Carter's (CRI) 10-K 25 Feb 25 2024 FY Annual report Financial data

Cover Page

Cover Page - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Feb. 18, 2025	Jun. 29, 2024
Cover [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Document Annual Report	true
Document Period End Date	Dec. 28, 2024
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-28
Document Transition Report	false
Entity File Number	001-31829
Entity Registrant Name	CARTER’S, INC
Entity Incorporation, State or Country Code	DE
Entity Tax Identification Number	13-3912933
Entity Address, Address Line One	Phipps Tower
Entity Address, Address Line Two	3438 Peachtree Road NE
Entity Address, Address Line Three	Suite 1800
Entity Address, City or Town	Atlanta
Entity Address, State or Province	GA
Entity Address, Postal Zip Code	30326
City Area Code	678
Local Phone Number	791-1000
Title of 12(b) Security	Common stock, par value $0.01 per share
Trading Symbol	CRI
Security Exchange Name	NYSE
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Interactive Data Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
ICFR Auditor Attestation Flag	true
Document Financial Statement Error Correction [Flag]	false
Entity Shell Company	false
Entity Public Float			$ 2,173,597,502
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding (in shares)		36,010,750
Documents Incorporated by Reference	Portions of the definitive proxy statement to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission pursuant to Regulation 14A relating to the Annual Meeting of shareholders of Carter’s, Inc., expected to be held on May 14, 2025, will be incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K. Carter’s, Inc. intends to file such proxy statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission not later than 120 days after its fiscal year ended December 28, 2024.
Entity Central Index Key	0001060822
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2024
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Amendment Flag	false

AUDIT INFORMATION

AUDIT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Auditor Information [Abstract]
Auditor Firm ID	238
Auditor Name	PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Auditor Location	Atlanta, Georgia

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 412,926	$ 351,213
Accounts receivable, net	194,834	183,774
Finished goods inventories	502,332	537,125
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	32,580	29,131
Total current assets	1,142,672	1,101,243
Property, plant, and equipment, net	180,956	183,111
Operating lease assets	577,133	528,407
Tradenames, net	268,008	298,186
Goodwill	206,875	210,537
Customer relationships, net	23,543	27,238
Other assets	33,980	29,891
Total assets	2,433,167	2,378,613
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	248,200	242,149
Current operating lease liabilities	130,564	135,369
Other current liabilities	130,052	134,344
Total current liabilities	508,816	511,862
Long-term debt, net	498,127	497,354
Deferred income taxes	38,210	41,470
Long-term operating lease liabilities	501,503	448,810
Other long-term liabilities	31,949	33,867
Total liabilities	1,578,605	1,533,363
Commitments and contingencies - Note $19
Shareholders’ equity:
Preferred stock; par value $0.01 per share; 100,000 shares authorized; none issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock, voting; par value $0.01 per share; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 36,041,995 and 36,551,221 shares issued and outstanding, respectively	360	366
Additional paid-in capital	3,856	0
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(43,678)	(23,915)
Retained earnings	894,024	868,799
Total shareholders’ equity	854,562	845,250
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 2,433,167	$ 2,378,613

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Accounts receivable, allowance for credit losses	$ 5,663	$ 4,754
Preferred stock; par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock; shares authorized (in shares)	100,000	100,000
Preferred stock; issued (in shares)	0	0
Preferred stock; outstanding (in shares)	0	0
Common stock, voting; par value (USD per share)	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, voting; shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock voting; shares issued (in shares)	36,041,995	36,551,221
Common stock voting; shares outstanding (in shares)	36,041,995	36,551,221

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPER

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Statement [Abstract]
Net sales	$ 2,844,102	$ 2,945,594	$ 3,212,733
Cost of goods sold	1,478,936	1,549,659	1,740,375
Gross profit	1,365,166	1,395,935	1,472,358
Royalty income, net	19,251	21,410	25,820
Selling, general, and administrative expenses	1,099,689	1,093,940	1,110,007
Intangible asset impairment	30,000	0	9,000
Operating income	254,728	323,405	379,171
Interest expense	31,331	33,973	42,781
Interest income	(11,039)	(4,776)	(1,261)
Other expense (income), net	3,627	(8,034)	975
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	19,940
Income before income taxes	230,809	302,242	316,736
Income tax provision	45,300	69,742	66,698
Net income	$ 185,509	$ 232,500	$ 250,038
Basic net income per common share (in USD per share)	$ 5.12	$ 6.24	$ 6.34
Diluted net income per common share (in USD per share)	5.12	6.24	6.34
Dividend declared and paid per common share (in USD per share)	$ 3.20	$ 3	$ 3

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 185,509	$ 232,500	$ 250,038
Other comprehensive income:
Partial pension settlement charge, net of tax of $(224) for fiscal 2024	725	0	0
Unrealized gain on OshKosh defined benefit plan, net of tax of $(396), $(50), and $(540) for the fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively	1,275	160	1,739
Unrealized (loss) gain on Carter’s post-retirement benefit obligation, net of tax of $80, $100, and $(100) for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively	(274)	(330)	344
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(21,489)	10,593	(7,524)
Total other comprehensive (loss) income	(19,763)	10,423	(5,441)
Comprehensive income	$ 165,746	$ 242,923	$ 244,597

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Tax on partial pension settlement charge	$ (224)
Pension Plans
Unrealized gain (loss) on retirement plan, (tax expense) or tax benefit	(396)	$ (50)	$ (540)
Postretirement Benefit
Unrealized gain (loss) on retirement plan, (tax expense) or tax benefit	$ 80	$ 100	$ (100)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 185,509	$ 232,500	$ 250,038
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation of property, plant, and equipment	54,233	60,407	61,543
Amortization of intangible assets	3,693	3,732	3,733
(Recoveries of) provisions for excess and obsolete inventory, net	(348)	(10,439)	5,039
Intangible asset impairment	30,000	0	9,000
Gain on partial termination of corporate lease	0	(4,366)	0
Other asset impairments and loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, net of recoveries	865	3,078	372
Amortization of debt issuance costs	1,630	1,586	1,950
Stock-based compensation expense	17,841	19,463	21,879
Unrealized foreign currency exchange loss (gain), net	380	(207)	(78)
Provisions for doubtful accounts receivable from customers	1,086	471	75
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	19,940
Unrealized (gain) loss on investments	(2,214)	(2,237)	2,475
Partial pension plan settlement	949	0	0
Deferred income tax benefit	(6,422)	(600)	(740)
Other	0	0	919
Effect of changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts receivable	(13,743)	15,453	32,683
Finished goods inventories	26,131	222,920	(106,763)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(2,962)	4,317	14,897
Accounts payable and other liabilities	2,159	(16,946)	(228,601)
Net cash provided by operating activities	298,787	529,132	88,361
Cash flows from investing activities:
Capital expenditures	(56,165)	(59,860)	(40,364)
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,165)	(59,860)	(40,364)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payment of senior notes due 2025	0	0	(500,000)
Premiums paid to extinguish debt	0	0	(15,678)
Payments of debt issuance costs	0	0	(2,420)
Borrowings under secured revolving credit facility	0	70,000	240,000
Payments on secured revolving credit facility	0	(190,000)	(120,000)
Repurchases of common stock	(50,526)	(100,034)	(299,667)
Dividends paid	(116,178)	(112,005)	(118,113)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(7,579)	(5,024)	(6,930)
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	367	4,418	4,457
Other	(900)	0	(919)
Net cash used in financing activities	(174,816)	(332,645)	(819,270)
Net effect of exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6,093)	2,838	(1,273)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	61,713	139,465	(772,546)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of fiscal year	351,213	211,748	984,294
Cash and cash equivalents, end of fiscal year	$ 412,926	$ 351,213	$ 211,748

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHAN

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock	Additional paid-in capital	Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	Retained earnings
Beginning balance (in shares) at Jan. 01, 2022		41,148,870
Beginning balance at Jan. 01, 2022	$ 950,186	$ 411	$ 0	$ (28,897)	$ 978,672
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		76,550
Exercise of stock options	4,457	$ 0	4,457	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		(74,307)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(6,930)	$ 0	(6,930)	0	0
Restricted stock activity (in shares)		288,206
Restricted stock activity	0	$ 3	(3)	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	21,879	$ 0	21,879	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(3,747,187)
Repurchases of common stock	(299,667)	$ (37)	(19,403)	0	(280,227)
Cash dividends declared and paid	(118,113)	0	0	0	(118,113)
Comprehensive income	244,597	$ 0	0	(5,441)
Net income (loss)	250,038				250,038
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2022		37,692,132
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2022	796,409	$ 377	0	(34,338)	830,370
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options (in shares)		64,700
Exercise of stock options	4,418	$ 1	4,417	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		(64,952)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(5,024)	$ (1)	(4,652)	0	(371)
Restricted stock activity (in shares)		305,610
Restricted stock activity	0	$ 3	(3)	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	19,463	$ 0	19,463	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(1,446,269)
Repurchases of common stock	(100,034)	$ (14)	(18,325)	0	(81,695)
Cash dividends declared and paid	(112,005)	0	0	0	(112,005)
Comprehensive income	242,923	0	0	10,423
Net income (loss)	232,500				232,500
Other	$ (900)	$ 0	(900)	0	0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 30, 2023	36,551,221	36,551,221
Ending balance at Dec. 30, 2023	$ 845,250	$ 366	0	(23,915)	868,799
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Exercise of stock options (in shares)	4,408	4,408
Exercise of stock options	$ 367	$ 0	367	0	0
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock (in shares)		(94,143)
Withholdings from vesting of restricted stock	(7,579)	$ (1)	(5,735)	0	(1,843)
Restricted stock activity (in shares)		316,932
Restricted stock activity	0	$ 3	(3)	0	0
Stock-based compensation expense	17,841	$ 0	17,841	0	0
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)		(736,423)
Repurchases of common stock	(50,526)	$ (8)	(8,255)	0	(42,263)
Cash dividends declared and paid	(116,178)	0	0	0	(116,178)
Comprehensive income	165,746	0	0	(19,763)
Net income (loss)	185,509				185,509
Other	$ (359)	$ 0	(359)	0	0
Ending balance (in shares) at Dec. 28, 2024	36,041,995	36,041,995
Ending balance at Dec. 28, 2024	$ 854,562	$ 360	$ 3,856	$ (43,678)	$ 894,024

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CH_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Sep. 28, 2024	Jun. 29, 2024	Mar. 30, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2023	Jul. 01, 2023	Apr. 01, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Oct. 01, 2022	Jul. 02, 2022	Apr. 02, 2022	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividend declared and paid per common share (in USD per share)	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 3.20	$ 3	$ 3

THE COMPANY

THE COMPANY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
THE COMPANY	THE COMPANY Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”) design, source, and market branded childrenswear and related products under the Carter’s , OshKosh B’gosh (or “ OshKosh ”), Skip Hop, Child of Mine , Just One You , Simple Joys, Little Planet, and other brands. The Company’s products are sourced through contractual arrangements with manufacturers worldwide for wholesale distribution to leading department stores, national chains, and specialty retailers domestically and internationally and for sale in the Company’s retail stores and on its eCommerce sites that market its brand name merchandise and other licensed products manufactured by other companies.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Basis of Presentation Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation. Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday in December or January nearest December 31. Every five or six years, our fiscal year includes an additional 53 rd week of results. Fiscal 2024 ended on December 28, 2024, fiscal 2023 ended on December 30, 2023, and fiscal 2022 ended on December 31, 2022. All three fiscal years contained 52 calendar weeks. Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements The preparation of these consolidated financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Translation Adjustments The functional currency of substantially all of the Company’s foreign operations is the local currency in each foreign country. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Transaction Adjustments The Company also recognizes gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the respective entity’s functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses also include the impact of intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in earnings, as a separate component of Other expense (income), net, within the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term nature are accounted for as translation adjustments and are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposit accounts and cash management funds invested in U.S. government instruments. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions; these amounts typically settle in less than five days. Money market funds held in a rabbi trust that are being used as investments to satisfy the Company’s obligations under its deferred compensation plans are treated as investments and recorded in Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Concentration of Cash Deposits Risk As of December 28, 2024, the Company had $412.9 million of cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions, including $75.3 million in financial institutions located outside of the U.S. The Company maintains cash deposits with major financial institutions that exceed the insurance coverage limits provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the U.S. and by similar insurers for deposits located outside the U.S. To mitigate this risk, the Company utilizes a policy of allocating cash deposits among major financial institutions that have been evaluated by the Company and third-party rating agencies as having acceptable risk profiles. Accounts Receivable Concentration of Credit Risk In fiscal 2024, our two largest wholesale customers accounted for 10.9% and 10.1% ,respectively, of the Company’s consolidated net sales. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2023, our largest wholesale customer accounted for 10.4% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2022, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales. At December 28, 2024, three wholesale customers each had individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of gross accounts receivable, and the total receivable balances due from these three wholesale customers in the aggregate equaled approximately 64% of total gross trade receivables outstanding. At December 30, 2023, three wholesale customers each had individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of gross accounts receivable, and the total receivable balances due from these three wholesale customers in the aggregate equaled approximately 56% of total gross trade receivables outstanding. Valuation Accounts for Wholesale Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable Reserves The Company’s accounts receivable reserves for wholesale customers include an allowance for expected credit losses and an allowance for chargebacks. The allowance for expected credit losses includes estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments. If the financial condition of a customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required. Past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectability. The Company’s credit and collections department reviews all other balances regularly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The allowance for chargebacks is based on historical experience and includes estimated losses resulting from pricing adjustments, short shipments, handling charges, returns, and freight. Provisions for the allowance for expected credit losses are reflected in Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and provisions for chargebacks are reflected as a reduction in Net sales on the consolidated statement of operations. Sales Returns Reserves Except in very limited instances, the Company does not allow its wholesale customers to return goods to the Company. Inventories Inventories, which consist primarily of finished goods, are stated approximately at the lower of cost (using first-in, first-out basis for wholesale inventory and average cost for retail inventory) or net realizable value. Costs of finished goods inventories include all costs incurred to bring inventory to its current condition, including inbound freight, duties, and other costs. Obsolete, damaged, and excess inventory is carried at net realizable value by establishing reserves after assessing method of cost determination, historical recovery rates, current market conditions, and future marketing and sales plans. Rebates, discounts, and other cash consideration received from a vendor related to inventory purchases are reflected as reductions in the cost of the related inventory item and are therefore reflected in cost of sales when the related inventory item is sold. Leases The Company has operating leases for retail stores, distribution centers, corporate offices, data centers, and certain equipment. Financial Presentation The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease assets, Current operating lease liabilities, and Long-term operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. The operating lease ROU asset also includes initial direct costs and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain of our lease agreements include variable rental payments based on a percentage of retail sales over contractual levels and others include variable rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Policy Elections Portfolio approach - In general, the Company accounts for the underlying leased asset and applies a discount rate at the lease level. However, there are certain non-real estate leases for which the Company utilizes the portfolio method by aggregating similar leased assets based on the underlying lease term. Non-lease component - The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company has elected a policy to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component for all asset classes. Short-term lease - Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheets. Discount rate - As the rate implicit in the majority of the Company’s leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including the lease term and currency, in determining the present value of lease payments. Renewal options - The Company evaluates the inclusion of renewal options on a lease by lease basis. In general, for leased retail real estate, the Company does not include renewal options in the underlying lease term. Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. When fixed assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the accounts are relieved of the original cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: buildings and improvements from 15 to 26 years, retail store fixtures, equipment, and computers from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements and fixed assets purchased under capital leases are amortized over the lesser of the asset life or the related lease term. Internal-Use Software The Company purchases software licenses from external vendors and also develops software internally using Company employees and consultants. Software license costs, as well as development-stage costs for internally-developed software, are capitalized within Property, plant, and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. All other costs, including preliminary project costs and post-implementation costs for internally-developed software, are expensed as incurred. Capitalized software is depreciated or amortized on the straight-line method over its estimated useful lives, from 3 to 10 years. If a software application does not include a purchased license for the software, such as a cloud-based software application, the arrangement is accounted for as a service contract. Implementation costs incurred in the development stage of such software applications are capitalized and reported in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balances sheets. All other costs, including preliminary project costs and post-implementation costs for these software applications, are expensed as incurred. Any capitalized costs are amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, and the expense is presented in the same line item within the consolidated statements of operations as the expense for the service contract’s fees. Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Annual Impairment Reviews The carrying values of the goodwill and indefinite-lived tradename assets are subject to annual impairment reviews, which are performed as of the last day of each fiscal year. Additionally, a review for potential impairment is performed whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. These impairment reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 350, “ Intangibles--Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”). Significant assumptions in the impairment models include estimates of revenue growth and profitability, terminal growth rates, discount rates, market multiples, an implied control premium, and, in the case of tradenames, royalty rates. Discount rates are dependent upon interest rates and the cost of capital at a point in time. Goodwill The Company performs impairment tests of its goodwill at the reporting unit level. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to assess for impairment, including the use of discounted cash flows (“income approach”) and relevant data from guideline public companies (“market approach”). Under a qualitative assessment, the Company determines if it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include but are not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors that may have a negative effect on earnings, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If the Company determines that it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then a goodwill impairment test using quantitative assessments must be performed. If it is determined that it is “not more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required and the Company documents the relevant qualitative factors that support the strength in the fair value. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company uses a 50% weighting of the income approach and a 50% weighting of the market approach to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these approaches include revenue growth and profitability, terminal growth rates, discount rates, market multiples and an implied control premium. These assumptions are consistent with those of hypothetical marketplace participants. An impairment is recorded for any excess carrying value above the fair value of the reporting unit, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. In fiscal 2024, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test on the goodwill ascribed to each of the Company’s reporting units and on the value of its indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets as of December 28, 2024. Based upon this assessment, there were no impairments to the value of goodwill. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets For indefinite-lived tradenames, the Company may utilize a qualitative assessment, as described above, to determine whether the fair value of an indefinite-lived asset is less than its carrying value. If a quantitative assessment is necessary, the Company determines fair value using the relief-from-royalty valuation method, which examines the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of not having to license the tradename from another owner. The relief-from-royalty valuation method involves two steps: (1) estimation of reasonable royalty rates for the tradename assets and (2) the application of these royalty rates to a forecasted net revenue stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine a fair value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the tradename, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount of the excess. As discussed above, the Company performed quantitative impairment assessments on the value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets as of December 28, 2024. Based on these assessments, a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $30.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 on our indefinite-lived OshKosh tradename asset to write-down the carrying value to $40.0 million. This impairment charge was the result of decreased actual and projected sales and profitability for our OshKosh brand. Impairment of Other Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews other long-lived assets, including ROU lease assets, property, plant, and equipment, definite-lived tradename assets, and customer relationship assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. To determine whether there has been a permanent impairment on such assets, a recoverability test is performed by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the related carrying value of the other long-lived asset, they are written down to their fair value. The process of estimating the fair value requires us to make assumptions and to apply judgment including forecasting revenue growth and profitability, utilizing external market participant assumptions, including estimated market rents, and selecting the appropriate discount rate. Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale will be valued at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell. Deferred Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs associated with the Company’s secured revolving credit facility and senior notes are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs associated with Company’s senior notes are presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a direct reduction in the carrying value of the associated debt liability. Fees paid to lenders by the Company to obtain its secured revolving credit facility are included within Other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and classified as either current or non-current based on the expiration date of the credit facility. Fair Value Measurements The fair value framework requires the Company to categorize certain assets and liabilities into three levels, based upon the assumptions used to price those assets or liabilities. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable. Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability. The Company measures its pension assets, deferred compensation plan investment assets, and any unsettled foreign currency forward contracts at fair value. T he Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are short-term in nature. As such, their carrying value approximates fair value. The carrying values of the Company’s outstanding borrowings are not required to be remeasured and adjusted to the then-current fair values at the end of each reporting period. Instead, the fair values of the Company’s outstanding borrowings are disclosed at the end of each reporting period in Note 14, Fair Value Measurements , to the consolidated financial statements. Had the Company been required to remeasure and adjust the carrying values of its outstanding borrowings to fair value at the end of each reporting period, such fair value measurements would have been disclosed as a Level 2 liability in the fair value hierarchy. Revenue Recognition In accordance with ASC 606, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers” , the Company uses the five-step model to recognize revenue: 1) Identify the contract with the customer; 2) Identity the performance obligation(s); 3) Determine the transaction price; 4) Allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation if multiple obligations exist; and 5) Recognize the revenue when (or as) the performance obligations are satisfied. Performance Obligations The Company identifies each distinct performance obligation to transfer goods (or bundle of goods). Revenue transactions associated with the sale of products to customers through wholesale and international channels and to retail customers that are not members of the Carter’s Rewards loyalty program comprise of a single performance obligation. Revenue transactions associated with the sale of products to retail customers that are members of the Carter’s Rewards loyalty program comprise of two performance obligations: the transfer of control of the goods to the customer and the option for members to earn loyalty points that accumulate towards earning reward certificates. Other than inbound and outbound freight and shipping arrangements, the Company does not use third parties to satisfy its performance obligations in revenue arrangements with customers. When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied Wholesale Revenues - The Company has a single performance obligation in its wholesale arrangements, including replenishment orders. The Company typically satisfies its performance obligation when it transfers control of the goods to the customer upon shipment. However, in certain arrangements where the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment, satisfaction of the performance obligation occurs when the goods reach the customer. To ensure proper timing of revenue recognition, the Company defers the recognition of revenue for shipments that originated at the end of the reporting period in which the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment. “Pack and hold” inventories are not yet associated with any purchase order or purchase commitment. Therefore, these inventories are treated consistently with the rest of our wholesale inventory, and no deferral of revenue has been recognized. Retail Revenues - For transactions in stores, the Company satisfies its performance obligation at point of sale when the customer takes possession of the goods and tenders payment. For purchases made through the Company’s eCommerce channel, revenue is recognized when the goods are physically delivered to the customer or picked up in store. To ensure proper timing of revenue recognition, the Company defers the recognition of revenue for eCommerce channel shipments that originated at the end of the reporting period. Loyalty Program - U.S. retail customers can earn loyalty points that accumulate towards earning reward certificates that are redeemable for a specified amount off of future purchases. Loyalty points expire six months from the day they were earned, and reward certificates expire 45 days after issuance. Points and reward certificates earned by retail customers under Carter’s Rewards , the Company’s loyalty program, represent a separate performance obligation. For transactions where a customer earns loyalty points, the Company allocates revenue between the goods sold and the loyalty points expected to be earned towards a reward certificate based upon the relative standalone selling price. The revenue that is deferred is recorded within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and then recognized as revenue upon redemption of the reward certificate. Loyalty program breakage is recognized as revenue based on the customer redemption pattern. Gift Cards - Customer purchases of gift cards are not recognized as revenue until the gift card is redeemed. The revenue that is deferred is recorded within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Gifts cards do not have an expiration date however, gift card breakage is recognized as revenue based upon the historical customer redemption pattern. Credit Card Revenues - The Company’s private label credit card is issued to customers for use exclusively at the Company’s U.S. stores and U.S. eCommerce sites. Credit is extended to such customers by a third-party financial institution without recourse to the Company. The Company’s performance obligations under the private label credit card agreement include providing program marketing and intellectual property to the third-party financial institution in support of the private label credit card program, as well as operating a loyalty program. The upfront bonus paid to the Company is recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Usage-based royalties are primarily recognized as revenue in the period of usage and an amount is recognized on a point-in-time basis as redemptions under the loyalty program occur. Revenue associated with the establishment of new credit accounts is recognized in the period the activity occurred. Revenues related to the Company’s private label credit card program are recorded as Net sales on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Royalty Revenues - The Company has a single performance obligation in its licensing agreements with domestic and international licensees: to grant licensees the right to access certain trademarks in return for royalty payments or licensing fees. The Company satisfies its performance obligations with licensees over time as customers have the right to use the intellectual property over the contract period. Royalty revenues are included within Royalty income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Significant Payment Terms Retail customers tender a form of payment, such as cash or a credit/debit card, at point of sale. For wholesale customers and licensees, payment is due based on established terms, which is generally sixty days or less from date of shipment. Returns and Refunds The Company establishes return provisions for retail customers in the period the sales occur. Return provisions are calculated based on historical return data and are recorded within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Except in very limited instances, the Company does not allow its wholesale customers to return goods to the Company. Significant Judgments Sale of Goods - The Company relies on shipping terms to determine when performance obligations are satisfied. The Company recognizes the revenue once control passes to the customer. When goods are shipped to wholesale customers “FOB Shipping Point,” control of the goods is transferred to the customer at the time of shipment. When goods are shipped to wholesale customers “FOB Destination,” control of the goods is transferred to the customer when the goods reach the customer. For most retail transactions in stores, no significant judgments are involved since revenue is recognized at the point of sale when tender is exchanged and the customer receives the goods. For retail transactions made through the Company’s eCommerce channel, revenue is recognized when the goods are physically delivered to the customer. The Company recognizes revenue from omni-channel sales, including buy-online and pick-up in-store, buy-online, ship-to-store, and buy-online, deliver-from-store, when the product has been picked up by the customer at the store or when the product is physically delivered to the customer. Royalty Revenues - The Company transfers the right-to-use benefit to the licensee for the contract term and therefore the Company satisfies its performance obligation over time. Revenue recognized for each reporting period is based on the greater of: 1) the royalties owed on actual net sales by the licensee and 2) a minimum royalty guarantee, if applicable. Transaction Price - The transaction price is the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive under the arrangement. The Company is required to estimate variable consideration (if any) and to factor that estimation into the determination of the transaction price. The Company may offer sales incentives to wholesale and retail customers, including discounts. Additionally, the Company recognizes an allowance for chargebacks for wholesale customers that is based on historical experience and includes estimated losses resulting from pricing adjustments, short shipments, handling charges, returns, and freight. For retail transactions, the Company has significant experience with return patterns and relies on this experience to estimate expected returns when determining the transaction price. Standalone Selling Prices - For arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, including sales through our Carter’s Rewards loyalty program, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Costs Incurred to Obtain a Contract - Incremental costs to obtain contracts are not material to the Company. Policy Elections In addition to those previously disclosed, the Company has made the following accounting policy elections and practical expedients: • Portfolio Approach - The Company uses the portfolio approach when multiple contracts or performance obligations are involved in the determination of revenue recognition. This approach is primarily used to estimate the redemption of loyalty points, loyalty point breakage, and gift card breakage. • Taxes - The Company excludes from the transaction price any taxes collected from customers that are remitted to taxing authorities. • Shipping and Handling Charges - Charges that are incurred before and after the customer obtains control of goods are deemed to be fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of goods sold when the related revenues are recognized. • Time Value of Money - The Company’s payment terms are less than one year from the transfer of goods. Therefore, the Company does not adjust promised amounts of consideration for the effects of the time value of money. • Disclosure of Remaining Performance Obligations - The Company does not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations for contracts that are one year or less in term. Cooperative advertising arrangements reimburse customers for marketing activities for certain of our products. The Company records these reimbursements under cooperative advertising arrangements with certain of its major wholesale customers at fair value. Fair value is determined based upon, among other factors, comparable market analysis for similar advertisements. The Company has included the fair value of these arrangements of $0.9 million and $0.6 million for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2022 as a component of SG&A expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, rather than as a reduction of Net sales. There were no amounts for cooperative advertising arrangements recorded as a component of SG&A expenses for fiscal 2023. Amounts determined to be in excess of the fair value of these arrangements are recorded as a reduction of Net sales. For arrangements in which the Company does not receive a distinct good or service, we record these reimbursements as a reduction of net sales. The majority of the Company’s digital cooperative advertising arrangements are recorded as a reduction of net sales as there was no distinct good or service received by the Company. Costs of Goods Sold and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses In addition to the cost of product, cost of goods sold include changes to our inventory reserve and expenses related to the merchandising, design, and procurement of product, including inbound freight costs, purchasing and receiving costs, and inspection costs. Also included in costs of goods sold are the costs of shipping eCommerce product to end consumers. For omni-channel transactions, costs of goods sold include the costs of shipping product to end customers or to retail stores. Retail store occupancy costs, distribution expenses, and generally all expenses other than interest and income taxes are included in SG&A expenses. Distribution expenses that are included in SG&A primarily consist of payments to third-party shippers and handling costs to process product through our distribution facilities, including eCommerce fulfillment costs, and delivery to our wholesale customers and to our retail stores. Distribution expenses

