Genesco's growth strategy is working

Strong same-store sales in the third quarter did not keep Genesco Inc. from lowering its guidance, as the company takes steps to reduce inventory through promotions and discounts.



The specialty retailer of hats and accessories said that for the third quarter ended Oct. 31, same-store sales increased 7%. Income was $32.9 million, or $1.43 per diluted share, compared to earnings from continuing operations of $28.8 million, or $1.21 per diluted share, for the prior year quarter. Revenue was $774 million from $723 million in the third quarter of fiscal 2015.



"Our results were driven by strong full price selling combined with higher promotional activity in line with our strategy to right size the Lids Sports Group's inventory levels. The pressure on gross margins from our clearance actions offset some of the earnings upside from our solid top-line performance," said Robert J. Dennis, chairman, president and CEO. "Recent comparable sales trends have been volatile and we expect that the retail market will remain promotional through the balance of the Holiday season. Given these factors in combination with the incremental promotional activity we now plan at Lids Sports Group through the fourth quarter to conclude its inventory reduction initiative and to position it for the freshest possible start to the next fiscal year, we are revising our full year outlook."



In November, the company acquired 37-store Canadian retail footwear chain Little Burgundy.



Dennis concluded: "While we are disappointed with our reduced outlook, we believe that the steps we are taking now will allow the Company to realize greater earnings power next year and beyond."



Genesco Inc., a Nashville-based specialty retailer, sells footwear, headwear, sports apparel and accessories in more than 2,800 retail stores and leased departments throughout the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, the Republic of Ireland and Germany, principally under the names Journeys, Journeys Kidz, Shi by Journeys, Schuh, Schuh Kids, Lids, Locker Room by Lids, Lids Clubhouse, Johnston & Murphy.