GENESCO INC

Previous wording

pricing of products, including the impact of tariffs;

Current wording

pricing of products, including the impact of the imposition of tariffs;

Previous wording

Adverse economic conditions and any related decrease in consumer demand for discretionary items could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We sell generally discretionary items. Reduced consumer confidence and spending may result in reduced demand for discretionary items and may force us to take inventory markdowns, which may decrease sales and make expense leverage difficult to achieve. In addition, inflationary cost pressure on the products we sell might limit our ability to pass on cost increases resulting in gross margin impact or reduced demand. Demand can also be influenced by other factors beyond our control.

Current wording

Adverse economic conditions and any related decrease in consumer demand for discretionary items could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. We generally sell discretionary items. Reduced consumer confidence and spending may result in reduced demand for discretionary items and may force us to take inventory markdowns, which may decrease sales and gross margin and make expense leverage difficult to achieve. In addition, inflationary pressure on the products we sell might limit our ability to pass on cost increases to our customers resulting in gross margin impact or reduced demand. Demand can also be influenced by other factors beyond our control.

Previous wording

A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our comparable sales results and gross margin, including:

Current wording

A number of factors have historically affected, and will continue to affect, our results and gross margin, including:

Previous wording

the lack of new fashion trends to drive demand in certain of our businesses and the ability of those businesses to adjust to changes in fashion trends on a timely basis;

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(ii) the lack of new fashion trends to drive demand in certain of our businesses and our ability to adjust to changes in fashion trends on a timely basis;

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access to allocated product from our vendors;

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(xiii) access to allocated product from our vendors;

Previous wording

Our success depends in part on the value and strength of the names of our business units. These names are integral to our businesses as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our businesses. Maintaining, promoting, and positioning our brands will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide high quality merchandise and a consistent, high quality customer experience. Our brands could be adversely affected if we fail to achieve these objectives or if our public image or reputation were to be tarnished by negative publicity or if adverse information concerning us is posted on social media platforms or similar mediums. Failure to comply, or accusation of failure to comply, with ethical, social, health, product, labor, data privacy, and environmental standards could also jeopardize our reputation and potentially lead to various adverse consumer and employee actions. Any of these events could result in decreased revenue or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Current wording

Our success depends in part on the value and strength of the names of our business units. These names are integral to our businesses as well as to the implementation of our strategies for expanding our businesses. Maintaining, promoting, and positioning our brands will depend largely on the success of our marketing and merchandising efforts and our ability to provide high quality merchandise and a consistent, high quality customer experience. Our brands could be adversely affected if we fail to achieve these objectives or if our public image or reputation were to be tarnished by negative publicity or if adverse information concerning us is posted on social media platforms or similar mediums. Failure to comply, or accusation of failure to comply, with ethical, social, health, product, labor, data privacy, and environmental standards could also jeopardize our reputation and potentially lead to various adverse consumer, regulatory and employee actions. Any of these events could result in decreased revenue or otherwise adversely affect our business.

Previous wording

Our future success also depends on our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences, identify and interpret consumer trends, and successfully market new products.

Current wording

Our success depends on our ability to respond to changing consumer preferences, identify and interpret consumer trends, and successfully market new products.

Previous wording

The industry in which we operate is subject to rapidly changing consumer preferences. The continued popularity of our footwear and apparel and the development and selection of new lines and styles of footwear and apparel with widespread consumer appeal, requires us to accurately identify and interpret changing consumer trends and preferences and to effectively respond in a timely manner. Continuing demand and market acceptance for both existing and new products are uncertain and depend on substantial investment in product innovation, design and development, an ongoing commitment to product quality and significant and sustained marketing efforts and expenditures.

Current wording

The industry in which we operate is subject to rapid changes in fashion and consumer preferences. The continued popularity of our footwear and apparel and the development and selection of new lines and styles of footwear and apparel with widespread consumer appeal, requires us to accurately identify and interpret changing consumer trends and preferences and to effectively respond in a timely manner. Continuing demand and market acceptance for both existing and new products are uncertain and depend on substantial investment in product innovation, design and development, an ongoing commitment to product quality and significant and sustained marketing efforts and expenditures.

Previous wording

There is uncertainty in the markets in which we operate regarding potential policies related to issues surrounding global environmental sustainability. Changes in the legal or regulatory environment affecting responsible sourcing, supply chain transparency, or environmental protection, among others, including regulations to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, to discourage the use of plastic or to limit or to impose additional costs on commercial water use may result in increased compliance costs for us and our business partners.

