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SHOE STATION GROUP INC

For the period ended Feb 1, 2025. Filed Mar 21, 2025.

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About this filing

A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.

FY2025 · Filed Mar 21, 2025

SHOE$14.54-4.2%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Management’s Discussion and Analysis?

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Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-02-03; filed 2024-03-22.

0000950170-24-035337

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2025-02-01; filed 2025-03-21.

0000950170-25-043195

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.

Compared 105 previous paragraphs and 104 current paragraphs.

48 unchanged; 30 reworded; 26 added; 26 removed; 1 previous and 0 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 4 previous and 4 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.

A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.

Added paragraphs (26)

Current report

Shoe Carnival, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest omnichannel sellers of footwear for the family. On December 3, 2021, we began operating under two banners: Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station. We furthered our acquisition strategy by acquiring all of the stock of Rogan Shoes, Incorporated (“Rogan’s”) in February 2024, which added 28 physical stores (25 in Wisconsin, 2 in Minnesota, and 1 in Illinois) to our portfolio, positioned us as the market leader in Wisconsin and established a store base in Minnesota, creating additional expansion opportunities.

Current report

On February 13, 2024, we acquired all of the stock of Rogan's, a privately-held 53-year-old work and family footwear company incorporated in Wisconsin, for an adjusted purchase price of $44.8 million, net of $2.2 million of cash acquired, which was paid with cash on hand. Additional consideration of up to $5.0 million may be paid by the Company subject to the achievement of three-year growth targets. Net sales from our Rogan’s operations were $80.3 million in Fiscal 2024. More information about this acquisition can be found in Note 3 - “Acquisition of Rogan Shoes” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current report

We ended Fiscal 2024 with 430 stores, comprised of 360 Shoe Carnival stores, 42 Shoe Station stores and 28 Rogan's stores. During Fiscal 2024 we opened four new Shoe Station stores and permanently closed two Shoe Carnival stores. The 430 stores operated at the end of Fiscal 2024 was an all-time year end high for us.

Current report

We have been evaluating customer analytics and market data and developing strategies to expand Shoe Station since we acquired the chain in December 2021. We believe that a national expansion opportunity exists in markets where the customer and/or market characteristics align better with the Shoe Station concept, rather than our Shoe Carnival concept. A 10-store in-market test was completed during Fiscal 2024, where we closed underperforming Shoe Carnival stores and opened new Shoe Station stores in those markets. The customer response and business results exceeded our success criteria on an aggregated basis, with sales and profit contribution over 10% higher at the new Shoe Station stores versus Shoe Carnival stores. In March 2025, we announced a new long-term strategy to rapidly scale up Shoe Station into a national footwear and accessories leader. The first investment phase will rebanner 175 stores to the Shoe Station banner over the next 24 months. Once this phase is complete, we expect to operate 218 Shoe Station stores, representing 51% of our present store fleet.

Current report

During Fiscal 2025, we expect to rebanner between 50 to 75 Shoe Carnival stores to Shoe Station stores. Total capital expenditures are expected to be in a range of $45 million to $60 million in Fiscal 2025 to support the rebanner strategy, compared to $33.2 million, $56.3 million and $77.3 million spent in Fiscal 2024, Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022, respectively. As the rebanner strategy is implemented, it is expected to decrease our Operating Income by between $20 to $25 million in Fiscal 2025 due to store closing costs, amortization of new store construction costs, a four-to-six-week store closure period through each store’s grand opening and customer acquisition costs, with such costs recovered over a two-to-three-year period following a store’s grand opening. More information about the rebanner strategy can be found in PART 1, ITEM 1, “Business—Our Stores—Rebanner Strategy” of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current report

During Fiscal 2024, our Net Sales of $1.2 billion were up $27.0 million, or 2.3%, compared to Fiscal 2023. Fiscal 2023 contained a 53rd week of Net Sales totaling approximately $15 million, as described above. In Fiscal 2024, Net Sales otherwise increased approximately $42 million, or 3.7%. This increase resulted from continued growth from the Shoe Station banner’s 5.7% Net Sales increase and $80.3 million in Net Sales attributed to Rogan’s. We also grew Net Sales during peak shopping periods throughout the year. These areas of growth were partially offset by a 3.9% comparable stores Net Sales decline, driven primarily by Shoe Carnival declines during non-event periods.

Current report

Long-term Gross Profit margin expansion has been a key driver of our profit transformation, led by our targeted promotional plans, buying strategies and growth of our customer loyalty program, Shoe Perks. During Fiscal 2024, our Gross Profit margin was above 35% for the fourth consecutive year. Gross profit margin in Fiscal 2024 decreased 20 basis points compared to Fiscal 2023, primarily due to higher buying, distribution and occupancy costs (“BDO”) from operating more stores, partially offset by a 10 basis point increase in merchandise margins.

Current report

Fiscal 2024 Operating Income totaled $91.2 million, a decrease of 2.5% versus Fiscal 2023, primarily due to the extra week of sales in Fiscal 2023 and non-event period declines at Shoe Carnival stores, partially offset by Net Sales growth, principally from our Shoe Station and Rogan’s stores. Primarily as a result of accelerated synergy capture, Rogan’s exceeded our initial $10 million Operating Income target for Fiscal 2024 by more than 20%.

Current report

Fiscal 2024 Net Income was $73.8 million, or $2.68 per diluted share, compared to Fiscal 2023 Net Income of $73.3 million, or $2.68 per diluted share. The slight increase in Net Income reflected pandemic-related tax credits of $3.0 million associated with our acquisition of Rogan’s, included in Interest and Other Income, partially offset by lower Operating Income and a higher effective tax rate.