REVENUE RECOGNITION

REVENUE RECOGNITION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
REVENUE RECOGNITION	REVENUE RECOGNITION The Company’s revenues are earned from contracts or arrangements with retail and wholesale customers and licensees. Contracts include written agreements, as well as arrangements that are implied by customary practices or law. Disaggregation of Revenue The Company sells its products directly to consumers (“direct-to-consumer”) and to other retail companies and partners that subsequently sell the products directly to their own retail customers. The Company also earns royalties from certain of its licensees. Disaggregated revenues from these sources for the fiscal years presented were as follows: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Direct-to-consumer $ 1,417,108 $ — $ 268,409 $ 1,685,517 Wholesale channel — 1,021,396 137,189 1,158,585 $ 1,417,108 $ 1,021,396 $ 405,598 $ 2,844,102 Royalty income, net $ 5,365 $ 11,072 $ 2,814 $ 19,251 Fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Direct-to-consumer $ 1,501,780 $ — $ 268,596 $ 1,770,376 Wholesale channel — 1,014,584 160,634 1,175,218 $ 1,501,780 $ 1,014,584 $ 429,230 $ 2,945,594 Royalty income, net $ 6,549 $ 11,660 $ 3,201 $ 21,410 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Direct-to-consumer $ 1,680,159 $ — $ 279,903 $ 1,960,062 Wholesale channel — 1,080,471 172,200 1,252,671 $ 1,680,159 $ 1,080,471 $ 452,103 $ 3,212,733 Royalty income, net $ 8,815 $ 12,915 $ 4,090 $ 25,820 Accounts Receivable from Customers and Licensees The components of Accounts receivable, net, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Trade receivables from wholesale customers, net $ 187,715 $ 172,106 Royalties receivable, net 3,728 4,753 Other receivables (1) 13,444 20,032 Total receivables $ 204,887 $ 196,891 Less: Wholesale accounts receivable reserves (2)(3) (10,053) (13,117) Accounts receivable, net $ 194,834 $ 183,774 (1) Includes tax, payroll, gift card and other receivables. The balance for the fiscal period ended December 30, 2023 includes a receivable for a $6.9 million court approved settlement in December 2023 related to payment card interchange fees. This payment was received in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. (2) Includes allowance for chargebacks of $4.4 million and $8.4 million for the periods ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. (3) Includes allowance for credit losses of $5.7 million and $4.8 million for the periods ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Information regarding Wholesale accounts receivable reserves is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Wholesale accounts receivable reserves Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 18,695 Additional provisions 9,280 Charges to reserve (11,527) Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 16,448 Additional provisions 5,220 Charges to reserve (8,551) Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 13,117 Additional provisions 2,836 Charges to reserve (5,900) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ 10,053 Contract Assets and Liabilities The Company’s contract assets are not material. Contract Liabilities The Company recognizes a contract liability when it has received consideration from a customer and has a future obligation to transfer goods to the customer. Total contract liabilities consisted of the following amounts: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Contract liabilities - current: Unredeemed gift cards $ 25,043 $ 25,162 Unredeemed customer loyalty rewards 2,552 3,355 Carter’s credit card - upfront bonus (1) 714 714 Total contract liabilities - current (2) $ 28,309 $ 29,231 Contract liabilities - non-current (3) $ — $ 714 Total contract liabilities $ 28,309 $ 29,945 (1) The Company received an upfront signing bonus from a third-party financial institution, which will be recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. This amount reflects the current portion of this bonus to be recognized as revenue over the next twelve months. (2) Included within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. (3) This amount reflects the non-current portion of the Carter’s credit card upfront bonus and is included within Other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Composition of Contract Liabilities Unredeemed gift cards - the Company is obligated to transfer goods in the future to customers who have purchased gift cards. Periodic changes in the gift card contract liability result from the purchase of gift cards, the redemption of gift cards by customers and the recognition of estimated breakage revenue for those gift card balances that are not expected to be redeemed. Although gift cards do not have an expiration date, the Company classifies all outstanding gift card balances as current liabilities, as they are redeemable on demand by the valid card holder. The majority of the Company’s gift cards are redeemed within one year of issuance. During fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, the Company recognized revenue of $10.5 million and $9.4 million related to the gift card liability balance that existed at December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022, respectively. Unredeemed loyalty rewards - points and reward certificates earned by customers under the Company’s loyalty program represent obligations of the Company to transfer goods to the customer upon redemption. Periodic changes in the loyalty program contract liability result from new rewards earned, reward certificate redemptions and expirations. The earning and redemption cycles for our loyalty program are under one year in duration. Carter’s credit card - upfront bonus - the Company received an upfront bonus from a third-party financial institution, which will be recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement.

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT	PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Land, building, and leasehold improvements $ 375,173 $ 357,029 Fixtures, equipment, and computer hardware 301,732 302,747 Computer software (*) 98,563 129,685 Construction in progress 8,158 9,557 783,626 799,018 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (602,670) (615,907) Total $ 180,956 $ 183,111 (*) Decrease related to the derecognition of fully depreciated computer software assets that were no longer in service.

LEASES

LEASES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
LEASES	LEASES The Company has operating leases for retail stores, distribution centers, corporate offices, data centers, and certain equipment. The Company’s leases generally have initial terms ranging from 3 years to 10 years, some of which may include options to extend the leases for up to 5 years, and some of which may include options to early terminate the lease. As of the periods presented, the Company’s finance leases were not material to the consolidated balance sheets, consolidated statements of operations, or statement of cash flows. The following components of lease expense are included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal periods indicated: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating lease cost $ 177,034 $ 171,072 $ 160,210 Variable lease cost (*) 57,992 56,089 66,400 Net lease cost $ 235,026 $ 227,161 $ 226,610 (*) Includes short-term leases, which are not material, and any operating lease impairment charges. Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Weighted average remaining operating lease term (years) 5.9 5.8 Weighted average discount rate for operating leases 5.0% 4.63% Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 was $175.0 million and $177.8 million, respectively. Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 were $196.3 million and $184.6 million, respectively. Operating lease assets obtained primarily consist of new or modified leases. As of December 28, 2024, the maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: (dollars in thousands) Operating leases 2025 $ 151,728 2026 146,911 2027 115,942 2028 93,103 2029 69,325 After 2029 167,329 Total lease payments $ 744,338 Less: Interest (112,271) Present value of lease liabilities (*) $ 632,067 (*) As the rate implicit in the majority of the Company’s leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including the lease term and currency, to determine the present value of lease payments.

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE A

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS The balances and changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill attributable to each segment were as follows: (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Balance at December 31, 2022 (*) $ 83,934 $ 74,454 $ 50,945 $ 209,333 Foreign currency impact — — 1,204 1,204 Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 83,934 $ 74,454 $ 52,149 $ 210,537 Foreign currency impact — — (3,662) (3,662) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ 83,934 $ 74,454 $ 48,487 $ 206,875 (*) Goodwill attributable to the International segment is net of accumulated impairment losses of $17.7 million. A summary of the carrying value of the Company’s intangible assets were as follows: December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands) Weighted-average useful life Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net amount Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net amount Carter’s tradename Indefinite $ 220,233 $ — $ 220,233 $ 220,233 $ — $ 220,233 OshKosh tradename (1) Indefinite 40,000 — 40,000 70,000 — 70,000 Skip Hop tradename Indefinite 6,000 — 6,000 6,000 — 6,000 Finite-life tradenames (2) 5 - 20 years 3,911 2,136 1,775 3,911 1,958 1,953 Total tradenames, net $ 270,144 $ 2,136 $ 268,008 $ 300,144 $ 1,958 $ 298,186 Skip Hop customer relationships 15 years $ 47,300 $ 24,540 $ 22,760 $ 47,300 $ 21,363 $ 25,937 Carter’s Mexico customer relationships 10 years 3,145 2,362 783 3,324 2,023 1,301 Total customer relationships, net $ 50,445 $ 26,902 $ 23,543 $ 50,624 $ 23,386 $ 27,238 (1) A non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $30.0 million on the OshKosh indefinite-lived tradename asset was recorded during fiscal 2024. (2) Relates to the acquisition of rights to the Carter’s brand in Chile in December 2014 and the acquisition of the Skip Hop brand in February 2017. The carrying values of goodwill and indefinite-lived tradename assets are subject to annual impairment reviews as of the last day of each fiscal year. Between annual assessments, impairment reviews may also be triggered by any significant events or changes in circumstances affecting our business. These impairment reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 350, “ Intangibles--Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”). In fiscal 2024, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test on the goodwill ascribed to each of the Company’s reporting units and on the value of its indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets as of December 28, 2024. The goodwill impairment assessment for each reporting unit was performed in accordance with ASC 350 and compares the carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value. Consistent with prior practice, the Company uses a 50% weighting of the income approach and a 50% weighting of the market approach to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. Based upon this assessment, there were no impairments on the value of goodwill. The indefinite-lived tradename asset assessments were performed in accordance with ASC 350 and were determined using a discounted cash flow analysis which examined the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of not having to license the tradename from another owner. Based on these assessments, a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $30.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 on our indefinite-lived OshKosh tradename asset to write-down the carrying value to $40.0 million. This impairment charge was the result of decreased actual and projected sales and profitability for our OshKosh brand. In fiscal 2022, a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $9.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2022 on our indefinite-lived Skip Hop tradename asset to write-down the carrying value to $6.0 million. This impairment charge was due to increased discount rates, decreased actual and projected sales and profitability, and the announcement of the substantial doubt of a Skip Hop wholesale customer’s ability to continue to operate as a going concern. Changes in the carrying values between comparative periods for goodwill related to the International segment were due to fluctuations in the foreign currency exchange rates primarily between the Canadian and U.S. dollar that were used in the remeasurement process for preparing the Company’s consolidated financial statements. The changes in the carrying value of customer relationships for Carter’s Mexico, including the related accumulated amortization, that were not attributable to amortization expense was also impacted by foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. Amortization expense for intangible assets subject to amortization was $3.7 million for each of fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022. Amortization expense is included in SG&A expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Amortization expense 2025 $ 3,657 2026 $ 3,657 2027 $ 3,531 2028 $ 3,354 2029 $ 3,354

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURR

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS	PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS Prepaid expenses and other current assets at the end of any comparable period, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Prepaid information technology-related contracts (*) 14,953 11,504 Prepaid income taxes 4,398 2,563 Other 13,229 15,064 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 32,580 $ 29,131 (*) Primarily related to cloud computing arrangements and software maintenance contracts.

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES	OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES Other current liabilities at the end of any comparable period, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Unredeemed gift cards $ 25,043 $ 25,162 Accrued employee benefits 20,824 17,928 Accrued taxes 14,455 12,909 Income taxes payable 13,820 12,697 Accrued salaries and wages 12,345 12,458 Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation (*) 2,757 20,817 Other 40,808 32,373 Other current liabilities $ 130,052 $ 134,344 (*) Decrease primarily related to lower than forecasted financial performance in fiscal 2024.

SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM

SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM	SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM We have established a voluntary supply chain finance (“SCF”) program through participating financial institutions. This SCF program enables participating suppliers to accelerate payments for receivables due from the Company by selling them directly to the participating financial institutions at their discretion. As of December 28, 2024, the SCF program has a $70.0 million revolving capacity. We are not a party to the agreements between the participating financial institutions and the suppliers in connection with the SCF program. Payment terms for most of our suppliers are 60 days, regardless of participation in the SCF program. The Company does not provide any guarantees under the SCF program. The Company’s liability related to amounts payable to the participating financial institution for suppliers who voluntarily participate in the SCF program are included in Accounts payable The rollforward of the Company’s liability related to amounts payable to the participating financial institution, including new additions, settlements and the ending balance is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Amounts payable under SCF program Outstanding, December 30, 2023 $ 14,792 Invoices confirmed during the year 148,343 Confirmed invoices paid during the year (144,092) Outstanding, December 28, 2024 $ 19,043

LONG-TERM DEBT

LONG-TERM DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
LONG-TERM DEBT	LONG-TERM DEBT Long-term debt consisted of the following: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 $500 million, 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Less: unamortized debt issuance-related costs (1,873) (2,646) Senior notes, net $ 498,127 $ 497,354 Secured revolving credit facility — — Total long-term debt, net $ 498,127 $ 497,354 Secured Revolving Credit Facility As of December 28, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.7 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 30, 2023, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility, exclusive of $4.4 million of outstanding letters of credit. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, there was $845.3 million and $845.6 million available for future borrowing, respectively. All outstanding borrowings under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility are classified as non-current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets due to contractual repayment terms under the credit facility. Terms of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility The Company’s secured revolving credit facility provides for an aggregate credit line of $850.0 million which includes a $750.0 million U.S. dollar facility and a $100.0 million multicurrency facility. The credit facility matures in April 2027. The facility contains covenants that restrict the Company’s ability to, among other things: (i) create or incur liens, debt, guarantees or other investments, (ii) engage in mergers and consolidations, (iii) pay dividends or other distributions to, and redemptions and repurchases from, equity holders, (iv) prepay, redeem or repurchase subordinated or junior debt, (v) amend organizational documents, and (vi) engage in certain transactions with affiliates. The Company’s secured revolving credit facility provides for a leverage-based pricing grid which determines an interest rate for borrowings, calculated as the applicable floating benchmark rate plus a credit spread adjustment, if any, plus an amount ranging from 1.125% to 1.625%, based on leverage. As of December 28, 2024, the borrowing rate for an adjusted term Secured Overnight Financing Rate (“SOFR”) loan would have been 5.58%, which includes a leverage-based adjustment of 1.125%. As of December 28, 2024, the Company was in compliance with its financial and other covenants under the secured revolving credit facility. Senior Notes 2022 Redemption of Senior Notes due 2025 On April 4, 2022, the Company, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, TWCC redeemed $500 million principal amount of senior notes, bearing interest at a rate of 5.500% per annum, and originally maturing on May 15, 2025. Pursuant to the optional redemption provisions described in the indenture dated as of May 11, 2020, TWCC paid the outstanding principal plus accrued interest and an applicable premium as defined in the indenture. This debt redemption resulted in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $19.9 million, primarily consisting of $15.7 million of the applicable premium and $4.3 million related to the write-off of unamortized debt issuance costs. Senior Notes due 2027 On March 14, 2019, TWCC issued $500 million principal amount of senior notes at par, bearing interest at a rate of 5.625% per annum, and maturing on March 15, 2027. TWCC may redeem all or part of the senior notes at a redemption price of 100% of the principal amount of the senior notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest. The senior notes mentioned above are unsecured and are fully and unconditionally guaranteed by Carter’s, Inc. and certain domestic subsidiaries of TWCC. The guarantor subsidiaries are 100% owned directly or indirectly by Carter’s, Inc. and all guarantees are joint, several and unconditional. The indenture governing the senior notes provides that upon the occurrence of specific kinds of changes of control, unless a redemption notice with respect to all the outstanding senior notes has previously or concurrently been mailed or delivered, TWCC will be required to make an offer to purchase the senior notes at 101% of their principal amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to (but excluding) the date of purchase. The indenture governing the senior notes includes a number of covenants, that, among other things and subject to certain exceptions, restrict TWCC’s ability and the ability of certain of its subsidiaries to: (a) incur certain types of indebtedness that is secured by a lien; (b) enter into certain sale and leaseback transactions; and (c) consolidate or merge with or into, or sell substantially all of the issuer’s assets to, another person, under certain circumstances. Terms of the notes contain customary affirmative covenants and provide for events of default which, if certain of them occur, would permit the trustee or the holders of at least 25.0% in principal amount of the then total outstanding senior notes to declare all amounts owning under the notes to be due and payable. Carter’s, Inc. is not subject to these covenants.

