to various inherent risks, including port congestion, severe weather conditions, natural disasters, and terrorism, any of which could result in delivery delays and inefficiencies, increased costs and disruption of business. In 2021, the Company's supply chain was disrupted by congestion throughout the supply chain, domestic port and warehousing delays, and container shortages, resulting in the Company incurring premium freight charges on a portion of its imports. In addition to these factors, global inflation has also contributed to already higher incremental freight costs. Severe disruptions of the supply chain may force the Company to use more expensive methods to ship its products, and it may not be able to meet its customers delivery requirements which may result in loss of sales.
Any severe and prolonged disruption to ocean freight transportation could force the Company to rely on alternate and more expensive transportation systems. Efficient and timely inventory deliveries and proper inventory management are important factors in the Company's operations. Extended delays and disruptions in shipments could result in negative impacts to the pricing of the Company's products due to changes in the availability of inventory, increased shipping costs, or missed sales that may materially adversely impact its business and results of operations.
Loss of the services of the Company’s top executives and an inability to effectively manage leadership transitions, could adversely affect the business.
Thomas W. Florsheim, Jr., the Company’s Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and John W. Florsheim, the Company’s President, Chief Operating Officer and Assistant Secretary, each have a strong heritage within the Company and the footwear industry. They possess knowledge, relationships and reputations based on their lifetime exposure to and experience in the Company and the industry. The unexpected loss of either one or both of the Company’s top executives could have an adverse impact on the Company’s performance. A loss of the skills, industry knowledge, contacts and expertise of any of the Company's senior executives could cause a setback to its operating plan and strategy. In addition, transitions of important responsibilities to new individuals include the possibility of disruptions, which could negatively impact the Company’s business and results of operations.
The Company may not be able to successfully integrate new brands and businesses.
The Company continues to look for acquisition opportunities. Those search efforts could be unsuccessful and costs could be incurred in any failed efforts. Further, if and when an acquisition occurs, the Company cannot guarantee that it will be able to successfully integrate the brand into its current operations, or that any acquired brand would achieve results in line with the Company’s historical performance or its specific expectations for the brand.
Risk factors related to our business and industry
Decreases in disposable income and general market volatility in the U.S. and global economy may adversely affect the Company.
Spending patterns in the footwear market, particularly those in the moderate-priced market in which a majority of the Company’s products compete, have historically been correlated with consumers’ disposable income. As a result, the success of the Company is affected by changes in general economic conditions, especially in the United States. Factors affecting discretionary income for the moderate consumer include, among others, general business conditions, gas and energy costs, inflation rates, employment rates, consumer confidence, interest rates and taxation. Additionally, the economy and consumer behavior generally impact the financial strength and buying patterns of retailers, which can also affect the Company’s results. Volatile, unstable or weak economic conditions, or a worsening of conditions, could adversely affect the Company’s sales volume and overall performance.
The Company is subject to risks related to operating in the retail environment that could adversely impact the Company’s business.
The Company is subject to risks associated with doing business in the retail environment, primarily in the United States. The U.S. retail industry has experienced a growing trend toward consolidation of large retailers. The merger of additional major retailers could result in the Company losing sales volume or increasing its concentration of business with a few large accounts, resulting in reduced bargaining power, which could increase pricing pressures and lower the Company’s margins.
The Company regularly assesses its retail locations in the U.S. and overseas and, at times, including during fiscal 2021, has closed unprofitable retail locations and incurred costs related to such closures. Future closures could have a material adverse effect on results.
As the popularity of online shopping for consumer goods continues to increase, the Company’s retail partners in the U.S. and abroad may experience decreased foot traffic, which could negatively impact their businesses. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused, and is expected to continue to cause, a decrease in foot traffic; other significant health pandemic or outbreaks of infectious diseases could also lead to a similar decrease in foot traffic. Decreases in foot traffic have, and in the future may, in turn, negatively impact the Company’s sales to those customers, and adversely affect the Company’s results of operations.
The Company operates in a highly competitive environment, which may result in lower prices and reduced profits.
The footwear market is extremely competitive. The Company competes with numerous manufacturers, distributors and retailers of men’s, women’s and children’s shoes, some of which are larger and have substantially greater resources than the Company. The