Designer Brands, one of the world’s largest footwear and accessories designers and retailers, is set to release its second quarter 2025 financial results on September 9, 2025. The company will host a live earnings call at 8:30 am E.T., open to investors and analysts via telephone or webcast. A press release will precede the call, detailing results and business strategy.
How to Attend and Replay the Earnings Call
To join the call, participants should dial:
- U.S.: 888-317-6003
- International: 412-317-6061
- Conference ID: 3316589 (call in approximately ten minutes before the start).
For those who can’t participate live, an archived webcast will be available until September 23, 2025. A teleconference recording can also be accessed by U.S. callers at 1-877-344-7529, Canadians at 1-855-669-9658, and international participants at 1-412-317-0088 (Passcode: 4429044).
A Challenging 2025 for Designer Brands
Designer Brands Inc. is a dominant player in footwear, with banners like DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse, The Shoe Company, and Rubino, as well as portfolio brands including Topo Athletic, Keds, Vince Camuto, Kelly & Katie, Jessica Simpson, and Lucky Brand.
However, 2025 has so far proven tough for Designer Brands and the broader consumer sector. In the first quarter, the company reported net sales of $686.9 million, down 8% year-over-year, and a 7.8% drop in comparable sales (Q1 press release). Gross profit fell from $330.0 million to $295.1 million, with margin contracting to 43.0% from 44.2%.
The company posted a net loss attributable to Designer Brands Inc. of $17.4 million (diluted loss of $0.36/share), and on an adjusted basis, a net loss of $12.5 million, or $0.26/share , missing analysts’ expectations and sparking a sharp drop in the stock price.
Leadership and Strategic Response
CEO Doug Howe cited a volatile macroeconomic backdrop, weakening consumer sentiment, and heightened promotional pressure. “We have shifted our near-term focus to amplifying value in our retail channels, preserving margins, controlling costs, and mitigating the impact of tariffs as part of our response to this volatility. Thanks to our team’s focus and discipline, we expect to deliver between $20 million to $30 million in cost savings over the course of 2025,” Howe said.
Notably, the company withdrew full-year guidance due to continued economic and consumer uncertainty.
Liquidity, Balance Sheet & Shareholder Return
- Cash and cash equivalents at the end of Q1 stood at $46 million, slightly above 2024’s $43.4 million.
- Inventory held steady at $623.6 million, and debt increased to $522.9 million from $476.1 million at the same time last year.
- A $0.05/share dividend for both Class A and B common shares was declared and paid on June 18, 2025.
- The company still has significant wholesale, private-label, and international business in addition to DTC and its over 650 store footprint across North America.
What to Watch on September 9
As Designer Brands readies its Q2 report, investors and analysts will look for signs that cost discipline, inventory management, and portfolio brand performance can reverse revenue trends or stabilize profitability. Execution in consumer channels, progress on margin protection, and plans for the coveted fall/holiday season will all be top-of-mind.
Author Profile
Latest entries
BusinessFebruary 5, 2026Why HTML Email Templates are Essential for Attracting Customers in the Fashion Retail Industry- BusinessFebruary 3, 2026On Names Frank Sluis CFO As Martin Hoffmann Steps Down
- InnovationsFebruary 3, 2026Jordan Brand Heir Series 2 Raises the Bar for Women’s Basketball
- IndustryFebruary 3, 202610 Brands Shaping the Modern Kids’ Footwear Market
