Caleres (CAL) Risk Analysis

, 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.

In early 2025, the United States administration announced tariffs on products manufactured in several jurisdictions from which we import our products.  We are actively monitoring the impact of tariffs that become effective, as well as potential retaliatory tariffs imposed by other countries.  During the second quarter of 2025, our net sales and gross margins in the Brand Portfolio segment were adversely impacted by tariffs.  The enactment of additional tariffs and the uncertainty surrounding future tariff policies and rates pose a significant risk to our business operations and may materially increase our costs and reduce our margins. The tariff uncertainty also creates challenges in our supply chain management, our pricing strategies and the management of customer orders.  While we have implemented strategies to minimize the effect of tariffs, including shifting production outside of China and other countries impacted by tariffs and negotiating with our suppliers,  and we are continuously evaluating strategies to mitigate the impact of additional tariffs, there can be no assurance that these measures will be successful. In addition, the imposition of tariffs has resulted in increased market volatility and exacerbated existing inflationary cost pressures and recessionary fears among consumers, which could further negatively impact discretionary spending and accordingly, adversely impact our sales volume. The tariffs may also lead to higher pricing for our products, which may result in customers shifting to private-label footwear or other lower cost alternatives. Given the uncertainty regarding the scope and duration of the current and potential tariffs, as well as the potential for additional trade actions by the United States or other countries, the specific impact to our business, results of operations and financial condition is not certain but could be material.