CALERES INC - Annual Report: 2023 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

(Mark One)

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OR

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Commission file number 1-2191

CALERES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

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(314) 854-4000

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes ☑    No ☐

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes ☐    No ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes ☑    No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). Yes  ☑     No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and "emerging growth company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act:

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If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☑

If securities are registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act, indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b). ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes ☐    No ☑

The aggregate market value of the stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of July 30, 2022, the last business day of the registrant’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, was approximately $844.1 million.

As of February 24, 2023, 35,631,002 common shares were outstanding.

Documents Incorporated by Reference

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the 2023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

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INTRODUCTION

This Annual Report on Form 10-K is a document that U.S. public companies file with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on an annual basis. Part II of the Form 10-K contains the business information and financial statements that many companies include in the financial sections of their annual reports. The other sections of this Form 10-K include further information about our business that we believe will be of interest to investors. We hope investors will find it useful to have all of this information in a single document.

The SEC allows us to report information in the Form 10-K by “incorporating by reference” from another part of the Form 10-K or from the proxy statement. You will see that information is “incorporated by reference” in various parts of our Form 10-K. The proxy statement will be available on our website after it is filed with the SEC in April 2023.

Unless the context otherwise requires, “we,” “us,” “our,” “the Company” or “Caleres” refers to Caleres, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Information in this Form 10-K is current as of March 28, 2023, unless otherwise specified.

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CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

In this report, and from time to time throughout the year, we share our expectations for the Company’s future performance. These forward-looking statements include statements about our business plans; the potential development, regulatory approval and public acceptance of our products; our expected financial performance, including sales performance and the anticipated effect of our strategic actions; the anticipated benefits of acquisitions; the outcome of contingencies, such as litigation; domestic or international economic, political and market conditions; and other factors that could affect our future results of operations or financial position, including, without limitation, statements under the captions “Business,” “Legal Proceedings” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”  Any statements we make that are not matters of current disclosures or historical fact should be considered forward-looking. Such statements often include words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “plan,” “estimate,” “will” and similar expressions. By their nature, these types of statements are uncertain and are not guarantees of our future performance.

Our forward-looking statements represent our estimates and expectations at the time that we make them. However, circumstances change constantly, often unpredictably, and investors should not place undue reliance on these statements. Many events beyond our control will determine whether our expectations will be realized.  We disclaim any current intention or obligation to revise or update any forward-looking statements, or the factors that may affect their realization, whether in light of new information, future events or otherwise, and investors should not rely on us to do so. In the interests of our investors, and in accordance with the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Part I. Item 1A. Risk Factors explains some of the important reasons that actual results may be materially different from those that we anticipate.

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INDEX

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PART I

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ITEM 1BUSINESS

Caleres, Inc. (the "Company"), originally founded as Brown Shoe Company in 1878 and incorporated in 1913, is a global footwear company.  We meet consumers where they want to shop, whether in-store or online.  The Company’s business operations are organized into two reportable segments—Famous Footwear and Brand Portfolio.  The Famous Footwear segment is comprised of our Famous Footwear retail stores, famousfootwear.com and famousfootwear.ca.  The Famous Footwear segment operated 873 stores at the end of 2022, selling primarily branded footwear for the entire family.  The Brand Portfolio segment offers retailers and consumers a carefully cultivated portfolio of leading brands.  This segment is comprised of wholesale operations that designs, develops, sources, manufactures, markets and distributes branded, licensed and private-label footwear primarily to online retailers, national chains, department stores, mass merchandisers and independent retailers, as well as Company-owned Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, Naturalizer and Allen Edmonds stores and e-commerce businesses.  It also includes the Sam Edelman, Naturalizer and Allen Edmonds retail stores, including 63 stores in the United States and 29 stores in China at the end of 2022, and the e-commerce businesses for our Company-owned brands.

Our net sales are comprised of four major categories: women’s footwear, men’s footwear, children’s footwear and clothing and accessories.  The percentage of net sales attributable to each category is as follows:

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FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

Our Famous Footwear segment is one of America’s leading family-branded footwear retailers.  Famous Footwear employs an omni-channel approach to reach consumers wherever they want to shop, including our e-commerce channel through famousfootwear.com and famousfootwear.ca, as well as nearly 900 Famous Footwear retail store locations.  Our core consumers are those who seek leading national brands of athletic, casual and fashion footwear at a value for themselves and their families.

Famous Footwear features a wide selection of brand name athletic, casual and dress shoes for the entire family.  Brands carried include Nike, Skechers, adidas, Vans, Crocs, Converse, Puma, Birkenstock, New Balance, Under Armour, Dr. Martens, Asics, Timberland, Bearpaw, Skechers, and HeyDude, as well as company-owned and licensed brands including LifeStride, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, Blowfish Malibu and Naturalizer, among others.  Our Company-owned and licensed products are sold to our Famous Footwear segment by our Brand Portfolio segment at a profit and represent approximately 6% of the Famous Footwear segment’s net sales.  We work closely with our vendors to provide consumers with fresh product and, in some cases, product exclusively designed for and available only at Famous Footwear.  Famous Footwear’s retail price points typically range from $20 for shoes to $300 for boots.  We believe we have strong relationships with our significant branded footwear suppliers, but the loss of any one or more key suppliers could have a material impact on our Famous Footwear segment and the Company. 

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Famousfootwear.com and famousfootwear.ca offer an expansive product assortment, beyond what is sold in our retail stores.  Accessible via desktop, tablet and mobile devices, these e-commerce websites help consumers explore product assortments, including items available in local stores, and make purchases. Many of our consumers buy online and pick up product in their local store through Famously Fast Pickup or curbside.  Orders are typically ready within an hour through this convenient service.  Our retail store locations also fulfill approximately two-thirds of all e-commerce orders not picked up in the store.  Leveraging our brick-and-mortar store inventory reduces delivery times, driving an enhanced consumer experience.  We continue to enhance our digital technology and e-commerce platform, as well as add new features to the Famous Footwear Rewards mobile application to deliver a superior experience for our customers who visit Famous Footwear on a mobile device.  

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Famous Footwear also has an extensive customer loyalty program, Famously You Rewards (“Rewards”), which informs and rewards members with free shipping and bonus points for online purchases, product previews, incentives based upon purchase continuity and other periodic promotional offers.  Our Famous Footwear websites allow members of Rewards to view their points status and purchase history, manage profile settings and engage further with the brand.  Famous Footwear’s mobile app also serves as a hub for Rewards members to shop, find local stores, redeem Rewards certificates and learn about the newest products, latest trends and hottest deals. 

Our Famous Footwear stores are located in strip shopping centers as well as outlet and regional malls in 49 states, Canada and Guam.  The breakdown by venue at the end of each of the last three fiscal years is as follows:

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We anticipate that our retail store count in 2023 will be approximately flat to the ending store count for 2022.  New stores typically experience an initial start-up period characterized by lower sales and operating earnings than what is generally achieved by more mature stores. While the duration of this start-up period may vary by type of store, economic environment and geographic location, new stores typically reach a normal level of profitability within approximately four years.

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Famous Footwear relies on merchandise allocation systems and processes that use allocation criteria, consumer segmentation and inventory data in an effort to ensure stores are adequately stocked with product and to differentiate the needs of each store based on location, consumer segmentation and other factors.  Famous Footwear’s distribution systems allow for merchandise to be delivered to each store weekly, or on a more frequent basis, as needed.  Famous Footwear also uses regional third-party pooled distribution sites across the country.

Famous Footwear’s marketing programs include e-commerce advertising, digital marketing and social media, direct mail and in-store advertisements, all of which are designed to further develop and reinforce the Famous Footwear brand and strengthen our connection with consumers.  We believe the success of our marketing campaigns is attributable to highlighting key categories and tailoring the timing of such messaging to adapt to seasonal shopping patterns.  In 2022, we spent approximately $62.6 million to advertise and market Famous Footwear to our target consumers, a portion of which was recovered from suppliers.  

BRAND PORTFOLIO

Our Brand Portfolio segment offers retailers and consumers a portfolio of leading brands by designing, developing, sourcing, manufacturing, marketing and distributing branded footwear for women, men and children at a variety of price points.  Certain of our branded footwear products are sold under brand names that are owned by the Company and others are developed pursuant to licensing agreements.  Our Brand Portfolio segment also sells footwear on a direct-to-consumer basis through our branded retail stores and e-commerce businesses.  

Portfolio of Brands

The following is a listing of our owned brands and licensed products:

Sam Edelman: Since 2004, Sam Edelman has been synonymous with aspirational luxury and on-trend style. Inspired by timeless American elegance, designer Sam Edelman’s innate understanding of the customer translates conceptually into a modern lifestyle informed by rich heritage, creativity and innovation.  Beyond its iconic footwear, Sam Edelman offers an ever-expanding range of product categories to fit the customer’s lifestyle including dresses, ready-to-wear, outerwear, denim, belts, small leather-goods and children’s shoes.  The full range of Sam Edelman product is sold through Sam Edelman retail stores and online at samedelman.com, in addition to department stores, national chains and independent retailers around the world at suggested retail price points from $100 to $300.

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Vionic: In 2018, we acquired Vionic to expand our access to the growing contemporary comfort footwear category. Vionic is dedicated to harnessing science, ingenuity and input from medical professionals, athletes and raving fans to make shoes that bring balance to our lives.  The fusion between dynamic movement and grounded stability is how our exclusive Vio Motion Technology solves whole body balance.  Featuring a wide range of silhouettes, premium materials and thoughtful design for women and men, Vionic offers the style you want with the comfort you crave across a vast selection of fashion sneakers, casual and dress options, all-weather boots, sandals and slippers.  The brand is sold online, through independent retailers, television, department stores, national chains and specialty retailers for suggested retail price points from $40 for shoes to $250 for boots.

Naturalizer:  Since 1927, Naturalizer has crafted beautiful and modern styles that look and feel exceptional, inside and out.  Our legendary emphasis on fit and elegant simplicity launched a brand that became known as “the shoe with the beautiful fit.”  Our Naturalizer brand is sold primarily at national chains, online retailers, online at naturalizer.com and naturalizer.ca, department stores, independent retailers and its flagship retail store.  Naturalizer footwear is also distributed through wholesale partners in 34 countries around the world and approximately 45 retail stores.  Suggested retail price points range from $69 for shoes to $240 for boots.  