Current report

Merchandise Inventories totaled $385.6 million at the end of Fiscal 2024, an increase of $39.2 million compared to the end of Fiscal 2023, primarily reflecting Rogan’s acquired inventory. Merchandise Inventories supporting the Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station stores were slightly down on a unit basis at the end of Fiscal 2024 compared to the end of Fiscal 2023, but additional inventory purchases were made near Fiscal 2024 year end to support rebannering additional stores and, to a lesser extent, as a hedge against potential supply chain disruption from tariffs and port worker strikes.

Current report

Net Sales were $1.2 billion in Fiscal 2024 and increased 2.3%, or $27.0 million, compared to Fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to continued growth from the Shoe Station banner’s 5.7% Net Sales increase and the acquisition of Rogan's in February 2024, which added Net Sales of $80.3 million. Increases were partially offset by the extra week in the prior year, which reduced Net Sales approximately $15 million, and a 3.9% decrease in comparable stores Net Sales, primarily due to a mid-single digit decline from our Shoe Carnival bannered stores. The comparable stores Net Sales decline resulted primarily from an approximate 5% decrease in traffic in our physical stores resulting in an approximate 6% decrease in units sold. E-commerce sales were approximately 10% of merchandise sales in both Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023.

Current report

Gross Profit was $428.8 million in Fiscal 2024, an increase of $7.4 million compared to Fiscal 2023, primarily due to the $27.0 million increase in Net Sales. Gross profit margin in Fiscal 2024 was 35.6% compared to 35.8% in Fiscal 2023. This slight decrease was driven by stable merchandise margins that were up 10 basis points in Fiscal 2024 compared to Fiscal 2023 but were more than offset by BDO as a percentage of Net Sales that deleveraged 30 basis points on increased occupancy costs from operating more stores.

Current report

SG&A increased $9.8 million in Fiscal 2024 to $337.6 million compared to $327.9 million in Fiscal 2023. The increase was primarily due to incremental costs associated with Rogan's in Fiscal 2024, partially offset by lower selling costs at Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station stores, which reflected optimized advertising spend driven by our digital-first marketing strategy. While Rogan’s costs were an additional expense in Fiscal 2024 compared to Fiscal 2023, those cost increases were mitigated by synergies captured during Fiscal 2024 from our accelerated integration of Rogan’s. As a percentage of Net Sales, SG&A were 28.0% in Fiscal 2024, compared to 27.8% in Fiscal 2023.

Current report

The effective income tax rate for Fiscal 2024 was 24.3% compared to 23.7% for Fiscal 2023. The higher effective tax rate was due to the decrease in tax benefits from share-settled equity awards in Fiscal 2024 and a state deferred tax benefit included in Fiscal 2023 that did not recur in Fiscal 2024, partially offset by impacts associated with our acquisition of Rogan’s.

Current report

Our Rogan’s acquisition in first quarter 2024 resulted in the payment of cash consideration of $44.8 million, net of cash acquired in Fiscal 2024. Additional information regarding the Rogan’s acquisition, including information on the additional contingent consideration of up to $5.0 million, can be found in Note 3 — “Acquisition of Rogan Shoes” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current report

We invest in publicly traded mutual funds designed to mitigate income statement volatility associated with our non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The balance of these Marketable Securities was $14.4 million at February 1, 2025, compared to $12.2 million at February 3, 2024. Additional information can be found in Note 4 — “Fair Value Measurements” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Current report

As previously discussed, we plan to rebanner between 50 to 75 Shoe Carnival stores into Shoe Station stores in Fiscal 2025 as the first part of the first investment phase. We plan to complete an additional 100 or more rebanners in Fiscal 2026 and early Fiscal 2027 as the second part of the first investment phase. Once this investment phase is complete, we expect to operate 218 Shoe Station stores, representing 51% of our present store fleet. Additional rebanners may follow.

Current report

Increasing market penetration by adding new stores is also a key component of our growth strategy. We expect limited store closures over the next several years. Future store growth may continue to be impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty, our ability to identify desirable locations and/or acquisition partners and increased focus on our store rebanner strategy.

Current report

Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at our single reporting unit level. We have the option to either first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is “more likely than not” that the reporting unit's fair value is less than its carrying value, or to proceed directly to the quantitative assessment, which requires a comparison of the reporting unit's fair value to its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include, but are not limited to, economic conditions, industry and market considerations, expense factors, overall financial performance, entity specific and reporting unit events, capital markets and pricing and breakeven multiples. If we determine that the fair value of our reporting unit is less than its carrying value, we recognize an impairment charge equal to the difference, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the reporting unit. In performing an impairment test for our Goodwill in Fiscal 2024, we completed the qualitative assessment on November 3, 2024. We determined that it was not “more likely than not” that the fair value of our reporting unit was less than the carrying value; therefore, no quantitative assessment was performed and no impairment was recorded.

Current report

With respect to the trade names, we tested their carrying amounts for impairment in Fiscal 2024 at the Shoe Station store set and Rogan’s store set levels using respective revenue growth and discount rate assumptions and assumed royalty rates. Significant changes in our estimates and assumptions could affect our fair value calculations. We performed these assessments on November 3, 2024 and our estimate of fair values exceeded the carrying amounts; therefore, no impairments were recorded.

Current report

(7) On June 21, 2021, our Board of Directors authorized a two-for-one stock split of the shares of our common stock. All share and per share amounts have been adjusted retroactively for all periods presented.
Removed paragraphs (26)

Previous report

We believe our distinctive shopping experiences give us various competitive advantages, including the building of a loyal, repeat customer base; the creation of word-of-mouth advertising; and enhanced sell-through of in-season goods.