Current wording

There is uncertainty in the markets in which we operate regarding potential policies related to issues surrounding global environmental sustainability. Greenhouse gases may have an adverse effect on global temperatures, weather patterns, and the frequency and severity of extreme weather and natural disasters. Such events could have a negative effect on our business. Changes in the legal or regulatory environment affecting responsible sourcing, transportation cost, supply chain transparency, the effects of climate change or environmental protection, among others, including regulations to increase disclosure related to greenhouse gas emissions, to limit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions, to discourage the use of plastic or to limit or to impose additional costs on commercial water use may result in a material adverse effect on our business or increased compliance costs for us and our business partners.

Previous wording

The majority of our stores are located within shopping malls and depend to varying degrees on consumer traffic in the malls to generate sales. Declines in mall traffic, whether caused by a shift in consumer shopping preferences or by other factors, may negatively impact our ability to maintain or grow our sales in existing stores, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Current wording

The majority of our stores are located within shopping malls and depend to varying degrees on consumer traffic in the malls to generate sales. We cannot control the success of malls, and an increase in store closures by other retailers may lead to reduced foot traffic, mall vacancies and mall bankruptcies. Declines in mall traffic may negatively impact our ability to maintain or grow our sales in existing stores, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition or results of operations.

Previous wording

Our business is seasonal, with a significant portion of our net sales and operating income generated during the fourth quarter, which includes the holiday shopping season. Because of this seasonality, we have limited ability to compensate for shortfalls in fourth quarter sales or earnings by changing our operations or strategies in other quarters. Adverse events outside of our control, such as supply chain interruptions, including shipping disruptions near crucial trade routes, increased labor costs and labor availability, decreased consumer traffic or deteriorating economic conditions could result in lower than expected sales during the holiday shopping season or other periods in which we typically experience higher net sales, which could materially adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate significantly based on other factors such as:

Current wording

Our business is seasonal, with a significant portion of our net sales and operating income generated during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the holiday shopping season. As a result, we have limited ability to compensate for shortfalls in fourth quarter sales or earnings by changing our operations or strategies in other quarters. Adverse events outside of our control, such as supply chain interruptions, increased labor costs and labor availability, decreased consumer traffic or deteriorating economic conditions could result in lower than expected sales during the holiday shopping season or other periods in which we anticipate higher net sales, which could materially adversely impact our financial condition and results of operations. Our quarterly results of operations also may fluctuate significantly based on other factors such as:

Previous wording

the timing of any new store openings and renewals;

Current wording

(i) the timing of new store openings and renewals;

Previous wording

In recent years, the retail industry has experienced consolidation, store closures, bankruptcies and other ownership changes. In the future, retailers in the U.S. and in foreign markets may further consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could decrease the number of stores that carry our products or our licensees’ products or increase the ownership concentration within the retail industry. Changing shopping patterns, including the rapid expansion of online retail shopping, have adversely affected customer traffic in mall and outlet centers. We expect competition in the e-commerce market will continue to intensify. Growth in e-commerce competition could result in financial difficulties, including store closures, bankruptcies or liquidations for our brick-and-mortar stores and those of our wholesale customers who fail to compete effectively in the e-commerce market. We cannot control the success of individual malls, and an increase in store closures by other retailers may lead to reduced foot traffic, mall vacancies and mall bankruptcies. A continuation or worsening of these trends could cause financial difficulties for one or more of our segments, which, in turn, could substantially increase our credit risk and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Current wording

In recent years, the retail industry has experienced consolidation, store closures, bankruptcies and other ownership changes. In the future, retailers in the U.S. and in foreign markets may further consolidate, undergo restructurings or reorganizations, or realign their affiliations, any of which could decrease the number of stores that carry our products or our licensees’ products or increase the ownership concentration within the retail industry. Changing shopping patterns, including the rapid expansion of online retail shopping, have adversely affected customer traffic in mall and outlet centers. Growth in e-commerce competition could result in financial difficulties, including store closures, bankruptcies or liquidations for our brick-and-mortar stores and those of our wholesale customers who fail to compete effectively in the e-commerce market. A continuation or worsening of these trends could cause financial difficulties for one or more of our segments, which, in turn, could substantially increase our credit risk and have a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Previous wording

The retail footwear and accessory markets are intensely competitive. We currently compete against a diverse group of retailers, including other regional and national specialty stores, department and discount stores, small independents and e-commerce retailers, as well as our own vendors who are increasingly selling direct-to-consumers, which sell products similar to and often identical to those we sell. Our branded businesses, selling footwear at wholesale, also face intense competition, both from other branded wholesale vendors and from private label initiatives of their retailer customers. A number of different competitive factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, including:

Current wording

The retail footwear and accessory markets are intensely competitive. We currently compete against a diverse group of retailers, including regional and national specialty stores, department and discount stores, small independents and e-commerce retailers, and our own vendors who are increasingly selling the same or similar products direct-to-consumers. Our branded businesses, selling footwear at wholesale, also face intense competition, both from other branded wholesale vendors and from private label initiatives of their retailer customers. A number of different competitive factors could have a material adverse effect on our business, including:

