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VINCE HOLDING CORP.

For the period ended Feb 1, 2025. Filed May 2, 2025.

View on SEC.gov

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 May 2, 2025

VNCE$12.68+0.5%Stored close · as of Nov 6, 2026

What changed in Risk Factors?

Read the current filing

Previous report: 10-K

Period ended 2024-02-03; filed 2024-05-02.

0000950170-24-052254

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Current report: 10-K

Period ended 2025-02-01; filed 2025-05-02.

0000950170-25-062847

Item 1A. Risk Factors

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 102 previous paragraphs and 100 current paragraphs.

56 unchanged; 33 reworded; 9 added; 12 removed; 1 previous and 2 current paragraphs rearranged.

Tables are not compared: 0 previous and 0 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 (9)

Current report

Changes to and unpredictability in the trade policies and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government and the governments of other nations could materially affect our financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.

Current report

The United States recently announced changes to U.S. trade policy, which included increasing tariffs on imports, in some cases significantly, and potentially renegotiating or terminating existing trade agreements. For example, in April 2025, the United States announced a new universal baseline tariff of 10%, plus additional country-specific tariffs for select trading partners, including a 145% tariff on substantially all products of Chinese origin, on all U.S. imports. These tariffs significantly raise the per-unit cost of our products. While to date our responses have included further diversification of our sourcing base, strategic price increases, collaboration with partners across our network to help absorb increased costs, measured spending across the organization, and other cost-mitigation measures, the situation surrounding the recently implemented tariffs remains uncertain and continues to evolve on a daily or weekly basis as ongoing uncertainty relating to international trade policy and regulations as well as trade disputes, protectionist measures, and threat of a trade war persist. Accordingly, the overall impact on our business will depend on multiple factors, including the duration and potential expansion of current tariffs, future changes to tariff rates, scope, or enforcement, retaliatory measures by impacted exporting countries, inflationary effects and broader macroeconomic responses, changes to consumer purchasing behavior, and the effectiveness of our responses in managing these challenges. Because we cannot predict future trade policy in the United States and other countries, there is no assurance that we will be able to fully mitigate the financial and competitive impacts related to tariffs or other trade restrictions, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, liquidity and financial results.

Current report

We have enhanced our focus on driving profitability through disciplined inventory management, lower promotional activity, a pullback in the off-price channel, an improved gross margin profile and an optimized expense structure, including through our transformation program. However, our profitability is impacted by multiple factors, including royalty payments under the License Agreement as well as macroeconomic factors. In particular, in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, our profitability could be significantly and adversely impacted. See “— Changes to and unpredictability in the trade policies and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government and the governments of other nations could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.” As a result, there can be no assurance that we will continue to be successful in driving margin expansion and profitability to the extent required to positively impact our financial results and our profitability may not improve as intended.

Current report

We may be unable to successfully conclude remaining matters following the wind down of the Rebecca Taylor business.

Current report

currency exchange rates, including decreases in the value of the U.S. dollar relative to foreign currencies, which could increase the cost of products we purchase from foreign suppliers;

Current report

Furthermore, to date, the current U.S. Administration has imposed, and continues to propose to impose, additional tariffs on all U.S. imports, which significantly raises the per-unit cost of our products. While we have implemented certain strategies to mitigate such impact, including further diversification of our sourcing base to mitigate some negative macroenvironmental impact of a particular region such as China, executing such diversification is and will be time consuming, may be difficult or impracticable for many products, may result in further increases in our per-unit costs and/or may negatively impact the quality of our products. Any increase in the prices of our products and/or decline in the quality of our products could in turn negatively impact the demand for our products and negatively impact our business and results of operations. See “— Changes to and unpredictability in the trade policies and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government and the governments of other nations could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.”

Current report

We may not be able to maintain a listing of our common stock on the NYSE.

Current report

Our common stock is currently listed on the NYSE, and we must meet certain financial and liquidity criteria to maintain our listing on NYSE. If we violate the continued listing requirements set forth in the NYSE Listed Company Manual, which includes the requirement to maintain a 30-trading day average market capitalization of at least $50,000 or $50,000 of stockholders’ equity, our common stock may be delisted. No assurance can be given that the Company will be able to maintain compliance with the NYSE’s continued listing requirements. If the Company's common stock ultimately were to be suspended from trading and delisted for any reason, it could have adverse consequences including, among others, reduced trading liquidity for our common stock, lower demand and market price for our common stock, adverse publicity and a reduced interest in the Company from investors, analysts and other market participants. In addition, a suspension or delisting could impair the Company’s ability to raise additional capital through the public markets and the Company’s ability to attract and retain employees by means of equity compensation.

Current report

On January 22, 2025, P180 acquired a majority stake of our outstanding common stock from affiliates of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. and as of April 21, 2025, P180 owned approximately 56% of our outstanding common stock. Additionally, Brendan Hoffman, our Chief Executive Officer, also serves as chairman of the board of directors of P180, Inc., which directly and wholly owns P180. P180 could control matters requiring stockholder approval, including the election of directors, amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation, and approval of significant corporate actions that require the vote of stockholders, and P180, as well as Mr. Hoffman, have significant influence over our management and policies. While we believe we have taken steps to align the interests of P180 as well as Mr. Hoffman with the interests of the Company and/or our other stockholders, it is possible that, in certain circumstances as P180 makes operational decisions for itself, including litigation activities and tax determinations, its interests may conflict with our interests and the interests of our other stockholders, including you.
Removed paragraphs (12)

Previous report

We expect a negative impact on our operating and net income resulting from the royalty payments under the License Agreement as well as the loss of our footwear and soft accessories licenses as a result of the Asset Sale. We plan to offset such negative impact by driving margin expansion through disciplined cost management and reduced promotional activity, particularly through our transformation program. There is no assurance that we will be successful in implementing this strategy as such success depends on a number of factors, such as our ability to properly identify and execute cost management initiatives and macroeconomic factors that could impact our promotional cadence. If we are unable to implement the strategy to drive margin expansion, we may not be able to offset the negative impact on our financial results and our profitability may not improve as intended.

Previous report

We may be unable to effectively execute our customer strategy.

Previous report

One of our strategic priorities is to utilize a customer data platform and marketing strategy from which we will be able to drive customer initiatives underpinned by data and technology, creating improved segmentation and personalization for an enhanced customer experience both domestically and internationally. This will require significant investment in technology and infrastructure, as well as an increased reliance on leveraging micro and macro influencer networks to increase brand awareness and loyalty through social media and the digital dissemination of advertising campaigns. We must keep up to date with other competitive technology trends, including the use of innovative technology, creative and attractive user interfaces, and other e-commerce marketing tools such as paid search and mobile applications, among others, which may increase our costs as well as our exposure to legal and reputational liability for online content, but may not succeed in increasing sales or attracting new customers. Any failure on our part to effectively execute on our strategy to enhance our customers' experience and realize the expected return on our investment in these initiatives could negatively affect sales as well as the reputation of the brands, which could adversely impact our growth and profitability.

Previous report

In fiscal 2021, we commenced a strategy to expand our international retail and e-commerce presence in China and a select list of neighboring countries in Asia via a joint venture arrangement. We are in the initial stages of establishing this relationship and there can be no guarantee that it will materialize. Further, we may face counterparty and/or operational risks as this joint venture arrangement makes us susceptible to the actions of our third-party partner. Our joint venture partner may have views that differ or conflict with ours, such as the timing of new store openings and the pricing of our products, or our partner may become bankrupt, which may as a practical matter subject us to our partner's liabilities in connection with the joint venture. Although we have sought and generally will seek to maintain sufficient control of any investment to permit our objectives to be achieved, we might not be able to take certain actions without the approval of our partners. Reliance on joint venture relationships and our partners exposes us to increased risk that our joint ventures will not be successful and will result in competitive harm to the brand image that could cause our expansion efforts, profitability and results of operations to suffer.