Previous report

On December 3, 2021, we acquired the physical stores and substantially all of the other assets and liabilities of Shoe Station, Inc. ("Shoe Station"), a privately-held, family-owned shoe retailer. The Shoe Station assets were acquired for approximately $70.4 million, funded with cash on hand. We continue to operate the original 21 locations acquired under the Shoe Station banner and have opened seven new Shoe Station bannered stores since the acquisition. Net Sales attributed to the Shoe Station banner were $104.5 million and $99.9 million in Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022, respectively, and $16.6 million from the acquisition date through January 29, 2022. More information about this acquisition can be found in Note 3 - "Acquisition of Shoe Station" in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous report

Subsequent to Fiscal 2023 year end, on February 13, 2024, we acquired all the stock of Rogan Shoes, Incorporated ("Rogan's"). More information about this acquisition can be found in Note 16 - “Subsequent Events” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous report

In Fiscal 2023, our results were impacted by continuing inflation, higher interest rates, and reduced tax refunds. These economic factors particularly impacted our Shoe Carnival banner and its lower income customers and more urban markets. Our Diluted Net Income per Share ("EPS") earned in Fiscal 2023 was $2.68 compared to $3.96 earned in Fiscal 2022.

Previous report

The primary driver of the lower EPS in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022 was an $86.4 million, or 6.8%, decline in Net Sales, with our Shoe Carnival banner down 7.8%, offset by a 4.5% increase from our Shoe Station banner.

Previous report

Within this more challenging economic environment, Fiscal 2023 was impacted by event-driven shopping during the peak back-to-school and holiday shopping periods and soft sales of seasonal merchandise and sales during non-peak periods compared to Fiscal 2022. During these peak shopping periods, our children’s categories outperformed every other category. Tax refunds in Fiscal 2023 were nearly 9% lower than Fiscal 2022, which significantly impacted our spring sales. Primarily because of these lower seasonal sales and sales during non-peak periods, traffic in our physical stores was down 9% in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022 and comparable sales were down 8.8%.

Previous report

As a result of e-commerce growth, new stores and integration of our Shoe Perks loyalty program into our Shoe Station stores, we grew Net Sales under our Shoe Station banner in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022. Our Shoe Perks members grew 7.3% in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022 and comprised 34.4 million members at the end of Fiscal 2023. In Fiscal 2023 Operating Income margin for the Shoe Station banner was accretive to our overall Operating Income margin.

Previous report

As part of our long-term growth strategy, we have invested significantly in customer relationship management (“CRM”) capabilities, e-commerce infrastructure, modernization of our store fleet, and acquisitions as key drivers of profitable growth. Since Fiscal 2019, our Diluted Net Income Per Share has increased 84%, Gross Profit margin expanded 570 basis points, and Net Sales grew 13%. With this increased profitability, we have increased our quarterly dividend. The recently approved dividend that will be paid in the first quarter of Fiscal 2024 of $0.135 per share has increased 238% from the quarterly dividend paid in early Fiscal 2019.

Previous report

We made significant progress throughout Fiscal 2023 to reduce our Merchandise Inventories and optimize our inventory positions for an improved athletic assortment. At the end of Fiscal 2023, Merchandise Inventories were $43.9 million, or 11%, lower than at the end of Fiscal 2022. This reduction in inventory was a primary driver of our improved cash flow from operations in Fiscal 2023, which totaled $122.8 million, an increase of $72.3 million compared to Fiscal 2022. We expect additional reductions in inventory in Fiscal 2024, excluding the impact from the Rogan’s acquisition.

Previous report

We ended Fiscal 2023 with 400 total stores, comprising 372 Shoe Carnival stores and 28 Shoe Station stores. During Fiscal 2023, we opened four Shoe Station stores and one Shoe Carnival Store and closed two Shoe Carnival stores. Including the recently acquired Rogan’s stores, we expect to operate 430 to 432 stores by the end of Fiscal 2024, representing net growth of 30 to 32 stores. We have a strategic growth roadmap in place to surpass 500 stores in 2028, inclusive of organic and acquired activity. After the Rogan's acquisition, we began operating an all-time high 429 stores.

Previous report

During Fiscal 2023, we modernized 53 Shoe Carnival bannered stores. We continue to modernize our store fleet. As of February 3, 2024, 60% of our Shoe Carnival stores were modernized and we expect to modernize additional stores in Fiscal 2024. Total capital expenditures are expected to be in a range of $25 million to $35 million in Fiscal 2024 and lower than Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 as the store modernization program nears completion.

Previous report

We also modernized and relaunched our www.shoecarnival.com website in late October 2023 and in February 2023 launched our www.shoestation.com website. Combined with our advanced CRM capabilities, these investments enhance our customers’ omnichannel interaction with us and support our ability to drive long-term, sustainable growth. The relaunched www.shoecarnival.com website incorporates improvements in search capability, use of predictive analytics and improved product imagery and speed of operation.

Previous report

Net Sales were $1.18 billion in Fiscal 2023 and decreased 6.8% compared to Fiscal 2022. The decrease was primarily due to an 8.8% comparable store sales decline, partially offset by the $14.4 million effect of the 53 rd week in Fiscal 2023. The comparable store sales decline resulted from an approximate 9% decrease in traffic in our physical stores, with the most significant decreases in physical stores that serve a lower income demographic and more urban market. Net Sales through our e-commerce sales channel were also 7.7.% lower than in Fiscal 2022. We believe the lower physical store traffic and e-commerce sales in Fiscal 2023 were primarily due to persistent inflation, higher interest rates and a reduction in first quarter 2023 federal tax refunds compared to 2022. Net Sales attributable to new stores, mostly new Shoe Station stores, partially offset the decrease in comparable store sales. E-commerce sales were approximately 10% of merchandise sales in both Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022.