Allen Edmonds: In 2016, we acquired Allen Edmonds to increase our penetration in men’s footwear.  Allen Edmonds, founded in 1922, is a brand of premium men’s footwear, apparel, leather goods and accessories, built on its United States manufacturing heritage.  Allen Edmonds products are available at our 56 Allen Edmonds stores in the United States, online at allenedmonds.com and at select retailers worldwide at suggested retail price points from $245 for shoes to $495 for boots.

LifeStride:  For more than 70 years, LifeStride has created quality footwear for women who value both style and all-day comfort.  LifeStride is made for the woman on-the-go, with SoftSystem comfort in every shoe, so she does not have to sacrifice comfort or style for the price.  The brand is sold in national chains, our Famous Footwear retail stores, online, including lifestride.com, and department stores at suggested retail price points ranging from $60 for shoes to $130 for boots.

Dr. Scholl’s Shoes:  Inspired by its founder, Dr. William Scholl, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes remains forever passionate about creating iconic, effortless footwear for a healthy life.  This footwear reaches consumers at a wide range of distribution channels, including national chains, department stores, mass merchandisers, online, including drschollshoes.com, our Famous Footwear retail stores and independent retailers.  Suggested price points range from $50 for shoes to $190 for boots.  We have a long-term license agreement to sell Dr. Scholl’s Shoes in the United States, Canada and Latin America.

Blowfish Malibu: In 2018, we acquired a controlling interest in Blowfish Malibu and in November 2021, we acquired the remaining interest.  Blowfish Malibu, which was founded in 2005, designs and sells women’s and children’s footwear that captures the fresh youthful spirit and casual living that is distinctively Southern California.  The brand is sold at national chains, our Famous Footwear stores and independent retailers.  Suggested retail price points range from $30 for shoes to $90 for boots.

Franco Sarto:  The Franco Sarto brand embodies timeless, wearable style inspired by the craft and design of Italian footwear. The brand is sold in major national chains, online, including francosarto.com, department stores, specialty retailers, our Famous Footwear retail stores and independent retailers at suggested retail price points from $99 for shoes to $280 for boots.

Rykä: For over 30 years, Rykä has been innovating athletic footwear exclusively for a woman’s foot.  Rykä offers footwear to serve her needs for walking, running and hiking along with lifestyle trends.  The brand is distributed through national chains, online retailers, including ryka.com, independent retailers, department stores, specialty retailers and our Famous Footwear retail stores at suggested retail price points from $80 to $145.

Vince: The Vince women’s shoe collection launched in 2012 and was expanded in 2014 to include the Vince men’s footwear collection.  Vince creates elevated yet understated pieces for every day. The brand is primarily sold in premier department stores, online, national chains and specialty retailers at suggested price points from $275 for shoes to $595 for boots.  We have a license agreement with Vince, LLC to sell Vince footwear through January 2025.

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Bzees: Bzees is a comfort brand of machine washable women’s footwear designed to make you feel weightless, energized and free.  The brand is distributed through national chains, department stores, online retailers including bzees.com, independent retailers, specialty retailers and our Famous Footwear retail stores at suggested retail price points from $80 for shoes to $130 for boots.

Veronica Beard: In 2020, we began an exclusive partnership with the American ready-to-wear brand, Veronica Beard, to produce the women’s footwear collection.  The Veronica Beard collection includes styles that strike the balance between cool and classic, taking the consumer from day to night and work to weekend.  The brand is distributed through domestic wholesale partners carrying Veronica Beard ready-to-wear and independent footwear retailers at suggested retail price points ranging from $295 for shoes to $550 for boots.  We have a license agreement to sell footwear through December 2024.

Zodiac: The Zodiac brand was launched in the late 1970s and acquired by us in 2005.  In 2019, we initiated a brand refresh by blending the past with the present to provide authentic, quality footwear that is supremely relevant for today’s modern and expressive consumer lifestyles.  The brand relaunched in 2020 and Zodiac is now available at major national chains, online retailers, including zodiacshoes.com, and our Famous Footwear retail stores at suggested retail price points ranging from $49 for sandals to $149 for boots.

Wholesale

Within our Brand Portfolio segment, our brands are distributed on a wholesale basis to approximately 4,600 retailers, including online retailers, national chains, department stores, mass merchandisers and independent retailers throughout the United States and Canada, as well as approximately 70 other countries (including sales to our retail operations).  Our most significant wholesale customers include Famous Footwear and many of the nation’s largest retailers, including online retailers such as Amazon.com, Nordstrom.com, Macys.com and Zappos.com; national chains such as Nordstrom Rack, DSW, TJX Corporation (including TJ Maxx and Marshalls), Kohl’s and Ross Stores; department stores such as Nordstrom, Macy’s and Dillard’s; mass merchandisers such as Walmart; and independent retailers such as Qurate Retail Group, which operates QVC, Home Shopping Network and Zulily.  Many of these wholesale customers also sell our products through their own websites.  In these arrangements, orders are typically fulfilled on a drop-ship basis from our logistics network.  We also sell product to a variety of international retail customers and distributors.  The loss of any one or more of our significant customers or brands could have a material impact on our Brand Portfolio segment and the Company.

Our Brand Portfolio segment sold approximately 37 million pairs of shoes on a wholesale basis, either landed or first-cost, during 2022.  Products sold under license agreements accounted for approximately 12% of the sales of the Brand Portfolio segment in 2022, 13% of the segment’s sales in 2021 and 15% of the segment’s sales in 2020.  Caleres also receives license revenue from third parties related to certain owned brands, for use in connection with other brand-enhancing non-footwear product categories.

Direct-to-Consumer

Our Brand Portfolio segment includes the operation of several e-commerce websites, including naturalizer.com, naturalizer.ca, vionicshoes.com, samedelman.com, allenedmonds.com, drschollsshoes.com, lifestride.com, francosarto.com, ryka.com, bzees.com and zodiacshoes.com, which offer substantially the same product selection to consumers as we sell to our wholesale customers.  Vince.com, blowfishshoes.com, and veronicabeard.com complement our distribution of those brands.  References to our website addresses do not constitute incorporation by reference of the information contained on the websites and the information contained on the websites is not part of this report.

We also operate retail stores for certain brands, including Allen Edmonds, Sam Edelman and Naturalizer.  The number of our Brand Portfolio retail stores at the end of the last three fiscal years was as follows:

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At the end of 2022, we operated 56 Allen Edmonds stores in the United States, each averaging approximately 1,550 square feet.  We expect to open approximately two new stores and close approximately one Allen Edmonds store in 2023, as we continue to align our real estate and e-commerce strategies.  We operated six Sam Edelman stores in the United States, each averaging approximately 2,200 square feet, and 28 stores in China at the end of 2022.  After closing the majority of our Naturalizer retail stores at the beginning of 2021, we ended the year with one flagship Naturalizer store in the United States and one store in China.  We anticipate expanding our Sam Edelman presence in China in 2023 with the opening of approximately nine new stores.

Marketing

We continue to build on the recognition of our portfolio of brands to create differentiation and consumer loyalty.  Our marketing teams are responsible for the development and implementation of innovative marketing programs that serve the consumer facing needs of our portfolio of brands as well as that of our retail partners.  In 2022, we spent approximately $62.3 million in advertising and marketing support for our Brand Portfolio segment, including digital marketing and social media, consumer media advertising, print, production, product placement, in-store displays and trade shows.  The marketing teams are also responsible for driving the development of branding and content for our brand websites.  We continually focus on enhancing the effectiveness of these marketing efforts through consumer insights, market research, product development and marketing communications that collectively address the ever-changing lives and needs of our consumers.  Our marketing teams are instrumental in continuing to drive growth in e-commerce sales, producing relevant and purpose-driven brand positioning and creating meaningful connections with consumers that have increased awareness and loyalty across our portfolio.  We continue to leverage consumer insights and data to inform marketing initiatives to capture a greater share of our target consumers’ spend as well as reach new audiences with a high propensity to purchase our products.

Product Development Operations

We maintain design and product development teams for our brands in Clayton, Missouri; Dongguan, China; Putian, China; San Rafael, California; New York, New York; Port Washington, Wisconsin and Culver City, California, as well as other select fashion locations, including Florence, Italy.  These teams, which include independent designers, are responsible for the creation and development of new product styles.  Our designers monitor trends in fashion footwear and apparel and work closely with retailers to identify consumer footwear preferences.  Our design teams create collections of footwear, and our sourcing and product development offices convert those designs into new footwear styles.  We operate a sample-making facility in Dongguan, China that allows us to have greater control over our product development in terms of accuracy, execution and speed-to-market.  Our long-range plans include further expansion into new markets outside of China, particularly those in Vietnam, and continuing to drive excellence in product value and execution in a rapidly changing manufacturing landscape.  

Sourcing and Manufacturing Operations

In 2022, the sourcing operations sourced approximately 35.4 million pairs of shoes through a global network of third-party independent footwear manufacturers.  The majority of our footwear sourced is provided by approximately 63 manufacturers operating approximately 116 manufacturing facilities.  In certain countries, we use agents to facilitate and manage the development, production and shipment of product.  We attribute our ability to achieve consistent quality, competitive prices and on-time delivery to the breadth of these established relationships, as well as steps we have taken to digitize many aspects of our end-to-end supply chain processes to enable mutually beneficial workload efficiency, visibility and agility.  While we generally do not have significant contractual commitments with our suppliers, we do enter into sourcing agreements with certain independent sourcing agents.  Prior to production, we monitor the quality of all of our footwear components and also inspect the prototypes of each footwear style.

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The following table provides an overview of our sourcing by country in 2022:

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While we source the majority of our footwear from independent footwear manufacturers, we also maintain and operate manufacturing facilities in Port Washington, Wisconsin and Santiago, Dominican Republic.  These facilities manufacture footwear and certain accessories for our Allen Edmonds brand.  We believe operating our own manufacturing facilities in North America provides us with greater control over the quality and craftsmanship that are essential to the iconic Allen Edmonds brand.  In addition, our Port Washington facility serves our recrafting operations, which furthers our commitment to sustainability.  Our recrafting operations allow the Allen Edmonds consumer to extend the life of their footwear, restoring their shoes to nearly their original state.  Most styles can be recrafted twice, and some can be recrafted three times.  

Backlog

At January 28, 2023, our Brand Portfolio segment had a backlog of unfilled wholesale orders of approximately $284.6 million, compared to $452.4 million as of January 29, 2022.  Most orders are for delivery within the next 90 to 120 days.  Orders are subject to cancellation; however, with the exception of the cancellations we experienced in 2020 associated with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on our wholesale partners, we have not experienced significant cancellations of orders.  The decrease in our backlog order levels reflects the return of the global supply chain back to pre-pandemic efficiency, as well as more conservative buying by our wholesale customers as they more tightly manage their inventory levels.  In addition, due to supply chain constraints during 2021, retailer inventory was lower and backlog levels were higher at January 29, 2022.