Previous report

During fiscal 2022, we recorded non-cash asset impairment charges of $1,880 within Impairment of long-lived assets on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income(Loss) related to the impairment of property and equipment and operating lease right-of-use assets of certain retail stores with carrying values that were determined not to be recoverable and exceeded their fair value. We may in the future record further impairments of these assets.

Previous report

On March 26, 2024, Jonathan Schwefel resigned from his positions as Chief Executive Officer of the Company and member of the Board. In connection with Mr. Schwefel’s resignation, the Board appointed David Stefko, a current member of the Board and former Chief Financial Officer of the Company, to serve as our Interim Chief Executive Officer. The Board is in the process of identifying a permanent Chief Executive Officer.

Previous report

Our goodwill could become further impaired, which may require us to take significant non-cash charges against earnings.

Previous report

In accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board ASC Topic 350 Intangibles-Goodwill and Other ("ASC 350"), goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually and in an interim period if a triggering event occurs. Determining the fair value of goodwill is judgmental in nature and requires the use of significant estimates and assumptions, including estimates of projected revenues, EBITDA margins, long-term growth rates, working capital and discount rates, among others. We base our estimates on assumptions we believe to be reasonable, but which are unpredictable and inherently uncertain. Actual future results may differ from those estimates. It is possible that our current estimates of future operating results could change adversely and impact the evaluation of the recoverability of the remaining carrying value of goodwill, the impact of which could be material. There can be no assurances that we will not be required to record further charges in our financial statements, which would negatively impact our results of operations during the period in which any impairment of our goodwill is determined.

Previous report

We may be unable to successfully complete the wind down of the Rebecca Taylor business.

Previous report

• currency exchange rates;

Previous report

Affiliates of Sun Capital owned approximately 68% of our outstanding common stock as of March 31, 2024. As such, affiliates of Sun Capital will, for the foreseeable future, have significant influence over our reporting and corporate management and affairs, and will be able to control virtually all matters requiring stockholder approval. For so long as affiliates of Sun Capital own 30% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock, Sun Cardinal, LLC, an affiliate of Sun Capital, will have the right to designate a majority of our board of directors.

Previous report

Affiliates of Sun Capital control actions to be taken by us, our board of directors and our stockholders, including amendments to our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws and approval of significant corporate transactions, including mergers and sales of substantially all of our assets. The directors designated by affiliates of Sun Capital have the authority, subject to the terms of our indebtedness and the rules and regulations of the New York Stock Exchange (the "NYSE"), to issue additional stock, implement stock repurchase programs, declare dividends and make other decisions. Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the doctrine of "corporate opportunity" does not apply to Sun Capital or its affiliates, or any of our directors who are associates of, or affiliated with, Sun Capital, in a manner that would prohibit them from investing in competing businesses or doing business with our partners or customers. It is possible that the interests of Sun Capital and its affiliates may in some circumstances conflict with our interests and the interests of our other stockholders, including you. For example, Sun Capital may have different tax positions from other stockholders, which could influence their decisions regarding whether and when we should dispose of assets and whether and when we should incur new or refinance existing indebtedness.
Reworded paragraphs (33)

Previous wording

Our ability to continue to have the liquidity necessary to service our debt, meet contractual payment obligations, including royalty payments under the License Agreement, and fund our operations depends on many factors, including our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, maintain adequate availability under our 2023 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) or obtain other financing.

Current wording

Our ability to continue to have the liquidity necessary to service our debt, meet contractual payment obligations, including royalty payments under the License Agreement (as defined below), and fund our operations, particularly in light of the recently implemented tariffs, depends on many factors, including our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, maintain adequate availability under our 2023 Revolving Credit Facility (as defined below) or obtain other financing.

Previous wording

Our ability to timely service our indebtedness, meet contractual payment obligations, including royalty payments under the License Agreement, and to fund our operations will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash, either through cash flows from operations, borrowing availability under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility or other financing. While we expect to meet our monthly Excess Availability (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement) covenant and believe that our other sources of liquidity will generate sufficient cash flows to meet our obligations for the next twelve months, the foregoing expectation is dependent on a number of factors, including, among others, our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, our ongoing ability to manage our operating obligations, the results of any future inventory valuations and the potential borrowing restrictions imposed by our lenders based on their credit judgment, which could materially and negatively impact our borrowing capacity, the wind down of the Rebecca Taylor business, as well as macroeconomic factors. In the event that we are unable to timely service our debt, meet other contractual payment obligations or fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity, seek waivers of or amendments to our contractual obligations for payment, reduce or delay scheduled expansions and capital expenditures, liquidate inventory through additional discounting, sell material assets or operations or seek other financing opportunities. There can be no assurance that these options would be readily available to us and our inability to address our liquidity needs could materially and adversely affect our operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition and results of operations, including a default under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility which could result in all amounts outstanding under such facility becoming immediately due and payable.

Current wording

Our ability to timely service our indebtedness, meet contractual payment obligations, including royalty payments under the License Agreement, and to fund our operations, particularly in light of the recently implemented tariffs, will depend on our ability to generate sufficient cash, either through cash flows from operations, borrowing availability under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility or other financing, and our ability to access the capital markets if other sources of financing are unavailable on acceptable terms. While we expect to meet our monthly Excess Availability (as defined in the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility Agreement) covenant and believe that our other sources of liquidity will generate sufficient cash flows to meet our obligations for the next twelve months, the foregoing expectation is dependent on a number of factors, including, among others, our ability to generate sufficient cash flow from operations, our ongoing ability to manage our operating obligations, the ability of our partners to satisfy their payment obligations to us when due, the results of any future inventory valuations and the potential borrowing restrictions imposed by our lenders based on their credit judgment, all of which could be significantly and negatively impacted by the recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, in addition to other macroeconomic factors. Any such negative impact could materially and negatively impact our borrowing capacity. In the event that we are unable to timely service our debt, meet other contractual payment obligations or fund our other liquidity needs, we may need to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness before maturity, seek waivers of or amendments to our contractual obligations for payment, reduce or delay scheduled expansions and capital expenditures, liquidate inventory through additional discounting, sell material assets or operations or seek other financing opportunities. There can be no assurance that these options would be readily available to us and our inability to address our liquidity needs could materially and adversely affect our operations and jeopardize our business, financial condition and results of operations, including a default under the 2023 Revolving Credit Facility which could result in all amounts outstanding under such facility becoming immediately due and payable. See “— Changes to and unpredictability in the trade policies and tariffs imposed by the U.S. government and the governments of other nations could materially affect our financial condition and results of operations.”

Previous wording

The success of our operations depends on consumer spending. Consumer spending is impacted by a number of factors, including actual and perceived economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income, customer traffic within shopping and selling environments, business conditions, interest rates and availability of credit and tax rates in the general economy and in the international, regional and local markets in which our products are sold, including those resulting from inflation and other macroeconomic pressures in the United States and the global economy (including rising interest rates, fears of recession and continued market volatility and instability in the banking sector), health epidemics or pandemics, climate change, and catastrophic events, such as war (including the armed conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East) and the related governmental and non-governmental global responses to such conflict), terrorist attacks, civil unrest, and other acts of violence. A worsening of the economy may negatively affect consumer and wholesale purchases of our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial conditions.

