjusted gross profit in Q4 was $1.8 million or 4.9% of net sales, down from $8.4 million or 17.9% in the prior year [26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cannabis industry faced persistent oversupply challenges, leading to lower sales across the supply chain [8] - E-commerce sales increased over 25% in 2024, indicating a strong channel for home-growing solutions [16] - Sales to non-cannabis and non-U.S. Canadian customers increased by nearly 200 basis points in 2024 [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The strategic priority is to drive sales of higher-margin proprietary brands, with a focus on improving the proprietary brand sales mix [11] - Plans for 2025 include targeted marketing investments, enhanced salesforce capabilities, and refined incentive structures to improve profitability [19] - The company is exploring strategic alternatives, including potential acquisitions or divestitures to enhance shareholder value [21] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged a challenging second half of 2024, with expectations of continued sales declines early in 2025, moderating as the year progresses [44] - There is optimism about long-term industry prospects, with plans to invest in higher-margin proprietary brands and diversify revenue streams [37] - Management is focused on improving operational efficiencies and reducing costs, with expectations of further SG&A reductions in 2025 [36] Other Important Information - The company completed significant reductions to its manufacturing and distribution center footprint as part of its restructuring plan [27] - Adjusted SG&A expenses were $10.8 million in Q4, a 10% reduction compared to the previous year [29] - The company achieved a 17% reduction in adjusted SG&A for the full year due to lower expenses in several areas [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the dynamics of the broader environment in your categories as you look forward to 2025? - Management noted that optimism in early 2024 was reset due to political changes and industry conditions, expecting double-digit sales declines early in the year [42][44] Question: What can we look forward to in terms of incremental benefits from cost-cutting initiatives in 2025? - Management indicated opportunities for further savings through optimizing the distribution center network and reducing SG&A costs, with potential savings of $2 million to $3 million identified [49][51] Question: How might tariffs and regulatory changes impact the company? - Management acknowledged the fluid situation regarding tariffs and indicated plans to pass along costs to customers, with no significant volume impact expected currently [56][58] Question: Can you elaborate on the company's M&A strategy? - Management is monitoring opportunities for acquisitions that could enhance shareholder value, including potential tuck-in acquisitions and strategic combinations [70][71]