COMMON STOCK

COMMON STOCK	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Equity [Abstract]
COMMON STOCK	COMMON STOCK Open Market Share Repurchases The Company repurchased and retired shares in open market transactions in the following amounts for the fiscal periods indicated: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Number of shares repurchased (1) 736,423 1,446,269 3,747,187 Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands) (2) $ 50,526 $ 100,034 $ 299,667 Average price per share (2) $ 68.61 $ 69.17 $ 79.97 (1) Share repurchases were made in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and in accordance with the share repurchase authorizations. (2) The aggregate cost of share repurchases and average price paid per share excludes excise tax on share repurchases imposed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. On February 24, 2022, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized share repurchases up to $1.00 billion, inclusive of $301.9 million remaining under previous authorizations. The total remaining capacity under outstanding repurchase authorizations as of December 28, 2024 was $599.0 million, based on settled repurchase transactions. The share repurchase authorizations have no expiration dates. Future repurchases may occur from time to time in the open market, in privately negotiated transactions, or otherwise. The timing and amount of any repurchases will be at the discretion of the Company subject to restrictions under the Company’s secured revolving credit facility, market conditions, stock price, other investment priorities, excise taxes, and other factors. Dividends On February 21, 2025, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.80 per common share, payable on March 28, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on March 10, 2025. In each quarter of fiscal 2024, the Board of Directors declared, and the Company paid, a cash dividend per common share of $0.80 (for an aggregate cash dividend per common share of $3.20 for fiscal 2024). In fiscal 2023 the Board of Directors declared, and the Company paid, a cash dividend per common share of $0.75 (for an aggregate cash dividend per common share of $3.00 for fiscal 2023). Additionally, in each quarter of fiscal 2022, the Board of Directors declared and the Company paid, a cash dividend per common share of $0.75 (for an aggregate cash dividend per common share of $3.00 for fiscal 2022). Our Board of Directors will evaluate future dividend declarations based on a number of factors, including restrictions under the Company’s revolving credit facility, business conditions, the Company’s financial performance, and other considerations. Provisions in the Company’s secured revolving credit facility could have the effect of restricting the Company’s ability to pay cash dividends on, or make future repurchases of its common stock, as further described in Note 10 , Long-Term Debt, to the consolidated financial statements.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION Under the Company’s Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors may award incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock (including time-based awards, performance-based awards, and market-based awards), unrestricted stock, stock deliverable on a deferred basis (including restricted stock units). As of December 28, 2024, the maximum number of shares of stock available under the Plan was 18,778,392, and there were 1,805,675 remaining shares available for grant under the Plan. The Plan makes a provision for the treatment of awards upon termination of service or in the case of a merger or similar corporate transaction. Participation in the Plan is limited to members of the Company’s Board of Directors, executive officers and other key employees. The limit on shares available under the Plan, the individual limits, and other award terms are subject to adjustment to reflect stock splits or stock dividends, combinations, and certain other events. All stock options issued under the Plan expire no later than ten years from the date of grant. The Company believes that the current level of authorized shares is sufficient to satisfy future grants for the foreseeable future. The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Stock options $ — $ — $ 189 Restricted stock: Time-based awards 16,388 17,243 17,893 Performance-based awards (*) (935) 670 2,091 Market-based awards 788 — — Stock awards 1,600 1,550 1,706 Total $ 17,841 $ 19,463 $ 21,879 (*) Decrease in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 relates to the downward revision of estimates for the achievement of performance targets related to certain performance-based grants. During fiscal 2024, the revision of performance target estimates resulted in a reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense for outstanding performance-based awards. As of December 28, 2024, and December 30, 2023, there was no unrecognized compensation costs remaining related to stock options. Stock Options Stock options vest in equal annual installments over a four-year period. The Company issues new shares to satisfy stock option exercises. There were no stock options granted in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022. Changes in the Company’s stock options for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 were as follows: Number of shares Weighted- average exercise price Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, December 30, 2023 446,831 $ 96.20 Granted (*) — $ — Exercised (4,408) $ 83.32 Forfeited — $ — Expired (53,397) $ 95.26 Outstanding, December 28, 2024 389,026 $ 96.47 1.96 $ — Vested and expected to vest, December 28, 2024 389,026 $ 96.47 1.96 $ — Exercisable, December 28, 2024 389,026 $ 96.47 1.96 $ — (*) The Company did not grant any stock options in fiscal 2024. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 was $0.1 million, $0.3 million, and $1.4 million, respectively. Restricted Stock Awards Restricted stock awards issued under the Plan vest based upon: 1) continued service (time-based) 2) a combination of continued service and performance targets (performance-based) or 3) a combination of continued service and the Company’s relative total shareholder return (market-based). The following table summarizes activity related to all restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024: Restricted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award Outstanding, December 30, 2023 755,289 $ 84.63 Granted 372,933 $ 80.32 Vested (254,244) $ 89.57 Forfeited (51,327) $ 82.04 Outstanding, December 28, 2024 822,651 $ 81.31 During fiscal 2023, a total of 184,803 shares of restricted stock vested with a weighted-average fair value of $91.84 per share. During fiscal 2022, a total of 205,120 shares of restricted stock vested with a weighted-average fair value of $95.54 per share. At December 28, 2024, there was $30.8 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to all restricted stock awards which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years. Time-based Restricted Stock Awards Fiscal year Number of awards granted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award 2022 230,625 $ 90.06 2023 272,509 $ 73.80 2024 266,539 $ 77.00 Time-based restricted stock awards vest in equal annual installments or cliff vest after a three-year or four-year period. During fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, a total of 254,244 shares, 184,803 shares, and 162,508 shares, respectively, of time-based restricted stock vested with a weighted-average fair value of $89.57 per share, $91.84 per share, and $97.29 per share, respectively. At December 28, 2024, there was $26.4 million of unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to time-based restricted stock which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.5 years. Performance-based Restricted Stock Awards Fiscal year Number of awards granted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award 2022 89,760 $ 91.12 2023 112,284 $ 74.06 2024 55,089 $ 81.95 Performance-based restricted stock awards cliff vest after a three-year period, subject to the achievement of the performance target. During the fiscal years 2024 and 2023, no performance shares vested. During fiscal 2022, 42,612 performance shares vested. As of December 28, 2024, a total of 237,697 performance shares were unvested with a weighted-average fair value of $81.38 per share. As of December 28, 2024, there was $2.3 million unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to the unvested performance-based restricted stock awards based which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 1.9 years. The Company recognizes compensation cost ratably over the applicable performance periods based on the estimated probability of achievement of its performance targets at the end of each period. Market-based Restricted Stock Awards Fiscal year Number of awards granted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award 2024 28,375 $ 117.28 The market-based restricted stock awards cliff vest after a three-year period, subject to the performance of the Company’s TSR relative to the TSR of a select group of peer companies over the three-year period. A Monte-Carlo simulation was utilized to determine the grant-date fair value of the market-based restricted stock awards, using the following assumptions: beginning TSR price of $73.60, grant date share price of $81.95, simulation term of 3 years, expected volatility of 32.9%, and risk-free interest rate of 4.5%. As of December 28, 2024, a total of 28,375 market-based restricted shares were unvested with a weighted-average fair value of $117.28 per share. As of December 28, 2024, there was $2.2 million unrecognized compensation cost (net of estimated forfeitures) related to the unvested market-based restricted stock awards based which is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of approximately 2.2 years. Stock Awards Included in restricted stock awards are grants to non-management members of the Company’s Board of Directors. At issuance, these awards were fully vested and issued as shares of the Company’s common stock. The Company records the stock-based compensation expense immediately as there are no vesting terms. During fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, such awards were as follows: Fiscal year Number of shares issued Weighted-average grant date fair value per share 2022 21,725 $ 78.51 2023 23,850 $ 65.01 2024 22,930 $ 69.78 The Company received no proceeds from the issuance of these shares.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME The components of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consisted of the following: (dollars in thousands) Pension liability adjustments (*) Post-retirement liability adjustments Cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Balance at January 1, 2022 $ (8,920) $ 1,325 $ (21,302) $ (28,897) Fiscal year 2022 change 1,739 344 (7,524) (5,441) Balance at December 31, 2022 (7,181) 1,669 (28,826) (34,338) Fiscal year 2023 change 160 (330) 10,593 10,423 Balance at December 30, 2023 (7,021) 1,339 (18,233) (23,915) Fiscal year 2024 change 2,000 (274) (21,489) (19,763) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ (5,021) $ 1,065 $ (39,722) $ (43,678) (*) Includes reclassification adjustments for deferred losses on pension obligations of $0.7 million (net of income taxes of $0.2 million) related to the partial settlement of the pension plan in fiscal 2024. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the cumulative tax effect on the pension liability adjustments were $1.6 million and $2.2 million, respectively. As of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, the cumulative tax effect on the post-retirement liability adjustments were $0.3 million and $0.4 million, respectively. For the fiscal years ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, amounts reclassified from Accumulated other comprehensive loss to the consolidated statements of operations consisted of the partial settlement of the pension plan in fiscal 2024 and the amortization of actuarial gains and losses related to the Company’s defined benefit pension plan and defined benefit post-retirement plans. The partial pension settlement charge was recorded in Other expense (income), net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The amortization of actuarial gains and losses amounts are included in the net periodic cost or benefit recognized for these plans during the respective fiscal year. For additional information, see Note 17 , Employee Benefit Plans , to the consolidated financial statements.

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS Investments The Company invests comparable amounts in marketable securities, principally equity-based mutual funds, to approximate the participant’s investment return on employee deferrals of compensation. All of the marketable securities are included in Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets, and their aggregate fair values were $19.5 million and $17.3 million at the end of fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023, respectively. These investments are classified as Level 1 within the fair value hierarchy. The change in the aggregate fair values of marketable securities is due to the net activity of gains and losses and any contributions and distributions during the period. Gains on the investments in marketable securities were $2.2 million for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023. These amounts are included in Other expense (income), net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, by asset category, are disclosed in Note 17, Employee Benefits Plans , to the consolidated financial statements. Borrowings As of December 28, 2024, the Company had no outstanding borrowings under its secured revolving credit facility. The fair value of the Company’s senior notes was $494.4 million and $493.7 million at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. The fair value of these senior notes with a notional value and carrying value (gross of debt issuance costs) of $500.0 million was estimated using a quoted price as provided in the secondary market, which considers the Company’s credit risk and market related conditions, and is therefore within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. Goodwill, Intangible, and Other Long-Lived Assets Some assets are not measured at fair value on a recurring basis but are subject to fair value adjustments only in certain circumstances. These assets can include goodwill, indefinite-lived intangible assets, and other long-lived assets that have been reduced to fair value when impaired. Assets that are written down to fair value when impaired are not subsequently adjusted to fair value unless further impairment occurs. In fiscal 2024, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test on the goodwill ascribed to each of the Company’s reporting units and on the value of its indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets as of December 28, 2024. The goodwill impairment assessment for each reporting unit was performed in accordance with ASC 350 and compares the carrying value of each reporting unit to its fair value. Consistent with prior practice, the Company uses a 50% weighting of the income approach and a 50% weighting of the market approach to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. Based upon this assessment, there were no impairments on the value of goodwill. The indefinite-lived tradename asset assessments were performed in accordance with ASC 350 and were determined using a discounted cash flow analysis which examined the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of not having to license the tradename from another owner. Based on these assessments, a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $30.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 on our indefinite-lived OshKosh tradename asset to write-down the carrying value to $40.0 million. This impairment charge was the result of decreased actual and projected sales and profitability for our OshKosh brand.

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Provision for Income Taxes The provision for income taxes consisted of the following: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current tax provision: Federal $ 33,397 $ 47,643 $ 43,569 State 7,422 8,943 8,307 Foreign 10,903 13,756 15,562 Total current provision $ 51,722 $ 70,342 $ 67,438 Deferred tax (benefit) provision: Federal $ (3,965) $ (148) $ (1,484) State (25) (512) 425 Foreign (2,432) 60 319 Total deferred benefit (6,422) (600) (740) Total provision $ 45,300 $ 69,742 $ 66,698 The foreign portion of the tax position substantially relates to the Company’s international operations in Canada, Hong Kong and Mexico, in addition to foreign tax withholdings related to the Company’s foreign royalty income. The Company plans to repatriate undistributed earnings from Hong Kong and has provided for deferred income taxes related to these earnings. Since the current U.S. tax regime taxes foreign earnings in the year earned, taxes associated with repatriation are not material. Deferred income taxes have not been provided for undistributed foreign earnings from Canada or Mexico, or any additional outside basis difference inherent in all foreign entities, as these amounts continue to be indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Total undistributed earnings from the Company’s subsidiaries in Canada and Mexico amounted to $101.3 million. Unrecognized deferred tax liability related to undistributed earnings from the Company’s subsidiaries in Canada and Mexico is estimated to be approximately $4.8 million, based on applicable withholding taxes, levels of foreign income previously taxed in the U.S. and applicable foreign tax credit limitations. The company accounts for the additional U.S. income tax on its foreign earnings under Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (“GILTI”) as a period expense in the period in which additional tax is due. The components of income before income taxes were as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Domestic $ 167,741 $ 240,627 $ 227,929 Foreign 63,068 61,615 88,807 Total $ 230,809 $ 302,242 $ 316,736 Effective Rate Reconciliation The difference between the Company’s effective income tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate is reconciled below: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Statutory federal income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2.9 % 3.0 % 2.8 % Impact of foreign operations (3.4) % (0.8) % (2.0) % Settlement of uncertain tax positions (0.5) % (0.6) % (0.7) % Benefit from stock-based compensation — % — % (0.1) % Other (0.4) % 0.5 % 0.1 % Total 19.6 % 23.1 % 21.1 % The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated United States federal income tax return, as well as separate and combined income tax returns in numerous state and foreign jurisdictions. In most cases, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. tax authority examinations for years prior to fiscal 2021. Deferred Taxes The following table reflects the Company’s calculation of the components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023. (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Deferred tax assets: Assets (Liabilities) Accounts receivable allowance $ 4,321 $ 5,263 Inventory 12,408 14,271 Accrued liabilities 8,810 11,208 Equity-based compensation 3,886 3,511 Deferred employee benefits 3,062 3,397 Leasing liabilities 128,904 105,756 Other 5,078 4,771 Total deferred tax assets 166,469 148,177 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation (19,060) (19,654) Leasing assets (115,419) (93,943) Tradename and licensing agreements (63,144) (71,361) Other (2,712) (2,516) Total deferred tax liabilities (200,335) (187,474) Net deferred tax liability $ (33,866) $ (39,297) Amounts recognized in the consolidated balance sheets: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Assets (Liabilities) Deferred tax assets $ 4,344 $ 2,173 Deferred tax liabilities (38,210) (41,470) Net deferred tax liability $ (33,866) $ (39,297) Uncertain Tax Positions The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits: (dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 8,856 Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2022 1,040 Reductions for prior year tax positions — Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (2,803) Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 7,093 Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2023 1,545 Reductions for prior year tax positions — Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (2,373) Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 6,265 Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2024 1,500 Reductions for prior year tax positions — Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (1,255) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ 6,510 As of December 28, 2024, the Company had gross unrecognized tax benefits of $6.5 million, of which $5.7 million, if ultimately recognized, will affect the Company’s effective tax rate in the period settled. The Company has recorded tax positions for which the ultimate deductibility is more likely than not, but for which there is uncertainty about the timing of such deductions. Because of deferred tax accounting, changes in the timing of these deductions would not affect the annual effective tax rate but would accelerate the payment of cash to the taxing authorities. Included in the reserves for unrecognized tax benefits are $1.5 million of reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire within the next fiscal year. If these tax benefits are ultimately recognized, such recognition, net of federal income taxes, may affect the annual effective tax rate for fiscal 2025 and the effective tax rate in the quarter in which the benefits are recognized.