Current wording

The success of our operations depends on consumer spending. Consumer spending is impacted by a number of factors, including actual and perceived economic conditions affecting disposable consumer income, customer traffic within shopping and selling environments, business conditions, interest rates and availability of credit and tax rates in the general economy and in the international, regional and local markets in which our products are sold, including those resulting from inflation and other macroeconomic pressures in the United States and the global economy, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners (including rising interest rates, fears of recession and continued market volatility and instability in the banking sector), health epidemics or pandemics, climate change, catastrophic events, such as war (including the armed conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East and the related governmental and non-governmental global responses to such conflict), terrorist attacks, civil unrest, and other acts of violence. A worsening of the economy may negatively affect consumer and wholesale purchases of our products and could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial conditions.

Previous wording

Our ability to comply with the covenants and other terms of our debt obligations will depend on our future operating performance. If we fail to comply with such covenants and terms, and are unable to cure such failure under the terms of our credit facilities, if applicable, we would be required to obtain additional waivers from our lenders to maintain compliance with our debt obligations. If we are unable to obtain any necessary waivers and the debt is accelerated, a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future operating performance would likely result.

Current wording

Our ability to comply with the covenants and other terms of our debt obligations, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, will depend on our future operating performance. If we fail to comply with such covenants and terms, and are unable to cure such failure under the terms of our credit facilities, if applicable, we would be required to obtain additional waivers from our lenders to maintain compliance with our debt obligations. If we are unable to obtain any necessary waivers and the debt is accelerated, a material adverse effect on our financial condition and future operating performance would likely result.

Previous wording

A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from a small number of large wholesale partners, and the loss of any of these wholesale partners could substantially reduce our total revenue.

Current wording

A substantial portion of our revenue is derived from a small number of large wholesale partners, and the loss of, or other changes with, any of these wholesale partners could substantially reduce our total revenue.

Previous wording

We historically had and continue to have a small number of wholesale partners who account for a significant portion of our net sales. Our consolidated net sales to the full-price, off-price and e-commerce operations of our largest wholesale partner comprised 20% of our total revenue for fiscal 2023. We do not have formal written agreements with any of our wholesale partners and purchases generally occur on an order-by-order basis. A decision by any of our major wholesale partners, whether motivated by marketing strategy, competitive conditions, financial difficulties or otherwise, to significantly decrease the amount of merchandise purchased from us, or to change their manner of doing business with us, could substantially reduce our revenue and have a material adverse effect on our profitability. In addition, due to the concentration of and/or ownership changes in our wholesale partner base, our results of operations could be adversely affected if any of these wholesale partners fails to satisfy its payment obligations to us when due or no longer takes part in the distribution arrangements. These changes could also decrease our opportunities in the market and decrease our negotiating strength with our wholesale partners. Furthermore, under the License Agreement, ABG Vince may remove any customer account that was pre-approved at the time of the closing of the Asset Sale if it believes using its good faith, commercially reasonable judgment, that such account is no longer consistent with the brand positioning for the Licensed Property or reject at its sole good faith discretion any new customer account we submit for its approval. If we lose any of our existing wholesale partners as a result of ABG Vince's decision to remove them, or if we are unable to expand our wholesale partnership or any addition of new wholesale partners is rejected by ABG Vince, our results of operations could be significantly and negatively impacted. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Current wording

In addition, due to the concentration of and/or ownership changes in our wholesale partner base, our results of operations could be adversely affected if any of these wholesale partners fails to satisfy its payment obligations to us when due or no longer takes part in the distribution arrangements. Moreover, continued consolidation in the retail industry could further decrease the number of, or concentrate, our wholesale partner base, and financial difficulties of one of our major customers could result in reduced business and higher credit risk with respect to that customer. All of these changes could also decrease our opportunities in the market and decrease our negotiating strength with our wholesale partners. Furthermore, under the License Agreement, ABG Vince may remove any customer account that was pre-approved at the time of the closing of the Asset Sale if it believes using its good faith, commercially reasonable judgment, that such account is no longer consistent with the brand positioning for the Licensed Property or reject at its sole good faith discretion any new customer account we submit for its approval. If we lose any of our existing wholesale partners as a result of ABG Vince's decision to remove them, or if we are unable to expand our wholesale partnership or any addition of new wholesale partners is rejected by ABG Vince, our results of operations could be significantly and negatively impacted. These factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, and operating results.

Previous wording

We stock our stores, and provide inventory to our wholesale partners, based on our or their estimates of future demand for particular products. Our inventory management and planning team determines the number of pieces of each product that we will order from our manufacturers based upon past sales of similar products, sales trend information and anticipated demand at our suggested retail prices. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including an increase or decrease in demand for our products or for products of our competitors, product introductions by competitors, unanticipated changes in general market conditions, and weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to match supply with demand in all cases in the future, to produce sufficient levels of desirable product or to forecast demand accurately. If we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which would negatively impact our gross margin, as was the case in fiscal 2022. Conversely, if we underestimate customer demand for our products, our manufacturers may not be able to deliver products to meet our requirements, and this could harm our business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage our inventory at a level appropriate for future customer demand.

Current wording

We stock our stores, and provide inventory to our wholesale partners, based on our or their estimates of future demand for particular products. Our inventory management and planning team determines the number of pieces of each product that we will order from our manufacturers based upon past sales of similar products, sales trend information and anticipated demand at our suggested retail prices. Our ability to accurately forecast demand for our products could be affected by many factors, including an increase or decrease in demand for our products or for products of our competitors, product introductions by competitors, unanticipated changes in general market conditions (including the recently implemented tariffs as discussed below), and weakening of economic conditions or consumer confidence in future economic conditions. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to match supply with demand in all cases in the future, to produce sufficient levels of desirable product or to forecast demand accurately. In particular, the financial and competitive impacts resulting from recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, could significantly impact our ability to procure desirable products in appropriate categories to meet consumer demand or at prices that are satisfactory to customers. If we fail to accurately forecast customer demand, we may experience excess inventory levels or a shortage of products. Inventory levels in excess of customer demand may result in inventory write-downs or write-offs and the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which would negatively impact our gross margin, as was the case in fiscal 2022. Conversely, if we underestimate customer demand for our products, our manufacturers may not be able to deliver products to meet our requirements, and this could harm our business. There can be no assurance that we will be able to successfully manage our inventory at a level appropriate for future customer demand.

Previous wording

On May 25, 2023, Vince, LLC, the Company's wholly owned indirect subsidiary, sold all its intellectual property assets related to the business operated under the Vince brand to ABG Vince, an indirect subsidiary of Authentic Brands Group, LLC ("Authentic”), pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, entered into by and among Vince, LLC, ABG Vince, the Company and ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC. Simultaneously with the Asset Sale, Vince, LLC entered into a license agreement (as amended from time to time, the "License Agreement") with ABG Vince which provides us with a license to use the Licensed Property in the Territory (as defined in the License Agreement) in the Territory, which is defined as the United States, Canada, Andorra, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Republic of Cyprus (excluding Northern Cyprus), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and Korea (the "Core Territory"), together with all other territories (the "Option Territory,” together with the Core Territory, the “Territory”), which Option Territory may be changed unilaterally by ABG Vince at any time after the effective date of the License Agreement. Additionally, we may use in the Territory, the Licensed Property in the Territory to design, manufacture, promote, market, distribute, and sell ready-to-wear sportswear products and outerwear products (the "Core Products") and home décor and baby layettes (the "Option Products," together with the Core Products, the "Licensed Products"), which Option Products may be changed unilaterally by ABG Vince at any time after the effective date of the License Agreement. The License Agreement has an initial term of ten years with eight options to renew for a ten-year period each.

