PARIS, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanshow, a global leader in digital retail solutions, today announced the appointment of Philippe Brochard as Chairman of its Advisory Committee. Continue Reading Philippe Brochard CONTACT: [email protected] Philippe Brochard, former Chief Executive Officer of Auchan Retail France, brings extensive strategic expertise in retail and organizational transformation, gained through senior leadership roles in major international industrial and retail groups. His appointment rei ...

-The holiday season, that time of year when the city that never sleeps takes a moment to reflect. Lights twinkle up and down the avenues of New York City, from the posh storefronts down in Soho to the ornate window displays up along Fifth Avenue to the epicenter in between the miracle and magic of Macy's on 34th Street. - Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind. -American retailers seize on the season, hoping to capitalize on that frame of mind, creating something that lasts beyond just the holiday ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total sales for Q3 2025 were $752.4 million, down 3.2% year over year, with comparable sales down 2.4%, reflecting a 260 basis points sequential improvement from Q2 [5][20] - Adjusted operating income for the quarter was $46.5 million, an increase of nearly $3 million from the previous year, despite last year's Q3 including a $9 million benefit from an incentive accrual reversal [6][23] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.38, up from $0.27 in the prior year [6][24] - Gross margin improved by 210 basis points to 45.1%, driven by fewer markdowns and improved fulfillment operations [21][22] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - U.S. retail comparable sales decreased by 1.5%, with total sales down 1% year over year, showing improvement from Q2 where both metrics were down roughly 5% [7][20] - Canadian retail total sales were down 8%, with comparable sales down 6.6%, primarily due to unseasonable warm weather affecting seasonal product demand [11][20] - The brand portfolio segment saw total sales down 9%, largely due to temporary sourcing-related delivery delays, but operating income increased by $500,000 year over year [12][20] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The top eight brands in the retail segment posted a positive 4% comparable sales growth for the quarter, with their penetration expanding by 200 basis points year over year to 42% of total sales [9] - The athletic category showed improvement, with adult athletic sales up 1% and kids' athletic sales up 8%, reflecting strong back-to-school performance [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on two pillars: customer and product, aiming to enhance private label offerings and build a more profitable wholesale model [13] - The "Let Us Surprise You" campaign is being executed with a holiday-centric approach to position DSW as a gifting destination [13][14] - The company is refining its assortment, ending the quarter with approximately 30% lower choice counts compared to last year while maintaining high in-stock levels [15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about closing the year strongly, citing the dedication of teams and the effectiveness of strategic actions [19][32] - The company expects total net sales for the year to decline in the range of 3%-5%, with adjusted operating income projected between $50 million and $55 million [25] Other Important Information - The company paid down $47 million of debt during the quarter, ending with total debt outstanding of $469.8 million [6][24] - Total liquidity at the end of Q3 was $218.3 million, providing solid financial flexibility [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you elaborate on the trends quarter to date and the wide range for Q4 sales guidance? - Management noted that October was the strongest month, with continued momentum in key categories and brands, particularly in boots and affordable luxury [27][28] Question: How is the company thinking about gross margin in Q4 and the promotional environment? - Management is encouraged by gross margin management, anticipating similar improvements in Q4, with a focus on higher average unit retail prices and reduced unprofitable promotions [30]

Core Viewpoint - Designer Brands Inc. reported stronger-than-expected quarterly profit, with adjusted earnings per share of 38 cents, surpassing the analyst consensus estimate of 18 cents [1]. Financial Performance - Quarterly sales amounted to $752.411 million, reflecting a 3.2% year-over-year decline and missing the expected $763.400 million [2]. - Total comparable sales decreased by 2.4% [2]. - Segment performance showed weakness, with U.S. Retail down 0.8%, Canada Retail down 7.5%, and the Brand Portfolio down 8.6% [3]. - Gross profit increased to $339.6 million from $333.8 million a year ago, with gross margin improving to 45.1%, up from 43.0% [3]. - Consolidated operating profit rose 87% year over year to $42.663 million [4]. Cash and Debt Position - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents of $51.352 million, while long-term debt decreased to $463.089 million from $529.551 million a year ago [4]. Store Operations - As of November 1, 2025, Designer Brands operates 672 stores across North America, including 497 DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse locations in the U.S. and 175 stores in Canada [5]. Dividend Announcement - A dividend of 5 cents per share for both Class A and Class B common shares will be paid on December 19 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5 [5]. Future Outlook - The company expects fiscal year 2025 adjusted operating profit to be between $50 million and $55 million, with net sales projected to decline by 3%-5% [6]. Market Sentiment - Designer Brands has 8.10 million shares sold short, representing 57.07% of its public float, indicating a high level of bearish sentiment among investors [7]. - During premarket trading, Designer Brands shares rose 17.11% to $5.68 [7].

