Summary of Caleres Conference Call Company Overview - **Company**: Caleres - **Industry**: Footwear - **Key Executives Present**: Jay Schmidt (President and CEO), Jack Calandra (CFO), Liz Dunn (SVP of Corporate Development and Strategic Communications) [1][2] Key Financial Metrics - **Revenue**: Direct-to-consumer sales account for over 70% of total revenue - **Brand Portfolio Segment**: Represents 45% of total revenue - **International Operations**: Active in 68 countries with significant growth opportunities [3][4] Q2 Accomplishments - **Performance**: Strong performance in lead brands and direct-to-consumer channels, with double-digit growth in international markets - **Famous Footwear**: Elevated brands performed well during the back-to-school season [3][4] Strategic Initiatives - **Sourcing Migration**: Reduced sourcing from China to below 15% by the second half of the year - **Cost Savings**: Achieved $15 million in annualized structural savings, with half expected in the second half of the year - **Acquisition**: Completed the acquisition of Stuart Weitzman in August, focusing on integration and transition [4][5][8] Second Half Outlook - **Guidance**: Annual guidance suspended due to tariff uncertainties; however, Q3 expectations include a +1% comp in August, with low single-digit declines anticipated in September and October - **Gross Margin**: Expected to decline by approximately 240 basis points in Q3 due to tariffs, with improvement anticipated in Q4 as mitigating actions take effect [5][6][7] Market Trends - **Footwear Market**: Driven by newness and brand demand; consumers favor authentic and differentiated brands - **Lead Brands**: Continued strong performance from Sam Edelman, Allen Edmonds, Naturalizer, and Vionic, with ongoing investments in marketing and product development [11][14][17] Brand Portfolio Insights - **Premium Brands**: Strong growth in licensed brands like Vince and Veronica Beard, with Stuart Weitzman expected to enhance the portfolio - **Direct-to-Consumer**: Digital sales represent 30% of the brand portfolio, with a focus on omnichannel strategies [20][26][28] Inventory Management - **Famous Footwear**: Well-managed inventory with a tighter relationship between inventory levels and sales; challenges in the Brand Portfolio segment due to high initial inventory levels [24][25] Competitive Advantages - **Kids' Business**: Represents over 20% of total sales, with growth opportunities through stronger brand alignment - **Store Base**: Approximately 830 stores expected by year-end, with a focus on optimizing store performance and expanding the FLAIR format [36][38] Tariff Strategy - **Mitigation Actions**: Multi-pronged strategy to address tariff impacts, including sourcing adjustments, factory negotiations, and selective price increases - **Tariff Impact**: Anticipated gross margin impact from tariffs, with efforts to offset through SG&A opportunities [41][42] Conclusion - **Future Outlook**: Caleres is focused on leveraging its brand portfolio, optimizing operations, and navigating market challenges while maintaining a strong consumer focus [42]