Current wording

On May 25, 2023, V Opco, the Company's wholly owned indirect subsidiary, sold all its intellectual property assets related to the business operated under the Vince brand to ABG Vince, an indirect subsidiary of Authentic Brands Group, LLC (“Authentic”), pursuant to the Asset Purchase Agreement, entered into by and among V Opco, ABG Vince, the Company and ABG Intermediate Holdings 2 LLC. Simultaneously with the Asset Sale, V Opco entered into a license agreement (as amended from time to time, the “License Agreement”) with ABG Vince which provides us with a license to use the Licensed Property in the Territory (as defined in the License Agreement) in the Territory, which is defined as the United States, Canada, Andorra, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Italy, San Marino, Vatican City, Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, Spain, Portugal, Greece, Republic of Cyprus (excluding Northern Cyprus), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Japan and Korea (the “Core Territory”), together with all other territories (the “Option Territory,” together with the Core Territory, the “Territory”), which Option Territory may be changed unilaterally by ABG Vince at any time after the effective date of the License Agreement. Additionally, we may use in the Territory, the Licensed Property in the Territory to design, manufacture, promote, market, distribute, and sell ready-to-wear sportswear products and outerwear products (the “Core Products”) and home décor and baby layettes (the “Option Products,” together with the Core Products, the “Licensed Products”), which Option Products may be changed unilaterally by ABG Vince at any time after the effective date of the License Agreement. The License Agreement has an initial term of ten years with eight options to renew for a ten-year period each.

Previous wording

Under the License Agreement, ABG Vince has broad approval rights at its sole good faith discretion, including over, among other things, design direction of Licensed Products and marketing strategies, as well as any addition of new customer accounts and new retail locations. In addition, ABG Vince may remove any customer account that was pre-approved at the time of the closing of the Asset Sale if using its good faith, commercially reasonable judgment, it believes that such account is no longer consistent with the brand positioning for the Licensed Property. If ABG Vince chooses to exercise any of these approval rights, we may be unable to operate our business as intended. Furthermore, as part of the Asset Sale, our license agreements, including our e-commerce website domain name license, were sold to ABG Vince. ABG Vince will be required to maintain such license agreements going forward, and its failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Lastly, Vince, LLC's governance rights as a minority equity holder of ABG Vince are limited and therefore, ABG Vince could choose to take corporate actions that would materially and negatively impact the results of operations of ABG Vince, which could in turn adversely affect the amount of cash available for distribution to Vince, LLC.

Current wording

Under the License Agreement, ABG Vince has broad approval rights at its sole good faith discretion, including over, among other things, design direction of Licensed Products and marketing strategies, as well as any addition of new customer accounts and new retail locations. In addition, ABG Vince may remove any customer account that was pre-approved at the time of the closing of the Asset Sale if using its good faith, commercially reasonable judgment, it believes that such account is no longer consistent with the brand positioning for the Licensed Property. If ABG Vince chooses to exercise any of these approval rights, we may be unable to operate our business as intended. Furthermore, as part of the Asset Sale, our license agreements, including our e-commerce website domain name license, were sold to ABG Vince. ABG Vince will be required to maintain such license agreements going forward, and its failure to do so could materially and adversely affect our business and operations. Lastly, V Opco's governance rights as a minority equity holder of ABG Vince are limited and therefore, ABG Vince could choose to take corporate actions that would materially and negatively impact the results of operations of ABG Vince, which could in turn adversely affect the amount of cash available for distribution to V Opco.

Previous wording

Our business growth depends on the successful execution of our strategic initiatives of our business. The success of our strategic initiatives depends on a number of factors, including our ability to execute and realize the enhanced profitability expectations of our planned transformation program, position our retail and e-commerce businesses for further strategic growth, particularly through enhancement of our customer data platform to drive greater loyalty and conversion and capture broader customer base, expand our presence internationally including in Asia and Europe, grow men's business, our ability to properly identify appropriate future growth opportunities, and other macroeconomic impacts on our business. There can be no assurance that the strategic initiatives would produce intended positive results, particularly as we adapt to the new operational landscape as a result of the Asset Sale and the entry into the License Agreement. If we are unable to realize the benefits of the strategic initiatives, our financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

Our business growth depends on the successful execution of our strategic initiatives. However, the continued success of our strategic initiatives depends on a number of factors, which historically included positioning our retail and e-commerce businesses for further strategic growth, particularly through enhancement of our customer data platform to create improved segmentation and personalization for an enhanced customer experience, expanding our presence internationally including in Asia and Europe, growing men's business, properly identifying appropriate future growth opportunities, and other macroeconomic impacts on our business. However, there can be no assurance that these strategic initiatives will produce their intended positive results and, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, some or all of our strategic initiatives may become operationally infeasible or impractical. If we are unable to realize the benefits of the strategic initiatives, our financial conditions, results of operations and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected.

Previous wording

We are subject to risks associated with leasing retail and office space, are historically subject to long-term non-cancelable leases and are required to make substantial lease payments under our operating leases, and any failure to make these lease payments when due would likely harm our business, profitability and results of operations.

Current wording

We are subject to risks associated with leasing retail and office space, which are historically subject to long-term non-cancellable leases and are required to make substantial lease payments under our operating leases, and any failure to make these lease payments when due would likely harm our business, profitability and results of operations.

Previous wording

Payments under these leases account for a significant portion of our selling, general and administrative expenses. For example, as of February 3, 2024, we were a party to 67 operating leases associated with our retail stores and our office and showroom spaces requiring future minimum lease payments of $22,006 in the aggregate through fiscal 2024 and $84,140 thereafter. Any new retail stores leased by us under operating leases will further increase our operating lease expenses, and some of those stores may require significant capital expenditures. We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. If our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from borrowings under our credit facilities or from other sources, we may not be able to service our operating lease expenses, grow our business, respond to competitive challenges or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which would harm our business. In addition, we may remain obligated under the applicable lease for, among other things, payment of the base rent for the remaining lease term, even after the space is exited or otherwise closed (such as our temporary store closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic). Such costs and obligations related to the early or temporary closure of our stores or termination of our leases could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Current wording

Payments under these leases account for a significant portion of our selling, general and administrative expenses. For example, as of February 1, 2025, we were a party to 61 operating leases associated with our retail stores and our office and showroom spaces requiring future minimum lease payments of $22,466 in the aggregate through fiscal 2025 and $109,209 thereafter. Any new retail stores leased by us under operating leases will further increase our operating lease expenses, and some of those stores may require significant capital expenditures. We depend on cash flows from operations to pay our lease expenses and to fulfill our other cash needs. Particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, if our business does not generate sufficient cash flow from operating activities, and sufficient funds are not otherwise available to us from borrowings under our credit facilities or from other sources, we may not be able to service our operating lease expenses, grow our business, respond to competitive challenges or fund our other liquidity and capital needs, which would harm our business. In addition, we may remain obligated under the applicable lease for, among other things, payment of the base rent for the remaining lease term, even after the space is exited or otherwise closed (such as our temporary store closures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic). Such costs and obligations related to the early or temporary closure of our stores or termination of our leases could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Previous wording

One of our strategic initiatives is to focus on our direct-to-consumer business, which includes opening retail stores in select locations under more favorable and shorter lease terms and operating and maintaining our new and existing retail stores successfully. If we are unable to execute this strategy in a timely manner, or at all, our financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.