Previous report

Gross Profit was $421.4 million in Fiscal 2023, a decrease of $46.8 million compared to Fiscal 2022. Gross profit margin in Fiscal 2023 was 35.8% compared to 37.1% in Fiscal 2022. Merchandise margin decreased 90 basis points, reflecting an increase in promotional intensity and shifting product mix. Buying, distribution and occupancy costs (“BDO”) were lower in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022; however, BDO decreased gross profit margin by 40 basis points due to the lower Net Sales in Fiscal 2023. The BDO costs were lower in Fiscal 2023 as freight and distribution costs declined versus Fiscal 2022 through active management, contract renegotiation and normalization, partially offset by our investments in store modernization and by rent associated with operating more stores.

Previous report

SG&A increased $6.2 million in Fiscal 2023 to $327.9 million compared to $321.7 million in Fiscal 2022. The increase was primarily attributable to new and modernized store costs, including increased depreciation expense resulting from our investment in property and equipment related to our store portfolio modernization plan. As a percentage of Net Sales, SG&A was 27.8% in Fiscal 2023 compared to 25.5% in Fiscal 2022.

Previous report

Fiscal 2023 SG&A included $0.8 million of transaction costs related to the Rogan's acquisition. Additional information regarding the Rogan’s acquisition can be found in Note 16 - “Subsequent Events” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Previous report

The effective income tax rate for Fiscal 2023 was 23.7% compared to 25.2% for Fiscal 2022. The lower effective tax rate was reflective of a greater tax rate benefit from the vesting of equity based compensation and a nonrecurring benefit associated with state deferred taxes.

Previous report

Increasing market penetration by adding new stores is a key component of our growth strategy. Through a combination of both organic and acquired store growth, we aim to operate approximately 30 new stores, inclusive of the 28 Rogan's stores acquired on February 13, 2024, in Fiscal 2024 and are targeting operating over 500 stores in 2028. We expect limited store closures over the next several years.

Previous report

In performing impairment tests for our Goodwill in Fiscal 2023, we opted to complete a quantitative assessment at the Shoe Station banner level as opposed to relying on a qualitative assessment as permitted in the guidance. This quantitative assessment required that the estimated fair value of a reporting unit’s net assets, including Goodwill, be calculated and compared to its carrying amount. If that estimated fair value is in excess of the carrying amount, no impairment is recognized. We performed this assessment on October 29, 2023. We estimated the fair value of the net assets tested using a discounted cash flow model and guideline transaction market approach. The income-based approach required significant judgment to estimate future cash flows, including revenue growth inclusive of long-term growth rate assumptions and the discount rate. The guideline transaction market approach included 20 majority stake acquisition transactions in the footwear and apparel retail industries over the last 12 years. With respect to the trade name, we also tested its carrying amount for impairment at the Shoe Station banner level using the same revenue growth and discount rate assumptions and an assumed royalty rate. Significant changes in our estimates and assumptions could affect our fair value calculations. Our estimate of fair value exceeded the carrying amounts and therefore resulted in no impairment.

Previous report

(3) In Fiscal 2019, we adopted ASC 842 on a modified retrospective basis, which required us to recognize leased assets and obligations on our balance sheet. See Note 10 – “Leases” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion.
Reworded paragraphs (30)

Previous wording

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations (the "MD&A") should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements included in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 and year-over-year comparisons between Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022. A discussion of Fiscal 2021 and year-over-year comparisons between Fiscal 2022 and Fiscal 2021 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in PART II, ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended January 28, 2023, filed with the SEC on March 24, 2023.

Current wording

The following discussion of our financial condition and results of operations (the “MD&A”) should be read together with our consolidated financial statements and notes to those statements included in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. This section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K generally discusses Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 and year-over-year comparisons between Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023. A discussion of Fiscal 2022 and year-over-year comparisons between Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 that are not included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can be found in PART II, ITEM 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for our fiscal year ended February 3, 2024, filed with the SEC on March 22, 2024. At the end of this section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have included historical data for the past five fiscal years to facilitate trend analysis of key data reported in our consolidated financial statements and other select operating data.

Previous wording

Shoe Carnival, Inc. is one of the nation’s largest omnichannel family footwear retailers. On December 3, 2021, we began operating under two banners: Shoe Carnival and Shoe Station. Our objective is to be the omnichannel retailer-of-choice for on-trend branded footwear for the entire family. Our product assortment, whether shopping in a physical store or on our e-commerce platform, includes dress and casual shoes, sandals, boots and a wide assortment of athletic shoes. Our typical physical store carries shoes in two general categories – athletics and non-athletics with subcategories for men's, women's and children's, as well as a broad range of accessories. In addition to our physical stores, our e-commerce platform offers customers the same assortment of merchandise in all categories of footwear with expanded options in certain instances.

Current wording

Our goal is to be the leading family footwear retailer in the United States. Our product assortment, whether shopping in a physical store or through our e-commerce sales channel, is primarily branded footwear and includes dress and casual shoes, sandals, boots and a wide assortment of athletic shoes. Our typical physical store carries shoes in two general categories – athletics and non-athletics with subcategories for men’s, women’s and children’s, as well as a broad range of accessories. In addition to our physical stores, through our e-commerce sales channel, customers can purchase the same assortment of merchandise in all categories of footwear with expanded options in certain instances.

Previous wording

The Shoe Station banner and retail locations provide a complementary retail platform for us to serve a broader base of family footwear customers in both urban and suburban demographics. The Shoe Station concept targets a more affluent family footwear customer and has a strong track record of capitalizing on emerging footwear fashion trends and introducing new brands. Due to the larger average size of our Shoe Station stores and the targeted, more affluent customer, these locations provide for a primary destination shopping experience.

Current wording

The Shoe Station banner and retail locations serve a broader base of footwear customers. The Shoe Station concept targets a more affluent footwear customer, and its product assortment includes higher end athletics and non-athletics shoes and more accessories. Shoe Station has a strong track record of capitalizing on emerging footwear fashion trends and introducing new brands.