EARNINGS PER SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER SHARE	EARNINGS PER SHARE The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Basic number of common shares outstanding 35,524,378 36,589,922 38,822,737 Dilutive effect of equity awards 1,238 3,344 27,908 Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding 35,525,616 36,593,266 38,850,645 Earnings per share: (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Basic net income per common share: Net income $ 185,509 $ 232,500 $ 250,038 Income allocated to participating securities (3,679) (4,285) (3,714) Net income available to common shareholders $ 181,830 $ 228,215 $ 246,324 Basic net income per common share $ 5.12 $ 6.24 $ 6.34 Diluted net income per common share: Net income $ 185,509 $ 232,500 $ 250,038 Income allocated to participating securities (3,679) (4,285) (3,712) Net income available to common shareholders $ 181,830 $ 228,215 $ 246,326 Diluted net income per common share $ 5.12 $ 6.24 $ 6.34 Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (*) 422,865 477,373 526,618 (*) The volume of antidilutive shares is, in part, due to the related unamortized compensation costs. The Company grants shares of its common stock in the form of restricted stock awards to certain key employees under the Company’s Amended and Restated Equity Incentive Plan (see Note 12, Stock-based Compensation , to the consolidated financial statements). Prior to vesting of the restricted stock awards, the grant recipients are entitled to receive non-forfeitable cash dividends if the Company declares and pays dividends on the Company’s common stock. Accordingly, unvested shares of the Company’s restricted stock awards are deemed to be participating securities for purposes of computing diluted earnings per share (EPS), and therefore the Company’s diluted EPS represents the lower of the amounts calculated under the treasury stock method or the two-class method of calculating diluted EPS.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS The Company maintains defined contribution plans, a deferred compensation plan, and two defined benefit plans. The two defined benefit plans include the OshKosh B’Gosh pension plan and a post-retirement life and medical plan. OshKosh B’Gosh Pension Plan Partial Termination During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company announced the offering of a single-sum payment option to certain participants in the frozen OshKosh B’Gosh, Inc. Pension Plan (the “pension plan”), which commenced on June 1, 2024 and closed on July 15, 2024. In August 2024, the pension plan paid $6.9 million from pension plan assets to electing participants, thereby reducing its pension benefit obligations. The transaction had no cash impact on the Company but did result in a non-cash pre-tax partial pension settlement charge of $0.9 million, which is included in Other expense (income), net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the Board of Directors authorized the termination of the pension plan, with an effective date of November 30, 2024. The Company may be required to make a contribution to fully fund the plan for termination prior to the purchase of a group annuity contract to transfer its remaining liabilities under the pension plan. The contribution amount will depend upon the nature and timing of participant settlements and prevailing market conditions. The Company expects to recognize a non-cash charge upon settlement of the pension plan’s obligations in the second half of fiscal 2025. The Company has the right to change the effective date of the termination date or revoke the decision to terminate, but it has no current intent to do so. Funded Status The retirement benefits under the pension plan were frozen as of December 31, 2005. A reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets is as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 54,785 $ 53,847 Interest cost 2,401 2,617 Actuarial (gain) loss (4,202) 1,376 Benefits paid (3,021) (3,055) Effect of settlement (6,886) — Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 43,077 $ 54,785 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 55,959 $ 55,245 Actual return on plan assets (503) 3,769 Benefits paid (3,021) (3,055) Effect of settlement (6,886) — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 45,549 $ 55,959 Funded status $ 2,472 $ 1,174 The accumulated benefit obligation is equal to the projected benefit obligation as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023 because the plan is frozen. The Company does not expect to make any contributions to the pension plan during fiscal 2025 as the plan’s funding exceeds the minimum funding requirements. The actuarial gain in fiscal 2024 was primarily attributable to increased discount rates and the removal of participants electing to receive a single-sum payment from the pension plan. The actuarial loss in fiscal 2023 was primarily attributable to decreased discount rates. The funded status asset is included in Other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Net Periodic Pension Cost and Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income The components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Recognized in the statement of operations: Interest cost $ 2,401 $ 2,617 $ 1,909 Expected return on plan assets (2,176) (2,372) (3,432) Amortization of net loss (*) 148 189 217 Partial pension plan settlement charge (*) 949 — — Net periodic pension cost (benefit) $ 1,322 $ 434 $ (1,306) Changes recognized in other comprehensive income: Net gain arising during the fiscal year $ (1,523) $ (21) $ (2,062) Amortization of net loss (*) (148) (189) (217) Partial pension plan settlement charge (*) (949) — — Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ (2,620) $ (210) $ (2,279) Total net periodic pension cost (benefit) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ (1,298) $ 224 $ (3,585) (*) Represents pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss. Assumptions The actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost for our pension plan is presented in the following table: Benefit obligation 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.50% 4.75% Net periodic pension cost 2024 2023 2022 Discount rate 4.75% 5.00% 2.75% Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.75% 5.00% 5.50% The discount rates used at December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022 were determined with consideration given to the FTSE Pension Liability Index and the Bloomberg US Aggregate AA Bond Index, adjusted for the timing of expected plan distributions. The Company believes these indexes reflect a risk-free rate consistent with a portfolio of high quality debt instruments with maturities that are comparable to the timing of the expected payments under the plan. The expected long-term rate of return assumption is equal to the assumed discount rate. Refer to “Plan Assets” below in Note 17, Employee Benefit Plans for further discussion. The increased discount rate assumption at December 28, 2024 resulted in an decrease in the amount of the pension plan’s projected benefit obligation of approximately $3.1 million. A 0.25% change in the assumed discount rate as of December 28, 2024 would result in an increase or decrease in the amount of the pension plan's projected benefit obligation of approximately $1.0 million. The Company currently expects benefit payments for its defined benefit pension plan as follows for the next ten fiscal years: (dollars in thousands) 2025 $ 3,300 2026 $ 3,300 2027 $ 3,460 2028 $ 3,420 2029 $ 3,420 2030-2034 $ 17,120 Plan Assets The Company conducts periodic asset-liability studies for our defined benefit pension plan to develop a policy glide path which adjusts the asset allocation with funded status. During fiscal 2022, the plan became fully funded, and the Company allocated its investments to fixed income securities as a result. These fixed income securities include funds holding corporate bonds of companies from diverse industries and U.S. Treasuries. The expected long-term rate of return on plan assets is 5.50%. The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, by asset category, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Asset category Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds (*) $ 45,549 $ 45,549 $ — $ 55,959 $ 55,959 $ — (*) This category invests in both U.S. Treasuries and corporate debt from U.S. issuers from diverse industries. Post-retirement Life and Medical Plan Under a defined benefit plan frozen in 1991, the Company offers a comprehensive post-retirement medical plan to current and certain future retirees and their spouses. The Company also offers life insurance to current and certain future retirees. Employee contributions are required as a condition of participation for both medical benefits and life insurance and the Company’s liabilities are net of these expected employee contributions. Accumulated Post-Retirement Benefit Obligation The following is a reconciliation of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) under this plan: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 APBO at beginning of fiscal year $ 1,637 $ 1,745 Service cost 7 6 Interest cost 73 78 Actuarial (gain) loss (51) 3 Benefits paid (172) (195) APBO at end of fiscal year $ 1,494 $ 1,637 Approximately $1.3 million and $1.4 million of the APBO at the end of fiscal 2024 and 2023, respectively, were classified as Other long term liabilities in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Net Periodic Post-Retirement Benefit Cost and Changes Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income The components of net periodic post-retirement benefit cost recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Recognized in the statement of operations: Service cost $ 7 $ 6 $ 14 Interest cost 73 78 63 Amortization of net gain (*) (405) (428) (320) Net periodic post-retirement benefit (income) cost $ (325) $ (344) $ (243) Changes recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss arising during the fiscal year $ (51) $ 3 $ (763) Amortization of net gain (*) 405 428 320 Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ 354 $ 431 $ (443) Total net periodic post-retirement benefit cost (income) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ 29 $ 87 $ (686) (*) Represents pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss. Assumptions The actuarial computations utilized the following assumptions, using year-end measurement dates: Post-retirement benefit obligation 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.25% 4.75% Net periodic post-retirement benefit cost 2024 2023 2022 Discount rate 4.75% 4.75% 2.50% The discount rates used at December 28, 2024, December 30, 2023, and December 31, 2022, were determined with primary consideration given to the FTSE Pension Discount Curve and Liability Index adjusted for the timing of expected plan distributions. The Company believes this index reflects a risk-free rate with maturities that are comparable to the timing of the expected payments under the plan. The effects on the Company’s plan of all future increases in health care costs are borne primarily by employees; accordingly, increasing medical costs are not expected to have any material effect on the Company’s future financial results. The Company’s contribution for these post-retirement benefit obligations was $0.2 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022. The Company expects that its contribution and benefit payments for post-retirement benefit obligations will be approximately $0.2 million for fiscal years 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029. For the five years subsequent to fiscal 2029, the aggregate contributions and benefit payments for post-retirement benefit obligations is expected to be approximately $0.6 million. The Company does not pre-fund this plan and as a result there are no plan assets. Deferred Compensation Plan The Company maintains a deferred compensation plan allowing voluntary salary and incentive compensation deferrals for qualifying employees as permitted by the Internal Revenue Code. Participant deferrals earn investment returns based on a select number of investment options, including equity, debt, and real estate mutual funds. Deferred compensation plan liabilities are recognized in Other long term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Changes in the balance, excluding those related to contributions or payments, are included in Other expense (income), net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. The Company invests comparable amounts in marketable securities to approximate the participant’s return on selected investment options. Defined Contribution Plan The Company also sponsors defined contribution savings plans in the United States and Canada. The U.S. plan covers employees who are at least 21 years of age and have completed one one thousand hours

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company reports segment information based upon a “management approach.” The management approach refers to the internal reporting that is used by management for making operating decisions and assessing the performance of the Company’s reportable segments. The Company has identified three operating and reportable segments: U.S. Retail, U.S. Wholesale, and International. The U.S. Retail segment consists of revenue primarily from sales of products in the United States through our retail stores and eCommerce websites. Similarly, the U.S. Wholesale segment consists of revenue primarily from sales in the United States of products to our wholesale partners. The International segment consists of revenue primarily from sales of products outside the United States, largely through our retail stores and eCommerce websites in Canada and Mexico, and sales to our international wholesale customers and licensees. The Company sells similar products in each of its three segments. The Company’s chief operating decision maker is the Chief Executive Officer. The chief operating decision maker evaluates the operating performance of the segments based upon each segment’s net sales and segment operating income. Segment operating income includes net sales, royalty income, and related cost of goods sold and selling, general, and administrative expenses attributable to each segment. Segment operating income excludes unallocated corporate expenses as well as specific charges that are not directly attributable to segment operations, including restructuring costs and impairment charges related to goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets. In fiscal 2024, the Company changed its measure of segment profitability to segment operating income, which excludes the charges mentioned above, and which were included in our previous measure of segment profitability, to better align with management’s assessment of segment performance and to provide better insights into segment performance. Prior period segment operating income for the fiscal years ended December 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 has been recast to conform to the current presentation. The chief operating decision maker uses both net sales and segment operating income for each segment predominantly in the annual budget and quarterly forecasting process. On a quarterly basis, the chief operating decision maker considers budget-to-actual variances and a comparison of segment results for evaluating performance of each segment and making decisions about the allocation of operating and capital resources to each segment. The Company does not evaluate performance or allocate resources based on segment asset data, and therefore total segments assets are not presented. Segment operating income include the direct costs of each segment and all other costs are allocated based upon detailed estimates and analysis of actual time and expenses incurred to support the operations of each segment or units produced or sourced to support each segment’s revenue. Certain costs, including incentive compensation for certain employees, and various other general corporate costs that are not specifically allocable to segments, are included in unallocated corporate expenses below. Intersegment sales are treated as a transfer of inventory and are not included in segment results for management reporting. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies , to the consolidated financial statements. Segment Performance The tables below present certain segment information for our reportable segments for the periods indicated: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Net sales $ 1,417,108 $ 1,021,396 $ 405,598 $ 2,844,102 Cost of goods sold (1) 567,435 705,550 205,951 1,478,936 Selling expenses (2) 489,481 9,591 103,566 602,638 Distribution expenses (3) 89,368 62,875 24,607 176,850 Other segment items (4) 137,898 26,400 32,504 196,802 Segment operating income $ 132,926 $ 216,980 $ 38,970 $ 388,876 (1) Refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on the components of Cost of goods sold. (2) Selling expenses include the costs of operating our retail stores and eCommerce channels, as well as wholesale sales management costs. (3) Distribution expenses include payments to third-party shippers and handling costs to process product through our distribution facilities, including eCommerce fulfillment costs, and delivery to our wholesale customers and to our retail stores. (4) Other segment items include royalty income and overhead costs that are attributable to our reportable segments and include allocated accounting, finance, human resources, and information technology expenses, occupancy costs, and other benefit and compensation programs, including performance-based compensation. Fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Net sales $ 1,501,780 $ 1,014,584 $ 429,230 $ 2,945,594 Cost of goods sold 602,152 717,936 229,571 1,549,659 Selling expenses 506,709 8,363 95,155 610,227 Distribution expenses 95,354 63,188 24,903 183,445 Other segment items 106,923 26,152 34,470 167,545 Segment operating income $ 190,642 $ 198,945 $ 45,131 $ 434,718 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Net sales $ 1,680,159 $ 1,080,471 $ 452,103 $ 3,212,733 Cost of goods sold 689,543 800,974 249,858 1,740,375 Selling expenses 521,516 9,402 89,452 620,370 Distribution expenses 113,455 78,079 24,653 216,187 Other segment items 102,788 24,777 28,462 156,027 Segment operating income $ 252,857 $ 167,239 $ 59,678 $ 479,774 The table below presents a reconciliation of reportable segment operating income to Income before income taxes: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Total segment operating income $ 388,876 $ 434,718 $ 479,774 Items not included in segment operating income: Unallocated corporate expenses (1) (102,326) (106,901) (91,603) Organizational restructuring (2) (1,822) (4,412) — OshKosh tradename impairment charge (30,000) — — Skip Hop tradename impairment charge — — (9,000) Consolidated operating income $ 254,728 $ 323,405 $ 379,171 Interest expense 31,331 33,973 42,781 Interest income (11,039) (4,776) (1,261) Other expense (income), net 3,627 (8,034) 975 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 19,940 Income before income taxes $ 230,809 $ 302,242 $ 316,736 (1) Unallocated corporate expenses include corporate overhead expenses that are not directly attributable to one of our reportable segments and include unallocated accounting, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology expenses, occupancy costs for our corporate headquarters, and other benefit and compensation programs, including performance-based compensation. (2) Related to charges for corporate organizational restructuring in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 and organizational restructuring and related corporate office lease amendment actions in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023. Additional Data by Segment The tables below present additional information for our reportable segments for the periods presented: Depreciation and amortization expense Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 U.S. Wholesale $ 8,749 $ 10,958 $ 13,415 U.S. Retail 35,562 38,710 39,975 International 11,413 11,758 11,695 Unallocated corporate 2,202 2,713 191 Total 57,926 64,139 65,276 Inventory December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Inventory: U.S. Wholesale (*) $ 374,610 $ 381,146 U.S. Retail 59,868 73,366 International 67,854 82,613 Total inventory $ 502,332 $ 537,125 All other assets 1,930,835 1,841,488 Total assets $ 2,433,167 $ 2,378,613 (*) U.S. Wholesale inventories also include inventory produced and warehoused for the U.S. Retail segment. Net Sales The table below represents consolidated net sales by product: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Baby $ 1,139,129 $ 1,098,304 $ 1,103,023 Playclothes 948,602 992,726 1,125,352 Sleepwear 373,373 411,678 492,152 Other (*) 382,998 442,886 492,206 Total net sales $ 2,844,102 $ 2,945,594 $ 3,212,733 (*) Other product offerings include bedding, outerwear, swimwear, shoes, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, and hair accessories. Geographical Data Revenue The Company’s international sales principally represent sales to customers in Canada. Such sales were 61.3%, 61.5%, and 64.0% of total international net sales in fiscal 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Long-Lived Assets The following represents Property, plant, and equipment, net, and Operating lease assets by geographic area: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 United States $ 614,751 $ 582,049 International 143,338 129,469 Total $ 758,089 $ 711,518 Long-lived assets in the international segment primarily relate to Canada. Long-lived assets in Canada were 53.8% and 51.0% of total international long-lived assets as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. Major Customers Our two largest U.S. wholesale customers accounted for 10.9% and 10.1%, respectively, of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024. Our largest U.S. wholesale customer accounted for 10.4% of consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023. Sales to these customers did not exceed 10% in fiscal 2022.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES The Company is subject to various claims and pending or threatened lawsuits in the normal course of business. The Company is not currently a party to any legal proceedings that it believes would have a material adverse effect on its financial position, results of operations, or cash flows. The Company’s contractual obligations and commitments include obligations associated with leases, the secured revolving credit agreement, senior notes, and employee benefit plans.

Pay vs Performance Disclosure

Pay vs Performance Disclosure - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Pay vs Performance Disclosure
Net income	$ 185,509	$ 232,500	$ 250,038

Insider Trading Arrangements

Insider Trading Arrangements	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Trading Arrangements, by Individual
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Adopted	false
Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false
Non-Rule 10b5-1 Arrangement Terminated	false

Insider Trading Policies and Pr

Insider Trading Policies and Procedures	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures [Line Items]
Insider Trading Policies and Procedures Adopted	true

Cybersecurity Risk Management a

Cybersecurity Risk Management and Strategy Disclosure	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Cybersecurity Risk Management, Strategy, and Governance [Line Items]
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes for Assessing, Identifying, and Managing Threats [Text Block]	To effectively assess, identify, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats, the Company maintains a cyber risk management program, which is led by our Chief Information Security Officer and Vice President of Infrastructure Services and Supply Chain Systems (the “CISO”). The CISO reports to the Executive Vice President, Chief Information & Technology Officer (the “CITO”), who in turn reports to the CEO. The Company has implemented the following processes to assess, identify, and manage material risks from cybersecurity threats: • Annual audits, by an independent third party, of the Company’s cybersecurity framework under the National Institute for Standards and Technology (“NIST”) cybersecurity framework; • Penetration tests conducted by a third-party; • Simulation of attacks on the Company’s systems by third-parties to test the Company’s systems and protections; • “Table-top” simulation exercises involving the Company’s management and its third-party consultants and advisors to simulate a cyber incident and the Company’s response to that incident, pursuant to the Company’s Incident Response Plan; and • Payment card industry (“PCI”) audits to assess the Company’s processing of credit card transactions pursuant to standards adopted by the PCI. In addition, to mitigate material risks from cybersecurity threats, the Company has implemented various controls, including, but not limited to, the following: • Intrusion prevention controls (such as network segmentation and firewalls); • Access controls (such as identity and access management and multi-factor authentication on critical applications and systems); • Detection controls (such as endpoint threat detection and response, and logging and monitoring involving the use of a third-party for security information and event management, with reports and alerts provided by the third-party to the CISO’s team); and • Threat protection controls (such as mandatory cyber-threat training and simulated phishing campaigns with employees, vendor management programs, and vulnerability and patch management). The Company has integrated its processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats into its overall risk management framework, including through coordination with the Company’s internal leader of Enterprise Risk Management, and through quarterly reporting to the Company’s Audit Committee. Cybersecurity threats, including as a result of any previous cybersecurity incidents incurred either by us or third parties, have not materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company, including its business strategy, results of operations, or financial condition, except as disclosed in the risk factor titled “Our systems, and those of our third-party vendors, contain personal information and payment data of our retail store and eCommerce customers, and other third parties could be breached, which could subject us to adverse publicity, costly government enforcement actions or private litigation, and expenses” in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors”. The Company has also implemented processes for overseeing and identifying risks from cybersecurity threats associated with its use of third-party service providers. For example, the Company has implemented the following: • Vendor onboarding processes including a Privacy Impact Assessment and a Cyber Security and Compliance Questionnaire; and •
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Processes Integrated [Text Block]	The Company has integrated its processes for assessing, identifying, and managing material risks from cybersecurity threats into its overall risk management framework, including through coordination with the Company’s internal leader of Enterprise Risk Management, and through quarterly reporting to the Company’s Audit Committee.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Third Party Engaged [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Third Party Oversight and Identification Processes [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Materially Affected or Reasonably Likely to Materially Affect Registrant [Flag]	false
Cybersecurity Risk Board of Directors Oversight [Text Block]	The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees risks from cybersecurity threats, including through quarterly reports to the Audit Committee by the Company’s CISO and CIO and, as needed, special reports to the Audit Committee and/or the Chairperson of the Audit Committee. The Audit Committee includes members with technology and cybersecurity experience and certifications, including a Committee member with over 28 years of experience working for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company and a Committee member with a Computer Emergency Readiness Team (“CERT”) Certificate in Cybersecurity Oversight issued by the CERT Division of the Software Engineering Institute at Carnegie Mellon University and completion of the National Association of Corporate Directors Master Course in Cybersecurity.
Cybersecurity Risk Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]	he Audit Committee of the Board of Directors oversees risks from cybersecurity threats
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Board Committee or Subcommittee Responsible for Oversight [Text Block]	including through quarterly reports to the Audit Committee by the Company’s CISO and CIO and, as needed, special reports to the Audit Committee and/or the Chairperson of the Audit Committee.
Cybersecurity Risk Role of Management [Text Block]	Management plays an integral role in assessing and managing the Company’s material risk from cybersecurity risks. The assessment and management of those risks is led by the Company’s CISO, who has over 20 years of experience working in information technology, including over 10 years specifically focused on information security, infrastructure, and strategy, and the Company’s CIO, who has over 30 years of experience in Retail, Consumer Products, Merchandising, and IT, of which 16 years have been in leadership roles, and implemented by the CISO’s team, who are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, processes and operations. The CISO and CIO lead quarterly meetings of the Company’s Security Executive Steering Committee (the “Steering Committee”), which is composed of the Company’s CFO, General Counsel, and CIO. The Steering Committee drives awareness, ownership and alignment across broad governance and risk stakeholder groups for effective cybersecurity risk management and reporting.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Flag]	true
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible [Text Block]	The assessment and management of those risks is led by the Company’s CISO, who has over 20 years of experience working in information technology, including over 10 years specifically focused on information security, infrastructure, and strategy, and the Company’s CIO, who has over 30 years of experience in Retail, Consumer Products, Merchandising, and IT, of which 16 years have been in leadership roles, and implemented by the CISO’s team, who are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, processes and operations.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Expertise of Management Responsible [Text Block]	The assessment and management of those risks is led by the Company’s CISO, who has over 20 years of experience working in information technology, including over 10 years specifically focused on information security, infrastructure, and strategy, and the Company’s CIO, who has over 30 years of experience in Retail, Consumer Products, Merchandising, and IT, of which 16 years have been in leadership roles, and implemented by the CISO’s team, who are responsible for leading enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, policy, standards, architecture, processes and operations.
Cybersecurity Risk Process for Informing Management or Committees Responsible [Text Block]	In addition, members of the CISO’s and CIO’s teams monitor the Company’s systems and processes and promptly report incidents as required under the Incident Response Plan, including, but not limited to, reporting to the appropriate members of management and, as needed, the Audit Committee.
Cybersecurity Risk Management Positions or Committees Responsible Report to Board [Flag]	true

