Genesco(US:GCO)2023-12-01 16:50Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Consolidated revenue for Q3 2024 was $579 million, down 4% year-over-year and down 5% on a constant currency basis, primarily driven by sales declines in Journeys [23][24] - Total comparable sales decreased by 4%, with Journeys down 8%, while Schuh and Johnston & Murphy (J&M) reported positive comps of 5% and 1% respectively [24] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.57, compared to $0.65 in the same quarter last year, impacted by ERP disruptions and a higher tax rate [27] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Journeys experienced a sequential improvement in sales trends, with positive comparable sales for the first time this year, driven by strong Black Friday performance [10][21] - Schuh delivered strong constant currency sales growth, with double-digit growth and a 5% comp, supported by a compelling back-to-school assortment [11][12] - J&M posted record third-quarter sales despite challenges from ERP implementation, with casual products driving over 75% of direct-to-consumer footwear sales [13] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The U.K. market showed strong performance for Schuh, ranking number 10 in U.K. footwear market share, while the U.S. market saw a robust Black Friday with increased store traffic [12][50] - Digital sales for the overall business grew by 8%, with digital penetration increasing to 21% from 18% a year ago [8] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on advancing strategies to drive consumer demand and improve productivity, including store closures and cost realignment to achieve $40 million in annual savings by the end of fiscal '25 [7][20] - Journeys is implementing an "Elevate Plan" to enhance customer engagement, product differentiation, and brand marketing, aiming to strengthen its position as a destination for fashion footwear [14][16] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted ongoing inflationary pressures and economic uncertainty affecting discretionary spending, leading consumers to make more selective purchasing decisions [7] - Despite challenges, management expressed optimism about the holiday season, with positive trends in sales and store traffic entering Q4 [21][32] Other Important Information - The company maintained strong inventory discipline, with total inventory down high single digits year-over-year, and Journeys' inventory specifically down 14% [28] - Capital expenditures in Q3 were $15 million, primarily directed towards retail stores and digital initiatives, with a total of 1,360 stores at the end of the quarter [29] Q&A Session Summary Question: Changes in gross margin outlook and consumer behavior - Management acknowledged that while new products are performing well, the overall consumer environment has fluctuated, leading to increased promotional activity to drive sales [37][39] Question: Repositioning the assortment at Journeys - Management clarified that the focus is on enhancing the product mix to include more must-have items and exclusives, responding to consumer demand for newness [41][43] Question: Differences between U.S. and U.K. consumer trends - Management noted that both markets are facing high inflation, but the U.S. has shown stronger consumer activity recently, while the U.K. market is more cautious [48][50] Question: Supply chain and material costs - Management indicated improvements in supply chain costs, particularly in logistics, and highlighted wage pressures as a significant cost challenge [52][54]