SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Business Operations- Designer Brands Inc. is a leading North American footwear and accessories designer, producer and retailer. On May 10, 2018 , we acquired the remaining interest in Town Shoes Limited ("TSL") that we did not previously own. Beginning with our second quarter of fiscal 2018, TSL ceased being accounted for under the equity method of accounting and was accounted for as a consolidated wholly owned subsidiary. As a result of this acquisition, we operate a Canadian business that is a retailer of branded footwear under The Shoe Company, Shoe Warehouse, and DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse banners, as well as related e-commerce sites. Subsequent to the acquisition, and as a result of our strategic review, we exited the Town Shoes banner in Canada during fiscal 2018. On November 5, 2018 , we completed the acquisition of Camuto LLC, doing business as Camuto Group ("Camuto Group"), a footwear design and brand development organization, from Camuto Group LLC (the "Sellers"). The Camuto Group acquisition provides us a global production, sourcing and design infrastructure, including operations in Brazil and China, a new state-of-the-art distribution center in New Jersey, footwear licenses of brands, including Jessica Simpson and Lucky Brand, and branded e-commerce sites. Camuto Group earns revenue from the sale of wholesale products to retailers, commissions for serving retailers as the design and buying agent for products under private labels ("First Cost"), and the sale of branded products on direct-to-consumer e-commerce sites. Also on November 5, 2018 , in partnership with Authentic Brands Group LLC, a global brand management and marketing company, we formed ABG-Camuto LLC ("ABG-Camuto"), a joint venture in which we have a 40% interest. This joint venture acquired several intellectual property rights from the Sellers, including Vince Camuto, Louise et Cie, Sole Society, CC Corso Como, and others, and will focus on licensing and developing new category extensions to support the global growth of these brands. We have entered into a licensing agreement with ABG-Camuto whereby we pay royalties on our net sales from the brands owned by ABG-Camuto. On March 4, 2016 , we acquired Ebuys, an off-price footwear and accessories retailer operating in digital marketplaces. Due to recurring operating losses incurred by Ebuys since its acquisition, as well as increased competitive pressures in the digital marketplace, we decided to exit the business and ended all operations in fiscal 2018. We present three reportable segments: the U.S. Retail segment, the Canada Retail segment, and the Brand Portfolio segment. The U.S. Retail segment includes stores operated in the U.S. under the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse banner and its related e-commerce site. The Canada Retail segment, which is the result of the TSL acquisition, includes stores operated in Canada under The Shoe Company, Shoe Warehouse, DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse banners and related e-commerce sites. The Brand Portfolio segment, which is the result of the Camuto Group acquisition, includes sales from wholesale, First Cost, and direct-to-consumer branded e-commerce sites. Our other operating segments, including our Affiliated Business Group ("ABG"), are below the quantitative and qualitative thresholds for reportable segments and are aggregated into Other for segment reporting purposes. Fiscal Year- Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to a fiscal year refer to the calendar year in which the fiscal year begins. This reporting schedule is followed by many national retail companies and typically results in a 52 -week fiscal year, but occasionally will contain an additional week resulting in a 53 -week fiscal year. The periods presented in these financial statements and selected financial data each consisted of 52 weeks, except for fiscal 2017, which consisted of 53 weeks. Variable Interest Entities- We had three joint ventures as a result of the Camuto Group acquisition where each joint venture licensed brands and contracted with Camuto Group to provide design, buying and sourcing services. Under these joint ventures, Camuto Group was responsible for managing all aspects of the brands and the joint ventures paid royalties, commissions, or consulting fees to the other parties. We were responsible for providing all funding to support the joint ventures' working capital needs. As a result, we were considered the primary beneficiary of the joint ventures and they were consolidated within our financial statements. Assets and liabilities of the joint ventures in the aggregate were immaterial. During fiscal 2019, we terminated the three joint ventures along with related licensing and design, buying and sourcing arrangements. During the fourth quarter of fiscal 2019, we formed a joint venture with an entity affiliated with performing artist and celebrity Jennifer Lopez. This partnership was formed in order to design, source and sell the JLO JENNIFER LOPEZ collection, a line of footwear and handbags. Our Camuto Group business will be responsible for design and sourcing and DSW will be the initial exclusive retailer of the products. Jennifer Lopez and her team will lead the creative for marketing and product design, with technical expertise and guidance from our operating units. Jennifer Lopez also has the opportunity to earn the Company's Class A common shares beginning in fiscal 2021 based on the expansion of our VIP rewards programs from her fan base. Based on certain terms within the joint venture operating agreement, we have determined that we have overall control of the joint venture. In addition, we provide a revolving line of credit to the joint venture and a guarantee for funding in excess of the joint venture's equity. As a result, we are considered the primary beneficiary of the joint venture and it is consolidated within our financial statements. Assets and liabilities of the joint venture are immaterial. We will recognize all of the losses of the joint venture up to the amounts guaranteed and share any profits between the partners under the terms of the joint venture operating agreement. Integration and Restructuring Costs- During fiscal 2019 , we incurred integration and restructuring costs related to our prior year acquisition activity, which consisted primarily of $3.9 million in severance, $7.2 million in fees for terminating joint ventures, and $6.6 million of professional fees and other integration costs. During fiscal 2018 , we incurred restructuring costs of $5.6 million in severance, primarily related to changes to our store staffing model. These costs are included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. As of February 1, 2020 and February 2, 2019 , we had $1.7 million and $2.8 million , respectively, of severance liability included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. Principles of Consolidation- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries, including the joint ventures. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in United States dollars ("USD"), unless otherwise noted. Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the reporting period. Significant estimates are required as a part of sales returns allowances, customer allowances and discounts, gift card breakage income, deferred revenue associated with loyalty programs, valuation of inventories, depreciation and amortization, impairments of long-lived assets, intangibles and goodwill, lease accounting, legal reserves, foreign tax contingent liabilities, income taxes, and self-insurance reserves. Although these estimates are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions it may undertake in the future, actual results could differ from these estimates. Revenue Recognition- Sales from the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments are recognized upon customer receipt of merchandise, net of estimated returns and exclude sales tax. Customers can purchase products from one of our stores, online or from our mobile application. For products shipped directly to our customers, we recognize the sale upon the estimated customer receipt date based on historical delivery transit times. Revenue from shipping and handling is recorded in net sales while the related costs are included in cost of sales. For products shipped directly to our customers from our suppliers (referred to as "drop ship"), we record gross sales upon delivery based on the price paid by the customers as we have determined that we are the principal party responsible for the sale transaction. Sales from the Brand Portfolio segment are recognized upon transfer of control. Generally, our wholesale customers arrange their own transportation of merchandise and control is transferred at the time of shipment. Sales are recorded at the transaction price, excluding sales tax, net of estimated reserves for customer returns, allowances and discounts. Direct-to-consumer sales are also recognized upon shipment of merchandise, net of estimated returns and exclude sales tax. Commission income for serving retailers as the design and buying agent for products under private labels (referred to as "First Cost") is recognized at the point in time when the customer's freight forwarder takes control of the related merchandise. ABG supplies footwear to other retailers under supply arrangements. We maintain ownership of the merchandise we supply under these arrangements, including risk of loss, returns, shrink up to a certain percentage and loss of inventory value, until customer receipt. Furthermore, we are responsible for the footwear assortment, inventory fulfillment, and pricing at all locations and online. As a result, sales are recognized upon receipt by the end customer, net of estimated returns and exclude sales tax. The affiliated retailers provide the sales associates and retail space. In return, we pay a percentage of net sales to the affiliated retailers, which is included in cost of sales. Gift Cards- Amounts received from the sale of gift cards are recorded as a liability and are recognized as sales when the cards are redeemed for merchandise. Based on historical information, the likelihood of a gift card remaining unredeemed (referred to as "breakage") can be reasonably estimated at the time of gift card issuance. Breakage income is recognized over the estimated average redemption period of redeemed gift cards. Loyalty Programs- We offer loyalty programs to our customers in the U.S. and Canada. Members under the programs earn points based on their level of spending, as well as for various other activities. Upon reaching a specified point threshold, members receive reward certificates that may be redeemed for purchases made within the stated expiration date. We record a reduction of net sales when points are awarded based on an allocation of the initial customer purchase and the stand-alone value of the points earned. We maintain a deferred liability for the outstanding points and certificates based on historical conversion and redemption rates. The deferred liability is reduced and sales are recognized when certificates are redeemed or when points and certificates expire. Cost of Sales- Cost of sales from the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments is recognized net of estimated returns. In addition to the cost of merchandise sold, which includes freight and the impact of markdowns, shrinkage and other inventory valuation adjustments, we include in cost of sales expenses associated with distribution and fulfillment and store occupancy. Distribution and fulfillment expenses are comprised of labor costs, rent, depreciation, insurance, utilities, maintenance and other operating costs associated with the operations of the distribution and fulfillment centers. Store occupancy expenses include rent, utilities, repairs, maintenance, insurance, janitorial costs, and occupancy-related taxes, but excludes depreciation. Cost of sales from the Brand Portfolio segment is recognized net of estimated returns. In addition to the cost of merchandise sold, which includes freight and the impact of inventory valuation adjustments, we include in cost of sales royalty expense for licensed brands. Operating Expenses- Operating expenses include expenses related to store management and store payroll costs, advertising, store depreciation, new store costs, design, sourcing and distribution costs associated with the Brand Portfolio segment, and corporate expenses. Corporate expenses include expenses