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
PRINCIPLES OF CONSOLIDATION	Principles of Consolidation The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Carter’s, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
FISCAL YEAR	Fiscal Year The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Saturday in December or January nearest December 31. Every five or six years, our fiscal year includes an additional 53 rd week of results. Fiscal 2024 ended on December 28, 2024, fiscal 2023 ended on December 30, 2023, and fiscal 2022 ended on December 31, 2022. All three fiscal years contained 52 calendar weeks.
USE OF ESTIMATES IN THE PREPARATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS	Use of Estimates in the Preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements
FOREIGN CURRENCY TRANSLATION AND TRANSACTIONS	Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions Translation Adjustments The functional currency of substantially all of the Company’s foreign operations is the local currency in each foreign country. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars using the current exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date, while revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates for the period. The resulting translation adjustments are recorded as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Transaction Adjustments The Company also recognizes gains and losses on transactions that are denominated in a currency other than the respective entity’s functional currency. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses also include the impact of intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses are recognized in earnings, as a separate component of Other expense (income), net, within the consolidated statements of operations. Foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to intercompany loans with foreign subsidiaries that are of a long-term nature are accounted for as translation adjustments and are included in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) within the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS	Cash and Cash Equivalents The Company considers all highly liquid investments that have original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash and cash equivalents consist of deposit accounts and cash management funds invested in U.S. government instruments. These investments are stated at cost, which approximates fair value. Cash equivalents also include amounts due from third-party financial institutions for credit and debit card transactions; these amounts typically settle in less than five days. Money market funds held in a rabbi trust that are being used as investments to satisfy the Company’s obligations under its deferred compensation plans are treated as investments and recorded in Other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Concentration of Cash Deposits Risk As of December 28, 2024, the Company had $412.9 million of cash and cash equivalents in major financial institutions, including $75.3 million in financial institutions located outside of the U.S. The Company maintains cash deposits with major financial institutions that exceed the insurance coverage limits provided by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation in the U.S. and by similar insurers for deposits located outside the U.S. To mitigate this risk, the Company utilizes a policy of allocating cash deposits among major financial institutions that have been evaluated by the Company and third-party rating agencies as having acceptable risk profiles.
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE	Accounts Receivable Concentration of Credit Risk In fiscal 2024, our two largest wholesale customers accounted for 10.9% and 10.1% ,respectively, of the Company’s consolidated net sales. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2024. In fiscal 2023, our largest wholesale customer accounted for 10.4% of the Company’s consolidated net sales. No other customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales in fiscal 2023. In fiscal 2022, no customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s consolidated net sales. At December 28, 2024, three wholesale customers each had individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of gross accounts receivable, and the total receivable balances due from these three wholesale customers in the aggregate equaled approximately 64% of total gross trade receivables outstanding. At December 30, 2023, three wholesale customers each had individual receivable balances in excess of 10% of gross accounts receivable, and the total receivable balances due from these three wholesale customers in the aggregate equaled approximately 56% of total gross trade receivables outstanding. Valuation Accounts for Wholesale Accounts Receivable Accounts Receivable Reserves The Company’s accounts receivable reserves for wholesale customers include an allowance for expected credit losses and an allowance for chargebacks. The allowance for expected credit losses includes estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make payments. If the financial condition of a customer were to deteriorate, resulting in an impairment of its ability to make payments, an additional allowance could be required. Past due balances over 90 days are reviewed individually for collectability. The Company’s credit and collections department reviews all other balances regularly. Account balances are charged off against the allowance when it is probable that the receivable will not be recovered. The allowance for chargebacks is based on historical experience and includes estimated losses resulting from pricing adjustments, short shipments, handling charges, returns, and freight. Provisions for the allowance for expected credit losses are reflected in Selling, general, and administrative (“SG&A”) expenses on the consolidated statement of operations and provisions for chargebacks are reflected as a reduction in Net sales on the consolidated statement of operations. Sales Returns Reserves Except in very limited instances, the Company does not allow its wholesale customers to return goods to the Company.
INVENTORIES	Inventories
LEASES	Leases The Company has operating leases for retail stores, distribution centers, corporate offices, data centers, and certain equipment. Financial Presentation The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at its inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease assets, Current operating lease liabilities, and Long-term operating lease liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Right of use (“ROU”) assets represent our right to use an underlying asset for the lease term, and lease liabilities represent our obligation to make lease payments arising from the lease. Operating lease ROU assets and liabilities are recognized at commencement date based on the present value of lease payments over the lease term. Our lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that we will exercise that option. The operating lease ROU asset also includes initial direct costs and excludes lease incentives. Lease expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. Certain of our lease agreements include variable rental payments based on a percentage of retail sales over contractual levels and others include variable rental payments adjusted periodically for inflation. Our lease agreements do not contain any material residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants. Policy Elections Portfolio approach - In general, the Company accounts for the underlying leased asset and applies a discount rate at the lease level. However, there are certain non-real estate leases for which the Company utilizes the portfolio method by aggregating similar leased assets based on the underlying lease term. Non-lease component - The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The Company has elected a policy to account for lease and non-lease components as a single component for all asset classes. Short-term lease - Leases with an initial term of 12 months or less are not recorded on the balance sheets. Discount rate - As the rate implicit in the majority of the Company’s leases is not readily determinable, the Company uses the incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at commencement date, including the lease term and currency, in determining the present value of lease payments. Renewal options - The Company evaluates the inclusion of renewal options on a lease by lease basis. In general, for leased retail real estate, the Company does not include renewal options in the underlying lease term.
PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT	Property, Plant, and Equipment Property, plant, and equipment are stated at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. When fixed assets are sold or otherwise disposed of, the accounts are relieved of the original cost of the assets and the related accumulated depreciation or amortization and any resulting gain or loss is credited or charged to income. For financial reporting purposes, depreciation and amortization are computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets as follows: buildings and improvements from 15 to 26 years, retail store fixtures, equipment, and computers from 3 to 10 years. Leasehold improvements and fixed assets purchased under capital leases are amortized over the lesser of the asset life or the related lease term.
INTERNAL-USE SOFTWARE	Internal-Use Software The Company purchases software licenses from external vendors and also develops software internally using Company employees and consultants. Software license costs, as well as development-stage costs for internally-developed software, are capitalized within Property, plant, and equipment, net on the consolidated balance sheets. All other costs, including preliminary project costs and post-implementation costs for internally-developed software, are expensed as incurred. Capitalized software is depreciated or amortized on the straight-line method over its estimated useful lives, from 3 to 10 years. If a software application does not include a purchased license for the software, such as a cloud-based software application, the arrangement is accounted for as a service contract. Implementation costs incurred in the development stage of such software applications are capitalized and reported in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the consolidated balances sheets. All other costs, including preliminary project costs and post-implementation costs for these software applications, are expensed as incurred. Any capitalized costs are amortized over the term of the hosting arrangement, and the expense is presented in the same line item within the consolidated statements of operations as the expense for the service contract’s fees.
GOODWILL AND OTHER INDEFINITE-LIVED INTANGIBILE ASSETS	Goodwill and Other Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets Annual Impairment Reviews The carrying values of the goodwill and indefinite-lived tradename assets are subject to annual impairment reviews, which are performed as of the last day of each fiscal year. Additionally, a review for potential impairment is performed whenever significant events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the assets may not be recoverable. These impairment reviews are performed in accordance with ASC 350, “ Intangibles--Goodwill and Other” (“ASC 350”). Significant assumptions in the impairment models include estimates of revenue growth and profitability, terminal growth rates, discount rates, market multiples, an implied control premium, and, in the case of tradenames, royalty rates. Discount rates are dependent upon interest rates and the cost of capital at a point in time. Goodwill The Company performs impairment tests of its goodwill at the reporting unit level. Qualitative and quantitative methods are used to assess for impairment, including the use of discounted cash flows (“income approach”) and relevant data from guideline public companies (“market approach”). Under a qualitative assessment, the Company determines if it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Qualitative factors may include but are not limited to: macroeconomic conditions, industry and market considerations, cost factors that may have a negative effect on earnings, overall financial performance, and other relevant entity-specific events. If the Company determines that it is “more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then a goodwill impairment test using quantitative assessments must be performed. If it is determined that it is “not more likely than not” that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, then no further testing is required and the Company documents the relevant qualitative factors that support the strength in the fair value. Under a quantitative assessment for goodwill, the Company compares the fair value of a reporting unit to its carrying value, including goodwill. The Company uses a 50% weighting of the income approach and a 50% weighting of the market approach to determine the fair value of a reporting unit. The assumptions used in these approaches include revenue growth and profitability, terminal growth rates, discount rates, market multiples and an implied control premium. These assumptions are consistent with those of hypothetical marketplace participants. An impairment is recorded for any excess carrying value above the fair value of the reporting unit, not to exceed the carrying value of goodwill. In fiscal 2024, the Company performed a quantitative impairment test on the goodwill ascribed to each of the Company’s reporting units and on the value of its indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets as of December 28, 2024. Based upon this assessment, there were no impairments to the value of goodwill. Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets For indefinite-lived tradenames, the Company may utilize a qualitative assessment, as described above, to determine whether the fair value of an indefinite-lived asset is less than its carrying value. If a quantitative assessment is necessary, the Company determines fair value using the relief-from-royalty valuation method, which examines the hypothetical cost savings that accrue as a result of not having to license the tradename from another owner. The relief-from-royalty valuation method involves two steps: (1) estimation of reasonable royalty rates for the tradename assets and (2) the application of these royalty rates to a forecasted net revenue stream and discounting the resulting cash flows to determine a fair value. If the carrying amount exceeds the fair value of the tradename, an impairment charge is recognized in the amount of the excess. As discussed above, the Company performed quantitative impairment assessments on the value of the Company’s indefinite-lived intangible tradename assets as of December 28, 2024. Based on these assessments, a non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $30.0 million was recorded during the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024 on our indefinite-lived OshKosh tradename asset to write-down the carrying value to $40.0 million. This impairment charge was the result of decreased actual and projected sales and profitability for our OshKosh brand.
IMPAIRMENT OF OTHER LONG-LIVED ASSETS	Impairment of Other Long-Lived Assets The Company reviews other long-lived assets, including ROU lease assets, property, plant, and equipment, definite-lived tradename assets, and customer relationship assets, for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of such an asset may not be recoverable. To determine whether there has been a permanent impairment on such assets, a recoverability test is performed by comparing anticipated undiscounted future cash flows from the use and eventual disposition of the asset or asset group to the carrying value of the asset. If the undiscounted cash flows are less than the related carrying value of the other long-lived asset, they are written down to their fair value. The process of estimating the fair value requires us to make assumptions and to apply judgment including forecasting revenue growth and profitability, utilizing external market participant assumptions, including estimated market rents, and selecting the appropriate discount rate. Long-lived assets that meet the definition of held for sale will be valued at the lower of carrying amount or fair value, less costs to sell.
DEFERRED DEBT ISSUANCE COSTS	Deferred Debt Issuance Costs Debt issuance costs associated with the Company’s secured revolving credit facility and senior notes are deferred and amortized to interest expense over the term of the related debt using the effective interest method. Debt issuance costs associated with Company’s senior notes are presented on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet as a direct reduction in the carrying value of the associated debt liability. Fees paid to lenders by the Company to obtain its secured revolving credit facility are included within Other assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and classified as either current or non-current based on the expiration date of the credit facility.
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	Fair Value Measurements The fair value framework requires the Company to categorize certain assets and liabilities into three levels, based upon the assumptions used to price those assets or liabilities. The three levels are defined as follows: Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2: Quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable. Level 3: Unobservable inputs reflecting management’s own assumptions about the inputs used in pricing the asset or liability. The Company measures its pension assets, deferred compensation plan investment assets, and any unsettled foreign currency forward contracts at fair value. T he Company’s cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable are short-term in nature. As such, their carrying value approximates fair value. The carrying values of the Company’s outstanding borrowings are not required to be remeasured and adjusted to the then-current fair values at the end of each reporting period. Instead, the fair values of the Company’s outstanding borrowings are disclosed at the end of each reporting period in Note 14, Fair Value Measurements
REVENUE RECOGNITION	Revenue Recognition In accordance with ASC 606, “ Revenue from Contracts with Customers” , the Company uses the five-step model to recognize revenue: 1) Identify the contract with the customer; 2) Identity the performance obligation(s); 3) Determine the transaction price; 4) Allocate the transaction price to each performance obligation if multiple obligations exist; and 5) Recognize the revenue when (or as) the performance obligations are satisfied. Performance Obligations The Company identifies each distinct performance obligation to transfer goods (or bundle of goods). Revenue transactions associated with the sale of products to customers through wholesale and international channels and to retail customers that are not members of the Carter’s Rewards loyalty program comprise of a single performance obligation. Revenue transactions associated with the sale of products to retail customers that are members of the Carter’s Rewards loyalty program comprise of two performance obligations: the transfer of control of the goods to the customer and the option for members to earn loyalty points that accumulate towards earning reward certificates. Other than inbound and outbound freight and shipping arrangements, the Company does not use third parties to satisfy its performance obligations in revenue arrangements with customers. When Performance Obligations Are Satisfied Wholesale Revenues - The Company has a single performance obligation in its wholesale arrangements, including replenishment orders. The Company typically satisfies its performance obligation when it transfers control of the goods to the customer upon shipment. However, in certain arrangements where the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment, satisfaction of the performance obligation occurs when the goods reach the customer. To ensure proper timing of revenue recognition, the Company defers the recognition of revenue for shipments that originated at the end of the reporting period in which the Company retains the risk of loss during shipment. “Pack and hold” inventories are not yet associated with any purchase order or purchase commitment. Therefore, these inventories are treated consistently with the rest of our wholesale inventory, and no deferral of revenue has been recognized. Retail Revenues - For transactions in stores, the Company satisfies its performance obligation at point of sale when the customer takes possession of the goods and tenders payment. For purchases made through the Company’s eCommerce channel, revenue is recognized when the goods are physically delivered to the customer or picked up in store. To ensure proper timing of revenue recognition, the Company defers the recognition of revenue for eCommerce channel shipments that originated at the end of the reporting period. Loyalty Program - U.S. retail customers can earn loyalty points that accumulate towards earning reward certificates that are redeemable for a specified amount off of future purchases. Loyalty points expire six months from the day they were earned, and reward certificates expire 45 days after issuance. Points and reward certificates earned by retail customers under Carter’s Rewards , the Company’s loyalty program, represent a separate performance obligation. For transactions where a customer earns loyalty points, the Company allocates revenue between the goods sold and the loyalty points expected to be earned towards a reward certificate based upon the relative standalone selling price. The revenue that is deferred is recorded within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets and then recognized as revenue upon redemption of the reward certificate. Loyalty program breakage is recognized as revenue based on the customer redemption pattern. Gift Cards - Customer purchases of gift cards are not recognized as revenue until the gift card is redeemed. The revenue that is deferred is recorded within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Gifts cards do not have an expiration date however, gift card breakage is recognized as revenue based upon the historical customer redemption pattern. Credit Card Revenues - The Company’s private label credit card is issued to customers for use exclusively at the Company’s U.S. stores and U.S. eCommerce sites. Credit is extended to such customers by a third-party financial institution without recourse to the Company. The Company’s performance obligations under the private label credit card agreement include providing program marketing and intellectual property to the third-party financial institution in support of the private label credit card program, as well as operating a loyalty program. The upfront bonus paid to the Company is recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. Usage-based royalties are primarily recognized as revenue in the period of usage and an amount is recognized on a point-in-time basis as redemptions under the loyalty program occur. Revenue associated with the establishment of new credit accounts is recognized in the period the activity occurred. Revenues related to the Company’s private label credit card program are recorded as Net sales on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Royalty Revenues - The Company has a single performance obligation in its licensing agreements with domestic and international licensees: to grant licensees the right to access certain trademarks in return for royalty payments or licensing fees. The Company satisfies its performance obligations with licensees over time as customers have the right to use the intellectual property over the contract period. Royalty revenues are included within Royalty income, net on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. Significant Payment Terms Retail customers tender a form of payment, such as cash or a credit/debit card, at point of sale. For wholesale customers and licensees, payment is due based on established terms, which is generally sixty days or less from date of shipment. Returns and Refunds The Company establishes return provisions for retail customers in the period the sales occur. Return provisions are calculated based on historical return data and are recorded within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets. Except in very limited instances, the Company does not allow its wholesale customers to return goods to the Company. Significant Judgments Sale of Goods - The Company relies on shipping terms to determine when performance obligations are satisfied. The Company recognizes the revenue once control passes to the customer. When goods are shipped to wholesale customers “FOB Shipping Point,” control of the goods is transferred to the customer at the time of shipment. When goods are shipped to wholesale customers “FOB Destination,” control of the goods is transferred to the customer when the goods reach the customer. For most retail transactions in stores, no significant judgments are involved since revenue is recognized at the point of sale when tender is exchanged and the customer receives the goods. For retail transactions made through the Company’s eCommerce channel, revenue is recognized when the goods are physically delivered to the customer. The Company recognizes revenue from omni-channel sales, including buy-online and pick-up in-store, buy-online, ship-to-store, and buy-online, deliver-from-store, when the product has been picked up by the customer at the store or when the product is physically delivered to the customer. Royalty Revenues - The Company transfers the right-to-use benefit to the licensee for the contract term and therefore the Company satisfies its performance obligation over time. Revenue recognized for each reporting period is based on the greater of: 1) the royalties owed on actual net sales by the licensee and 2) a minimum royalty guarantee, if applicable. Transaction Price - The transaction price is the amount of consideration the Company expects to receive under the arrangement. The Company is required to estimate variable consideration (if any) and to factor that estimation into the determination of the transaction price. The Company may offer sales incentives to wholesale and retail customers, including discounts. Additionally, the Company recognizes an allowance for chargebacks for wholesale customers that is based on historical experience and includes estimated losses resulting from pricing adjustments, short shipments, handling charges, returns, and freight. For retail transactions, the Company has significant experience with return patterns and relies on this experience to estimate expected returns when determining the transaction price. Standalone Selling Prices - For arrangements that contain multiple performance obligations, including sales through our Carter’s Rewards loyalty program, the Company allocates the transaction price to each performance obligation on a relative standalone selling price basis. Costs Incurred to Obtain a Contract - Incremental costs to obtain contracts are not material to the Company. Policy Elections In addition to those previously disclosed, the Company has made the following accounting policy elections and practical expedients: • Portfolio Approach - The Company uses the portfolio approach when multiple contracts or performance obligations are involved in the determination of revenue recognition. This approach is primarily used to estimate the redemption of loyalty points, loyalty point breakage, and gift card breakage. • Taxes - The Company excludes from the transaction price any taxes collected from customers that are remitted to taxing authorities. • Shipping and Handling Charges - Charges that are incurred before and after the customer obtains control of goods are deemed to be fulfillment costs and are included in Cost of goods sold when the related revenues are recognized. • Time Value of Money - The Company’s payment terms are less than one year from the transfer of goods. Therefore, the Company does not adjust promised amounts of consideration for the effects of the time value of money. • Disclosure of Remaining Performance Obligations - The Company does not disclose the aggregate amount of the transaction price allocated to remaining performance obligations for contracts that are one year or less in term. Cooperative advertising arrangements reimburse customers for marketing activities for certain of our products. The Company records these reimbursements under cooperative advertising arrangements with certain of its major wholesale customers at fair value. Fair value is determined based upon, among other factors, comparable market analysis for similar advertisements. The Company has included the fair value of these arrangements of $0.9 million and $0.6 million for fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2022 as a component of SG&A expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, rather than as a reduction of Net sales. There were no amounts for cooperative advertising arrangements recorded as a component of SG&A expenses for fiscal 2023. Amounts determined to be in excess of the fair value of these arrangements are recorded as a reduction of Net sales. For arrangements in which the Company does not receive a distinct good or service, we record these reimbursements as a reduction of net sales. The majority of the Company’s digital cooperative advertising arrangements are recorded as a reduction of net sales as there was no distinct good or service received by the Company.
COST OF GOODS SOLD AND SELLING, GENERAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES	Costs of Goods Sold and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses In addition to the cost of product, cost of goods sold include changes to our inventory reserve and expenses related to the merchandising, design, and procurement of product, including inbound freight costs, purchasing and receiving costs, and inspection costs. Also included in costs of goods sold are the costs of shipping eCommerce product to end consumers. For omni-channel transactions, costs of goods sold include the costs of shipping product to end customers or to retail stores. Retail store occupancy costs, distribution expenses, and generally all expenses other than interest and income taxes are included in SG&A expenses. Distribution expenses that are included in SG&A primarily consist of payments to third-party shippers and handling costs to process product through our distribution facilities, including eCommerce fulfillment costs, and delivery to our wholesale customers and to our retail stores. Distribution expenses included in SG&A totaled $176.9 million, $183.4 million, and $216.2 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Gross Profit Gross profit is calculated as consolidated net sales less cost of goods sold. Gross margin is calculated as gross profit divided by consolidated net sales. Our gross profit and gross margin may not be comparable to other entities that define their metrics differently.
INCOME FROM ROYALTIES AND LICENSE FEES	Income from Royalties and License Fees We license our Carter’s , OshKosh , Child of Mine , Just One You , Simple Joys , and Little Planet
ADVERTISING EXPENSES	Advertising Expenses Advertising production costs and costs associated with communicating advertising that has been produced are expensed when the advertising event takes place. Certain other advertising costs where it is uncertain when the expected benefits would occur are expensed in the period incurred. Advertising expenses were $84.1 million, $74.1 million, and $96.0 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, and are included in SG&A expenses on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Deferred advertising costs for advertisements that have not yet occurred or for advertising services that have not yet been received were $2.1 million and $1.2 million at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively, and are included in Prepaid expenses and other current assets on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION ARRANGEMENTS	Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements The Company recognizes the cost resulting from all stock-based compensation arrangements in the financial statements at grant date fair value. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the requisite service period, net of estimated forfeitures. Subjective assumptions include a forfeiture rate assumption for all restricted stock awards and an estimate for the probability that the performance criteria will be achieved for performance awards. We estimate forfeitures of restricted stock awards based on historical experience and expected future activity. Changes in the subjective assumptions can materially affect the estimate of fair value of stock-based compensation and consequently, the related amount recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. During the requisite service period, the Company also recognizes a deferred income tax benefit for the expense recognized for U.S. GAAP. At time of subsequent vesting, exercise, forfeiture, or expiration of an award, the difference between the Company’s actual income tax deduction, if any, and the previously accrued income tax benefit is recognized in income tax expense/benefit during the current period. Stock Options The fair value of stock options is determined based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model, which requires the use of subjective assumptions. There has been no issuances of stock options since 2018, and there are no unrecognized compensation costs remaining related to stock options. Time-Based Restricted Stock Awards The fair value of time-based restricted stock awards is determined based on the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and is recognized as compensation expense over the vesting term of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures. Performance-Based Restricted Stock Awards The Company accounts for its performance-based restricted stock awards based on the quoted closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of grant and records stock-based compensation expense over the vesting term of the awards based on the probability that the performance criteria will be achieved, net of estimated forfeitures. The Company reassesses the probability of vesting at each reporting period and adjusts stock-based compensation expense based on its probability assessment. Market-Based Restricted Stock Awards The Company accounts for its market-based restricted stock awards, which are tied to the Company’s relative total shareholder return (“TSR”), using a grant-date fair value determined through a Monte Carlo simulation model. This valuation method considers the potential range of TSR outcomes relative to a defined peer group over the performance period and uses subjective assumptions, including the expected volatility of the Company’s stock price for the period, risk-free interest rate, and expected dividend yield. The resulting fair value of the award is fixed at the grant date and is not subsequently adjusted for changes in the Company’s TSR or the likelihood of achieving the market condition. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized on a straight-line basis over the vesting term of the awards, net of estimated forfeitures, regardless of whether the market condition is ultimately achieved. Stock Awards
INCOME TAXES	Income Taxes The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect current and deferred tax provisions, in accordance with ASC 740, Income Taxes . The deferred tax provision is determined under the liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities using presently enacted tax rates. Deferred tax assets are a component of non-current Other assets in the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Valuation allowances are established when it is “more likely than not” that a deferred tax asset will not be recovered. The provision for income taxes is the sum of the amount of income taxes paid or payable for the year as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax laws to the taxable income for that year, the net change during the year in deferred tax assets and liabilities, and the net change during the year in any valuation allowances. The Company assesses its income tax positions and records tax benefits for all years subject to examination based upon management’s evaluation of the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting dates. A company may recognize the tax benefit from an uncertain tax position only if it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained on examination by the taxing authorities, based on the technical merits of the position. If it is more likely than not that a tax position would not be sustained, then no tax benefit would be recognized. Where applicable, associated interest and penalties are also recorded. Interest is recorded as a component of Interest expense and penalties, if any, are recorded within the provision for incomes taxes in the consolidated statements of operations and are classified on the consolidated balance sheets with the related liability for uncertain tax contingency liabilities. Supplemental Cash Flow Information Interest paid in cash was $29.5 million, $32.3 million, and $41.2 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Income taxes paid in cash was $51.3 million, $76.5 million, and $64.0 million for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Additions to property, plant and equipment of $3.4 million, $1.6 million, and $10.1 million were excluded from capital expenditures on the Company’s consolidated statements of cash flows for fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, respectively, as these amounts were accrued and unpaid at the end of each respective fiscal year.
EARNINGS PER SHARE	Earnings Per Share The Company calculates basic and diluted net income per common share under the two-class method for unvested share-based payment awards that contain participating rights to dividends or dividend equivalents (whether paid or unpaid). Basic net income per share is calculated by dividing net income for the period by the weighted-average common shares outstanding for the period. Diluted net income per share includes the effect of dilutive instruments (primarily stock options) and uses the average share price for the period in determining the number of shares that are to be added to the weighted-average number of shares outstanding.
OPEN MARKET REPURCHASES OF COMMON STOCK	Open Market Repurchases of Common Stock Shares of the Company’s common stock that are repurchased by the Company through open market transactions are retired. Through the end of fiscal 2024, all such open market repurchases have been at prices that exceeded the par value of the repurchased common stock, and the amounts of the purchase prices that exceeded par value were charged to additional paid-in capital or to retained earnings if the balance in additional paid-in capital was not sufficient. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 imposed a nondeductible 1% excise tax on the net value of certain share repurchases made after December 31, 2022. Beginning in fiscal 2023, the Company reflected the applicable excise tax in Additional paid-in capital on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets as part of the cost basis of the shares repurchased. The corresponding liability for the excise tax payable is recorded in Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	Employee Benefit Plans The Company has several defined benefit plans. Various actuarial methods and assumptions are used in determining net pension and post-retirement costs and obligations. Key assumptions include the discount rate used to determine the present value of future benefits and the expected long-term rate of return on plan assets. The over-funded or under-funded status of the defined benefit plans is recorded as an asset or liability on the consolidated balance sheet. Any service costs that arise during the period are presented in the same statement line item as other employee compensation on the consolidated statement of operations. All other components of current period costs related to defined benefit plans, such as prior service costs and actuarial gains and losses, are presented in Other (income) expense, net on the consolidated statement of operations. The actuarial gains or losses that arise during the period are recognized as a component of comprehensive income or loss, net of tax. These costs or income are then subsequently recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in the consolidated statements of operations. Under the provisions of ASU No. 2015-04, Practical Expedient for the Measurement Date of an Employer’s Defined Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets , the Company is permitted to use December 31 of each year, as opposed to the Company’s last day of each fiscal year, as an alternate measurement date for its defined benefit plans. During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, the Company announced the offering of a single-sum payment option to certain participants in the frozen OshKosh B’Gosh, Inc. Pension Plan (the “pension plan”), which commenced on June 1, 2024 and closed on July 15, 2024. In the third quarter of fiscal 2024, the pension plan paid $6.9 million from pension plan assets to electing participants, thereby reducing its pension benefit obligations. The transaction had no cash impact on the Company but did result in a non-cash pre-tax partial pension settlement charge of $0.9 million, which is included in Other expense (income), net on the Company’s consolidated statement of operations. Additionally, the Board of Directors authorized the termination of the pension plan, with an effective date of November 30, 2024. The Company may be required to make a contribution to fully fund the plan for termination prior to the purchase of a group annuity contract to transfer its remaining liabilities under the pension plan. The contribution amount will depend upon the nature and timing of participant settlements and prevailing market conditions. The Company expects to recognize a non-cash charge upon settlement of the pension plan’s obligations in the second half of fiscal 2025. The Company has the right to change the effective date of the termination date or revoke the decision to terminate, but it has no current intent to do so.
FACILITY CLOSURE AND OFFICE CONSOLIDATION	Facility Closure and Severance Costs The Company records severance costs when the appropriate notifications have been made to affected employees or when the decision is made, if the one-time benefits are contractual. When employees are required to work for a period before termination, the severance costs are recognized over the required service period. For operating leases, lease termination costs are recognized at fair value at the date the Company ceases to use the leased property. Useful lives assigned to fixed assets at the facility to be closed are revised based on the specifics of the exit plan, resulting in accelerated depreciation expense.
SEASONALITY	Seasonality
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	Recent Accounting Pronouncements Adopted in Fiscal 2024 Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures (ASU 2023-07) In November 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-07, Segment Reporting - Improvements to Reportable Segment Disclosures. This new guidance is designed to improve the disclosures about a public entity’s reportable segments and address requests from investors for more detailed information about a reportable segment’s expenses in an interim and annual basis. ASU 2023-07 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023, and interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Public entities must adopt the changes to the segment reporting guidance on a retrospective basis. The Company adopted ASU 2023-07 in fiscal 2024. The effect of the adoption of ASU 2023-07 was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Supplier Finance Programs (ASU 2022-04) In September 2022, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2022-04, Liabilities - Supplier Finance Programs (Subtopic 405-50): Disclosure of Supplier Finance Program Obligations (“ASU 2022-04”) . This new guidance is designed to enhance transparency around supplier finance programs by requiring new disclosures that would allow a user of the financial statements to understand the program’s nature, activity during the period, changes from period to period, and potential magnitude. ASU 2022-04 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022, including interim periods within those fiscal years, except for the disclosure of the rollforward of annual activity, which is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2023. The Company adopted the annual disclosure requirements, except for the rollforward of annual activity, in fiscal 2023. The Company adopted the rollforward of annual activity requirement in fiscal 2024. The effect of the adoption of ASU 2022-04 was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial statements. To Be Adopted After Fiscal 2024 Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures (ASU 2023-09) In December 2023, the FASB issued ASU No. 2023-09, Income Taxes - Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. This new guidance requires consistent categories and greater disaggregation of information in the rate reconciliation and greater disaggregation of income taxes paid by jurisdiction. ASU 2023-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2024. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of this amendment on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect the effect of the adoption of ASU 2023-09 to be material. Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (ASU 2024-03) In November 2024, the FASB issued ASU No. 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses . This new guidance is intended to increase transparency and comparability of financial statements by requiring disclosure of significant expense components for certain expenses on the face of the consolidated statement of operations. The ASU is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2026 and for interim periods within fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2027, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that this standard will on its consolidated financial statements but does not expect the effect of the adoption of ASU 2024-03 to be material.

