| DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES | DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS Business Operations- Designer Brands Inc. ("we," "us," "our," and the "Company") is one of the world's largest designers, producers, and retailers of footwear and accessories. We operate in three reportable segments: the U.S. Retail segment, the Canada Retail segment, and the Brand Portfolio segment. The U.S. Retail segment operates the DSW Designer Shoe Warehouse ("DSW") banner through its direct-to-consumer U.S. stores and e-commerce site. The Canada Retail segment operates The Shoe Company and DSW banners through its direct-to-consumer Canada stores and e-commerce sites. The Brand Portfolio segment earns revenue from the wholesale of products to retailers and international distributors, commissions for serving retailers as the design and buying agent for products under private labels (referred to as "First Cost"), and the sale of our branded products through direct-to-consumer e-commerce sites at www.vincecamuto.com and www.topoathletic.com. Our equity investments in ABG-Camuto, LLC ("ABG-Camuto") and Le Tigre 360 Global LLC ("Le Tigre") are an integral part of the Brand Portfolio segment. In partnership with Authentic Brands Group LLC, a global brand management and marketing company, we have a 40% ownership interest in ABG-Camuto, a joint venture that owns the intellectual property rights of Vince Camuto and others. ABG-Camuto is responsible for the growth and marketing of the brands held by the joint venture. We have entered into a licensing agreement with ABG-Camuto, whereby we pay royalties to ABG-Camuto based on the sales of licensed products, subject to guaranteed minimums. ABG-Camuto also earns royalties on sales from third parties that license the brand names to produce non-footwear product categories. In July 2022, we acquired a 33.3% ownership interest in Le Tigre, which manages the Le Tigre brand. We entered into a license agreement with Le Tigre, whereby we pay royalties to Le Tigre based on the sales of the Le Tigre brand, subject to guaranteed minimums. The license agreement provides us the exclusive right to design, source, and sell Le Tigre branded footwear . W e recognize equity investments and earnings under the equity method within the Brand Portfolio segment. In addition, we own the licensing rights for footwear of the Jessica Simpson brand and for footwear and handbags of the Lucky Brand. Our other operating segment, which we exited during 2020, is below the quantitative and qualitative thresholds for a reportable segment and is aggregated into Other for segment reporting purposes. On December 13, 2022, we acquired a 79.4% ownership interest in Topo Athletic LLC ("Topo"), a designer of specialty athletic footwear that sells its Topo branded products at wholesale to retailers and international distributors and through its direct-to-consumer e-commerce site at www.topoathletic.com. The Topo acquisition provides us with expanded capabilities within the athletic footwear market. Topo is included within our Brand Portfolio segment. Fiscal Year- Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to January 31. References to a fiscal year (e.g., "2022") 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 (including 2023). The periods presented in these consolidated financial statements each consisted of 52 weeks. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Principles of Consolidation- The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Designer Brands Inc. and its subsidiaries, including any variable interest entities. All intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. All amounts are in United States ("U.S.") dollars. Use of Estimates- The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. 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 dates of the financial statements and reported amounts of net sales and expenses during the repor ting periods. Certain estimates and assumptions use forecasted financial information based on information reasonably available to us. Significant estimates and assumptions are required as a part of accounting for sales returns allowances, customer allowances and discounts reserve, 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, redeemable noncontrolling interest, income taxes and valuation allowances on deferred tax assets, self-insurance reserves, and valuations used to account for an acquisition. Although we believe these estimates and assumptions are reasonable, they are based on management's knowledge of current events and actions we may undertake in the future. Changes in facts and circumstances may result in revised estimates and assumptions, and 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 on the consolidated statements of operations. For products shipped directly to our customers from our vendors (referred to as "drop ship"), we record gross sales upon customer receipt 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 online sales are recognized upon the estimated customer receipt date based on historical delivery transit times and are net of estimated returns and exclude sales tax. First Cost commission income is recognized at the point in time when the customer's freight forwarder takes control of the related merchandise. 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, shrink and other inventory valuation adjustments, we include expenses associated with distribution and fulfillment and store occupancy in cost of sales. Distribution and fulfillment expenses comprise of labor costs, third-party fees, rent, depreciation, insurance, utilities, maintenance and other operating costs. Store occupancy expenses include rent, utilities, repairs, maintenance, insurance, janitorial costs, and occupancy-related taxes, but exclude 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 royalty expense for licensed brands in cost of sales. 