Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue for Q1 fiscal 2026 was CAD 108 million, up 22% year over year on a reported and constant currency basis [12] - Direct-to-consumer (D2C) comparable sales growth was 15%, marking seven consecutive months of positive comps [5][12] - Adjusted net loss attributable to shareholders was CAD 88 million or CAD 0.91 per share, compared to a loss of CAD 76 million or CAD 0.79 per share in the previous year [20] - Gross margin expanded by 170 basis points year over year to 61.4% [18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - D2C revenue increased to CAD 78 million, up 23%, reflecting the success of the broader D2C strategy [13] - Wholesale revenue achieved an 11% year-over-year increase, with stable performance expected following a channel reset [14] - Apparel was the fastest-growing category in Q1, with significant growth in core outerwear products as well [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - North America revenue was up 27%, driven by strong D2C performance [15] - APAC revenue also increased by 27%, with strong D2C growth in Mainland China, although Japan showed softer trends [16] - EMEA revenue declined slightly year over year due to a planned decrease in wholesale revenue, with low single-digit negative D2C comparable sales growth in the UK [17] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on expanding product offerings to enhance year-round relevance and has introduced more new products than ever before [6] - Strategic marketing investments are aimed at building brand momentum, with campaigns that challenge old perceptions and resonate with consumers [7][8] - The company is committed to sustainability, achieving a 9% reduction in Scope 1 emissions and a 25% reduction in Scope 3 emissions in fiscal 2025 [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the momentum built despite an uncertain environment, highlighting major growth opportunities [11] - The company is focused on operational excellence and deepening customer connections, with a strong liquidity position to navigate uncertainties [22][24] - Management acknowledged macroeconomic challenges but emphasized the importance of controlling internal factors to sustain growth [88][93] Other Important Information - Inventory was CAD 440 million, down 9%, marking the seventh consecutive quarter of year-over-year inventory declines [20][21] - The company ended the quarter with CAD 542 million of net debt, a significant improvement from CAD 766 million at the end of the previous fiscal year [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: Drivers of sequential acceleration in comp sales - Management attributed the acceleration to increased marketing investments, a more seasonally relevant product assortment, and improved execution in stores [27][29] Question: Year-on-year SG&A growth expectations - Management indicated that SG&A growth would continue to be driven by strategic investments in marketing and store labor, with a disciplined approach to discretionary spending [32][34] Question: Performance in China and APAC - Management expressed satisfaction with performance in China, attributing success to effective marketing and product availability, while noting softer trends in Japan [40][42] Question: Newness in product offerings - Management highlighted a significant increase in new product introductions, aiming to nearly double the amount of newness to enhance year-round relevance [43][45] Question: SG&A increase drivers - Management noted that the bulk of SG&A growth was due to investments in marketing, product creation, and store labor, while maintaining lean controllable expenses [80][82] Question: DTC performance sustainability - Management expressed confidence in the sustainability of DTC performance, citing strong execution and positive consumer engagement [90][91] Question: Wholesale business growth potential - Management acknowledged the potential for wholesale growth but emphasized a cautious approach, focusing on stability and long-term relationships with strategic partners [96][99]