Previous wording

An increasing amount of our products are sold on our e-commerce sites and third-party e-commerce sites. Consumers are also increasingly using mobile-based applications to engage with us and our competitors through digital experiences that are offered on mobile platforms, and we are increasingly using social media to interact with our consumers as a means to enhance their shopping experience. Any failure on our part or on the part of third parties to provide effective, reliable, user-friendly e-commerce platforms that offer a wide assortment of our products and that continually meet the evolving expectations of online shoppers or any failure to provide attractive digital experiences could place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in the loss of sales, and could have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results. Our e-commerce business may be particularly vulnerable to cyber threats including unauthorized access and denial of service attacks. Sales in our e-commerce channel may also divert sales from our retail and wholesale channels.

Current wording

An increasing amount of our products are sold on our e-commerce sites and third-party e-commerce sites. Consumers are also increasingly using mobile-based applications to engage with us and our competitors through digital experiences that are offered on mobile platforms, and we are increasingly using social media to interact with our consumers. Any failure to provide effective, reliable, user-friendly e-commerce platforms that offer a wide assortment of our products and that continually meet the evolving expectations of online shoppers or any failure to provide attractive digital experiences could place us at a competitive disadvantage, result in the loss of sales, and have a material adverse impact on our business and financial results. Our e-commerce business may be particularly vulnerable to cyber threats including unauthorized access and denial of service attacks. Sales in our e-commerce channel may also divert sales from our retail and wholesale channels.

Previous wording

We may open new stores, both in regional malls, where most of the operational experience of our U.S. businesses lies, and in other venues including outlet centers, airports and other off-mall locations. We cannot offer assurances that we will be able to open as many stores as we have planned, that any new store will achieve similar operating results to those of our existing stores or that new stores opened in markets in which we operate will not have a material adverse effect on the revenues and profitability of our existing stores. In addition to the risks already discussed for existing stores, the success of any planned expansion or remodels is dependent upon numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

Current wording

We may open new stores, both in regional malls, where most of the operational experience of our U.S. businesses lies, and in other venues including outlet centers, airports and other off-mall locations. We cannot offer assurances that we will be able to open as many stores as we have planned, that any new store will achieve similar operating results to those of our existing stores or that new stores opened in markets in which we already operate will not have a material adverse effect on the revenues and profitability of our existing stores. In addition to the risks already discussed for existing stores, the success of any planned expansion or remodels is dependent upon numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

Previous wording

Acquisitions have been a component of our growth strategy and we expect that in the future we may engage in acquisitions or launch new businesses to grow our revenues and meet our other strategic objectives. If acquisitions are not successfully integrated with our business, our ongoing operations could be adversely affected. Additionally, acquisitions or new businesses may not achieve desired profitability objectives or result in any anticipated successful expansion of the businesses or concepts, causing lower than expected earnings and cash flow and potentially requiring impairment of goodwill and other intangibles. Although we review and analyze assets or companies we acquire, such reviews are subject to uncertainties and may not reveal all potential risks. Additionally, although we attempt to obtain protective contractual provisions, such as representations, warranties and indemnities, in connection with acquisitions, we cannot offer assurance that we can obtain such provisions in our acquisitions or that they will fully protect us from unforeseen costs of, or liabilities associated with, the acquisitions. We may also incur significant costs and diversion of management time and attention in connection with pursuing possible acquisitions even if the acquisition is not ultimately consummated.

Current wording

Acquisitions have been a component of our growth strategy and we expect that in the future we may engage in acquisitions or launch new businesses to grow our revenues and meet our other strategic objectives. If acquisitions are not successfully integrated with our business, our ongoing operations could be adversely affected. Acquisitions or new businesses may also divert management's attention and may not achieve desired profitability objectives or result in any anticipated successful expansion of the businesses or concepts, causing lower than expected earnings and cash flow and potentially requiring impairment of goodwill and other intangibles. Although we review and analyze assets or companies we acquire, such reviews are subject to uncertainties and may not reveal all potential risks. Additionally, although we attempt to obtain protective contractual provisions, such as representations, warranties and indemnities, we cannot offer assurance that we can obtain such provisions in our acquisitions or that they will fully protect us from unforeseen costs or liabilities associated with the acquisitions. We may also incur significant costs and diversion of management time and attention in connection with pursuing possible acquisitions even if the acquisition is not ultimately consummated.