The backlog at any particular time is affected by a number of factors, including supply chain disruptions, seasonality and capacity shifts at international manufacturers.  Accordingly, a comparison of backlog from period to period may not be indicative of eventual actual shipments or the growth rate of sales from one period to the next.  

Human Capital Management

As of January 28, 2023, we had approximately 9,300 employees, including 5,300 full-time and 4,000 part-time.  In the United States, there were no employees subject to union contracts.  In Canada, we employ approximately 17 warehouse employees under a union contract, which will expire in October 2025.  The Company’s success depends on our ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain qualified management, administrative, product design and development and sales and marketing personnel to support existing operations and future growth.  Since our founding in 1878, we have been all about the right fit.  But it starts in the heart – right within our Company’s culture.  Our values – Passion, Accountability, Curiosity, Creativity and Caring, inform how we work, how we treat one another and how we live our mission.

Compensation Programs and Employee Benefits

We believe that pay, benefits and incentives make up the total rewards package and provide employees and their families with financial protection and security for the future.  Our compensation programs are designed to encourage and reward our executives and associates for superior performance and drive long-term shareholder value.  We offer a comprehensive benefits package to our associates that provides, among other benefits, competitive salaries and wages; comprehensive health insurance coverage to eligible employees; retirement plans; education assistance; paid time off; parental bonding leave; adoption benefits; and charitable giving opportunities through the Caleres Cares Charitable Trust, including volunteer opportunities and our matching gift program.

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Health and Safety

Our associates make health and safety a daily priority at our stores, distribution centers, offices and factories.  Newly hired associates are required to attend health and safety training as part of the onboarding process and they receive a variety of relevant training and information throughout the year.  Our guidelines cover many common elements such as physical safety and security, workplace violence, emergency procedures, incident reporting protocols, first aid and other general health and safety topics.  All of our retail associates receive training in accordance with our Occupational Health and Safety Program, which provides for both their safety and that of our customers.  Our corporate offices support the well-being of our associates with on-site amenities such as a fitness center and a registered dietician that is available for consultations.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

Caleres was founded on the insight that people are unique, and we are proud of our inclusive and collaborative environment where differences are celebrated.  We believe that Caleres should be as diverse as the people and communities we serve.  We are committed to recruiting talented individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, lifestyles and belief systems and developing diverse candidate slates for every open position with leadership accountability.  Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council is focused on elevating awareness of diversity, equity and inclusion through its educational communications and events, as well as trainings provided to our associates throughout the year.  In addition, our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion is reflected in our Board of Directors.  As of January 28, 2023, we had 11 directors, of which 55% are female and 18% are racially and ethnically diverse.

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Environmental, Social and Governance (“ESG”) Initiatives

Our ESG initiatives are an important component of our enterprise risk management program.  Our long-standing pledge to quality craftmanship includes creating sustainable and lasting value for all of our stakeholders by governing and operating with integrity and transparency and by pursuing ambitious ESG targets.  Our ESG Steering Committee is responsible for developing programs, goals and metrics to support our ESG initiatives.  We conducted an assessment to determine those areas of our operations that are most important to Caleres and our stakeholders, which in turn guided the framework for our ESG initiatives.

Many of our ESG goals focus on high impact areas of opportunity, such as the materials that are used in our products, their byproducts and supply chain labor standards.  We are striving to use environmentally preferred materials to produce all our products and packaging, and we will ensure all of our strategic factories around the world comply with leading global work standards.  In April 2022, we published our second ESG report, which was once again nationally recognized on Newsweek’s Most Responsible Companies list and ranked 11^th in the consumer goods category.  The report detailed our ESG strategy and provided our goals for sustainable products and practices and highlighted our progress toward our identified target goals, which we seek to achieve by 2025.  Our ESG reports may be accessed at www.caleres.com/about/esg.  The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report.  We expect to publish another ESG report in April 2023.

Competition

With many companies operating traditional brick-and-mortar retail shoe stores and departments and e-commerce businesses, we compete in a highly fragmented market.  In addition, the continuing consumer shift to online and mobile shopping has increased price competition and requires retailers to lower shipping costs charged to customers, improve shipping speeds and optimize mobile platforms.  Our competitors include local, regional and national shoe store chains, department stores, discount stores, mass merchandisers, numerous independent retail operators of various sizes and e-commerce businesses.  Quality of products and services, store location, trend-right merchandise selection and availability of brands, pricing, marketing, advertising and consumer service are all factors that impact retail competition.

In addition, our wholesale customers sell shoes purchased from competing footwear suppliers.  Those competing footwear suppliers own and license brands, many of which are well-known and marketed aggressively.  Many retailers, who are our wholesale customers, source directly from factories or through agents.  The wholesale footwear business has low barriers to entry, which further intensifies competition.

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Seasonality

Our business is seasonal in nature due to consumer spending patterns with higher back-to-school and holiday season sales. Although the third fiscal quarter has historically accounted for a substantial portion of the Company’s earnings for the year, we have experienced more equal distribution among the quarters in recent years.

AVAILABLE INFORMATION

Our Internet address is www.caleres.com.  Our Internet address is included in this annual report on Form 10-K as an inactive textual reference only.  The information contained on our website is not incorporated by reference into this annual report on Form 10-K and should not be considered part of this report.  We file annual, quarterly and current reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC.  We make available free of charge our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed or furnished, as required by Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, through our Internet website as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with or furnish it to the SEC.  You may access these SEC filings via the hyperlink to a third-party SEC filings website that we provide on our website.

INFORMATION ABOUT OUR EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

The following is a list of the names and ages of the executive officers of the Company and of the offices held by each person.  There is no family relationship between any of the named persons.  The terms of the following executive officers will expire in May 2023 or upon their respective successors being chosen and qualified.

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The period of service of each officer in the positions listed and other business experience are set forth below.

Diane M. Sullivan, Executive Chair since January 2023. Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors from February 2014 to January 2023.  President and Chief Executive Officer from May 2011 to November 2020.  President and Chief Operating Officer from March 2006 to May 2011.  President from January 2004 to March 2006.

John W. Schmidt, President, Chief Executive Officer and Director since January 2023.  President from December 2020 to January 2023.  Division President – Brand Portfolio from October 2015 to December 2020. Division President – Contemporary Fashion Brands from January 2011 to September 2015.  Senior Vice President, Better and Image Brands from January 2010 to January 2011.  Senior Vice President and General Manager, Better and Image Brands from March 2008 until January 2010.  Various positions, including Vice President, President, Group President of Wholesale Footwear for Nine West Group from September 1998 to February 2008.

Thomas C. Burke, Senior Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since August 2016.  Vice President, Legal from December 2015 to August 2016.  Deputy General Counsel from March 2012 to December 2015.  Various positions at the Company, including Associate General Counsel and Director, Talent Management, from March 2001 to March 2012.

Jack P. Calandra, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer since September 2022.  Chief Financial Officer of a.k.a. Brands in 2021.  Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of Tailored Brands, Inc. from 2017 to 2020.  Various executive finance positions, including Senior Vice President Corporate Finance and Investor Relations with Gap, Inc., from 2005 to 2016.  

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Michael R. Edwards, Division President – Famous Footwear since November 2020.  Senior Vice President, Digital Commerce, Planning, Allocation and Stores from February 2018 to November 2020.  Chief Customer Officer from September 2017 to February 2018.  Senior Vice President, Planning, Allocation and Analytics from December 2016 to September 2017.  Vice President, Planning and Allocation from May 2015 to December 2016.  Vice President, Merchandising and Sales Operations from October 2011 to May 2015.

Daniel R. Friedman, Division President – Global Supply Chain since January 2010.  Senior Vice President, Product Development and Sourcing from July 2006 to January 2010.  Managing Director at Camuto Group, Inc. from 2002 to July 2006.

Todd E. Hasty, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer since January 2020.  Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer from March 2019 to January 2020.  Vice President, Controller from March 2016 to March 2019.  Vice President, Assistant Controller from October 2007 to March 2016.

Willis D. Hill, Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer since September 2018.  Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer from August 2017 to September 2018.  Senior Vice President, Information Technology from January 2017 to August 2017.  Vice President, Retail Information Technology from July 2011 to January 2017.  Director, Retail Information Technology from July 2008 to July 2011.

Douglas W. Koch, Senior Vice President, Strategic Projects since September 2019.  Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer from January 2016 to September 2019.  Senior Vice President and Chief Talent and Strategy Officer from January 2011 to January 2016.  Senior Vice President and Chief Talent Officer from May 2005 to January 2011.  Senior Vice President, Human Resources from March 2002 to May 2005.

Jennifer S. Olsen, Chief Marketing Officer since June 2021.  Chief Marketing Officer, UNTUCKit from January 2018 to June 2021. Various consulting roles from June 2015 to January 2018.  Vice President, Media Marketing, Yahoo from June 2014 to June 2015. Chief Marketing Officer, Stich Fix from September 2013 to March 2014. Chief Marketing Officer, Crate & Barrel from May 2011 to August 2013.  Various marketing roles at Gap, Inc. from 2001 to 2011 including Vice President, Marketing, Piperlime.

Mark A. Schmitt, Senior Vice President, Chief Logistics Officer since September 2018.  Senior Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Logistics from February 2013 to September 2018.  Senior Vice President and Chief Information Officer from January 2012 through February 2013.  Senior Director of Management Information Systems for Express Scripts from 2010 through 2011.  Various management information systems positions including Group Director with Anheuser-Busch InBev from 1996 to 2009.

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ITEM 1ARISK FACTORS

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An investment in our common stock involves certain risks and uncertainties.  In addition to other information in this Form 10-K, the following risk factors should be considered.  Additional risks and uncertainties of which we are currently unaware could also have a material adverse effect on our business and financial conditions.  

MACROECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY RISKS

Inflationary pressures may adversely impact our business operations and financial condition.