Previous wording

Comparable store sales is a key performance indicator for us. Comparable store sales include stores that have been open for 13 full months after such stores’ acquisition or grand opening prior to the beginning of the period, including those stores that have been relocated or remodeled. Therefore, stores recently opened, acquired or closed are not included in comparable store sales. We generally include e-commerce sales in our comparable store sales as a result of our omnichannel retailer strategy. Due to our omnichannel retailer strategy, we view e-commerce sales as an extension of our physical stores. E-commerce platforms associated with a physical store acquisition will not be included in comparable store sales until the initial physical stores are included. The 21 original Shoe Station stores acquired and the www.shoestation.com e-commerce site that went live in early February 2023 were included in comparable store sales calculations beginning in the first quarter of Fiscal 2023.

Current wording

Comparable stores Net Sales is a key performance indicator for us. Comparable stores Net Sales include stores that have been open for 13 full months after such stores’ grand opening or acquisition prior to the beginning of the period, including those stores that have been relocated, remodeled or rebannered. Therefore, stores recently opened, acquired or permanently closed are not included in comparable stores Net Sales. We generally include e-commerce sales in our comparable stores Net Sales as a result of our omnichannel retailer strategy. Due to our omnichannel retailer strategy, we view e-commerce sales as an extension of our physical stores. E-commerce sales channels associated with a physical store acquisition will not be included in comparable stores Net Sales until the initial physical stores are included. The 21 original Shoe Station stores acquired and the www.shoestation.com e-commerce site that went live in early February 2023 were included in comparable stores Net Sales calculations beginning in first quarter 2023. All of Rogan’s sales are excluded from our comparable stores Net Sales.

Previous wording

The 53 rd week in Fiscal 2023 caused a one-week shift in our fiscal calendar. To minimize the effect of this fiscal calendar shift on comparable store sales, our reported annual comparable store sales results for Fiscal 2023 compare the 52-week period ended January 27, 2024 to the 52-week period ended January 28, 2023. Net Sales in the 53 rdweek of Fiscal 2023 totaled $14.4 million.

Current wording

Our fiscal year is a 52/53 week year ending on the Saturday closest to January 31. Fiscal 2023 consisted of the 53 weeks ended February 3, 2024, while Fiscal 2024 consisted of the 52 weeks ended February 1, 2025. The 53 rd week in Fiscal 2023 caused a one-week shift in our fiscal calendar. To minimize the effect of this fiscal calendar shift on comparable stores Net Sales, our reported annual comparable stores Net Sales results for Fiscal 2024 compare the 52-week period ended February 1, 2025 to the 52-week period ended February 3, 2024. As such, changes in comparable stores Net Sales are not consistent with changes in Net Sales reported for the fiscal period.

Current wording

In Fiscal 2024, our Selling, General, and Administrative Expenses (“SG&A”) were higher than Fiscal 2023 by $9.8 million, primarily due to incremental costs associated with Rogan’s. As market conditions softened in the third and fourth quarters of Fiscal 2024 during non-event periods, we lowered selling costs at our comparable stores. These lower selling expenses reflected optimized advertising spend, driven by our digital-first marketing strategy. While Rogan’s costs were an additional expense in Fiscal 2024 compared to Fiscal 2023, those cost increases were mitigated by synergies captured during Fiscal 2024 from our accelerated integration of Rogan’s.

Previous wording

Fiscal 2023 marked the 19th consecutive year we ended the fiscal year with no debt, and in each of the last three years, we have not drawn on our credit facility. We ended Fiscal 2023 with $111.2 million of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities and $99.3 million in borrowing capacity. On February 13, 2024, we utilized approximately $45 million of this liquidity to acquire Rogan’s with cash on hand.

Current wording

Fiscal 2024 marked the 20th consecutive fiscal year end where we ended the fiscal year with no debt. In each of the last four years, we have funded our operations and growth investments, including our acquisitions of Shoe Station and Rogan’s, without drawing on our credit facility. We ended Fiscal 2024 with $123.1 million of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities. Cash flows from operations in Fiscal 2024 totaled $102.6 million. In Fiscal 2024, we paid $44.8 million for Rogan’s with cash on hand.

Previous wording

Changes in our interest income and expense increased our income before taxes by $2.0 million in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022. This increase was primarily due to higher interest earned on invested cash balances.

Current wording

Changes in our Interest and Other Income and our Interest Expense increased our Income Before Income Taxes by $3.7 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to Fiscal 2023. This increase was primarily due to pandemic-related tax credits of $3.0 million associated with our acquisition of Rogan's in February 2024 and also higher interest earned on invested cash balances.

Previous wording

Our primary sources of liquidity are $111.2 million of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities on hand at the end of Fiscal 2023, cash generated from operations and availability under our $100 million Credit Agreement. Subsequent to Fiscal 2023 year end, we acquired Rogan's and paid cash totaling approximately $45 million on the closing date of the acquisition. We believe our resources will be sufficient to fund our cash needs, as they arise, for at least the next 12 months. Our primary uses of cash are normally for working capital, which are principally inventory purchases, investments in our stores, such as new stores, modernization/remodels and relocations, distribution center initiatives, lease payments associated with our real estate leases, potential dividend payments, potential share repurchases under our share repurchase program and the financing of other capital projects, including investments in new systems. As part of our growth strategy, we may also pursue additional strategic acquisitions of other footwear retailers.

Current wording

Our primary sources of liquidity are $123.1 million of Cash, Cash Equivalents and Marketable Securities on hand at the end of Fiscal 2024, cash generated from operations and availability under our $100 million Credit Agreement. We believe our resources will be sufficient to fund our cash needs, as they arise, for at least the next 12 months. Our primary uses of cash are normally for working capital, which are principally inventory purchases, investments in our stores, such as rebanners and new stores, remodels and relocations, distribution center initiatives, lease payments associated with our real estate leases, potential dividend payments, potential share repurchases under our share repurchase program and the financing of other capital projects, including investments in new systems. As part of our growth strategy, we have also pursued strategic acquisitions of other footwear retailers.

