Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Overall net sales for Q3 2025 were $73.1 million, down 2% from $74.3 million in Q3 2024 [4] - Consolidated gross earnings were 40.7% of net sales compared to 44.3% in the previous year [4] - Earnings from operations were $8.1 million, down 21% from $10.2 million in Q3 2024 [4] - Net earnings totaled $6.6 million, down 18% from $8.1 million last year [4] - Diluted earnings per share were $0.69, compared to $0.84 in Q3 2024 [5] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - North American wholesale segment net sales were $60.2 million, down 2% from $61.1 million last year [5] - Sales volumes in the wholesale segment were down 7%, but a price increase of 10% helped mitigate the impact [5] - Retail segment net sales were $7 million, down 4% from $7.2 million in 2024, primarily due to softer demand [8] - Florsheim Australia net sales remained flat at $6 million, but were up 2% in local currency [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The overall inventory as of September 30, 2025, was $67.2 million, down from $74 million at December 31, 2024 [17] - The incremental tariff on goods sourced from China remained at 30% throughout Q3 2025, impacting gross margins [7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is diversifying its factory base to reduce manufacturing concentration in China while maintaining quality [11] - A strategic decision was made to wind down operations of the Forsake brand due to lack of growth and profitability [16] - The company is focused on expanding casual offerings for the Stacy Adams brand to regain growth [14] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the unsettled tariff environment and weak consumer sentiment continue to create midterm challenges [11] - The company remains confident in the strength of its brands and the resilience of its business model despite current challenges [12] - Future strategies include shifting supply chains and assessing the need for additional price increases based on tariff developments [18] Other Important Information - The Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share and a special cash dividend of $2 per share [10] - The company generated $13.2 million in cash from operations during the first nine months of 2025 [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Margin deterioration attributable to tariffs - Management indicated that the margin erosion is primarily due to tariffs, with a 10% price increase not fully covering the 30% incremental duties from China [24] Question: Consumer behavior across demographics - Management observed that higher-income customers are performing well, while lower middle-income customers are facing challenges [26]