Previous wording

Additionally, we have in the past and may in the future divest assets or businesses. Following any such divestitures, we may retain or incur liabilities or costs relating to our previous ownership of the assets or business that we sell. Any required payments on retained liabilities or indemnification obligations with respect to past or future asset or business divestitures could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. Dispositions may also involve our continued financial involvement in the divested business, such as through transition services agreements and guarantees. Under these arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or conditions outside our control could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Current wording

Additionally, we have in the past and may in the future divest assets or businesses. Following any such divestitures, we may retain or incur liabilities relating to our previous ownership of the assets or business that we sell. Any required payments on retained liabilities or indemnification obligations with respect to past or future asset or business divestitures could have a material adverse effect on our business or results of operations. Dispositions may also involve our continued financial involvement in the divested business, such as through guarantees. Under these arrangements, performance by the divested businesses or conditions outside our control could adversely affect our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

In connection with acquisitions, we record goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. This asset is not amortized but is subject to an impairment test at least annually, where we have the option first to assess qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If after such assessment we conclude that the asset is impaired, we are required to determine the fair value of the asset using a quantitative impairment test that is based on projected future cash flows from the acquired business discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk we consider to be inherent in our current business model. We perform the impairment test annually at the beginning of our fourth quarter, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the value of the asset might be impaired.

Current wording

In connection with acquisitions, we record goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets. This asset is not amortized, but is subject to an impairment test at least annually, where we have the option to assess qualitative factors to determine whether events and circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that goodwill is impaired. If after such assessment we conclude that the asset is impaired, we are required to determine the fair value of the asset using a quantitative impairment test that is based on projected future cash flows from the acquired business discounted at a rate commensurate with the risk we consider to be inherent in our current business model. We perform the impairment test annually at the beginning of the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, or more frequently if events or circumstances indicate that the value of the asset might be impaired.

Previous wording

Deterioration in our equity market value, whether related to our operating performance or to disruptions in the equity markets or deterioration in the operating performance of the business unit with which goodwill is associated could cause us to recognize the impairment of some or all of the $8.9 million of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at February 1, 2025, resulting in the reduction of net assets and a corresponding non-cash charge to earnings in the amount of the impairment.

Current wording

Deterioration in our equity market value, whether related to our operating performance or to disruptions in the equity markets or deterioration in the operating performance of the business unit with which goodwill is associated could cause us to recognize the impairment of some or all of the $9.5 million of goodwill on our Consolidated Balance Sheets at January 31, 2026, resulting in the reduction of net assets and a corresponding non-cash charge to earnings in the amount of the impairment.

Previous wording

We depend on a variety of information technology systems for the efficient functioning of our business (including multiple e-commerce websites) and security of information. Much information essential to our business is maintained electronically, including competitively sensitive information and potentially sensitive personal information about customers and employees.

Current wording

We depend on information technology systems for the efficient functioning of our business (including multiple e-commerce websites) and security of information. Much information essential to our business is maintained electronically, including competitively sensitive information and personal information about customers and employees.

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Despite our preventative efforts, our IT systems and websites may from time to time be vulnerable to damage or interruption from events such as difficulties in replacing or integrating the systems of acquired businesses, computer viruses, security breaches and power outages.

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Despite our preventative efforts, our information technology systems and websites may be vulnerable to damage or interruption from events such as computer viruses, security breaches, errors by third-party providers, power outages and difficulties in replacing or integrating the systems of acquired businesses. Any material disruption to our information systems could adversely affect our operations and financial results.

Previous wording

Our insurance policies may not provide coverage for security breaches and similar incidents or may have coverage limits which may not be adequate to reimburse us for losses caused by security breaches. We also rely on certain hardware and software vendors, including cloud-service providers, to maintain and periodically upgrade many of these systems so that they can continue to support our business. The software programs supporting many of our systems are licensed to us by independent software companies. The inability of our employees and developers or our inability to continue to maintain and upgrade these information systems and software programs could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. In addition, costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations or leave us vulnerable to security breaches.

Current wording

Our insurance policies may not cover business interruption, security breaches and similar incidents or may have limits inadequate for such losses. We rely on hardware and software vendors, including cloud-service providers, to maintain and upgrade many of these systems so that they can continue to support our business. The inability to maintain and upgrade these systems and software programs or the failure of third-party providers on which we rely could disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations. Costs and potential problems and interruptions associated with the implementation of new or upgraded systems and technology or with maintenance or adequate support of existing systems could also disrupt or reduce the efficiency of our operations or leave us vulnerable to security breaches. In addition, we are transforming our information technology delivery mode, including transferring certain technology services to a third-party partner. These efforts involve risks, including delays, increased costs, service interruptions, challenges in managing third-party performance, and the possibility that expected benefits may not be realized.

Previous wording

We also rely heavily on our information technology staff. If we cannot meet our staffing needs in this area, we may not be able to fulfill our technology initiatives or to provide maintenance on existing systems.