Inflationary pressures in the United States and the global economy such as rising interest rates, higher product and transportation costs and wage inflation, as well as fears of a recession, are creating a complex and challenging retail environment that may impact discretionary spending.   The extent and duration of these pressures are uncertain and may limit our ability to meet incremental consumer demand, potentially impacting our net sales.  In addition, declines in consumer spending may result in reduced demand for our products, increased inventories, reduced orders from retailers for our products, order cancellations, lower revenues, higher discounts, pricing pressure and lower gross margins.  Macroeconomic factors, such as inflationary pressures and volatility in interest rates, also impact a number of accounting estimates, including impairment calculations, the value of inventory measured using the last-in, first out (“LIFO”) method,

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and other estimates that utilize fair value.  These macroeconomic factors could result in incremental volatility in certain valuations and provisions required in the Company’s financial statements.  

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Supply chain disruptions may adversely impact our gross margin and earnings.

A disruption within our logistics or supply chain network could adversely affect our ability to deliver inventory in a timely manner, which could impair our ability to meet customer demand for products and result in lost sales and increased supply chain costs.  The lingering effects of the coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic have resulted in supply chain disruptions and labor instability.  Vessel, container and other transportation shortages, labor shortages and port congestion have in the past delayed inventory orders and, in turn, deliveries to our wholesale customers and availability in our retail stores and e-commerce sites.  In addition, the vast majority of our products pass through the United States west coast ports and any slowdown or stoppage relating to labor agreement negotiations may further delay the receipt of inventory or increase costs.  The extent to which COVID-19, including the emergence of additional variants, will continue to impact our supply chain and business operations will depend on future developments, which are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted.  

Consumer demand for our products may be adversely impacted by economic conditions and other factors.

Worldwide economic conditions continue to be uncertain.  Consumer confidence and spending are strongly influenced by general economic conditions and other factors, including inflation, concerns of a recession, rising interest rates, fiscal policy, the changing tax and regulatory environment, minimum wage rates and regulations, consumer debt levels, the availability of consumer credit, the liquidity of consumers’ assets, health care costs, currency exchange rates, taxation, energy costs, real estate values, foreclosure rates, unemployment trends, weather conditions and the economic consequences of military action or terrorist activities, such as the heightened geo-political tensions between China and Taiwan and the potential impact of sanctions on the domestic and global economy.  Consumer sentiment, including a preference for products made in the United States, may be impacted by the war in Eastern Europe, which may impact demand for our products that are sourced internationally.  In addition, with the majority of our supply originating in China, any significant negative development related to relations between United States and China may adversely impact the demand for our products sourced from China.  Negative economic conditions generally decrease disposable income and, consequently, consumer purchases of discretionary items like our products. As a result, our customers may choose to purchase fewer of our products or purchase the lower priced products of our competitors, and our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected.  

If we are unable to anticipate and respond to consumer preferences and fashion trends and successfully apply new technology, we may not be able to maintain or increase our net sales and earnings.

The footwear industry is subject to rapidly changing consumer shopping preferences and patterns and fashion trends.  Our products must appeal to a broad range of consumers whose preferences cannot be predicted with certainty and are subject to rapid change.  In addition, as consumers increasingly embrace online and mobile shopping, retailers have been required to lower shipping costs charged to customers, improve shipping speeds and optimize mobile platforms.  The trend toward online and mobile shopping has also increased the volume of smaller shipments, including single-pair shipments, from our warehouses.  The increased volume of smaller shipments has resulted in higher average distribution costs, including both shipping and processing costs incurred at our distribution centers.  In addition, an increase in the volume of e-commerce sales, which have higher return rates than in-store sales, may in turn lead to higher shipping and processing costs.  The success of both our wholesale and retail operations depends largely on our ability to anticipate, understand and react to these changing consumer shopping patterns.  If we fail to respond to changes in consumer shopping patterns, demands and fashion trends, develop new products and designs, and implement effective, responsive merchandising and distribution strategies and programs, we could experience lower sales, excess inventories and lower gross margins, any of which could have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

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Certain branded suppliers are becoming more selective in their distribution channels.  The loss of one or more of our major branded suppliers may adversely impact our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our Famous Footwear segment purchases a substantial portion of its footwear products from major branded suppliers. Products purchased from three key third-party suppliers (Nike, Skechers and adidas) represented approximately 23% of consolidated net sales in 2022.  As is common in the industry, we do not have any long-term contracts with our suppliers. In addition, the success of our financial performance is dependent on the ability of our Famous Footwear segment to obtain products from our suppliers on a timely basis and on acceptable terms.  While we believe we have positive working relationships with our current suppliers, the loss of any of our major suppliers or product developed exclusively for our

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Famous Footwear stores could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, negative trends in global economic conditions, including the impact of the war in Eastern Europe, heightened tensions between China and Taiwan and the impact of COVID-19 in Southeast Asia, may adversely impact our suppliers.  If these third parties do not perform their obligations or are unable to provide us with the materials and services we need at prices and terms that are acceptable to us, our ability to meet our consumers’ demand could be adversely affected.

Customer concentration and other trends in customer behavior may lead to a reduction in or loss of sales.

Our wholesale customers include e-commerce retailers, national chains, department stores, mass merchandisers and independent retailers.  Several of our customers operate multiple department store divisions.  Furthermore, we often sell multiple types of branded, licensed and private-label footwear to these same customers.   While we believe purchasing decisions in many cases are made independently by the buyers and merchandisers of each of the customers, a decision by a significant customer to decrease the amount of footwear products purchased from us could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

In addition, with the growing trend toward retail trade consolidation, including store count reductions at major retail chains, and consumers’ preference for online shopping, we and our wholesale customers increasingly depend upon a reduced number of key retailers whose bargaining strength is growing.  This consolidation may result in the following adverse consequences:

We also face the following risks with respect to our customers:

We operate in a highly competitive industry.

Competition is intense in the footwear industry.  There has also been consolidation of competitors in the industry, resulting in certain competitors that are larger and have greater financial, marketing and technological resources than we do.  In addition, a move toward vertical integration by our competitors could create additional competitive pressures that may decrease our market share.  Other competitors are able to offer footwear on a lateral basis alongside their apparel products, or have successfully branded their trademarks as lifestyle brands, resulting in greater competitive advantages.  Low barriers to entry into this industry further intensify competition by allowing new companies to easily enter the markets in which we compete.  Some of our suppliers further compound these competitive pressures by allowing consumers to purchase their products directly through supplier-maintained e-commerce sites and retail stores.  The Internet facilitates price transparency and comparison shopping, which increases the level of competition we face and puts competitive pressure on us to keep our prices low.

We believe that our ability to compete successfully in the footwear industry depends on a number of factors, including style, price, performance, quality, location and service, as well as the strength of our brand names.  We remain competitive

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by increasing awareness of our brands, improving the efficiency of our supply chain and enhancing the style, comfort, fashion and perceived value of our products.  However, our competitors may implement more effective marketing campaigns, adopt more aggressive pricing policies, make more attractive offers to potential employees, distribution partners and manufacturers, or respond more quickly to changes in consumer preferences than us.  As a result, we may not be able to compete successfully in the future, and increased competition may result in price reductions, reduced gross margins, loss of market share and an inability to generate cash flows that are sufficient to maintain or expand the development and marketing of our products, which could adversely impact our financial results.

Our quarterly sales and earnings may fluctuate, which may result in volatility in, or a decline in, our stock price.

Our quarterly sales and earnings can vary due to a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control, including the following:

As a result of these specific and other general factors, our operating results will vary from quarter to quarter and the results for any particular quarter may not be indicative of results for the full year.  Any shortfall in sales or earnings from the levels expected by investors could cause a decrease in the trading price of our common stock.

Foreign currency fluctuations may result in higher costs and decreased gross profits.

Although we purchase most of our products from international manufacturers in United States dollars and otherwise may engage in foreign currency hedging transactions from time to time, we may experience cost variations with respect to exchange rate changes.  Currency exchange rate fluctuations may also adversely impact third parties who manufacture the Company’s products by making their purchases of raw materials or other production costs more expensive and more difficult to finance, resulting in higher prices and lower margins for the Company and its distributors.

OPERATIONAL RISKS

We rely primarily on international sources of production, which subjects our business to risks associated with international trade.

We rely primarily on international sourcing for our footwear products through third-party manufacturing facilities located outside the United States.  As is common in the industry, we do not have any long-term contracts with our third-party international manufacturers.  International sourcing is subject to numerous risks, including trade relations, work stoppages, transportation delays (including delays at international and domestic ports) and costs (including customs duties, quotas, tariffs, anti-dumping duties, safeguard measures, cargo restrictions or other trade restrictions), domestic and international political instability, foreign currency fluctuations, variable economic conditions, expropriation, nationalization, natural disasters, terrorist acts and military conflict, changes in governmental regulations (including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act) and geo-political events, such as the current war between Russia and Ukraine and increased tensions between China and Taiwan.  Supply chain disruptions and port congestion have in the past delayed receipt of inventory and this could occur again in the future.  Delayed inventory receipt could delay deliveries to our wholesale customers, and reduce availability in our stores and e-commerce websites, which could adversely impact our financial results.  In addition, the imposition of tariffs or other costs on imported products may result in an increase in product prices, which may in turn

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adversely impact our gross margins if we are unable to mitigate the impact of the costs.  At the same time, potential changes in manufacturing preferences, including, but not limited to the following, pose additional risk and uncertainty:

As a result of these risks, there can be no assurance that we will not experience reductions in available production capacity, increases in our product costs, late deliveries or terminations of our supplier relationships.  Furthermore, these sourcing risks are compounded by limited diversification in the geographic location of our international sourcing and manufacturing.  Approximately 68% of the footwear we sourced in 2022 was from China.  With the majority of our supply originating in China, a substantial portion of our supply could be at risk in the event of any significant negative development related to relations between United States and China.

Although we believe we could find alternative manufacturing sources for the products that we currently source from third-party manufacturing facilities in China or other countries, we may not be able to locate alternative manufacturers on terms as favorable as our current terms, including pricing, payment terms, manufacturing capacity, quality standards and lead times for delivery.  In addition, there is substantial competition in the footwear industry for quality footwear manufacturers.  Accordingly, our future results will partly depend on our ability to maintain positive working relationships with, and offer competitive terms to, our international manufacturers.  If supply issues cause us to be unable to provide products consistent with our standards or manufacture our footwear in an efficient and cost-effective manner, our customers may cancel orders, refuse to accept deliveries or demand reductions in purchase prices, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.

We are reliant upon our information technology systems, and any major disruption of these systems could adversely impact our ability to effectively operate our business.

