Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Net sales for Q2 were $262.8 million, down from $284.6 million year-over-year, with comparable sales declining 6.9% [14][15] - Gross profit decreased to $93.5 million from $110.3 million, resulting in a gross margin of 35.6%, down from 38.7% [14][15] - Net income was $1.6 million or $0.02 per share, compared to $8.3 million or $0.08 per share in the prior year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA was $21.5 million, representing an 8.2% margin, down from $34.6 million and 12.2% margin last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Strong performance was noted in bottoms (denim and non-denim), dresses, and swim, while tops experienced softness due to graphic tees and crop tops [6][14] - Sub-brands are expected to represent 25% to 30% of the total assortment next year, with a current expectation of 10% for this year [24][25] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Digital sales are approaching 70% of total demand, indicating a significant shift in customer preferences [9] - Customer retention from store closures is performing at target rates, with a goal to retain at least 60% of customers [10][17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a store optimization plan, closing up to 180 stores to reallocate resources and respond to customer shopping preferences [4][11] - Increased marketing investments are planned to enhance brand awareness and customer acquisition, with an additional $5 million allocated for the second half of the year [9][19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer sentiment remains cautious, with a focus on value orientation due to economic pressures [5][27] - The company anticipates a full-year net sales range of $1.015 billion to $1.030 billion, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $80 million and $90 million [19][20] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 6 million shares at $3.50 per share, utilizing $20 million of cash [16] - Total liquidity remains strong at $111.7 million, with total debt reduced to $288.4 million [16][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Health of customer and appetite for newness - Management indicated strong health among existing customers, particularly top-tier customers, with positive reactions to new sub-brands [23] Question: EBITDA outlook change - The impact of tariffs and additional promotional activities were discussed as factors affecting EBITDA outlook [28][29] Question: Performance exiting Q2 through August - The business showed softer performance during peak holiday periods but had a strong June semi-annual sale [43] Question: Customer pushback on price increases - Price increases related to tariffs were minimal and specific, with ongoing concerns about pricing from customers [45][46]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $266 million for Q1, down from $279.8 million in the prior year, with comparable store sales declining by 3.5% [20][24] - Gross profit decreased to $101.4 million from $115.4 million, with gross margin declining by 320 basis points to 38.1% due to planned promotional initiatives [24][25] - Adjusted EBITDA was $27.1 million, representing a 10.2% margin, down from $38.2 million and 13.7% in the previous year [27] - Net income for the quarter was $5.9 million, or $0.06 per share, compared to $12.2 million, or $0.12 per share, in the prior year [26] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The performance of sub-brands such as Festi, Belle Isle, Nightfall, and Retro Chic exceeded expectations, achieving sales 2 to 6 times higher than planned [7] - Online sales demand is approaching 70% of total sales, with expectations to reach 75% by 2026 [9] - The company plans to increase the delivery frequency of existing sub-brands from 6-8 times a year to 12 times annually, aiming for sub-brands to represent up to 30% of the portfolio by 2026 [8] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company closed 35 stores in 2024 and plans to close approximately 180 stores in 2025, with 60 stores targeted for closure in the first half of the year [10][29] - The closures are expected to have a negligible impact on net sales, as the company retains approximately 60% of customers post-closure [10][29] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on enhancing product assortment, driving customer growth, and executing a store optimization plan [6] - A strategic shift towards online sales is evident, with plans to optimize the retail footprint to align with customer preferences for online shopping [12][60] - The company is diversifying sourcing to reduce exposure to China, with current exposure in the low single digits [13] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer behavior remains price and value-conscious, but there is a positive response to new product offerings [20] - The company expects to mitigate approximately $20 million of tariff impact through expense reductions and strategic marketing investments [32] - The outlook for fiscal 2025 includes a revenue impact of approximately $40 million to $45 million due to the pause in the footwear business [31] Other Important Information - The company ended the quarter with $23.7 million in cash and access to $117.3 million in additional liquidity [21] - Inventory totaled $149.6 million, a 3.3% increase year-over-year, with expectations for a decrease in year-end comparable store inventory [28] Q&A Session Summary Question: Could you talk about the cadence of newness for the second half? - The company plans to launch a new sub-brand, Lovesick, in August and Studio Luxe in September, with existing brands being delivered monthly by the end of the year [38] Question: What trends are being seen with new customers following their initial sub-brand purchase? - Positive movement in customer acquisition and reactivation has been observed, with a high attachment rate of 90% for sub-brand purchasers adding core products to their baskets [42][44] Question: What is the reason for the sizable sales growth deceleration in Q2? - The pause in the shoe business, primarily sourced from China, is expected to impact sales by $40 million to $45 million for the year [48][49] Question: How does the promotional strategy coexist with new product launches? - The company will continue its typical promotional cadence, responding to consumer value orientation with promotional events [56] Question: What is behind the acceleration in store closures? - The preference for online shopping has led to a decision to close underperforming stores while reallocating resources to digital investments [60][61]