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, rent (net of sublease income), depreciation and amortization expense for corporate assets, marketing, legal, finance, outside professional services, customer service center expenses, and payroll-related costs for associates. In March 2020, the U.S. government enacted the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act"), which, among other things, provided employer payroll tax credits for wages paid to associates who were unable to work over a defined period and options to defer payroll tax payments. We qualified for certain employer payroll tax credits, which were treated as government subsidies to offset related operating expenses. Similar credits were also available in Canada. During 2021 and 2020, the qualified government credits reduced our operating expenses by $4.0 million and $11.4 million, respectively, on the consolidated statements of operations. Interest Expense, net- Interest expense, net, is summarized in the following table: (in thousands) 2022 2021 2020 Interest expense $ (15,099) $ (32,198) $ (24,032) Interest income 225 69 338 $ (14,874) $ (32,129) $ (23,694) 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 are expected to vest, with forfeitures estimated based on our historical experience and future expectations. Stock-based compensation is included in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Chief Executive Officer Transition- In January 2023, we announced our planned succession process relating to the Company's Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") role, whereby our current CEO, Roger Rawlins, will step down from his role as CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors effective April 1, 2023, or such earlier date as determined by the Board of Directors, at which time Doug Howe, who currently serves as Executive Vice President of the Company and President of DSW, will assume the CEO role and join the Board of Directors as a Class II director. To assist in facilitating a smooth transition, Mr. Rawlins will remain employed under the terms of a transition and consulting agreement through April 1, 2023, and for the 12-month period thereafter will serve as a strategic advisor to the Company and the Board of Directors. If Mr. Rawlins remains employed through April 1, 2023, we will provide Mr. Rawlins benefits that are consistent with those that Mr. Rawlins would be entitled to in the event of a termination by the Company without cause under his Amended and Restated Standard Executive Severance Agreement. In conjunction with the CEO transition, we estimate CEO transition costs will total $9.4 million consisting of $3.5 million in severance costs, $2.8 million in accelerated stock-based compensation (net of stock awards forfeited), and $3.1 million in retention stock awards to certain members of our leadership team and other related professional fees. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we recognized $3.7 million in operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations, with the remaining estimated $5.7 million to be recorded in 2023. Severance- During 2022, we incurred severance costs, excluding the severance related to the CEO transition, of $2.8 million ($1.8 million, $0.2 million and $0.8 million for the U.S. Retail, Canada Retail, and Brand Portfolio segments, respe ctively). During 2021, we incurred severance costs of $3.3 million ($1.5 million and $1.8 million for the U.S. Retail and Brand Portfolio segments, respectively). On March 18, 2020, to help control the spread of the coronavirus ("COVID-19") and protect the health and safety of our customers, associates, and the communities we serve, we temporarily closed all of our stores in the U.S. and Canada. In addition, we took several actions in late March 2020 to reduce costs and operations to levels that were more commensurate with then-current sales, including furloughs and pay reductions. During the second quarter and into the third quarter of 2020, we re-opened all of our stores, discontinued the furlough program, and restored pay for our associates that had taken pay reductions. Beginning in July 2020, we initiated an internal reorganization and reduction of our workforce with additional actions taken throughout 2020 and into the first quarter of 2021, resulting in the elimination of approximately 1,000 associate positions. During 2020, we incurred restructuring costs, which consisted primarily of severance costs of $15.2 million ($5.5 million, $0.8 million and $8.9 million for the U.S. Retail, Canada Retail, and Brand Portfolio segments, respectively). As of January 28, 2023 and January 29, 2022, we had $5.7 million and $1.9 million, respectively, of severance liability included in accrued expenses on the consolidated balance sheets. Gain on Settlement- During 2020, we collected $9.0 million, net of legal costs incurred, and recorded a gain to operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations that was due to a settlement with a vendor related to costs incurred on an internal-use software project that was capitalized and then impaired in a previous year. Marketing Expense- The cost of advertising is generally expensed when the advertising first takes place or when mailed. During 2022, 2021 and 2020, marketing costs were $167.1 million, $163.0 million and $131.7 million, respectively. Non-Operating Income (Expenses), net- Non-operating income (expenses), net, includes gains and losses from foreign currency revaluation and realized gains and losses related to investments. 