Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net sales of $1,662 million for the first half, a decrease of 5.2% compared to the previous year, but still up 24.4% compared to pre-pandemic levels in the first half of 2019 [16][18][19] - Gross margin remained robust at 59.2%, slightly down from 60% in the previous year, primarily due to a mix effect and strategic promotional initiatives [11][19] - Adjusted EBITDA margin was 16.2%, reflecting a decrease from 19% in the prior year, influenced by lower gross margin and higher SG&A expenses [49][56] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The wholesale channel experienced a decline of 7.4% in the first half, while the direct-to-consumer (DTC) channel only declined by 1.6%, indicating stronger resilience in consumer demand through direct channels [6][19] - Non-travel categories showed constant currency growth, with non-travel sales up 180 basis points to 36.2% compared to the prior year [9][26] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America sales were down 7.3%, showing improvement from a 8% decline in Q1, while Asia saw a decline of 7.6% [50][51] - Europe experienced a slight decline of about 1% in Q2, with specific markets like France and the UK showing weakness [54] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focusing on profitable growth and brand positioning, avoiding competition with low-priced unbranded products to protect profitability [8] - Strategic investments in the DTC channel are yielding positive results, with DTC now accounting for 40% of net sales, up from 38% last year [9][23] - The company is committed to product innovation and expanding its market presence, particularly in underpenetrated categories and regions [12][34] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that while travel demand remains strong, there is a softening in consumer sentiment due to macroeconomic uncertainties and trade policy shifts [6][70] - The company anticipates sequential improvement in net sales for the back half of the year, although consumer sentiment remains difficult to predict [70][72] Other Important Information - The company has added 57 net new stores since June 2024, with distribution and G&A expenses up less than 1% compared to the prior year [10][60] - The company is preparing for a dual listing of its securities in the United States, monitoring market conditions closely [73] Q&A Session Summary Question: Updates on full year guidance and strategy for American Tourister - Management sees sequential improvement in the back half of the year but refrains from providing specific Q4 guidance due to uncertainty [79] - For American Tourister, the strategy involves disciplined management and leveraging collaborations to draw consumers into the brand while navigating competitive pressures [82][84] Question: Details on tariff impacts and inventory management - Management indicated that a combination of price increases, supplier negotiations, and forward inventory purchases will help neutralize tariff impacts on gross margin [91] - Inventory levels have increased intentionally to prepare for future sales, with expectations of working capital returning to historical levels [93]