related to buying, information technology, depreciation and amortization expense for corporate assets, marketing, legal, finance, outside professional services, customer service center expenses, and payroll-related costs for associates. Stock-Based Compensation- We recognize compensation expense for awards of stock options, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), and director stock units, based on the fair value on the grant date and on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period for the awards that vest. Stock-based compensation is included in operating expenses in the consolidated statements of operations. New Store Opening Costs- Costs associated with the opening of new stores are expensed as incurred. During fiscal 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , new store opening costs, primarily pre-opening rent and marketing expenses, were $2.6 million , $2.8 million and $2.6 million , respectively. Marketing Expense- The cost of advertising is generally expensed when the advertising first takes place or when mailed. During fiscal 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , marketing costs were $123.9 million , $121.4 million and $83.8 million , respectively. Non-Operating Expenses, Net- Non-operating expenses, net, includes gains and losses from foreign currency revaluation, realized gains and losses related to our investment portfolio, and fair value adjustments of pre-existing assets as a result of the acquisition of the remaining interest in TSL. Income Taxes- We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method. We determine the aggregate amount of income tax expense to accrue and the amount which will be currently payable based upon tax statutes of each jurisdiction in which we do business. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards, as measured using enacted tax rates expected to be in effect in the periods where temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. A valuation allowance is provided when it is more likely than not that some portion or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become realizable. We review and update our tax positions as necessary to add any new uncertain tax positions taken, or to remove previously identified uncertain positions that have been adequately resolved. Additionally, uncertain positions may be remeasured as warranted by changes in facts or law. Accounting for uncertain tax positions requires estimating the amount, timing and likelihood of ultimate settlement. Although we believe that these estimates are reasonable, actual results could differ from these estimates. Cash, Cash Equivalents, and Restricted Cash - Cash and cash equivalents represent cash, money market funds and credit card receivables that generally settle within three days. Restricted cash represented cash that is restricted as to withdrawal or usage and consisted of a mandatory cash deposit for certain outstanding letters of credit. The following table provides a reconciliation of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash reported within the consolidated balance sheets that sum to the total of the same such amounts shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows: (in thousands) February 1, 2020 February 2, 2019 February 3, 2018 Cash and cash equivalents $ 86,564 $ 99,369 $ 175,932 Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1,199 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ 86,564 $ 100,568 $ 175,932 Investments - We determine the balance sheet classification of investments at the time of purchase and evaluate the classification at each balance sheet date. All income generated from these investments is recorded as interest income. We hold investment securities in bonds and term notes that are classified as available-for-sale, which is based on our intention of the use of the investments. The unrealized holding gains or losses for the available-for-sale securities are reported in other comprehensive income (loss). We account for our purchases and sales of investments on the trade date of the investment. We account for investments using the equity method of accounting when we exercise significant influence over the investment. If we do not exercise significant influence, we account for the investment using the cost method of accounting. Cost method investments are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets. We evaluate our investments for impairment and whether impairment is other-than-temporary at each balance sheet date. Accounts Receivable - Accounts receivable are classified as current assets because the average collection period is generally shorter than one year. We monitor our exposure for credit losses based upon specific accounts receivable balances and record related allowances for doubtful accounts where a risk of default has been identified. We utilize an unrelated third-party provider for credit and collection services for receivables from the sale of wholesale products to certain retailers. This third-party provider guarantees payment for the majority of the serviced receivables. Inventories- All of our inventory is made up of finished goods. The U.S. Retail segment inventory is accounted for using the retail inventory method and is stated at the lower of cost or market. Under the retail inventory method, the valuation of inventories at cost and the resulting gross profits are determined by applying a calculated cost-to-retail ratio to the retail value of inventories. The cost basis of inventories reflected on the balance sheet is decreased by charges to cost of sales at the time the retail value of the inventory is lowered by markdowns. As a result, earnings are negatively impacted as the merchandise is marked down prior to sale. The Canada Retail segment and the Brand Portfolio segment inventory is accounted for using the weighted average cost method and is stated at the lower of cost or net realizable value. We monitor aged inventory for obsolete and slow-moving inventory that may need to be liquidated in the future at amounts below cost. Reductions to inventory values establish a new cost basis. Favorable changes in facts or circumstances do not result in an increase in the newly established cost basis. We perform physical inventory counts or cycle counts on all