Previous wording

Net cash generated from operating activities was $122.8 million in Fiscal 2023 compared to $50.4 million during Fiscal 2022. The increase in operating cash flow was primarily driven by reduced inventory purchases, partially offset by decreased Net Income in Fiscal 2023 compared to Fiscal 2022.

Current wording

Net cash generated from operating activities was $102.6 million in Fiscal 2024 compared to $122.8 million during Fiscal 2023. The decrease in operating cash flow was primarily driven by the timing of increased inventory purchases to support our rebanner strategy, new Shoe Station stores and, to a lesser extent, as a hedge against potential supply chain disruption from tariffs and port worker strikes, and the timing of prepaid contracts payments in Fiscal 2024 compared to Fiscal 2023.

Previous wording

Working capital increased on a year-over-year basis and totaled $353.5 million at February 3, 2024 compared to $312.4 million at January 28, 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to higher cash and lower Accounts Payable balances, partially offset by lower Merchandise Inventories levels. Our current ratio was 3.8 as of February 3, 2024, compared to 3.0 as of January 28, 2023.

Current wording

Working capital increased on a year-over-year basis and totaled $405.7 million at February 1, 2025 compared to $353.5 million at February 3, 2024. The increase was primarily attributable to higher Merchandise Inventories and Accounts Receivable, primarily due to the acquisition of Rogan's, higher cash balances and lower Accounts Payable, partially offset by an increase in Accrued and Other Liabilities. Our current ratio was 4.1 as of February 1, 2025, compared to 3.8 as of February 3, 2024.

Previous wording

Our cash outflows for investing activities are normally for capital expenditures. During Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022, we expended $56.3 million and $77.3 million, respectively, for the purchases of property and equipment, primarily related to our store portfolio modernization plan.

Current wording

Our cash outflows for investing activities are normally for capital expenditures. During Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, we expended $33.2 million and $56.3 million, respectively, for the purchases of property and equipment, primarily related to store remodels and rebanners and opening four new Shoe Station stores.

Previous wording

During Fiscal 2023, net cash used in financing activities was $20.5 million compared to $42.5 million during Fiscal 2022. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the repurchase of $5.4 million of shares in Fiscal 2023, compared to the repurchase of $30.5 million of shares in Fiscal 2022, associated with our Board of Directors’ authorized share repurchase program. During Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022, we did not borrow or repay funds under our Credit Agreement. Letters of credit outstanding were $700,000 at February 3, 2024, and our borrowing capacity was $99.3 million.

Current wording

During Fiscal 2024, net cash used in financing activities was $15.3 million compared to $20.5 million during Fiscal 2023. The decrease in net cash used in financing activities was primarily due to the repurchase of $5.4 million of shares in Fiscal 2023 under our Board of Directors’ authorized share repurchase program compared to none in Fiscal 2024 and the decrease in shares surrendered by employees to pay taxes on stock-based compensation awards, partially offset by increased dividend payments. During Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, we did not borrow or repay funds under our Credit Agreement. Letters of credit outstanding were $1.0 million at February 1, 2025, and our borrowing capacity was $99.0 million.

Previous wording

Capital expenditures for Fiscal 2024 are expected to be between $25 million and $35 million, with approximately $15 million to $20 million to be used for new stores and modernization and approximately $10 million to $15 million for upgrades to our Evansville distribution center and e-commerce platform, various other store improvements, continued investments in technology and normal asset replacement activities. The resources allocated to projects are subject to near-term changes depending on potential inflationary, supply chain and other macroeconomic impacts. Furthermore, the actual amount of cash required for capital expenditures for store operations depends in part on the number of stores opened, relocated, and remodeled, and the amount of lease incentives, if any, received from landlords. The number of new store openings and relocations will be dependent upon, among other things, the availability of desirable locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease terms and general economic and business conditions affecting consumer spending.

Current wording

Capital expenditures for Fiscal 2025 are expected to be between $45 million and $60 million, with approximately $35 million to $45 million to be used for new and rebannered stores and remodels and approximately $10 million to $15 million for upgrades to our Evansville distribution center and e-commerce platform, various other store improvements, continued investments in technology and normal asset replacement activities. The resources allocated to projects are subject to near-term changes depending on potential inflationary, supply chain and other macroeconomic impacts. Furthermore, the actual amount of cash required for capital expenditures for store operations depends in part on the number of stores opened, rebannered, relocated and remodeled, and the amount of lease incentives, if any, received from landlords. The number of new store openings and relocations will be dependent upon, among other things, the availability of desirable locations, the negotiation of acceptable lease terms and general economic and business conditions affecting consumer spending.

Previous wording

During Fiscal 2023, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.10 per share in our first and second fiscal quarters and $0.12 per share in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. In Fiscal 2022 four quarterly dividends of $0.09 per share were approved and paid. During Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022, we returned $12.2 million and $10.0 million, respectively, in cash to our shareholders through our quarterly dividends.

Current wording

During Fiscal 2024, four quarterly cash dividends of $0.135 per share were approved and paid. In Fiscal 2023, we paid quarterly cash dividends of $0.10 per share in our first and second fiscal quarters and $0.12 per share in the third and fourth fiscal quarters. During Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023, we returned $14.7 million and $12.2 million, respectively, in cash to our shareholders through our quarterly dividends.

Previous wording

The 2024 Share Repurchase Program replaced a $50 million share repurchase program that was authorized in December 2022, became effective January 1, 2023 and expired in accordance with its terms on December 31, 2023. Shares totaling 230,696 were repurchased during Fiscal 2023 at a cost of $5.4 million. Shares totaling 1,134,524 were repurchased during Fiscal 2022 at a cost of $30.5 million.