Current wording

We may be unable to open retail stores in select locations under favorable lease terms and operate and maintain our new and existing retail stores successfully, which could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

As part of our strategy to increase focus on our direct-to-consumer business, we continue to seek retail opportunities in targeted streets or malls with desirable size and adjacencies, typically near luxury retailers that we believe are consistent with our key customers' demographics and shopping preferences, and seek to negotiate more favorable leases including shorter terms. The success of this strategy depends on a number of factors, including the identification of suitable markets and sites, negotiation of acceptable lease terms while securing those favorable locations, including desired term, rent and tenant improvement allowances, and if entering a new market, the timely achievement of brand awareness and proper evaluation of the market particularly for locations with shorter term, affinity and purchase intent in that market, as well as our business condition in funding the opening and operations of stores. In addition, under the License Agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum number of retail locations as well as obtain prior approval from ABG Vince with respect to new retail locations which may be provided at its sole good faith discretion. We may be unable to execute this strategy as intended if ABG Vince chooses to withhold such approval. Furthermore, we may not be able to maintain the successful operation of our retail stores if the areas around our existing retail locations undergo changes that result in reductions in customer foot traffic or otherwise render the locations unsuitable, such as economic downturns in the area, changes in demographics and customer preferences, and the closing or decline in popularity of adjacent stores.

Current wording

We continue to seek retail opportunities in targeted streets or malls with desirable size and adjacencies, typically near luxury retailers that we believe are consistent with our key customers' demographics and shopping preferences, and seek to negotiate favorable leases. The success of this strategy depends on a number of factors, including the identification of suitable markets and sites, negotiation of acceptable lease terms while securing those favorable locations, including desired term, rent and tenant improvement allowances, and if entering a new market, the timely achievement of brand awareness and proper evaluation of the market, affinity and purchase intent in that market, as well as our business condition in funding the opening and operations of stores. In addition, under the License Agreement, we are required to maintain a minimum number of retail locations as well as obtain prior approval from ABG Vince with respect to new retail locations which may be provided at its sole good faith discretion. We may be unable to open new retail locations as intended if ABG Vince chooses to withhold such approval. Furthermore, we may not be able to maintain the successful operation of our retail stores if the areas around our existing retail locations undergo changes that result in reductions in customer foot traffic or otherwise render the locations unsuitable, such as economic downturns in the area (particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners), changes in demographics and customer preferences, and the closing or decline in popularity of adjacent stores.

Previous wording

As of February 3, 2024, we operated 63 stores, including 47 company-operated Vince full-price stores and 15 company-operated Vince outlet stores throughout the United States and one company-operated Vince full price store in the United Kingdom.

Current wording

As of February 1, 2025, we operated 57 stores, including 42 company-operated Vince full-price stores and 14 company-operated Vince outlet stores throughout the United States and one company-operated Vince full price store in the United Kingdom.

Previous wording

We face risks with respect to our strategy to expand internationally, including our efforts to further expand our business in Asia and Europe through company-operated locations, wholesale arrangements as well as with international partners. Our current operations are based largely in the U.S., with international wholesale sales representing approximately 8% of net sales for fiscal 2023. Therefore, we have a limited number of customers and experience in operating outside of the U.S. We also do not have extensive experience with regulatory environments and market practices outside of the U.S. and cannot guarantee that we will be able to penetrate or successfully operate in any market outside of the U.S. Many of these markets also have different operational characteristics, including employment and labor regulations, transportation, logistics, real estate (including lease terms) and local reporting or legal requirements, and the impact on the international markets remains unclear. In addition, pursuant to the License Agreement, our exclusive license to operate the Vince brand may be limited by the terms of the License Agreement. Some of the regions in which we currently operate are designated as Option Territories, including the Middle East and Latin America. If Authentic chooses to operate in these Option Territories, we become unable to directly operate in those areas.

Current wording

We face risks with respect to our strategy to expand internationally, including our efforts to further expand our business in Asia and Europe through company-operated locations, wholesale arrangements as well as with international partners. Our current operations are based largely in the U.S., with international wholesale sales representing approximately 7% of net sales for fiscal 2024. Therefore, we have a limited number of customers and experience in operating outside of the U.S. We also do not have extensive experience with regulatory environments and market practices outside of the U.S. and cannot guarantee that we will be able to penetrate or successfully operate in any market outside of the U.S. Many of these markets also have different operational characteristics, including employment and labor regulations, transportation, logistics, real estate (including lease terms) and local reporting or legal requirements, and the impact on the international markets remains unclear. In addition, changes in regulatory, geopolitical, social or economic policies, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, may present further barriers to expanding in international markets, including China and other neighboring countries in Asia. Furthermore, pursuant to the License Agreement, our exclusive license to operate the Vince brand may be limited by the terms of the License Agreement. Some of the regions in which we currently operate are designated as Option Territories, including the Middle East and Latin America. If Authentic chooses to operate in these Option Territories, we become unable to directly operate in those areas.

Previous wording

We are subject to numerous domestic and international laws, regulations and advisories, including labor and employment, environmental, wage and hour, customs, truth- in-advertising, consumer protection, data and privacy protection, and zoning and occupancy laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally or govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of stores and warehouse facilities. If these regulations were violated by our management, employees, vendors, independent manufacturers or partners, the costs of certain goods could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our products, be subject to fines or penalties, or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and hurt our business and results of operations. In addition we are subject to laws and regulations related to us being a public company, including the rules and regulations of the SEC and the NYSE. Any violation of or not meeting compliance standards under such laws and regulations could impact our status as a public company, including our ability to continue being listed on the NYSE. Moreover, changes in product safety or other consumer protection laws could lead to increased costs to us for certain merchandise, or additional labor costs associated with readying merchandise for sale. It is often difficult for us to plan and prepare for potential changes to applicable laws and future actions or payments related to such changes could be material to us.

Current wording

We are subject to numerous domestic and international laws, regulations and advisories, including labor and employment, environmental, wage and hour, customs and tariffs, truth- in-advertising, consumer protection, data and privacy protection, and zoning and occupancy laws and ordinances that regulate retailers generally or govern the importation, promotion and sale of merchandise and the operation of stores and warehouse facilities, all of which may change from time to time. If these regulations were violated by our management, employees, vendors, independent manufacturers or partners, the costs of certain goods could increase, or we could experience delays in shipments of our products, be subject to fines or penalties, or suffer reputational harm, which could reduce demand for our merchandise and hurt our business and results of operations. In addition, we are subject to laws and regulations related to us being a public company, including the rules and regulations of the SEC and the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE"). Any violation of or not meeting compliance standards under such laws and regulations could impact our status as a public company, including our ability to continue being listed on the NYSE. Moreover, changes in product safety or other consumer protection laws could lead to increased costs to us for certain merchandise, or additional labor costs associated with readying merchandise for sale. It is often difficult for us to plan and prepare for potential changes to applicable laws and future actions or payments related to such changes could be material to us.

Previous wording

We may not successfully manage the transition associated with the appointment of the Interim Chief Executive Officer, and a permanent Chief Executive Officer when identified, which could have an adverse impact on us.

Current wording

We may not successfully manage the transition associated with the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, which could have an adverse impact on us.

Previous wording

The effectiveness of our Interim Chief Executive Officer and our senior leadership team generally, following the transition, and the transition to the permanent Chief Executive Officer when identified, could have a significant impact on our ability to operate the business effectively. The failure to ensure a smooth transition, including required knowledge transfers, could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition as well as our ability to execute our business strategies.

Current wording

On February 5, 2025, we announced that, in connection with the P180 Acquisition, we appointed Brendan Hoffman as our Chief Executive Officer, effective as of February 6, 2025. David Stefko resigned from the position of Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective February 6, 2025, and remains a member of the Board. Additionally, on March 28, 2025, John Szczepanski resigned from his position as Chief Financial Officer of the Company. In connection with Mr. Szczepanski’s resignation, effective April 14, 2025, the board appointed Yuji Okumura, the Company’s Interim Chief Financial Officer since March 2025 and Vice President, Controller since September 2020, as Chief Financial Officer. The effectiveness of our new Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer and our senior leadership team generally, following the foregoing transitions, could have a significant impact on our ability to operate the business effectively. The failure to ensure a smooth transition, including required knowledge transfers, could negatively affect our results of operations and financial condition as well as our ability to execute our business strategies.