inventory on hand throughout the year and adjust the recorded balance to reflect the results. We record estimated shrinkage between physical inventory counts based on historical experience and recent results. Inherent in the calculation of inventories are certain significant judgments and estimates, including setting the original merchandise retail value, markdowns, shrinkage, and liquidation values. The ultimate amount realized from the sale of inventory and write offs from counts could differ from management estimates. Concentration of Risks- We are subject to risk due to concentration of merchandise coming from China. All of the products we manufacture in the Brand Portfolio segment come from third-party facilities outside of the U.S., with 83% of units sourced from China, whereas our U.S. Retail and Canada Retail merchandise is purchased from both domestic and foreign vendors. Many of our domestic vendors import a large portion of their merchandise from abroad, with the majority manufactured in China. We are also subject to concentration of vendor risk within the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments. During fiscal 2019 , three key third-party vendors together supplied approximately 21% of our retail merchandise. Financial instruments, which principally subject us to concentration of credit risk, consist of cash and cash equivalents and investments. We invest excess cash when available through financial institutions in money market accounts and investment securities. At times, such amounts invested through banks may be in excess of Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insurance limits, and we mitigate the risk by utilizing multiple banks. Fair Value- Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value are categorized using defined hierarchical levels related to the subjectivity associated with the inputs to fair value measurements as follows: • Level 1 - Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. • Level 2 - Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable. • Level 3 - Unobservable inputs in which little or no market activity exists. We measure available-for-sale investments at fair value on a recurring basis. These investments are measured using a market-based approach using inputs such as prices of similar assets in active markets (categorized as Level 2). The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivables and accounts payables approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of borrowing under our senior unsecured revolving credit agreement (the "Credit Facility") approximates its fair value based on its term and variable interest rate. Property and Equipment- Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation determined by the straight-line method over the expected useful life of assets. The net book value of property or equipment sold or retired is removed from the asset and related accumulated depreciation accounts with any resulting net gain or loss included in results of operations. The estimated useful lives by class of asset are as follows: Useful Lives Buildings 39 years Building and leasehold improvements 3 to 20 years or the lease term if shorter Furniture, fixtures and equipment 3 to 10 years Software 5 to 10 years Internal Use Software Costs- Costs related to software developed or obtained for internal use are expensed as incurred until the application development stage has been reached. Once the application development stage has been reached, certain qualifying costs are capitalized until the software is ready for its intended use. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, the software license element of the arrangement is accounted for in a manner consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If the arrangement does not include a software license, the arrangement is accounted for as a service contract. Impairment of Long-Lived Assets- We periodically evaluate the carrying amount of our long-lived assets, primarily operating lease assets, property and equipment and definite-lived intangible assets, when events and circumstances warrant such a review to ascertain if any assets have been impaired. The carrying amount of a long-lived asset or asset group is considered impaired when the carrying value of the asset or asset group exceeds the expected future cash flows from the asset or asset group (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). The reviews are conducted at the lowest identifiable level. The impairment loss recognized is the excess of the carrying value of the asset or asset group over its fair value. During fiscal 2019, we recorded impairment charges of $7.8 million , including $4.8 million for operating lease assets and other property and equipment in the Brand Portfolio segment related to the planned consolidation of certain locations as part of our integration efforts and $3.0 million primarily for operating lease assets related to under-performing stores ( $2.3 million and $0.7 million for the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments, respectively). During fiscal 2018, we recorded impairment charges of $19.0 million , including $13.9 million for an abandoned corporate internal-use software that was under development and $5.1 million primarily for leasehold improvements related to under-performing stores ( $1.5 million and $3.6 million for the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments, respectively). As a result of recurring operating losses incurred by Ebuys since its acquisition, which led to our decision to exit the business, during fiscal 2017, we recorded impairment charges of $31.9 million for intangible assets and $3.8 million for property and equipment, which resulted in writing off all of Ebuys' long-lived assets. Goodwill and Other Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets- We evaluate goodwill and other indefinite lived intangible assets for impairment annually during our fourth quarter, or more frequently if an event occurs or circumstances change that would indicate that impairment may exist. When evaluating for impairment, we may first perform a qualitative assessment to determine whether it is more likely than not that there is an impairment. If we do not perform a qualitative assessment, or if we determine that it is more likely