Core Insights - The company believes the worst impacts from tariffs are behind them, with order patterns from wholesale customers normalizing and strong underlying consumer demand for their brands [1][2] - The third quarter of 2025 was challenging due to new tariffs on Chinese imports, leading to reduced orders and shipment delays, which negatively affected revenue and earnings [2][9] - The company is seeing strong performance in its flagship Steve Madden brand, particularly in boots and dress shoes, supported by effective marketing strategies targeting Gen Z and millennials [4][5] Financial Performance - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to 2024, but a 14.8% decrease when excluding the newly acquired Kurt Geiger [9] - Wholesale revenue decreased by 10.7% to $442.7 million, with footwear revenue down 10.9% and accessories and apparel down 10.3% [9][10] - Direct-to-consumer revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million, with a 1.5% increase when excluding Kurt Geiger [10] Gross Margin and Operating Expenses - Consolidated gross margin improved to 43.4% from 41.6% in the prior year, primarily due to the higher mix of direct-to-consumer sales from Kurt Geiger [11] - Wholesale gross margin decreased to 33.6% from 35.5% due to tariff pressures, while direct-to-consumer gross margin fell to 61.9% from 64% [11] - Operating expenses rose to $243.4 million, or 36.4% of revenue, compared to 27.9% in 2024, leading to operating income of $46.3 million [12] Future Outlook - The company expects revenue growth of 27% to 30% in Q4 2025 compared to 2024, with earnings per share projected between $0.41 and $0.46 [14] - The integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with mid-teens comp sales growth and plans for expansion in international markets [5][30] - The company aims to recover gross margins over time, with expectations of improved performance in 2026 [49][65] Brand Performance and Marketing - The Steve Madden brand is experiencing strong sell-through rates, particularly in boots and dress shoes, with a focus on fashion-forward products [4][16] - The marketing strategy includes increased investment in social media platforms, driving awareness and conversion among younger consumers [4][60] - The company is seeing improved performance in full-price channels compared to value price channels, which have been more affected by tariff-related disruptions [60] Inventory and Supply Chain - Inventory at the end of Q3 was $476 million, a significant increase from $268.7 million in 2024, with efforts to manage stock levels amid supply chain disruptions [13] - The company is diversifying its sourcing strategy to reduce reliance on any single country, particularly in light of tariff changes [24] - The ability to chase demand has been impacted by supply chain disruptions, but the company has managed to front-load merchandise effectively [22][23]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2025 was $667.9 million, a 6.9% increase compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, revenue decreased by 14.8% [9] - Net income attributable to Steve Madden Ltd. for the quarter was $30.4 million, or $0.43 per diluted share, compared to $64.8 million, or $0.91 per diluted share in Q3 2024 [13] - Operating income for the quarter was $46.3 million, or 6.9% of revenue, down from $85.4 million, or 13.7% of revenue in the prior year [12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Wholesale revenue was $442.7 million, down 10.7% compared to Q3 2024. Excluding Kurt Geiger, wholesale revenue decreased by 19% [9] - Direct-to-consumer (DTC) revenue increased by 76.6% to $221.5 million. Excluding Kurt Geiger, DTC revenue increased by 1.5% [9] - Wholesale footwear revenue was $266.5 million, a 10.9% decrease from the comparable period in 2024, or down 16.7% excluding Kurt Geiger [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Comp sales for the Kurt Geiger brand were up mid-teens in Q3 2025, indicating strong consumer response [6] - The company ended the quarter with 397 company-operated retail stores, including 99 outlets, and 7 e-commerce websites [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on deepening consumer connections through compelling products and effective marketing, particularly for the Steve Madden brand [5] - The acquisition integration of Kurt Geiger is on track, with progress on revenue synergies and cost savings opportunities [7] - The company plans to open a handful of stores in the U.S. for Kurt Geiger next year and expects growth in both retail and wholesale channels [29] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledged the challenges posed by new tariffs but believes the worst is behind them, with order patterns from wholesale customers normalizing [4] - The company expects revenue to increase by 27%-30% in Q4 2025 compared to Q4 2024, with earnings per share projected in the range of $0.41-$0.46 [14] - Management expressed confidence in improved financial performance in Q4 and the long-term growth potential of their brands and business model [8] Other Important Information - Consolidated gross margin was 43.4%, up from 41.6% in the comparable period of 2023, primarily due to the higher mix of DTC from Kurt Geiger [10] - The company approved a quarterly cash dividend of $0.21 per share, payable on December 26, 2025 [14] Q&A Session Summary Question: How is the fashion developing this fall and inventory levels in the wholesale channel? - Management noted strong performance in the core Steve Madden women's shoe business, particularly in boots, and expressed confidence in spring prospects [17][18] Question: What is the expected revenue contribution from Kurt Geiger in Q4? - Management expects Kurt Geiger's revenue contribution to be between $182 million and $187 million, with over 70% coming from DTC [20][21] Question: How is the margin structure expected to recover? - Management believes all margin erosion is recoverable over time, with tariffs expected to be reflected in retail prices [64][65] Question: What is the outlook for the wholesale business by type? - Management indicated the strongest performance is in regular price channels, while value price channels have faced more pressure [85] Question: How is Kurt Geiger performing by region? - Kurt Geiger is growing in all core regions, including the U.K., U.S., and Europe [42] Question: What are the expectations for international brand growth? - Management anticipates high single-digit revenue growth for Steve Madden internationally in 2025 and strong double-digit growth for Kurt Geiger [73]