Previous wording

The apparel and fashion industry in which we operate is cyclical and, consequently, our revenues are affected by general economic conditions and the seasonal trends characteristic to the apparel and fashion industry. Purchases of apparel are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the level of consumer spending, including economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates, consumer confidence as well as the impact from adverse weather conditions. In addition, fluctuations in the amount of sales in any fiscal quarter are affected by the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and other events affecting direct-to-consumer sales; as such, the financial results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the fiscal year.

Current wording

The apparel and fashion industry in which we operate is cyclical and, consequently, our revenues are affected by general economic conditions and the seasonal trends characteristic to the apparel and fashion industry. Purchases of apparel are sensitive to a number of factors that influence the level of consumer spending, including economic conditions and the level of disposable consumer income, consumer debt, interest rates, consumer confidence as well as the impact from adverse weather conditions. In addition, fluctuations in the amount of sales in any fiscal quarter are affected by the timing of seasonal wholesale shipments and other events affecting direct-to-consumer sales; as such, the financial results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the fiscal year. Any future seasonal or quarterly fluctuations in our results of operations may not match the expectations of market analysts and investors to assess the longer- term profitability and strength of our business at any particular point, which could lead to increased volatility in our stock price.

Previous wording

On September 12, 2022, the Company announced its decision to wind down the Rebecca Taylor business. On December 22, 2022, the Company's indirectly wholly owned subsidiary, Rebecca Taylor, Inc., completed the sale of its intellectual property and certain related ancillary assets to RT IPCO, LLC, an affiliate of Ramani Group. Substantially all Rebecca Taylor inventory was liquidated as of January 28, 2023. All Rebecca Taylor retail and outlet stores operated by the Company were closed as of January 28, 2023 and the e-commerce site operated by the Company ceased in December 2022. On July 7, 2023, Rebecca Taylor, Inc. and Rebecca Taylor Retail Stores, LLC, each as an assignor, made a General Assignment for the Benefit of the Creditors (the "Assignment") to a respective assignee, an unaffiliated California limited liability company, pursuant to California state law. The Assignment resulted in the residual rights and assets of each of Rebecca Taylor, Inc. and Rebecca Taylor Retail Stores, LLC being assigned and transferred to such assignees. As a result, Rebecca Taylor, Inc. and Rebecca Taylor Retail Stores, LLC no longer hold any assets. The execution of the wind down is subject to various remaining risks and uncertainties surrounding the actions of customers, vendors and other counterparties, including legal risks associated with the wind down. As a result, we may not be able to successfully complete the wind down of the Rebecca Taylor business or the overall cost of the wind down may exceed our expectations. Furthermore, if we are unable to successfully complete the wind down of the Rebecca Taylor business or the cost exceeds our expectations, the Vince business may be adversely impacted.

Current wording

On September 12, 2022, the Company announced its decision to wind down the Rebecca Taylor business. On December 22, 2022, the Company's indirectly wholly owned subsidiary, Rebecca Taylor, Inc., completed the sale of its intellectual property and certain related ancillary assets to RT IPCO, LLC, an affiliate of Ramani Group. Substantially all Rebecca Taylor inventory was liquidated as of January 28, 2023. All Rebecca Taylor retail and outlet stores operated by the Company were closed as of January 28, 2023 and the e-commerce site operated by the Company ceased in December 2022. On July 7, 2023, Rebecca Taylor, Inc. and Rebecca Taylor Retail Stores, LLC, each as an assignor, made a General Assignment for the Benefit of the Creditors (the “Assignment”) to a respective assignee, an unaffiliated California limited liability company, pursuant to California state law. The Assignment resulted in the residual rights and assets of each of Rebecca Taylor, Inc. and Rebecca Taylor Retail Stores, LLC being assigned and transferred to such assignees. The wind down of the Rebecca Taylor business was completed on May 3, 2024 with the nominal sale of all outstanding shares of Rebecca Taylor, Inc. to Nova Acquisitions, LLC. Following completion of the wind down, there remains certain risks and uncertainties surrounding the actions of vendors and other counterparties, including legal risks associated with the wind down. As a result, the overall cost of the wind down may exceed our expectations and the Vince business may be adversely impacted.

Previous wording

In fiscal 2023 we worked with more than 25 manufacturers across 10 countries, with 79% of our products produced in China throughout fiscal 2023. A manufacturing contractor's failure to ship products to us in a timely manner or to meet the required quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers for those items. The failure to make timely deliveries may cause customers to cancel orders, refuse to accept deliveries or demand reduced prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. As a result of the magnitude of our foreign sourcing, our business is subject to the following risks:

Current wording

In fiscal 2024 we worked with more than 30 manufacturers across 12 countries, with 66% of our costs related to products produced in China throughout fiscal 2024. A manufacturing contractor's failure to ship products to us in a timely or cost-effective manner or to meet the required quality standards could cause us to miss the delivery date requirements of our customers for those items. The failure to make timely deliveries may cause customers to cancel orders, refuse to accept deliveries or demand reduced prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on us. As a result of the magnitude of our foreign sourcing, our business is subject to the following additional risks:

Previous wording

• imposition of increased duties, taxes, tariffs and other charges on imports;

Current wording

imposition of duties, taxes, tariffs and other charges on imports, and regulations, quotas, bans and other trade restrictions relating to imports (particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners), as further discussed below;

Previous wording

• imposition of regulations, quotas and other trade restrictions relating to imports, including the additional tariffs and bans imposed on certain imports from China (such as those imposed by the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act), as well as other quotas imposed by bilateral textile agreements between the U.S. and foreign countries from time to time;

Current wording

imposition of regulations, quotas and other trade restrictions relating to imports, including quotas imposed by bilateral textile agreements between the U.S. and foreign countries;

Previous wording

If these risks limit or prevent us from manufacturing products in any significant international market, prevent us from acquiring products from foreign suppliers, or significantly increase the cost of our products, our operations could be seriously disrupted until alternative suppliers are found or alternative markets are developed, which could negatively and significantly impact our business. While we may be able to shift our sourcing options to avoid any negative macroenvironmental impact of a particular region such as China, executing such a shift would be time consuming and would be difficult or impracticable for many products and may result in an increase in our manufacturing costs and/or may negatively impact the quality of our products. Any increase in the prices of our products and/or decline in the quality of our products could in turn negatively impact the demand for our products.

Current wording

If these risks limit or prevent us from manufacturing products in any significant international market, prevent us from acquiring products from foreign suppliers, or continue to significantly increase the cost of our products, our operations could be seriously disrupted until alternative suppliers are found or alternative markets are developed, which could negatively and significantly impact our business.

Previous wording

We use independent manufacturers to assemble or produce all of our products, whether inside or outside the U.S. We are dependent on the ability of these independent manufacturers to adequately finance the production of goods ordered and maintain sufficient manufacturing capacity. Because we do not control these independent manufacturers, they may not continue to provide products that are consistent with our standards. We receive from time to time shipments of product that fail to conform to our quality control standards or products that are damaged during shipment as they were not properly packed. Failures such as these in our quality control program may result in diminished product quality, which in turn may result in increased order cancellations and returns, decreased consumer demand for our products, or product recalls, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, products that fail to meet our standards, or other unauthorized products, could end up in the marketplace without our knowledge. This could materially harm our brand and our reputation in the marketplace.