Core Insights - In 2024, the Chinese retail industry witnessed a significant decline as 62 major supermarket chains collectively closed 3,037 stores, averaging 9 closures per day, indicating a severe contraction in the sector [1][3] - The downfall of traditional supermarkets is attributed not only to e-commerce competition but also to systemic failures in their operational models, leading to inefficiencies and customer dissatisfaction [3][5] Group 1: Store Closures and Financial Impact - Major supermarket chains like Century Hualian closed 1,009 stores, nearly halving their presence; CR Vanguard reduced its store count by 493; Yonghui Supermarket closed a quarter of its locations, with revenue plummeting from 48.7 billion yuan to 29.9 billion yuan [1][3] - The closures reflect a broader trend of traditional supermarkets struggling to adapt, with many failing to innovate or improve their service offerings [5][6] Group 2: Operational Inefficiencies - Traditional supermarkets have become "bloated," with large store formats leading to inefficiencies, such as long customer search times and a high percentage of slow-moving inventory [3][5] - New retail formats, like hard discount stores, have outperformed traditional supermarkets by focusing on a limited selection of high-demand products, achieving three times the turnover speed and significantly higher space efficiency [3][5] Group 3: Customer Experience and Service - Traditional supermarkets are trapped in a "no-differentiation trap," offering similar products and prices without superior service, leading to customer disengagement [5][6] - Successful retailers like Pang Donglai and Sam's Club have differentiated themselves through unique customer experiences and specialized offerings, highlighting the importance of service quality in attracting consumers [5][6] Group 4: Future of Retail - The closures signal a shift in the retail landscape, emphasizing that success will depend on supply chain efficiency, product differentiation, and enhanced customer service rather than sheer store count [6] - The future of supermarkets is envisioned as smaller, community-focused stores that offer convenience and specialized products, moving away from the outdated "big and all-encompassing" model [6]

Core Insights - Macy's has been struggling with declining sales, leading to store closures and layoffs, as it rethinks its future in the retail landscape [1][3] - The company is reversing its decision to close its iconic Union Square location in San Francisco, indicating a shift in its transformation strategy [2][6] - Macy's has launched a "Bold New Chapter" strategy, planning to close around 150 underperforming stores by 2026 while focusing on its stronger locations [3][4] Company Strategy - The "Bold New Chapter" strategy aims to concentrate investments on 350 stronger locations and prioritize more profitable divisions like Bloomingdale's and Bluemercury [3] - Over the past decade, Macy's has closed more than a third of its stores, including significant locations like the Union Square flagship [4][5] - The company is exploring new development options for the Union Square site in partnership with TMG Partners, keeping the flagship open through at least Q1 2026 [7]

Core Insights - HighCo has completed the acquisition of Sogec and BudgetBox to enhance its position in the promotions market and drive growth in its Activation division [1][4]. Company Overview - Sogec is a French agency specializing in omnichannel promotion activation, offering services such as discount coupon processing, digital cashback platforms, loyalty programs, and more [2]. - BudgetBox focuses on retail media, creating targeted activation campaigns based on consumer behavior both online and in-store [2]. - HighCo is listed on Euronext Paris and has over 400 employees, achieving a Gold rating from EcoVadis for CSR performance [5]. Financial Impact - The gross profit for Sogec in 2024 was €10.1 million, while BudgetBox reported €6.7 million [3]. - The accounts of Sogec and BudgetBox will be consolidated starting from October 1, 2025, with financial impacts to be disclosed in March 2026 [3]. Strategic Implications - The acquisition is a significant step in HighCo's strategy to refocus on its core business areas, particularly in Activation and Consulting & In-store media selling [4].