Current wording

We rely heavily on our information technology staff. Changes to our information technology organization in connection with the transformation of our information technology delivery model may result in employee attrition. If we cannot meet our staffing needs in this area, we may not be able to fulfill our technology initiatives or provide maintenance on existing systems. A disruption to our information systems or those of our third-party providers could result in lost sales and increased costs and could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

Previous wording

As a retailer who accepts payments using a variety of methods, including buy now pay later methods, PayPal, and gift cards, we are subject to rules, regulations, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, including payment network rules and operating guidelines, data security standards and certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers. The regulatory environment related to information security and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, and compliance with those requirements could result in additional costs or accelerate these costs with additional legal and financial exposure for noncompliance. For these payment methods, we pay interchange and other fees, which can increase over time and raise our operating costs. We rely on third parties to provide payment processing services. If these companies become unable to provide these services to us, or if their systems are compromised, it could disrupt our business.

Current wording

As a retailer who accepts payments using a variety of methods, we are subject to rules, regulations, contractual obligations and compliance requirements, including payment network rules and operating guidelines, data security standards and certification requirements, and rules governing electronic funds transfers. The regulatory environment related to information security and privacy is increasingly rigorous, with new and constantly changing requirements applicable to our business, and compliance could result in additional costs or accelerate these costs with additional legal and financial exposure for noncompliance. For certain payment methods, we pay interchange and other fees, which can increase over time and raise our operating costs. We rely on third parties to provide payment processing services. If these companies become unable to provide these services to us, or if their systems are compromised, it could disrupt our business.

Previous wording

The payment methods that we offer also subject us to potential fraud and theft by persons who seek to obtain unauthorized access to or exploit any weaknesses that may exist in the payment systems. We completed the implementation of Europay, Mastercard and Visa ("EMV") technology and received certification in Fiscal 2018; however future upgrades to our Company's systems could expose us to the fraudulent use of credit cards and increased costs, including possible fines and restrictions on our Company's ability to accept payments by credit or debit cards, if we were not to receive recertification. Because we accept debit and credit cards for payment, we are also subject to industry data protection standards and protocols, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (“PCI DSS”), issued by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. Additionally, we have implemented technology in our stores to allow for the acceptance of EMV credit transactions and point-to-point encryption. Complying with PCI DSS standards and implementing related procedures, technology and information security measures require significant resources and ongoing attention. However, even if we comply with PCI DSS standards and offer EMV and point-to-point encryption technology in our stores, we may be vulnerable to, and unable to detect and appropriately respond to, data security breaches and data loss, including cybersecurity attacks or other breach of cardholder data.

Current wording

We are also subject to potential fraud and theft by persons who seek to obtain unauthorized access to or exploit weaknesses in payment systems. We completed the implementation of Europay, Mastercard and Visa ("EMV") technology and received certification in Fiscal 2018; however future upgrades to our systems could expose us to the fraudulent use of credit cards and increased costs, including possible fines and restrictions on our ability to accept payments by credit or debit cards, if we were not to receive recertification. Because we accept debit and credit cards for payment, we are also subject to industry data protection standards and protocols, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standards (“PCI DSS”), issued by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. Additionally, we have implemented technology in our stores to allow for the acceptance of EMV credit transactions and point-to-point encryption. Complying with PCI DSS standards and implementing related procedures, technology and information security measures require significant resources and ongoing attention. Even if we comply with PCI DSS standards and offer EMV and point-to-point encryption technology in our stores, we may be vulnerable to, and unable to detect and appropriately respond to, data security breaches and data loss, including cybersecurity attacks or other breach of cardholder data.

Previous wording

In addition, the Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) is controlled by a limited number of vendors who have the ability to impose changes in the PCI’s fee structure and operational requirements on us without negotiation. Such changes in fees and operational requirements may result in our failure to comply with PCI DSS, and cause us to incur significant unanticipated expenses.

Current wording

The Payment Card Industry (“PCI”) is controlled by a limited number of vendors who may impose changes in the fee structure and operational requirements on us without negotiation. Such changes may result in our failure to comply with PCI DSS, and cause us to incur significant unanticipated expenses.

Previous wording

As part of normal operations, we and our third-party vendors and partners, receive and maintain confidential and personally identifiable information (“PII”) about our customers and employees, and confidential financial, intellectual property, and other information. We regard the protection of our customer, employee, and company information as critical. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is very demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and changing requirements some of which involve significant costs to implement and significant penalties if not followed properly. Despite our efforts and technology to secure our computer network and systems, a cybersecurity breach, whether targeted, random, or inadvertent, and whether at the hands of cyber criminals, hackers, rogue employees or other persons, may occur and could go undetected for a period of time, resulting in a material disruption of our computer network, a loss of information valuable to our business, including without limitation customer or employee PII, and/or theft. A similar cybersecurity breach to the computer networks and systems of our third-party vendors and partners, including those that are cloud-based, over which we have no control, may occur, and could lead to a material disruption of our computer network and/or the areas of our business that are dependent on the support, services and other products provided by our third-party vendors and partners. Additionally, the rapid evolution and increased adoption of machine learning and artificial intelligence ("AI") is further increasing risks in this area, including by making fraud detection more difficult, particularly with detection devices that use voice recognition or authentication. Our computer networks and our business may be adversely affected by such a breach of our third-party vendors and partners, which could result in a decrease in our e-commerce sales and/or a loss of information valuable to our business, including, without limitation, PII of customers or employees. Such a cyber-incident could result in any of the following:

Current wording

As part of normal operations, we and our third-party vendors and partners, receive and maintain confidential and personally identifiable information (“PII”) about our customers and employees, and confidential financial, intellectual property, and other information. We regard the protection of our customer, employee, and company information as critical. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy is very demanding, with the frequent imposition of new and changing requirements some of which involve significant costs to implement and significant penalties if not followed properly. Despite our efforts to secure our computer network and systems, a cybersecurity breach, whether targeted, random, or inadvertent, and whether at the hands of cyber criminals, hackers, rogue employees or other persons, may occur and could go undetected for a period of time, resulting in a material disruption of our computer network, a loss of valuable information, including without limitation customer or employee PII, and/or theft. A similar cybersecurity breach to the systems of our third-party vendors and partners, including those that are cloud-based, over which we have no control, may occur, and could lead to a material disruption of our computer network and/or the areas of our business that are dependent on the support, services and other products provided by our third-party vendors and partners.

Previous wording

loss of sales, including those generated through our e-commerce websites; and

Current wording

(iv) loss of sales, including those generated through our e-commerce websites; or

Previous wording

Any of the above risks, individually or in aggregate, could materially damage our reputation and result in lost sales, governmental and payment card industry fines, and/or class action and other lawsuits. Although we carry cybersecurity insurance, that insurance may not be extensive enough or adequate in scope of coverage or amount to reimburse us for damages we may incur. Further, a significant breach of federal, state, provincial, local or international privacy laws could have a material adverse effect on our reputation.

Current wording

Any of the above risks, individually or in aggregate, could materially damage our reputation and result in lost sales, governmental and payment card industry fines, and/or class action and other lawsuits. Although we carry cybersecurity insurance, that insurance may not be extensive enough or adequate in scope of coverage or amount to reimburse us for damages we may incur. A significant breach of privacy laws could have a material adverse effect on our reputation.

Previous wording

We have access to collect or maintain information about our customers, and the protection of that data is critical to our business. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy continues to evolve and new laws are increasingly giving customers the right to control how their personal data is used. One such law is the European Union's GDPR. Our failure to comply with the obligations of GDPR and similar U.S. federal and state laws, including California privacy laws, could in the future result in significant penalties which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Data protection compliance could also cause us to incur substantial costs, forego a substantial amount of revenue or be subject to business risk associated with system changes and new business processes.

Current wording

We have access to collect or maintain information about our customers, and the protection of that data is critical to our business. The regulatory environment surrounding information security and privacy continues to evolve and new laws are increasingly giving customers the right to control how their personal data is used. One such law is the European Union's ("E.U.") GDPR. Our failure to comply with the GDPR and similar U.S. federal and state laws, including privacy laws in several states, could in the future result in significant penalties which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. Data protection compliance could also cause us to incur substantial costs, forego revenue or be subject to business risk associated with system changes and new business processes.

Previous wording

We have been increasing our utilization of AI in our business and we anticipate that as technology advances, we may expand our application of AI, including generative AI. AI may become more important to our operations over time as we increase reliance on AI throughout our operations and administration. The rapid evolution of AI technology and potential regulation of AI may require that we expend significant resources to develop, test and maintain our implementation of AI. Our development, integration and use of AI technology in our operations remains in the early phases. Although we aim to implement AI technology according to responsible procedures and adequate safeguards, our current or future use of AI tools in our business operations could expose us to new or additional costs and risks, including the potential introduction of new vulnerabilities or cybersecurity risks within our information technology systems; the potential inadvertent or unauthorized release of our confidential or proprietary information resulting from the use (whether or not authorized) of AI tools by our employees, contractors, agents, representatives, vendors or customers; the potential loss of our intellectual property rights or our potential infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties resulting from the use (whether or not authorized) of AI tools in our operations; and potential legal or reputational harms due to insufficient or flawed data, insufficient quality control, or unlawful bias or discrimination associated with the use of AI tools. In addition, the AI tools we may incorporate into certain aspects of our operations may not generate the intended efficiencies and may impact our business results. Our competitors may incorporate AI into their businesses faster or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. Additionally, if the information generated through our use of AI is or is deemed to be deficient, inaccurate or biased, our business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Current wording