Core Insights - Wolverine Worldwide's turnaround efforts are yielding positive results, with total revenue in Q3 2025 reaching $470.3 million, a 6.8% increase from $440.2 million in the same period last year [1] - The company exceeded its previous guidance for Q3, which projected net sales between $450 million and $460 million, and diluted earnings per share in the range of 24 to 28 cents [3] Financial Performance - Net earnings for Q3 were $25.1 million, up from $23.2 million the previous year, with diluted earnings per share increasing to 30 cents from 28 cents [2] - Ongoing total revenue, excluding the sold Sperry business, was also $470.3 million, reflecting a 6.9% increase from $440.1 million in the prior year [1] Brand Performance - Saucony and Merrell brands showed significant growth, with Saucony's net sales increasing by 27.0% to $133.1 million and Merrell's net sales rising by 5.1% to $167.3 million [4] - The Wolverine brand experienced an 8.2% decline in net sales to $45.3 million, while Sweaty Betty saw a 3.9% decrease to $44.5 million [5] Revenue Breakdown - International revenue increased by 13.5% to $242.7 million compared to the prior year, while direct-to-consumer revenue decreased by 5.0% to $106.8 million [6] - The company anticipates full fiscal year revenue to be between $1.855 billion and $1.870 billion, indicating growth of approximately 6.0% to 6.8% compared to the 2024 ongoing business [6] Strategic Outlook - The CEO emphasized the company's commitment to improving its operations through new strategies, talent, and processes aimed at enhancing product quality and shareholder value [7]

Shares of Steven Madden Ltd. fell in pre-market trading after the company posted third quarter results that reflected a miss on Wall Street’s revenue estimate. The shares were down 1.31 percent to $32.41. More from WWD “As anticipated, the third quarter was challenging, driven largely by the impact of new tariffs on goods imported into the United States,” Madden’s chairman and CEO Edward Rosenfeld said in a statement. He noted that consumers responded favorably to the firm’s fall assortments, particular ...

This story was originally published on Retail Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Retail Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Brooks Running on Monday reported its ninth consecutive quarter of growth, with revenue increasing 17% year over year in Q3, according to a company press release. The running brand attributed the revenue growth in part to the launch of five footwear styles across three footwear categories: cushion, trail and speed. Brooks’ North American business saw ...

Core Insights - Weyco Group, Inc. reported financial results for the third quarter of 2025, showing a decline in both wholesale and retail segments, primarily due to reduced sales volumes and increased costs from tariffs [1][2][12]. North American Wholesale Segment - Wholesale net sales were $60.2 million, down 2% from $61.1 million in Q3 2024, with sales volumes decreasing by 7% [3]. - Florsheim brand saw an 8% sales increase, while BOGS and Stacy Adams experienced declines of 17% and 5%, respectively [4]. - Wholesale gross earnings as a percentage of net sales decreased to 35.7% from 40.1% year-over-year, impacted by incremental tariffs [5]. - Operating earnings fell by 20% to $7.5 million due to lower sales volumes and margin erosion [5]. Incremental Tariffs - The U.S. government maintained a 30% tariff on goods sourced from China, with ongoing trade talks potentially affecting future tariff rates [6]. - The tariff environment remains unpredictable, creating uncertainty regarding its impact on gross margins [6]. North American Retail Segment - Retail segment net sales totaled $73.1 million, down 2% from $74.3 million in Q3 2024, with gross earnings at 40.7% of net sales [8][10]. - Net earnings decreased by 18% to $6.6 million, with diluted earnings per share dropping to $0.69 from $0.84 [8][22]. Other Operations - Florsheim Australia reported flat net sales of $6.0 million, with gross earnings as a percentage of net sales increasing to 61.0% [11]. Strategic Decisions - The company decided to wind down operations of the Forsake brand due to lack of growth and profitability, with no material impact expected on consolidated financial statements [7]. Dividend Declarations - The Board of Directors declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.27 per share and a special cash dividend of $2.00 per share, reflecting a return of capital to shareholders [13][14].