than not that the carrying value exceeds its fair value, we will calculate the estimated fair value. Fair value is typically calculated using a discounted cash flow analysis. Where deemed appropriate, we may also utilize a market approach for estimating fair value. Impairment charges are calculated as the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds its fair value, but not to exceed the carrying value for goodwill. During fiscal 2018 , we determined that the value of the acquired net assets of TSL exceeded its fair value based on the fair value of TSL using a discounted cash flow model (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). As a result, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $41.8 million that resulted in impairing all of Canada Retail segment’s goodwill. During fiscal 2017 , due to recurring operating losses incurred by Ebuys since its acquisition, which led to our decision to exit the business, we recorded a goodwill impairment charge of $53.8 million , which resulted in writing off all of Ebuys' goodwill. Self-Insurance Reserves- We record estimates for certain health and welfare, workers' compensation and casualty insurance costs that are self-insured programs. Self-insurance reserves include actuarial estimates of both claims filed, carried at their expected ultimate settlement value, and claims incurred but not yet reported. The liability represents an estimate of the ultimate cost of claims incurred as of the balance sheet date. Estimates for self-insurance reserves are calculated utilizing claims development estimates based on historical experience and other factors. We have purchased stop loss insurance to limit our exposure on a per person basis for health and welfare and on a per claim basis for workers' compensation and general liability, as well as on an aggregate annual basis. Foreign Currency Translation and Transactions- Prior to our acquisition of the remaining interest in TSL, our equity investment in TSL and notes receivable from TSL, along with certain investments, were denominated in Canadian dollar ("CAD") and translated into USD at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. Each quarter, the income or loss from TSL was recorded in USD at the average exchange rate for the period. The cumulative translation adjustments resulting from changes in exchange rates are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. During fiscal 2018, as a result of the acquisition of TSL, we reclassified a net loss of $12.2 million of foreign currency translation related to the previously held balances from accumulated other comprehensive loss to non-operating expenses, net. During fiscal 2018, TSL became a wholly owned subsidiary with CAD as their functional currency. Assets and liabilities of the Canadian business are translated into USD at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date or historical rates as appropriate. Each quarter, amounts included in our consolidated statements of operations from the Canadian business are translated at the average exchange rate for the period. The cumulative translation adjustments resulting from changes in exchange rates are included in the consolidated balance sheets as a component of accumulated other comprehensive loss. Transaction gains and losses are included in the consolidated statements of operations. Deferred Compensation Plans - We provide deferred compensation plans, including defined contribution plans to eligible employees and a non-qualified deferred compensation plan for certain executives and members of the Board of Directors. Participants may elect to defer and contribute a portion of their eligible compensation to the plans up to limits stated in the plan documents, not to exceed the dollar amounts set by applicable laws. During fiscal 2019 , 2018 and 2017 , we recognized costs associated with matching contributions of $5.9 million , $5.2 million and $4.4 million , respectively. Prior Period Reclassifications- Certain prior period reclassifications were made to conform to the current period presentation. For fiscal 2018, commission income of $3.5 million previously presented in commission, franchise and other revenue was reclassified to net sales. For fiscal 2018 and 2017, other revenue, which primarily included operating sublease income, of $5.8 million and $5.2 million , respectively, also previously presented in commission, franchise and other revenue was reclassified to operating expenses. In addition, we reclassified $25.0 million of previously presented basis difference related to acquisition of commonly controlled entity to common shares paid in-capital within shareholders' equity for all periods presented. The basis difference related to acquisition of commonly controlled entity related to a legal entity acquisition in fiscal 2012 from certain Schottenstein Affiliates. The legal entity owned property that was previously leased by us. As this was a transaction between entities under common control, the difference between the historical cost carrying amounts and the consideration transferred is reflected as an equity transaction within common shares paid in-capital. Adoption of ASU 2016-02, Leases- During the first quarter of fiscal 2019, we adopted the new accounting standard for leases, Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02 and the related amendments. We elected to initially apply ASU 2016-02 as of February 3, 2019, with the recognition of $1.0 billion of lease assets and $1.1 billion of lease liabilities and a cumulative-effect adjustment that decreased retained earnings by $9.6 million for transition impairments related to previously impaired leased locations. Periods prior to February 3, 2019 were not restated. Upon transition to ASU 2016-02, we recognized lease liabilities based on the present value of the remaining future fixed lease commitments, net of outstanding tenant allowance receivables, with corresponding lease assets. Amounts for prepaid expenses, deferred rent, deferred construction and tenant allowances, the accrual for lease obligations, and favorable and unfavorable leasehold interests were netted against the lease assets. At transition, we elected the package of practical expedients, which allows us to carry forward the historical lease classification and not reasses |