We have been increasing our utilization of AI and anticipate that as AI technology advances, we may expand our application of AI, including generative AI. AI may become more important to our operations over time as we increase reliance on AI throughout our operations. The rapid evolution of AI technology and potential regulation of AI may require that we expend significant resources to develop, test and maintain our implementation of AI. Although we aim to implement AI technology according to responsible procedures and adequate safeguards, our current or future use of AI tools in our business operations could expose us to new or additional costs and risks, including the introduction of new vulnerabilities or cybersecurity risks within our information technology systems; the inadvertent or unauthorized release of our confidential or proprietary information resulting from the use of AI tools by our employees, contractors, agents, representatives, vendors or customers; the loss of our intellectual property rights or our infringement of the intellectual property rights of third parties resulting from the use of AI tools in our operations; and legal or reputational harms due to insufficient or flawed data, insufficient quality control, or unlawful bias or discrimination associated with the use of AI tools. In addition, the AI tools we may incorporate into certain aspects of our operations may not generate the intended efficiencies and may impact our business results. Our competitors may incorporate AI into their businesses faster or more successfully than us, which could impair our ability to compete effectively and adversely affect our results of operations. If the information generated through our use of AI is or is deemed to be deficient, inaccurate or biased, our reputation, business, financial condition, and results of operations may be adversely affected.

Previous wording

Each of our divisions uses a single distribution center or third-party logistics provider to handle all or a significant amount of its merchandise. Most of our operations’ inventory is shipped directly from suppliers to our operations' distribution centers or third-party logistics provider, where the inventory is then processed, sorted and shipped to our stores, to our wholesale customers or to our e-commerce customers. We depend on the orderly operation of this receiving and distribution process, which depends, in turn, on adherence to shipping schedules and effective management of the distribution centers. Although we believe that our receiving and distribution processes are efficient and well positioned to support our current business and potential expansions, we cannot offer assurance that we have anticipated all of the changing demands that our expanding operations, particularly our e-commerce operations, will impose on our receiving and distribution system, or that events beyond our control, such as disruptions in operations due to fire or other catastrophic events, labor disagreements or shortages or shipping problems (whether in our own or in our third-party vendors’ or carriers’ businesses), will not result in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our stores or to our wholesale customers or e-commerce/retail customers. In addition, to the extent we need to add capacity to distribution centers by either leasing or building new distribution centers or adding capacity at existing centers or make changes in our distribution processes to improve efficiency and maximize capacity, we cannot assure that these changes will not result in unanticipated delays or interruptions in distribution. We depend upon third parties for shipment of a significant amount of merchandise. Interruptions in the services provided by third parties may occasionally result from damage or destruction to our distribution centers; weather-related events; natural disasters; pandemics; trade policy changes or restrictions; tariffs or import-related taxes; third-party labor disruptions; shipping capacity constraints; third-party contract disputes; military conflicts; acts of terrorism; or other factors beyond our control. An interruption in service by third parties for any reason could cause temporary disruptions in our business, a loss of sales and profits, and other material adverse effects.

Current wording

Each of our divisions uses a single distribution center or third-party logistics provider to handle all or a significant amount of its merchandise. Most of our operations’ inventory is shipped directly from suppliers to our operations' distribution centers or third-party logistics provider, where the inventory is then processed, sorted and shipped to our stores, our wholesale customers or our e-commerce customers. We depend on the orderly operation of this receiving and distribution process, which depends, in turn, on adherence to shipping schedules and effective management of the distribution centers. Although we believe that our receiving and distribution processes are efficient and well positioned to support our current business and potential expansions, we cannot offer assurance that we have anticipated all of the changing demands that our expanding operations, particularly our e-commerce operations, will impose on our receiving and distribution system, or that events beyond our control, such as disruptions in operations due to fire or other catastrophic events, labor disagreements or shortages or shipping problems (whether in our own or in our third-party vendors’ or carriers’ businesses), will not result in increased costs or in delays in the delivery of merchandise to our stores or to our wholesale customers or e-commerce/retail customers. In addition, to the extent we need to add capacity to distribution centers by either leasing or building new distribution centers or adding capacity at existing centers or make changes in our distribution processes to improve efficiency and maximize capacity, we cannot assure that these changes will not result in unanticipated delays or interruptions in distribution. We depend upon third parties for shipment of a significant amount of merchandise. Interruptions in the services provided by third parties may occasionally result from damage or destruction to our distribution centers; weather-related events; natural disasters; pandemics; trade policy changes or restrictions; tariffs or import-related taxes; third-party labor disruptions; shipping capacity constraints; third-party contract disputes; geopolitical events and military conflicts; acts of terrorism; or other factors beyond our control. An interruption in service by third parties for any reason could cause temporary disruptions in our business, a loss of sales and profits, and other material adverse effects.

