Designer Brands Inc.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

SHARE REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On August 17, 2017, the Board authorized the repurchase of anadditional $500.0 million of Class A common shares under our share repurchase program, which was added to the $33.5 million remaining from the previous authorization, with $19.7 million of Class A common shares that remain authorized for repurchase under the program as of November 1, 2025. The share repurchase program may be suspended, modified, or discontinued at any time, and we have no obligation to repurchase any amount of our Class A common shares under the program. Under this share repurchase program, shares will be repurchased in the open market at times and in amounts considered appropriate based on price and market conditions. During the nine months ended November 1, 2025, no Class A common shares were repurchased.

DIVIDENDS

The payment of any future dividends is at the discretion of our Board and is based on our future earnings, cash flow, financial condition, capital requirements, changes in taxation laws, general economic condition and any other relevant factors. On November 20, 2025, the Board declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.05 per share for both Class A and Class B common shares. The dividend will be paid on December 19, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 5, 2025.

RESTRICTIONS

The ABL Revolver and the Term Loan contain customary covenants restricting our activities, including limitations on the ability to pay dividends or repurchase stock. There are specific exceptions to these covenants including, in some cases, upon satisfying specified payment conditions based on availability.