Current wording

The 2025 Share Repurchase Program replaced a $50 million share repurchase program that was authorized in December 2023, became effective January 1, 2024 and expired in accordance with its terms on December 31, 2024. No shares were repurchased during Fiscal 2024 and shares totaling 230,696 were repurchased during Fiscal 2023 at a cost of $5.4 million.

Previous wording

Rent-related payments made in Fiscal 2023 totaled $94.4 million. As we are contractually obligated to make lease payments to landlords, estimated future payments to landlords and lease-related charges are expected to be significant in future years and will increase in future years due to expected organic and acquired store growth. These payments include estimates for fixed minimum and contingent rent, estimated reimbursements to landlords for common area maintenance, taxes and insurance and other occupancy related charges. See Note 10 – “Leases” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our lease obligations.

Current wording

Rent-related payments made in Fiscal 2024 totaled $97.2 million. As we are contractually obligated to make lease payments to landlords, estimated future payments to landlords and lease-related charges are expected to be significant in future years and will increase in future years due to expected organic and acquired store growth. These payments include estimates for fixed minimum and contingent rent, estimated reimbursements to landlords for common area maintenance, taxes and insurance and other occupancy related charges. See Note 11 – “Leases” in our Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements contained in PART II, ITEM 8 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for further discussion of our lease obligations.

Previous wording

In Fiscal 2023, we opened five new stores. The initial average inventory investment for the new stores in Fiscal 2023 was $1.0 million, capital expenditures were $1.7 million and lease incentives received from our landlords were $480,000. In Fiscal 2022, we opened four new stores. The initial average inventory investment for the new stores was $1.4 million, capital expenditures were $1.6 million and lease incentives received from our landlord were $212,000.

Current wording

In Fiscal 2024, we opened four new stores. The initial average inventory investment for the new stores in Fiscal 2024 was $1.2 million, capital expenditures were $1.3 million and lease incentives received from our landlords were $425,000. In Fiscal 2023, we opened five new stores. The initial average inventory investment for the new stores was $1.0 million, capital expenditures were $1.7 million and lease incentives received from our landlord were $480,000.

Previous wording

Pre-opening expenses for the five stores opened in Fiscal 2023 included in Cost of Sales and SG&A expenses were approximately $1.2 million, or an average of $237,000 per store. Items classified as pre-opening expenses include rent, freight, advertising, salaries and supplies. During Fiscal 2022, we expended approximately $1.3 million, or an average of $320,000 per store, in pre-opening expenses for the four new stores.

Current wording

Pre-opening expenses for the four stores opened in Fiscal 2024 included in Cost of Sales and SG&A were approximately $786,000, or an average of $197,000 per store. Items classified as pre-opening expenses include rent, freight, advertising, salaries and supplies. During Fiscal 2023, we expended $1.2 million, or an average of $237,000 per store, in pre-opening expenses for the five new stores.

Previous wording

Total store closing costs were $83,000 associated with closing two stores in Fiscal 2023 and there were no store closing costs in Fiscal 2022. There were no non-cash impairment charges recognized in Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022. In addition to non-cash impairment charges, store closing costs can include fixed asset write-offs, employee severance, lease termination fees, store tear-down and clean-up expenses and acceleration of expenses and deferred lease incentives.

Current wording

Total store closing costs were $128,000 associated with the closing of two stores in Fiscal 2024 and $83,000 associated with the closing of two stores in Fiscal 2023. There were no non-cash impairment charges recognized in Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023. In addition to non-cash impairment charges, store closing costs can include fixed asset write-offs, employee severance, lease termination fees, store tear-down and clean-up expenses and acceleration of expenses and deferred lease incentives.

Previous wording

In total, store opening and closing costs impacting SG&A expenses were $0.9 million in Fiscal 2023 and $1.0 million in Fiscal 2022. Store opening and closing costs included in Cost of Sales were expenses of $376,000 in Fiscal 2023 and $178,000 in Fiscal 2022.

Current wording

In total, store opening and closing costs impacting SG&A were $616,000 in Fiscal 2024 and $891,000 in Fiscal 2023. Store opening and closing costs included in Cost of Sales were expenses of $298,000 in Fiscal 2024 and $376,000 in Fiscal 2023.

Previous wording

Factors considered when we review our inventory to properly state it at lower of cost or net realizable value include recent sale prices, historical loss rates, the length of time merchandise has been held in inventory, quantities of the various styles held in inventory, seasonality of the merchandise, expected consideration to be received from our vendors and current and expected future sales trends. We also review aging trends, which include the historical rate at which merchandise has sold below cost and the value and nature of merchandise currently held in inventory and priced below original cost. We reduce the value of our inventory to its estimated net realizable value where cost exceeds the estimated future selling price. Merchandise Inventories as of February 3, 2024 totaled $346.4 million, representing approximately 33% of total assets. Merchandise Inventories as of January 28, 2023 totaled $390.4 million, representing approximately 39% of total assets. Given the significance of inventories to our consolidated financial statements, the determination of net realizable value is a critical accounting estimate. Material changes in the factors noted above could have a significant impact on the actual net realizable value of our inventory and our reported operating results.

Current wording

Factors considered when we review our inventory to properly state it at lower of cost or net realizable value include recent sale prices, historical loss rates, the length of time merchandise has been held in inventory, quantities of the various styles held in inventory, seasonality of the merchandise, expected consideration to be received from our vendors and current and expected future sales trends. We also review aging trends, which include the historical rate at which merchandise has sold below cost and the value and nature of merchandise currently held in inventory and priced below original cost. We reduce the value of our inventory to its estimated net realizable value where cost exceeds the estimated future selling price. Merchandise Inventories as of February 1, 2025 totaled $385.6 million, representing approximately 34% of total assets. Merchandise Inventories as of February 3, 2024 totaled $346.4 million, representing approximately 33% of total assets. Given the significance of inventories to our consolidated financial statements, the determination of net realizable value is a critical accounting estimate. Material changes in the factors noted above could have a significant impact on the actual net realizable value of our inventory and our reported operating results.