Current wording

We use independent manufacturers to assemble or produce all of our products, whether inside or outside the U.S. We are dependent on the ability of these independent manufacturers to adequately finance the production of goods ordered, maintain sufficient manufacturing capacity, and otherwise provide products that are consistent with our quality and ethical standards. We receive from time to time shipments of product that fail to conform to our quality control standards or products that are damaged during shipment as they were not properly packed. Failures such as these in our quality control program may result in diminished product quality, which in turn may result in increased order cancellations and returns, decreased consumer demand for our products, or product recalls, any of which may have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition. In addition, products that fail to meet our standards, or other unauthorized products, could end up in the marketplace without our knowledge. This could materially harm our brand and our reputation in the marketplace.

Previous wording

We generally do not have long-term written agreements with any independent manufacturers. As a result, any single manufacturing contractor could unilaterally terminate its relationship with us at any time or attempt to change historical terms of engagement, such as demanding accelerated payment terms, all and any of such actions by a manufacturing contractor could disrupt our supply chain strategies and our operations. Our top five manufacturers accounted for the production of approximately 54% of our finished products during fiscal 2023. Supply disruptions from these manufacturers (or any of our other manufacturers) could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet customer demands if we are unable to source suitable replacement materials at acceptable prices or at all. Moreover, alternative manufacturers, if available, may not be able to provide us with products or services of a comparable quality, at an acceptable price or on a timely basis. We may also, from time to time, make a decision to enter into a relationship with a new manufacturer. Identifying a suitable supplier is an involved process that requires us to become satisfied with their quality control, responsiveness and service, financial stability and labor and other responsible and/or ethical business practices. There can be no assurance that there will not be a disruption in the supply of our products from independent manufacturers or that any new manufacturer will be successful in producing our products in a manner we expected.

Current wording

We generally do not have long-term written agreements with any independent manufacturers. As a result, any single manufacturing contractor could unilaterally terminate its relationship with us at any time or attempt to change historical terms of engagement, such as demanding accelerated payment terms, all and any of such actions by a manufacturing contractor could disrupt our supply chain strategies and our operations. Our top five manufacturers accounted for the production of approximately 59% of our finished products during fiscal 2024. Supply disruptions from these manufacturers (or any of our other manufacturers) could have a material adverse effect on our ability to meet customer demands if we are unable to source suitable replacement materials at acceptable prices or at all. Moreover, alternative manufacturers, if available, may not be able to provide us with products or services of a comparable quality, at an acceptable price or on a timely basis.

Previous wording

In the U.S., we rely on a distribution facility operated by a third-party logistics provider in California. Our ability to meet the needs of our wholesale partners and our own direct-to-consumer business depends on the proper operation of this distribution facility. Because substantially all of our products are distributed from one state, our operations could be interrupted by labor difficulties, or by floods, fires, earthquakes or other natural disasters and health crises and pandemics, at or near such facility. For example, a majority of our ocean shipments go through the ports in California, which had previously been subject to significant processing delays due to COVID-19 as well as a prior blockage in the Suez Canal, resulting not only in shipment disruptions but also in significantly increased freight costs. We also have warehouses overseas, including in Hong Kong and Belgium, operated by third-party logistics providers, supporting our wholesale orders for customers located primarily in the nearby regions. Disruptions at any of these facilities located outside the U.S. (including disruptions related to the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East) could also materially and negatively impact our business.

Current wording

In the U.S., we rely on a distribution facility operated by a third-party logistics provider in California. Our ability to meet the needs of our wholesale partners and our own direct-to-consumer business depends on the proper operation of this distribution facility. Because substantially all of our products are distributed from one state, our operations could be interrupted by labor difficulties, by floods, fires, earthquakes or other natural disasters and health crises and pandemics, at or near such facility, or by the indirect effects of macroeconomic events, such as recently implemented, new and retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs. For example, a majority of our ocean shipments go through the ports in California, which are subject to significant processing delays, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, which in turn results not only in shipment disruptions but also in significantly increased freight costs. We also have warehouses overseas, including in Hong Kong and Belgium, operated by third-party logistics providers, supporting our wholesale orders for customers located primarily in the nearby regions. Disruptions at any of these facilities located outside the U.S. (including disruptions related to tariff risks and the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East) could also materially and negatively impact our business.

Previous wording

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of the fabrics or other raw materials, particularly cotton, silk, leather and synthetics used in our manufactured apparel, could have a material adverse effect on cost of sales or our ability to meet customer demands. The prices of fabrics depend largely on the market prices of the raw materials used to produce them. The price and availability of the raw materials and, in turn, the fabrics used in our apparel may fluctuate significantly, depending on many factors, including crop yields, weather patterns, labor costs and changes in oil prices as well as other economic factors, such as those related to the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East. We may not be able to create suitable design solutions that utilize raw materials with attractive prices or, alternatively, to pass higher raw materials prices and related transportation costs on to our customers. We are not always successful in our efforts to protect our business from the volatility of the market price of raw materials, and our business can be materially affected by dramatic movements in prices of raw materials. The ultimate effect of this change on our earnings cannot be quantified, as the effect of movements in raw materials prices on industry selling prices are uncertain, but any significant increase in these prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Current wording

Fluctuations in the price, availability and quality of the fabrics or other raw materials, particularly cotton, silk, leather and synthetics used in our manufactured apparel, could have a material adverse effect on cost of sales or our ability to meet customer demands. The prices of fabrics depend largely on the market prices of the raw materials used to produce them. The price and availability of the raw materials and, in turn, the fabrics used in our apparel may fluctuate significantly, depending on many factors, including crop yields, weather patterns, labor costs and changes in oil prices as well as other economic factors, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, and the armed conflict between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East. We may not be able to create suitable design solutions that utilize raw materials with attractive prices or, alternatively, to pass higher raw materials prices and related transportation costs on to our customers. We are not always successful in our efforts to protect our business from the volatility of the market price of raw materials, and our business can be materially affected by dramatic movements in prices of raw materials. The ultimate effect of this change on our earnings cannot be quantified, as the effect of movements in raw materials prices on industry selling prices are uncertain, but any significant increase in these prices could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and operating results.

Previous wording

We have established operating guidelines which promote responsible and ethical business practices such as fair wage practices, compliance with child labor laws and other local laws. While we monitor compliance with those guidelines, we do not control our independent manufacturers or their business practices. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee their compliance with our guidelines. From time to time, our audit results have revealed a lack of compliance in certain respects, including with respect to local labor, safety, and environmental laws. Other fashion companies have faced criticism after highly publicized incidents or compliance issues have occurred or been exposed at factories producing their products. To the extent our manufacturers do not bring their operations into compliance with such laws or resolve material issues identified in any of our audit results, we may face similar criticism and negative publicity. In addition, other fashion companies have encountered organized boycotts of their products in such situations. If we, or other companies in our industry, encounter similar problems in the future, it could harm our business, stock price and results of operations. In addition, a lack of demonstrated compliance by our suppliers could lead us to seek alternative suppliers, which could increase our costs and result in delayed delivery of our products, product shortages or other disruptions of our operations. Furthermore, expectations of ethical business practices continually evolve, may be substantially more demanding than applicable legal requirements and are driven in part by legal developments and by diverse groups active in publicizing and organizing public responses to perceived ethical shortcomings. Accordingly, we cannot predict how expectations of ethical business practices might develop in the future and cannot be certain that our guidelines would satisfy all parties who are active in monitoring and publicizing perceived shortcomings in labor and other business practices worldwide.