Our computer network and systems are essential to all aspects of our operations, including design, pricing, production, accounting, reporting, forecasting, ordering, manufacturing, transportation, marketing, sales and distribution.  Our ability to manage and maintain our inventory and to deliver products in a timely manner depends on these systems.  With the continued growth in e-commerce direct-to-consumer sales, any system disruption may result in an adverse impact to our operations.  If any of these systems fails to operate as expected, we experience problems with transitioning to upgraded or replacement systems, we fail to realize the expected return on our technology investment, a breach in security occurs or a natural disaster interrupts system functions, we may experience delays in product fulfillment, reduced efficiency in our operations, or delays in reporting our financial results to investors, or we may be required to expend significant capital to correct the problem, which may have an adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

A cybersecurity breach may adversely affect our sales and reputation.

We routinely possess sensitive consumer and associate information and periodically provide it to third parties for analysis, benefit distribution or compliance purposes.  Consumers are also increasingly using mobile devices and applications to shop online and do comparison shopping.  Additionally, following the pandemic, a large portion of our Corporate employees shifted to a hybrid work schedule and are working remotely, which may result in heightened cybersecurity risk.  Remote working environments may be less secure and more susceptible to hacking attacks, including phishing and social engineering attempts.  While we believe we have taken reasonable and appropriate steps to protect sensitive information, hackers and data thieves operate sophisticated, large-scale attacks that could breach our information systems, despite ongoing security measures.  In addition, we are required to comply with increasingly complex regulations designed to protect our business and personal data.  Any breach of our network security, a third-party’s network security or failure to comply with applicable regulations may result in (a) the loss of valuable business data and/or our consumers’ or associates’ personal information, (b) increased costs associated with implementing additional protections and processes, (c) a disruption of our business and a loss of sales, (d) negative media attention, (e) damage to our consumer and associate relationships and reputation, and (f) fines or lawsuits.

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Our operating results depend on preparing accurate sales forecasts and properly managing our inventory levels.

Using sales forecasts, we place orders with manufacturers for some of our products prior to the time we receive all of our customers’ orders to minimize purchasing costs, the time necessary to fill customer orders and the risk of non-delivery.  We also maintain an inventory of certain products that we anticipate will be in greater demand.  At the retail level, we place orders for products many months in advance of our key selling seasons.  Adverse economic conditions and rapidly changing consumer preferences can make it difficult for us and our retail customers to accurately forecast product trends in order to match production with demand.  If we fail to accurately assess consumer fashion tastes and the impact of economic factors on consumer spending or to effectively differentiate our retail and wholesale offerings, our inventory levels may exceed customer demand, resulting in inventory write-downs, higher carrying costs, lower gross margins or the sale of excess inventory at discounted prices, which could significantly impact our financial results.  Conversely, if we underestimate consumer demand for our products or if our manufacturers fail to supply the quality products that we require in a timely manner, we may experience inventory shortages.  Inventory shortages may delay shipments to customers (and possibly require us to offer discounts or costly expedited shipping), negatively impact retailer and distributor relationships, adversely impact our sales results and diminish brand awareness and loyalty.  

A disruption in the effective functioning of our distribution centers could adversely affect our ability to deliver inventory on a timely basis.

We currently use several leased distribution centers, which serve as the source of replenishment of inventory for our footwear stores and e-commerce websites operated by our Famous Footwear and Brand Portfolio segments and serve the wholesale operations of our Brand Portfolio segment.  Our success depends on our ability to handle the high volume of e-commerce sales and single pair shipments, which requires significant capital to operate with a greater level of sophistication and automation, as well as higher processing and distribution costs.  We may be unable to successfully manage, negotiate or renew our distribution center leases, or we may experience complications with respect to our distribution centers, such as substantial damage to, or destruction of, such facilities due to natural disasters.  In such an event, our other distribution centers may not be able to support the resulting additional distribution demands and we may be unable to locate alternative persons or entities capable of fulfilling our distribution needs, resulting in an adverse effect on our ability to deliver inventory on a timely basis.  The effective operation of our distribution centers may also be impacted by wage inflation, labor shortages and disruptions to the supply chain.

Our success depends on our ability to retain senior management and recruit and retain other key associates.

Our success depends on our ability to attract, retain and motivate qualified management, administrative, product development, marketing and sales personnel to support existing operations and future growth.  In addition, our ability to successfully integrate acquired businesses often depends on our ability to retain incumbent personnel, many of whom possess valuable institutional knowledge and operating experience.  Competition for qualified personnel in the footwear industry is intense and we compete for these individuals with other companies that in many cases have superior financial and other resources. The loss of the services of any member of our senior management or key associates, the inability to attract and retain other qualified personnel or the inability to effectively transition positions could adversely affect the sales, design and production of our products as well as the implementation of our strategic initiatives.  Also, we have recently experienced changes in key senior management personnel, including our chief executive officer and chief financial officer.  Management transitions may create uncertainty, and if we do not successfully manage the transition, it could be disruptive to our daily operations or impact public or market perception, which could negatively impact our ability to operate effectively and have an adverse impact on our business.

Our retail business depends on our ability to secure affordable and desirable leased locations without creating a competitive concentration of stores.

The success of the retail business within our Famous Footwear and Brand Portfolio segments depends, in part, on our ability to secure affordable, long-term leases in desirable locations for our leased retail footwear stores and to secure renewals of such leases.  As consumer shopping preferences have evolved, we continue to focus on opening stores in locations with a greater penetration of high-value consumers.  No assurance can be given that we will be able to successfully negotiate lease renewals for existing stores or obtain acceptable terms for new stores in desirable locations.  In addition, opening new stores in our existing markets may result in reduced net sales in existing stores as our stores become more concentrated in the markets we serve.  As a result, the number of consumers and financial performance of individual stores may decline and the average sales per square foot at our stores may be reduced.  Due to the changing

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retail landscape, we may want to reduce the number of retail store locations but may be unable to successfully exit lease agreements.  This may result in impairments or lease termination charges that adversely impact our financial results.

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Damage to our reputation or brands may negatively impact our business.

Our ability to maintain our reputation is integral to the success of our business.  Failure to maintain quality merchandise and quality customer service may damage our reputation.  The consumer’s perception of us, our stores and our brands, whether justified or not, could harm our reputation.  Our success depends, in part, on our ability to keep existing consumers, while also attracting new consumers, and a damaged reputation will hinder that ability.        

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In addition, the increased use of social media by us and by our consumer has also increased the risk to our reputation.  Negative commentary regarding us or the products we sell may be posted on social media at any time.  Consumers value readily available information and may rely on negative commentary without regard to its accuracy.  If we are unable to effectively manage social media, our reputation and consumer’s perception of our brands may be negatively impacted.  

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Our ESG initiatives may result in increased scrutiny from stakeholders or regulators with respect to our ESG goals and objectives.  We may not be able to achieve our ESG goals within the timelines established, or at all.  Failure to successfully achieve our established goals may damage our reputation, or the reputation of our brands.  Our reputation may also be damaged if we do not act, or are perceived by our consumers to not act, responsibly with respect to our impact on the environment or other social or governance matters.  Damage to our brands and reputation could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial position and cash flow.

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A significant portion of our Famous Footwear sales are dependent on our Famous Footwear loyalty program, Famously You Rewards ("Rewards"), and any decrease in sales from Rewards could have a material adverse impact on our sales.

Rewards is a customer loyalty program that drives sales and traffic for the Famous Footwear segment.  Rewards members earn points toward certificates for qualifying purchases. Upon reaching specified point values, members are issued a Rewards certificate, which may be redeemed for purchases at Famous Footwear.  Approximately 77% of our 2022 sales within the Famous Footwear segment were generated by our Rewards members.  If our Rewards members do not continue to shop at Famous Footwear, our sales may be adversely affected.

Transitional challenges with acquisitions and divestitures could result in unexpected expenditures of time and resources.

As part of our business strategy, we periodically pursue acquisitions of other companies or businesses, as well as divestitures of our businesses.  Although we review the financial results and records of acquisition candidates, the review may not reveal all existing or potential problems.  As a result, we may not accurately assess the value of the business and may, accordingly, ultimately assume unknown adverse operating conditions and/or unanticipated expenses and liabilities related to the acquisition.  Acquisitions may also cause us to incur debt, write-offs of goodwill or intangible assets if the business does not perform as well as expected and substantial amortization expenses associated with other intangible assets.  We face the risk that the returns on acquisitions will not support the expenditures or indebtedness incurred to acquire such businesses.  We also face the risk that we will not be able to integrate acquisitions into our existing operations or divest our businesses effectively without substantial expense, delay or other operational or financial problems.  Integration may be hindered by, among other things, differing procedures, including internal controls, business practices and technology systems.  We may need to allocate more management resources to integration than we planned, which may adversely affect our ability to pursue other profitable activities.

TAX, LEGAL, AND REGULATORY RISKS

Changes in tax laws may result in increased volatility in our effective tax rates.

Our financial results are significantly impacted by the effective tax rates of both our domestic and international operations.  Future changes in tax laws could materially impact our effective tax rate.  Other factors, such as changes in the mix of earnings in countries with differing statutory tax rates, changes in permitted deductions, interpretations, policies and treaties and the outcome of income tax audits in various jurisdictions, may result in higher taxes, lower profitability and increased volatility in our financial results.

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Our commitments and shareholder expectations relating to environmental, social and governance ("ESG") considerations may expose us to liabilities, increased costs, reputational harm, and other adverse effects on our business.

We are increasingly focused on ESG considerations relating to our business, including greenhouse gas emissions, human and civil rights and diversity, equity and inclusion. New laws and regulations in these areas have been proposed and may be required to be adopted, and the criteria used by regulators and other relevant stakeholders to evaluate our ESG practices, capabilities, and performance may change rapidly, which in each case could require us to undertake costly initiatives or operational changes. Non-compliance with these emerging rules or standards or a failure to address regulator, stakeholder and societal expectations may result in potential cost increases, litigation, fines, penalties, production and sales restrictions, brand or reputational damage, loss of customers, suppliers and commercial partners, failure to retain and attract talent, lower valuation and higher investor activism activities. Managing these considerations and implementing these goals and initiatives involves risks and uncertainties, including increased costs, and often depends on third-party performance or data that is outside our control. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve our announced ESG goals and initiatives, satisfy all stakeholder expectations, or that the benefits of implementing or achieving these goals and initiatives will not surpass their projected costs. Any failure, or perceived failure, to achieve ESG goals and initiatives, as well as to manage ESG risks, adhere to public statements, comply with federal, state or international ESG laws and regulations or meet evolving and varied stakeholder expectations and standards could result in legal and regulatory proceedings against us and materially adversely affect our business, reputation, results of operations, financial condition and stock price.

