Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total revenue for Q2 was $546 million, up 4% compared to last year, driven by overall comparable sales growth of 4% [27] - Gross margin for the quarter was 45.8%, down 100 basis points compared to last year, impacted by a more promotional environment in the UK and higher tariffs [28] - Adjusted operating loss for the quarter was $14.3 million, compared to a loss of $9.3 million a year ago [29] - Free cash flow for the quarter was $72 million, compared to $20 million in the same period last year [30] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys reported a 9% comparable sales growth, while Johnston and Murphy had a 1% comp growth, partially offset by a 4% decline at Schuh [27] - Journeys delivered significant SG&A leverage of about 200 basis points due to strong comp results and store fleet optimization efforts [29] - Johnston and Murphy saw positive comp sales in full-price stores and digital channels, driven by gains in conversion and transaction size [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The UK retail environment remains challenging, with Schuh experiencing comp declines in May and June, but positive trends in July and August [14][15] - The consumer environment is characterized by cautious spending, with purchases driven by necessity rather than discretionary shopping [14] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on broadening the customer base for Journeys, targeting a market that is six to seven times larger than historically served [42] - The strategic plan includes enhancing product offerings, improving customer experience through store remodels, and increasing brand awareness [20][23] - The company is also working on a new footwear partnership with Wrangler, aiming to build the footwear category from the ground up [19][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum from back-to-school shopping and the potential for improved sales and profits during the holiday season [25] - The company is mindful of external uncertainties, particularly regarding tariffs and consumer sentiment, but remains optimistic about achieving its full-year adjusted EPS guidance of $1.3 to $1.7 [26][32] Other Important Information - The company has opened 55 Journeys four-point-zero stores, which have shown a sales lift of more than 25% [23][70] - The company plans to continue investing in store remodels and digital initiatives to enhance customer experience [31][32] Q&A Session Summary Question: About the product pivot at Journeys - Management noted that the product assortment has improved significantly, with a focus on casual, canvas, and athletic styles, leading to double-digit growth [39][40] Question: Targeting a wider audience at Journeys - The company is in the early stages of broadening its customer base and has developed marketing strategies to reach this wider audience [42][44] Question: Performance of Schuh - Schuh experienced negative comps in the quarter but saw improvements in July and August, with expectations of continued volatility in the UK market [50][52] Question: New brand introductions - New brands have positively impacted customer reactions, with a focus on lifestyle running and other categories important to the teen customer [57][60] Question: Long-term ticket and transaction dynamics - The company is seeing elevated price points across both casual and athletic categories, with consumers willing to pay for must-have products [62][64] Question: Performance of four-point-zero stores - The remodels have attracted new customers and significantly increased sales, with plans to expand the number of remodeled stores [71][72] Question: Outlook for the UK market - Management anticipates a quieter period between back-to-school and holiday shopping, but is focused on product assortment and execution to navigate the market [76][78]