Previous wording

problems with oceanic shipping, including shipping container shortages, disruptions to significant trade routes and delays in ports;

Current wording

problems with shipping, including container shortages, disruptions to significant trade routes and delays in ports;

Previous wording

increased customs inspections of import shipments or other factors that could result in penalties causing delays in shipments;

Current wording

increased customs inspections or other factors that could result in penalties causing delays in shipments;

Previous wording

economic crises, natural disasters, pandemics, international disputes and wars, including the Russia-Ukraine war and the Israel-Hamas war; and

Current wording

economic crises, natural disasters, pandemics, international disputes, wars and geopolitical conflicts; and

Previous wording

Some of the inventory we sell is imported from China, which has historically been subject to efforts to increase duty rates or to impose restrictions on imports of certain products.

Current wording

Some of the inventory we sell is imported from Vietnam, China and India, which have recently been subject to efforts to increase duty or tariff rates or to impose restrictions on imports of certain products.

Previous wording

The manufacture of our products and our distributing operations are subject to the risks of doing business abroad, including in China, which could affect our ability to obtain products from foreign suppliers or control the costs of our products.

Current wording

The manufacture of our products and our distributing operations are subject to the risks of doing business abroad which could affect our ability to obtain products from foreign suppliers or control the costs of our products.

Previous wording

We have been diversifying our sourcing base to ensure that we are not too concentrated in any single country. As we source some products in China, the possibility of adverse changes in trade or political relations with China, political instability, increases in labor costs, the occurrence of prolonged adverse weather conditions or a natural disaster such as an earthquake or typhoon, or the outbreak of infectious diseases in China could severely interfere with the manufacturing and/or shipment of our products and would have a material adverse effect on our operations. Our ability to source products from China may be adversely affected by changes in Chinese laws and regulations (or the interpretation thereof), including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, relations with the U.S. government, raw materials, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. Policy changes in China could adversely affect our interests through, among other factors: changes in laws and regulations, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports or sources of supplies, or the expropriation or nationalization of private enterprises. In addition, electrical shortages, labor shortages or work stoppages may extend the production time necessary to produce our orders. There may be circumstances in the future where we may have to incur higher freight charges to expedite the delivery of product to our customers which could negatively affect our gross profit if we are unable to pass on those charges to our customers.

Current wording

We have been diversifying our sourcing base to ensure that we are not too concentrated in any single country. As we source some of our products from China, the possibility of adverse changes in trade or political relations with China, political instability, increases in labor costs, the occurrence of prolonged adverse weather conditions or a natural disaster such as an earthquake or typhoon, or the outbreak of infectious diseases in China could severely interfere with the manufacturing and/or shipment of our products and would have a material adverse effect on our operations. Our ability to source products from China may be adversely affected by changes in laws and regulations (or the interpretation thereof), including those relating to taxation, import and export tariffs, relations with the U.S. government, raw materials, environmental regulations, land use rights, property and other matters. Policy changes in China could adversely affect our interests through, among other factors: changes in laws and regulations, confiscatory taxation, restrictions on currency conversion, imports or sources of supplies, or the expropriation or nationalization of private enterprises. In addition, electrical shortages, labor shortages or work stoppages may extend the production time necessary to produce our orders. There may be circumstances in the future where we may have to incur higher freight charges to expedite the delivery of product to our customers which could negatively affect our gross profit if we are unable to pass on those charges to our customers.

Previous wording

In addition, changes in the tax laws of foreign jurisdictions may arise as a result of the Pillar Two (“Pillar Two”) Global Anti-Base Erosion model rules that were released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in 2021. The OECD continues to release guidance and in many of the countries implementing the Pillar Two rule, the first component of the Pillar Two rule became effective in 2024, with the second component expected to come into effect in 2025. It is possible that the Pillar Two rule could adversely impact our effective tax rate in future periods. Additionally, administrative guidance with respect to tax law can be incomplete or vary from legislative intent, and therefore the application of tax law is uncertain. While we believe our reported positions comply with relevant tax laws and regulations, taxing authorities could interpret the application of certain laws and regulations differently.

Current wording

In addition, changes in the tax laws of foreign jurisdictions may arise as a result of the Pillar Two (“Pillar Two”) Global Anti-Base Erosion model rules that were released by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development ("OECD") in 2021. Numerous countries have enacted legislation that implemented certain aspects of Pillar Two effective January 1, 2024, or adopted legislation that became effective in 2025, while additional jurisdictions may enact similar legislation in the future. In January 2026, the OECD issued further administrative guidance introducing a side-by-side framework under Pillar Two, largely exempting U.S.-headquartered companies from the application of Pillar Two. The OECD and implementing countries are expected to continue to make further revisions to their legislation and release additional guidance intended to adopt this side-by-side framework into law in each of the member countries. Additionally, administrative guidance with respect to tax law can be incomplete or vary from legislative intent, and therefore the application of tax law is uncertain. While we believe our reported positions comply with relevant tax laws and regulations, taxing authorities could interpret the application of certain laws and regulations differently.