Our business, sales and brand value could be harmed by violations of labor, trade or other laws.

We focus on doing business with those suppliers who share our commitment to responsible business practices and the principles set forth in our Production Code of Conduct (the “PCOC”).  By requiring our suppliers to comply with the PCOC, we encourage our suppliers to promote best practices and work toward continual improvement throughout their production operations.  The PCOC sets forth standards for working conditions and other matters, including compliance with applicable labor practices, workplace environment and compliance with laws.  Although we promote ethical business practices, we do not control our suppliers or their labor practices.  A failure by any of our suppliers to adhere to these standards or laws could cause us to incur additional costs for our products or cause negative publicity and harm our business and reputation.  We also require our suppliers to meet our standards for product safety, including compliance with applicable laws and standards with respect to safety issues, including lead content in paint.  Failure by any of our suppliers to adhere to product safety standards could lead to a product recall, which may result in critical media coverage, harm our business and reputation, and cause us to incur additional costs.

In addition, if we, or our suppliers or international manufacturers, violate United States or international trade laws or regulations, we may be subject to additional duties, significant monetary penalties, the seizure and forfeiture of the products we are attempting to import or the loss of our import privileges.  Possible violations of United States or international laws or regulations could include inadequate record keeping of our imported products, misstatements or errors as to the origin, classification, marketing or valuation of our imported products, fraudulent visas or labor violations.  The  effects of these factors could render our conduct of business in a particular country undesirable or impractical and have a negative impact on our operating results.

Our reputation and competitive position are dependent on our ability to license well-recognized brands, license our own brands under successful licensing arrangements and protect our intellectual property rights.

Licenses - Company as Licensee

Although we own most of our wholesale brands, we also rely on our ability to attract, retain and maintain good relationships with licensors that have strong, well-recognized brands and trade names.  Our license agreements are generally for an initial term of two to four years, subject to renewal, and there can be no assurance that we will be able to renew these licenses.  Even our longer-term or renewable licenses are typically dependent upon our ability to market and sell the licensed products at specified levels, and the failure to meet such levels may result in the termination or non-renewal of such licenses.  Furthermore, many of our license agreements require minimum royalty payments, and if we are unable to generate sufficient sales and profitability to cover these minimum royalty requirements, we may be required to make additional payments to the licensors that could have a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations.  In addition, because certain of our license agreements are non-exclusive, new or existing competitors may obtain licenses with overlapping product or geographic terms, resulting in increased competition for a particular market.

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Licenses - Company as Licensor

We have entered into numerous license agreements with respect to the brands and trade names that we own.  While we have significant control over our licensees’ products and advertising, we generally cannot control their operational and financial issues.  If our licensees are not able to meet annual sales and royalty goals, obtain financing, manage their supply chain, control quality and maintain positive relationships with their customers, our business, results of operations and financial position may be adversely affected.  While we would likely have the ability to terminate an underperforming license, it may be difficult and costly to locate an acceptable substitute distributor or licensee, and we may experience a disruption in our sales and brand visibility.  In addition, although many of our license agreements prohibit the licensees from entering into licensing arrangements with certain of our competitors, they are generally not prohibited from offering, under other brands, the types of products covered by their license agreements with us.

Trademarks

We believe that our trademarks and trade names are important to our success and competitive position because they create a market for our products and distinguish our products from other products.  We cannot, however, guarantee that we will be able to secure protection for our intellectual property in the future or that such protection will be adequate for future operations.  Furthermore, we face the risk of ineffective protection of intellectual property rights in jurisdictions where we source and distribute our products, some of which do not protect intellectual property rights to the same extent as the United States.  If we are unsuccessful in challenging a party’s products on the basis of infringement of our intellectual property rights, continued sales of these products could adversely affect our sales, devalue our brands and result in a shift in consumer preference away from our products.  We may face significant expenses and liability in connection with the protection of our intellectual property rights, and if we are unable to successfully protect our rights or resolve intellectual property conflicts with others, our business or financial condition could be adversely affected.

We are subject to periodic litigation and other regulatory proceedings, which could result in the unexpected expenditure of time and resources.

We are a defendant from time to time in lawsuits and regulatory actions (including environmental matters) relating to our business and to our past operations.  Due to the inherent uncertainties of litigation and regulatory proceedings, we cannot accurately predict the ultimate outcome of any such proceedings.  An unfavorable outcome could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations.  In addition, regardless of the outcome of any litigation or regulatory proceedings, such proceedings are expensive and will require that we devote substantial resources and executive time to defend, thereby diverting management’s attention and resources that are needed to successfully run our business.  See Item 3, Legal Proceedings, for further discussion of pending matters.

LIQUIDITY RISKS

Our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be adversely affected by the failure of financial institutions to fulfill their commitments under our Credit Agreement.

The Fifth Amendment to our Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), which matures on October 5, 2026, is provided by a syndicate of financial institutions, with each institution agreeing severally (and not jointly) to make revolving credit loans to us in an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million in accordance with the terms of the Credit Agreement.  In addition, the Credit Agreement provides for an increase at the Company’s option by up to $250.0 million.  If one or more of the financial institutions participating in the Credit Agreement were to default on its obligation to fund its commitment, the portion of the facility provided by such defaulting financial institution may not be available to us.  In addition, as of January 28, 2023, total borrowing availability under the Credit Agreement was $181.9 million.  Failure to meet our debt covenants under the Credit Agreement may require the Company to seek waivers or amendments of the debt covenants, alternative or additional sources of financing or reduce expenditures.  In addition, borrowings under our Credit Agreement bear interest at variable rates.  As a result, increases in interest rates, such as those we are currently experiencing in this rising interest rate environment, could require a greater portion of our cash flow to be used to pay interest, which will negatively impact our net income and cash flow from operations.

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ITEM 1BUNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

There are no unresolved written comments that were received from the SEC staff 180 days or more before the end of our fiscal year relating to our periodic or current reports under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

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ITEM 2PROPERTIES

We own our principal executive, sales and administrative offices located in Clayton (“St. Louis”), Missouri.

Our retail operations, included in both our Famous Footwear and Brand Portfolio segments, are conducted throughout the United States, Canada, China and Guam and involve the operation of 965 retail stores.  All store locations, excluding our Perth, Ontario outlet center, are leased, with approximately 35% of them having renewal options. The footwear sold through our domestic wholesale business is primarily processed through our leased distribution centers in Chino, California and Lebanon, Tennessee.

The following table summarizes the location and general use of the Company’s primary properties:

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We also own a building in Denver, Colorado, which is leased to a third party, and undeveloped land in Colorado and New York.  See Item 3, Legal Proceedings, for further discussion of certain of these properties.

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ITEM 3LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in legal proceedings and litigation arising in the ordinary course of business. In the opinion of management, the outcome of such ordinary course business proceedings and litigation currently pending will not have a material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial position.

Our prior operations included numerous manufacturing and other facilities for which we may have responsibility under various environmental laws to address conditions that may be identified in the future.  We are involved in environmental remediation and ongoing compliance activities at several sites and have been notified that we are or may be a potentially responsible party at several other sites. We are remediating, under the oversight of Colorado authorities, contamination at and beneath our owned facility in Colorado (also known as the “Redfield” site) and groundwater and indoor air in

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residential neighborhoods adjacent to and near the property, which have been affected by solvents previously used at the site and surrounding facilities.

Refer to Note 16 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to the Redfield matter and other legal proceedings.

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ITEM 4MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable.

PART II

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ITEM 5MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the trading symbol “CAL.”  As of January 28, 2023, we had 3,622 shareholders of record.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The following table provides information relating to our repurchases of common stock during the fourth quarter of 2022:

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Stock Performance Graph

The following performance graph compares the cumulative total return on our common stock with the cumulative total return of the following indices: (i) the S&P© SmallCap 600 Stock Index and (ii) a peer group of companies believed to be engaged in similar businesses.  Our peer group consists of Designer Brands, Inc., Genesco, Inc., Shoe Carnival, Inc., Skechers U.S.A., Inc., Steven Madden, Ltd. and Wolverine World Wide, Inc.

Our fiscal year ends on the Saturday nearest to each January 31.  Accordingly, share prices are as of the last business day in each fiscal year.  The graph assumes that the value of the investment in our common stock and each index was $100 at February 3, 2018.  The graph also assumes that all dividends were reinvested and that investments were held through January 28, 2023.  These indices are included for comparative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect management’s opinion that such indices are an appropriate measure of the relative performance of the stock involved and are not intended to forecast or be indicative of possible future performance of the common stock.

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*$100 invested on February 3, 2018 in stock or index, including reinvestment of dividends. Index calculated on daily basis.

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ITEM 6RESERVED

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ITEM 7MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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OVERVIEW

Business Overview

We are a global footwear company that operates retail shoe stores and e-commerce websites, and designs, develops, sources, manufactures and distributes footwear for people of all ages.  Our mission is to inspire people to feel great...feet first.  We offer the consumer a diversified portfolio of leading footwear brands built on deep consumer insights generating unwavering consumer loyalty and trust.  As both a retailer and a wholesaler, we have a perspective on the marketplace that enables us to serve consumers from different vantage points.  We believe our diversified business model provides us with synergies by spanning consumer segments, categories and distribution channels.  A combination of thoughtful planning and rigorous execution is key to our success in optimizing our business and portfolio of brands.  Our business

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strategy is focused on continued market share gains, investments in technology, and sustainability, while remaining focused on meeting changing consumer demand.

Famous Footwear

Our Famous Footwear segment includes nearly 900 Famous Footwear stores, famousfootwear.com and famousfootwear.ca in Canada.  Famous Footwear, which is one of America’s leading family–branded footwear retailers, was founded on a simple idea: that everyone deserves to feel the joy that comes from a new pair of shoes.  Our focus for the Famous Footwear segment is on meeting the needs of a well-defined consumer by providing an assortment of trend-right, brand-name fashion, casual and athletic footwear at a great price.