Current wording

We have established operating guidelines which promote responsible and ethical business practices such as fair wage practices, compliance with child labor laws and other local laws. While we monitor compliance with those guidelines, we do not control our independent manufacturers or their business practices. Accordingly, we cannot guarantee their compliance with our guidelines. From time to time, our audit results have revealed a lack of compliance in certain respects, including with respect to local labor, safety, and environmental laws. Other fashion companies have faced criticism after highly publicized incidents or compliance issues have occurred or been exposed at factories producing their products. To the extent our manufacturers do not bring their operations into compliance with such laws or resolve material issues identified in any of our audit results, we may face similar criticism and negative publicity. In addition, other fashion companies have encountered organized boycotts of their products in such situations. If we, or other companies in our industry, encounter similar problems in the future, it could harm our business, stock price and results of operations. In addition, a lack of demonstrated compliance by our suppliers, and especially by any new suppliers with whom we may have little or no experience, could lead or require us to seek alternative suppliers, which could increase our costs and result in delayed delivery of our products, product shortages or other disruptions of our operations. Furthermore, expectations of ethical business practices continually evolve, may be substantially more demanding than applicable legal requirements and are driven in part by legal developments and by diverse groups active in publicizing and organizing public responses to perceived ethical shortcomings. Accordingly, we cannot predict how expectations of ethical business practices might develop in the future and cannot be certain that our guidelines would satisfy all parties who are active in monitoring and publicizing perceived shortcomings in labor and other business practices worldwide.

Previous wording

From time to time, we are subject to system or data security problems, including viruses and bugs as well as security issues created by third-party software and applications, employee errors and malfeasance and other various causes. None of these incidents has resulted in any data or information breaches or any other material impact to our financial results. There is no assurance, however, that we would not be subject to material security problems in the future, including cyber or malware attacks, including as an indirect result of the armed conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East, and we could incur significant expenses or disruptions of our operations in connection with resulting system failures or data and information breaches. The increased use of smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices, as well as the hybrid and remote work environments may also heighten these and other operational risks. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate security problems, viruses and bugs could be significant, and the efforts to address these problems could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service that may impact our reputation and/or impede our sales, distribution or other critical functions. Furthermore, any security issues that involve the compromise of personal information of our customers or employees could subject us to litigation and/or penalties and harm our reputation, materially and adversely affecting our business and growth. We also do not control our third-party service providers and cannot guarantee that no electronic or physical computer break-ins and security breaches will occur in the future, nor can we guarantee that any loss we experience can be recovered from such third-party service providers. Lastly, in the case of a disaster affecting our information technology systems, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support our operations and other breakdowns in normal communication and operating procedures that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Current wording

From time to time, we are subject to system or data security problems, including viruses and bugs as well as security issues created by third-party software and applications, employee errors and malfeasance and other various causes. None of these incidents has resulted in any data or information breaches or any other material impact to our financial results. There is no assurance, however, that we would not be subject to material security problems in the future, including cyber or malware attacks, including as an indirect result of our ability to direct sufficient human and capital resources towards systems and data security, malicious actors using artificial intelligence to carry out more sophisticated attacks and increasing the potential for harm, changes to domestic and international regulations or other policies or the armed conflicts between Ukraine and Russia and in the Middle East, and we could incur significant expenses or disruptions of our operations in connection with resulting system failures or data and information breaches. The increased use of smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices, as well as the hybrid and remote work environments, and advancements in and increasing business integration of artificial intelligence may also heighten these and other operational risks. The costs to us to eliminate or alleviate security problems, viruses and bugs could be significant, and the efforts to address these problems could result in interruptions, delays or cessation of service that may impact our reputation and/or impede our sales, distribution or other critical functions. Furthermore, any security issues that involve the compromise of personal information of our customers or employees could subject us to litigation and/or penalties and harm our reputation, materially and adversely affecting our business and growth. We also do not control our third-party service providers and cannot guarantee that no electronic or physical computer break-ins and security breaches will occur in the future, nor can we guarantee that any loss we experience can be recovered from such third-party service providers. Lastly, in the case of a disaster affecting our information technology systems, we may experience delays in recovery of data, inability to perform vital corporate functions, tardiness in required reporting and compliance, failures to adequately support our operations and other breakdowns in normal communication and operating procedures that could materially and adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

Previous wording

We continue to optimize and improve our information technology environment. For example, in fiscal 2022, we completed the implementation of a customer data platform and the front-end re-platforming of our Vince e-commerce website and in fiscal 2021, we completed the roll-out of a new POS system for the Vince brand. We plan to progress these strategies, including investing in customer facing technologies to further expand our omni-channel capabilities and to further consolidate systems over time to create operational efficiencies and to achieve a common platform across the Company. If we fail in our efforts to continue adopting, optimizing and improving these systems, processes and functions as currently planned, we could incur further disruptions to our business and operations, including lost e-commerce sales, a negative mobile experience for our customers, deficiencies or weaknesses in our internal controls, as well as additional costs to replace those systems and functions.

Current wording

We continue to optimize and improve our information technology environment. For example, in fiscal 2022, we completed the implementation of a customer data platform and the front-end re-platforming of our Vince e-commerce website and in fiscal 2023 and 2024, we improved our cybersecurity environment through the implementation of true end-point protection and improved network infrastructure. We plan to progress these strategies, including investing in customer facing technologies to further expand our omni-channel capabilities and to further consolidate systems over time to create operational efficiencies and to achieve a common platform across the Company. If we fail in our efforts to continue adopting, optimizing and improving these systems, processes and functions as currently planned or fail to effectively utilize technological advancements in areas such as artificial intelligence and data analytics, we could incur further disruptions to our business and operations, including lost e-commerce sales, a negative mobile experience for our customers, deficiencies or weaknesses in our internal controls, as well as additional costs to replace those systems and functions.

Previous wording

We are a "controlled company," controlled by investment funds advised by affiliates of Sun Capital, whose interests in our business may be different from yours.

Current wording

We are a “controlled company,” controlled by investment funds advised by affiliates of P180, whose interests in our business may be different from yours.
Rearranged current paragraphs (2)

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

We historically had and continue to have a small number of wholesale partners who account for a significant portion of our net sales. Our consolidated net sales to the full-price, off-price and e-commerce operations of our largest wholesale partner comprised 26% of our total revenue for fiscal 2024. We do not have formal written agreements with any of our wholesale partners and purchases generally occur on an order-by-order basis. A decision by any of our major wholesale partners, whether motivated by marketing strategy, competitive conditions, financial difficulties or otherwise, to significantly decrease the amount of merchandise purchased from us, or to change their manner of doing business with us, could substantially reduce our revenue and have a material adverse effect on our profitability. Furthermore, the foregoing could be exacerbated by the financial impacts on our wholesale partners of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners.

Current report — wording carried from elsewhere

Furthermore, as we pursue further diversification of our sourcing base, particularly in light of the financial impacts of recently implemented and new retaliatory and/or reciprocal tariffs, as well as changing trade policies between the U.S. and its trading partners, we may replace one or more of our vendors and also enter into relationships with new manufacturers. Identifying suitable suppliers is an involved process that requires us to become satisfied with their quality control, responsiveness and service, financial stability and labor and other responsible and/or ethical business practices. There can be no assurance that there will not be a disruption in the supply of our products from independent manufacturers or that any new manufacturers will be successful in producing our products in a manner we expected, and as a result, our business and financial results could be negatively affected.
Rearranged previous paragraphs (1)

Previous report — wording carried elsewhere

Any future seasonal or quarterly fluctuations in our results of operations may not match the expectations of market analysts and investors to assess the longer- term profitability and strength of our business at any particular point, which could lead to increased volatility in our stock price.