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)

REVENUE RECOGNITION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Disaggregation of Revenue	Disaggregation of Revenue The Company sells its products directly to consumers (“direct-to-consumer”) and to other retail companies and partners that subsequently sell the products directly to their own retail customers. The Company also earns royalties from certain of its licensees. Disaggregated revenues from these sources for the fiscal years presented were as follows: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Direct-to-consumer $ 1,417,108 $ — $ 268,409 $ 1,685,517 Wholesale channel — 1,021,396 137,189 1,158,585 $ 1,417,108 $ 1,021,396 $ 405,598 $ 2,844,102 Royalty income, net $ 5,365 $ 11,072 $ 2,814 $ 19,251 Fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Direct-to-consumer $ 1,501,780 $ — $ 268,596 $ 1,770,376 Wholesale channel — 1,014,584 160,634 1,175,218 $ 1,501,780 $ 1,014,584 $ 429,230 $ 2,945,594 Royalty income, net $ 6,549 $ 11,660 $ 3,201 $ 21,410 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Direct-to-consumer $ 1,680,159 $ — $ 279,903 $ 1,960,062 Wholesale channel — 1,080,471 172,200 1,252,671 $ 1,680,159 $ 1,080,471 $ 452,103 $ 3,212,733 Royalty income, net $ 8,815 $ 12,915 $ 4,090 $ 25,820
Accounts Receivable from Customers and Licensees	Accounts Receivable from Customers and Licensees The components of Accounts receivable, net, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Trade receivables from wholesale customers, net $ 187,715 $ 172,106 Royalties receivable, net 3,728 4,753 Other receivables (1) 13,444 20,032 Total receivables $ 204,887 $ 196,891 Less: Wholesale accounts receivable reserves (2)(3) (10,053) (13,117) Accounts receivable, net $ 194,834 $ 183,774 (1) Includes tax, payroll, gift card and other receivables. The balance for the fiscal period ended December 30, 2023 includes a receivable for a $6.9 million court approved settlement in December 2023 related to payment card interchange fees. This payment was received in the first quarter of fiscal 2024. (2) Includes allowance for chargebacks of $4.4 million and $8.4 million for the periods ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively. (3) Includes allowance for credit losses of $5.7 million and $4.8 million for the periods ended December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, respectively.
Accounts Receivable Reserves	Information regarding Wholesale accounts receivable reserves is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Wholesale accounts receivable reserves Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 18,695 Additional provisions 9,280 Charges to reserve (11,527) Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 16,448 Additional provisions 5,220 Charges to reserve (8,551) Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 13,117 Additional provisions 2,836 Charges to reserve (5,900) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ 10,053
Contract Liabilities	The Company recognizes a contract liability when it has received consideration from a customer and has a future obligation to transfer goods to the customer. Total contract liabilities consisted of the following amounts: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Contract liabilities - current: Unredeemed gift cards $ 25,043 $ 25,162 Unredeemed customer loyalty rewards 2,552 3,355 Carter’s credit card - upfront bonus (1) 714 714 Total contract liabilities - current (2) $ 28,309 $ 29,231 Contract liabilities - non-current (3) $ — $ 714 Total contract liabilities $ 28,309 $ 29,945 (1) The Company received an upfront signing bonus from a third-party financial institution, which will be recognized as revenue on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. This amount reflects the current portion of this bonus to be recognized as revenue over the next twelve months. (2) Included within Other current liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. (3) This amount reflects the non-current portion of the Carter’s credit card upfront bonus and is included within Other long-term liabilities on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet.

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, plant, and equipment	Property, plant, and equipment, net consists of the following: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Land, building, and leasehold improvements $ 375,173 $ 357,029 Fixtures, equipment, and computer hardware 301,732 302,747 Computer software (*) 98,563 129,685 Construction in progress 8,158 9,557 783,626 799,018 Accumulated depreciation and amortization (602,670) (615,907) Total $ 180,956 $ 183,111 (*) Decrease related to the derecognition of fully depreciated computer software assets that were no longer in service.

LEASES (Tables)

LEASES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Leases [Abstract]
Lease Cost	The following components of lease expense are included in Selling, general, and administrative expenses on the Company’s consolidated statements of operations for the fiscal periods indicated: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Operating lease cost $ 177,034 $ 171,072 $ 160,210 Variable lease cost (*) 57,992 56,089 66,400 Net lease cost $ 235,026 $ 227,161 $ 226,610 (*) Includes short-term leases, which are not material, and any operating lease impairment charges.
Supplemental Information	Supplemental balance sheet information related to leases was as follows: December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Weighted average remaining operating lease term (years) 5.9 5.8 Weighted average discount rate for operating leases 5.0% 4.63%
Lessee, Operating Lease, Liability, Maturity	As of December 28, 2024, the maturities of lease liabilities were as follows: (dollars in thousands) Operating leases 2025 $ 151,728 2026 146,911 2027 115,942 2028 93,103 2029 69,325 After 2029 167,329 Total lease payments $ 744,338 Less: Interest (112,271) Present value of lease liabilities (*) $ 632,067 (*)

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Goodwill	The balances and changes in the carrying amount of Goodwill attributable to each segment were as follows: (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Balance at December 31, 2022 (*) $ 83,934 $ 74,454 $ 50,945 $ 209,333 Foreign currency impact — — 1,204 1,204 Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 83,934 $ 74,454 $ 52,149 $ 210,537 Foreign currency impact — — (3,662) (3,662) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ 83,934 $ 74,454 $ 48,487 $ 206,875 (*) Goodwill attributable to the International segment is net of accumulated impairment losses of $17.7 million.
Tradename and Intangible Assets	A summary of the carrying value of the Company’s intangible assets were as follows: December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands) Weighted-average useful life Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net amount Gross amount Accumulated amortization Net amount Carter’s tradename Indefinite $ 220,233 $ — $ 220,233 $ 220,233 $ — $ 220,233 OshKosh tradename (1) Indefinite 40,000 — 40,000 70,000 — 70,000 Skip Hop tradename Indefinite 6,000 — 6,000 6,000 — 6,000 Finite-life tradenames (2) 5 - 20 years 3,911 2,136 1,775 3,911 1,958 1,953 Total tradenames, net $ 270,144 $ 2,136 $ 268,008 $ 300,144 $ 1,958 $ 298,186 Skip Hop customer relationships 15 years $ 47,300 $ 24,540 $ 22,760 $ 47,300 $ 21,363 $ 25,937 Carter’s Mexico customer relationships 10 years 3,145 2,362 783 3,324 2,023 1,301 Total customer relationships, net $ 50,445 $ 26,902 $ 23,543 $ 50,624 $ 23,386 $ 27,238 (1) A non-cash pre-tax impairment charge of $30.0 million on the OshKosh indefinite-lived tradename asset was recorded during fiscal 2024. (2) Relates to the acquisition of rights to the Carter’s brand in Chile in December 2014 and the acquisition of the Skip Hop brand in February 2017.
Future Amortization Expense	The estimated amortization expense for the next five fiscal years is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Amortization expense 2025 $ 3,657 2026 $ 3,657 2027 $ 3,531 2028 $ 3,354 2029 $ 3,354

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CU_2

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Schedule of prepaid expenses and other current assets	Prepaid expenses and other current assets at the end of any comparable period, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Prepaid information technology-related contracts (*) 14,953 11,504 Prepaid income taxes 4,398 2,563 Other 13,229 15,064 Prepaid expenses and other current assets $ 32,580 $ 29,131 (*) Primarily related to cloud computing arrangements and software maintenance contracts.

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tabl

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of other current liabilities	Other current liabilities at the end of any comparable period, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Unredeemed gift cards $ 25,043 $ 25,162 Accrued employee benefits 20,824 17,928 Accrued taxes 14,455 12,909 Income taxes payable 13,820 12,697 Accrued salaries and wages 12,345 12,458 Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation (*) 2,757 20,817 Other 40,808 32,373 Other current liabilities $ 130,052 $ 134,344 (*) Decrease primarily related to lower than forecasted financial performance in fiscal 2024.

SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM (T

SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
Supplier Finance Program	The rollforward of the Company’s liability related to amounts payable to the participating financial institution, including new additions, settlements and the ending balance is as follows: (dollars in thousands) Amounts payable under SCF program Outstanding, December 30, 2023 $ 14,792 Invoices confirmed during the year 148,343 Confirmed invoices paid during the year (144,092) Outstanding, December 28, 2024 $ 19,043

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)

LONG-TERM DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of long-term debt	Long-term debt consisted of the following: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 $500 million, 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 $ 500,000 $ 500,000 Less: unamortized debt issuance-related costs (1,873) (2,646) Senior notes, net $ 498,127 $ 497,354 Secured revolving credit facility — — Total long-term debt, net $ 498,127 $ 497,354

COMMON STOCK (Tables)

COMMON STOCK (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Equity [Abstract]
Open Market Repurchases	Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Number of shares repurchased (1) 736,423 1,446,269 3,747,187 Aggregate cost of shares repurchased (dollars in thousands) (2) $ 50,526 $ 100,034 $ 299,667 Average price per share (2) $ 68.61 $ 69.17 $ 79.97 (1) Share repurchases were made in compliance with all applicable rules and regulations and in accordance with the share repurchase authorizations. (2) The aggregate cost of share repurchases and average price paid per share excludes excise tax on share repurchases imposed as part of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Share-Based Payment Arrangement [Abstract]
Summary of recorded stock-based compensation cost	The Company recorded stock-based compensation cost as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Stock options $ — $ — $ 189 Restricted stock: Time-based awards 16,388 17,243 17,893 Performance-based awards (*) (935) 670 2,091 Market-based awards 788 — — Stock awards 1,600 1,550 1,706 Total $ 17,841 $ 19,463 $ 21,879 (*) Decrease in fiscal 2024 and fiscal 2023 relates to the downward revision of estimates for the achievement of performance targets related to certain performance-based grants. During fiscal 2024, the revision of performance target estimates resulted in a reversal of previously recognized stock-based compensation expense for outstanding performance-based awards.
Summary of stock option activity	Changes in the Company’s stock options for the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 were as follows: Number of shares Weighted- average exercise price Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years) Aggregate intrinsic value Outstanding, December 30, 2023 446,831 $ 96.20 Granted (*) — $ — Exercised (4,408) $ 83.32 Forfeited — $ — Expired (53,397) $ 95.26 Outstanding, December 28, 2024 389,026 $ 96.47 1.96 $ — Vested and expected to vest, December 28, 2024 389,026 $ 96.47 1.96 $ — Exercisable, December 28, 2024 389,026 $ 96.47 1.96 $ —
Summary of restricted stock award activity	The following table summarizes activity related to all restricted stock awards during the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024: Restricted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award Outstanding, December 30, 2023 755,289 $ 84.63 Granted 372,933 $ 80.32 Vested (254,244) $ 89.57 Forfeited (51,327) $ 82.04 Outstanding, December 28, 2024 822,651 $ 81.31 Fiscal year Number of awards granted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award 2022 230,625 $ 90.06 2023 272,509 $ 73.80 2024 266,539 $ 77.00 Fiscal year Number of awards granted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award 2022 89,760 $ 91.12 2023 112,284 $ 74.06 2024 55,089 $ 81.95 Fiscal year Number of awards granted Weighted-average grant date fair value per award 2024 28,375 $ 117.28
Summary of issued shares of common stock to non-management board members	During fiscal years 2024, 2023, and 2022, such awards were as follows: Fiscal year Number of shares issued Weighted-average grant date fair value per share 2022 21,725 $ 78.51 2023 23,850 $ 65.01 2024 22,930 $ 69.78

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income	The components of Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income consisted of the following: (dollars in thousands) Pension liability adjustments (*) Post-retirement liability adjustments Cumulative translation adjustments Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income Balance at January 1, 2022 $ (8,920) $ 1,325 $ (21,302) $ (28,897) Fiscal year 2022 change 1,739 344 (7,524) (5,441) Balance at December 31, 2022 (7,181) 1,669 (28,826) (34,338) Fiscal year 2023 change 160 (330) 10,593 10,423 Balance at December 30, 2023 (7,021) 1,339 (18,233) (23,915) Fiscal year 2024 change 2,000 (274) (21,489) (19,763) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ (5,021) $ 1,065 $ (39,722) $ (43,678) (*) Includes reclassification adjustments for deferred losses on pension obligations of $0.7 million (net of income taxes of $0.2 million) related to the partial settlement of the pension plan in fiscal 2024.