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 that 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 when 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 recorded our income tax expense, income tax receivable, and deferred tax assets and related liabilities based on management's best estimates. Additionally, we assessed the likelihood of realizing the benefits of our deferred tax assets by evaluating historical and projected future operating results, the reversal of existing temporary differences, taxable income in permitted carry back years, and the availability of tax planning strategies. One of the provisions of the CARES Act allows net operating losses generated within tax years 2018 through 2020 to be carried back up to five years, including years in which the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 35%, as opposed to the current rate of 21%. In evaluating future taxable income, significant weight is given to positive and negative evidence that is objectively verifiable. During 2020, a valuation allowance was recognized as a reserve on the total deferred tax asset balance and was maintained until the fourth quarter of 2022. This valuation allowance was the result of losses incurred in 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic that resulted in a three-year cumulative loss position, which was significant objective negative evidence in considering whether deferred tax assets were realizable. During the fourth quarter of 2022, we released the valuation allowance on the majority of the U.S. and Canada deferred tax assets given the continued realization of income since 2020, being in a three-year cumulative adjusted earnings position, and having projected future income. These factors provided sufficient evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that the majority of the U.S. and Canada deferred tax assets are realizable. Our effective tax rate for 2022 was negative 2.0%, whereas for 2021 and 2020 it was positive 10.7% and 19.7%, respectively. The rate for 2022 was the result of releasing $55.7 million of the valuation allowance, partially offset by the permanent tax adjustments, primarily non-deductible compensation. The rate for 2021 was the result of maintaining a full valuation allowance on deferred tax assets, while also recording net discrete tax benefits, primarily as a result of adjustments to our estimated 2020 return reflecting implemented tax strategies. The rate for 2020 was the result of recording a valuation allowance of $87.6 million, partially offset by the ability to carry back current year losses to a tax year where the U.S. federal statutory tax rate was 35%. 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. On August 16, 2022, the U.S. enacted the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, which, among other things, implements a 15% minimum tax on book income of certain large corporations and a 1% excise tax on net stock repurchases. Based on our current analysis of the provisions, we do not believe this legislation will have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements. 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 was restricted as to withdrawal or usage and consists of a mandatory cash deposit maintained for certain insurance policies and 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 on the consolidated statements of cash flows: (in thousands) January 28, 2023 January 29, 2022 January 30, 2021 Cash and cash equivalents $ 58,766 $ 72,691 $ 59,581 Restricted cash, included in prepaid expenses and other current assets — 1,768 — Total cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash shown in the consolidated statements of cash flows $ 58,766 $ 74,459 $ 59,581 Investments - We determine the balance sheet classification of investments at the time of purchase and evaluate the classification at each balance sheet date. For the balance sheet dates presented, we did not hold any investments in securities other than cash equivalents. 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. The following table presents activity related to our equity investments: (in thousands) 2022 2021 2020 Balance at beginning of period $ 55,578 $ 58,598 $ 57,760 Investment in Le Tigre 8,228 — — Share of net earnings 8,864 8,986 9,329 Distributions received (8,850) (12,006) (8,491) Balance at end of period $ 63,820 $ 55,578 $ 58,598 On July 1, 2022, we acquired a 33.3% ownership interest in Le Tigre for $8.2 million. We account for our investment in Le Tigre, where we exercise significant influence but do not have control, using the equity method. The difference between the purchase price of Le Tigre and our interest in Le Tigre's underlying net equity is comprised of a definite lived tradename intangible asset and equity method goodwill. Our share of net loss o f Le Tigre and amortization of the intangible asset is included in the share of net earnings, net, shown in the table above and income from equity investments on the consolidated statements of operations. Receivables, net - Receivables 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 receivable balances and we record related allowances for doubtful accounts for estimated losses resulting from the inability of our customers to make required payments. 