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same-store sales increased by 2.1% year-over-year, marking the second consecutive quarter of comp store sales growth [4][12] - Net sales for Q2 were $393.9 million, a 1.8% increase compared to the prior year [12] - Gross margin improved to 32%, an 80 basis point increase from Q2 last year, driven by healthier inventory and higher sales penetration from the fishing department [13][14] - Net loss for Q2 was $7.1 million, compared to a net loss of $5.9 million in the same quarter last year [15] - Adjusted EBITDA improved to $8.3 million, up from $7.4 million in the same quarter last year [15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The hunting and shooting sports department grew by 4%, while fishing sales increased by nearly 11% year-over-year [6][12] - Ammunition sales grew by 10%, with average unit retail up in low single digits [6] - Camping sales were down 10% compared to last year, prompting a strategic shift to eliminate slow-moving categories [7] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Sales in Alaska grew by high single digits, indicating successful localization of merchandise assortments [5] - The firearms business outperformed the industry despite a 4.9% decline in adjusted NICs checks [5] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on four key priorities: inventory precision, local relevance, personal protection, and brand awareness [9][10] - A strategic shift to an everyday low-price model for core ammunition has resonated well with customers [6] - The company aims to improve inventory efficiency and reduce working capital investment [17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management remains confident in the strategic plan despite ongoing consumer microeconomic challenges [10] - The company anticipates ending the year with lower total inventory than last year and generating positive free cash flow [11][19] - Full-year guidance for net sales has been raised to reflect flat growth, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $33 million and $45 million [18] Other Important Information - Total inventory at the end of Q2 was $443.5 million, compared to $363.4 million in the same period last year, reflecting a strategic decision to prepare for key hunting seasons [16] - The company exercised a $20 million deferred draw feature on its term loan to strengthen the balance sheet [17] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you talk about the drivers of comp performance and its durability into 2026? - Management highlighted the alignment of strategy around hunting, shooting, fishing, and personal protection as key drivers of performance, with continued investment in inventory to maintain momentum [22][23] Question: Can you discuss margin drivers in the back half of the year? - Management noted that hunting has lower margins due to firearms and ammunition, which will impact overall margins, while fishing has been a beneficiary of margin improvements [26][27] Question: How did demand trend through August and the setup into the back half in terms of comps? - Management expressed satisfaction with August performance, noting acceleration in NICs and a positive outlook for Q3 [32] Question: Can you break down the AOV trend and its potential for improvement? - Management indicated that there is significant room for improvement in attachment rates, particularly in firearms and ammunition, with AOV and UPT both at all-time highs [34][36] Question: How is the company managing potential tariff-related margin pressure? - Management is working with vendors to anticipate cost increases and has flexibility to offset some tariffs through MAP pricing [51][53] Question: Can you provide insight into consumer behavior within the hunt category? - Management noted that average unit retail is down about 4%, but unit sales are up 4.2%, indicating a mixed impact on margins [61][63] Question: Is there an opportunity to increase sales or inventory in suppressors and short barrel rifles? - Management sees significant opportunity in these categories and plans to lean into them in the back half of the year [65]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Q3 revenue reached $325 million, reflecting a 0.7% year-over-year increase and a 4.1% quarter-over-quarter increase [20] - Adjusted EBITDA for Q3 was $11 million, representing a margin of approximately 3.4%, up 130 basis points year-over-year but down 170 basis points quarter-over-quarter [22] - Gross margin for the quarter was 44.2%, down 130 basis points year-over-year and down 30 basis points quarter-over-quarter [21] - Revenue per active client was $542, up 3.2% year-over-year and up 1% quarter-over-quarter [20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The women's business and overall fixed channel returned to revenue growth, while the men's business and freestyle channel also saw revenue growth [7] - Average Order Value (AOV) grew by 10% year-over-year, with improvements in items per fix, keep rate, and Average Unit Retail (AUR) [8] - The athleisure category saw over 30% growth year-over-year, with notable demand for wide leg denim and spring transitional sweaters in women's and fleece and knit tops in men's [12] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Active clients at the end of Q3 totaled 2.4 million, down 10.6% year-over-year and down 0.8% quarter-over-quarter, marking the lowest sequential decline in three years [20][13] - New client growth has been achieved for two consecutive quarters, with new clients spending more, as evidenced by high 90-day Lifetime Value (LTV) metrics [13] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is executing a three-phased transformation strategy, having completed the rationalize and build phases and now entering the growth phase [9][13] - Focus on enhancing client engagement features, deepening stylist relationships, and offering a stronger assortment with more fresh styles [10] - The company aims to position itself as the retailer of choice for apparel and accessories by delivering a personalized shopping experience [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges significant external challenges, including a dynamic macroeconomic environment and pressure on consumer discretionary spending [15] - The company does not expect significant cost impacts from tariffs for the remainder of Q4 but anticipates potential impacts in FY 2026 [15][24] - Confidence in the foundation built and the ability to navigate uncertainties while focusing on long-term profitable growth [27] Other Important Information - The company generated $16 million in free cash flow in Q3 and ended the quarter with $242 million in cash and no debt [22] - The outlook for Q4 includes projected revenue between $298 million and $300 million, with adjusted EBITDA expected between $3 million and $7 million [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on core consumer behavior and keep rates - Management noted strong performance in Q3 driven by AOV growth and positive client engagement, with larger fixes resonating well with clients [30][32] Question: Potential share gain opportunities in the current macro environment - Management believes the current macro environment presents an opportunity for share gain, emphasizing the adaptability of their service to client needs [52][54] Question: Sustainability of AOV increases - AOV growth is attributed to larger fixes and is expected to continue, although tougher year-over-year comparisons are anticipated in FY 2026 [72] Question: Need for increased ad spend to drive new customer growth - Management does not anticipate needing to increase ad spend to achieve active client growth, citing improvements in client re-engagement and dormancy trends [75]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Adjusted EBITDA for Q1 2025 was $30.9 million, down from $33.2 million in the same period last year, primarily due to lower retail fuel and merchandise contributions [21] - The net loss for the quarter was $12.7 million compared to a net loss of $0.6 million in the year-ago period [24] - Total capital expenditures for the quarter were $27.4 million [25] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Retail segment operating income was approximately $40.2 million, down from $46.5 million in the year-ago period [21] - Same store merchandise sales excluding cigarettes were down 5.2%, while total same store merchandise sales were down 6.9% [22] - Wholesale segment operating income was $18.6 million, compared to $18.3 million in the year-ago period [23] - Fleet segment operating income increased to $11 million from $9.8 million in the year-ago period [24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Same store fuel contribution decreased by approximately $3.2 million due to a 6.2% decline in gallons sold [22] - Fuel margin for the wholesale segment was $0.88 per gallon, down from $0.92 per gallon in the year-ago period [23] - Total gallons from channel optimization were approximately 14 million for the quarter, offsetting declines from comparable sites [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on a transformation strategy that includes dealerization, expansion of high-margin categories, and targeted promotional initiatives [9][10] - The Fueling America Future campaign aims to provide discounts on fuel and enhance customer engagement [10][12] - The company is committed to organic growth and store-level reinvestment, with plans for remodels and new store openings [15][17] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted headwinds from lower traffic, consumer spending, and severe weather impacting store visits [6][8] - There is optimism for Q2 2025, with slight improvements in sales observed in April [34] - The company remains focused on execution and is optimistic about the path forward despite a dynamic environment [28] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 1.3 million shares at an average price of $4.1 per share during the quarter [19] - The company ended the quarter with $880 million in long-term debt and maintained liquidity of approximately $847 million [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: How has the business performed recently after winter weather? - Management noted that sales were down 6.9% for the quarter, with February being particularly impacted by severe weather, but there has been slight improvement in April [32][34] Question: Are savings from the dealerization starting to flow through the P&L? - The $20 million savings is expected at scale, with $2.4 million delivered this quarter from channel optimization [36][38] Question: When will the remodel initiative be accelerated? - The first pilot stores are expected to be completed by Q3 2025, with potential acceleration in 2026 based on results [40][42] Question: What is driving the fuel margins? - Fuel margins are influenced by market volatility and the need for businesses to adjust prices to remain competitive [48][50] Question: How is the company balancing share buybacks versus bond buybacks? - Management is analyzing capital allocation strategies but did not provide specific details on the cadence of buybacks [82] Question: What characteristics define strategic retail stores for capital allocation? - Strategic stores are identified based on favorable demographics, competitive landscape, and physical plant conditions [72][73] Question: How has the dealerization program performed against expectations? - The stores pushed to the wholesale channel are performing in line with expectations, with significant incremental gallons being realized [74][76]