During 2022, we continued to execute on our three-pronged strategy, which concentrates on merchandising, marketing and consumer experience.  We remained focused on increasing the opportunity between Famous Footwear and the brands within our Brand Portfolio segment, such as LifeStride, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, Blowfish Malibu and Naturalizer, among others.  We also have focused on offering the consumer a balanced assortment of athletic, sport and fashion styles from well-known brands.  We tightly managed our inventory levels in 2022, reducing SKU counts and amplifying key product trends and items to drive sales volume.  As we work to evolve our product offerings, we are testing and adding new and emerging brands across various categories to meet the shifting preferences and behaviors of the consumer, which we believe may attract new Famous Footwear consumers while providing the current consumer with additional options.  We believe our children’s business is a key competitive differentiator, and we view this offering as a future growth opportunity.  We are also optimizing our media investment to acquire new consumers, reactivate previous consumers and retain existing Famous Footwear consumers.  While we understand that consumers are still navigating an uncertain macro environment, we continue to believe that Famous Footwear is exceptionally well-positioned to compete and excel, despite these headwinds, due to its leadership position with the family, leading assortment of national brands, nationwide retail locations in key markets and enhanced consumer experience in stores and online.  

Brand Portfolio

Our Brand Portfolio segment is consumer-focused and we believe our success is dependent upon our ability to strengthen consumers’ preference for our brands by offering compelling style, quality, differentiated brand promises and innovative marketing campaigns.  The segment is comprised of the Sam Edelman, Vionic, Naturalizer, Allen Edmonds, LifeStride, Dr. Scholl’s Shoes, Blowfish Malibu, Franco Sarto, Rykä, Vince, Bzees, Veronica Beard and Zodiac brands.  Through these brands, we offer our customers a diversified selection of footwear, each designed and targeted to a specific consumer segment within the marketplace.  We are able to showcase many of our brands in our retail stores and online, leveraging our wholesale and retail platforms, sharing consumer insights across our businesses and testing new and innovative products.  Our Brand Portfolio segment operates 63 retail stores in the United States for our Allen Edmonds, Sam Edelman and Naturalizer brands.  This segment also includes our e-commerce businesses that sell our branded footwear.  We also operate a joint venture, which expands our international presence by distributing our Sam Edelman and Naturalizer brands through e-commerce sites and 29 retail stores in China.

Known Trends Impacting Our Business

Inflationary pressures, including higher product, retail facility and parcel freight costs, wage inflation and the rising interest rate environment, continued to impact our financial results during 2022. The price increases we began implementing in the second half of 2021 mitigated the majority of the inflationary pressures related to product costs. Macroeconomic factors, such as inflationary pressures and volatility in interest rates, also impact a number of accounting estimates, including impairment calculations, the value of inventory measured using the LIFO method, and other estimates that utilize fair value. These macroeconomic factors could result in incremental volatility in certain valuations and provisions required in the Company’s financial statements. In addition, ongoing general inflation and macroeconomic challenges continue to impact consumer sentiment and may result in lower consumer spending and a more promotional environment in 2023.   

Financial Highlights

The following is a summary of the financial highlights for 2022:

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The following items should be considered in evaluating the comparability of our 2022 and 2021 results:

Financial Outlook

We believe the success of the structural changes we have made in recent years will enable us to deliver a new baseline of earnings per share in the future.  In 2023, we will focus on several key areas that we believe will enable us to win in the marketplace, despite inflationary pressures, higher interest rates and the ongoing uncertainty in the macro environment.  

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We believe we are uniquely positioned to meet consumer needs and capture growth across trending footwear categories.  We are confident that the investments we have made, the strategic priorities we have set in motion, and our strengthened financial position and potential for ongoing strong cash generation will enable us to reduce our revolver borrowings and create long-term value for our shareholders.

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Metrics Used in the Evaluation of Our Business

The following are a couple of key metrics by which we evaluate our business and make strategic decisions:

Comparable sales

The comparable sales metric is a metric commonly used in the retail industry to evaluate the revenue generated for stores that have been open for more than a year, though many retailers may calculate the metric differently.  Management uses the comparable sales metric as a measure of an individual store’s success to determine whether its sales performance is consistent with expectations.  Our comparable sales metric is a daily-weighted calculation for the period, which includes sales for stores that have been open at least 13 months.  In addition, in order to be included in the comparable sales metric, a store must be open in the current period as well as the corresponding day(s) of the comparable retail calendar in the prior year.  Accordingly, closed stores (including temporary store closures related to the pandemic) are excluded from the comparable sales metric for each day of the closure.  Relocated stores are treated as new stores and therefore excluded from the calculation.  E-commerce sales for those websites that function as an extension of a retail chain are included in the comparable sales calculation.  We believe the comparable sales metric is useful to shareholders and investors in assessing the performance of our existing retail store locations with comparable prior year sales, separate from the impact of store openings or closures.

Sales per square foot

The sales per square foot metric is commonly used in the retail industry to measure the efficiency of a store’s sales based upon the square footage in a store.  Management uses the sales per square foot metric as a measure of an individual store’s success to determine whether it is performing consistent with expectations.  The sales per square foot metric is calculated by dividing total retail store sales, excluding e-commerce sales, by the total square footage of the retail store base at the end of each month of the respective period.  

Comparison of Financial Results

The following sections discuss the consolidated and segment results of our operations for the year ended January 28, 2023 compared to the year ended January 29, 2022.  For a discussion of the results for the year ended January 29, 2022 compared to the year ended January 30, 2021, refer to Part II, Item 7 "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended January 29, 2022.

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CONSOLIDATED RESULTS

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Net Sales

Net sales increased $190.5 million, or 6.9%, to $2,968.1 million in 2022, compared to $2,777.6 million last year, led by a $241.8 million, or 22.4%, increase in net sales at our Brand Portfolio segment.  Consumer demand was strong in 2022 across all of our key brands and channels.  Our strong net sales were also driven by more timely receipt of inventory compared to last year, as the global supply chain returned to pre-pandemic efficiency.  During 2022, we experienced a shift in consumer preference from sport and athletic products to the fashion and lifestyle categories.  Net sales for our Famous Footwear segment decreased $43.2 million, or 2.5%, compared to our record-setting 2021 net sales.  On a consolidated basis, our direct-to-consumer sales represented approximately 72% of total net sales for 2022, compared to 75% last year.  

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Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $57.6 million, or 4.7%, to $1,284.9 million in 2022, compared to $1,227.3 million in 2021, driven by higher net sales.  As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate decreased to 43.3% in 2022, compared to 44.2% in 2021, reflecting more normalized pricing and promotional activity in our Famous Footwear segment and a higher mix of wholesale compared to retail net sales.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in the gross profit margin of our Brand Portfolio segment, reflecting strong consumer demand for many of our key brands.    

We classify warehousing, distribution, sourcing and other inventory procurement costs in selling and administrative expenses. Accordingly, our gross profit and selling and administrative expenses, as a percentage of net sales, may not be comparable to other companies.

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $59.7 million, or 5.9%, to $1,067.7 million in 2022, compared to $1,008.0 million last year.  The increase reflects higher salary and benefits expenses, marketing expense, travel expense and higher retail facilities costs, due in part to rising real estate costs associated with our retail store base.  As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased slightly to 36.0% in 2022 from 36.3% last year.

Restructuring and Other Special Charges, Net

We incurred restructuring and other special charges of $2.9 million ($2.7 million on an after-tax basis, or $0.07 per diluted share) during 2022 associated with a CFO transition at our corporate headquarters.  In 2021, we incurred restructuring costs of $13.5 million, reflecting expenses associated with the strategic realignment of the Naturalizer retail store operations.  Refer to further discussion of these charges in the Financial Highlights section above and Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.

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Operating Earnings

Operating earnings increased $8.5 million to $214.3 million in 2022, compared to $205.8 million last year, reflecting the factors described above.  As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings were 7.2% in 2022, compared 7.4% in 2021.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net decreased $16.6 million, or 53.9%, to $14.3 million in 2022, compared to $30.9 million last year, primarily due to the non-recurrence of the fair value adjustments to the Blowfish Malibu mandatory purchase obligation that totaled $15.4 million in 2021.  The mandatory purchase obligation was settled for $54.6 million in November 2021. In addition, we redeemed our $200.0 million aggregate principal of senior notes during 2021, prior to maturity, shifting this higher interest rate debt to borrowings under our revolving credit agreement.  These decreases were partially offset by an increase in interest expense on our revolving credit agreement in 2022, attributable to higher average borrowings and higher interest rates associated with the rising interest rate environment.  Refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to our borrowings and Note 4 for further discussion regarding the mandatory purchase obligation.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

The loss on early extinguishment of debt was $1.0 million in 2021, reflecting the redemption of our $200.0 million aggregate principal senior notes prior to maturity, as well as the amendment of our revolving credit facility.  There were no corresponding charges in 2022.  Refer to Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements for further discussion.

Other Income, Net

Other income, net decreased $2.3 million, or 15.7%, to $13.0 million in 2022, compared to $15.3 million in 2021, which is attributable to certain components of net periodic benefit income associated with our pension plans, including interest cost, amortization of actuarial loss and settlement cost.  Refer to Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to our retirement plans.

Income Tax Provision

Our consolidated effective tax rate was 15.7% in 2022, compared to 27.0% in 2021.  Our lower tax rate for 2022 primarily reflects the release of $17.4 million of valuation allowances recorded for our deferred tax assets for certain jurisdictions. Our effective tax rate for 2021 primarily reflects strong domestic earnings and incremental valuation allowances recorded for our deferred tax assets for certain jurisdictions.  As a result of the significant loss before income taxes in 2020 driven by the impairment of goodwill and intangible assets during the pandemic, we entered into a three-year cumulative loss position for federal, state and certain international jurisdictions.  At that time, we increased our valuation allowances on deferred tax assets to $50.0 million, reflecting the uncertainty regarding the utilization of our deferred tax assets in those jurisdictions.  During 2021, our net deferred tax asset increased, which required incremental valuation allowances of $4.0 million.  The increase in the net deferred tax asset primarily related to operating losses at our Canadian business division, which were driven by exit-related costs associated with the Naturalizer retail stores during the first quarter of 2021.  We have experienced strong earnings before income taxes in both 2021 and 2022 but remain in a cumulative loss position at the end of fiscal 2022.  During 2022, our net deferred tax position declined.  As a result, we released approximately $17.4 million of the valuation allowances on deferred tax assets in 2022.  Refer to Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information regarding income taxes.

In August 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (“IRA”) was signed into law.  The IRA contains certain revisions to the Internal Revenue Code, including a 15% corporate minimum income tax for tax years beginning after December 31, 2022.  The IRA also assesses a 1% excise tax on repurchases of corporate stock, which will impact any of our stock repurchases in 2023.  We do not expect this provision of the IRA to have a material impact on our financial results in 2023.

Net Earnings Attributable to Caleres, Inc.