Core Insights - Global job losses in the fashion and footwear sectors are increasing, with at least 17,267 job cuts reported in 2025 [1] - The trend of job cuts is part of a broader pattern across various industries in the U.S., driven by factors such as automation and AI [4] Job Cuts in Fashion and Retail - Major companies like Nike, Puma, Saks Global, and Target are among those reducing their workforce [1] - U.S. retailers have announced 86,233 job cuts through September 2025, a 203% increase from 28,440 cuts in the same period last year [5] - Adidas plans to cut 500 positions to reduce complexity, while Amazon is set to eliminate 14,000 corporate jobs [7] - Burberry is cutting 1,700 jobs, representing 18% of its workforce, as part of a strategy to save $130 million by 2027 [8] - Carter's Inc. will lay off 300 staff and close 150 stores, while Kohl's Corp. has cut about 10% of its corporate jobs [9][12] Impact of Automation and AI - Companies like Intel and Microsoft are also reducing their workforces, with Intel cutting 24,000 jobs and Microsoft 9,000 [3] - The rise of AI and automation is cited as a significant factor behind many of these job cuts across various sectors [4] Specific Company Actions - Nike is reducing its corporate staff by 1%, following a previous cut of over 1,600 jobs in 2024 as part of a $2 billion cost-saving plan [14][15] - Puma's new CEO announced a reduction of 900 jobs, totaling 1,400 cuts for the year, indicating a challenging growth outlook until 2027 [16] - Target is eliminating 1,800 corporate positions, including 800 open jobs, due to structural changes aimed at improving decision-making [21] Broader Economic Context - The U.S. has seen nearly 950,000 job cuts from January to September 2025, marking the highest total since 2020 [4] - The government sector has experienced the most job losses, but tech and retail sectors are also significantly affected [4]

Core Insights - Crocs reported consolidated revenues of $996 million in Q3, an increase from $836 million in the same period last year, with direct-to-consumer (DTC) sales up 1.6% but wholesale down 14.7% [1] - Operating income decreased by 23% to $208 million from $270 million, and adjusted diluted earnings per share fell 18.9% to $2.92 [1] - The company experienced a net income loss of $145 million compared to a loss of $199 million in the previous year, with gross profit declining to $583 million from $633 million [1] Financial Performance - Despite lower revenues, Crocs generated strong cash flow, allowing for the repurchase of 2.4 million shares worth $203 million and a debt reduction of $63 million [2] - The Crocs brand saw a revenue decrease of 2.5% to $836 million, while international sales grew by 5.8% to $389 million, offsetting an 8.8% decline in North America [4][5] - DTC sales rose 2% to $472 million, while wholesale sales fell 7.9% to $364 million [5] Brand Performance - Heydude's revenue dropped 21.6% to $160 million, with wholesale sales down 38.6% to $69 million, although DTC remained stable, down just 0.5% to $91 million [3] - The brand is showing signs of stabilization in North America, with improved sell-through rates and a return to the top 10 preferred footwear brands among males [3] Strategic Focus - The company is focusing on product innovation, particularly in clogs and sandals, and expanding its international presence, with significant revenue growth in China, Japan, and Western Europe [6] - CEO Andrew Rees emphasized the importance of disciplined execution against brand strategies and innovation to regain market momentum [2] Q4 Outlook - For Q4, Crocs expects revenues to decline around 8% year-on-year, with Crocs brand sales down 3% and Heydude down mid-20% [7] - Adjusted operating margin is projected at 15.5%, with adjusted diluted earnings per share expected to be between $1.82 and $1.92 [7] - The company has identified $150 million in gross cost savings for 2025 and is committed to driving operating leverage in 2026 [7]

Core Insights - The company announced plans to acquire OrthoLite and its sustainable materials brand Cirql for an enterprise value of $770 million, indicating a strategic focus on enhancing its footwear division by entering the premium insole market [1][5] - The acquisition aligns with the company's goal to influence the global apparel and footwear supply chain through innovation, sustainability, and digital technologies [5][6] Company Overview - OrthoLite, based in Amherst, Massachusetts, specializes in open-cell foam technology and has developed OrthoLite Cirql, contributing to the footwear materials sector [1] - The company employs over 3,000 people globally and collaborates with more than 500 footwear brands, with manufacturing operations in Vietnam, China, India, Indonesia, Spain, and Brazil [2] Leadership and Organizational Changes - Following the acquisition, the company will simplify its organizational structure from three divisions (Apparel, Footwear, and Performance Materials) to two divisions: Apparel and Footwear [3][4] - Pasquale Abruzzese will lead the Footwear division, while Adrian Elliott will head the Apparel division, with Glenn Barrett continuing to lead the OrthoLite business [4] Future Directions - The acquisition is expected to enhance value and opportunities for customers and employees, while maintaining the quality and collaboration both companies are known for [5] - The company plans to implement external reporting aligned with the new structure for the financial year ending December 2026 [4]