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 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 moving 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 shrink between physical inventory counts, based on historical experience and recent results, less amounts realized. Inherent in the calculation of inventories are certain significant judgments and estimates, including setting the original merchandise retail value, markdowns, shrink, 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 risks due to concentration of our merchandise coming from China. All of the products manufactured through the Brand Portfolio segment come from third-party facilities outside of the U.S., with 76% of units sourced from China. In addition to the merchandise sourced through our Brand Portfolio segment, our U.S. Retail segment and Canada Retail segment also sources merchandise from both domestic and foreign third-party vendors. Many of our domestic vendors import a large portion of their merchandise from China. We are also subject to risks due to the concentration of vendors within the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments. During 2022, three key third-party vendors together supplied approximately 22% of our retail merchandise, with no individual vendor providing more than 10% of our retail merchandise. Financial instruments, which principally subject us to concentration of credit risk, consist of cash and cash equivalents. We invest excess cash when available through financial institutions in money market accounts. 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 in the sale of 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. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, receivables, and accounts payables approximated their fair values due to their short-term nature. The carrying value of borrowings under our revolving lines of credit approximated fair value based on its term and variable interest rate. Property and Equipment, net- Property and equipment, net, 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. 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. Capitalized software costs and the related accumulated amortization are included in property and equipment, net, on the consolidated balance sheets. Capitalized implementation costs for cloud computing arrangements accounted for as service contracts are included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets and amortized over the life of the service contract to operating expenses on the consolidated statements of operations. Leases- A lease liability for new and modified leases is recorded based on the present value of future fixed lease commitments with a corresponding lease asset. For leases classified as operating leases, we recognize a single lease cost on a straight-line basis based on the combined amortization of the lease liability and the lease asset. Other leases will be accounted for as finance arrangements. For real estate leases, we are generally required to pay base rent, real estate taxes, and insurance, which are considered lease components, and maintenance, which is a non-lease component. We have elected to not separate non-lease payment components from the associated lease component for all new and modified real estate leases. We determine the discount rate for each lease by estimating the rate that we would be required to pay on a secured borrowing for an amount equal to the lease payments over the lease term. The majority of our real estate leases provide for renewal options, which are typically not included in the lease term used for measuring the lease assets and lease liabilities as it is not reasonably certain we will exercise renewal options. We monitor for events or changes in circumstances that may require a reassessment of our leases and determine if a remeasurement is required. 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 reviews are conducted at the lowest identifiable level. 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. The impairment loss recognized is the excess of the carrying value of the asset or asset group over its fair value (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). Fair value at the store level is typically based on projected discounted cash flows over the remaining lease term. During 2022, we recorded impairment charges , including $1.2 million in the U.S. Retail segment for abandoned equipment we replaced and $0.5 million in the Brand Portfolio segment for the sublease of an abandoned leased space. As a result of the material reduction in net sales and cash flows during 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we updated our impairment analyses for our U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments at the store-level, which represents the lowest level for which identifiable cash flows are independent of the cash flows of other assets. The carrying amount of the store asset group, primarily made up of operating lease assets, leasehold improvements and fixtures, is considered impaired when the carrying value of the asset group exceeds the expected future cash flows from the asset group. Fair value at the store level is typically based on projected discounted cash flows over the remaining lease term. In addition, we evaluated other long-lived assets based on our intent to use such assets going forwa rd. During 2020, we recorded impairment charges of $127.1 million ($104.2 million and $22.9 million for the U.S. Retail and Canada Retail segments, respectively). Also, during 2020, we recorded an impairment charge of $6.5 million for the Brand Portfolio segment customer relationship intangible asset resulting in a full impairment due to the lack of projected cash flows over the remaining useful life (categorized as Level 3 under the fair value hierarchy). 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. As a result of the material reduction in net sales and cash flows due to the temporary closure of all of our stores, the decrease in net sales from our retailer customers, and the decrease in the Company's market capitalization due to the impact of the COVID |