Consolidated net earnings attributable to Caleres, Inc. were $181.7 million in 2022, compared to $137.0 million last year, reflecting the factors described above.

Geographic Results

We have both domestic and international operations.  Domestic operations include the nationwide operation of our Famous Footwear and other branded retail footwear stores, the wholesale distribution of footwear to numerous retail consumers

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and the operation of our e-commerce websites.  International operations primarily consist of wholesale operations in Eastern Asia, Canada and Europe, retail operations in Canada and China and the operation of our international e-commerce websites.  In addition, we license certain of our trade names to third parties who distribute and/or operate retail locations internationally.  The operations in Eastern Asia include first-cost transactions, where footwear is sold at international ports to customers who then import the footwear into the United States and other countries.  The breakdown of domestic and international net sales and earnings (loss) before income taxes is as follows:

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As a percentage of sales, the pre-tax profitability on international sales is higher than on domestic sales because of a lower cost structure and the inclusion of the unallocated corporate administrative and other costs in domestic earnings.

FAMOUS FOOTWEAR

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Net Sales

Net sales decreased $43.2 million, or 2.5%, to $1,705.1 million in 2022, compared to $1,748.3 million last year.  Despite the decrease in net sales from our record-setting 2021 results, we continued to perform at a high level in 2022.  Our well-positioned inventory drove our strong performance, with our casual, athletic and children’s categories being the largest contributors.  Our e-commerce penetration in 2022 was approximately 14% of net sales, consistent with last year.  During 2022, we closed 21 stores on a net basis as we continued to focus on optimizing our store base.  

Sales to members of our customer loyalty program, Famously You Rewards ("Rewards"), continue to account for a majority of the segment’s sales, with approximately 77% of net sales to loyalty program members in 2022, compared to 78% in 2021.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit decreased $50.4 million, or 6.0%, to $789.0 million in 2022, compared to $839.4 million last year, primarily driven by lower net sales.  As a percentage of net sales, our gross profit rate decreased to 46.3% in 2022, compared to 48.0% in 2021, reflecting more normalized pricing and promotional activity in 2022.  

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $30.2 million, or 5.4%, to $593.2 million during 2022, compared to $563.0 million last year.  The increase primarily reflects higher salary and benefits expenses, higher logistics and facilities costs and higher advertising expenses.  During 2022, we experienced inflation in both wages and real estate costs.  As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses increased to 34.8% in 2022 from 32.2% last year.

Operating Earnings

Operating earnings decreased $80.6 million to $195.8 million for 2022, compared to $276.4 million last year, primarily reflecting lower net sales and higher operating expenses, as described above.  As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings were 11.5% for 2022, compared to 15.8% last year.

BRAND PORTFOLIO

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Net Sales

Net sales increased $241.8 million, or 22.4%, to $1,322.8 million in 2022, compared to $1,081.0 million last year.  While the net sales increase was broad-based across nearly all of our brands, our brands with a high-fashion element, including Sam Edelman, Naturalizer, LifeStride, Franco Sarto and Allen Edmonds, were the most significant contributors.  During 2022, we experienced a shift in consumer preference from sport and athletic products to the fashion and lifestyle categories,

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especially dress and casual shoes.  Our robust sales growth in 2022 was driven by our wholesale business, due in part to the improvement in the supply chain.  Our net sales in 2021 were adversely impacted by the delayed receipt of inventory due to supply chain disruptions, including factory shutdowns, border closures, port congestion and shipping vessel and container availability.  The lead times required on inventory purchases improved significantly during 2022, which enabled earlier inventory receipts and a more efficient flow of product to our customers.  Our supply chain has now returned to pre-pandemic efficiency.  

In the first quarter of 2021, we completed the strategic realignment of the Naturalizer retail store operations and permanently closed the remaining 73 Naturalizer stores in North America that were scheduled for closure.  We remain focused on growing the Naturalizer brand’s e-commerce business through naturalizer.com, as well as our retail partners and their websites.  In our Brand Portfolio segment during 2022, we closed nine stores and opened two stores in the United States, and expanded our retail store presence in China by opening 13 stores, resulting in a total of 63 stores in the United States and 29 stores in China at the end of 2022.  Sales per square foot, excluding e-commerce sales, increased to $1,100, compared to $906 last year.  With the closure of nearly all of our Naturalizer retail stores, the majority of the retail stores in our Brand Portfolio segment are for our Allen Edmonds brand, which have higher retail price points than the Naturalizer brand.

The unfilled order position for our wholesale business decreased $167.8 million to $284.6 million at the end of 2022, compared to $452.4 million at the end of last year.  The decrease in our backlog order levels reflects the return of the global supply chain back to pre-pandemic efficiency, as well as more conservative buying by our wholesale customers as they manage their inventory levels more tightly.  In addition, due to supply chain constraints during 2021, retailer inventory was lower and backlog levels were higher at January 29, 2022.

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Gross Profit

Gross profit increased $110.5 million, or 28.6%, to $497.3 million in 2022, compared to $386.8 million last year, reflecting both higher net sales and a higher gross margin. As a percentage of sales, our gross profit rate increased to 37.6% in 2022, compared to 35.8% last year, primarily reflecting higher average wholesale prices across all of our brands and growth in higher margin sales from the direct-to-consumer channel, partially offset by a higher provision for inventory markdowns. While we continued to experience inflationary pressures in 2022 related to product costs and inbound freight, we were able to successfully offset the majority of these impacts through price increases.  We anticipate inflationary pressures to continue into 2023 and will continue to focus on mitigating the impact.  

Selling and Administrative Expenses

Selling and administrative expenses increased $47.6 million, or 14.1%, to $385.0 during 2022, compared to $337.4 million last year.  The increase represents a number of factors, including higher salary expenses, reflecting both growth in sales volume and wage inflation; higher marketing expenses to drive sales growth, particularly in our digital business; and severance expenses related to management changes at our Vionic division, partially offset by a gain recognized upon the modification of an international licensing contract.  As a percentage of net sales, selling and administrative expenses decreased to 29.1% in 2022 from 31.2% last year, reflecting better leveraging of expenses over a higher net sales base.  

Restructuring and Other Special Charges, Net

Restructuring and other special charges of $13.5 million were recorded during 2021 for expenses associated with the strategic realignment of the Naturalizer retail store operations.  These costs primarily represented lease termination and other store closure costs, including employee severance, for the 73 stores that were closed during the first quarter of 2021.   Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to these charges.  There were no corresponding charges in 2022.

Operating Earnings

We achieved record operating earnings and operating margin in 2022.  Operating earnings increased $76.4 million to $112.3 million in 2022, compared to $35.9 million last year, as a result of the factors described above.  As a percentage of net sales, operating earnings were 8.5% in 2022, compared to 3.3% last year.

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ELIMINATIONS AND OTHER

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The Eliminations and Other category includes the elimination of intersegment sales and profit, unallocated corporate administrative expenses, and other costs and recoveries.

The net sales elimination of $59.7 million for 2022 is $8.0 million, or 15.5%, higher than in 2021, reflecting an increase in product sold from our Brand Portfolio segment to Famous Footwear.

Selling and administrative expenses decreased $18.0 million, or 16.8%, to $89.6 million in 2022, compared to $107.6 million last year.  The decrease primarily reflects lower expenses for our cash-based incentive compensation plans and medical and other employee benefits, partially offset by higher share-based compensation.

Restructuring and other special charges of $2.9 million in 2022 were associated with a CFO transition at our corporate headquarters.  Refer to Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to these charges.  There were no corresponding charges in 2021.

RESTRUCTURING AND OTHER INITIATIVES

Refer to the Financial Highlights section above and Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements for additional information related to these charges.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

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Our borrowings under the revolving credit agreement increased $17.5 million to $307.5 million at the end of 2022, compared to $290.0 million at the end of last year.  The increase from 2021 to 2022 reflects $63.2 million of repurchases of our common stock, partially offset by strong cash generation in 2022.  Net interest expense in 2022 was $14.3 million, compared to $30.9 million in 2021.  The decrease in net interest expense in 2022 was primarily attributable to the non-recurrence of the $15.4 million fair value adjustment to the Blowfish Malibu mandatory purchase obligation recorded in 2021, as further discussed in Note 4 to the consolidated financial statements.  In addition, we redeemed our $200.0 million of senior notes in the second half of 2021 and shifted the debt to borrowings under the revolving credit facility, which resulted in interest expense savings for the Company in 2022.  However, the interest on our revolving credit facility is based on a variable interest rate, which has resulted in higher interest expense in the current rising interest rate environment.  Our interest expense will continue to be adversely affected by rising interest rates and is expected to increase in 2023.  

Credit Agreement

As further discussed in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company maintains a revolving credit facility for working capital needs. On October 5, 2021, we entered into a Fifth Amendment to Fourth Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (as so amended, the “Credit Agreement”) which, among other modifications, extends the maturity date of the credit facility from January 18, 2024 to October 5, 2026, and decreases the borrowing availability under the revolving credit facility by $100.0 million to an aggregate amount of up to $500.0 million, subject to borrowing base restrictions, and may be further increased by up to $250.0 million.  

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Interest on the borrowings is at variable rates based on the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") (with a floor of 0.0%), or the prime rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), plus a spread.  The Credit Agreement decreased the spread applied to the LIBOR or prime rate by a total of 75 basis points.  The interest rate and fees for letters of credit vary based upon the level of excess availability under the Credit Agreement.  There is a fee payable on the unused portion under the facility and a letter of credit fee payable on the outstanding face amount under letters of credit.

At January 28, 2023, we had $307.5 million of borrowings and $10.6 million in letters of credit outstanding under the Credit Agreement.  Total borrowing availability was $181.9 million at January 28, 2023.  We were in compliance with all covenants and restrictions under the Credit Agreement as of January 28, 2023.

Senior Notes

On July 27, 2015, we issued $200.0 million aggregate principal amount of senior notes due in 2023 (the "Senior Notes").  The Senior Notes were guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by each of the subsidiaries of Caleres, Inc. that is an obligor under the Credit Agreement, and bore interest at 6.25%, which was payable on February 15 and August 15 of each year.

On August 16, 2021, we redeemed $100.0 million of the Senior Notes at 100.0%.  In addition, on January 3, 2022, we redeemed the remaining $100.0 million of Senior Notes at 100.0%.  In conjunction with the redemption of the Senior Notes prior to maturity, we incurred a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $1.0 million.  Refer to further discussion regarding the Senior Notes in Note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

Working Capital and Cash Flow

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