Previous wording

Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets– Our indefinite-lived assets include Goodwill and non-amortizing Intangible Assets (trade name) resulting from the acquisition of Shoe Station in Fiscal 2021. Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying identifiable net assets of the acquired business. Goodwill and indefinite-lived Intangible Assets are reviewed annually for impairment unless circumstances dictate the need for more frequent assessment. We perform our annual impairment testing as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter.

Current wording

Valuation of Goodwill and Intangible Assets– Our indefinite-lived assets include Goodwill and non-amortizing Intangible Assets (trade names) resulting from the acquisitions of Shoe Station in Fiscal 2021 and Rogan's in Fiscal 2024. Goodwill represents the purchase price in excess of fair values assigned to the underlying identifiable net assets of the acquired business. Goodwill and indefinite-lived Intangible Assets are reviewed annually for impairment unless circumstances dictate the need for more frequent assessment. We perform our annual impairment testing as of the first day of the fourth fiscal quarter.

Previous wording

Leases –We lease our retail stores, our Evansville distribution center and office space for our Southern office. We also enter into leases of equipment, copiers and billboards. All of our leases are operating leases. Therefore, how operating leases are recognized throughout the financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting guidance can have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations and related disclosures.

Current wording

Leases –We lease our retail stores, our Evansville distribution center and office space for our Southern office. We also enter into leases of equipment and other assets. Substantially all of our leases are operating leases. Therefore, how operating leases are recognized throughout the financial statements in accordance with applicable accounting guidance can have a significant impact on our financial condition and results of operations and related disclosures.

Previous wording

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 842 –Leases(“ASC 842”), on the lease commencement date we recognize a right-of-use asset for the right to use a leased asset and a liability based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. The weighted average discount rate utilized in Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2022 was 4.2%.

Current wording

In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification Topic No. 842 –Leases(“ASC 842”), on the lease commencement date we recognize a right-of-use asset for the right to use a leased asset and a liability based on the present value of remaining lease payments over the lease term. The weighted average discount rate utilized in Fiscal 2024 and Fiscal 2023 was 4.7% and 4.2%, respectively.

Previous wording

For new leases, renewals or amendments and when we make material investments in leased properties pursuant to our store modernization plan, we make certain estimates and assumptions regarding property values, market rents, property lives, discount rates and probable terms. These estimates and assumptions can impact: (1) lease classification and the related accounting treatment; (2) rent holidays, escalations or deferred lease incentives, which are taken into consideration when calculating straight-line expense; (3) the term over which leasehold improvements for each store are amortized; and (4) the values and lives of adjustments to initial and modified right-of-use assets. The amount of amortized rent expense would vary if different estimates and assumptions were used.

Current wording

For new leases, renewals or amendments and when we make material investments in leased properties pursuant to our emerging rebanner strategy or store modernization plan, we make certain estimates and assumptions regarding property values, market rents, property lives, discount rates and probable terms. These estimates and assumptions can impact: (1) lease classification and the related accounting treatment; (2) rent holidays, escalations or deferred lease incentives, which are taken into consideration when calculating straight-line expense; (3) the term over which leasehold improvements for each store are amortized; and (4) the values and lives of adjustments to initial and modified right-of-use assets. The amount of amortized rent expense would vary if different estimates and assumptions were used.

Previous wording

(2) Selected Operating Data for Fiscal 2023 has been adjusted to a comparable 52-week period ended January 27, 2024. The 53rd week in Fiscal 2023 caused a one-week shift in our fiscal calendar. To minimize the effect of this fiscal calendar shift on comparable store sales, our reported annual comparable store sales results for Fiscal 2023 compare the 52-week period ended January 27, 2024 to the 52-week period ended January 28, 2023.

Current wording

(2) Selected Operating Data for Fiscal 2023 has been adjusted to a comparable 52-week period ended January 27, 2024. The 53rd week in Fiscal 2023 caused a one-week shift in our fiscal calendar. To minimize the effect of this fiscal calendar shift on comparable stores Net Sales, our reported annual comparable stores Net Sales results for Fiscal 2023 compare the 52-week period ended January 27, 2024 to the 52-week period ended January 28, 2023, and our comparable stores Net Sales results for fiscal 2024 compare the 52-week period ended February 1, 2025 to the 52-week period ended February 3, 2024.

Previous wording

(4) Comparable store sales for the periods indicated include stores that have been open for 13 full months after such stores’ acquisition or grand opening prior to the beginning of the period, including those stores that have been relocated or remodeled. Therefore, stores opened, acquired or closed during the periods indicated are not included in comparable store sales. We include e-commerce sales in our comparable store sales. Due to our omnichannel retailer strategy, we view e-commerce sales as an extension of our physical stores.

Current wording

(3) Comparable stores Net Sales for the periods indicated include stores that have been open for 13 full months after such stores’ acquisition or grand opening prior to the beginning of the period, including those stores that have been rebannered, relocated or remodeled. Therefore, stores opened, acquired or closed during the periods indicated are not included in comparable stores Net Sales. We include e-commerce sales in our comparable stores Net Sales. Due to our omnichannel retailer strategy, we view e-commerce sales as an extension of our physical stores.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

We have included certain comparisons in this MD&A between Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2019 to provide further context regarding our Fiscal 2023 results of operations. At the end of this section of this Annual Report on Form 10-K, we have included historical data for the past five fiscal years to facilitate trend analysis of key data reported in our consolidated financial statements and other select operating data.