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Provision for income taxes	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Current tax provision: Federal $ 33,397 $ 47,643 $ 43,569 State 7,422 8,943 8,307 Foreign 10,903 13,756 15,562 Total current provision $ 51,722 $ 70,342 $ 67,438 Deferred tax (benefit) provision: Federal $ (3,965) $ (148) $ (1,484) State (25) (512) 425 Foreign (2,432) 60 319 Total deferred benefit (6,422) (600) (740) Total provision $ 45,300 $ 69,742 $ 66,698 The components of income before income taxes were as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Domestic $ 167,741 $ 240,627 $ 227,929 Foreign 63,068 61,615 88,807 Total $ 230,809 $ 302,242 $ 316,736
Federal statutory tax rate reconciliation	The difference between the Company’s effective income tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate is reconciled below: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Statutory federal income tax rate 21.0 % 21.0 % 21.0 % State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 2.9 % 3.0 % 2.8 % Impact of foreign operations (3.4) % (0.8) % (2.0) % Settlement of uncertain tax positions (0.5) % (0.6) % (0.7) % Benefit from stock-based compensation — % — % (0.1) % Other (0.4) % 0.5 % 0.1 % Total 19.6 % 23.1 % 21.1 %
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	The following table reflects the Company’s calculation of the components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023. (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Deferred tax assets: Assets (Liabilities) Accounts receivable allowance $ 4,321 $ 5,263 Inventory 12,408 14,271 Accrued liabilities 8,810 11,208 Equity-based compensation 3,886 3,511 Deferred employee benefits 3,062 3,397 Leasing liabilities 128,904 105,756 Other 5,078 4,771 Total deferred tax assets 166,469 148,177 Deferred tax liabilities: Depreciation (19,060) (19,654) Leasing assets (115,419) (93,943) Tradename and licensing agreements (63,144) (71,361) Other (2,712) (2,516) Total deferred tax liabilities (200,335) (187,474) Net deferred tax liability $ (33,866) $ (39,297)
Net deferred tax liability	(dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Assets (Liabilities) Deferred tax assets $ 4,344 $ 2,173 Deferred tax liabilities (38,210) (41,470) Net deferred tax liability $ (33,866) $ (39,297)
Unrecognized tax benefits	The following is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits: (dollars in thousands) Balance at January 1, 2022 $ 8,856 Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2022 1,040 Reductions for prior year tax positions — Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (2,803) Balance at December 31, 2022 $ 7,093 Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2023 1,545 Reductions for prior year tax positions — Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (2,373) Balance at December 30, 2023 $ 6,265 Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal 2024 1,500 Reductions for prior year tax positions — Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations (1,255) Balance at December 28, 2024 $ 6,510

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding	The following is a reconciliation of basic common shares outstanding to diluted common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding: Basic number of common shares outstanding 35,524,378 36,589,922 38,822,737 Dilutive effect of equity awards 1,238 3,344 27,908 Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding 35,525,616 36,593,266 38,850,645 Earnings per share: (dollars in thousands, except per share data) Basic net income per common share: Net income $ 185,509 $ 232,500 $ 250,038 Income allocated to participating securities (3,679) (4,285) (3,714) Net income available to common shareholders $ 181,830 $ 228,215 $ 246,324 Basic net income per common share $ 5.12 $ 6.24 $ 6.34 Diluted net income per common share: Net income $ 185,509 $ 232,500 $ 250,038 Income allocated to participating securities (3,679) (4,285) (3,712) Net income available to common shareholders $ 181,830 $ 228,215 $ 246,326 Diluted net income per common share $ 5.12 $ 6.24 $ 6.34 Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (*) 422,865 477,373 526,618 (*) The volume of antidilutive shares is, in part, due to the related unamortized compensation costs.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets	A reconciliation of changes in the projected pension benefit obligation and plan assets is as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Change in projected benefit obligation: Projected benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 54,785 $ 53,847 Interest cost 2,401 2,617 Actuarial (gain) loss (4,202) 1,376 Benefits paid (3,021) (3,055) Effect of settlement (6,886) — Projected benefit obligation at end of year $ 43,077 $ 54,785 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year $ 55,959 $ 55,245 Actual return on plan assets (503) 3,769 Benefits paid (3,021) (3,055) Effect of settlement (6,886) — Fair value of plan assets at end of year $ 45,549 $ 55,959 Funded status $ 2,472 $ 1,174
Components of post retirement benefit expense and pension expense	The components of net periodic pension cost recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Recognized in the statement of operations: Interest cost $ 2,401 $ 2,617 $ 1,909 Expected return on plan assets (2,176) (2,372) (3,432) Amortization of net loss (*) 148 189 217 Partial pension plan settlement charge (*) 949 — — Net periodic pension cost (benefit) $ 1,322 $ 434 $ (1,306) Changes recognized in other comprehensive income: Net gain arising during the fiscal year $ (1,523) $ (21) $ (2,062) Amortization of net loss (*) (148) (189) (217) Partial pension plan settlement charge (*) (949) — — Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ (2,620) $ (210) $ (2,279) Total net periodic pension cost (benefit) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ (1,298) $ 224 $ (3,585) (*) Represents pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss. The components of net periodic post-retirement benefit cost recognized in the statement of operations and changes recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Recognized in the statement of operations: Service cost $ 7 $ 6 $ 14 Interest cost 73 78 63 Amortization of net gain (*) (405) (428) (320) Net periodic post-retirement benefit (income) cost $ (325) $ (344) $ (243) Changes recognized in other comprehensive income: Net (gain) loss arising during the fiscal year $ (51) $ 3 $ (763) Amortization of net gain (*) 405 428 320 Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ 354 $ 431 $ (443) Total net periodic post-retirement benefit cost (income) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income $ 29 $ 87 $ (686) (*) Represents pre-tax amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss.
Schedule of assumptions used in actuarial computations	The actuarial assumptions used in determining the benefit obligation and net periodic pension cost for our pension plan is presented in the following table: Benefit obligation 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.50% 4.75% Net periodic pension cost 2024 2023 2022 Discount rate 4.75% 5.00% 2.75% Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 4.75% 5.00% 5.50% The actuarial computations utilized the following assumptions, using year-end measurement dates: Post-retirement benefit obligation 2024 2023 Discount rate 5.25% 4.75% Net periodic post-retirement benefit cost 2024 2023 2022 Discount rate 4.75% 4.75% 2.50%
Expected benefit payments for defined benefit pension plans for the next ten fiscal years	The Company currently expects benefit payments for its defined benefit pension plan as follows for the next ten fiscal years: (dollars in thousands) 2025 $ 3,300 2026 $ 3,300 2027 $ 3,460 2028 $ 3,420 2029 $ 3,420 2030-2034 $ 17,120
Fair value of the Company's pension plan assets by category	The fair value of the Company’s pension plan assets at December 28, 2024 and December 30, 2023, by asset category, were as follows: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Asset category Total Level 1 Level 2 Total Level 1 Level 2 Fixed income securities: Corporate bonds (*) $ 45,549 $ 45,549 $ — $ 55,959 $ 55,959 $ — (*)
Reconciliation of accumulated post retirement benefit obligation	The following is a reconciliation of the accumulated post-retirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) under this plan: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 APBO at beginning of fiscal year $ 1,637 $ 1,745 Service cost 7 6 Interest cost 73 78 Actuarial (gain) loss (51) 3 Benefits paid (172) (195) APBO at end of fiscal year $ 1,494 $ 1,637

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule of Segment Information	The tables below present certain segment information for our reportable segments for the periods indicated: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Net sales $ 1,417,108 $ 1,021,396 $ 405,598 $ 2,844,102 Cost of goods sold (1) 567,435 705,550 205,951 1,478,936 Selling expenses (2) 489,481 9,591 103,566 602,638 Distribution expenses (3) 89,368 62,875 24,607 176,850 Other segment items (4) 137,898 26,400 32,504 196,802 Segment operating income $ 132,926 $ 216,980 $ 38,970 $ 388,876 (1) Refer to Note 2, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies for additional information on the components of Cost of goods sold. (2) Selling expenses include the costs of operating our retail stores and eCommerce channels, as well as wholesale sales management costs. (3) Distribution expenses include payments to third-party shippers and handling costs to process product through our distribution facilities, including eCommerce fulfillment costs, and delivery to our wholesale customers and to our retail stores. (4) Other segment items include royalty income and overhead costs that are attributable to our reportable segments and include allocated accounting, finance, human resources, and information technology expenses, occupancy costs, and other benefit and compensation programs, including performance-based compensation. Fiscal year ended December 30, 2023 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Net sales $ 1,501,780 $ 1,014,584 $ 429,230 $ 2,945,594 Cost of goods sold 602,152 717,936 229,571 1,549,659 Selling expenses 506,709 8,363 95,155 610,227 Distribution expenses 95,354 63,188 24,903 183,445 Other segment items 106,923 26,152 34,470 167,545 Segment operating income $ 190,642 $ 198,945 $ 45,131 $ 434,718 Fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 (dollars in thousands) U.S. Retail U.S. Wholesale International Total Net sales $ 1,680,159 $ 1,080,471 $ 452,103 $ 3,212,733 Cost of goods sold 689,543 800,974 249,858 1,740,375 Selling expenses 521,516 9,402 89,452 620,370 Distribution expenses 113,455 78,079 24,653 216,187 Other segment items 102,788 24,777 28,462 156,027 Segment operating income $ 252,857 $ 167,239 $ 59,678 $ 479,774 The table below presents a reconciliation of reportable segment operating income to Income before income taxes: Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Total segment operating income $ 388,876 $ 434,718 $ 479,774 Items not included in segment operating income: Unallocated corporate expenses (1) (102,326) (106,901) (91,603) Organizational restructuring (2) (1,822) (4,412) — OshKosh tradename impairment charge (30,000) — — Skip Hop tradename impairment charge — — (9,000) Consolidated operating income $ 254,728 $ 323,405 $ 379,171 Interest expense 31,331 33,973 42,781 Interest income (11,039) (4,776) (1,261) Other expense (income), net 3,627 (8,034) 975 Loss on extinguishment of debt — — 19,940 Income before income taxes $ 230,809 $ 302,242 $ 316,736 (1) Unallocated corporate expenses include corporate overhead expenses that are not directly attributable to one of our reportable segments and include unallocated accounting, finance, legal, human resources, and information technology expenses, occupancy costs for our corporate headquarters, and other benefit and compensation programs, including performance-based compensation. (2) Related to charges for corporate organizational restructuring in the fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 and organizational restructuring and related corporate office lease amendment actions in the fiscal year ended December 30, 2023.
Schedule of Additional Reportable Segment Information	The tables below present additional information for our reportable segments for the periods presented: Depreciation and amortization expense Fiscal year ended December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 U.S. Wholesale $ 8,749 $ 10,958 $ 13,415 U.S. Retail 35,562 38,710 39,975 International 11,413 11,758 11,695 Unallocated corporate 2,202 2,713 191 Total 57,926 64,139 65,276 Inventory December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 Inventory: U.S. Wholesale (*) $ 374,610 $ 381,146 U.S. Retail 59,868 73,366 International 67,854 82,613 Total inventory $ 502,332 $ 537,125 All other assets 1,930,835 1,841,488 Total assets $ 2,433,167 $ 2,378,613 (*) U.S. Wholesale inventories also include inventory produced and warehoused for the U.S. Retail segment.
Consolidated Net Sales by Product	The table below represents consolidated net sales by product: Fiscal year ended (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 December 31, 2022 Baby $ 1,139,129 $ 1,098,304 $ 1,103,023 Playclothes 948,602 992,726 1,125,352 Sleepwear 373,373 411,678 492,152 Other (*) 382,998 442,886 492,206 Total net sales $ 2,844,102 $ 2,945,594 $ 3,212,733 (*) Other product offerings include bedding, outerwear, swimwear, shoes, socks, diaper bags, gift sets, toys, and hair accessories.
Property, Plant, and Equipment, net, by Geographic Area	The following represents Property, plant, and equipment, net, and Operating lease assets by geographic area: (dollars in thousands) December 28, 2024 December 30, 2023 United States $ 614,751 $ 582,049 International 143,338 129,469 Total $ 758,089 $ 711,518

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Cash and Cash Equivalents (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 412,926	$ 351,213
Geographic Distribution, Foreign [Member]
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 75,300

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Accounts Receivable (Details) - customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Net Sales
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of major wholesale customers	2
Net Sales | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		10.40%
Net Sales | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, One
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.90%
Net Sales | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, Two
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.10%
Accounts Receivable
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Number of major wholesale customers	3	3
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk | Three Wholesale Customers
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	64%	56%
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, One
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10%	10%
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, Two
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10%	10%
Accounts Receivable | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, Three
Accounts, Notes, Loans and Financing Receivable [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10%	10%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Property, Plant, and Equipment (Details)	Dec. 28, 2024
Building and Building Improvements | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	15 years
Building and Building Improvements | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	26 years
Retail Store Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years
Retail Store Fixtures, Equipment, and Computers | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Internal-Use Software (Details) - Computer Software	Dec. 28, 2024
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	10 years
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, useful life	3 years

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_7

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment		$ 30,000	$ 0	$ 9,000
Oshkosh Tradename
Acquired Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment	$ 30,000	30,000	$ 0	$ 0
Indefinite intangible assets	$ 40,000	$ 40,000

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_8

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Revenue Recognition (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Cooperative advertising arrangements, fair value	$ 0.9	$ 0	$ 0.6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_9

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Costs of Goods Sold and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Distribution expense	$ 176.9	$ 183.4	$ 216.2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_10

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Advertising Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Advertising Expense	$ 84.1	$ 74.1	$ 96
Deferred Advertising	$ 2.1	$ 1.2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_11

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Stock-Based Compensation Arrangements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 0	$ 0

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_12

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Supplemental Cash Flow Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Interest paid in cash	$ 29.5	$ 32.3	$ 41.2
Income taxes paid in cash	51.3	76.5	64
Property, plant and equipment additions	$ 3.4	$ 1.6	$ 10.1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOU_13

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES - Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2024	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Effect of settlement	$ 6,900
Partial pension plan settlement charge	$ 900	$ (949)	$ 0	$ 0

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggreg

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Disaggregation of Revenue (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,844,102	$ 2,945,594	$ 3,212,733
Royalty income, net	19,251	21,410	25,820
Direct-to-consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,685,517	1,770,376	1,960,062
Wholesale channel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,158,585	1,175,218	1,252,671
Royalty income, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Royalty income, net	19,251	21,410	25,820
U.S. Retail
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,417,108	1,501,780	1,680,159
U.S. Retail | Direct-to-consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,417,108	1,501,780	1,680,159
U.S. Retail | Wholesale channel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0
U.S. Retail | Royalty income, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Royalty income, net	5,365	6,549	8,815
U.S. Wholesale
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,021,396	1,014,584	1,080,471
U.S. Wholesale | Direct-to-consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	0	0	0
U.S. Wholesale | Wholesale channel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	1,021,396	1,014,584	1,080,471
U.S. Wholesale | Royalty income, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Royalty income, net	11,072	11,660	12,915
International
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	405,598	429,230	452,103
International | Direct-to-consumer
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	268,409	268,596	279,903
International | Wholesale channel
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Net sales	137,189	160,634	172,200
International | Royalty income, net
Disaggregation of Revenue [Line Items]
Royalty income, net	$ 2,814	$ 3,201	$ 4,090

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Accounts

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Accounts Receivable from Customers and Licensees (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Receivables with Imputed Interest [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 204,887	$ 196,891
Less: Wholesale accounts receivable reserves	(10,053)	(13,117)
Accounts receivable, net	194,834	183,774
Allowance for chargebacks	4,400	8,400
Allowance for credit losses	5,663	4,754
Trade receivables from wholesale customers, net
Receivables with Imputed Interest [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	187,715	172,106
Royalties receivable, net
Receivables with Imputed Interest [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	3,728	4,753
Other receivables
Receivables with Imputed Interest [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross	$ 13,444	20,032
Accrued Income Receivable
Receivables with Imputed Interest [Line Items]
Accounts receivable, gross		$ 6,900

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Wholesale

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Wholesale accounts receivable reserves (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
SEC Schedule, 12-09, Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 13,117	$ 16,448	$ 18,695
Additional provisions	2,836	5,220	9,280
Charges to reserve	(5,900)	(8,551)	(11,527)
Ending balance	$ 10,053	$ 13,117	$ 16,448

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract

REVENUE RECOGNITION - Contract Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Revenue from Contract with Customer [Abstract]
Unredeemed gift cards	$ 25,043	$ 25,162
Unredeemed customer loyalty rewards	2,552	3,355
Carter's credit card - upfront bonus	714	714
Total contract liabilities - current	28,309	29,231
Contract liabilities - non-current	0	714
Total contract liabilities	28,309	29,945
Gift Cards Member
Recognized revenue from gift card liability	$ 10,500	$ 9,400

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMEN_2

PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 783,626	$ 799,018
Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(602,670)	(615,907)
Total	180,956	183,111
Depreciation and amortization expense	54,200	60,400	$ 61,500
Land, building, and leasehold improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	375,173	357,029
Fixtures, equipment, and computer hardware
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	301,732	302,747
Computer software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	98,563	129,685
Construction in progress
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property, plant and equipment, gross	$ 8,158	$ 9,557

LEASES - Operating lease term o

LEASES - Operating lease term of contract and Other (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities	$ 175	$ 177.8
Operating lease assets obtained in exchange for operating lease liabilities	196.3	$ 184.6
Minimum rental commitments for additional operating lease contracts not yet commenced	$ 24.7
Minimum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Initial term of lease	3 years
Lease term for leases not yet commenced	7 years
Maximum
Lessee, Lease, Description [Line Items]
Initial term of lease	10 years
Extension term	5 years
Lease term for leases not yet commenced	10 years

LEASES - Cost (Details)

LEASES - Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Leases [Abstract]
Operating lease cost	$ 177,034	$ 171,072	$ 160,210
Variable lease cost	57,992	56,089	66,400
Net lease cost	$ 235,026	$ 227,161	$ 226,610

LEASES - Supplemental balance s

LEASES - Supplemental balance sheet information (Details)	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Leases [Abstract]
Weighted average remaining operating lease term (years)	5 years 10 months 24 days	5 years 9 months 18 days
Weighted average discount rate for operating leases	5%	4.63%

LEASES - Maturities of lease li

LEASES - Maturities of lease liabilities (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2025	$ 151,728
2026	146,911
2027	115,942
2028	93,103
2029	69,325
After 2029	167,329
Total lease payments	744,338
Less: Interest	(112,271)
Present value of lease liabilities	$ 632,067

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE_3

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			$ 210,537	$ 209,333
Foreign currency impact			(3,662)	1,204
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 206,875	$ 209,333	206,875	210,537	$ 209,333
Intangible asset impairment			30,000	0	9,000
Amortization of intangible assets			3,700	3,700	3,700
2025	3,657		3,657
2026	3,657		3,657
2027	3,531		3,531
2028	3,354		3,354
2029	3,354		3,354
Finite-life tradenames
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	3,911		3,911	3,911
Accumulated amortization	2,136		2,136	1,958
Net amount	1,775		$ 1,775	1,953
Finite-life tradenames | Minimum
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average useful life			5 years
Finite-life tradenames | Maximum
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average useful life			20 years
Total tradenames, net
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	270,144		$ 270,144	300,144
Accumulated amortization	2,136		2,136	1,958
Net amount	268,008		$ 268,008	298,186
Skip Hop customer relationships
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average useful life			15 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	47,300		$ 47,300	47,300
Accumulated amortization	24,540		24,540	21,363
Net amount	22,760		$ 22,760	25,937
Carter’s Mexico customer relationships
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Weighted-average useful life			10 years
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	3,145		$ 3,145	3,324
Accumulated amortization	2,362		2,362	2,023
Net amount	783		783	1,301
Total customer relationships, net
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Finite intangible assets, Gross amount	50,445		50,445	50,624
Accumulated amortization	26,902		26,902	23,386
Net amount	23,543		23,543	27,238
Carter’s tradename
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Indefinite intangible assets	220,233		220,233	220,233
Oshkosh Tradename
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Indefinite intangible assets	40,000		40,000	70,000
Intangible asset impairment	30,000		30,000	0	0
Indefinite intangible assets	40,000		40,000
Skip Hop tradename
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Indefinite intangible assets	6,000		6,000	6,000
Intangible asset impairment		9,000	0	0	9,000
Indefinite intangible assets		6,000			6,000
U.S. Retail
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			83,934	83,934
Foreign currency impact			0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	83,934	83,934	83,934	83,934	83,934
U.S. Wholesale
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			74,454	74,454
Foreign currency impact			0	0
Goodwill, Ending Balance	74,454	74,454	74,454	74,454	74,454
International
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Goodwill, Beginning Balance			52,149	50,945
Foreign currency impact			(3,662)	1,204
Goodwill, Ending Balance	$ 48,487	50,945	$ 48,487	$ 52,149	50,945
Accumulated impairment loss		$ 17,700			$ 17,700

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CU_3

PREPAID EXPENSES AND OTHER CURRENT ASSETS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current [Abstract]
Prepaid information technology-related contracts	$ 14,953	$ 11,504
Prepaid income taxes	4,398	2,563
Other	13,229	15,064
Prepaid expenses and other current assets	$ 32,580	$ 29,131

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Deta

OTHER CURRENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Other Liabilities Disclosure [Abstract]
Unredeemed gift cards	$ 25,043	$ 25,162
Accrued employee benefits	20,824	17,928
Accrued taxes	14,455	12,909
Income taxes payable	13,820	12,697
Accrued salaries and wages	12,345	12,458
Accrued bonuses and incentive compensation	2,757	20,817
Other	40,808	32,373
Other current liabilities	$ 130,052	$ 134,344

SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM (D

SUPPLY CHAIN FINANCE PROGRAM (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Payables and Accruals [Abstract]
SCF revolving capacity	$ 70,000
Payment terms with suppliers, period	60 days
Supplier Finance Program, Obligation [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, December 30, 2023	$ 14,792
Supplier Finance Program, Obligation, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Accounts payable	Accounts payable
Invoices confirmed during the year	$ 148,343
Confirmed invoices paid during the year	(144,092)
Outstanding, December 28, 2024	$ 19,043
Supplier Finance Program, Obligation, Statement of Financial Position [Extensible Enumeration]	Accounts payable	Accounts payable

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule (Deta

LONG-TERM DEBT - Schedule (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Less: unamortized debt issuance-related costs	(1,873,000)	(2,646,000)
Total long-term debt, net	498,127,000	497,354,000
Total Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Senior notes, net	498,127,000	497,354,000
Secured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured revolving credit facility	0	0
$500 million, 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000

LONG-TERM DEBT - Secured Revolv

LONG-TERM DEBT - Secured Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding letters of credit	$ 4,700,000	$ 4,400,000
Secured revolving credit facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Secured revolving credit facility	0	0
Available for future borrowing	$ 845,300,000	$ 845,600,000

LONG-TERM DEBT - Terms of the S

LONG-TERM DEBT - Terms of the Secured Revolving Credit Facility (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	Dec. 28, 2024	Apr. 11, 2022	Aug. 25, 2017
United States Dollar Credit Facility - Amendment No.4
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Leverage-based adjustment	1.125%
Secured revolving credit facility | Minimum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.125%
Secured revolving credit facility | Maximum
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stated interest rate	1.625%
Secured revolving credit facility | Amendment No. 4
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity		$ 850
Secured revolving credit facility | United States Dollar Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 750
Secured revolving credit facility | Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$ 100
Secured revolving credit facility | United States Dollar Credit Facility - Amendment No.4
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit interest rate	5.58%

LONG-TERM DEBT - Redemption Sch

LONG-TERM DEBT - Redemption Schedule (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Apr. 04, 2022	Mar. 14, 2019
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt	0	0	$ 19,940
$500 million, 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Stated interest rate					5.625%
Five Point Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty Five [Member] | Senior notes
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross				$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Stated interest rate				5.50%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2025
Debt Instrument, Redemption [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			19,900
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, premium			15,700
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost			$ 4,300

LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Notes (

LONG-TERM DEBT - Senior Notes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Apr. 04, 2022	Mar. 14, 2019
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt	$ 0	0	$ (19,940)
Guarantor subsidiaries percentage of ownership	100%
Redemption price, percentage	101%
Affirmative covenants	25%
Five Point Five Percent Senior Notes due Twenty Twenty Five [Member] | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross				$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Stated interest rate				5.50%
5.500% Senior Notes due 2025
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt			(19,900)
Gain (loss) on extinguishment of debt, premium			15,700
Write off of deferred debt issuance cost			$ 4,300
$500 million, 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 | Senior notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000	$ 500,000
Stated interest rate					5.625%
$500 million, 5.625% Senior Notes due 2027 | Senior notes | Debt Instrument, Redemption, Period One [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage	100%

COMMON STOCK - Total Authorizat

COMMON STOCK - Total Authorizations and Share Repurchases (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Feb. 24, 2022
Equity [Abstract]
Number of shares repurchased (in shares)	736,423	1,446,269	3,747,187
Aggregate cost of shares repurchased	$ 50,526	$ 100,034	$ 299,667
Average price per shares (in USD per share)	$ 68.61	$ 69.17	$ 79.97
Stock repurchase, authorized amount				$ 1,000,000
Total remaining capacity under authorization	$ 599,000			$ 301,900

COMMON STOCK - Dividends (Detai

COMMON STOCK - Dividends (Details) - $ / shares		3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Feb. 21, 2025	Dec. 28, 2024	Sep. 28, 2024	Jun. 29, 2024	Mar. 30, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Sep. 30, 2023	Jul. 01, 2023	Apr. 01, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Oct. 01, 2022	Jul. 02, 2022	Apr. 02, 2022	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared and paid per common share (in USD per share)		$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.80	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 0.75	$ 3.20	$ 3	$ 3
Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Dividend declared and paid per common share (in USD per share)	$ 0.80

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narr

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock available under the existing plan (in shares)	18,778,392
Available for grant under the Plan (in shares)	1,805,675
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Intrinsic value of basic stock options exercised	$ 100,000	$ 300,000	$ 1,400,000
Vested (in shares)		0
Director
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Proceeds from issuance of shares	0
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 0	$ 0
Vesting period	4 years
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 30,800,000
Vested (in shares)	254,244	184,803	205,120
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 89.57	$ 91.84	$ 95.54
Weighted-average expense recognition period	2 years 6 months
Shares outstanding (in shares)	822,651	755,289
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 81.31	$ 84.63
Granted (in shares)	372,933
Time-based restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 26,400,000
Vested (in shares)	254,244	184,803	162,508
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 89.57	$ 91.84	$ 97.29
Weighted-average expense recognition period	2 years 6 months
Granted (in shares)	266,539	272,509	230,625
Time-based restricted stock | Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Time-based restricted stock | Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Performance-based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 2,300,000
Vesting period	3 years
Vested (in shares)	0			42,612
Weighted-average expense recognition period	1 year 10 months 24 days
Shares outstanding (in shares)	237,697
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 81.38
Granted (in shares)	55,089	112,284	89,760
Market-based awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost	$ 2,200,000
Vesting period	3 years
Weighted-average expense recognition period	2 years 2 months 12 days
Granted (in shares)	28,375
Risk-free interest rate	4.50%
Expected term (years)	3 years
Expected Volatility	32.90%
Beginning TSR Price	$ 73.60
Grant Date Share Price	$ 81.95

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stoc

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock-Based Compensation by Award Type (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 17,841	$ 19,463	$ 21,879
Stock options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	0	0	189
Time-based awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	16,388	17,243	17,893
Performance-based Awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ (935)	$ 670	$ 2,091
Granted (in shares)	55,089	112,284	89,760
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 81.95	$ 74.06	$ 91.12
Market-based awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 788	$ 0	$ 0
Granted (in shares)	28,375
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 117.28
Stock awards
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock-based compensation	$ 1,600	$ 1,550	$ 1,706

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - St_2

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Stock Option Activity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Stock Options (Number of shares)
Outstanding, beginning balance (in shares)	446,831
Granted (in shares)	0	0	0
Exercised (in shares)	(4,408)
Forfeited (in shares)	0
Expired (in shares)	(53,397)
Outstanding, ending balance (in shares)	389,026	446,831
Vested and expected to vest (in shares)	389,026
Exercisable (in shares)	389,026
Stock Options (Weighted-average exercise price)
Weighted- average exercise price per share beginning balance (in dollars per share)	$ 96.20
Granted (in dollars per share)	0
Exercised (in dollars per share)	83.32
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	0
Expired (in dollars per share)	95.26
Weighted- average exercise price per share ending balance (in dollars per share)	96.47	$ 96.20
Weighted- average exercise price per share, vested and expected to vest (in dollars per share)	96.47
Weighted- average exercise price per share, exercisable (in dollars per share)	$ 96.47
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), outstanding	1 year 11 months 15 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), vested and expected to vest	1 year 11 months 15 days
Weighted-average remaining contractual terms (years), exercisable	1 year 11 months 15 days
Aggregate intrinsic value, outstanding	$ 0
Aggregate intrinsic value, vested and expected to vest	0
Aggregate intrinsic value, exercisable	$ 0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Rest

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Restricted Stock Activity (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022	Jan. 01, 2022
Restricted Stock
Vested (in shares)		0
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs)
Restricted Stock
Shares outstanding (in shares)	755,289
Granted (in shares)	372,933
Vested (in shares)	(254,244)	(184,803)	(205,120)
Forfeited (in shares)	(51,327)
Shares outstanding (in shares)	822,651	755,289
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 81.31	$ 84.63
Granted (in dollars per share)	80.32
Vested (in dollars per share)	89.57	91.84	$ 95.54
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	82.04
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 81.31	$ 84.63
Time-based restricted stock
Restricted Stock
Granted (in shares)	266,539	272,509	230,625
Vested (in shares)	(254,244)	(184,803)	(162,508)
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 77	$ 73.80	$ 90.06
Vested (in dollars per share)	$ 89.57	$ 91.84	$ 97.29
Performance-based Awards
Restricted Stock
Granted (in shares)	55,089	112,284	89,760
Vested (in shares)	0			(42,612)
Shares outstanding (in shares)	237,697
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 81.38
Granted (in dollars per share)	81.95	$ 74.06	$ 91.12
Weighted-average grant-date fair value outstanding (in dollars per share)	$ 81.38
Market-based awards
Restricted Stock
Granted (in shares)	28,375
Weighted-average grant-date fair value
Granted (in dollars per share)	$ 117.28
Risk-free interest rate	4.50%

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Non-

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION - Non-Management- Board Directors (Details) - Director - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares issued (in shares)	22,930	23,850	21,725
Fair value per share (in USD per share)	$ 69.78	$ 65.01	$ 78.51

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE (LOSS) INCOME (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cumulative translation adjustment, beginning balance	$ (18,233)	$ (28,826)	$ (21,302)
Cumulative translation adjustment, current year change	(21,489)	10,593	(7,524)
Cumulative translation adjustment, ending balance	(39,722)	(18,233)	(28,826)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), beginning balance	(23,915)	(34,338)	(28,897)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,763)	10,423	(5,441)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), ending balance	(43,678)	(23,915)	(34,338)
Partial pension settlement charge, net of tax of $(224) for fiscal 2024	725	0	0
Tax on partial pension settlement charge	224
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, beginning balance	(7,021)	(7,181)	(8,920)
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, current year change	2,000	160	1,739
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, ending balance	(5,021)	(7,021)	(7,181)
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustments, tax benefit	1,600	2,200
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, beginning balance	1,339	1,669	1,325
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, current year change	(274)	(330)	344
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustment, ending balance	1,065	1,339	$ 1,669
Pension/post-retirement liability adjustments, tax benefit	$ 300	$ 400

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Inves

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on investments	$ 2.2	$ 2.2
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Marketable securities	$ 19.5	$ 17.3

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Borro

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Borrowings (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, gross	$ 500,000,000	$ 500,000,000
Secured revolving credit facility
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Secured revolving credit facility	0	0
Total Senior Notes Member
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Long-term debt, fair value	$ 494,400,000	$ 493,700,000

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Goodw

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS - Goodwill, Intangible, and Long-Lived Tangible Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Intangible asset impairment		$ 30,000	$ 0	$ 9,000
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment		30,000	0	9,000
Oshkosh Tradename
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Intangible asset impairment	$ 30,000	30,000	0	0
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment	30,000	30,000	$ 0	$ 0
Indefinite intangible assets	$ 40,000	$ 40,000

INCOME TAXES - Provision for In

INCOME TAXES - Provision for Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries	$ 101,300
Unrecognized deferred tax liability related to undistributed earnings	4,800
Current tax provision:
Federal	33,397	$ 47,643	$ 43,569
State	7,422	8,943	8,307
Foreign	10,903	13,756	15,562
Total current provision	51,722	70,342	67,438
Deferred tax (benefit) provision:
Federal	(3,965)	(148)	(1,484)
State	(25)	(512)	425
Foreign	(2,432)	60	319
Total deferred benefit	(6,422)	(600)	(740)
Total provision	$ 45,300	$ 69,742	$ 66,698

INCOME TAXES - Income Before In

INCOME TAXES - Income Before Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Domestic	$ 167,741	$ 240,627	$ 227,929
Foreign	63,068	61,615	88,807
Income before income taxes	$ 230,809	$ 302,242	$ 316,736

INCOME TAXES - Effective Rate R

INCOME TAXES - Effective Rate Reconciliation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Income tax rate reconciliation [Abstract]
Statutory federal income tax rate	21%	21%	21%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	2.90%	3%	2.80%
Impact of foreign operations	(3.40%)	(0.80%)	(2.00%)
Settlement of uncertain tax positions	(0.50%)	(0.60%)	(0.70%)
Benefit from stock-based compensation	0%	0%	(0.10%)
Other	(0.40%)	0.50%	0.10%
Total	19.60%	23.10%	21.10%

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes (

INCOME TAXES - Deferred Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Deferred tax assets:
Accounts receivable allowance	$ 4,321	$ 5,263
Inventory	12,408	14,271
Accrued liabilities	8,810	11,208
Equity-based compensation	3,886	3,511
Deferred employee benefits	3,062	3,397
Leasing liabilities	128,904	105,756
Other	5,078	4,771
Total deferred tax assets	166,469	148,177
Deferred tax liabilities:
Depreciation	(19,060)	(19,654)
Leasing assets	(115,419)	(93,943)
Tradename and licensing agreements	(63,144)	(71,361)
Other	(2,712)	(2,516)
Total deferred tax liabilities	200,335	187,474
Net deferred tax liability	33,866	39,297
Deferred tax assets	4,344	2,173
Deferred tax liabilities	$ (38,210)	$ (41,470)

INCOME TAXES - Uncertain Tax Pr

INCOME TAXES - Uncertain Tax Provisions (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Unrecognized income tax benefits [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 6,265	$ 7,093	$ 8,856
Additions based on tax positions related to fiscal year	1,500	1,545	1,040
Reductions for prior year tax positions	0	0	0
Reductions for lapse of statute of limitations	(1,255)	(2,373)	(2,803)
Ending Balance	6,510	6,265	$ 7,093
Impact of recognized tax benefit on effective tax rate, if recognized	5,700
Reserves for which the statute of limitations is expected to expire within the next fiscal year	1,500
Interest accrued for uncertain tax positions	$ 1,600	$ 1,500

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details)

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Weighted-average number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding:
Basic number of common shares outstanding (in shares)	35,524,378	36,589,922	38,822,737
Dilutive effect of unvested restricted stock awards (in shares)	1,238	3,344	27,908
Diluted number of common and common equivalent shares outstanding (in shares)	35,525,616	36,593,266	38,850,645
Basic net income per common share:
Net income	$ 185,509	$ 232,500	$ 250,038
Income allocated to participating securities	3,679	4,285	3,714
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 181,830	$ 228,215	$ 246,324
Basic net income per common share (in USD per share)	$ 5.12	$ 6.24	$ 6.34
Diluted net income per common share:
Net income	$ 185,509	$ 232,500	$ 250,038
Income allocated to participating securities	(3,679)	(4,285)	(3,712)
Net income available to common shareholders	$ 181,830	$ 228,215	$ 246,326
Diluted net income per common share (in USD per share)	$ 5.12	$ 6.24	$ 6.34
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from dilutive earnings per share calculations (in shares)	422,865	477,373	526,618

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrat

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2024	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of settlement	$ 6,900
Partial pension plan settlement charge	$ 900	$ (949)	$ 0	$ 0
Long-term rate of return		0.0550
Contribution		$ 200	200	200
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of settlement		6,886	0
Partial pension plan settlement charge		949	0	0
Effect of 0.25% increase on projected benefit obligation		$ 1,000
Chane in assumed discount rate		0.25%
Benefit plan obligation		$ 43,077	54,785	53,847
Benefit payments		3,300
Expected contribution and benefit payment, five years subsequent to 2029		17,120
Pension Plans | Scenario, Adjustment
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Effect of 0.25% increase on projected benefit obligation		3,100
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit plan obligation		1,494	1,637	1,745
Benefit payments		200
Expected contribution and benefit payment, five years subsequent to 2029		600
Postretirement Benefit | Other Long Term Liabilities
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Benefit plan obligation		$ 1,300	1,400
Defined Contribution Plan | United States
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Minimum age participation for the defined contribution plan		21 years
Minimum service participation for the defined contribution plan		1 month
Minimum hours service participation for the defined contribution plan		1000 hours
Defined contribution plan expense for the fiscal year		$ 8,600	$ 8,100	$ 8,200

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Benefi

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Benefit Obligation and Plan Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2024	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Effect of settlement	$ 6,900
Pension Plans
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		$ 54,785	$ 53,847
Interest cost		2,401	2,617	$ 1,909
Actuarial (gain) loss		(4,202)	1,376
Benefits paid		(3,021)	(3,055)
Effect of settlement		6,886	0
Benefit obligation at end of period		43,077	54,785	53,847
Change in plan assets:
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year		55,959	55,245
Actual return on plan assets		(503)	3,769
Benefits paid		(3,021)	(3,055)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year		45,549	55,959	55,245
Funded status		2,472	1,174
Postretirement Benefit
Change in projected benefit obligation:
Benefit obligation at beginning of period		1,637	1,745
Service cost		7	6	14
Interest cost		73	78	63
Actuarial (gain) loss		(51)	3
Benefits paid		(172)	(195)
Benefit obligation at end of period		$ 1,494	$ 1,637	$ 1,745

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Net Pe

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Net Periodic (Benefit) Cost (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2024	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Partial pension plan settlement charge	$ 900	$ (949)	$ 0	$ 0
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Partial pension plan settlement charge	$ 900	(949)	0	0
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Interest cost		2,401	2,617	1,909
Expected return on plan assets		(2,176)	(2,372)	(3,432)
Amortization of net gain		148	189	217
Partial pension plan settlement charge		949	0	0
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)		1,322	434	(1,306)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss arising during the fiscal year		(1,523)	(21)	(2,062)
Amortization of net gain		(148)	(189)	(217)
Partial pension plan settlement charge		949	0	0
Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income		(2,620)	(210)	(2,279)
Total net periodic pension cost (benefit) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income		1,298	(224)	(3,585)
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Service cost		7	6	14
Interest cost		73	78	63
Amortization of net gain		(405)	(428)	(320)
Net periodic pension cost (benefit)		(325)	(344)	(243)
Defined Benefit Plan, Accumulated Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, before Tax [Abstract]
Net (gain) loss arising during the fiscal year		(51)	3	(763)
Amortization of net gain		(405)	(428)	(320)
Total changes recognized in other comprehensive income		354	431	(443)
Total net periodic pension cost (benefit) and changes recognized in other comprehensive income		$ (29)	$ (87)	$ 686

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assump

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Pension Plans
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	5.50%	4.75%
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	4.75%	5%	2.75%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	4.75%	5%	5.50%
Postretirement Benefit
Benefit obligation
Discount rate	5.25%	4.75%
Net periodic pension cost
Discount rate	4.75%	4.75%	2.50%

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Expect

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Expected Benefit Payments (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024 USD ($)
Pension Plans
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2025	$ 3,300
2026	3,300
2027	3,460
2028	3,420
2029	3,420
2030-2034	17,120
Postretirement Benefit
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
2025	200
2030-2034	$ 600

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Plan A

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS - Plan Assets (Details) - Pension Plans - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 45,549	$ 55,959	$ 55,245
Corporate bond
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	45,549	55,959
Corporate bond | Level 1
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	45,549	55,959
Corporate bond | Level 2
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Fair value of plan assets	$ 0	$ 0

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024 segment
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Number of operating segments	3
Number of reportable segments	3

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reportabl

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Reportable Segments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 31, 2022	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			$ 2,844,102	$ 2,945,594	$ 3,212,733
Cost of goods sold			1,478,936	1,549,659	1,740,375
Selling expenses			602,638	610,227	620,370
Distribution expenses			176,850	183,445	216,187
Other segment items			196,802	167,545	156,027
Segment operating income			388,876	434,718	479,774
Unallocated corporate expenses			(102,326)	(106,901)	(91,603)
Organizational restructuring			$ (1,822)	$ (4,412)	$ 0
Restructuring Charges, Statement of Income or Comprehensive Income [Extensible Enumeration]			Consolidated operating income	Consolidated operating income	Consolidated operating income
Intangible asset impairment			$ (30,000)	$ 0	$ (9,000)
Consolidated operating income			254,728	323,405	379,171
Interest expense			31,331	33,973	42,781
Interest income			(11,039)	(4,776)	(1,261)
Other expense (income), net			3,627	(8,034)	975
Loss on extinguishment of debt			0	0	19,940
Income before income taxes			230,809	302,242	316,736
Skip Hop tradename
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment		$ (9,000)	0	0	(9,000)
Oshkosh Tradename
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Intangible asset impairment	$ (30,000)		(30,000)	0	0
U.S. Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			1,417,108	1,501,780	1,680,159
U.S. Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			1,021,396	1,014,584	1,080,471
Operating Segments | U.S. Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			1,417,108	1,501,780	1,680,159
Cost of goods sold			567,435	602,152	689,543
Selling expenses			489,481	506,709	521,516
Distribution expenses			89,368	95,354	113,455
Other segment items			137,898	106,923	102,788
Segment operating income			132,926	190,642	252,857
Operating Segments | U.S. Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			1,021,396	1,014,584	1,080,471
Cost of goods sold			705,550	717,936	800,974
Selling expenses			9,591	8,363	9,402
Distribution expenses			62,875	63,188	78,079
Other segment items			26,400	26,152	24,777
Segment operating income			216,980	198,945	167,239
Operating Segments | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net sales			405,598	429,230	452,103
Cost of goods sold			205,951	229,571	249,858
Selling expenses			103,566	95,155	89,452
Distribution expenses			24,607	24,903	24,653
Other segment items			32,504	34,470	28,462
Segment operating income			$ 38,970	$ 45,131	$ 59,678

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additiona

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Additional Segment Data (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 57,926	$ 64,139	$ 65,276
Inventory:	502,332	537,125
All other assets	1,930,835	1,841,488
Total assets	2,433,167	2,378,613
Operating Segments | U.S. Wholesale
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation	8,749	10,958	13,415
Inventory:	374,610	381,146
Operating Segments | U.S. Retail
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation	35,562	38,710	39,975
Inventory:	59,868	73,366
Operating Segments | International
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation	11,413	11,758	11,695
Inventory:	67,854	82,613
Unallocated corporate
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Depreciation	$ 2,202	$ 2,713	$ 191

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net Sales

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net Sales (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 2,844,102	$ 2,945,594	$ 3,212,733
Baby
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	1,139,129	1,098,304	1,103,023
Playclothes
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	948,602	992,726	1,125,352
Sleepwear
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	373,373	411,678	492,152
Other
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Net sales	$ 382,998	$ 442,886	$ 492,206

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrati_2

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Narrative (Details) - customer	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023	Dec. 31, 2022
Net Sales
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Number of major wholesale customers	2
Net Sales | Geographic Concentration Risk | Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	61.30%	61.50%	64%
Net Sales | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage		10.40%
Net Sales | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, One
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.90%
Net Sales | Customer Concentration Risk | Major Wholesale Customer, Two
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	10.10%
Long-Lived Assets | Geographic Concentration Risk | Canada
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Concentration risk percentage	53.80%	51%

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Long-Live

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Long-Lived Assets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 28, 2024	Dec. 30, 2023
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 758,089	$ 711,518
United States
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	614,751	582,049
International
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Long-Lived Assets	$ 143,338	$ 129,469